From its architecture of ‘Vancouverism’ to the history of how it was built; Vancouver is a vibrant city full of arts and culture just waiting for you to discover all it’s hidden gems. Here you’ll be able to get stuck into a whole host of museums including Science World, the waterfront Maritime Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
Things to do in Vancouver:
Gastown
The oldest place within Vancouver at the heart of its very origins, Gastown was set up in 1867 by John Deighton whose various stories and adventures garnered him the name of ‘Gassy Jack.’ Nowadays, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, and the famous steam-powered clock in Maple Tree Centre.
Chinatown
In Vancouver’s China Town district you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden where you can see a truly beautiful collection of plant life and ponds. There is also the Sam Kee Building which is the narrowest office building ever built, spanning barely 2 meters wide!
English Bay
English Bay is a beautiful beach that is home to outstanding high-end shops and mouth watering restaurants. There are also waterfront trails to follow if you like beach walking.
Canada Place
Canada Place is the perfect spot to start your adventures around Vancouver as it is where you’ll first step ashore from your cruise ship. Explore the pier, and be taken back by the outstanding architecture and views. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Flyover Canada attraction. From here, you can also use Canada Place as a transit hub to other places around Vancouver.
Ketchikan
DAY 505 May 2023
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 4 PM
Ketchikan is famous for the totem heritage museum, educating sightseers about the indigenous populations’ history and culture with an unrivalled display of native totems and artefacts. For those wanting to learn about the gold rush a visit to Dolly’s House Museum and downtown Creek Street is a good comparison along with the great Alaskan lumberjack show. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy dramatic sights at nearby misty fjords national monument.
Things to do in Ketchikan:
Totem Heritage Center
Boasting one of the most extensive collections of original 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned Tingit settlements. Many other original Native American artefacts are displayed here, as well as traditional arts and crafts workshops being held to keep native skills and traditions alive.
Lumberjack Show
Enjoy a fun-filled lumberjack show filled with tree climbing, log rolling, axe throwing and more. An exciting activity to enjoy in Ketchikan, you’ll feel fully immersed into this North American tradition.
Creek Street
A historic area that’s filled with pretty, stilt houses, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular place to visit whilst in Ketchikan. The perfect photo opportunity, the boardwalk is very picturesque.
Juneau
DAY 606 May 2023
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 8:30 PM
The capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a plethora of national parks in its surrounding area, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, teaming with iconic wildlife such as salmon, bears, and bald eagles. The city of Juneau is also well worth a stop in itself with such attractions as the Alaska State Museum and iconic cable car ride for breath-taking views. Visitors will love delectable locally-sourced seafood as well as a range of other cuisines in town.
Things to do in Juneau:
Stephens Passage
Stephens Passage is a shortcut through Southeast Alaska, close by to South Juneau, therefore widely used by ships for many different reasons. Not only this, it’s a popular route for humpback whales and sea lions with plenty of opportunities to spot the mammals.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is 13 and a half miles of towering deeply packed ice over thousands of years. Named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an alumnus of Ohio State University, the glacier tours are available by cruise ship, tour bus and even helicopter.
Tongass National Park
At 17 million square acres, Tongass boasts being the largest national park on US soil. Perfect for exploring via hiking trail or the famous mount Roberts aerial tramway, Tongass National Park has it all when it comes to Alaskan landscapes and wildlife.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located inside the area of the Tongass National Park and Named in honour of Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier of ice across from Stephen’s Passage is a truly breath-taking experience of nature in motion.
Inside Passage
Cruising through the inside passage of Alaska is a simply a must to see dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords and glaciers, and whales playing in the bay right by your ship, as well as stopping off at the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a real highlight in any tour of Alaska due to its remarkable wall of ice, as well as surrounding wildlife and natural landscapes where you can see bears and eagles among the dramatic scenery.
Skagway
DAY 707 May 2023
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 6 PM
Popular for its gold rush era architecture and vintage steam engine route passing through, Skagway is a fantastic jump back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush with the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Centre. Surrounded by the unrivalled landscapes and inhabiting wildlife of the national park, Skagway paints a spectacular picture of Alaska quite like no other.
Things to do in Skagway:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
Walk back in time to the golden age of the Klondike Gold Rush in the old White Pass & Yukon Route depot, and learn all about this unique era that captures the intrigue of all who discover it with presentations, artefact exhibits and even a film.
Skagway Museum
Housed within a building dating back to 1898, the Skagway Museum is a fascinating attraction showcasing an array of exhibits that showcase the history of Skagway.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
This fun and exciting attraction gives you the chance to enjoy Alaskan-caught food over a wood fire, before heading out to explore the old trail camp- where there is an array of vintage clothing and antiques. Within the trail there’s also the opportunity to explore picturesque fields and waterfalls, as well as being able to enjoy some good old fashioned gold panning!
Icy Strait Point
DAY 909 May 2023
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 3:30 PM
With lush rainforest and vast waters all around, Icy Strait Point boasts beautifully preserved habitats as well as thrilling outdoor activities that cannot be found anywhere else. From whale-watching cruises where visitors are guaranteed to spot the magnificent mammals, to riding the world’s largest ziprider, there’s no shortage of activities the whole family will love. As a privately owned tourist destination it’s also able to support the surrounding Alaskan Native population.
Things to do in Icy Strait Point:
Icy Strait Point Ziprider
Only for the brave, Icy Strait Point’s Ziprider is over 6,500 feet of thrilling fun. At 1,320 feet high, you’ll reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour and witness the unrivalled views across the cliffs and canopies. Your cruise ship will be just a small speck on the horizon from here!
Icy Strait Whale Adventures
With a team of guides born and raised around the waters of Icy Strait Point, you’re guaranteed to spot the majestic whales that reside here. Visiting the most active site of humpback whale activity in Southeast Alaska, this is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Yaakw Kahidi Center
Learn more about the fascinating culture of the Hoonah tribes, from exhibits to stories at the Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center in Icy Strait Point. Taking 1-2 hours to walk around, it’s one of the main attractions in the cruise port.
Victoria, British Columbia
DAY 1111 May 2023
Time at Port: from 12:30 PM to 8 PM
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria sits just below Vancouver looking south and east over the Salish Sea. The city has a number of attractions such as the old carousel, Royal BC Museum Craigdarroch Castle and Chinatown district. However, the highlight of Victoria is its surrounding natural beauty where a tour is a must to Thetic Lake Regional Park. Here, you can explore the wonderful nature by hiking trail and sport wildlife such as eagles.
Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia:
Royal BC Museum
This fascinating natural and human history museum boasts over 7 million exhibits as well as a giant IMAX cinema for out-of-this-world shows. A highlight has to be the exhibitions covering the culture and history of indigenous peoples of North America.
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1890 with investments in the local coal industry, this Victorian-style mansion is where you can learn all about the family and locals’ fascinating history, while exploring the quirky castle via artefacts displayed in each restored room.
Chinatown District
Originating in 1858, Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. With charming narrow, winding streets, Chinatown offers not only delicious food but an immersive look into the lives of its inhabitant past and present.
Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park offers pleasant walks around the banks of the lake and gorgeous evergreen woodlands, with easy yet beautiful hiking. Here, you get to spot such species as rainbow trout, red squirrels and the odd fellow hiker’s dog.
Seattle
DAY 1212 May 2023
Time at Port: from 6 AM to 4 PM
Boasting the iconic, futuristic Space Needle, visitors to Seattle can enjoy fantastic views from the Great Wheel as well as try delicious food in the Pike Place Market, or take in one of the city’s popular museums such as the Museum of Pop Culture, the Museum of Art or even the aquarium. Meanwhile, for those interested in horticulture and design, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must, while lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty of scenic hikes.
Things to do in Seattle:
Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic symbol, the Space Needle towers 184 metres high over the city with jaw-dropping views from its observation area at the top. Completed in 1961, the Space Needle has been made world-famous by appearances in pop-culture, such as the hit film Sleepless In Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture
“MoPOP” has regular exhibits celebrating everything pop culture and contemporary. Founded by Paul Allen of Microsoft in 2000, MoPOP is a great day of viewing original lyric notes, legendary instruments and even cinema, gaming, fantasy and sci-fi exhibits.
Seattle Center
If you only have a day in Seattle, the Seattle Center is ideal for getting a taste of the city in one go. Here, you’ll find the Space Needle, the pop culture museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, ride the monorail and wander grounds boasting John T. Williams totem pole.
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012, this giant Ferris wheel is a great way to see the epic skyline of Seattle. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely ride a 53-metres up in the air - giving the London eye a run for its money - on pier 57 around Elliot Bay.
Flight departs
DAY 14-15
Hotel stay included
Vancouver Hotel Stay - 2 Nights
We don't know the hotel yet but it will be centrally located, a minimum of 4 stars, selected from our list of preferred hotels & based on a 'room only' board basis. Local government city taxes & local resort fees may be payable.
Seattle Hotel Stay - 2 Nights
We don't know the hotel yet but it will be centrally located, a minimum of 4 stars, selected from our list of preferred hotels & based on a 'room only' board basis. Local government city taxes & local resort fees may be payable.
Customer reviews for Celebrity Solstice
4.5
Based on 20 reviews
Cabin
4.5
Service
4.5
Excursions
4.5
Dining
4.5
Activities
4.5
Value for money
4.5
Entertainment
4.5
Ship excellent and well managed. Captain Tassos charasmatic and very entertaining. Cruise to Alaska first class with great ports of call. Would certainly recommend.
Verified customer
1 cruise
28 May 2019
Went on this fabulous cruise to New Zealand and Australia with my husband and friends as a celebration for my retirement, 60th birthday and Ruby wedding anniversary. As ever, with Celebrity, the staff went out of their way to make sure we were happy. The food was great and the buffet always had a huge and varied selection on offer. The entertainment was excellent both in the theatre and around the ship. Ports of call were all fabulous and our excellent captain ensured we were able to visit each scheduled stop. Celebrity is my favourite cruise line and this was no disappointment We have booked with Iglu cruises on several occasions and they have always been helpful do efficient. On this occasion we added a number of additional destinations at the start and end of the cruise. Our Iglu advisors were able to book excellent hotels and organise our flights and transfers for us. All these worked out fantastically. However, whilst trying to communicate with Iglu to organise our flights I found them difficult to contact. I could not get through on the phone for a number of days as they had an answer phone message saying they could not take calls as they were extremely busy. I was concerned, even checked to see if they had gone out of business. Once we were able to get through again on the phone our advisor ensured the whole package was put together and our holiday of a lifetime was brilliant.
Verified customer
1 cruise
27 Apr 2019
Very good holiday overall, hotels at Auckland & Sydney could have been better but in truth for all the time spent in them, they were adequate. Embarkation at Auckland was easy, the best we’ve had. Solstice is showing a few understandable signs of her age but overall is excellent. Celebrity do the whole cruise experience pretty well. Definitely a cruise to do, saw lots & met lots of different & interesting folks.
Verified customer
1 cruise
21 Apr 2019
Overall it was excellent. BUT It was not pleasant being hassled immediately on boarding to upgrade meals, buy drink packages etc. This was annoying particularly after undergoing the stressful checking in/security procedure.
Verified customer
1 cruise
23 Mar 2019
Celebrity Solstice Gallery
Alternative Cruises on [[Celebrity Millennium]]
Terms and Conditions
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.