Traveling Alaska in Style: What It’s like Aboard the Celebrity Solstice

 

 

Traveling Alaska in Style: What It’s like Aboard the Celebrity Solstice

 

Ever dreamed of exploring Alaska by sea? I recently sailed aboard the Celebrity Solstice, and it was everything I hoped for and more. From towering glaciers to charming frontier towns, every moment of this journey felt unforgettable—and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Eleven months in the making, our three-generation adventure was the perfect escape from the Southern summer heat. From the moment we stepped onboard the elegant Celebrity Solstice, we were greeted with warm smiles and treated to a complimentary Concierge Class lunch at Luminae—a fitting start to what would be an incredible voyage.

Concierge Class

Sailing in Concierge Class made our trip feel extra special from the start. We enjoyed personalized concierge service, exclusive amenities and little touches that enhanced our experience. Binoculars, bathrobes, umbrellas and even a bottle of sparkling wine during our cruise. The exclusive destination seminars gave us tips before each port. We were also fortunate enough to receive invitations to participate in exclusive events, such as sail-outs and sail-ins on the Helipad at the front of the ship. While sailing into Victoria, we enjoyed the magnificent view while sipping on a refreshing mimosa. Even on debarkation day we had the opportunity to wait in a private waiting lounge, which was a much more enjoyable experience than hanging around the ship elsewhere.

 

Dining on Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Cruise Lines takes great pride in its award-winning dining, and it shows. The brand has committed to sustainability by streamlining menus in the main dining room by offering a smaller selection of appetizers and entrees. At the Grand Epernay, which spans two levels Select Anytime Dining was located on Deck 4, while set dining times were available on Deck 3. Each evening featured a mix of “Timeless Classics’ available every night alongside daily specials, giving you the option to mix, match or even order multiple dishes.

Some of our favorites included Prime Rib Slow-Braised Lamb, French Onion Soup, Shrimp Cocktail, and Escargots a la Bourguignonne. For dessert, the timeless chocolate cake quickly became my favorite. Vegetarian options were always available, and even the bread service stood out, with whipped butters and dips like roasted pepper, blue cheese, and hummus replacing the standard plain butter.

Oceanview Café

Deck 14 is home to the Oceanview Café a spacious buffet with island-style food stations instead of the traditional wall counters making it easy to navigate even during peak times. Open from early morning to late evening, it became our go-to spot for breakfast before our busy days at the port. Options ranged from omelets and bacons to fresh fruit, pastries and breads.

Lunch and dinner at Oceanview offered even more variety: carved meats at the "Chef's Choice" station, tacos, sandwiches, soups and live cooking counters for pastas and made-to-order stir-fries with beef, seafood, spices, and sliced veggies. The salad bar was always fresh and plentiful. With so many options, even the pickiest eater would be satified.

Dinner in the main dining room was consistently excellent, with such high quality that we almost considered skipping the Specialty Restaurants.

 

Luminae Restaurant – Exclusive & Elegant

If you’re staying in a suite cabin, you’ll have access to Luminae, one of Celebrity’s most refined dining venues. Open for breakfast, lunch (on sea days), and dinner, Luminae offers a quiet, intimate setting where staff greet you by name and treat you like family.

We enjoyed lunch here on embarkation day as a special Concierge Class perk, and it felt like dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant at sea. The food was beautifully presented, rich in flavor, and full of creative touches not often found on cruise ships. From the elegant décor to the spacious table layout and calm ambiance, Luminae felt both luxurious and welcoming—easily one of the best dining experiences on board.

Le Petit Chef – Dinner with a Show

One of the most unique experiences on Celebrity is Le Petit Chef, an animated dining event blending storytelling, technology, and gourmet cuisine. With more than 35 locations worldwide, this partnership brings the “tiniest chef in the world." to life right on your table through vibrant 3D projections.

Our evening’s theme was “How to Become the World’s Greatest Celebrity Chef”, where each course was paired with a different story—history, art, love, and technique. As the tiny chef darted around our plates, we couldn’t help but smile at the creativity and detail that went into every scene.

A Four-Course Culinary Journey

• Course One – History

The show began with a tribute to tomatoes, complete with playful jungle sounds. Our plates featured a Tartlet of Slow-Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes topped with feta cheese, tapenade, roasted pumpkin seeds, and arugula. In addition, we had Cured Salmon with herbs featuring gazpacho, pickled shallots, and salmon roe.

• Course Two – Art

The room lit up with splashes of color inspired by famous painters. Dishes included Poached Shrimp and Persian Cucumber Salad, a delightful lemon ginger leche De Tigre dressing, and the Roasted Beets Salad. The Roasted Beets Salad featured burrata, pistachio, balsamic, olive oil, and baby arugula. We also ordered several servings of Mac and Cheese from the kids' menu.

• Course Three – Love

This was my favorite course. Le Petit Chef honored his grandmother with heartfelt storytelling, accompanied by projections of butterflies and pastoral scenes. The dish consisted of Braised Short Rib of Beef accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and peas, complemented by a side of marinated mushrooms. A delectable au jus sauce complements the entrée. Unlike some short rib cuts, the beef was perfectly cooked, with a tender texture and no excessive fat.

• Course Four – Technique

Dessert brought everything together We chose the Chocolate Caramel Decadence, a delightful combination of caramel, dark chocolate, and mousse. We also tried the  Strawberry Chantilly Napoleon. Both were stunningly plated and delicious, showing off the artistry behind the meal.

Why It Stands Out

Le Petit Chef isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. The storytelling, table projections, and culinary artistry make it a dining event unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere at sea. Though Celebrity ships tend to focus on adult experiences, our whole family enjoyed the show, especially our son, who was captivated by the tiny animated chef.

Between the warm ambiance, attentive service, and whimsical presentation, Le Petit Chef became one of the most memorable meals of our cruise.

Onboard, the Sky Lounge was the perfect spot for wildlife watching and scenic cruising, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. The Grand Foyer atrium connects Decks 3, 4, and 5 and is always buzzing with activity—archery, Silent Discos, Café al Bacio, Sushi on Five, and the ice-topped Martini Bar. Seating can be tough to find during peak hours, but it’s the heart of the ship’s energy.

The cabins on Celebrity Solstice are functional and cater to various types of travelers, offering a range of choices. Initially, storage may appear limited, but if you struggle to fit everything, try looking up over the beds. The extra space is ideal for storing bulky jackets and cold-weather gear during Alaska itineraries. Depending on your room type, you may have additional storage beneath your sofa.

One of the most unique activities was the Hot Glass Class near the Lawn Club on Deck 15, where skilled instructors guided us in creating one-of-a-kind glass sculptures. Watching the glowing kiln at sea was a surreal experience.

For quieter moments, the Library offered a calm retreat for reading or games. To snag a good seat on sea days, arrive early, as families often camp out for long stretches.

And of course, the Silent Disco was a must-try. Everyone wore glowing headsets tuned to different tracks, filling the dance floor with people grooving (and sometimes singing) to their own beat. Watching a crowd belt out ABBA in unison was both hilarious and heartwarming. Silent discos have become a cruise favorite for good reason—they’re fun, noise-free, and bring people together in the best way.

Additional thoughts and insights

I had some reservations about booking with Celebrity for this trip since our eight-year-old would be joining us, We assumed the line lacked kid-friendly amenities like water slides and go-karts. To our surprise, children onboard seemed to be having a wonderful time. At first my son was hesitant about attending Camp at Sea, but once he got involved in the activities, he didn’t want to leave. He quickly became absorbed and was having an absolute blast. Celebrity Solstice dedicates three spaces on Deck 15 exclusively for kids. Giving them plenty of room to play and explore. Although this family-friendly ship doesn't offer water slides, climbing walls, or ropes courses, it doesn't mean that children won't enjoy cruising on it.

Sailing Alaska abroad Celebrity Solstice was an experience that blended breathtaking natural beauty with unique onboard experiences, world-class dining, lively entertainment and quiet spaces to take in the views. But the real adventures begins when you step ashore. In Part 2 Excursions in Alaska – Ketchikan & Skagway Adventures. https://www.globaltraveldesigns.com/BlogPosts/view/unforgettable-alaska-the-top-excursions-that-make-your-cruise-truly-magical