Letters from Alaska - Celebrity Solstice
- Sheila Smith
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Chapter 5: Celebrity Solstice
Welcome Aboard Celebrity Solstice
Sometimes the journey itself becomes the destination.
There are moments during a trip that you remember forever.
Walking aboard a cruise ship for the very first time is one of them.
Suitcases are rolling across the terminal.
The excitement is building.
Someone smiles and says... "Welcome aboard."
And just like that...
Our home for the next seven nights is waiting.
Welcome to Celebrity Solstice.
Why I Chose Celebrity Solstice
When I began planning our Alaska adventure, I wasn't just looking for a cruise.
I was looking for the right experience. The perfect fit for Adam and I.
Celebrity Solstice is known for beautiful public spaces, exceptional service, wonderful dining, and an atmosphere that's elegant without ever feeling stuffy. It's adult fun!
It's a ship that invites you to enjoy life. To sit with a cup of coco and watch Alaska drift by.
To enjoy conversations over dinner. To take in the scenery instead of rushing from activity to activity. To dance. To sing. To be yourself.
That's exactly the kind of experience I wanted for our group.
Every Cabin Has a Story to Tell
One decision I made while planning this group was important to me.
Every traveler is staying in a veranda stateroom or higher. Not because bigger is always better. Because Alaska deserves a balcony. I wanted every one of you to have the opportunity to wake up early, wrap yourself in a blanket, step outside with a warm cup of coffee or coco, and watch glaciers, mountains, whales, or bald eagles from your own private space.
Some mornings you may never say a word.
You'll simply stand there or sit cuddled in your chair...
Watching Alaska slowly wake up around you.
I have a feeling those quiet moments may become some of your favorite memories.
Life on Board
Celebrity Solstice quickly begins to feel less like a ship and more like home.
You'll find favorite places. Maybe it's The Lawn Club. Maybe it's Café al Bacio with a specialty coffee. Maybe it's watching the sunset from the Sunset Bar.
Or perhaps it's simply sitting on your veranda listening to the sound of the ocean.
Everyone discovers their own favorite place.
That's part of the fun.
More Than a Cruise
One of the things I love most about cruising is that life naturally slows down. There's time to linger over breakfast. Time to laugh over dinner. Time to sit on deck and simply watch the mountains glide past.
There aren't many places in life where we're encouraged to do absolutely nothing. Cruising gives us permission.
And sometimes...
That's exactly what we need.
Sheila's Reflection
When I planned this group, I kept coming back to one thought. I didn't want us to simply see Alaska. I wanted us to experience it. That's why every cabin has a balcony. Because I believe some of Alaska's most unforgettable moments happen quietly.
Early in the morning.
Late in the evening.
Standing outside.
Just you...
And one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I can't wait to see what your favorite moment will be.
What Alaska Teaches Us
The best views aren't always found on the itinerary. Sometimes they're waiting just outside your own door.
Your Alaska Travel Advisor
Sheila Smith
Believe You Can Travel
sheila@byctravel
Very excited!