ONBOARD CELEBRITY SOLSTICE — Celebrity Solstice made its Vancouver debut on May 3 following a bow-to-stern refurbishment, part of Celebrity Cruises’ US$250 million investment to revitalize its Solstice-Class ships.

Travelweek joined Canadian and American advisors on a sailing to Alaska to take in the refreshed vessel firsthand.

COMMITMENT TO PREMIUM CRUISING

Hosting Canadian advisors onboard were Celebrity Cruises’ Chad Kowalenko, Field Sales Manager, Western Canada, and Allan Brooks, National Director, Canada.

Travelweek spoke with both about the Solstice-Class refurbishment. “I think it makes a powerful statement that Celebrity Cruises is committed to premium cruising,” Brooks said. “We see it as a good investment because people are looking for value, but they’re also looking for that elevated experience.”

Having recently sailed on sister ship Celebrity Silhouette, Brooks and Kowalenko praised the design changes, enhanced culinary offerings, and new entertainment and activities onboard Solstice. “We have undersold ourselves as it relates to the brand’s calibre of experience,” Kowalenko noted. With much of the spotlight

focused on the newer Edge-class vessels, Kowalenko said the Solstice-Class revitalization was “well due”.

The Fairmont Waterfront is located across the street from Canada Place. Seen here, A Signature Harbor View King Corner Room

BUSINESS OUTLOOK 

How is business? Brooks told Travelweek he continues to see “steady growth” from Canada year after year. Asked whether geopolitical unrest and rising airfares have disrupted bookings, he replied: “Canadians are resilient travellers. There might have been some hesitation, but they just find somewhere else to go, such as Alaska.”

In fact, of all nationalities onboard our cruise, Canadians made up the largest group, underscoring Brooks’ point.

Brooks said bookings for Asia and South America are also picking up momentum, while Europe – where nine ships are deployed – remains “strong”. And although the upcoming river cruise season sold out within minutes, some inventory has returned to the system, and there is availability in 2028.

CELEBRITY SOLSTICE PRO TIPS

Kowalenko wants advisors to take note of Celebrity’s value proposition: “We offer an elevated experience at a moderate price point,” referencing the All Included pricing with unlimited beverages and WiFi. “We’ve been sailing to Alaska for 26

years, there is a reason that we’re full – because it’s exceptional value.”

According to Kowalenko, Celebrity’s age demographic is trending in the mid-50s. “Our guests are younger and want to be entertained. And we’ve come to the table with modern, young, funky entertainment.” Travelweek certainly noticed that the shows and activities drew participation and created a livelier onboard atmosphere.

Celebrity Solstice at Icy Strait Point, AK

ADVISOR FEEDBACK

Travelweek spoke to seminar-at-sea attendee Karen Swift, Connected Agent at Travel Best Bets, who has been in the business for only three years. Swift described Celebrity Solstice as “dynamic, with something for everyone from quiet spaces to buzzing places.” When asked about the ship, she said, “The Parlor is where it’s at. It’s a light, fun meeting space where there’s always something to do.” It was her favourite venue, where she spent time every day.

We also spoke to Ally Guidi, Senior Travel Professional at Transat Travel, who has been an advisor for 38 years but was sailing on Celebrity for the first time. Guidi said her expectations were “absolutely” met, citing the elevated cruise experience, outstanding service, and some of the best entertainment she has seen at sea. She too loved the vibrant pub atmosphere and complimentary games at The Parlor, which never felt crowded, even when busy.

Her only feedback was that the charge for room service (outside of continental breakfast) and high tea was misaligned with Celebrity’s premium experience. Guidi also noticed the prevalent use of single-use plastics – a practice we also observed and felt warrants attention.

The Celebrity Sales Team conducts seminars at sea throughout the year and ship inspections across the country. Advisors can visit the Celebrity Commitment website for additional information and access a variety of sales and promotion resources.

GOOD TO KNOW: FAIRMONT WATERFRONT FOR PRE- OR POST-CRUISE

Located directly opposite Canada Place (including underground access) and steps from Vancouver’s attractions such as the Stanley Park Seawall and Gastown, the Fairmont Waterfront works exceptionally well for a pre- or post-Alaska cruise stay. Hotel amenities include a fitness centre, a whirlpool, and a large outdoor terrace with a swimming pool. An on-site apiary and vegetable and herb garden supply fresh ingredients for the hotel’s dining and cocktail menus.

Fairmont Waterfront’s ARC restaurant should not be missed, with its fresh take on Pacific Northwest flavours, and the weekend bottomless brunch. The hotel’s 489 guest rooms offer views of the city, harbour or Stanley Park. A stay can be customized with add-ons such as breakfast, parking, and luggage shipping to the cruise ship – a gratuity-based service delivering guests’ bags directly from the hotel to their cabin.

More information about Celebrity is at CelebrityCruises.com, and for Royal Caribbean Group’s agent portal, click here. For more details about Fairmont Waterfront see Fairmont.com.

Lead image caption: Seminar at Sea participants and the Celebrity sales team onboard Celebrity Solstice (photo credit Celebrity Cruises; all other photos courtesy Ming Tappin)