As a Travel Advisor, I am fortunate enough to explore so many amazing destinations and experience the wonders that different countries have to offer. In Fall 2023, I had the pleasure of embarking on a remarkable journey aboard the Celebrity Solstice. The itinerary included stops in three stunning Hawaiian ports: Hilo, Kona, and Honolulu. Join me as I recount the highlights of this exceptional voyage.
Setting Sail on Celebrity Solstice
We boarded the ship at the downtown Vancouver Cruise Terminal. It was my first time aboard a Celebrity Solstice-class ship, and once on board, it’s timeless décor impressed me. Immediately after setting foot on the ship, we were handed a glass of champagne. This created the perfect start to our vacation. Plus, the crew that greeted us were all smiles as we began our leisurely tour of the ship. The first thing I couldn’t help but notice was the amazing décor. Celebrity is a premium cruise line and makes extensive use of art throughout the ship. Its central atrium features a large tree which reaches up to the skylights. Above it, a stunning library with high ceiling provides a great place to read a book. There was a sense of class and sophistication as we went through various restaurants, bars, lounges, and sitting areas.
With 2800 passengers onboard you would think that we would be shoulder to shoulder with other travelers but not once did i feel this was the case. There are so many quiet areas on board and the attention to detail runs throughout. If you want activities then you will not be disappointed. The entertainment crew did the most amazing job - I wondered if they ever slept. From Broadway style shows, music quizzes, Mamma Mia sing alongs, guest speakers, Hawaiian themed entertainment, silent discos, musicians and bands to name a very few there was always something going on.
Dining was a real highlight from buffets to main dining to speciality restaurants. They even had a restaurant on the pool deck.
We opted for a balcony suite and I was amazed at just how much space we had and how the space was utilized. We had everything we needed and more. I can recommend have breakfast delivered to your stateroom and dining on your balcony - the endless ocean views were a highlight for me.
After being at sea for 6 days with only the ocean surrounding us I felt at peace. Before the cruise I was unsure whether I would enjoy this long away from land - on the contrary - this became the highlight. On day 7 we awoke to the stunning view of Hawaii and the town of Hilo.
Exploring Hilo's Natural Beauty
Hilo is a destination renowned for its lush landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls. Celebrity Solstice organized a variety of excursions but sadly because I booked not long before my cruise the options for Hilo were sold out. I organized with some fellow travelers to do a private trip through Tours By Locals. Our guide met us at the port with his SUV and took the 6 of us on a personalized adventure. We spent the day touring two of the worlds most active volcanoes - Kilauea and Mauna. The landscape really is stunning!
Kona's Charm and Adventure
The next stop on our itinerary was Kona, a picturesque town known for its coffee farms and vibrant marine life. This day we decided to hire a vehicle and self tour the island. Its easy to navigate around and we got to make stops at a Macadamia farm, Rainbow Falls, and the northern most part of the island with its stunning cliffs. We also visited Kealakekua Bay, with its crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, this makes it a snorkeler's paradise. We were also fortunate to see turtles on the beach here.
The island has so much diversity and is relatively quiet compared to Maui and O’ahu.
A Day in Honolulu's Aloha Spirit
Our final port of call was the iconic city of Honolulu, where the ship docked against the backdrop of Diamond Head. We disembarked and made our way to Waikiki where we checked into the Sheraton on the waters front. If you are after beautiful shops and hustle and bustle then Waikiki is the place to be. This is where you will find all the top designer stores and if you love to shop then Waikiki is a must. By the evening the streets are filled with performers to entertain you. The beach is stunning and from the infinity pool at the hotel we watched turtles come and go about their business all day. Whilst at sea we dinned extravagantly every evening so for Waikiki we decided to taste the local fayre at the food trucks. So much selection. The garlic prawns are a must if you love seafood.
Pearl Harbour was on our bucket list and I would recommend to all if you have never visited.
The last day we hired a car and toured around the island with the help of our virtual tour guide app called GyPSy. For a self tour this is a must! The islands biodiversity is breathtaking - think Jurassic Park meets Castaway. There are of course, companies that will take you around the island and show you all the top sights in a day. Great if you only have a short time to spare.
The Luxury of Celebrity Solstice
My journey aboard Celebrity Solstice, exploring the enchanting ports of Hilo, Kona, and Honolulu, was a true testament to the allure of ocean cruise travel. From the impeccable service to the carefully curated excursions, every aspect of the cruise surpassed my expectations. Celebrity Solstice not only provided a gateway to some of Hawaii's most stunning landscapes but also ensured that every moment on board was a celebration of opulence and adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend Celebrity Solstice for those seeking a seamless blend of luxury and exploration on the high seas.