Sailing on the Celebrity Solstice: The BEST way to see the Pacific Coast!

Ready to set sail on an adventure down the Pacific coast? Look no further than Celebrity Solstice! This modern cruise ship features unrivaled vistas, plenty of activities to keep you entertained, and itineraries that will take you to some of the most popular cities in the Mexican Riviera. Setting sail from September 2022 through April 2023, the Celebrity Solstice will embark on five-, seven-, and eight-night itineraries from its homeport in Los Angeles, California.

This modern cruise ship offers five unique Pacific Coastal itineraries that take guests up and down the West Coast and includes stops in beautiful cities like Vancouver, British Columbia and California cities like San Francisco, Catalina Island, and Monterey. The Mexican Riviera is a hidden gem, just waiting to be discovered by cruisers. This region is rich in culture and history, and there is no better way to explore it than on a Celebrity Solstice cruise. You'll sail to some of Mexico's most vibrant and beautiful cities including Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada, and Mazatlán. Here's a closer look at what you can expect on your journey.

Destinations

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a stunning city located on Mexico's Pacific Coast. With its sandy beaches, lush jungles, and sparkling ocean waters, it's no wonder this city is such a popular tourist destination. While in Puerto Vallarta, be sure to visit Los Arcos, a natural rock formation located just offshore that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. You can also take a stroll down Olas Altas Street, where you'll find dozens of shops and restaurants selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to delicious Mexican seafood dishes.

Ensenada, Mexico

Ensenada is a beautiful city located just south of San Diego, CA. This city is known for its incredible seafood (try the fish tacos!), lovely beaches, and as the site of the annual Riviera Nayarit Gourmet & Wine Festival. During this festival, which takes place every November, visitors can sample gourmet dishes from some of the best chefs in Mexico while enjoying live entertainment and musical performances. Ensenada is also home to Playa Hermosa Beach, where you can spend a day relaxing in the sun or surfing the waves.

Mazatlán, Mexico

Mazatlán is a historic city located on Mexico's Pacific Coast. This city is known for its beautiful architecture, lovely beaches, and delicious seafood (don't miss the shrimp ceviche!). Mazatlán is also home to El Faro Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the city and ocean below. Be sure to also visit El Quelite Village, a charming colonial-style village located just outside of Mazatlán that is known for its traditional Mexican food and handicrafts.

Jump on board the chic and modern Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice® is one of our most decorated ships, with elegant designs everywhere you turn. Their passion for outstanding cuisine takes the onboard dining experience to a whole new level and their luxurious staterooms are sure to bring the comfort of your home, out to sea. They make sure life on this vessel is exceptional.

Choose Accommodations depending on your budget. Whether you stay inside, ocean view, Concierge, Aqua Class or The Retreat, you'll experience Cashmere™Mattress and eXhale®bedding, Twice daily turndown service, 100% Cotton Bathrobes & towels, custom blended bath products, private safe, interactive TV System and so much more.

Those who love to indulge will prefer The Retreat. This is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes stunning suite options, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort. Dine at Luminae, the exclusive restaurant for Guests of the Retreat. The globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

Don't worry, there are 14 chic bars and lounges onboard the Celebrity Solstice, including some with menus by Michelin-starred chefs. Make your way to each and every one of these incredible dining experiences and amenities during your cruise, including:

* Qsine with Le Petit Chef Experience - my personal favorite. If you haven't had a Le Petit Chef Experience, you must eat here at least once. There are four shows per cruise. He is the smallest chef in the world and he cooks your food right onto your plate. Check out what it's like HERE: https://bit.ly/3xUHccl

* Grand Épernay Restaurant - The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

* Blu - Vibrant, crisp and bold flavors, exclusively for AquaClass guests.

Ensemble Lounge - Ensemble Lounge is the ideal setting for an aperitif en route to an extraordinary dining experience, or a digestif afterward.

* Sky Observation Lounge - A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views. The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand and dance the night away after the sun sets.

* The Martini Bar - Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

* Michael's Club - Suite Class dining

* Cellar Masters - Wine Bar and the perfect place to toast with a glass of champagne as your ship departs.

* Sushi on 5 - delectable variety of rolls, sashimi and other entrees that will tingle your taste buds.

* Murano - Traditional French dishes

* Tuscan Grille - lively, contemporary and sophisticated Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Other amenities on the Celebrity Solstice include:

*Fortunes Casino - Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

*Fitness Center - Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

* Shops on Solstice - Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores

* Art Gallery - When you visit the Art Gallery, you'll be surrounded with one of the world's largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

* Jogging Track - Built around the ship's top deck, the jogging track lets you take in breathless ocean views while you workout. It's so mesmerizing, you'll forget you're breaking a sweat.

* Adults-only Solarium - A serenely beautiful adults-only pool and hot tub experience, The Solarium lets you relax and daydream of the next destination you'll be exploring.

* The Lawn Club - Who said grass can't be on a ship? Enjoy a friendly pick-up game of leisure sports like Croquet, Bocce, golf putting, Blongo or Baggo.

If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation experience, sailing on Celebrity Solstice is the perfect way to see some of the most beautiful cities along the Pacific Coast. From Vancouver, British Columbia to Santa Barbara to Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlán. You'll fall in love with everything the Pacific Coast and the Mexican Riviera have to offer. So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise today!

IF YOU GO...

Celebrity Cruises website: https://bit.ly/3rfMWJK or CelebrityCruises.com

Mexican Riviera and Pacific Coast Itineraries are currently booking September 2022 through April 2023

Chanin Victor, the Travel and Lifestyle Editor at the Santa Monica Observer, presents her column "Travel Trends" bi-weekly in the print edition, offering readers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of travel. Become a Subscriber Today! Beyond her role at the Observer, Chanin is a versatile freelance travel journalist, crafting engaging narratives that transport readers to intriguing destinations. In her 9-5 role, she serves as a creative director, dedicating her expertise to promoting tourism destinations across Southern California, blending her passion for storytelling with her professional pursuits. Based in Los Angeles with her family, Chanin seizes every opportunity to embark on new adventures. Discover her travels and insights at chaninvictor.com - PLUS - if you're interested in Chanin's family-friendly travel stories, inspiration and travel tips, look HERE: https://chaninvictor.com/travel-trends/ at the Santa Monica Observer!