September 6, 2026
7-Night Alaska Cruise
Departing from Vancouver
From
$1,839
Price / day
$263
Marella Explorer 2|Celebrity Solstice
Marella Explorer 2 vs Celebrity Solstice
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Marella Explorer 2
Celebrity Cruises
Check prices on CruiseDirectVS
Newer Ship
Celebrity Solstice
Built in 2008
13 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Celebrity Solstice
42.7 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Marella Explorer 2 vs Celebrity Solstice: Quick Comparison
Celebrity Solstice is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 2008, it is 13 years newer than Marella Explorer 2, which entered service in 1995. Celebrity Solstice is approximately 68% larger by gross tonnage at 121,878 GT. Celebrity Solstice also carries 982 more passengers. Celebrity Solstice has upcoming sailings in Alaska. The sailings shown cover different itineraries, so the price per day figures are not a like-for-like comparison. Cruise fares vary significantly by itinerary, departure date and cabin availability, so any price difference should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent gap.
Ship Comparison
| Spec | Marella Explorer 2 | Celebrity Solstice |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1995 | 2008Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 72,458 GT | 121,878 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,870 | 2,852 |
| Space per Passenger | 38.7 GT | 42.7 GT |
| Length | 246.5 m | 317.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Marella Explorer 2 vs Celebrity Solstice
Age
Celebrity Solstice was built in 2008, making it 13 years newer than Marella Explorer 2, which was built in 1995.
Size
At 121,878 GT, Celebrity Solstice is approximately 68% larger by gross tonnage than Marella Explorer 2 at 72,458 GT.
Passenger capacity
Celebrity Solstice carries up to 2,852 passengers compared with 1,870 aboard Marella Explorer 2, a difference of 982 passengers.
Passenger space
Celebrity Solstice offers more space per passenger: 42.7 GT per guest, compared with 38.7 aboard Marella Explorer 2. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
Itineraries
The upcoming sailings shown for Marella Explorer 2 and Celebrity Solstice (Alaska) currently cover different regions or departure ports.
Compare Ports of Call
Celebrity Solstice
Alaska Hubbard Glacier
- Departure Port
- Vancouver
- Region
- Alaska
- Nights
- 7
- Round Trip
- Yes
- Day 1 · Sep 6, 2026Vancouver
- Day 2 · Sep 7, 2026Inside Passage
- Day 3 · Sep 8, 2026Icy Strait Point
- Day 4 · Sep 9, 2026Hubbard Glacier
- Day 5 · Sep 10, 2026Juneau
- Day 6 · Sep 11, 2026Ketchikan
- Day 7 · Sep 12, 2026Inside Passage
- Day 8 · Sep 13, 2026Vancouver
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Marella Explorer 2
Celebrity Solstice
September 13, 2026
7-Night Alaska Cruise
Departing from Vancouver
From
$2,396
Price / day
$342
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Marella Explorer 2
Average
$0 / day
VS
Celebrity Solstice
Average
$303 / day
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Marella Explorer 2 if…
- You prefer the ship with the lower passenger capacity.
- You do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than Celebrity Solstice.
Choose Celebrity Solstice if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You prefer the larger ship by gross tonnage.
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
- You value having more space per passenger (higher GT-per-guest ratio).
- You want to sail in Alaska.
- Departing from Vancouver works for your plans.
Marella Explorer 2 vs Celebrity Solstice: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Celebrity Solstice
Built in 2008
13 years newer
Bigger
Celebrity Solstice
121,878 GT
68% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Celebrity Solstice is 13 years newer.
- Celebrity Solstice is 68% larger by gross tonnage.
- Celebrity Solstice carries 982 more passengers.
- Celebrity Solstice offers more space per passenger (42.7 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Marella Explorer 2 or Celebrity Solstice?
Celebrity Solstice is newer. It was built in 2008, while Marella Explorer 2 was built in 1995, making Celebrity Solstice 13 years newer.
Which is bigger, Marella Explorer 2 or Celebrity Solstice?
Celebrity Solstice is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 121,878 GT compared with Marella Explorer 2 at 72,458 GT.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Celebrity Solstice has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,852, compared with 1,870 for Marella Explorer 2.
Which ship is more spacious, Marella Explorer 2 or Celebrity Solstice?
Celebrity Solstice has the higher passenger space ratio at 42.7 GT per passenger, versus 38.7 for Marella Explorer 2. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
Where does Celebrity Solstice sail?
The upcoming Celebrity Solstice sailings currently listed cover Alaska, departing from Vancouver.
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