Thursday, April 11, 2024

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

celebrity alaska cruise ships

The Queen Elizabeth captures the spirit of ocean liners of a bygone era, making it a special treat in Alaska waters. The ship is elegant and provides a premium and uncrowded experience for just over 2,000 guests. Unlike the mainstream lines, the QE sails a short season in Alaska, but on longer nine- and ten-night cruises that allow for more in-depth exploration. This full half-acre of real grass on the top deck offers some of the best views onboard in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Longer sailings from the West Coast

We decided to dine at Le Petit Chef At Qsine because it’s a unique dining experience. Celebrity Cruises describes it as ‘an immersive fusion of entertainment and dining like nothing you’ve ever experienced’. I’m not sure why, but it was a nice gesture and we enjoyed the experience. It was a fun change of pace from the main dining restaurant. We may have been offered this specialty dinner because our parents were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary (staff were aware of this milestone).

Sail to the Great Outdoors on a Premium Cruise Ship to Alaska

Board a vintage train on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route, grab a window seat, and admire Alaska’s breathtaking scenery. In Alaska’s capital of Juneau, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain vistas and scenic waterfronts. A favorite spot for adventure seekers, Juneau boasts more hiking trails than roads, and is home to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, which is easily accessible on a hike through Tongass National Forest. Allow the colorful wooden buildings of Ketchikan to welcome you to this seaside town, known as the salmon capital of the world. Enjoy a freshly-caught salmon bake for lunch or embark on a crab fishing excursion and see what you can haul in.

Alaska Cruisetours

Since the ship spent 4-1/2 hours in Disenchantment Bay, Celebrity provided a unique experience by putting on a magnificent brunch. While the Celebrity ships don’t cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, they offer a great cruise to Hubbard Glacier (or Endicott Arm). The days are much longer in the summer, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to soak up the scenery, even late at night.

The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

It saves time and the hassle of having to find your baggage at the port. If you have an early flight, Celebrity suggests you keep your luggage with you. To get off the ship, you will head to the disembarkation floor.

Coolest Things to Do In Alaska on Radiance of the Seas

Rooms aside, the ship features high-quality dining and included extras like select wine and spirits. This 22-year-old Celebrity ship offers a more refined, subdued atmosphere compared to the line’s newer ships, which boast flashier features like the Magic Carpet. The Rooftop Terrace area serves as a restaurant, bar, and outdoor movie theater, complete with cozy furnishings coupled with mouthwatering bites and sips. Meanwhile, the adults-only Persian Garden area in the spa is ideal for wellness-seeking cruisers.

Why Cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises

Also, since Alaska season runs from May to September, it’s an ideal time to see whales, porpoises, and harbor seals along your route. When choosing a sail date, I prefer one that provides an entire day in Juneau. Being Alaska’s capital city, Juneau offers the most significant and best selection of shore excursions. Since I reside in Vancouver, I usually opt for a roundtrip itinerary, although I have taken a back-to-back 14-day cruise to Alaska.

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celebrity alaska cruise ships

Below are a few photos of the various bars and lounges on the Celebrity Eclipse. However, the food in the main dining restaurant was much better. We only ate at the buffet for lunch or afternoon snacks (we ordered room service for breakfast). It’s recommended to do this at the beginning of your cruise.

Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Last refurbished in 2018, Celebrity Xpedition was purposely built to cruise the Galapagos. The immersive onboard experience includes nightly lectures by certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park, who will be on board the entire sailing. Enjoy postcard-worthy views from the Panorama Deck, or take a dip in the hot tub on the Sunrise Deck. Passengers can choose from a handful of elegant rooms and suites; however, those who want their own balcony will need to spring on the latter. On your Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll stay in the finest lodgings available in the Alaskan interior.

The disembarkation floor will be different depending on the port. Once your passports and travel documents have been cleared, follow the signs to passenger screening. Similar to airport security, you and your luggage pass through a screening gate. On the final day of our Alaska cruise, we sat down with someone who works in the photo gallery (pictured above). We looked at all the pictures and selected our favourite 12. There are two options for a photo package – digital copies or printed copies.

Once you step aboard one of our Alaska cruise ships, we’ll make sure you won’t have to lift a finger. During your time on board, savor global-inspired cuisine at restaurants featuring menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. Watch thrilling music and dance performances in the Theatre. And cap off the night with a cocktail and live music at one of the many bars and lounges. Most of Celebrity’s Alaska cruises sail round-trip from either Vancouver or Seattle. You could also opt for a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle.

Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, black bears, caribou, humpback whales, orcas, and, of course, moose. Discover the magic of the Last Frontier during a Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle, where you’ll sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage, stop in quaint fishing towns, and witness the beauty of nature’s wonders. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or are hoping to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a cruise to Alaska.

One of the unique features on the Celebrity Eclipse is the grass field on the 15th floor observation deck. Our boys loved running and rolling on this well groomed grass field. Many of the outdoor seating areas have glass walls to protect you from the wind. It can get chilly and windy on the upper decks, especially in the evenings. Towels are provided at each pool, so you don’t need to pack a towel. Do not use the towels provided in your stateroom for the pool.

Offering nine- to 13-night Cruisetours in 2023, Celebrity’s guests stay in first class lodging, ride the Wilderness Express and visit incredible destinations such as Homer, Anchorage and Fairbanks. MIAMI (Oct.  12, 2021) – Globally renowned for pioneering new-luxury travel at sea, Celebrity Cruises announced today plans for three award-winning ships to return to Alaska for the 2023 Summer season. Celebrity Solstice was launched in 2008, has a capacity of 2,852, and is about 7% smaller than Celebrity Edge.

And our Alaska cruise stops will bring you up close and personal with the wildest state of them all. During your cruise, you’ll explore The Last Frontier like never before. Adventure seekers and wildlife lovers will get their fill in Talkeetna, the artsy and free-spirited town with a unique personality. In Juneau, the quirky Alaskan capital, world-class hiking and whale-watching are only minutes away. And if you happen to go on a Celebrity Cruisetour you’ll explore Denali National Park, the jewel of The Last Frontier, six million acres of wildlife calling your name.

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