Alaskan cruise, which ship/itinerary would you choose?

Hello all. I am completely new to Celebrity, have taken 4 cruises on Carnival and all were in the Caribbean. Now we want to take an Alaskan and want to try a new line to see what else is out there.

My research has led me to Celebrity. Decent enough prices for what I assume is a bit higher-end than Carnival. I also like the option to choose your perks even though I know in reality those prices are built in.

So my question is, what cruise would you choose?

We have a 7 night on the Solstice that is billed as "Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise." The itinerary is as follows:

Seattle, Washington

At Sea

Ketchikan, Alaska

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Inside Passage, Alaska

At Sea

Victoria, British Columbia

Seattle, Washington

I found a nice Aft balcony cabin for somewhere around $4300 for the two of us with the choice of 2 perks. A balcony is a must for us and the more we look the more we lean towards an aft balcony only for the best views.

The other choice is on the Infinity. Also a 7 night cruise but this one is called "Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise." The itinerary is as follows:

Vancouver, British Columbia

Inside Passage, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Inside Passage, Alaska

Vancouver, British Columbia

The Infinity cruise, from what I could see online, only has aft balconies under Concierge class, which is fine but a little more expensive. It would end up costing around $4900 for the two of us and I know tips are slightly more per day not enough to make or break us.

I also found a sailing on the Millenium, haven't done a mock booking but I assume it will be the same price as the other two depending on whether they have regular aft balconies or Concierge only. The base price is the same. This is their itinerary:

Seward, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Inside Passage, Alaska

Vancouver, British Columbia

So, what itinerary looks best for Alaska? We want amazing views. As for excursions, we mainly just want to go whale watching at some point but otherwise we will walk around ourselves if possible. I thought maybe the Infinity having the Inside Passage twice might be a plus.

What about ships? Is one considered much better than the other?

What would you choose and why? I am hoping to put a deposit down in the next day or two but I have to convince our friends that I found a good deal, they are pretty loyal to Carnival.

The Solstice is a newer ship (S Class), the other ships are (M Class). While we enjoy either, many like the style and amenities of the newer ships. The real answer to your question is to take a Princess cruise as it goes to Glacier Bay.

We have enjoyed the Tracy Arm cruise twice and the Hubbard cruise once. Also, Seattle to Seattle is much easier for Americans.

We did the Solstice last year. The ship was beautiful but honestly, I wouldn't do a RT out of Seattle again. There was a full sea day at both ends in open waters and seas were rough. Also, there were only 3 ports plus Victoria. I wished we had another port in Alaska. I didn't know any better but next time I'd choose a one way or RT from Vancouver.

I would not miss Skagway. It is the start point of the Klondike gold rush and has a lot of history. Also would recommend a cruisetour that goes to Denali

I think we have done 4 Alaska cruises. For us it is Hubbard Glacier. If your not seeing Hubbard Glacier your just out for a cruise. Do a google search Hubbard Glacier is amazing. check out the photo with a cruise ship in the photo.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Hubbard+Glacier&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&prmd=ivnsm&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimpaTOuqzKAhUS1mMKHaqkCMgQsAQIGQ

Here is a of Millie at Hubbard Glacier.

Also if you cruise out of Vancouver you go up the inside passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland which is lovely. When sailing from Seattle you sail up the west side of Vancouver Island too far out to see anything.

We are doing our 3rd cruise to Alaska next year, all on Millennium. The 1st 2 we did land tours with Celebrity. This time we are going to spend 2 nights in Anchorage and 3 nights in Seward before the cruise.

I will check out the Princess options. I do see one on Princess that is round-trip from Seattle and includes Glacier Bay, price is not too bad and has aft balcony. The cost is in the middle of what I found on Celebrity but it comes with no perks whatsoever, no drink package nor OBC.

After reading some comments it seems Hubbard Glacier is key and going out of Vancouver is better. Infinity offers both and it is roundtrip so flights shouldn't be too complicated. Plus we wanted to spend time in Canada before or after if possible.

Infinity seems to have taken the lead. 5 minutes ago I said Solstice was my top choice. LOL!

I also see that the Infinity has a nice Solarium with a covered pool. Is this area free? I know some cruise lines have begun charging for the adult only areas. Is Celebrity one that charges and if so, how much? I imagine the Solarium would be a popular hang out on an Alaskan cruise.

free.

Hello all. I am completely new to Celebrity, have taken 4 cruises on Carnival and all were in the Caribbean. Now we want to take an Alaskan and want to try a new line to see what else is out there.

 

My research has led me to Celebrity. Decent enough prices for what I assume is a bit higher-end than Carnival. I also like the option to choose your perks even though I know in reality those prices are built in.

 

So my question is, what cruise would you choose?

 

We have a 7 night on the Solstice that is billed as "Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise." The itinerary is as follows:

 

Seattle, Washington

At Sea

Ketchikan, Alaska

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Inside Passage, Alaska

At Sea

Victoria, British Columbia

Seattle, Washington

 

I found a nice Aft balcony cabin for somewhere around $4300 for the two of us with the choice of 2 perks. A balcony is a must for us and the more we look the more we lean towards an aft balcony only for the best views.

 

The other choice is on the Infinity. Also a 7 night cruise but this one is called "Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise." The itinerary is as follows:

 

Vancouver, British Columbia

Inside Passage, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Inside Passage, Alaska

Vancouver, British Columbia

 

The Infinity cruise, from what I could see online, only has aft balconies under Concierge class, which is fine but a little more expensive. It would end up costing around $4900 for the two of us and I know tips are slightly more per day not enough to make or break us.

 

I also found a sailing on the Millenium, haven't done a mock booking but I assume it will be the same price as the other two depending on whether they have regular aft balconies or Concierge only. The base price is the same. This is their itinerary:

 

Seward, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Inside Passage, Alaska

Vancouver, British Columbia

 

So, what itinerary looks best for Alaska? We want amazing views. As for excursions, we mainly just want to go whale watching at some point but otherwise we will walk around ourselves if possible. I thought maybe the Infinity having the Inside Passage twice might be a plus.

 

What about ships? Is one considered much better than the other?

 

What would you choose and why? I am hoping to put a deposit down in the next day or two but I have to convince our friends that I found a good deal, they are pretty loyal to Carnival.

Absolutely positively as one that fished those waters - do the Millennium as you get Skagway and Hubbard Glacier - it is the best - better than glacier Bay IMO. Then spend a night or two in Seward and do a Kenai Fjords full day tour. Probably the best boat tour I have been fortunate to do. Easy connections Seward to Anchorage and if you like you can see part of the main part of Alaska too!

Absolutely positively as one that fished those waters - do the Millennium as you get Skagway and Hubbard Glacier - it is the best - better than glacier Bay IMO. Then spend a night or two in Seward and do a Kenai Fjords full day tour. Probably the best boat tour I have been fortunate to do. Easy connections Seward to Anchorage and if you like you can see part of the main part of Alaska too!

Great, just when I had decided on Infinity. Lol. I think we will stick with Infinity and hopefully come back to Alaska again in the future and make sure to hit Skagway.

I also see that the Infinity has a nice Solarium with a covered pool. Is this area free? I know some cruise lines have begun charging for the adult only areas. Is Celebrity one that charges and if so, how much? I imagine the Solarium would be a popular hang out on an Alaskan cruise.

We've done both the Solstice and the Infinity up in Alaska and the winner for me would have to be -- the Infinity!

The Solstice is also a beautiful ship and definitely newer -- we just like ships closer to 2100 pax vs 3000 pax.

The reason for my choice on the Infinity, and we've sailed on both of these ships several times, is you mentioned you were most interested in whale watching ... and Icy Strait Point will guarantee sightings and you might even be lucky enough to see a Grizzly on the shoreline, as we did a couple of years ago. The reason they can guarantee sightings is because they are everywhere (whales, not bears) but you may have to take the tour as we've never seen them where the ship is anchored ... although I am sure it could happen.

Skagway does have the train ride that so many are fond of, though ... but you will definitely not see whales from that tour.

We were treated to whales playing in the wake of the ship when dining at the Tuscan Grill on the Solstice one time as well ... so your chances of seeing them are pretty good whether you choose the Solstice or the Infinity.

Both ships have indoor pool areas -- and with adults only in the pool/hot tubs for the most part but they do have hours listed which children are allowed. Neither ship charges for use of this area. On the Solstice, the pool is cool water whereas on the Infinity, the pool is a 'thalassotherapy' pool -- warmed to the perfect temperature and sea water. Love this so much for Alaska! It will take the color right out of your swimwear but so worth it.

The Solstice is glitzier -- but the Infinity is more quaint. Food, entertainment and service on both has been great!

The Tracy Arm Fiords are stunning ... that's just my opinion!! We've also done the Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay ... we prefer the Tracy Arm. I am sure not everyone will agree. This is always my favorite day of the cruise.

Another consideration is the embarkation port -- the Solstice having one itinerary that embarks in Seattle and disembarks in Vancouver -- an vice versa on the other end of the season -- with Seattle RT in the middle. The Infinity has the Vancouver roundtrip itineraries through the summer. If it docks at Canada Place, it is so convenient to everything downtown, including transportation options....whereas, if the Solstice docks at Smith Cove in Seattle, it is pretty far out of the way.

If by any chance you are able to snag one of the aft family size veranda cabins on the Infinity -- you will not regret it for a moment. They will not sell it to only a single couple until the very last moment -- but worth a try. We were able to upgrade to one of these cabins -- try for a corner one such as we got -- and to date, the best cabin we've ever had. We were in room 8166 -- which has a huge balcony, a living area with two pull out sofas and lots of storage, a bedroom area with 3 closets .. only one bathroom, which was fine for us. It actually has a doorbell as there is a hallway to get into the cabin itself. We lived pretty much on that balcony ... it had a view off the side as well as aft. Plenty of room for your friends to join you. If very close friends, maybe you could book two couples in that one room if available. Like I mentioned, it may take a call to inquire ... you may not see it online.

As far as the weather, we went about 4 years ago and the weather was just crazy -- rainy, 100 mile an hour winds, freezing cold --- but still one of my favorite cruises of all times. My sister in law and I took a picture together while nearing the Sawyer Glacier and you can just tell there was a chill way deep in our bones.

I sent her a picture from the same spot the following year -- we were in our bathing suits -- honestly!! I didn't put my jacket on once on this cruise but did use an entire tube of sunblock. On this cruise, the outdoor pool was as crowded as the indoor pool was on the previous one.

We always choose Sept to cruise up to Alaska and have thus far only had that one cruise up there where the weather was bad, as mentioned above. It didn't detract from our fun whatsoever!!

Whichever one you choose...have a great time!

Millennium is going into dry dock this year at the end of April, so it'll come out all new and shiny looking in early May. :)

However, based strictly on itinerary, I'd go with Infinity, especially for your first trip to Alaska. And since you want to do whale watching, Icy Strait Point and Juneau afford you the best chances to do so (in that order).

I would do Princess (we were on Coral) from Vancouver. The place to see in Glacier Bay. Princess had some good excursions, though we booked all of ours independently

I think we have done 4 Alaska cruises. For us it is Hubbard Glacier. If your not seeing Hubbard Glacier your just out for a cruise. Do a google search Hubbard Glacier is amazing. check out the photo with a cruise ship in the photo.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Hubbard+Glacier&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&prmd=ivnsm&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimpaTOuqzKAhUS1mMKHaqkCMgQsAQIGQ

Great pics! Thanks. Doing 3rd Alaska cruise in May 2016. Celebrity Millinium from Vancouver to Seward. Did Seattle round trip once and wouldn't recommend it. If time worked out, my best would be Seward to Vancouver. It leaves much shorter flight home at the end. Another thought, rear or pick side of ship for your balcony cabin depending on what side shore would be. Best viewing of possible wildlife (sheep, bears, stc). Just my 2 cents! But as said, see Hubbard! Spectacular!

Hello all. I am completely new to Celebrity, have taken 4 cruises on Carnival and all were in the Caribbean. Now we want to take an Alaskan and want to try a new line to see what else is out there.

 

My research has led me to Celebrity. Decent enough prices for what I assume is a bit higher-end than Carnival. I also like the option to choose your perks even though I know in reality those prices are built in.

 

So my question is, what cruise would you choose?

Since you ask, my first choice would be the Millennium because it offers the best itinerary of the 3 ships and the most flexibility.

Cruising one-way, it gives you the opportunity to add on some touring in the Alaska interior (such as visiting Denali National Park) before or after the cruise, and also to take a wonderful Kenai Fjords tour from Seward.

However, it does require booking open jaw flights, unless cruising both northbound and southbound, which many passengers do.

My second choice would be the Infinity because it has a much better itinerary with more scenic viewing than the Solstice.

It cruises through the scenic lower Inside Passage, with scenery surrounding you practically throughout the entire cruise.

The Solstice is certainly the newest and snazziest looking of the 3 ships, but it has the worst itinerary.

It wastes 2 days out of 7 cruising out in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, completely missing the scenic lower Inside Passage.

At Juneau, it has had the worst berthing position and sometimes needed to tender.

It has been arriving at Victoria late in the day and only spending a few evening hours there.

But it is a good idea to check out port times and berthing positions for whichever cruises you consider.

The Solstice is one of Celebrity's newer S-class ships, while the Millennium and Infinity are both older M-class ships.

The S-class ships have some wonderful suites, but when booking a regular cabin, we prefer the layout and storage space of the cabins on the older M-class ships.

We also really like the promenade deck and thallasotherapy pool on the M-class ships.

On the S-class ships, much of the promenade deck views are blocked off by lifeboats.

Additionally, some passengers have a preference for either Vancouver or Seattle, so the embarkation port matters to them.

We like both cities and are happy to spend time before or after the cruise in either, so that is not a determining factor for us.

Besides, it is easy enough to get from one to the other.

For an Alaska cruise, our priority is the itinerary, not the ship, and we care more about the price of the cruise than the perks.

But as to your cruise, your own preferences and budget are all that really matter.

Great, just when I had decided on Infinity. Lol. I think we will stick with Infinity and hopefully come back to Alaska again in the future and make sure to hit Skagway.

What is your sail date? I just booked this as we have not been to Hubbard Glacier before. I am on the Sept 11 saying celebrating my wife's 50th birthday. :)

As another said getting into Victoria, British Columbia at 6pm really does not give you the time to see the town and Butchart Gardens.

Butchart Gardens is a must see in my book. If your going to spend time in Vancouver check out Queen Elizabeth Park is a 130-acre municipal park. It is a little south of Vancouver, but a beautiful park. You can get to Victoria from Vancouver if you wished to spend a day their.

You can take a train from Vancouver to Seattle if you wish.

If you go with Solstice out of Seattle we have Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and the Pike Place Market. Victoria Clipper out of Seattle has a 3-hour cruise through Puget Sound to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Spend the day or overnight.

Well you're the first person I've noticed on Cruise Critic from Baton Rouge. Hi neighbor!!

We've only ever sailed Celebrity, 13 cruises, with two Alaska cruises on Infinity. At the time, the naturalist Brent Nixon was on board and we LOVED his talks. Didn't miss a single one. As you've read, there are pros and cons for every itinerary.

Typically we take 11-15 day cruises so the two to Alaska were short 7 days ones. We did all independent excursions except for a couple that could only be booked through the cruise line. Next time up there we're going to fly right to Anchorage and take the train to Seward and spend a few days on the Kenai Peninsula, and then take a few days getting to Denali and spend time there. We figure two weeks driving around independently will be so much fun.

The one thing I noticed about Alaska cruises is that they have a completely different vibe from Caribbean ones. They're quieter, more reflective. People are out on the decks, up in the big lounges with binoculars watching for whales and other wildlife. The naturalists will let people know when and where the best times are, and of course the scenery is so gorgeous you don't really want to be in the casino or feeding your face at the buffet, etc. It's just not a party atmosphere, it's too beautiful.

We prefer the S class ships and usually get one of the sky suites corner aft. Aft is our favorite location and if you can get one, you will love it. However, we've been on Infinity three times and Constellation once and we have never had anything but a fabulous time.

Things we've done in Alaska ports: a flight plane to Misty Fjords in Ketchikan - we booked it independently. Next time to Ketchikan we went kayaking which was so much fun. It was a rare perfectly blue sky day.

In Skagway we took the White Pass Railroad but instead of riding it all the way up we got off and went hiking about 3-1/2 miles up the Laughton Glacier over the river and over boulders and on the ice field. Cold, a bit precarious and strenuous at times and so very much fun. It began to sleet on us coming down and we returned to the ship like freezing drowned rats, but an awesome day. In Juneau we've taken whale watching tours and hiked around Mendenhall Glacier. In Sitka we were on a small boat for 6 and toured all the lakes and some of the ocean for hours - learned so much. It was a clear day but windy and freezing cold.

Last trip was more unusual because we spent the time in Juneau and in Victoria talking on the phone back home because of Hurricane Isaac. It was literally happening while we were in Juneau. Our daughter and son-in-law were at the house and it was passing through and we were kind of concerned and wanted to make sure they did the generator right, etc.

Check out the Alaska boards here on Cruise Critic for more information and remember to bring layers. We pack the bulky stuff in space bags and suck out the air.

Where in BR do you live?

Here are a couple of thoughts...

A southbound cruise from Seward takes you into Hubbard Glacier in the afternoon. There is a smaller chance of fog when approaching in the morning. (We have done both.)

Vancouver is 1,300 miles south of Anchorage. That means you are that much closer to home.

Ending in Vancouver opens up one of North America's greatest cities. Spending a couple of days there is a true bonus.

An aft cabin sailing away from Icy Straits is one of the best sail aways EVER. It equals sailing through Venice, which is close to the top of everyone's list. Wildlife and sea creatures return to the narrow banks as the ship quietly glides away...

Definitely avoid Seattle, not the great city, just as an embarkation/disembarkation point. Two days in the Pacific with nothing in view is a waste of an "Alaskan" cruise.

Thanks so much, everyone! Yall are so helpful over here. We decided on the Infinity. I have a 24 hour hold and I am calling my PVP in the morning to put down our deposits. We have our in-laws going with us along with another couple. Very excited. We got an aft balcony that is Concierge class. This will be very fancy for us!! :) I would say I can't wait but since it is over a year away I have no choice. lol

Since you decided on the Infinity and will be starting and finishing your cruise in Vancouver (very sensible IMO!), a correction to BigBenBoys' info - Queen Elizabeth Park is most definitely inside Vancouver. South of the cruise terminal yes, but it's basically slap bang in the middle of the city - whatever you paid your tourguide BBB, you were ripped off;-)

It's also IMO a more-than-adequate substitute for Butchart with the bonus that it's completely free. Add in the Dr Sun Yat Sen garden and of course Stanley Park's Rose Garden and overall you'll see more of and better of everything that Butchart does for less than half the cost, including a transit pass (although without Saturday night fireworks in summer, unless you happen to be here late July/early August when the Festival of Lights spanks anything Butchart offers - and is again free, unless you want a fancy seat with liquor service).

Don't know if anyone mentioned the veranda for the CC1 cabins on the Infinity, but you are in for a treat. The six of you will have plenty of room to enjoy the veranda since they are the best ones other than some of the suite verandas around the entire fleet of ships carrying passengers (not just Celebrity). Enjoy.