Northern Aurora

I didn't pay attention since as a Zenith member of the Captain's Club we always have the premium package. But I was simply happy to find it as I love it.

I am sorry -- but I do not understand this post. What crew appreciation is included in what package?

We boarded the Millennium on March 28th for a B2B. Someone on a future cruise (who is actually on the ship as I type this) asked me to check if this was possible. I was told by two different staff members that it was possible, but didn't do so myself.

I love the San Pellegrino Naturals and purchase it at home. We were B2B on the Millennium boarding on March 28th for the first time I found it on a Celebrity ship. It was listed on the Ocean View beverage menu and was also available in the Retreat Lounge. Flavors included lemon, orange and grapefruit.

@PghCouple: I just quickly checked the Cruise Lines Agencies of Alaska which has the port schedules for cruise ships in Alaska. In Juneau the Luminosa will be docked at the S. Franklin pier which is right downtown. In Skagway you will be at the Broadway Dock; this is not the dock which is impacted by the rock slide. In Ketchikan you are scheduled to dock at Berth #3 which again is right downtown. The day in Tracy Arm Fjord is scenic cruising. Your husband should have minimal issues with using his scooter to get off the ship. You just need to find easily accessible activities. In Juneau the Alaska State Museum is relatively close to S. Franklin or you could go out to Mendenhall Glacier where some of the paths are paved (if my memory is correct). In Ketchikan the Tongass Historical Museum is close as is the South East Alaska Discovery Center. The Lumberjack Show is also close; we have never attended some some find it to be a hoot. I am also curious how accessible the lower level of the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour is. A frequent poster to the Alaska forum has taken this tour, and if you post a new thread asking the question about accessibility he likely will see it. In Skagway the Broadway dock location allows easy access to the White Pass and Yukon Railroad if he can step up. The town itself is essentially becoming a museum as the National Park Service is acquiring more and more of the historic structures. That stop in Victoria is in the itinerary to satisfy the PVSA requirements. I am assuming that you will be at Ogden Dock which is about a twenty minute walk from downtown. About two weeks ago we returned from a five week trip to Japan (24 nights on the Celebrity Millennium in addition to land travel). We always break up long overseas flights, and on the return overnighted in Seattle at an airport hotel before flying home to Fairbanks, Alaska. We ended up talking to this guy seated right beside us in the hotel restaurant. It turned out that he was an engineer officer who was preparing to board the Luminosa to start his contract for the Alaska season.

Which Alaska ports are on your itinerary? At times, due to congestion in the harbor, ships will tender but at the bulk of Alaska ports the ships dock.

@PghCouple: I don't have any opinion regarding which port to use for the helicopter tour, but just want to comment that Alaska is ADA compliant just as the rest of the US. All of the ports will have curb cuts on the sidewalks, restaurants will be accessible and so forth. While you do not mention the specific ports you are visiting, Skagway may be an issue as while there are curb cuts and so forth the boardwalk sidewalks are rather narrow and are also very full of people. But even in Skagway your husband can enjoy the programs at the National Park Service (films and displays).

What is "fishy?" Apparently the Edge is returning to Kona as someone is experiencing a serious medical emergency. You need to be thankful that you are not that person with the medical emergency and be more understanding of the situation.

What is your concern? While I don't know the specifics of your Alaska itinerary the glaciers you will visit are in the headwaters of very deep fjords. Actually, I am trying very hard to remember any Alaska major glacier which is not at the head waters of a very deep fjord. No extra cautions measures required.

Two parties of 4 would work well at Le Petit Chef as the "cadence" of this venue is so different than a more traditional dining experience. People are seated, the lights dim and the animated show begins. So conversation ceases as folks follow the animation. The course is served, and then the process is repeated for the next course (dimmed lights to show the animation segment followed by normal lumination as the course is served).

@cruisetonowhere10: You do not indicate where you reside, but just want to comment that Key West deserves more time than a cruise stop. We spent four days in Key West several years ago (pre-pandemic). We were cruising out of Miami so flew down a few days early, rented a vehicle and drove to Key West for four days. Many interesting things to so and see, great food, fun place. And the drive through the Keys is so interesting too -- and we even saw one of the little deer! Just an idea.

Just a few random comments from someone who lives in Alaska -- Seward is where Alaskans go for recreation. While Whittier is unique there are more attractions of interest in the Seward area for most of us. A "must do" is only a must do if you want to see it. But we thoroughly enjoy the day trips out of Seward. Major Marine is our favorite vendor, and we take the longest excursion available we can. On those longer excursions (ie, out of the bay) almost every time someone experiences motion sickness. Those prone to motion sickness need to take something before boarding the boat. And if one of your party is prone to motion sickness I wonder if all of the party has to do the exact same thing each day. Can your group split up based on individual preferences. Exit Glacier (and its visitor center) and the Seavey dog kennels are located just outside of Seward. The SeaLife Center is located in Seward. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is an almost 2 hour drive from Seward, as is Girdwood.

When in Victoria in the evenings to satisfy the PVSA requirement we generally walk down to the Bard and Banker Scottish Pub. It is located on Government Street in a historic building. Nice food and local beers in addition to wine. Check their website to determine if this might be of interest.

@chengkp75: Thank you so much for your post. So nice to have someone with your experience and knowledge post versus speculation.

I wonder what cruise line our OP is using. My experience last fall on Celebrity was that the responsibility for obtaining the Bali visa fell onto the passengers to obtain prior to reaching the port.