cw2go

I've taken my teenage sons on Celebrity multiple times. The Med, Alaska and Caribbean. They LOVED it! For those that say go with RRCL or NCL for the more fun vibe with teens, I've also sailed those lines and my sons did not enjoy those as much, too hectic. Of course the had fun and never hated any cruise but Celebrity was more comfortable for them, made lots of friends and we filled our ports days so they were never really bored. I think those who have actually sailed with their kids on a Celebrity cruise can offer a much better point of view than those who haven't. I agree with other posters, you know your child best so only you will know what's suits your family dynamics. Patty

Yes, this is first I've heard Captain Kate will be taking Ascent although not surprised. She's has a huge following and it's working for Celebrity.

We have National car perks so we use a combo of free rentals and pay for days. Sadly there isn't a secret, Alaska is know for high priced car rentals and they can sell out. So I'd suggest locking down a car that includes a cancellable option, incase you make alternate plans. Patty

I have an Alaska sailing for July 2023 and some excursions have easily increased by 30/40% since I originally started my planning. Yep, I also take notes and keep a spreadsheet. 🤓 I typically book with cruise line tours and independent, I like to mix it up depending on the port, activity and my OBC Better to be safe and lock down what you want asap, can always cancel and rebook if a better price pops up. Patty

Contact your TA and it will be up to them how they handle the $100 pp change fee

If your cruise begins or ends in Whittier, you can add the Phillips 26 Glaciers tour, lots of otters. 🦦 https://phillipscruises.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwwL6aBhBlEiwADycBIEu2pkWWl6yJYzTYuofLA48a6JJQqwIezuz83idlYqVOCVmvZjt72BoColYQAvD_BwE

Many people take nicer cameras but to give you a perspective, this is my shots of Hubbard Glacier on a Princess cruise with an iPhone 8 📱 I've upgraded a few times since this trip. LOL! Prepare to be amazed! Enjoy your planning and remember you'll never get it all in one trip, not possible. Patty

Congrats! What a fabulous honeymoon destination! Binoculars and sunglasses will be your best friend! Under Armour Northface Fleece! Lots of layers and always pack a knit hat that cover your ears but honestly you may not even need them. I've been multiple times and in early June my DH got sunburned. For Real! Juneau I did a glacier hike years ago and it was fabulous. Mendenhall w/hike to the falls. ISP I loved the zip line although overpriced but I'm a sucker and will be doing it again. Just a ton of fun. Skagway the scenery from the train is spectacular no matter when you go. Jet boat was much more informative then I expected, really a great tour. Could also rent a car and go to the Yukon on your own. Hubbard and GB just relax with blankets/ hot cocoa and take it all in. Ketchikan Misty Fiords is gorgeous, float plane w/landing. OR Adventure Karts can be super fun. Too early for bears as already mentioned. Vancouver is a fab city! Take out bikes or walk the Seawall. Also many hikes and you can watch the seaplanes come in. Enjoy your special adventure, no matter when you go, Alaska will be sure to WOW you! Patty

NB for the port times and ease boarding in YVR rather than getting from ANC to Seward. But SB for Skagway if the train is of interest, it's amazing scenery. I suggest looking at tours you want and pick based on them. NB/SB is a win win either way imo. I've done both. As far as less "touristy" I never hang in the ports, always leave for my adventures so a trinket store isn't any issue for me. I skip out of port the second I debark the ship. Patty

Both seem very early to me for getting into Hubbard. Others will chime in and know much better than me but with only these two option, I'd go for May 23rd for better odds. Not sure I'd go that early for a GB day. I prefer later June-Aug You mention wildlife, I'd suggest looking at your must have excursions and see the seasons that best suit those. Ex Bears will have prime viewing based on locations and months. Patty

My Hubbard day, taken with a typical iPhone. Hubbard is Magnificent! Truly Amazing!

I enjoyed my Princess sailing in Alaska.Chose it for Glacier Bay. I am not a NCL girl, Celebrity is my line of choice so Princess was the best match for my vacation style. I'd look at all the port times for each sailing you're considering that includes GB and pick that one. Patty

I actually love ISP. Its a great port for adventure and it isn't packed with trinket shops.

Okay with the first as long as it's refundable, you call and it will be cancelled. Monies back to your card. Easy Peasy As for Dawes, I'd highly suggest one way and Hubbard. Post your exact itinerary booked and I'll be able to give more info.

Did you book the first cruise refundable? You'll need to call and prepare for long waits since today is a big release day. What itinerary did you end up picking that you're planning to keep. Skagway is a smart choice over Sitka imo. I've sailed Alaska a few times and with Celebrity. I'll help keep you on a straight forward path, if I can. Second guessing Alaska is common. 😊 Patty

maxsales are you currently onboard? Have any first hand knowledge? Thank you, Patty

You'll get 50/50 answers on this. I prefer more space by the bathroom & closet for getting ready to avoid going around the bed constantly since that is where the dresser is located. So I opt for bed by the window. Many prefer more space by the balcony area for a lounging type area. Patty

With all the changes we've seen in the past few years, I'm shocked at how many people will not accept this could/is a real possibility. Thank you for the heads up, I made reservations to avoid any unnecessary bumps. Patty

As of today it is still in effect. Per postings from those on board. I'll know first hand in Feb.

Per recent reports this is still in effect. On another thread. Your TA may have been mis informed.

Thanks! Seems insane this far out but I chose to book a guaranteed room for the lower half. (Had to go with a C1 Window / Balcony wasn't an option) We are coming from The States and are still working so time off is at 3 weeks maximum. Excited for the lower loop, really wanted a sailing that was Australia focused. We plan to visit NZ separately. New to Oceania so I'll be plugging along learning the ropes in the next 2 years. I'm a Celebrity Cruiser but we've chosen to go small and make our Aussi adventure all about The Land Down Under 🐨

This is what I was thinking but the sailing north and sound are limited and the whole loop has a ton of availability? I assume they are holing off bookings to the 1/2 routes, if that makes sense? Just seems odd to have limited rooms this far in advance. Patty

This makes sense! I've looked and the full loop has tons of availability. The 2 1/2 segments are very limited. Thank you

This is exactly why I am questioning booking? 2025 is so far off to be booked solid already. Makes me wonder if there is a large group. I called Oceana and they really had no info other than its almost Sold Completly out.

I am researching an Aussie adventure and am drawn to an Oceana Cruise sailing out of Perth to Sydney for Jan 2025 ~ The sailing is almost sold out but the following 2 sailings have plenty of availability? Is there any explanation for why this would be? Anyone know of any large group sailings? Is this an itinerary that is commonly booked quickly? Thank You, Patty