Northern Aurora

Jim: While we have done turnaround days in Sydney several times the last time was in 2016, and I don't remember if they issued us transit passes or not. We were in Celebrity Suites for both legs of that Honolulu to Singapore trip. I do remember that there were a couple in a Penthouse who were not pleased that they had to actually leave the ship for several hours. And I agree -- there is so much to do right around the OPT that I wonder why anyone would just sit in the terminal. In March we plan to board the Eclipse in Sydney for a B2B2B2B series with all turnaround days in Sydney, so can provide up-to-date information then. We were actually on the Solstice at the end of the first leg of a B2B2B2B in March 2020. The global suspension of cruising was implemented on the first leg of that series. The Solstice reached Sydney a day early as ports were closing. Australian Border Force wouldn't let anyone off the ship which caused consternation as we all just wanted to try to get home. We flew out of Sydney at 7:40 PM on March 20, 2020. The border formally closed at 9 PM. Some commercial flights continued for several days but there were so many rumors no one really knew what was going on. In any event, March 20th was so much fun that we got to live it twice as we crossed the International Date Line. Gerry

We have done several turnaround days in Sydney. In Sydney the B2B folks are required to leave the ship and are not permitted back on until the embarkation boarding begins. No processing in a lounge nor any immediate re-boarding. Celebrity uses the Overseas Passenger Terminal which is centrally located and so close to attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, the famous bridge, the Opera House, Museum of Modern Art, Rocks Discovery Center and so forth. A number of pubs and cafes nearby.

The ARR station in Fairbanks is about a 20 minute drive from the airport. In Anchorage the ARR station is downtown and is about a 30 plus minute drive.

Ok -- Mrs. Aurora is stickler for accuracy as Jim and Iain should know since we actually have met. That being said, there is absolutely no chance that Jim and Iain saw a "longhorn sheep." There are big horn sheep in North America, but their range is no where near Alaska. What they saw was Dall sheep. Different species. Totally different. Dall sheep are quite interesting as they live so high in the mountains they have virtually no predators and are fearless. We have been in Denali on a private lottery permits (which allows folks to drive the entire length of the single park road in a private vehicle) and one time we had several Dall sheep on the road in Polychrome Pass. We didn't try to touch them but they walked within inches of us. For folks who are interested in Denali you cannot see Denali itself from the entrance to the national park. And at this time the the single road into the park is closed at Pretty Rocks and will apparently be closed until 2025. For perspective Eielson Visitor's Center is at mile 66. Our poster Gary has been asking about Brooks Falls. Folks should also consider bear watching opportunities out of Homer to McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, and also Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Today the Alaska Department of Fish and Game opened the lottery application for McNeil River and we have applied.

I just love the chef's response!!. One of the other recipes which really varied dramatically was the coconut cake which was served in the Cafe al Bacio. This three layer cake was so different from ship to ship it was stunning. The cake was always tasty but on some ships it was simply incredible. Absolutely spectacular on some ships with a strong coconut flavor and coconut flakes in the cake batter. On other ships the flavor was rather mild and no coconut flakes in the batter. I also would not have argued the point but my experience is that the recipes certainly can have an "interpretation" which the food and beverage folks in Miami might find surprising.

We also pack a small bottle of liquid cough med in our checked luggage. We pack a 4 ounce size and our luggage has never been flagged as questionable.

I am smiling at the comments regarding the Huevos Rancheros. Despite the fact that there are photos in the galley of each dish you never knew when you ordered Huevos Rancheros what you would actually receive. Some of the chefs from India had interesting "interpretations." We will be boarding in March for a series of cruises and, if it will be on the Eclipse, am looking forward to the new Luminae breakfast menu.

We have flown out of Barcelona several times but the last time was in October 2019. My memory is that each time we have flown out there have been significant slow lines and wait times. It will be interesting to read the posts of others who have flown out more recently.

There will bins on heavy fleece blankets on the pool deck. Love the photos in post#5. Weather in the entire state can be so variable.

The name is the Celebrity Today.

Alaska is experiencing a severe labor shortage in general and the hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit due to the J1 VISA issue. Prior to last summer any one could stay at a Princess Lodge. We have stayed at their Denali property a number of times, at the McKinley View property when driving back to Fairbanks from Seward, and at the Copper River Princess. But during the 2022 season the situation changed and only folks who were on a Princess land tour could stay at their properties. And if my memory is correct Princess didn't open two of their five properties at all in 2022.

Interesting to read the post by "PRH." Celbrity uses the Denali Park Village in the Denali area. This large complex has a number of buildings and room types. One of the buildings is named the Denali Lodge. And I am curious if the "Wilderness Reserve" mentioned is the Wildlife Conservation Center. From the description of the Homer hotel I don't recognize the property. Was it possibly the Land's End Resort?

Some companies to research on TripAdvisor include Emerald Air, Smokey Bay Air and Alaska Bear Adventure.

I haven't checked to determine if there have been any significant itinerary changes for the routes of these ships. Even though we live in Alaska we do Alaska cruises, and have been on all three of these ships on Alaska itineraries. My preference if the north- or southbound Millennium routes; we do these as B2Bs. My second rank is the Eclipse RT out of Vancouver. RTs out of Seattle are my lowest ranked. But one factor to consider is the amount of time in the ports. We always have premium wi-fi. I have not noticed any signifiant differences in internet connection, but also haven't been working either.

First, educate yourselves about the aurora. The University of Alaska Geophysical Institute website is great start. Consider the Chena Hot Springs Resort which is about 60 miles outside of Fairbanks. Little light solution. And if folks don't see an aurora there are other interesting attractions.

While Suite passengers are waived the fee for room service, Zenith members of the Captain's Club are also waived RS fees. This has become a new Zenith perk.

I also enjoy the Alyeska tram on a lovely day. Views are incredible. While it doesn't do much for me personally (but remember that I live in Alaska) the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is also in close proximity. Reviews are mixed with some folks thoroughly enjoying the experience. A consideration.

We dine at Sushi on 5 several times each cruise. I am not aware of any minimum charge. And I remember that several years ago on one of the ships there was a group of folks who would drop by Sushi on 5 daily. Each would order a portion the edamame beans and a beverage. One of the waiters was joking that they might run out of edamame.

@katmigordon: I wouldn't go so far as to say that the Celebrity app is "way better" than those of other cruise lines, but checking for similar Eclipse cruise (similar being defined as the same number of nights and a similar itinerary) will give you a "guesstimate" of the shows. On the Eclipse the evening shows in the theater will be at 7 and 9 PM. There will be various other venues with entertainment such as acoustic duos and so forth around the ship.

There are also motor coach firms which offer transport. Some include a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Google both the Seward and Anchorage visitor's bureaus to find the names of the current vendors.

Check a similar Eclipse cruise (such as the same number of nights) and check the app for the shows. That will give you an idea of the production show nights. But since your cruise isn't until November you will need to check a few weeks before your particular sailing for more accurate information.

Definitely yes -- B2B guests and embarking Zenith members of the Captain's Club are invited to join the Concierge Class embarkation lunch. This has been standard practice for years. For those who are currently on a ship carefully look at your B2B turnaround letter.

Since hiking is of interest I wonder if our OP has considered the Mt. Roberts Tramway? Some lovely views and trails at the top, and much less costly than the ship sponsored tours.

Ketchikan also has the lumberjack show which is appealing to some. In Sitka have you considered the Fortress of the Bear; check their website to determine if that may be of interest. Sitka also has the Sitka Sound Science Center; check their website too.

I have been to ISP several times and my impression is that @Jeeden has not. Am I correct? In any event there is what is described as a "nature trail" but I would describe it as a path. The trails which the bear spotting tours use are old logging roads not in the ISP compound at all but are miles away. While folks probably should not say "never" the odds of seeing a bear in the ISP approach zero. And do not try to venture into the forrest around the compound as it is very dense and you are highly likely to become lost.