Review of our Millennium Alaska Back-to-Back Cruises 10-18 May and 18-25 May 2018

[traveling1969]

We had been thinking of an Alaska cruise for some time, even made a reservation or two, but we always seemed to find a reason to cancel: either a different cruise struck our fancy or life got in the way. This time we vowed it would be different. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night would stay these cruisers from the completion of their chosen itinerary!

 

We decided on Celebrity because they offered the best itinerary at the best price and we could do a back-to-back to simplify air arrangements and insure a longer cruise experience.

 

Since our cruise departed from and returned to Vancouver, we began planning our air and hotel arrangements. Unfortunately, all we could do was plan as we were too far out to actually make reservations.

 

One way to insure we wouldn't cancel again was to book our air fares as soon as they opened. Air Canada offered the best compatible travel option and we booked it. No turning back now; not with change fees being what they are these days.

 

We decided to go all-in and we booked a non-refundable hotel as well. We opted for the Pan Pacific Hotel because it is located right at Canada Place which is also the cruise port. We opted for the Cruise Package which included accommodations in a delightful room with two queen beds, a sumptuous breakfast, late check-out (2pm) and transfer of our baggage to the ship. Best of all, when it came time to go to the ship, we simply took the elevator to the bottom floor cruise terminal level and were shown to our check-in line.

 

When we first booked, we opted for an ocean view cabin on both legs which included the "Go Better" package (choice of two out of four amenities: free gratuities, unlimited internet, classic drink package or $150 per person OBC). We opted for the OBC and drink package. Long story short: after a series of prices drops, we ended up in a Concierge Class balcony cabin with the "Go Best" package (all four amenities with an upgrade to the Premium Beverage Package) for just a small amount more than our original fare.

 

After an excruciating wait of 16 months, we flew off to Vancouver for our Alaskan Adventure. The hotel was a study in understated elegance and we were pleased with our choice. We took a stroll for a bite to eat and returned to our room to try to sleep but we never get much rest the night before a cruise. We were up bright and early and lo and behold looked out of our room and DOWN on our cruise ship. Yes, we were on the 19th floor and we were looking down at the Millennium which was docked on our side of Canada Place. We had a leisurely breakfast and went for a stroll around downtown Vancouver but it didn't last long. We couldn't contain ourselves so we headed back, called the Bell Captain to take our luggage to the ship and we headed DOWN to check-in. All-in-all, our best pre-cruise stay yet.

 

I know, I know, when are we going to get to the cruise. I did a "Live From" thread during the cruise so if you go here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2632751 you will find a detailed narrative and lots of photos.

 

A few notes: the Millennium was ship-shape in all respects, the crew was top-notch and every encounter was a pleasure. The food was very good, as good as any we have had on other ships. We are not "show" people and we did not attend any while on board.

 

Alaska was so much more breathtaking than we could ever have imagined and the people that we met both on and off the ship were a delight. Alaskans have a great attitude about life. I can't do it justice with words; you will have to experience it to understand.

 

This was our first cruise with Celebrity and our first Alaska cruise and both experiences exceeded all of our expectations. We can't wait to do it again!

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review!

[traveling1969]

Just a heads up and this applies to all cruises. Check your pricing DAILY as deals can come and go quickly. Also, beware of travel agents who don't respond to your inquiries quickly. My agent is supported by a large organization and if she is busy or has a day off, there is always someone who can assist in her stead.

 

Harry

[villageneighbor]

On the southbound leg starting in Seward with sail away at 8pm - what time were you allowed to board?

[traveling1969]

On the southbound leg starting in Seward with sail away at 8pm - what time were you allowed to board?

We were on the previous cruise so we were already on board when general boarding began at 11am. We did get off and went downtown for a while at 1:30pm. We walked back along the water and here was where we saw a lot of sea otters. They were swimming back and forth along the shoreline.

 

Harry