Hello! It's Kanise again this week to share with you my latest trip to Alaska. I had the pleasure of sailing southbound from Seward to Vancouver with Celebrity Cruises. Alaska has been a bucket list trip of mine for a while and I was so excited to finally go. Alaska is truly an amazing destination with so much to see and do that I feel I will have to return again some day. This week I will share my top 5 favorite things about my trip and as always share some tips.
Top 5 - Alaska with Celebrity Cruises
1. GRANDVIEW TRAIN
If your Alaska cruise involves Seward, then you will need to arrange a transfer from Anchorage to reach the port. Seward is 125 miles away from Anchorage and you have the choice of motor coach or train to get there.
The cruise train to Alaska is an amazing way to see the state's wild beauty up close. The train features huge, domed windows that stretch overhead to the other side. The scenic train ride gives you great views of Alaska's mountains, forests, and rivers. Onboard, you can relax with good food, comfortable seating and friendly, guides who share interesting facts. As you travel along the track, the conductor will slow down whenever the guide spots wildlife so everyone can view it and take pictures. It's a fantastic way to arrive at the port.
Pro Tip: Get the salmon chowder and bring a book because there is no wifi.
2. CELEBRITY SUMMIT
The ship I sailed on was the Celebrity Summit and I found it to be very nice.
The Celebrity Summit underwent a significant renovation in March 2019 as part of the "Celebrity Revolution" program. This modernization included updated staterooms, redesigned public spaces, new dining options, and enhanced amenities.
The Summit carries 2,218 passengers and is perfectly sized so you don't feel crowded. It has plenty of dining options, bars and lounges for you to explore. And even though you're in Alaska, don't forget to bring your swimsuite for the adults-only solarium with inside pool and hot tubs.
Pro Tip: Get the "Premium Access Pass" in your cruise planner to receive premium wifi for 2 devices, unlimited room service and priority embarkation. It's usually less than the cost of just the wifi package.
3. EXCURSIONS
Choosing excursions for your Alaska cruise can be both exciting and a bit frustrating. With so many incredible options available it's hard to narrow down which adventures to prioritize.
I will say my favorite excursion was the small boat whale watching and I suggest everyone book at least one whale watching excursion when in Alaska. Most of the companies have guaranteed whale sightings and if you're lucky like we were, you will get to see a whale breach the water.
The other excursions I would highly recommend are any that include visits to the sled dog camps. There you learn all about the 1000 year history of dog sledding and hear tales from real Iditarod mushers. You also get to hold the puppies.
Also, any excursion featuring a salmon bake, crab boil or Alaskan feast should be added to your list.
Pro Tip: Book early, choose small groups when available and use our private suppliers.
4. ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD
Entertaiment is always a big part of any cruise for me. I prefer ships with lots to do and Celebrity Cruises did not disappoint. There was something for everyone with magnificent, gravity defying shows in the theater, intimate musical performances in the lounges, paper plane competitions and flair shows at the martini bar.
They have trivia and bingo which I always search for, and they also have interactive game shows like Deal or No Deal.
There is also a casino onboard and make sure to attend the art auction on the last night for a unique experience.
Pro Tip: Choose the early or anytime dining times to have the best chance to attend the most evening shows and download the app for the full ship schedule.
5. NATURAL BEAUTY & HISTORY
Alaska's beauty is nothing short of awe-inspiring. You always hear people talk about it but experiencing it in person is even more grand. Not only do you see snow capped mountains, but you can also hike through a temperate rainforest, view beautiful green lakes and marvel at massive glaciers. You can fully experience the changes in landscape while onboard the train.
The ports not only provide opportunities for exploration but also serve as windows into Alaska's diverse history. Tales of the gold rush, Tlingit people and Iditarod racing are integral parts of Alaska's cultural tapestry and shared at every chance.
Pro Tip: Just Go!!
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Hi, I'm John, I have a cool accent. I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.