celebrity millennium alaska cruise itinerary

• Celebrity Millennium

Beautiful design meets swanky programming aboard the Millennium, a ship devoted to the luxury cruise experience.

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Celebrity Millennium Overview

Renovated in February 2019, the Millennium is the hallmark of Celebrity's $500-million fleetwide modernization project. Its décor is comfortably contemporary. Luxe furniture, a soothing neutral color scheme, and expanded social areas give this premier ship an air of sophistication. Passengers onboard can enjoy internationally inspired cuisine in the Main Dining Room and Oceanview Café, wines from around the world at Cellar Masters, and decadent gelatos in the Gelateria. Favorite ship features also include a two-story library, outdoor basketball court, and rooftop terrace on the uppermost deck.

• Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
• Dining: Anytime/flexible and traditional/set dining.
• Lower Berth Capacity: 2,138
• Crew: 999 (crew ratio 2.1)
• Launched: 2000 (refurbished 2019)

Why pick this ship?

The Millennium offers freshly renovated cabins and Celebrity's newest luxury dining, shopping, and spa experiences. While under way, passengers typically visit Alaska's largest tidewater glacier and four exciting Alaska ports.

Celebrity Returns to Alaska as Millennium Sails

• July 24, 2021

The Celebrity Millennium set sail from Seattle on Friday to take passengers seven-night itinerary for the brand’s first Alaska cruise in over two years.

The voyage is the first of a series of 11 sailings roundtrip from Seattle through the beginning of October. 

The Celebrity Millennium is the second ship in the Celebrity fleet to sail from a U.S. port. It joins Celebrity Edge which became the first ship in the world to sail from a U.S. port since March 2020 when it sailed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on June 26.

“It’s really incredible to return to Alaska, today, to once again support the local culture and to share its stunning scenery with our guests. It is truly deserving of its bucket list status and I have always had a special place in my heart for its incredible people and natural beauty,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “To be bringing tourism and the cruise industry back to Alaska is an honor and so important for rebuilding the economy of several key Alaskan communities. I am thankful to all elected officials involved for recognizing the need and finding a way to begin to restore their livelihoods.”

The itinerary will call in Ketchikan, and scenic cruise through  Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier before calling at Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point.

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A Complete Celebrity Millennium Review: Everything You Need to Know and What to Expect

By: Author Caroline Ikeji

Categories Alaska , USA

Sailing on the Celebrity Millennium and wondering what to expect? Read this Celebrity Millennium review to find out everything you need to know!

I was fortunate enough to be invited to sail aboard the Celebrity Millennium on an epic cruise to Alaska , and it was seriously one of the best trips of my life. I’ve not shut up about how amazing the sailing was – from the service, the breathtaking design, the food – so much that I decided I needed to sit down and write a Celebrity Millennium review to sum up my experience.

As the first ship in Celebrity Cruises’s fleet to be completely Revolutionized, the Millennium features a sleek, modern design, with tons of new luxurious upgrades. Everything from the staterooms, restaurants, lounges, and common areas had such a chic and sophisticated look that was reminiscent of a high-end boutique hotel.

The service was top-notch, and every single crew member encountered had such a big smile on their faces and seemed genuinely happy to see us. We really loved getting to know all of these wonderful people on board who made our sailing an amazing experience to remember. Not only that, Celebrity threw in some little touches of hospitality to make our cruise memorable – like little pastries and chocolates left on our bed every night after turndown service, along with the daily schedule.

Not only that, I was absolutely blown away by the food and beverage program on board – as a foodie, this was something that I really looked forward to and it did not disappoint! From the main dining rooms, the specialty restaurant, and the cocktail bars, everything I consumed on board was such a treat.

I’d never really considered myself a cruise person, but I loved so many things about my experience sailing on the Celebrity Millennium and it definitely changed my perception on cruises. I absolutely enjoyed my time, from the time the ship set sail from Seattle , through our time in Alaska, and was truly sad to see it end. It was such an incredible experience, and I do not hesitate in recommending the Celebrity Millennium to anyone!

If you are planning to sail on the ship and wondering what the experience is really like, keep on reading this Celebrity Millennium review to find out what to expect and for tons of photos!

**Note: Thank you to Celebrity Cruises for hosting my cruise. As always, opinions are all my own

PSST… Looking to save a bit of money when sailing on the Celebrity Millennium? Celebrity Cruises is offering its lowest rates of the year on cruise only fares, starting at $399! Book by June 2, 2022 and sail betweenJune 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. More information here .

About the Celebrity Millennium

The Celebrity Millennium is the flagship of the cruise line’s Millennium Class and has sailed as part of its fleet since 2000. In 2019, the Millennium was the first ship to undergo a complete renovation as part of the Celebrity Revolution, a $500 million program to upgrade and modernize its fleet.

As part of the Revolution, the Millennium got a complete makeover, and now features stylish  new upgrades, including brand-new staterooms, sophisticated restaurants and lounges, a luxurious Retreat lounge and sundeck, and a redesigned spa area. The ship also takes cues from the innovative Celebrity Edge, and is designed by world-renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, giving it a  sleek, modern look that is reminiscent of a high-end boutique hotel or resort.

Where does the Celebrity Millennium sail?

There are many upcoming itineraries that are offered aboard the Celebrity Millennium, taking guests to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, Alaska, and the Pacific Coast.

Some of the upcoming cruise itineraries include:

• Alaska Dawes Glacier 
• Pacific Coastal
• Panama Canal
• Grand Cayman
• Eastern Caribbean
• Key West and Bahamas
• Western Caribbean
• Alaska Glacier
• Mexican Riviera

You can see a list of upcoming itineraries aboard the Celebrity Millennium here .

Why sail on the Celebrity Millennium?

Prior to sailing on the Celebrity Millennium, I’d never really considered myself a cruise person. After my voyage, I have been wholeheartedly recommending Celebrity Cruises and the Celebrity Millennium to others for the following reasons:

• Sophisticated, modern design: The newly revolutionized Celebrity Millennium boasts a chic and stylish design that you would expect from a high-end boutique hotel. Gone are the old, dated furnishings that seems to be the stereotype of what one would find on a cruise ship – it definitely has a younger feel, and was totally up my alley!
•   Emphasis on culinary experiences: As a foodie, this is one thing that I loved most about sailing on the Celebrity Millennium! The food and beverage program is headed up by a Michelin-starred chef, and has so many amazing offerings, from the main dining options, to the specialty restaurants. I really enjoyed everything that I had to eat and drink on board!
• Unparalleled service : Any other person who has sailed on Celebrity and any other Celebrity Millennium review will rave about the attentive, friendly service. Every single staff member we encountered had a a big smile on their face, seemed genuinely happy to see us, knew us on a first-name basis, and continually went above and beyond.
• Sustainability practices : Including implementing practices and equipment for better fuel efficiency, use of energy-efficient appliances, use of paper straws and aluminum bottles on board, and advanced wastewater purification. One of the naturalists on board said he specifically chose to work with Celebrity for their sustainability practices.
• Emphasis on gender equality and support of inclusivity : Captain Kate McCue (who commands the Celebrity Edge) is the first woman to captain a mega cruise ship.

For reference, I am a female in my mid-30s and I felt that Celebrity fit my needs of what I wanted out of a cruise, and best reflected my personal values.

The Complete Celebrity Millennium Review

Staterooms on the Celebrity Millennium

LOOK & FEEL : We stayed in a standard Veranda stateroom and loved it so much! Each of the staterooms on the Millennium all got a grand makeover when the ship was revolutionized, and now have a sleek, modern design reminiscent of what you would find in a high-end boutique hotel.

Gone are the dated furnishings and tired design – the staterooms now all feature a chic color palette and updated fixtures with plenty of storage space for all your belongings (lots of shelves, closet space, even space under the bed). 

At 140 square feet, the rooms are cozy but they are much more spacious than what you would expect on a cruise ship (seriously, on my last cruise the rooms were so tiny that I felt claustrophobic the entire time and this was a completely different experience). We had a Veranda stateroom, but even the inside and ocean view staterooms have the same design and amount of space.

I got so many DMs on Instagram after I did a room tour from people saying that they could not believe that this was a stateroom on a cruise ship, since it was completely different than what they expected!

THE BED: The beds, outfitted with new X-hale bedding, were so comfortable! We had a double room, so it came with two twin beds – definitely small but ended up not minding at all. I was not expecting much from them, but ended up being so comfortable that I did not want to get up in the morning. 

THE BATHROOM: Each of the stateroom bathrooms were upgraded with the renovation, and I have to say – I was impressed! Like the rest of the room, the bathrooms also have a sleek, updated look. They are outfitted with modern fixtures, a glass-enclosed shower, and lots of lighting, which really give it that high-end hotel bathroom feel.

The bathroom also comes with refillable full-size toiletries instead of travel-sized bottles, part of Celebrity’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and reduction of single-use plastics.

THE VERANDA: On the Celebrity Millennium, around 50% of the staterooms have balconies. Is a veranda stateroom worth it? 1000000% yes, especially if you are going on an Alaska cruise! 

We sailed by so many fascinating natural wonders, whether it be towering glaciers, majestic snow-capped peaks, or floating icebergs. We were also able to see tons of wildlife, from whales to dolphins to porpoises. 

It was such a magical experience to be able to see all of this right from our stateroom – usually enjoying a room service breakfast, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine! 

Having a balcony and being able to get fresh air whenever I wanted was welcome. This prevented me from becoming claustrophobic, which was what I experienced during my first cruise when I had an inside stateroom (after that, I vowed that I would never book an inside stateroom again if I ever went on another cruise). 

If you are prone to seasickness, having a balcony stateroom can also help  especially if you are expected to sail through choppy waters (as was common while sailing to Alaska).

SERVICE : One thing that set Celebrity apart was the little touches of hospitality that elevated our experience – one example is the little treats that were left on our bed after turndown service, along with the daily announcements and schedule. It was little things like this that made us smile and made our cruise experience memorable!

Anyone who has sailed with Celebrity will tell you that one of the best parts is interacting with the wonderful crew. This was the case for us too – we loved every single crew member we had the pleasure of coming across, who always had a big smile on their face and seemed so happy to be there!

Make friends with your stateroom attendant – not only do these wonderful people work extra hard, they truly go the extra mile to make your experience memorable. We loved our stateroom attendant and seeing him every day always made us smile!

Dining on the Celebrity Millennium

Sampling all (or most) of the dining options aboard the Celebrity Millennium was one of my favorite things about our cruise! I love the fact that Celebrity Cruises places an emphasis on elevated culinary experiences on their ships. 

The food and beverage program is headed up by Cornelius Gallagher, a Michelin-starred chef. In addition, Celebrity has teamed up with Daniel Boulud, himself a Michelin-starred chef, who serves as the cruise line’s Global Culinary Brand Ambassador. 

Here are some things to know about dining on the Celebrity Millennium:

• Dining windows are rather short (especially for lunch), so plan accordingly – if you miss this window, your dining choices become rather limited.
• There is a “Celebrity Select” program available for the main dining room which allows you to select a designated time (early or late) you wish to have your dinner every night. There are also a limited number of anytime spots available. We were also able to walk in, but you may have to wait for a bit.
• Le Petit Chef and Tuscan Grille require a reservation in advance – these fill up pretty early on on the cruise, so book early!
• Most of the nights are designated “smart casual” but there will be one or two nights (depending on the duration of your cruise) that are “evening chic.” Pack a few dressy outfits to wear on those nights.

Complimentary Dining

Metropolitan Dining Room 

The Metropolitan is the main dining room on the Celebrity Millennium, and got a complete makeover when the ship was Revolutionized – and let me tell you, it is absolutely stunning! It’s got the sophisticated look of a high-end restaurant (complete with white tablecloths), without making it stuffy or pretentious.

I loved the soft color palette, but what I loved most was the chandeliers that hang above the staircase – they are modern yet elegant (and took tons of photos there because it was so beautiful). A perfect touch that aligns with the look of the rest of the ship!

We ended up dining at the Metropolitan for all three meals. Breakfast service includes all the same items that are on the room service menu and at the buffet. Lunch and dinner have a rotating selection of items that change daily, as well as a selection of classic standards that stay on the menu every day. 

The menu also features items that represent a variety of cuisines so that you don’t get bored eating the same kind of food every day – I had a teriyaki duck dish one day, and pasta another, and both were delicious! I also had a French Onion Soup that I loved, and a olive oil and orange custard dessert (that I can’t remember the name of) that came highly recommended and was absolutely delicious!

The servers here are super friendly and we had fun getting to know them over the course of a week – they knew us by name and even came over to say hi to us even though we weren’t in their section (this is the kind of service that Celebrity is known for).

Oceanview Cafe

The Oceanview Cafe is the buffet-style restaurant on the Celebrity Millennium, and is an ideal choice for grabbing a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is intended to have the feel of an international marketplace, offering guests a variety of dishes with influences from around the world.

They have a wide variety of stations, including several made-to-order stations (they do made-to-order omelettes during breakfast, and pasta during lunch/dinner). In addition, they have a salad bar, a pizza station (which stays open until 1 a.m. in case you’re looking for a late night snack), a dessert and gelato bar, and more.

I was very impressed with the quality, variety, and especially the presentation of the items at the Oceanview Cafe. They had items that represented a variety of cuisines so you wouldn’t get tired of the items, and they were all top-notch – I especially loved the Indian entrees that were available at lunch! 

The presentation was absolutely gorgeous and made all of the offerings look enticing – I especially loved seeing the setup of the bread station, and the dessert bar! I couldn’t help but take several desserts at once because everything looked so pretty – probably more than I needed, but hey, everything was so delicious!

One thing to note is that in light of the current health situation, a staff member serves you items instead of grabbing them yourself. I was unsure of buffet-style dining prior to the cruise, but felt much more at ease when I discovered that this was the case.

There is ample seating so that you can easily stop in for a quick meal without any wait – we literally had 15 minutes for a quick breakfast before heading out to our excursions and we still had time to grub. There are beautiful views of the water from here (hence the name) – one day, we were even able to see some dolphins and porpoises out the window while enjoying our meal! You also have the option of taking your meal outside to sit at the Sunset Bar.

Pool/Mast Grill

Located near the pool area, the Pool Grill and Mast Grill are ideal for grabbing a quick meal or snack poolside. It is also the only option available in between lunch and dinner. They offer hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries.

We stopped by to grab something to eat after we came back on the ship after our port stop in Ketchikan because we didn’t have time to grab something to eat while in town. We were honestly not expecting much but we were pleasantly surprised – the burgers and hot dogs were delicious! Highly recommend for a quick midafternoon bite to eat.

Did you know that Celebrity Cruises was one of the first cruise lines to offer a spa restaurant? The Spa Cafe is located in the Solarium, right next to the spa, and offers items such as smoothies and acai bowls. While I did not eat at the Spa Cafe, it would be a great spot to grab a quick, healthy, and nourishing breakfast.

Specialty Restaurants

Blu (for AquaClass)

Blu is the exclusive restaurant that is included for AquaClass guests, which focuses on clean, spa-inspired cuisine. It focuses on serving a modern and inventive take on popular dishes, without pretense or fussiness. 

The best part about Blu is the dining room itself – it is stunning! There are big open windows here that add a blue glow to the room (to fit its name), as well as beautiful mosaic chandeliers that hang from above. A blue carpet and blue water glasses accent the room to fit the blue theme as well.

We were able to enjoy two meals at Blu and enjoyed both of them! The first was for dinner, and I ordered a blue cheese souffle appetizer that was one of the absolute favorite things that I ate on the entire cruise! I also had an orecchiette pasta that was solid as well.

Our second meal was a special lunch at Blu, and I ordered a grilled branzino fish, which was cooked to perfection. My friend ordered a surf and turf that she said was her favorite meal from the entire cruise!

Luminae (for SuiteClass)

While we did not dine in the Luminae dining room, we had the opportunity to try their menu one night and it was my favorite meal that I had on the entire cruise! Luminae is the exclusive restaurant for SuiteClass guests, and it’s definitely one good reason to splurge on a suite.

One thing that sets apart Luminae from the other restaurants on board is that it serves a signature menu created by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, the cruise line’s Global Culinary Brand Ambassador. This was something that I was excited about, and is what I ordered.

The first course was a chilled carrot and ginger veloute (kind of like a carrot gazpacho), a popular item at Boulud’s restaurants. They bring out a bowl with small cut pieces of vegetables and shrimp. They pour the soup right over it to finish the dish – such a cool presentation!

The main course was a chicken tagine, which is one of my favorite dishes and Luminae’s version did not disappoint! The chicken was so tender and falling off the bones, and seasoned so perfectly. The saffron cous cous that came with it was the perfect accompaniment.

Dessert was a raspberry pistachio vacherin, which is sort of like a meringue tart. It was super light and refreshing, the perfect way to end a meal!

Sushi on Five

Sushi on Five takes a creative, modern take on Japanese cuisine, serving everything from rolls, nigiri, sashimi, noodle dishes, and more. They also have a wide selection of Japanese sake, Japanese craft beers, and Asian-inspired cocktails.

We ordered the lobster ramen, some rolls, and a chef’s choice sashimi. Everything was super fresh (the fish was fresh-caught from Alaska) and delicious!

The best part about Sushi on Five was the desserts – they were so intriguing that we had to order two of them! We ordered the Matchamisu (a green tea tiramisu) and a caramelized ginger cake with wasabi gelato (yes, wasabi!) – both super creative and the perfect way to end the meal. They really satisfied my sweet tooth!

There are no reservations required and the prices were very reasonable as well.

Le Petit Chef

Le Petit Chef is not just a meal, it is a complete experience! It is a creative take on dinner and a show, using augmented reality and 3D mapping technology to create an animated show directly onto your tabletop.

It is not only an amazing meal, it is such a unique experience! The premise is a cooking competition, in which four different chefs, all from different countries (France, Italy, Spain, Japan) compete for the title of Le Petit Chef.

You’ll get to see each of the chefs create their dishes before each course comes out – it was super cute and fun to watch! Each course was delicious as well. It’s such a unique way to experience a meal, fusing theater with dining, and literally bringing the table to life.

I highly recommend making a reservation for Le Petit Chef, as it is an experience unlike any other!

Tuscan Grille

The Tuscan Grille serves a contemporary yet rustic take on Italian cuisine, with homemade pastas, artisanal salumi, butcher cut meats, USDA Prime dry aged steaks, and more. They also have a regional wine menu, along with Italian-inspired cocktails. While we did not eat at the Tuscan Grille, the people in our group who did really enjoyed it!

On our cruise, the Tuscan Grille also offered a special Daniel Boulud tasting menu event on the last night. If you are interested in this, make your reservations early! My friend Melissa wanted to do this but when she called to make a reservation on the first day of the cruise, they were already booked up. 

Cafe al Bacio

If you’re looking for a little treat or a specialty cup of coffee, head to Cafe al Baccio. You’ll find Italian pastries, gelato, and espresso drinks here for a nominal charge. 

Bars & Lounges

You won’t go thirsty on the Celebrity Millennium – you’ll find a wide variety of bars and lounges, each with their own vibe to suit anyone’s tastes.

Do note that a standard “Everything Included” package comes with a classic beverage package. I’d recommend upgrading to the premium package if you can. This will allow you to order a much larger variety of drinks and specialty cocktails, and includes the Martini Bar, which was one of the highlights of our cruise (more on that in a bit)!

Here is a rundown of all of the bars and lounges available on the Celebrity Millennium:

This may just have been my favorite spot on the ship! Oh, Sunset Bar, I love thee, let me count the ways –

• That gorgeous wooden paneling designed by Nate Berkus
• Like it name suggests, it really is an ideal place to watch the sunset
• Much more chill and relaxed vibe than some of the other bars on the ship (it also never felt crowded)
• Its location on the back of the ship meant that there wasn’t really any wind – it was a nice place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the views without freezing
• The Sangria Spritz – I have no idea how many of these I consumed throughout the duration of the cruise, but it was my favorite! Think an Aperol Spritz crossed with a Sangria – so good and refreshing!

I loved hanging out at the Sunset Bar so much that I ended up coming here multiple times a day every day on our cruise. It’s also attached to the Ocean View buffet, so it was an ideal place to sit and enjoy the view while eating lunch or breakfast (often with a mimosa or Sangria Spritz in hand)! 

Martini Bar

My friend Jen sailed on the Celebrity Edge a few weeks before I set sail on the Millennium, and after watching her Instagram stories, I knew I would be spending a lot of time at the Martini Bar because it looked so cool and SO MUCH FUN!

While the Martini Bar on the Celebrity Millennium is much smaller than on the Edge, you’ll still be in for a really good time and some really amazing drinks here – it is usually the liveliest spot on the ship!

You absolutely MUST order a flight here – the bartenders put on a spectacular show for you as they make and pour the drinks. Our group of eight people ordered three flights and it was such a spectacle to watch our bartender pour all 18 drinks – ALL AT ONCE! I don’t know how they do it, but it was super awesome to watch!

Aside from the flights, they also serve a selection of other really well-made martinis in an array of different flavors and varieties. We were obsessed with the espresso martini here, as well as the Black Forest martini, which was almost like a dessert!

Like the Pool Grill, the Pool Bar is located poolside and is where you’ll want to go if you’re wanting a fruity, frozen cocktail. Ok, so an Alaska cruise didn’t exactly scream “pool weather” but we did end up here for some pina coladas and daiquiris and it totally hit the spot!

Cellar Masters

Cellar Masters features an extensive wine list of over 400 varieties from around the world, hand-picked by Celebrity’s sommeliers. If you love wine, you must head over to Cellar Masters – you’ll find something to suit your tastes and preferences here!

Cellar Masters also has an elegant, refined look with deep red and green accents, along with plush velvet furniture. You’ll also find a selection of tasting events that are hosted here as part of the daily program, such as a Macallan whiskey tasting.

Rendezvous Lounge

Rendezvous Lounge has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the other bars and lounges on the Celebrity Millennium. It is an awesome place to stop by in the evenings for a cocktail, and to listen to some live jazz music.

If you are looking to escape the crowds, stop by the Rendezvous Lounge after the live music sets have ended for the day – you’ll find barely anyone there and the service is super quick! However, the atmosphere is much more different and it is not the same.

During the day, the Rendezvous Lounge is also a great place to go if you need a quiet place to get some work done, read a book, or chill.

Sky Lounge sits on deck 11 of the ship, and comes outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to take in those beautiful ocean views, at any time in the day.

It has a completely vibe depending on when you visit – by day, it is where you can take part in fun, family-friendly activities such as board games, trivia, game shows, etc. It’s also the perfect spot to relax as you gaze at the sea.

By night, it comes alive with live music, DJs, dance parties, and karaoke. The Celebrity Millennium is not much of a party ship (I’m too old for that), but if you’re looking to dance the night away, the Sky Lounge is your spot. The party goes on late into the night!

I had fun participating in all the events that took place in the Sky Lounge, whether it was a round of trivia or an ABBA singalong and dance party. The crowd here was varied and we met tons of awesome people of all ages! 

The drink menu here features a selection of cocktails that are inspired by zodiac signs, and it was fun to see if the drink for your sign matches your personality – mine did not, but I had fun sampling all the drinks for the other signs!

Pools + Whirlpools on the Celebrity Millennium

There are two pool areas on the Celebrity Millennium – the main outdoor pool area on deck 10, as well as the indoor Solarium next to the spa.

The main outdoor area has two pools, as well as a few hot tubs, and looks like something you’d find from a nice hotel or resort. Given that we were on an Alaska cruise and it wasn’t quite pool weather, I didn’t swim in the pool) and only saw like two people in it during the week). It was so inviting though that I tried – I dipped my toes in and immediately retreated because it was COLD!

Because of this, most of the people who wanted to swim ended up in the whirlpools or the Solarium. If you plan to use either, go early! Otherwise, you may have to wait a bit to wait for a hot tub to open up. We went for a soak in the hot tub one morning, and it was the perfect way to start the day! We had to go early in order to get first dibs, because it does tend to fill up the rest of the day. 

We did not get to use the Solarium because it was filled with people at any given time during the day – we even tried to get there early one morning and there were already a bunch of people who beat us. 

While it wasn’t quite pool weather, I appreciated that the pool area had a ton of chairs available – these were perfect for relaxing and taking in the view, enjoying a book, and taking in the sea breeze!

If you’re looking for some pampering, head on over to The Spa, a luxurious sanctuary where you can find bliss and reinvigorate your mind and body. You’ll find a wide array of spa and beauty services at The Spa, including massages, facials, skin treatments, salon services, manicures, and more.

I had a facial at The Spa, and loved my experience! The treatment rooms have a beautiful view of the sea and play soothing music, which allows for immediate relaxation. My facialist was thorough, and even used some cool ultrasonic technology to really purify my skin! She was also helpful in recommending products that I should be using, something that I’ve always been clueless about. My skin literally was glowing afterwards, and has never looked better!

The Spa also has a Persian Garden, which includes several  rooms that create the use of aquatherapy environments, such as steam rooms, soaking tubs, and rain showers. A pass is available for purchase to have access to all of these rooms. I unfortunately ended up not having time to use the Persian Garden, but got a tour of it and wished I did – a few that were in a group did, and said it was so relaxing and rejuvenating!

Also attached to the spa area is the fitness center, which features a collection of high-end workout equipment and machines, including Peloton bikes.

The Retreat

Included for SuiteClass guests, the Retreat features an exclusive lounge and a private sundeck. We got to check out the Retreat, and really enjoyed our experience!

The Retreat lounge sits on deck 4, and has a quiet space with complimentary small bites, a separate bar area, and a dedicated concierge. There was hardly anyone else in the lounge while we were there (just one other group), and it was an awesome place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship. 

The provided snacks were delicious and beautifully presented, and the service was so friendly and attentive – we enjoyed chatting with the staff here.

The Retreat sundeck is on the top deck of the ship, and is a chic, open-air hideaway with plenty of comfortable lounge chairs, as well as a private hot tub. While the main hot tub was usually full, the one at the sundeck was available even midday. 

Another thing that I liked about the sundeck was that it had tall panels that blocked the wind, making it an ideal place to sit and soak in the sunshine.

You can also order light meals and drinks from the exclusive menu offered at the Retreat sundeck.

Activities + Entertainment on the Celebrity Millennium

There are so many activities and entertainment options offered on the Celebrity Millennium that you won’t have time to be bored. Each day’s calendar is filled with so many events, lectures, activities, and shows that will suit anyone’s tastes and preferences!

One thing that I found handy is that you can build your own “schedule” within the Celebrity app – you can review the daily events, and add the ones that interest you to your own personal schedule so that you don’t forget about them!

Daytime activities on board included lectures, games, trivia, puzzle games (i.e. sudoku), dance classes, and more. There were also a few matinee shows, as well as live music sets in some of the ship’s lounges and in the pool area.

One thing that I really enjoyed and felt enriched our time on shore were the lectures offered on board. For our Alaska cruise, they were by a naturalist, who talked about the area’s wildlife, and a historian, who spoke about the history and culture of each port stop. We learned so much and it really enhanced our time in Alaska! If your cruise offers these lectures, absolutely do not miss them.

The evening entertainment program included a variety of musical and shows. On our sailing, I attended a musical of Broadway songs, a Boogie Wonderland musical (with disco music), a live band performance by Savannah Jack, and a comedy show which was essentially a roast of the captain by the cruise director. There was also an acrobat show that I wanted to see, but unfortunately missed.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed all of the performances – I was afraid that the entertainment would be cheesy (as is the stereotype for cruise ship shows), but I really enjoyed every single one that I saw! I was also impressed by the talent and abilities by all the performers on board.

I am not much of a gambler so I did not play in the Casino, but if you are looking to try lady luck, there are a variety of state-of-the-art slot machines and table games here. The Casino was one of the venues that was updated when the ship was revolutionized, so it features a sleek new design as well as an eye-catching bar.

Shopaholic? The Celebrity Millennium has a retail corridor on deck 5, with a wide array of shops and boutiques. You’ll find everything from designer clothing, fine jewelry, beauty products, high-end watches, and even Apple products.

On our Alaska cruise, they also had a sale of Alaska-themed items, such as hats and shirts, that made perfect souvenirs at a low price. I had no idea about this until a few others in our group told me that they found some awesome souvenirs to take home and was sad that I’d missed it. Check to see if your sailing offers something like this, and do not miss out!

Did you find this Celebrity Millennium review helpful? What are you looking forward to most?

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Caroline is a Southern California based traveler, writer, and photographer. She travels all around California, the US, and the world in search of the most colorful places, the most delicious food, and bucket-list adventures. Her aim is to inspire other travelers discover how to add more adventure and joy to their lives. On Pictures & Words, you’ll find detailed guides + itineraries, along with vibrant photos to help you plan the the most epic trips. When she’s not traveling, Caroline also runs half marathons.

Monday 7th of March 2022

Thanks so very much for your comprehensive review. I set sail in may and you have answered just about all of my questions about the millennium.

Thank you for the feedback, Gina! I hope you have an amazing time on your sailing.

I went on a 8-day cruise to Alaska. Here are 12 things that surprised me the most.

• I sailed on the Celebrity Millennium around Alaska as my first cruise since the height of COVID-19.
• Even though it was summer, it was quite chilly outside, and the sun would set as late as 10 p.m.
• I found out I could get meals from the main dining room ordered to my stateroom for dinner.

I sailed on the Celebrity Millennium for eight days.

My family of six took a cruise to Alaska on the Celebrity Millennium , which took us to places like Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and the Hubbard Glacier.

Even though I've been on five cruises with my family, this was the first one since the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and there were some things I didn't expect about the overall experience.

Even though it was summer, it was still cold and sometimes too foggy to see anything.

When most people book a cruise in the summer , they picture days lounging by the pool, drinking frozen margaritas, and wearing shorts.

The ports we visited in Alaska were all pretty warm, but days at sea were quite cold. It was often too windy to enjoy any of the outdoor activities, such as movies at the outside cinema or games by the pool deck. 

We were also looking forward to sailing through Alaska's picturesque Inside Passage, but it was too foggy to see anything.

There were blanket stations throughout the pool deck — I grabbed a few to stay warm on my stateroom balcony, too — and on our very cold journey to Hubbard Glacier, the crew passed out hot chocolate to everyone outside.

I thought there would be more food options available throughout the day.

Although there was plenty of specialty dining for dinner and a massive buffet on the pool deck, we'd occasionally come back tired and hungry from our excursions and realize there was nowhere unique to eat until our set meal time.

The buffet was closed between lunch and dinner, except for the pizza bar. Even the burger station on the pool deck wasn't available. 

I'm glad I packed eye masks for sleeping.

In Alaska, the sun rose as early as 3 a.m. and set as late as 10 p.m.

Since the sun was out so late, I didn't feel tired, but bringing an eye mask helped me maintain a regular sleep schedule .

I'd definitely recommend packing one, especially if you're a light sleeper like me.

Even though the ship provided hand sanitizer and masks, I didn't see many guests using them.

As this was my first cruise since the pandemic, I was curious about what health protocols would be put in place, if any. For example, guests needed a negative COVID-19 test to board the ship. We also provided proof of vaccination. 

I didn't notice any social-distancing measures on board, but I saw staff frequently wipe down buttons, tables, and other frequently touched surfaces. Plus, there was hand sanitizer near the dining areas.

I also appreciated that they gave guests reusable masks with Celebrity branding, but I rarely saw anyone wearing them. Every staff member I saw was masked, though.

The onboarding process and safety briefing was surprisingly easy.

Unlike many other cruise lines I've sailed with, Celebrity only required us to watch a video and check in at the muster station as part of our mandatory safety briefing.

We checked in there with the staff as soon as we stepped on the ship and were then free to wander and go to our staterooms, making this the quickest briefing I've ever experienced.

Since our stateroom was part of the concierge class, we also got to enjoy an exclusive lunch in the main dining room. Overall, it was by far the smoothest embarkation process I've experienced. 

We used our phones a lot more than I expected.

Passengers could book dining reservations, check the daily itinerary, and even look at dinner menus in advance through Celebrity's app.

The general cruise fare included a basic Wi-Fi package, which pretty much only worked for the app.

We used the messaging feature to stay connected, setting up a group chat to let each other know where on the boat to meet and send reminders about dinner reservations or excursion times . 

It was important to keep my phone charged to stay connected with my family and easily know what was happening around the ship.

We drank so much coffee.

Celebrity offers passengers a basic drink package as part of the original fare.

My family stuck with the classic drinks package , which covered any drink up to $9. If we wanted to buy beverages that weren't part of our fare, like a premium cocktail , we only had to pay the difference.

I don't drink a lot of alcohol, but fortunately, the ship had a coffee shop that was covered by my package. Having access to unlimited iced lattes and specialty hot teas was a major highlight.

People were casually dressed in the main dining room.

Although there were signs about not wearing flip-flops or shorts in the dining room, that definitely didn't stop anyone.

I noticed a lot of guests not following the dress code during dinner but still being allowed in the dining room. 

Additionally, the formal nights called for "evening chic," which Celebrity describes as a "modern take on dressing up," listing cocktail dresses and designer jeans as examples.

Some passengers wore dresses and heels, but I was able to opt for sandals and a sundress, which was more comfortable.

I could've ordered pretty much any meal to my stateroom with room service, even food from the main dining room.

One night, I started to feel bloated from the amount of food we'd been eating and skipped dining in the main room.

My parents let me know that our waiter asked if I wanted any food sent to me. 

I could've ordered anything from the main dining room — even a plate of beef Wellington — and had it delivered to my stateroom.

Taking the steps to make our room feel like a home made a huge difference.

We brought magnetic hooks to hang our laundry bags, and my brother and dad hung a shoe rack over their connecting door to maximize space.

To further personalize our room, we placed magnets that we purchased at various ports on our stateroom door.

By day six, we started to run out of things to do.

Since this was a trip to Alaska and it was usually too cold to lounge on the pool deck or swim, we were surprised by the lack of onboard activities — especially during sea days.

We attended our fair share of trivia sessions, as well as silent disco nights, but would've enjoyed more options like bingo or mini golf.

Le Petit Chef was an adorable specialty-dining experience that felt worth the price.

Normally, my parents stick to eating dinner in the main dining room instead of the specialty restaurants, but when we found out Le Petit Chef — an immersive 3D dining show featuring "the smallest chef in the world" — was offered on board, we booked a reservation right away. 

The dining experience, which cost around $55 per person, features a cartoon chef that's projected onto the table and plates.

It was surprisingly heartwarming, and the food was pretty delicious , especially after watching the little animated chef cook it in front of us.

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Alaska Cruisetours

Alaska cruisetours overview.

View the charts below to help you select the Cruisetour that best fits your individual interests and vacation plans. Each chart shows the duration of each Cruisetour, the activities included, and the cities visited. Cruisetours are numbered and lettered with “A” for tours that occur after the cruise, or “B” for tours that occur before the cruise.

Alaska Cruisetour Overview

• 2025 Cruisetours
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Denali Express Cruisetour 11A

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour, Railway Talkeetna to Anchorage

2025 Departures — May 9, May 23, Jun 6, Jun 20, Jul 4, Jul 18, Aug 1, Aug 15, Aug 29

Talkeetna Treasures Cruisetour 1A

Included Experiences — Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Anchorage to Talkeetna

Talkeetna Treasures Cruisetour 1B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 1A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sep 2

Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour 2A

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Denali to Fairbanks, Fairbanks City Tour, Gold Dr

Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour 2B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 2A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruisetour 3A

Included Experiences — Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Wildlife Conservation Center

Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruisetour 3B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 3A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 26, Jun 9, Jun 23, Jul 7, Jul 21, Aug 4, Aug 18, Sep 1

Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruisetour 4A

Included Experiences — Tundra Wilderness Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruisetour 4B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 4A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Alaska Mountain Medley Cruisetour 5A

Included Experiences — Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Anchorage to Talkeetna

Alaska Mountain Medley Cruisetour 5B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 5A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 25, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17, Aug 31

Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour 6A

Included Experiences — Kenai Fjords National Parks Cruise, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Riverboat Discovery Cruise, and more

Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour 6B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 6A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour 7A

Included Experiences — Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Anchorage City Tour, Anchorage Museum, and more.

Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour 7B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 7A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 24, Jun 7, Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 19, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30

Great Frontier Expedition Cruisetour 8A

Included Experiences — Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, and more.

Great Frontier Expedition Cruisetour 8B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 8A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Tastes Of Alaska Cruisetour 9A

Included Experiences — Seward Dock Walk & Salmon Tasting, Alaska Native Heritage Center & Eskimo Ice Cream, more.

Tastes Of Alaska Cruisetour 9B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 9A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Homer Discovery And Heartland Wildlife Cruisetour 10A

Included Experiences — Homer Dock WalkIslands & Oceans Center, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour and more.

Homer Discovery And Heartland Wildlife Cruisetour 10B

Denali express 11a.

2024 Departures — May 10, May 24, Jun 7, Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 19, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30

2024 Departures — May 28, Jun 11, Jun 25, Jul 9, Jul 23, Aug 6, Aug 20, Sep 3

2024 Departures — May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sep 2

2024 Departures — May 10*, May 24, Jun 7, Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 19, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30 *May 10 includes Denali Natural History Tour in place of Tundra Wilderness Tour

2024 Departures — May 26, Jun 9, Jun 23, Jul 7, Jul 21, Aug 4, Aug 18, Sep 1

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour 6A

The great national parks expedition cruisetour 6b.

2024 Departures — May 25, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17, Aug 31

The Great Frontier Expedition 8A

The great frontier expedition 8b, authentic tastes of alaska 9a, authentic tastes of alaska 9b.

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Celebrity Millennium Itineraries

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Celebrity Millennium’s itineraries take you to unforgettable destinations around the world.

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Celebrity Millennium® as it sails through the enchanting waters of Asia, showcasing the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of South Korea, Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. 

Discover the captivating blend of tradition and modernity in South Korea, unwind on the pristine beaches of Bali, explore the rich history of Kuala Lumpur, experience the futuristic allure of Singapore, marvel at the skyline of Hong Kong, and discover the diverse tapestry of India's cities. Explore the best of Southern Japan with visits to iconic landmarks like Kyoto's historic temples and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Dive deeper into the rich tapestry of Japan with immersive experiences in bustling Tokyo and scenic vistas of Mount Fuji. Venture into Northeast Asia to witness the dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity in cities like Seoul and Taipei. Delve into the enchanting cultures of India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the tranquil shores of Phuket. 

With Celebrity Millennium's luxurious amenities and unparalleled service, each destination becomes a memorable highlight on this extraordinary journey.

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

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• Norovirus outbreak reported on Celebrity Summit ship's Alaskan...

Norovirus outbreak reported on Celebrity Summit ship's Alaskan cruise

Celebrity Cruises reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Millennium-class vessel Celebrity Summit during her 7-night Alaskan voyage from Vancouver BC Canada , to Seward Alaska (May 24 to May 31, 2024).

The USA's agency CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) identifies norovirus as the primary cause of gastroenteritis in the United States, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. On this cruise, 68 out of 2264 passengers and 5 out of 943 crew members were affected.

Despite the contagious nature of norovirus, which typically lasts one to three days and often resolves without medical intervention, only a small percentage of those on board experienced symptoms. Passenger ships are required to report potential outbreaks to the CDC under specific conditions, including voyages longer than 3 days, 100+ passengers onboard, and at least 3% of passengers exhibiting symptoms.

During the voyage, many passengers remained unaffected and continued to enjoy the scheduled stops at Hubbard Glacier , Juneau , Skagway , Icy Strait Point , and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Cruise lines enforce sanitation protocols to mitigate the risk of outbreaks. Passengers can further protect themselves through frequent hand washing, particularly before meals and after contact with high-touch surfaces. While preventing outbreaks entirely is the goal, established procedures ensure swift management to minimize disease transmission.

The gastrointestinal outbreak on the Celebrity Summit highlights the critical role of preventive measures and rapid response protocols in maintaining passenger safety and enjoyment during cruise vacations.

For more Celebrity Summit incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .

7 amazing cruise itineraries to book in 2024

I don't know about you, but each year, as the weather turns cold, I start daydreaming about getting out of Dodge — or, in my case, Pennsylvania. My mind wanders to cruises that will take me to places where the temperature is warmer, but I also take a hard look at the (exceptionally lengthy) list of places I'm longing to visit.

After digging through what's new for 2024, I've come up with a shortlist of sailings that I think are noteworthy. They range from a standard Bahamas voyage with a new twist and an extended Alaska sailing that includes a foray across the Arctic Circle to more far-flung destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dream on, dear reader, and add these to your list of 2024 cruise itineraries.

Note: All prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Fares do not include taxes and fees.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Seabourn's 'Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas' itinerary

Last year, the Australia and New Zealand cruise region gained momentum following the pandemic shutdown. In 2024, the hardly populated Australia region of The Kimberley is gaining popularity. Luxury cruise brand Seabourn will be offering a series of six 10-night voyages between Broome and Darwin on expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit during what will be early winter in the southern hemisphere.

The line's " Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas " will take passengers to places along the coast few passengers are able to visit to see the stunning teal waters and horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay, sample wines in the Hunter River Region and check out nature preserves in Wyndham.

Details: The first sailing, from Darwin to Broome, embarks on June 12. The final voyage, from Broome to Darwin, departs on Aug. 1. Prices start from $6,134 per person ($613 per person, per night), double occupancy, for the July 2 cruise. All accommodations are suites with balconies.

Celebrity's 'Best of Japan' and 'Vietnam and Thailand' cruises

The number of voyages in Asia was trending upward notably prior to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought cruising in the region to an extended halt. And it's once again on the rise. Following that curve, Celebrity Cruises will be running new 11- to 13-night Asia sailings in 2024 on two ships — Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice — that bring stops in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

What's notable about the offerings is that they will aim to immerse passengers further into the destinations by including overnights in a total of 11 ports across all itineraries. That means more time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter as the sun sets, indulge in nighttime gastronomy in Hong Kong, visit one of Bangkok's many markets, or learn why Osaka is known for street food.

Details: Celebrity Millennium's " Best of Japan " cruises run from early mid-March to early October. At press time, the least expensive fares — for a 12-night sailing — start from $1,330 per person ($111 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. It travels round-trip from Yokohama and visits Hiroshima, Pusan and other ports, including Osaka, where the ship will overnight.

Celerbrity Solstice's Vietnam and Thailand cruises kick off in mid-January and run through March. The ship will resume them again in the fall of 2024 and run through the winter season. Prices start from $1,255 per person ($105 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. The voyage sails from Hong Kong to Singapore with stops in Da Nang and Koh Samui, plus overnights in Hanoi and Bangkok.

SeaDream's 'Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles' sailing

Here's one to put on your radar if you're looking to book — but not necessarily sail — in 2024. It's a new Mediterranean itinerary that doesn't start up for nearly three more years, in 2026. The SeaDream routing brings stops at seven ports that are rarely visited by cruise passengers. During the seven-night voyages, there will be calls at Primosten, Croatia; Cesme, Turkey; Cetubal, Portugal; and Kythira, Kythnos, Syvota and Tinos, Greece — making these sailings unique and well-suited to anyone who loves the region but who's looking for new places to experience.

SeaDream's small ships, each of which carries just 112 people, are able to reach locales about which passengers on megaships can only fantasize. Couple that with excellent service, and you'll be visiting the Our Lady of Loretto statue in Primosten, touring the Cesme Castle and lounging on stunning Greek beaches from a home base that puts you squarely in the lap of luxury.

Details: An itinerary that includes three of the seven new ports is the 11-night " Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles " itinerary from Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece, departing on Aug. 8, 2026, on SeaDream I. Prices start from $10,399 per person ($946 per person, per night) for a room with a porthole view.

Holland America's 'Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice' Legendary Voyage

Alaska is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the vastness of untouched wilderness, the wildlife it houses and adventurous pursuits it provides. (Think whale-watching, hiking on glaciers and salmon fishing.) However, Holland America 's Westerdam is hosting a 28-day sailing that's anything but your standard cruise to the Last Frontier .

Passengers will visit the usual Alaska ports, such as Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, with scenic sailing through the Inside Passage, past Hubbard Glacier and to Glacier Bay. But they can also expect less-common stops at places like Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage (with an overnight) and Homer. Plus, about halfway through, this cruise crosses the Arctic Circle — a rite of passage for many travelers.

Details: Holland America's 28-day " Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice " cruise — one of the line's Legendary Voyages, known for longer durations and a unique mix of port calls — sails June 9-July 7, round-trip from Seattle. Inside cabins start from $5,299 per person (about $189 per person, per night).

Silversea's summertime French Polynesia cruises

Another consideration for future travel is Silversea Cruises , which is featuring its first full-summer season in French Polynesia in 2026. Silver Whisper will offer two immersive itineraries, including overnights, across 17 voyages between April and September.

Passengers can choose seven-night sailings that visit idyllic favorites like Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine and which also include overnights in Bora Bora. Or, they can cruise for twice as long by selecting a 14-night voyage that calls on the same ports as the seven-night option but with Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona and Tahuata added.

Details: Silversea's seven-night voyages begin April 6, 2026, and start from $5,650 per person ($808 per person, per night) for an ocean-view cabin.

The line's 14-night sailings start on April 20, 2026. Fares start from $10,450 per person ($747 per person, per night) for ocean-view accommodations.

New Bermuda voyages on Carnival Venezia

Beginning in May of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Venezia will sail a series of eight four- and five-night cruises to Bermuda from New York. These itineraries are notable because the line is aiming to increase its presence there but also because the style of the ship is new to even most of the brand's most dedicated passengers.

In 2022, Carnival announced its Costa by Carnival concept after revealing it would be transferring ships from its Costa sister brand to the Carnival fleet. Now, when travelers visit the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse or check out the island's renowned pink-sand beaches during a sailing on Carnival Venezia, they can enjoy both the Italian style of the ship and Carnival's fun atmosphere and high service standards.

Details: Voyages kick off on May 22, 2025. Prices start from $429 per person ($108 per person, per night) for an inside cabin on a four-night cruise departing Sept. 18, 2025.

Disney Cruise Line's Lighthouse Point itineraries

Disney Cruise Line 's new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , a private destination on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, is set to open in June with a three-night preview sailing on June 6 aboard Disney Magic. Following the initial voyage, the line will run regular three- to seven-night voyages to Lighthouse Point on Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

The island will feature a dedicated family beach and water play area, an arts and culture pavilion focused on Bahamian culture, 20 family cabanas, an adults-only beach and a selection of shore excursion options.

Details: Prices for itineraries that include Lighthouse Point start from $624 per person ($208 per person, per night) for a three-night cruise on Disney Magic. The cruise departs Nov. 5 and sails from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.