Celebrity Alaska Cruises

Discover the wonders of Alaska with Celebrity Cruises! With various cruise options, from short getaways to immersive cruise tours, sail along the stunning Alaskan coastline and experience the grandeur of Denali National Park, all on one incredible journey. Choose from one-way voyages between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, round-trip sailings from Vancouver or Seattle, or combined land tours with cruises that extend to Anchorage or Fairbanks, Celebrity Cruises has the perfect Alaskan cruise for every travel style and duration.

The best time to visit Alaska is during its summer season, between May and September. June is usually the driest month with the finest weather. During summer, you'll enjoy long hours of daylight to appreciate the forests, mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.

Spring: In late April, Alaska wakes up after winter. Bears emerge from hibernation and wildflowers start to bloom. Snow covers the mountains, and glaciers shine. Gray whales and orcas feed in the waters. Spring can be the best time to visit Alaska if you don't mind the cold. Don't forget to pack walking shoes and waterproofs!

Summer: This is the best time to visit Alaska for adventurous activities such as glacier trekking and float plane excursions. Alaska's summer is short, from June to mid-August. You could spot seals with pups and bears with cubs during this time. Salmon are spawning, peaking in July, when bears come down to the rivers to feast, and the landscape is lush and green.

Fall: In Alaska, fall runs from mid-August to mid-October with temperatures ranging from 50 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. By the end of August, the brilliant colors of the fall foliage begin to emerge as the leaves turn scarlet and ochre. The salmon runs are almost over, but bears are gorging on what's left to fatten up for the winter. Humpback whales migrate here from Hawaii for the summer and stay around until September, and by night, you can spot the Northern Lights shimmering in the sky.

Winter: Winters in Alaska, from November through March, are bitterly cold, with an eerie beauty. Winter sports fans and aurora chasers visit between October and April, which are low-season months. Dense snow covers the mountains and the tundra, and days are short.

Whale Watching

An Alaska whale-watching cruise is one of the best ways to see the world's largest mammals in their natural habitat. During an Alaskan vacation, you'll spot humpback whales, orcas, and gray and blue whales splashing in the water from a front-row seat. By spring, most whales have made their way up the coastline of North America and have arrived in Alaska, where they'll feed and teach their offspring how to hunt until the early fall.

The best whale-watching ports of call are typically Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka in Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. Celebrity Cruises offers whale-watching shore excursions as part of their Alaska cruise packages. You can choose from luxury catamarans, zodiac inflatables, or special safari vessels. With a naturalist guide on board, you'll learn about the fascinating world of these giants of the sea in their natural habitat.

Ports

Ketchikan: In Ketchikan, travelers can explore a beautiful town surrounded by the Tongass Forest and overlooked by Deer Mountain. The town is known for its salmon, Northwest totem poles, and vibrant houses along Creek Street. There are plenty of activities available, including sea kayaking, mountain hikes, and float plane rides over Misty Fjords. Visitors can sample delicious salmon and explore the ancient history of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

Sitka: When you embark on a cruise to Sitka, Alaska, you'll find yourself between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Sitka is surrounded by natural beauty and is a prime location for spotting wildlife. The town lies on Baranof Island and is covered by the dense Tongass Forest. The combination of Sitka's stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture makes it a must-visit destination on any Alaska cruise itinerary.

Icy Strait Point: Voyages to Icy Strait Point in Alaska will bring you to a pristine, forested area on Chichagof Island, about 40 miles from Juneau. This remote location is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, with many opportunities to explore the natural landscapes. Choose your excitement during your Alaskan voyage to Icy Strait Point, from ziplining over the forest canopy to guided hikes in search of bears, sea kayaking, and enjoying local cuisine while learning about the rich culture and folklore from the Tlingit guides.

Celebrity Alaska Cruise Ships

• Celebrity Edge Celebrity Edge is now one of the first resorts at sea to receive a Recommended Rating from Forbes Travel Guide. This ship represents a new approach to ship design, with every step completed in 3-D for the most refined ship at sea. Their unique design allows for a stronger connection to the sea and the destinations you will visit, from the Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas to the reimagined, terraced pool deck. Celebrity Edge also offers high-speed connectivity with the world's most advanced broadband satellite internet for a better onboard experience.
• Celebrity Solstice Experience a vacation like no other aboard Celebrity Solstice. Relax and enjoy unforgettable spaces, world-class amenities, and all of the distinct features that make Celebrity extraordinary. Enjoy dining options that include distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef and the most-awarded wine collection at sea. Play your favorite outdoor games, catch a concert, or just take in some sun at The Lawn Club. Invigorate your senses and discover amazing soothing spa treatments at The Spa.
• Celebrity Summit The Celebrity Summit has been redesigned and is now recommended by Forbes Travel Guide. Changes include new staterooms, updated design concepts, advanced technology, and The Retreat experience. The ship also has modernized bathrooms, restaurants, lounges, The Spa, and retail boutiques. Celebrity Summit is sailing with the world's most advanced broadband satellite internet to bring you high-speed connectivity for a better onboard experience.

Celebrity Alaska Cruise Excursions

• Whale and Seafood Feast: The high-speed whale cruise to the Point Adolphus area guarantees whale sightings. The cruise also offers the chance to see orca whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, porpoises, and bald eagles. The onboard guide provides information about the diverse marine life in the area. After the cruise, there's a seafood feast at Icy Strait Point, followed by the opportunity to roast marshmallows and make s'mores around a campfire.
• Glacier Wilderness Exploration: The tour vessel provides a comfortable setting for wildlife viewing and narration by an onboard naturalist. The region is rich in wildlife and scenic beauty, with opportunities for up-close animal encounters and exploration of the coastline and islands. The tour offers beautiful views of rocky coastlines, rainforests, and snow-capped mountains, culminating in a close approach to the active Hubbard Glacier, known for its impressive calving displays. Overall, the tour promises an unforgettable experience.
• Alaska State Museum and Salmon Bake: Visit the Alaska State Museum to explore the captivating exhibits and take a trip through the state's history. After that, go to the Salmon Bake to indulge in a lavish meal under an outdoor shelter in the rainforest. Enjoy wild grilled Alaskan salmon, grilled chicken, Caesar salad with salmon, coleslaw, baked beans, rice pilaf, cheesy potatoes, and cornbread, and finish off with blueberry cake. The tour ends at the Salmon Bake, and guests are free to stay as long as they like and eat as much as they want.
• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: The Ketchikan Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show features world-class timber athletes competing in chopping, sawing, tree climbing, log rolling, and axe throwing. The show provides entertainment while showcasing Alaskan logging history. The event takes place in the waterfront shopping district just a few blocks from the port and offers comfortable heated, cushioned, and covered grandstand seating for spectators.
• Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer: Experience the wilds of Misty Fjords aboard a luxurious sightseeing boat. Enjoy complimentary snacks as you glide past the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords, stop to view a Bald Eagle nest and a Tlingit pictograph, and witness Eddystone Rock, a volcanic wonder rising from the sea as your expert guide talks about the history, geology, and wildlife of this breathtaking landscape.
• Sea Otters, Raptors, and Bears Oh My Sitka: The day begins with a three-hour boat ride through Sitka Sound, as you enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages onboard and hear about the local ecosystem from a naturalist guide. You might see whales, sea otters, Stellar sea lions, porpoises, and harbor seals in the water, as well as rehabilitated birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center. Finally, stop by the Fortress of the Bear and take a look at the life of the Alaskan brown and black bear.
• Alaska's Whales, Glaciers, and Rainforest Walk: This tour in Juneau combines a trip to Mendenhall Glacier with wildlife viewing on the water. You'll hike through the temperate rainforest with a guide, past waterfalls, and salmon streams, and potentially see wildlife like bears and eagles. Then, a boat tour with a knowledgeable captain will take you out to see whales and other marine animals in their natural habitat. This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the best of Alaska's wilderness, from glaciers to wildlife.
• Hoonah Sightseeing: Explore the fascinating history of the Indigenous Tlingit community and visit the nearby village of Hoonah at Icy Strait Point. Travel through the small fishing village on Chichagof Island, where you will learn about the rich oral traditions and the hunter-gatherer culture of the "people of the tides." Your guide will share insights into the group's art, spirituality, and cuisine.

Ports for Celebrity Cruises to Alaska

Celebrity Alaska Cruises from Seward, United States

Anchorage is the biggest city in Alaska with small docks and terminals for ferries and private charters. Still, the two main ports for cruise ships are Seward and Whittier, Seward being the most popular option for cruise sailings.

Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: Seward serves as a major hub for Alaska cruises, with the convenience of the nearby Alaska Railroad and Seward Highway. Many cruise lines offer shuttles from the airport to the terminal, and you can also opt for a train via an Alaska cruise tour. For those looking to explore the area, renting a car is a convenient option. Additionally, the Park Connection bus system provides a Seward Express route from Anchorage to Seward. The bus departs twice daily and reaches Seward approximately three hours after departure.

Many Alaska cruise tours include a train ride to the Seward cruise terminal through the Alaska Railroad. Starting from Anchorage, the train goes along Turnagain Arm, and after a quick stop in Girdwood, the train heads to the remote wilderness, which many people believe is the most picturesque part of the entire Railbelt.

Whittier Cruise Port Terminal: The terminal is located about a ninety-minute drive southeast of Anchorage. Its intriguing military past and the beautiful surroundings of Prince William Sound make it a wonderful starting point for an Alaskan cruise. If you're driving and not dropping the car to a rental facility, you can park at a supervised lot on Whittier Street, a short walk south of the Small Boat Harbor and cruise dock.

You can pay with cash, checks, Visa, Discover, and Mastercard, but not American Express. The closest airport to Whittier is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which is about a 90-minute drive from the town's cruise port. Taxis and rideshare services are available outside the airport terminals but keep in mind that taxi rides to Whittier can be quite expensive.

There's no direct bus from Anchorage airport to the Whittier cruise ship terminal. However, you can take the Municipality of Anchorage bus, which stops at the airport and in downtown Anchorage. From there, you'll need to hop on the Park Connection Motorcoach from the Dena'ina Civic Center. The bus ride takes about two hours and drops you off at the Whittier Alaska cruise port.

How to spend time in Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, offers a unique blend of urban energy and untamed wilderness. If you're looking for cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or a taste of both, Anchorage has something for you.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit refuge committed to Alaska's wildlife protection. They take in orphaned and injured animals and provide them with a permanent home. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and Alaska's beautiful wildlife, the Conservation Center offers a peaceful and scenic setting for the ultimate Alaska experience.

The Alaska Botanical Garden is a 110-acre botanical garden located inside the Far North Bicentennial Park. Here you'll see the beauty of Alaska's native flora, featuring over 1,100 species of perennials in the Upper and Lower Perennial Gardens, including 150 native Alaskan species, an herb garden, a rock garden with over 350 types of alpine plants, and a wildflower walk.

The Anchorage Market is Alaska's largest outdoor market, running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from mid-May to mid-September. At the Anchorage Market, you'll find Alaska Grown vegetables & fruits; Alaska Grown meat; fish and seafood; cakes, cookies, donuts, and more. The market is located in the heart of Downtown Anchorage at the Dimond Center Mall and offers a clean, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Celebrity Alaska Cruises from Seattle, United States

Seattle cruise port is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, with a backdrop of Washington state forests, mountains, and sparkling Puget Sound, Seattle has been the natural gateway to Alaska for more than a hundred years.

To get from the airport to the cruise terminals, you can find rideshares and taxis on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage. Another option is to purchase a transfer from your cruise line for bus transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal. You can also take the LINK Light Rail, an inexpensive transportation option that will take you from the airport to Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. From there, rideshare or taxi services can take you directly to your terminal.

You can take advantage of Port Valet, a complimentary luggage transfer service available at the end of your cruise. Your departure flight must be on the same day you disembark the ship so you can enjoy Seattle luggage-free and skip check-in lines at the airport

How to spend time in Seattle

Seattle is a fantastic place to start your cruise. Not only is it a beautiful city with lots to offer, but it's also conveniently located for exploring the area before your trip. Here's a quick rundown of the port: it is just 15 miles away from Sea-Tac Airport, Seattle's port has two cruise terminals with a third one on the way. This port welcomes over 1.2 million passengers and handles more than 200 cruise ship arrivals every year. Seattle's terminals are separated by a few miles. Pier 66 is within walking distance of downtown and the famous Pike Place Market and Pier 91 is just about three miles up the waterfront.

Seattle Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the ocean at the Seattle Aquarium. Located on Seattle's beautiful waterfront, this aquarium offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Discover the incredible aquatic life of the Puget Sound and beyond. Learn about fascinating animals, from playful otters to majestic sharks. The Seattle Aquarium is currently expanding with the Ocean Pavilion, set to open in summer 2024!

Seattle Great Wheel: Light up your night at the Seattle Great Wheel! This iconic landmark is lit up with over half a million LED lights, creating stunning shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from dusk until 10 pm. You can enjoy vibrant displays in the middle of the evening or appreciate the classic ring beam illumination during the rest of the week. For an extra dose of spectacle, don't miss the special themed light shows on holidays and game days! Combine breathtaking views with captivating music for an unforgettable Seattle experience.

Pike Place Market: For over 100 years, Pike Place Market has been the heart and soul of Seattle. Stretching across nine historic acres downtown, it's a vibrant hub where locals and visitors can shop, eat, explore, and experience the true spirit of the city. This historic landmark, established in 1907, is one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the US. Its lifeblood comes from the hundreds of farmers, artisans, small shops, and even residents who consider the Market their home.

Celebrity Alaska Cruises from Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver's cruise terminal is a popular starting point for Alaskan adventures, with nearly a million passengers passing through each year from late April to September. Throughout the summer, this award-winning port becomes a bustling hub for cruises, hosting almost 300 ship visits annually. Cruise lines choose Vancouver for its northern location, convenient amenities, and stunning surroundings. From this port, passengers embark on one-way and round-trip Alaskan cruises that traverse the breathtaking Inside Passage along the scenic coastline of British Columbia.

Before arriving at the cruise terminal, remember to check your travel documents. International travelers should make sure to obtain the necessary ETA or ESTA. Upon arrival, label your luggage with your ship name and keep your passport and medications with you. Head to the check-in counter to verify your ID and boarding information. Passengers will go through security screening before boarding the ship. If disembarking in Vancouver, complete a declaration card and clear Canadian customs.

Drivers picking up or dropping off cruise passengers at the Canada Place parkade can enjoy a complimentary 15-minute window. For longer stays, you'll need to find a parking stall and pay the fee using an on-site machine or online. The parkade offers long-term parking options for vehicles under the height restriction (6'6" on Level P1, 6'9" on Level P2).

How to spend time in Vancouver

If you only have a few hours to spare before or after your cruise or an entire day, there are plenty of fun things to do in Vancouver near the Canada Place cruise terminal.

Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tours: Many post-cruise excursions in Vancouver offer a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, and for good reason. It is the easiest way to see the top tourist spots in the city in a short amount of time. Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing's Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour picks up at Canada Place and covers the city on two separate loops, one through the downtown core and one that includes Stanley Park and Granville Island. If you need a place to store your bags during the tour, ask at the cruise terminal about short-term luggage storage and airport transfers.

Go on a Museum Excursion: Explore the Science World at Telus World of Science. Permanent galleries feature interactive exhibits on the human body, physics, and illusions. Live science shows entertain visitors of all ages on the Peter Brown Family Centre Stage. Families can explore Science World together, and adults can enjoy special After Dark events featuring drinks, live talks, and music alongside the hands-on exhibits. Science World is committed to inclusivity, offering sensory maps, noise-canceling earmuffs, and sensory-friendly mornings for visitors with autism or sensory processing differences.

Explore Local Cuisine: Vancouver, being a coastal city, offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes. You can find everything from fish and chips to fancy seafood platters. Another big influence on Vancouver's cuisine is Asia. There are many excellent sushi restaurants and places serving Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese food.

Is Celebrity the Best Alaska Cruise Line for You?

Celebrity Cruises is known for its modern ships, spacious accommodations, and a focus on relaxation and adult travelers. Even though their ships aren't the largest, they offer a more intimate experience, which means better service.

The great thing about Celebrity Cruises is that you have options when it comes to setting sail to Alaska. You can depart from three different ports: Seattle, Washington; Seward, Alaska; and Vancouver, British Columbia. This flexibility allows you to choose the most convenient and cost-effective option for you.

You can combine your cruise with land tours to get the best of both worlds: Celebrity Cruises offers 11 different Alaska Cruisetours, allowing you to experience trains, motorcoaches, lodges, and resorts during the land portion of your journey.

Celebrity Cruises brings the local Alaskan life onboard through its food, entertainment, and more. Onboard a Celebrity Cruise to Alaska, you'll find destination specialists like marine biologists and wildlife researchers who can provide you with valuable insights into life in Alaska.

Ready to discover Alaska in comfort and style? Celebrity Cruises will make your Alaskan adventure unforgettable. Book your dream cruise today!