We had cruised Alaska in 2009 (Seattle to Seattle on Rhapsody of the Seas). This time, we wanted to do the interior of Alaska and chose Celebrity's Grand Heartland Tour from Fairbanks to Seward, where we boarded the ship. ANY cruiseline would have had a tough time topping the tour portion of our vacation (spectacular weather, awesome wildlife everywhere, fantastic guide and driver). However, we have sailed Celebrity nine other times, and just felt that the ship was a little "off"...not many offerings on the buffet, fewer wait staff,lumpy hallway floors (we both tripped on lumps...not in the carpet, but the floor itself). This was the first time we had ever booked a suite (seeking "modern luxury") and it was nice, with the exception of threadbare towels and washcloths (I counted four holes in a cloth one day). I also missed having tea each day (that used to be provided in Aqua Class) and the little appetizers in the afternoon always made us feel pampered. Not sure a suite is worth the extra money. Luminae offered excellent food, but not many choices, and service was VERY slow some evenings with the exception of Leo, our sommelier, who was great. Food was SALTY! I don't have health issues at all, but my ankles were swollen every night - I believe from salt. We enjoyed our vacation, but as noted by many, Celebrity and other lines are just cutting back and it's not the good ol days of feeling pampered anymore.
Nice sized room, and we enjoyed the sitting area. Lifeboats are right above the balcony but I was able to get good pictures - no obstruction. About 5? Doors down from the elevator.