We, and our best friends, had been talking about a cruise to Alaska for quite a few years. In January we finally were able to book. We did all our flights, hotels, and cruise bookings by Internet. As we are from New Zealand, we were limited to three cruise companies that would sell via the net to non USA and Canadian residents. We chose Celebrity (Infinity) and set sail from Seattle on Friday June 4th. Documents said embarkation started at 12 noon. So we headed down to the chaos. Worse than SFO! 1 1/2 hours later we were free of the maddening crowds and, with welcome aboard glass of bubbly in hand, we were off following behind the steward to our stateroom. Sadly, he had no idea as to where it was and we ended up walking forward, and aft, port and starboard until he "found" our rooms.

Stateroom: Loads of storage, a place for everything; suitcases even slid under the bed. Bathroom was larger than we had experienced on our one and only other cruise in the Greek Isles. The shower was relatively spacious, fantastic water pressure and always hot. The towels were plentiful, and well stocked with shampoos, soaps, conditioners, moisturisers, tissues, etc. Lots of cupboard space and shelves for personal stuff. (shower had clothes line, but we found things didn't really dry in there; we draped the washing over the outside chairs inside, turned up the air-con, and stuff dried while we were out!) Good choice of TV channels; enjoyed the ship info channels. Balcony was small but adequate. Carpet & fixtures and fittings a little worn but not too bad. Bed comfortable, good pillows. Ramone, our steward, was always smiling and offering his assistance. He did a great job.

General ship stuff: There seemed to be lots of lifts and the stairs were well placed and we made good use of both. Cova Cafe was a great hang out for us; where Richard made it his quest to provide us with our every whim. Micheal's Club was sensational, and the Rendezvous lounge was a regular stop. The Constellation lounge we visited every night. The Martini bar we went to only twice. Aqua Spa cafe had awesome smoothies, and food for those who didn't want to buffet.....Love the T'pool and the stunning weather Alaska turned on for us. The Emporium had great shopping, just wish I had done some more. Casino seemed ok, didn't spend a lot there; just got rid of some of our $'s before returning home. The ship's one armed bandits ate them. Library was glanced at, as was the gym (did look enticing......)Celebrity Theatre was terrific. Loved the fresh flowers everywhere Read more