BACKGROUND: One year ago we tried Celebrity for the first time (Solstice, 7N Seattle to AK RT) based on its reputation for its food and luxurious accommodations. Because one of us needed to rent a mobiiity scooter (pending hip surgery) we opted for a somewhat larger cabin and switched from a standard balcony to a Sky Suite. The extra space was ideal for parking the contraption. Our adjacent neighbors acquainted us with the perks we were now entitled to as suite guests. They had a fondness for the suites-only Luminae Restaurant, so we joined them often and became mesmerized with this dining destination (complementary $). The food in there is at least equal or better than the specialty restaurants, and with tripled attention from servers.

We were sold. So, we booked another Celebrity cruise, the Infinity (Vancouver, 7N to AK RT) for Sept 3, 2017. This time we booked a Celebrity Suite. Three days before the cruise, Celebrity phoned us to offer an upgrade to a Royal Suite for a reasonable extra charge, and we took it.

PRE-CRUISE IN VANCOUVER: We spent two nights pre-cruise at the Pan Pacific Hotel, located on top of the Vancouver cruise terminal. Talk about convenience! Fabulous accommodations. Our room had a balcony overlooking the ships coming and going, along with dozens of float planes, copters and other vessels that kept our rapt attention. One perk (of many) - the hotel porters delivered our check-in luggage to the ship on embarcation day. We handed them over and we didn't see them until that afternoon in our cabin. Five stars to the Pan Pacific! Read more