Our first cruise (20 something yrs ago) was out of Boston to Bermuda and I can say this cruise was so much more smooth. We had heard that the best way to see Alaska (Glaciers) was to take a cruise. We decided to do the land portion the week before cruising because we knew there was more to Alaska than the Glaciers and I'm so glad we did it in that order. We were pretty tired at the end of the cruise and not sure the land portion would have been as enjoyable. The land portion has you up and going each morning to go to a specific place and then travel to the next destination so it was busy. The Cruise - To start with the cons, which are just a few. Upon arriving and not having a clear understanding of the beverage system we opened the Evian water and figured we would have to pay for it (and we did).

My suggestion to Celebrity is to offer a couple of free bottles of the regular water in the rooms upon arrival , we just wanted to collapse for a bit before exploring the ship. I know by now I'm getting people shaking their heads at our naivete thus my title for the review. LOL Our room was comfortable - but just note - the type of blowdryer which I'm assuming was in all rooms has a button that you must hold down while you use it. My thumb got a workout. I have thick hair and so holding that button was a workout and was probably the only truly aggravating thing my whole trip. My husbands most aggravating moment was when he paid $50.00 for a one time internet service. It was not worth it - he was trying to download and could not get a good connection. When he called about it, he was told to go to a more public area, which he did but didn't make much of a difference.

So having said all that we truly enjoyed the cruise both land and sea. We tried the Tuscan Grill the first night - they have a discount on the first night - the food was fine but I don't think worth the $60.00 cover charge. So once again - first time cruisers - they charge for the specialty restaurants. You eat whatever you want from the menu for that cover charge. We ate at the Main Dining Room on the first Chic Night (when you get dressed up) and it was good. We stood in line and were given a pager - no big deal. We ate there one other night (we were Any time Dining on the 4th deck) and ate with some people who said that they were placed at the same table most of the time so the waiter knew them and was so personable.. The rest of the time we just ate at the buffet. We aren't very picky and we always found something we liked. My husband went to the fitness center and thought it was very good. Free weights and all the machines. There is a jogging track on deck 11 and people were using it. I'm trying to run a 5K in every state so thought this would be my opportunity for checking off my State of Alaska 5K. When we went to Icy Strait there is a paved walkway that everyone is using to walk to Hoonah so I jogged on that and it was really perfect. Great views of the water and the weather was perfect. I think it would be very safe to run in any of the ports. On the first day there is a presentation of all the ports and I'm glad we went - just kind of gave us an overview of what was going on for the week. Excursions I found the ones online 20-50 dollars less than what is offered with Celebrity - Juneau we had booked the helicopter ride and sled dogs online through a tour company, but were disappointed because the weather was bad and it was cancelled. I was determined to see Mendenhall Glacier so we walked into town and took a bus $45.00 per person Round trip. There is a trail that gets you to Nugget Falls and the Glacier is beside it, there is Visitor Center to walk through and explain Glaciers. You are not walking on the glacier when you take the bus, just viewing it. Plenty of shopping in Juneau and we went back to the ship. Because we didn't have internet service we ended up booking through the Ships Shore Excursions but there are Tour Companies at each port as you walk off the ship. Only problem is the popular tours get booked fast so we didn't want to take our chances and booked on the ship. Skagway - we booked a helicopter ride to a glacier (I just wanted to say I walked on a glacier) and once again it was cancelled due to high winds. We were able to catch the last Mushers camp tour through the Ships Shore Excursions. It was cool seeing the dogs and having them pull us for a mile. Just a note - these are Alaskan huskies that are a mixed breed and who LOVE to run. Don't think you will be seeing fluffy Malamute, or Siberian Huskies. We got to hold the puppies and spoke with an Iditarod musher. Hubbard Glacier was amazing from the ship. Captain Alex turned the ship around so all sides could get a great view. We had a balcony - if you can afford it, I would get it. We used ours a lot. We are from Massachusetts so the 60 degree weather didn't seem cold and I wrapped up in a blanket to enjoy the fresh air and great scenery with a cup of coffee in the mornings. Icy Strait - we did the Zip Line - an hour up the mountain (stops for picture taking) and 90 seconds down. So much fun. It's the longest zip line but so smooth. Really anyone can do it. This is where I ran my 5K into Hoonah. Ketchikan - we booked a fishing trip online with someone who was recommended on the Alaska Cruisers FB page. He met us (my husband and I) at the port and off we went for the day. My husband caught two Halibut but no salmon. We had it shipped home - you get off the fishing boat at the Processing place and they take care of it.. The last day was cruising and I went to the Naturalist Talk about Eagles and wish I had gone to all her talks - she had 3 or 4 other talks during the week and was so informative . We went to the show the first night - a comedian who was good, we didn't go to any other shows - the shows run twice each night 7PM and 9 PM. We had borrowed my daughters camera and they offered a class in the photography area and it actually really helped us have a clue about how to get some good shots. Read more