Nestled on a cushy couch piled with pillows on the Magic Carpet, I sip a glass of wine while the Celebrity Edge departs Seattle. From my comfy perch extending over the side of the ship, I soak in the views of the Puget Sound, islands and mountains. LIving near Seattle, I often cruise to Alaska but the design-forward and innovative Celebrity Edge completely transforms the experience for me – raising the bar forever.
Why the most critical decision when cruising to Alaska is not the itinerary; it is the ship.
- Multiple Days at Sea – Departure day, a glacier day, and two days at sea make choosing a ship critical
- Panoramic Perfection – The Celebrity Edge’s features, such as three stories of floor-to-ceiling windows in Eden, the Magic Carpet and all-glass Infinite Verandas, are designed to experience Alaska’s scenic beauty
- Luxury in the Wilds of Alaska – Return to your oasis after a day of exploring to enjoy the Celebrity Edge’s features, such as the solarium, thermal spa, rooftop garden and Grand Plaza for coffee, martinis and entertainment
- Shipboard Activities – When considering a ship, what onboard activities are available? Select a cruise line that offers things you enjoy
The writer was hosted.
Splurge and Book the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda
If you splurge on one thing for your Alaska cruise, make it the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda. Why? The gorgeous Alaska scenery! FYI, the best side of the cruise ship sailing from Alaska to Seattle is both sides. Stunning views from both port and starboard sides, and on the return trip, guests can see what they missed.
- Room Size – The Celebrity Edge design incorporates the veranda inside the cabin. It adds 42 square feet to the room size.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Window – Innovative! With the touch of a button, the top window lowers to provide fresh ocean breezes right into the cabin
- Glaciers – Observe glaciers and wildlife right from your room
The Infinite Veranda in Action
SheBuysTravel Tip: Binoculars! Here is a pair similar to mine. I used mine every day on the cruise, both in port and at sea.
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Insider Tips – Ports of Call and the SEA Thermal Suite
Booking shore excursions through the cruise line costs more, yet the peace of mind knowing the ship won’t leave without you feels priceless. For any excursions that leave the port of call, I always book through the cruise line. I’ve sailed to Juneau and Ketchikan many times, but Skagway marks my first new stop. Check out my tips for each port and discover which excursions travelers can confidently book on their own and those you should book through the cruise line.
- Shore Excursions to Book Ahead – Check when shore excursions open for booking. If you have a bucket list tour you don’t want to miss, then book ahead.
- Watch for Special Discounts – Celebrity Cruises offers excursion discounts during holiday sales. Often based on availability, so not guaranteed.
- On the Cruise – Read the daily newsletter or stop by the shore excursion desk. During my cruise, occasional specials were offered.
- Change Your Mind – The shore excursion desk can make changes aboard the ship.
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Ketchikan, Alaska
Step off the ship and dive right into Ketchikan for a DIY experience. This charming small town packs plenty to see in just a short walk. Start at the Totem Heritage Center to begin exploring all Ketchikan has to offer. In September, take in the salmon run—trust me, it’s way more exciting than it sounds—then wander through the lush City park. Stroll through a quaint neighborhood to the top of Creek St. and explore the shops and museums in the colorful, historic buildings. This route lets you explore Ketchikan without paying for a pricey shore excursion.
- Fishing – I think Ketchikan offers the best fishing tours. Make sure you book through your cruise line.
- Walking Distance – Purchase the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which can be combined with a Crab Feast or other options online for better pricing.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Ketchikan offers a complimentary downtown shuttle that stops at the four cruise ship berths and six other stops running every 20 minutes. I take it to the Totem Heritage Center to shorten my walk.
Juneau, Alaska
Boarding the Goldbelt Tram, in just a few minutes, I soar 1,800 feet into the lush Alaskan Rainforest lining Mt. Roberts. Upon arriving at the mountain house, I began my visit with a cultural presentation and a short film about the Tlingit people, native to Juneau. The cultural experiences continue with a hike along the Totem Loop trail. At one overlook, Native artist Kaax Tseen – Herb Sheakley Jr carves a totem that one day will join the trail. Rain drifts in and out, even through the clouds, I catch glimpses of Stephens Passage, the Celebrity Edge and the Chilkat Mountains.
- Tram Tips – Purchase tickets online, make this your first activity, as it gets busy in the afternoon
- Whale Watching – The best whale watching tours in Alaska and maybe even the world are from Juneau, Alaska, due to the nutrient-rich waters. These excursions tend to sell out, so book in advance through your cruise line.
- Self-Book – A variety of companies offer shuttles to the Mendenhall Glacier, which drop you off and let you return at your own pace.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t let rainy weather discourage you. If you can still see the top of the Goldbelt Tram, you will have a view.
Skagway, Alaska
On my first visit to Skagway, I opted to take the White Pass & Yukon Railway. The 20-mile journey climbs 2,865 feet from sea level to the summit of White Pass. During the three-hour trip, guides share fascinating stories about the area’s history. I enjoyed the commentary and the cozy seats, though I wish the train paused for photo stops. For travelers who prefer flexibility, a mini-bus trip to the summit takes half the time, costs less and stops at scenic viewpoints. Both the train and the tour return to Skagway with plenty of time to explore before the ship departs.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Take the later train and explore Skagway first. It has that Alaska saloon and gold rush vibe. It won’t be as crowded in the morning as it is in the afternoon when visitors return from their excursions.
Vancouver, British Columbia
At the final port, I chose a bus tour that ends conveniently at the airport. With more than 18,000 passengers departing that morning, the whole process was so organized. I easily exited the ship and found helpful port employees who directed everyone to the tours or transportation.
At our final port, I chose a bus tour that ends conveniently at the airport. With more than 18,000 passengers disembarking that morning, the process runs remarkably smoothly. I step off the ship with ease and meet friendly port employees who efficiently guide everyone to their tours or transportation.
Things to Consider
- Book in Advance – These excursions tend to sell out. I booked with the cruise line and snagged a holiday discount. With the number of people leaving the port, booking with Celebrity went much more smoothly than trying to find a tour with another company.
- Luggage – If you don’t go straight to the airport, you will need a plan for your luggage. Bus tours have safe luggage storage under the bus.
- Airport Arrival Time – Don’t arrive at the Vancouver airport too early. Bags can not be checked in earlier than three hours before your flight. I did not realize our tour factored that in for our arrival time. Luckily, I switched to an earlier flight when I arrived at the airport.
The Thermal Spa
After a cold and rainy port day, few things feel better than watching sail away from the cozy comfort of a heated lounger. The SEA Thermal Suite aboard the Celebrity Edge features eight unique spaces designed for pure relaxation. I never cruise to Alaska without booking it—it’s my go-to for unwinding. While you can reserve access before your trip, I’ve even found discounted rates onboard. The pass covers the entire voyage, though the spa occasionally offers daily specials if space remains available.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Sea Thermal Suite is less crowded on port days.
How to Spend Days at Sea
Including departure day and glacier day, I enjoyed four days at sea during my Alaska Cruise. The Celebrity Edge provided more than enough activities to keep me busy, as well as plenty of opportunities to just relax.
How I spent my Time:
The Spa
I love all things spa, and the Celebrity Edge experience had me so relaxed that I came back for multiple treatments. Days at sea tend to be more crowded, but appointments are available; you just need to be flexible. Stop by the ladies outside the spa in the Solarium to learn about the daily specials or check the newsletter. I found spa prices much better when booked aboard the ship. One of the specials offered 10-minute mini-treatments. I selected from a list, and you could book three or five. A great way to try something new before committing to the full service is to start with a 10-minute trial.
Ship Excursions
During days at sea, Celebrity offers a variety of ship excursions. You will definitely want to book these in advance of your cruise due to their popularity, especially the bridge tour. I chose a cooking class and learned how to make the perfect steak. Try a sushi class, learn how to prepare the perfect cocktail, or tour the ship’s kitchens—so many options.
Explore the Celebrity Edge
On sea days, take advantage of all the innovative spaces aboard the Celebrity Edge. Each evening, read the newsletter for the next day or check the Celebrity app to see what activities and entertainment take place each day. I loved hanging out in the heated Solarium reading a book or enjoying a talk in the Club. Sweat off calories in the Fitness Center or take a craft class. I had no problem filling a day with a combination of activities and just relaxing.
Dining Aboard the Celebrity Edge
Famed chef Daniel Boulud, Celebrity Cruises’ Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, has a key role in creating innovative culinary experiences aboard Celebrity’s ships. I found the food on the Celebrity Edge outstanding. From the variety at the main buffet to extravagant dishes in the premium restaurants, every dish excelled. Dining aboard the Celebrity Edge transforms every meal into a premium experience, where atmosphere, service, and cuisine converge to impress at every turn.
Main Dining Rooms
Instead of one massive main dining room, the Celebrity Edge features four intimate spaces, each with its own theme. Each restaurant highlights signature dishes that remain consistent throughout the cruise. All four restaurants serve Celebrity classics, simple familiar dishes every night that please picky eaters. The main menu rotates nightly, offering fresh options and plenty of variety. The bottom line – this ship satisfies every appetite. Stellar service and fancy decor just add to the whole experience.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Can’t decide which main dining room to try? At each main dining restaurant, you can ask for the menu from the other three.
Premium Dining
The moment I sit down to dine at Eden and take in three stories of floor-to-ceiling windows, I sense an exceptional experience ahead. The aromas and sounds from the open-air kitchen increase my anticipation. Chefs orchestrate each dish like a work of art and the innovative menu tempts with flavors and inspiration not found on other cruise lines. Specially curated tasting menus give vegans, meat-lovers, and adventurous eaters a place at the table. I highly recommend a meal at Eden; it’s unique and memorable.
Tips For Premium Restaurants:
- Book Ahead – Book in advance for your days at sea so you don’t have to rush after a long day in port. Also, check which nights are the formal nights as the main dining rooms usually have a special meal you don’t want to miss
- Snag a Deal – Purchase a meal package, watch for pre-cruise deals online, or look for deals when you purchase your cruise that include a premium restaurant
- Your Date Booked – Check daily once onboard, there are often cancellations
SheBuysTravel Tip: Can’t swing Eden’s pricey surcharge. Visit the Eden Cafe for breakfast or lunch — a great way to enjoy Eden’s beautiful space without cost.
Oceanview Cafe
With floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the Oceanview Cafe, passengers enjoy breakfast here while watching the sunrise. The marketplace theme allows for plenty of food stations with a variety of options. Enjoy cooked-to-order omelets and fresh-baked pastries at breakfast and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. The menu changes daily, but you’ll always find stations with salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit and traditional dishes.
Note crowds abound on port call mornings, so plan to arrive when the cafe opens or plan to eat at another location.
Room Service
Order room service on port days so you don’t have to rush and battle the crowds at the Oceanview Cafe. Order the night before on the in-room menu and hang the tag on your door. Voila, like magic, a meal arrives in the morning right on time. Continental breakfast is complimentary, but for a modest service fee, which includes both cabin occupants, order a full breakfast.
What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise in Late September
Constantly changing weather conditions call for packing a variety of clothes. Passengers tend to dress casually on Alaska cruises and think cocktail attire versus long dresses and tuxes for formal nights. Athleisure clothing and good walking shoes will keep you comfortable and flexible with temperatures that vary. There is no bad weather, only bad clothing choices.
My must-haves:
- Waterproof Raincoat – I can’t stress this enough water water-resistant is not waterproof. Purchase a good-quality waterproof mid-thigh rain jacket. Columbia is my go-to brand. Columbia Women’s Sweet Creek Ii Lined Rain Jacket
- Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Dry feet make all the difference. Also, wear wool socks. My go-to shoes are KEEN Women’s Targhee III Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes.
- Shoulder Season Clothing – I love J.Jill clothing. The company offers clothing options that transition between seasons, and the Wearever Collection is perfect for travel.
- Magnetic Hooks – Hang wet jackets and increase closet space with magnetic hooks that attach to the cabin
Essential Planning Tips For An Alaskan Cruise
For the best experience, travel to Alaska during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. During the summer months, cruise shops are fully booked and crowds overwhelm the small towns. Moderate weather in early May and September, with a mix of sunny and rainy days, makes for a pleasant experience. The salmon run occurs in September, making it my favorite time of the year to visit.
Tips for Planning an Alaskan Cruise
Book – According to Expedia, the best time of year to book a cruise is Wave Season (January – March), and it is the cruise industry’s version of “Black Friday”. Snag great rates and extra perks. Sample price Celebrity Edge to Alaska
Facebook Group – Join a Facebook group for your cruise. Alaska Cruise on Celebrity Edge. Ask any question, and a group member will know the answer. Be aware that it is unofficial and just fellow cruisers answering.
Overpack – Bring everything you want. One of the joys of cruising is unpacking once and waking up to a new destination. Don’t forget a bathing suit for the Thermal suite and heated pool.
Last Cruise of the Season – Cruise ships sell themed destination products at huge discounts on the last cruise of the season. I snagged all kinds of deals ($10) on pricey souvenirs at the onboard shops. You’ll also find deals in port towns.
Read – Once your cruise is booked, sign in to the website for the cruise line. Join the frequent cruiser program; even the base level gets some perks. Log in with your booking number and take the time to read everything about your cruise. So many people miss out on things because they don’t take the time to research their cruise. Download the app and become familiar with it before your cruise. By the time you take your cruise, you want to know everything you can about your ship and cruise ports.
Wi-Fi – All Alaska ports are U.S., so your cell phone will not have expensive roaming charges. I had a signal when docked at every port. Depending on your carrier, Canada may be covered as well.
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