Northern Aurora

When you mention the "immigration ticket" is that a ticket to go through Japanese immigration procedures once on the ship? Somewhat akin to a tender ticket at tender ports? Priority has always been given to not only Suite passengers but also Zeniths. Priority is not only a Suite benefit but also a stated Zenith benefit. Priority for not only boarding but leaving the ship whether it be at the first embarkation port, the final disembarkation port and all ports in between. And as someone who is a Zenith Captain's Club member who also travels in Suites we certainly have paid through the years for that perk.

I don't quite understand your reference to "the status quo," but Celebrity definitely gives preference to embarkation or disembarkation at any port (not just initial boarding the ship on embarkation day) for Suite passengers and also those Zenith members of the Captain's Club. We hit Zenith level of the Captain's Club in 2016, and this process has been in place as long as we have been Zenith. We also primarily travel in Suites (the last time we were not in a Suite was 2018). Not only in Japan do Suite passengers and Zenith level folks get priority but in all other ports as well. In the Retreat Lounge the concierges announce that they were ready to escort those ready to leave the ship to the head (front) of the line for immigration. Those lines were composed of Retreat (Suite passengers) and also Zenith level Captain's Club. Folks who have purchased Celebrity shore excursions also have priority.

Celebrity definitely provides preference to Suite (Retreat) passengers and Zenith members of their loyalty program. We just returned home last week from B2B on the Millennium, and didn't have any issues going through Japan immigration procedures. But we were booked in Suites for both legs, and are also Zenith members. They also gave preference to folks booked on Celebrity shore excursions. When we were B2B in Japan in 2018 we experienced some lines, but nothing excessive as I would definitely remember.

It appears that our OP is considering booking this October 2025 cruise with their "eyes wide open" as we would say in the US. Could have wonderful weather but be prepared for miserable conditions. It will be an experience no matter what, but just remember that there is a reason why these very late season cruises are so cheap.

While @Eileen G doesn't state that all Celebrity ships use the AJ dock I hope that no one makes the assumption that all Celebrity ships will be at AJ since specific Celebrity ships deployed in Alaska are not mentioned. Prior and post pandemic Celebrity ships have also used the Alaska Steam dock. In 2024 Celebrity will have three different sized ships deployed in Alaska. Only the Edge is scheduled for the AJ dock. Both the Summit and Solstice are docked at AS. Folks can check the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska website for docking locations at all Alaska ports.

I also will following. We were just on the Millennium for B2B cruises. We boarded on March 28th and left the ship on April 21st. While there were some port overlaps, the itineraries were not identical. And yes -- we did experience the cherry blossoms! We did B2B Japan itineraries in the fall of 2018, so now have seen the fall and spring colors. Japan is one of my favorite countries. We had planned on returning in 2021 but that was one of our Covid-19 cancellations.

We spent 40 nights on the Edge last fall. We rarely had a drink there as we had the bad luck of always experiencing very slow service. And I mean verrrrryyyyy ssslllooowww service.

It has been a number of years since we used Flights by Celebrity, but my memory is that you did not need to schedule the flights immediately before embarking or immediately after disembarking the cruise. There is (or at least was) leeway in the booking. Again, it has been some time since dealing with FbC but I found it easier to just call versus trying to navigate the website.

We have done six full Panama Canal transits, and enjoyed each one. We recently booked the seventh for September 2025. My husband spent four years in the Canal Zone as a child. His father was an officer in the US Air Force and was stationed at Albrook AFB. Charles has fond memories of going camping with his Boy Scout troop in the jungle. In contrast my late mother-in-law had memories of some of the poisonous snakes and other critters. While we thoroughly enjoy sea days the PC itineraries are a nice balance of sea and port days. And there is enough to see and do in these ports that it is easy to revisit them. Thanks so much for posting your photos and descriptions. The Millennium is the other M-class ship which has been revolutionized (or what ever it is called). Also has hand washing stations in the Ocean View and Retreat Lounge.

Stating that SEATAC is super busy during the summer months is correct. Living in Alaska we know that airport well, and it clearly is confusing for those who do not understand the layout of the airport. When we were there last week (we overnighted in Seattle to break a long flight from Japan) it was a mess with some check-in counters being remodeled and lack of operational elevators. But just another comment -- if our OP visits Pike Place Market consider taking the light rail out to SEATAC. Easy peasy.

A number of the gift stores likely will be open. For example, the Sealaska Heritage Institute gift store closes at 7 PM (if my memory is correct). And we have actually been to Nanaimo -- love those famous bar cookies!

The Retreat Lounge and Michael's Club have the same offerings. When a ship is "revoluntionized" the name changes from Michael's Club to the Retreat Lounge. And if you mention your need for still water to the butler/retreat host they most likely will replenish your supply daily.

We left the Millennium on April 21st following a B2B. Decoy was available in Luminae and the Retreat Lounge.

As already noted there are instructions on the website. And you prove you are a stockholder by submitting a copy of a recent brokerage statement. You do not need to request the shareholder benefit when booking the cruise, but do apply for it several weeks before the actual cruise.

Checking docking locations at Alaska ports is easy -- just google Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska. The cruise schedule on this site lists all Alaska ports. If you look at Ketchikan it appears that Edge is docked at pier 3 (I didn't check every summer day), which is right downtown. Double check your particular date that you will be visiting Ketchikan to confirm your dock location and learn which other ships will also be in town that date.

Ward Cove is about 8 miles outside of Ketchikan. It was developed by NCL so is used by NCL and NCL's affiliated lines. Celebrity has not in the past used Ward Cove but instead has used downtown docks (there are several downtown docks).

The gift shops in Ketchikan will not be open at 6 AM.

The McKinley View Princess does not have what I would describe as a "hike" but does have some simple walking paths. Their shuttle is to the community of Talkeetna which is 45minutes to an hour away (assuming no road construction delays).

In the past there were indeed kiosks on the dock in Juneau selling walk-up tours. This summer we are expecting record numbers of cruise ship passengers, so it may be more difficult to book a walk-up tour which would be of interest.

Luminae is the MDR for Suite passengers. Large groups can not reserve the venue.

Not in my experience. We have always received the B2B discount when booking legs at different times. We rarely book a single leg and often add an additional leg at a later time. Have always received the discount.

The limited Concierge Class lunch is nice since folks do not have to battle the buffet crowd. But I doubt you can order off the limited menu.

Did you book this excursion through NCL? We have never been on NCL but my experience is that ship sponsored shore excursions leave from the ship. Have you contacted Fortress of the Bears directly? The Sitka port shuttle delivers folks to the Harrigan Centennial Center in downtown Sitka. Private tours to F of the B leave from that location.

I am mystified when other posters recommend Tracey’s Crab Shack in Juneau for king crab. It is not fresh but freshly frozen. We have been to Unalaska/aDutch Harbor, which is where the TV series Deadliest Catch is filmed, and even there the king crab is frozen. I also like Dungeness crab. There is a fishery for dungeness in Ketchikan. So truly fresh dungeness is available in Ketchikan. We have dined at the George Inlet Lodge but also check Annabelles which is located right downtown. At Annabelles it seems to be a frequent special.

Two nights ago we stayed at the Royal Park Hotel which is literally attached to Haneda Airport Terminal 3. It is located off the departure level. They have a nice restaurant in house but there are a number of dining options located before passing through security. We stayed one night before flying back to the US. We’re very impressed with the Haneda airport. Very well organized.