Northern Aurora

We did a B2B in San Pedro in September 2022. Our process was very different. We did not leave the ship, but all the B2B passengers met in the Sky Lounge on the Solstice. Security had a podium at the entrance of the Sky Lounge where we "ringed off the ship" and surrendered our Seapass cards for the first leg. Sea pass cards for the second leg were then distributed. We left the Sky Lounge, had new security photos taken and "ringed" back onto the ship. No one left the ship nor set foot on an outer deck to complete the process. While we are Zenith members of the CC (and were also in a Suite) the process was the same for all who wished to remain on the ship for the day.

Since the Pan Pacific sits essentially on top of the cruise terminal it is so handy. Their bell staff will even pick up your luggage from your hotel room and deliver to the longshoremen. We also like the Auberge. It is a very easy walk to Canada Place.

We have stayed at the Cedarbrook a number of times -- absolutely love this hotel. As I understand the history of the facility it was built as a conference center (has large break-out rooms and even an auditorium) so that is why it is located so near SEATAC. But it definitely doesn't feel like an "airport hotel" at all. We have had their concierge arrange for a town car transfer from the Cedarbrook to pier. And I agree that their restaurant is lovely.

Just a few comments -- we much prefer Murano over Tuscan; we find Murano to be consistent in quality while Tuscan is much more variable. We also like Sushi on 5. If you are not in a suite (which has access to Michael's Club/Retreat Lounge) we like the Passport Bar.

I also appreciate the first had reports. We board the Edge in late October for a B2B2B series (the first three cruises of the marketed "World Cruise") with all legs in the same sky suite. I am holding judgement until we experience the butler team concept.

@markeb is correct. Retreat guests definitely check-in at their convenience. Clearly the check in for Retreat guests starts after the ship has officially "zeroed out." Other than that -- show up at their preferred time.

While I certainly don't know if this excursion is sold out on your particular cruise I do know that they almost always sell out prior to sailing.

So what is your experience? While I certainly have not been on every cruise line which goes to Endicott Arm, the ones we have been on, when the itinerary includes Endicott Arm, offer an Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier small ship excursion. Folks tender off the ship and the smaller vessel goes very close to Dawes Glacier. These excursions deviate from the cruise ship route into Ford's Terror (goggle for more info). Folks on the excursion re-join the cruise ship in Juneau.

I also sensed the confusion regarding MICA. As @disneyochem has clarified that this company is a guiding firm. In addition to glacier treks on the Matanuska Glacier they offer other adventurous excursions. Check their website. And I am surprised that @diesel1973 wasn't impressed with Denali. And I wonder if he went north of Fairbanks into the White Mountains National Recreation Area or the Steese National Conservation Area; both offer incredible recreation options for those into more vigorous outdoor activities. But I am always so impressed with the Imuruk Basin on the road from Nome to Teller but recognize that some folks can't deal with wilderness areas. Now for some random thoughts -- A number of the cruise line sponsored land tours either start or end in Fairbanks. They simply look so herded to me. And anything they offer can be booked on your own. At this point the single road into Denali National Park is closed approximately midway. Time estimates as to when the bridge over the problematic area will be completed seems to be pushed farther into the future. Until the road is open to Eielson Visitor's Center (mile 66) I don't see the point in visiting Denali. But the cruise lines are still pushing those trips. While I love Homer (but not Soldotna) there is another alternative to consider. Denali is not the only incredible national park in our state (we have a number) but another reachable by road is the Wrangell -- St. Elias National Park and Preserve. I suggest researching it and also the Kennecott mine ruins. Absolutely gorgeous area.

Regarding lines to board the tram -- there may be a line but our experience has been that the line moves quickly.

There are several options. One which has worked well for me is: ExecutiveOffice@celebrity.com

We have done tender ports with overnight stops (such as Lahaina) and our recollection is that the tenders do run, but at a reduced schedule. We have been to Cabo several times, but never have been there on an overnight call.

Just to include another suggestion to the recommendations made by @NothingBeatsBaseball -- if folks opt to spend a few days in the Palmer area other ideas include the Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass. Palmer (and also the University of Alaska Fairbanks) has a musk ox farm which offers tours -- and where do you get to see those critters in the lower 48?

Our local newspaper (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner) had no information in yesterday's edition, and since today is a holiday, no paper was published. We subscribe electronically to the Anchorage Daily News and there has been no information either yesterday or today there either. South central Alaska, including Anchorage, experienced a large atmospheric river of moisture late last week. Great amount of rain, and a number of rivers and streams in the Alaska Range are overflowing. In the Interior, where we live, we also have a number of rivers at bankfull, including the Tanana and Nenana Rivers, with flooding in some low-lying areas. My educated guess is that the mudslide occurred in the Alaska Range area. For those fuzzy with Alaska geography that would be north of Anchorage in the Denali area. This has happened a number of times, and repairs are made very quickly. For those interested in the history of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel just goggle the Portage Glacier Highway. Wikipedia has an excellent article.

Our experience regarding the mini-bars in Sky Suites has been when a butler would tell us that we could consume the water, sodas and beer in the mini-bar the butler made it clear that it was a special favor offered to us -- and the price list in the mini-bar confirmed that it was a special favor.

I agree with @cruisestitch. Accruing enough points while on a cruise to move to the next tier happens to almost everyone. Even when we gained sufficient points to move to Zenith on the middle leg of a B2B2B we didn't become Zenith until the third leg.

With such a short time on land following your cruise I would also suggest a DIY trip. We live in Alaska, and watch folks on those cruiseline cruise tours -- the folks just seem so herded. I also wonder how kids would enjoy such an experience. The single road into Denali National Park is closed approximately midway in to the park. The road, when constructed many years ago, was built on a section of ice rich land which is now melting and soughing off the hillside. The road was closed at this section, called Pretty Rocks, in 2021. Work just began this summer to bridge the problematic area, but it now appears that the road may not be completely open until 2026. Until the road is open to Eielson Visitor's Center (mile 66) I don't think it is worth trying to visit Denali. However the cruiselines are still pushing cruise tours to Denali. Pick up your rental car in Anchorage. Consider staying at the Alyeska Resort for a night. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center receives mixed reviews with some folks raving about and others not so happy; my impression is that folks who enjoy zoos like it. The are options out of Seward for a very nice DIY trip. Or consider driving to Homer.

Since we live about a two hour drive north of the entrance to Denali National Park we have stayed at the Denali Princess complex I don't know how many times -- sometime more than once in a summer. We have also stayed multiple times at the McKinley View Princess as when we are driving home from Seward its location puts us closer to home. Each of the rooms at both of these Princess facilities is essentially the same. I have never thought that some of the rooms were of "lower" quality.

TAD is the turnaround day on B2B (or longer) cruises. If B2B guests and embarking Zeniths are not included in the Concierge Class embarkation day luncheon this is a major change indeed from past practices.

John: Keep us posted on the transfer to Anchorage. What a mess for all involved -- passengers and crew. What can we say -- ship happens!

Just a quick expansion of the response from @BruceMuzz -- We have been to a number of very large metropolitan area across the globe, and nothing prepared us for the five days we spent in Tokyo after a pair of B2B cruises. While extremely well organized, it was clearly the largest most densely populated city we have experienced. Much more densely populated than a city-state such as Singapore. But absolutely wonderful.

NO -- the little tag are not on undergarments. It is clear that such items are washed in labeled mesh bags. And I have had no issues in removing the tags immediately after they are returned to the stateroom. Don't leave the tags on for any period of time.

Actually, the closing times in Juneau are quite variable. My absolute favorite Juneau gift store is the one associated with the Sealaska Heritage Institute: it closes at 7 PM. The Juneau Artists Gallery ( a co-op) closes at 8 PM. And the Alaska State Museum (which has a lovely gift shop) closes at 4:30 PM.

Just a quick comment from someone who lives in the Interior of Alaska. While Southeast Alaska is in a Pacific Northwest rain forest, and it rains ever month, just ask yourself how much you enjoy heavy pelting rain. While a cruise in SE Alaska in late August or September (or -- perish the thought -- October -- which some lines are offering!!) may be tempting, just ask yourself how much you enjoy wet feet.

Your post made me laugh out loud! Thanks so much for the chuckle.