Beautiful 10 day round trip Alaska cruise - May 12 to 22

[poolwife]

Here is the review I posted on the Celebrity site. It has not turned up under "reviews" yet. My review on the Celebrity site talks a lot more about the ship also.

 

Please feel free to ask any questions. We really enjoyed our 10 night Round trip Vancouver cruise on the Millennium. It was May 12 to May 22 out of Vancouver. My husband and I are 64 and this was our 6th time to Alaska. This is a review without pictures. If I wait to insert the pictures it might get done next year. I love going to Alaska for the gorgeous scenery.

 

My husband and I have been on many cruises and this was our sixth time to Alaska. Our fifth cruise to Alaska. One of the times was an independent driving trip of mostly the Kenai Peninsula. I particularly love going to Alaska for the awe-inspiringly beautiful scenery.

 

This 10 night round trip Vancouver trip went to Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord and Victoria.

 

I booked this cruise because of it visiting Sitka and being a 10 night cruise.

 

I thought this was a great itinerary with it being a 10 night cruise and I wish that length was offered more often. One thing that would be nice to be improved is going to Hubbard glacier instead of Tracy Arm fjord. The fjord was beautiful and I enjoyed going since in 5 previous trips to Alaska we had not gone there, however, it was very disappointing to not make it all the way to the Sawyer glaciers. They claimed there was too much of an ice flow so they turned around. However, at the point the ship turned around the ice didn't look any worse than what we had already gone through.

 

I spoke to quite a few people that said this was their first time to Alaska and I felt bad for them since they did not get to any of the big glaciers on this cruise. The ship turned around and we did not even get to see the glaciers from a distance. Sometimes I don't think people really study the itineraries of their cruise. Being it was their first time to Alaska and they wanted to see glaciers, why didn't they pick a cruise that took in one of the big glaciers. Strange!

 

Hopefully, I can talk my husband into going back to Alaska again in a few years so we can take the small boat excursion to the Sawyer glaciers in Tracy Arm fjord out of Juneau. I have read many outstanding reviews of that trip here on cruise critic. He prefers warmer cruises and I prefer Alaska for the scenery. There is always gorgeous scenery to be seen while cruising Alaska where cruising the Caribbean is a lot of open ocean to see while cruising.

 

I thought of doing the small boat excursion out of Juneau this trip but our group of 4 opted to rent a car and go see Mendenhall glacier again and walk to the waterfall. Just gorgeous! If you can be sure to take that walk to Nugget falls. We also drove to the end of the road which had some outstanding views. We were happy with what we did.

 

There were many nights that I just stared out the balcony or up on deck and especially looking out the aft or forward.

 

Skagway - Please don't miss the views leaving Skagway. It is definitely one of the most beautiful sailaways ever. You sail out of Lynn Canal surrounded by mountains. Breathtakingly gorgeous! So many people were just inside the ship while they were missing the show outside. Go up front and look forward. Not to be missed.

 

Icy Strait Point - Been there before. Quaint little town. We just went for a nice walk down the beach, very scenic and through a forest. Went to "town" which is the very small town of Hoonah and had lunch there. Did some typical souvenir shopping. It is one of the most natural of the ports as it is not filled with the touristy jewelry stores. I believe everything was made locally.

 

Ketchikan - we were fortunate to have a friend of a friend drive us around and show us the area. We were not interested in small plane flying. Was great seeing things from the eyes of a long time resident. Drove to Ward Lake and also out the other direction and up the coast. Took a boat to Misty Fjords on a previous cruise. Beautiful trip.

 

Overall, it was a very nice cruise. Especially liked that Sitka was included as one of the ports as very few ships go there which I don't understand. In fact, the port of Sitka is one of the main reasons I booked this cruise besides that it was a 10 night cruise which is definitely better than the shorter 7 night cruises and yet not as long as a back to back. A 10 night that included Hubbard glacier and Sitka would be great. We had not been to Sitka since our first Alaska cruise in 2001 and it is just a gorgeous port. Was not quite as impressive this time though to sail into as they had us actually dock at a newer dock. Last time in 2001 we were on another cruise line and they tendered. We were in a different location right outside of the town of Sitka. Much more impressive than where we docked this time.

 

We saw more wildlife on this cruise right from the cruise ship than any of our previous Alaska cruises. We saw many whales, dolphins and porpoises. Also saw many of those cute little otters on an excursion out of Sitka called the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest. Didn't expect to see puffins as far south as Ketchikan, but we saw some scurrying across the water as we were leaving the port.

 

You are cruising awe-inspiringly gorgeous Alaska. Use your time to view the scenery and not sit in your room watching a movie or reading a book.

 

We traveled to Vancouver 3 days before the cruise. I used air miles through American Airlines and for the first time was booked through American Eagle. I knew it was a smaller plane but thought I would try it once. Usually we had always used Alaska Airlines. Did not enjoy that plane or their policy of making you feel uncomfortable by announcing twice when leaving Vancouver enroute to Los Angeles that "if anyone wants to get off the plane to please do so now". I fly numerous times a year but still don't like it at all and that definitely does not make a person comfortable with flying on their plane. Won't fly on them again. Will pay for a flight before I use air miles for this airline again. The plane also made a lot of weird noises.

 

That being said we enjoyed our pre-cruise independent touring of Vancouver and Victoria. Our group of 4 rented a car and took the ferry over to Vancouver Island on Sunday, May 10. Was a beautiful ride over there to Vancouver Island as the ferry sails by many small islands. We took our time touring Butchart Gardens Even though the cruise stopped in Victoria we didn't want to rush through the gardens which were gorgeous and wanted to have a slower paced day the day the cruise stopped in Victoria. Monday, May 11, we just toured around Vancouver including Granville Island which is a great tourist stop.

 

When our cruise stopped in Victoria we enjoyed taking a pedi-cab tour for about 3 hours which toured us around the downtown area, residential area and Beacon Hill Park. Was fun once but wouldn't do it again as it is quite pricey. Beacon Hill Park is so pretty with Canadian geese, eagles and just a relaxing, pretty place. Went to Fisherman's wharf and saw the little houseboat town. Cute and quaint.

 

Embarkation went very smoothly because we are US citizens, however, I heard that those from the UK and other places had a 4 hour wait trying to get on the ship. Poor people.

 

Debarkation went smoothly. We also stayed an extra 2 nights in Vancouver at the Blue Horizon hotel on Robson St. I highly recommend it. Ask for a room above floor 20 so you have a nice view of English bay. But you have to have the rooms with 2 queen beds to get the good views. The location is excellent.

 

We went to the Capilano Suspension bridge. Not good for those who have a fear of heights but a beautiful place.

 

Our weather on this trip was absolutely remarkable. It was warm and no rain the whole cruise and only a little drizzle post cruise in Vancouver. Did not need all the warmer clothes and rain wear we brought. Only wore my gore-tex wind breaker to protect from the chill of the breeze but didn’t even need my fleece I brought to wear under it or my pull over sweaters. But, I guess, it is always good to be prepared. I brought rain pants which were not needed either, but one never knows what the weather is going to be in Alaska so at least I was prepared.

 

I would definitely take this ship and this cruise again.

__________________

__________________

Sherry

 

11/1986 - Carnival "Holiday" - Caribbean

5/2001 - HAL, Ryndam - Alaska - southbound

9/2002 - Princess' - Star - Mexican Riviera

[Deeliteful]

Thanks for taking the time to post. I cruise on the Infinity o n Sunday and am beyond excited for my first trip to Alaska,

 

Pat

[VacationCharlene]

Glad you had a good time! You might consider taking Holland America's 14-day Great Land Explorer cruise. We went last September and enjoyed it so much that we are scheduled again for next May 2016. Ports include roundtrip from Seattle, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Victoria. It is an amazing cruise with nothing but great memories. :)

[DentoAlaska]

Thanks for the review!

[lukydog]

Thanks for your review. How did you get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from your hotel & what was the transportation cost ?

[poolwife]

We had rented a car and that is how we got to the Suspension bridge. However, if you are staying in downtown there is a free bus that takes you there. We got it at (I think it is called ) the transportation center right down by the waterfront when we were in Vancouver last September.

 

Check the times and you can ride the bus back also. It is a beautiful green full of foliage area to visit and the ride on the bus across the Lions gate bridge is also very scenic.

[Newbcruiser1]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Thank you for sharing!

[MomtoCCC]

Would love to hear more about the ship and Celebrity. We are doing SB on Millennium next June. Can't find your other review. Thanks!

[poolwife]

Thank you so much for your interest in my review. Here is the whole thing. It was on page 3 under the "Celebrity" board. Guess it didn't get a lot of interest. It still has not shown up in the Member reviews. I wish it would as I had a much better experience that the other reviewer that only gave it 3 stars.

 

-----------------------------

 

Please feel free to ask any questions. We really enjoyed our 10 night Round trip Vancouver cruise on the Millennium. It was May 12 to May 22 out of Vancouver. My husband and I are 64 and this was our 6th time to Alaska. This is a review without pictures. If I wait to insert the pictures it might get done next year. I love going to Alaska for the gorgeous scenery.

 

This was our first time in Aqua class and we were in Aqua Class, Cabin 1117 on deck 11. We very much enjoyed the location of the deck 11 Aqua class cabins. There was absolutely no sewage smell at any time like previous posters have mentioned regarding the deck 9 Aqua class cabins. I would only choose Aqua class again if the price was right being not a whole lot more than a regular balcony. But I did love the larger roomy shower in our cabin. Loved the shower head.

 

My husband and I have been on many cruises and this was our sixth time to Alaska. Our fifth cruise to Alaska. One of the times was an independent driving trip of mostly the Kenai Peninsula. I particularly love going to Alaska for the awe-inspiringly beautiful scenery.

 

This 10 night round trip Vancouver trip went to Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord and Victoria.

 

Blu - We enjoyed eating in Blu for its ambiance and being a quieter experience than the MDR. We had no problem with availability in Blu like a previous poster wrote. We did eat dinner every night on the ship. Blu opened at 5:45 and we would get there between 5:30 to 6:00 pm so our party of 4 had the best chances of getting a window table. We preferred eating dinner earlier so not going to bed so full. We are also older (in our 60's) and did not party till all hours. The maitre 'd and the hostess in Blu were very delightful and extremely helpful in all ways and helpful too in helping us with customizing our meals.

 

Our waiter, Elias and assistant waiter, Yashmanee, were excellent. One night we didn't eat in Blu because we preferred the menu in the main dining room. The menus are not the same. Our service in Select dining was also very good. Blu is supposed to be a more healthy dining venue but we missed some of the items presented in the main dining room that is why we also ate there. Prime Rib was not offered in Blu but was in the MDR. It is quieter eating in Blu than the hustle bustle of the MDR but the food for dinner is really no big deal better than the MDR.

 

For breakfast - Blu makes the absolute best tableside made Mueslix. Yes, they have it in the buffet but it doesn't compare. We liked eating in Blu a lot but you did have to remember it is an eating "experience" so it does take longer than having breakfast in the buffet. So you needed to plan accordingly if you were short on time. They really strive to please in Blu.

 

I kept wanting to go back to Bistro on Five for their delicious crepes but never got there. They did raise the price to $10.00 per person but we looked at the menu and that included anything and everything you wanted on the menu.

 

Alot of previous posters complained about the appearance of the ship. We didn't find any problems. Our cabin was always well maintained and clean and same with public areas.

 

We really enjoyed using the therapy pool and jacuzzis in the solarium which was an inside area. The pool was always warm although the spas were sometime too hot for use or not warm enough. Was a nice place to relax in the later afternoon after a busy port day or even a sea day. Being in Aqua class we had access to the Persian garden but never got there.

 

I thought this was a great itinerary with it being a 10 night cruise and I wish that length was offered more often. One thing that would be nice to be improved is going to Hubbard glacier instead of Tracy Arm fjord. The fjord was beautiful and I enjoyed going since in 5 previous trips to Alaska we had not gone there, however, it was very disappointing to not make it all the way to the Sawyer glaciers. They claimed there was too much of an ice flow so they turned around. However, at the point the ship turned around the ice didn't look any worse than what we had already gone through. I spoke to quite a few people that said this was their first time to Alaska and I felt bad for them since they did not get to any of the big glaciers on this cruise. The ship turned around and we did not even get to see the glaciers from a distance. Sometimes I don't think people really study the itineraries of their cruise. Being it was their first time to Alaska and they wanted to see glaciers, why didn't they pick a cruise that took in one of the big glaciers. Strange!

 

If I am ever able to talk my husband into going back to Alaska again, we will try to take the small boat excursion to the Sawyer glaciers in Tracy Arm fjord out of Juneau. I have read many outstanding reviews of that trip here on cruise critic. He prefers warmer cruises and I prefer Alaska for the scenery. There is always gorgeous scenery to be seen while cruising Alaska where cruising the Caribbean is a lot of open ocean to see while cruising. T

 

The entertainment on the ship was excellent. Really good comedian (and I don't usually care much for the comedians but this guy actually made me laugh), super excellent singer in Lou Gazzarra, Amy Lee (which was an amazing violinist. I thought I would be bored with a violinist but I wasn't as she was a real performer and was excellent. Also another comedian/juggler was real good. The ship's singers and dancers put on a couple of shows that were good. They were typical. Dancers were excellent. The singers were just ok.

 

Overall, it was a very nice cruise. Especially liked that Sitka was included as one of the ports as very few ships go there which I don't understand. In fact, the port of Sitka is one of the main reasons I booked this cruise besides that it was a 10 night cruise which is definitely better than the shorter 7 night cruises and yet not as long as a back to back. A 10 night that included Hubbard glacier and Sitka would be great. We had not been to Sitka since our first Alaska cruise in 2001 and it is just a gorgeous port. Was not quite as impressive this time though to sail into as they had us actually dock at a newer dock. Last time in 2001 we were on another cruise line and they tendered. We were in a different location right outside of the town of Sitka. Much more impressive than where we docked this time.

 

We saw more wildlife on this cruise right from the cruise ship than any of our previous Alaska cruises. We saw many whales, dolphins and porpoises. Also saw many of those cute little otters on an excursion out of Sitka called the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest. Didn't expect to see puffins as far south as Ketchikan, but we saw some scurrying across the water as we were leaving the port.

 

We traveled to Vancouver 3 days before the cruise. I used air miles through American Airlines and for the first time was booked through American Eagle. I knew it was a smaller plane but thought I would try it once. Usually we had always used Alaska Airlines. Did not enjoy that plane or their policy of making you feel uncomfortable by announcing twice when leaving Vancouver enroute to Los Angeles that "if anyone wants to get off the plane to please do so now". I fly numerous times a year but still don't like it at all and that definitely does not make a person comfortable with flying on their plane. Won't fly on them again. Will pay for a flight before I use air miles for this airline again. The plane also made a lot of weird noises.

 

That being said we enjoyed our pre-cruise independent touring of Vancouver and Victoria. Our group of 4 rented a car and took the ferry over to Vancouver Island on Sunday, May 10. Was a beautiful ride over there to Vancouver Island as the ferry sails by many small islands. We took our time touring Butchart Gardens Even though the cruise stopped in Victoria we didn't want to rush through the gardens which were gorgeous and wanted to have a slower paced day the day the cruise stopped in Victoria. Monday, May 11, we just toured around Vancouver.

 

When our cruise stopped in Victoria we enjoyed taking a pedi-cab tour for about 3 hours which toured us around the downtown area, residential area and Beacon Hill Park. Was fun once but wouldn't do it again as it is quite pricey. Beacon Hill Park is so pretty with Canadian geese, eagles and just a relaxing, pretty place. Went to Fisherman's wharf and saw the little houseboat town. Cute and quaint.

 

Embarkation went very smoothly because we are US citizens, however, I heard that those from the UK and other places had a 4 hour wait trying to get on the ship. Poor people.

 

Debarkation went smoothly. We also stayed an extra 2 nights in Vancouver at the Blue Horizon hotel on Robson St. I highly recommend it. Ask for a room above floor 20 so you have a nice view of English bay. But you have to have the rooms with 2 queen beds to get the good views. The location is excellent.

 

We went to the Capilano Suspension bridge. Not good for those who have a fear of heights but a beautiful place.

 

Our weather on this trip was absolutely remarkable. It was warm and no rain the whole cruise and only a little drizzle post cruise in Vancouver. Did not need all the warmer clothes and rain wear we brought. Only wore my gore-tex wind breaker to protect from the chill of the breeze but didn’t even need my fleece I brought to wear under it or my pull over sweaters. But, I guess, it is always good to be prepared. I brought rain pants which were not needed either, but one never knows what the weather is going to be in Alaska so at least I was prepared.

 

I would definitely take this ship and this cruise again.

__________________

[xlxo]

We had rented a car and that is how we got to the Suspension bridge. However, if you are staying in downtown there is a free bus that takes you there. We got it at (I think it is called ) the transportation center right down by the waterfront when we were in Vancouver last September.

 

Check the times and you can ride the bus back also. It is a beautiful green full of foliage area to visit and the ride on the bus across the Lions gate bridge is also very scenic.

Here's details on the shuttle schedule...

http://www.capbridge.com/visit/shuttle-service/