cw2go

This has also been recently reported for The Edge.

This is an amazing itinerary! I've been to Venice, Corfu and Montenegro ~ You'll LOVE these ports of call!

May 26th - June 4th 26th Barcelona embark 5pm 27th Cannes 8-6pm 28th Livorno 6:30 am (overnight) 29th Livorno 7pm 30th Civitavecchia 6:30 - 7pm 31st Naples 6:30-5pm 1st Sardinia 9-4 2nd Palma 12-11pm 3rd Ibiza 7-6 4th Barcelona 5am

I am a "NEVER NCL" girl who actually never sailed them ( basically based on reviews) but I bit the bullet and booked for the Med May 2024. The itinerary and price can't be beat. Celebrity would easily be more than double and I'm actually looking forward to some variety. I currently have 5 Cel sailings booked and 4 are on Edge class. I'll lower my expectations as far as food and hope to be surprised but to be fair, I will be enjoying many of my meals while ashore, especially since there are no sea days. Enjoy Europe with your friends, Patty

Tracy Arm is a scenic sailing. Juneau whale watching and you can bus to Mendehall Glacier. Ketchikan is great for bear tours. Also Misty fjord is amazing plus many people hit Totem Bight State Park and explore Creek Street

Traitors cove is July 20th but Anna Creek is July 1st. These are two separate locations/tours.

I can also recommend Beyond Alaska out of Juneau if you're interested in the Mendenhall Canoe and Glacier Hike, We had a fabulous tour with them.

Link... https://www.islandwings.com/bears.html

I am doing a tour July and it's prime viewing for Anan Creek. It has this info on their site. It's $650 per person. From July 1st to early August you can experience a trip of a lifetime at the world renowned bear viewing observatory, Anan Creek. Fly along the beautiful waterways of the Tongass National Forest to Anan Creek which hosts one of the largest pink salmon runs in Southeast Alaska. The presence of the salmon draws a large dinner crowd, including both black and brown bears, seals, river otters, mink, marten and eagles. I've flown with Michele twice before, amazing tours and great service, Patty

For bears, I'd recommend a tour from Ketchikan. I've seen bear at Mendenhall in Juneau but nothing compares to Anan Creek and Traitors Cove with Island Wings.

100% Agree!

I've taken my teenage sons on Celebrity multiple times. The Med, Alaska and Caribbean. They LOVED it! For those that say go with RRCL or NCL for the more fun vibe with teens, I've also sailed those lines and my sons did not enjoy those as much, too hectic. Of course the had fun and never hated any cruise but Celebrity was more comfortable for them, made lots of friends and we filled our ports days so they were never really bored. I think those who have actually sailed with their kids on a Celebrity cruise can offer a much better point of view than those who haven't. I agree with other posters, you know your child best so only you will know what's suits your family dynamics. Patty

Yes, this is first I've heard Captain Kate will be taking Ascent although not surprised. She's has a huge following and it's working for Celebrity.

We have National car perks so we use a combo of free rentals and pay for days. Sadly there isn't a secret, Alaska is know for high priced car rentals and they can sell out. So I'd suggest locking down a car that includes a cancellable option, incase you make alternate plans. Patty

I have an Alaska sailing for July 2023 and some excursions have easily increased by 30/40% since I originally started my planning. Yep, I also take notes and keep a spreadsheet. 🤓 I typically book with cruise line tours and independent, I like to mix it up depending on the port, activity and my OBC Better to be safe and lock down what you want asap, can always cancel and rebook if a better price pops up. Patty

Contact your TA and it will be up to them how they handle the $100 pp change fee

If your cruise begins or ends in Whittier, you can add the Phillips 26 Glaciers tour, lots of otters. 🦦 https://phillipscruises.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwwL6aBhBlEiwADycBIEu2pkWWl6yJYzTYuofLA48a6JJQqwIezuz83idlYqVOCVmvZjt72BoColYQAvD_BwE

Many people take nicer cameras but to give you a perspective, this is my shots of Hubbard Glacier on a Princess cruise with an iPhone 8 📱 I've upgraded a few times since this trip. LOL! Prepare to be amazed! Enjoy your planning and remember you'll never get it all in one trip, not possible. Patty

Congrats! What a fabulous honeymoon destination! Binoculars and sunglasses will be your best friend! Under Armour Northface Fleece! Lots of layers and always pack a knit hat that cover your ears but honestly you may not even need them. I've been multiple times and in early June my DH got sunburned. For Real! Juneau I did a glacier hike years ago and it was fabulous. Mendenhall w/hike to the falls. ISP I loved the zip line although overpriced but I'm a sucker and will be doing it again. Just a ton of fun. Skagway the scenery from the train is spectacular no matter when you go. Jet boat was much more informative then I expected, really a great tour. Could also rent a car and go to the Yukon on your own. Hubbard and GB just relax with blankets/ hot cocoa and take it all in. Ketchikan Misty Fiords is gorgeous, float plane w/landing. OR Adventure Karts can be super fun. Too early for bears as already mentioned. Vancouver is a fab city! Take out bikes or walk the Seawall. Also many hikes and you can watch the seaplanes come in. Enjoy your special adventure, no matter when you go, Alaska will be sure to WOW you! Patty

NB for the port times and ease boarding in YVR rather than getting from ANC to Seward. But SB for Skagway if the train is of interest, it's amazing scenery. I suggest looking at tours you want and pick based on them. NB/SB is a win win either way imo. I've done both. As far as less "touristy" I never hang in the ports, always leave for my adventures so a trinket store isn't any issue for me. I skip out of port the second I debark the ship. Patty

Both seem very early to me for getting into Hubbard. Others will chime in and know much better than me but with only these two option, I'd go for May 23rd for better odds. Not sure I'd go that early for a GB day. I prefer later June-Aug You mention wildlife, I'd suggest looking at your must have excursions and see the seasons that best suit those. Ex Bears will have prime viewing based on locations and months. Patty

My Hubbard day, taken with a typical iPhone. Hubbard is Magnificent! Truly Amazing!

I enjoyed my Princess sailing in Alaska.Chose it for Glacier Bay. I am not a NCL girl, Celebrity is my line of choice so Princess was the best match for my vacation style. I'd look at all the port times for each sailing you're considering that includes GB and pick that one. Patty

I actually love ISP. Its a great port for adventure and it isn't packed with trinket shops.

Okay with the first as long as it's refundable, you call and it will be cancelled. Monies back to your card. Easy Peasy As for Dawes, I'd highly suggest one way and Hubbard. Post your exact itinerary booked and I'll be able to give more info.