Northern Aurora

We spent 40 nights on a Sunset Sky Suite last fall on the Edge. Two loungers, two chairs and a round table.

We received an e-mail on February 14th for our March 28 sailing on the Millennium. We are in an Aqua Sky Suite. We are also Zenith level Captain's Club members.

I have been to Kodiak both on business and prior to taking a Alaska state ferry out to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Kodiak is known for its bears. When we spent several days there in 2016 prior to boarding the ferry a cruise ship was at the ferry dock which at that time was slightly out of town. A school bus was used to shuttle ship passengers downtown, but many people walked. Downtown has the Kodiak History Museum (Baranov Museum) and the Alutiiq Museum. Ft. Abercrombie, with its WW II defenses, is out of town. After disembarking from the state ferry we spent several days in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor birding. If your ship will use the state ferry berth you will be closer to the community. When we were there we again had a small cruise ship stopping for a day. It used the ferry berth. A shuttle was running (again a school bus) dropping passengers at the Grand Aleutian Hotel and the World War II museum. This shuttle did not take folks up to the remains of Ft. Schwatka which is at the top of a mountain with incredible views. The Museum of the Aleutians was not open when we were there so I have no idea if the shuttle would have stopped there, but I suspect they would have. Both communities have interesting WW II history. And both can have nasty weather. On a clear day Dutch Harbor/Unalaska is spectacular, but when it isn't clear expect nasty conditions.

Is the independent tour operator you located Salmon Berry Tours?

This is a reference to the South East Alaska Discovery Center which is operated by the US Forest Service. They offer a Tongass Junior Ranger program. Minimal entrance fee but check their website as they accept a number of park passes which provide free entrance. For those interested in museums the city of Ketchikan operates two -- the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center. Both have entrance fees, but minimal in amount. Nice options for a rainy day in Ketchikan.

Given the number of flight crews who stay at the Captain Cook I wouldn't be surprised if they offer 24 hour room service.

Suite passengers and Zenith Captain's Club (loyalty level) board when they desire.

Also bear viewing opportunities.

While it is an easy drive the drop off fees for a one way rental vehicle is breathtaking. The road and train run parallel from Anchorage to basically Portage. There the train route diverges into a different valley. The road and train again run parallel from Moose Pass into Seward. While opinions regarding scenery are subjective many people feel that the train route is more scenic.

The Celebrity offering is chartered train service departing from the Anchorage airport. The same tracks but the cruise ship chartered trains end at the Seward cruise terminal. These chartered trains must be purchased through the cruise line. The early morning train service purchased directly from the Alaska Railroad departs Anchorage from the downtown rail station and ends at the Seward train depot. The Seward train station isn't very far from the cruise terminal.

Oliver: I also re-read your travel reports regarding Japan. We spent a month there in 2018 and will be returning for B2B cruises. I suspect we may be on the same cruise as @MandL. But I have a quick question -- have you been to Nara? Both of our cruises overnight in Osaka and we are considering going to Nara for the day.

I just looked at the hours for Snow City Cafe, and they don't open in time for our OP. But I wonder if they could purchase something from Snow City the afternoon before?

I am wondering if your flights are on time (and these days that is a big "if") and your party all arrive at 4 PM will you be ready for the transfer to Seward. Or will you be too tired to enjoy it? While I prefer Seward over Anchorage in this case you may want to consider booking a hotel near the airport, go to bed early, and take an early transfer to Seward.

Celebrity does not use Ward Cove. Your ship will be right downtown. And all aboard for passengers is half an hour before departure, so in your case 8 PM. You will be able to visit the downtown area with no problem.

Neither Luminae nor Blu take reservations. Folks are seated as they arrive, with occasionally having to wait a few minutes at a very busy time. While most of the tables are for two people there are a few larger ones. A shared table is not common, but the tables for two are close together so folks start conversations with some seated next to them. The reference to in-suite specialty coffees is a reference to the butler bringing you coffee. That being said, if you ask nicely you may be able to secure a coffee maker. I haven't been on the Infinity post pandemic, but didn't have serious issues with the wifi. And the rumor that Celebrity has a M-class ship for sales has been circulating for at least a decade.

What hours does the Captain Cook offer room service?

Are all of you on the same flights? Depending on what time your party arrives in Anchorage (and assuming the flights are on time) you may not find a shuttle willing to make the drive. The drive to Seward from Anchorage is about 2.5 hours while the train takes about 4 hours.

Very nice review -- helpful information and well presented.

At those meetings for B2B passengers often a representative from the food service team is there. They are there to make specialty dining reservations for the next leg.

Von & Jon have provided an extensive list. Just a few comments from another Alaskan: Use google to locate the Seward visitor's bureau to check their visitor's guide. In the past Seward has had a shuttle service around the community and the visitor's bureau will know if it will be offered this coming summer. Our favorite vendor offering small vessel trips into the Kenai Fjords National Park is Major Marine. And one time we actually did see a bear on the shore while on one of their trips.

In 2021 we did a B2B pair out of Seattle after the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act passed. That legislation allowed for a temporary bypass of the PVSA requirement so no stop in Victoria. It was a rainy day when we left Seattle so we were in the Millennium equivalent of the Sky Lounge. Initially there was some lovely scenery. But we fairly quickly entered the open ocean. I don't remember the timing, but (if my memory is correct) we were sharing a small table with another couple and they left to head down to the MDR for the first dinner seating just as we entered the open ocean. The best areas of the ship for viewing are always on the upper decks where folks can move from port to starboard. Last fall we spent 40 nights on the Edge. I will be interested in opinions regarding this ship in Alaska.

While it can rain any time in southeast Alaska May tends to be the driest month with the rains much more frequent starting in late August. You certainly can have rain in mid-July and it could be heavy if you are in a storm. Definitely need a waterproof (not water resistant) outer layer. Your shoe requirement is dictated by your activity level. While we own waterproof hiking boots I take a waterproof pair of walking shoes. Not only do I use them at home they have been used in Iceland, South American and Northern Europe. We don't take a waterproof backpack. If you are concerned then pack a large plastic bag which can be used to protect the items in a backpack.

Princess is not the only cruise line to have naturalists on board during their Alaska sailings. For example, Celebrity also has them.

Have you considered just packing a couple of granola bars or a baggy of dried fruit in your suitcases? I've stayed eat the Captain Cook a great number of times through the years and there will be a coffee maker in the room.

We also thought Le Grand Bistro was excellent. We spent 40 nights on the Edge last fall and had approximately six lunches at LGB. The lobster bisque was incredible (caged with puff pastry) and the coq au vin was one of the best I've ever enjoyed. We had a Captain's Club specialty dining discount, but the cover charge is $30 per person (if my memory is correct).