Celebrity Infinity Alaska 2016?

[Leacrest]

We're considering an August Vancouver round trip Hubbard Glacier cruise this summer. We're fairly seasoned cruisers (multiples on Costa, NCL, Cunard, Princess, Crystal), although this would be our first time on Celebrity. The prices for this cruise are materially lower than other lines. It's a great itinerary, and we're Canadian, so the Vancouver round trip is very appealing,not to mention the fare, given our tanking Canadian dollar. There have been some fairly uneven reviews of this ship and I'm wondering if that may now be reflected in the low price? We're a pretty low maintenance, go with the flow family of 3 (2 adults and an 11 year old). Our wants are spacious, comfortable stateroom, good MDR experience and overall laid-back ambiance. We're not into the casino, nor do we really care about the shows. Thanks! Look forward to feedback.

[ghstudio]

you don't mention the ship, but it really doesn't matter. Celebrity is, IMHO, the best of the mass market cruise lines....there is little variation in the quality of the cruise or cruise experience between ships, other than the difference in size between the m-class and s-class ships. We sail on both interchangeably.

 

Every cruise can be different though....due to staff/officer attitude, the chef's taste buds and similar types of things....and there's almost no way to predict a given cruise. We certainly have had better cruises than others, like everyone else...but it seems to come down to either crew attitude or food service/seasoning which is luck of the draw on waiters and chefs.

 

Certainly a celebrity cruise will not be the same as your cruise(s) on Crystal, but I'd venture that you'll have a much better total experience than you had on Costa. We prefer Celebrity to Princess but they are the closest in terms of experience.

 

FYI...we chose Princess to Alaska because we wanted to see Glacier Bay and it was an excellent cruise.

Edited January 9, 2016 by ghstudio

[az_tchr]

This itinerary was excellent. Did it with extended family in 3 cabins. Plenty to do on board. The reviews everywhere recently on mass market lines seem to be really negative and I do not think reflect the real experience. seems not getting luggage tags can color an entire review.

 

Our MDR experience has always been great. Service and menu choices offering very good - not great - food with lots of choices. With the port calls you will probably want Select Dining so you can eat at different times to accommodate getting back to the ship later. Previous poster said it correctly that X is not Crystal, but am thinking your 11 year old will love the buffet. From the panini station, made to order stir fry and pasta, pizza always available to ice cream and cookies the buffet is in my opinion better than almost every other line.

 

Be sure to take a few days to explore Alaska after you get to Seward. On of the shuttle companies offers a stop at a wildlife sanctuary on the way to Anchorage. you all should love it. Then rent a car for a few days and explore. Anchorage has a super museum (as does Juneau) and very scenic country only an hour out of town. Overnight in Talkeetna (Denali View is great) for a B&B with views of guess what from your room.

[Bklynbill]

M-class ships are very nice and a good choice in general for Alaska. Infinity just came out of a remodel. I think it was getting mixed reviews because it was overdue for some dry dock work (three years between, I think?). If the itinerary and price in Alaska are great for you, I think that would matter more than the ship itself. Like was mentioned before, Princess would be the closest comparison to cruise lines you would be familiar with.

[Cruise Raider]

I have sailed on the Infinity 4 times ... all up to Alaska and by far my favorite ship on the high seas, although the S class ships are a close 2nd.

 

If you are going with 3 passengers and want a spacious room, try for one of the family sized veranda suites at the back of the ship, the ones on the corners are beyond fabulous. We've sailed in one of these, one regular balcony, one inside and one oceanview ... all were fabulous cabins, even the inside cabin which was a larger one midship on deck 7.

The new oceanview rooms 3112-31xx are also great if that is more in your price range. The concierge cabins on deck 8 are a little larger than the regular veranda cabins but those family size verandas are like a full suite as they sleep up to 5 ... but at a much smaller price.

 

I absolutely love this ship and believe the major refurbishment they did recently can only make it better. The size of the ship allows for a little more up close and personal waterways, although you may not experience the one that goes through the British Columbia inside passage with this itinerary. We were treated to that once and only once ... simply amazing.

 

I also love the warm salt water thalasso (sp?) therapy swimming pool in the indoor pool area. Beware ... it will take the color out of your swimwear but oh, so worth it. I just take the same suit on all my Infinity cruises since it is so faded now.

[neverbeenhere]

Thalassotherapy Gold Star for you. Had to look it up.

 

 

Isn't that swimwear see-thru by now.:)

Edited January 9, 2016 by neverbeenhere

[Northern Aurora]

We're considering an August Vancouver round trip Hubbard Glacier cruise this summer. ... It's a great itinerary, and we're Canadian, so the Vancouver round trip is very appealing,not to mention the fare, given our tanking Canadian dollar.

 

 

....

 

Be sure to take a few days to explore Alaska after you get to Seward. On of the shuttle companies offers a stop at a wildlife sanctuary on the way to Anchorage. you all should love it. Then rent a car for a few days and explore. Anchorage has a super museum (as does Juneau) and very scenic country only an hour out of town. Overnight in Talkeetna (Denali View is great) for a B&B with views of guess what from your room.

 

It appears that the OP is considering a RT cruise, starting and ending in Vancouver.

 

Despite the fact that we live in Alaska we've done three Alaskan cruises on Celebrity, including one on the Infinity.

 

Hubbard is spectacular, and is one of the very few tidewater Alaskan glaciers which is advancing. If the weather is good and the heli-pad dry the captain may be able to open the heli-pad to passengers when at Hubbard. But the ship will rotate a full 360 degrees. During the slow approach up Disenchantment Bay to the face of Hubbard it almost seems as if you go back in time.

[Christine Frances]

It appears that the OP is considering a RT cruise, starting and ending in Vancouver.

 

Despite the fact that we live in Alaska we've done three Alaskan cruises on Celebrity, including one on the Infinity.

 

Hubbard is spectacular, and is one of the very few tidewater Alaskan glaciers which is advancing. If the weather is good and the heli-pad dry the captain may be able to open the heli-pad to passengers when at Hubbard. But the ship will rotate a full 360 degrees. During the slow approach up Disenchantment Bay to the face of Hubbard it almost seems as if you go back in time.

 

So agree!! We did Hubbard on the Mercury and are doing it again this May on the Infinity. Hubbard Glacier is awesome!!

[Cruise Raider]

Thalassotherapy Gold Star for you. Had to look it up.

 

 

Isn't that swimwear see-thru by now.:)

 

Sweet!! :)

Well, not quite see thru yet but getting there!!

Edited January 10, 2016 by Cruise Raider

[Leacrest]

Thanks to all for the feedback. I think this sounds like a good adventure for our family.

[Phxazzcruisers]

So agree!! We did Hubbard on the Mercury and are doing it again this May on the Infinity. Hubbard Glacier is awesome!!

We agree also. Love Alaska cruises and will be doing Infinity again in May also !!

[Wishing on a star]

If I might cut into this thread a little bit...

ghstudio, you mentioned that you took Princess because they cruise Glacier Bay. The Star and the Coral are NOT getting good reviews, and I am thinking of taking Celebrity, switching Hubbard Glacier one-way for one of those ships.

 

The Milennium is going for a major drydock the end of April. And she just looks so much better to me than the older Princess ships on that Route.

 

Any thoughts?

[bigbenboys]

So agree!! We did Hubbard on the Mercury and are doing it again this May on the Infinity. Hubbard Glacier is awesome!!

 

Here, here. We loved the Mercury and yes Hubbard is the Glacier to see.

[Leacrest]

Thanks to CruiseRaider for the tip re family verandah cabin...we were able to get one last week. We'd booked Concierge but when the FV opened up, we switched.

[Paddy41]

Thanks to CruiseRaider for the tip re family verandah cabin...we were able to get one last week. We'd booked Concierge but when the FV opened up, we switched.

 

You mentioned August. We are cruising Aug. 21st on Infinity. Same reason you chose...Vancouver as the beginning and ending port. We are Canadians too and our son lives in Vancouver so we get to visit him as well. Someone mentioned that we may not travel the inside passage but I believe that's exactly what Infinity does do.

Enjoyed hearing about that special pool. Will take my old bathing suit along. Just came off an NCL cruise. Had broken my arm beforehand so with the cast I couldn't go into hot tubs or pool so especially looking forward to August.

[Zoedokey]

I am looking at this are cruise for next June 2017. For two people is an outside cabin, it is about 3000 with taxes and fees/. There is a special going now with the classic drinks package thrown in. Would now be the time to book so far in advance? Or in your experience, is the price lower in the fall or the spring previous to sailing?

[Cruise Raider]

Thanks to CruiseRaider for the tip re family verandah cabin...we were able to get one last week. We'd booked Concierge but when the FV opened up, we switched.

 

Major score!! That is exactly how we had gotten one of these ... moved from a concierge on the same deck to the corner FV.

I just love the Infinity and have booked two more cruises on her for 2017. I went for one of the large windowed oceanview rooms on deck 3 but it would be pretty amazing if we were able to get one of those FV cabins again.

[tikibargirl]

Hi Cruise Raider we are a party of 8 Alaska bound on the Infinity on June 26th. It's our first trip my dad is taking my sister and our families on the cruise. We are concerned about what to pack for the trip. Dinner wear should we pack summer outfits or winter outfits? I know we will probably be in jeans most of the day and dress in layers for shirts. Any info you advice you can pass along would be so helpful. I am used to tropical cruises this one is throwing me for a curve ball! Thanks!

[tikibargirl]

I am new to these boards and trying to learn how to post questions or replies so bare with me.

 

We are cruising on the Infinity to Alaska June 26th and my husband is the luggage police. We are staying 2 days in Vancouver pre-cruise. I really need to pack wisely! Hubby is putting his foot down for 1 large luggage and 1 carry on for each of the 4 of us. I just don't know what people wear in the evening in July in Alaska. We are used to tropical vacations so that requires a bathing suite for the entire day and casual summer wear for evening dinner.

 

I am really struggling with what to pack for this vacation. I am figuring jeans and layers for daytime??? Do we pack sun dresses and flip flops for dinner OR sweaters?? LOL What type of shoes? Will sneakers be ok for our excursions?

We are also taking a helicopter to the dog sled camp. Trying to find out info and reviews is just so difficult I have been googling different sites and that's how I came across this one.

 

Seriously any help or advice from all you seasoned cruisers would be greatly appreciated ESPECIALLY from my husband :) HELP!

[fleckle]

I am new to these boards and trying to learn how to post questions or replies so bare with me.

 

We are cruising on the Infinity to Alaska June 26th and my husband is the luggage police. We are staying 2 days in Vancouver pre-cruise. I really need to pack wisely! Hubby is putting his foot down for 1 large luggage and 1 carry on for each of the 4 of us. I just don't know what people wear in the evening in July in Alaska. We are used to tropical vacations so that requires a bathing suite for the entire day and casual summer wear for evening dinner.

 

I am really struggling with what to pack for this vacation. I am figuring jeans and layers for daytime??? Do we pack sun dresses and flip flops for dinner OR sweaters?? LOL What type of shoes? Will sneakers be ok for our excursions?

We are also taking a helicopter to the dog sled camp. Trying to find out info and reviews is just so difficult I have been googling different sites and that's how I came across this one.

 

Seriously any help or advice from all you seasoned cruisers would be greatly appreciated ESPECIALLY from my husband :) HELP!

It may be cold, it may be hot, or anywhere in between.

The standard advice for Alaska is layers, layers, layers.

Also be prepared for rain.

 

I would say to pack gloves and a head covering that covers your ears and won't blow off, especially if you like to spend time out on the open decks where it can be windy.

 

You may not need either, but it is better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

 

Jackets with hoods are very popular and are sold at just about all the Alaska ports.

 

Some of the dog sled camps provide boots. and the helicopters that land on the glaciers usually do.

Just contact your excursion vendor and ask.

 

Even when it is warm everywhere else on an Alaska cruise, it can be cold by the glaciers.

 

We bring flip-flops to wear to the pool and also use them as slippers.

Do bring comfortable walking shoes, 2 pairs that you can switch so you have a backup pair if one gets wet.

 

Most cruise passengers dress for comfort and look nice without being fashionistas. As a basic standard for the evenings, I would say that long pants (which can be nice jeans) and a conservative collared shirt with either long or short sleeves are fine for the men, on any night.

 

For the ladies, slacks or a skirt with a nice top are fine for any night, with flats or heels, as you prefer.

(If you hit rough seas, they will usually make an announcement telling the women not to wear heels.)

 

Beyond that, feel free to get as dressed up as you wish, especially on the evening chic nights. Some passengers dress up to celebrate a special occasion.

Many men will wear a jacket to dinner, but a jacket is no longer required on any night.

Some passengers still dress in tux or gown, but they are a small minority.

 

On Alaska cruises you will see a very wide range in styles of clothing worn by the passengers, so you can wear almost anything (within reason) and fit in without looking or feeling out of place.

Some women dress very modestly, and some wear very revealing outfits, while most dress somewhere in between.

 

1 large piece of luggage and 1 carry on for each person should be more than sufficient.

 

Many passengers manage nicely with carry-ons only: a rollaboard for the overhead bin, plus another bag that goes under the seat on the airplane.

 

It is sensible to bring clothing that you will wear more than once and that you don't mind sending out to be laundered or dry cleaned on the ship, as needed.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the same outfit over again. Even Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and future Queen of England does it. :)

 

Hope you stop struggling with what to pack and just go enjoy a wonderful cruise!

 

[MarKay525]

The Alaska board on Cruise Critic may provide answers to some of the questions posed here - or a great place to ask Alaska-specific questions.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

[velvet007]

I am new to these boards and trying to learn how to post questions or replies so bare with me.

 

We are cruising on the Infinity to Alaska June 26th and my husband is the luggage police. We are staying 2 days in Vancouver pre-cruise. I really need to pack wisely! Hubby is putting his foot down for 1 large luggage and 1 carry on for each of the 4 of us. I just don't know what people wear in the evening in July in Alaska. We are used to tropical vacations so that requires a bathing suite for the entire day and casual summer wear for evening dinner.

 

I am really struggling with what to pack for this vacation. I am figuring jeans and layers for daytime??? Do we pack sun dresses and flip flops for dinner OR sweaters?? LOL What type of shoes? Will sneakers be ok for our excursions?

We are also taking a helicopter to the dog sled camp. Trying to find out info and reviews is just so difficult I have been googling different sites and that's how I came across this one.

 

Seriously any help or advice from all you seasoned cruisers would be greatly appreciated ESPECIALLY from my husband :) HELP!

First, keep in mind that this is an "Alaskan" cruise...nature shows off, so you don't have to:)

 

To add to the great info fleckle gave you...

 

I noticed you are from NY, so you may not be as affected by the weather as me, but it would be good to prepare for an average of 57-75 degrees Fahrenheit, could be sunny or rainy. The early morning/late night is cooler and near the glaciers it is much colder, as fleckle already said.

 

My layers (note: I am always cold) include a long sleeved thermal underwear t-shirt, a top to wear over that, a fleece zip up, and finally a rain jacket. Columbia brand makes one that folds into one of the pockets to a finished size of about 5"x7". You can toss it into a tote or backpack. That is all you would need for any excursion, along with jeans and sneakers. Keds or something similar would not be appropriate, as they could easily get wet and are not sturdy enough. If it winds up being a warm, sunny day, you could always take off the thermal t-shirt in a restroom. The weather shifts so frequently, that you may be chilled in the next 30 minutes, fyi.

 

If you are taking taxis or shuttles everywhere, then you would need less protection. We are walkers, so I was glad I had a cheap, foldable rain hat (purchased from tjmaxx) stuffed in my purse, the day we walked around Ketchikan and it poured the whole time.

 

Try and get double/triple duty out of items. Black skirt as pool cover up...becomes casual breakfast outfit with simple top and flip flops at the buffet...becomes evening attire with nice blouse in the MDR.

 

I bring 2 plastic hangars and a dollar store dish washing bucket in my suitcase (filled with clothes so it really doesn't take up room) and a ziplock bag of HE powdered laundry soap. The High Efficiency soap produces less suds. You could easily give your skirt a soapy rinse in your bucket. The bathroom sink is a little too small and the bucket can be easily carried to the shower for quick rinsing. Wring out, roll in a towel and hang on the plastic hanger. I do this for most things except jeans. They need to be laundered as they will take days to dry in that climate (from experience:(). I do my own laundry as a time saver, not so much of a money saver. I just don't like having to wait a whole day for the clean laundry to be returned. I do this method on every cruise (and hotel for that matter), even in Europe and it worked great in Alaska as well. Since you will start your cruise with 2 days of dirty clothes already, you may just want to turn that in to be laundered when you get checked into the room, and start your own laundry method the next day. This really bugged the husband at first, but then when he or the child would stain a shirt they wanted to wear again soon, he was grateful I had a "system" in place (wink).

 

If you need to pack light, one pair of black pants and the famous black skirt could be enough for evenings, with a few different blouses. Yes, you will see some in ball gowns and cocktail dresses, but it is up to you how fancy you will be. I bring one pair of dressed up wedge sandals for dinner, and a pair of kitten heels or not, if I don't have room in the suitcase. For men, most nights Dockers and polo or other collard shirts suffice. On the formal-ish nights... dress pants, dress shirt and tie (or not) is enough. If the men in your group enjoy wearing a suit, then perfect as well. The only people that stick out are the ones who walk from the buffet in shorts on the way to the elevator, through the dressed up crowd. Oh, and some guy came to the Martini Bar in his robe from home, twice in one night. We are still getting a laugh about that one:)

[varoo]

....... Oh, and some guy came to the Martini Bar in his robe from home, twice in one night. We are still getting a laugh about that one:)

Probably Hugh Hefner :D ;)