Review Milli to Alaska

[travellovers]

Alaska Bound

Travelers….

Paul, L, Hunter and Kyle along with Uncle Bob (UB)

Pre-planning……

I did a lot of research before our trip…which I love. The help we got from the cruisecritic.com board was extremely helpful and cost saving. Thanks to the board we saved over $300 (OBC, free wine and 2 comp for the specialty restaurant) just by hearing about the perks you receive when booking with your Amex Platinum card. You do not have to go through Amex travel but you do have to use a travel agent because you need a tracking number and they will not give it to the individual.

We also saved a lot by booking our tours independently beforehand….also with advice from the board, travel websites (like fodors) and tripadvisor.com

We booked through Delta cruise department after checking all the sites for the best deal. They guarantee the best fare and we used miles for the air.

I had 3 goals on this trip and looked at itinerary and type of ship. My goal was to see whales, glaciers calving and bears. We were leaning toward Regent but decided on Celebrity since we were traveling with tweens.

Day 1….August 6th

Weather – typical overcast rain showers off and on and cool

Flight from Charleston, SC to Vancouver…..makes for a long day. Stayed at the Hyatt Downtown…nice and very well located. Joe Fortes for pre-dinner drinks.

Went for Sushi at Shabusen a couple blocks away….so fresh. Each table had its own small grill were you could cook meats.

Tip – get Celebrity luggage tags from concierge at hotel.

Day 2…..

Weather – overcast cool not cold

Took a taxi to Stanley Park to see the totem poles and walk around. We walked back (nice walk) to the property and checked out so we could arrive at Ballantyne Pier by noon to check in.

Stopped at a wine store and bought our 2 bottles (magnums) of wine per cabin that we could bring onboard with no problem. We are big wino’s and wanted something nice for the trip. I think we could have easily brought more on board but did not risk it since we brought the magnums. This needs to be done when you board the first day….they will not let you bring wine or liquor on board during the cruise.

Check in was a breeze since we took care of everything online before we left.

Celebrity Milli is a fabulous ship. I can not say enough great things about the crew and service. They had plenty to do without being too much for us.

Our cabin was a huge worry for me. I tend to get motion sick. We went with the cabin 9199 an aft family veranda. This was the perfect cabin with one big exception. We were on the sky deck right below an outside deck and when people would move the furniture we could hear a loud scraping noise…..this happened at all hours but most annoying was around 5am. The cabin layout was great though. We had plenty of room with a lot of storage….big closet and lots of drawer space. A big sitting area with 2 pull out sofas so my twins each had their own. The bathroom had ample space….not big. The veranda was what sold us on this cabin…..it is great…..2 lounge chairs with 2 tables and 6 chairs. It made it worth every penny and some. If we cruise on the Milli again I would try and get the same cabin just one deck below.

We explored the ship had a nice buffet lunch and unpacked. The boys went straight to the basketball court and Jr. tween club. They loved it. I can not say enough great things about how well the tween club was….constant activities. We had a hard time getting them to do anything with us once they meet up with a group of friends their age. We booked most of our tours beforehand so we did not have to deal with the long lines at the shore excursion desk plus we saved a great deal.

Had our emergency drill at 5pm….smooth as can be with that many people.

We headed straight to the highest point in the front of the ship with cameras and video.

Veranda for champagne and got to cross off one of my goals. We saw whales….amazing creatures really.

Note here – we still had no notification about our Amex perks (worked on getting this for 2 days before our trip) so I contacted the guest services. The person I talked to knew nothing about it. Please get something from your TA to show them. I was told to call my TA…that could cost a fortune. So, I stewed on it that afternoon. Went to guest services next morning got someone very nice that said they would check into it for me. They left me a few messages and finally they did find out that yes….we did qualify and did get these perks. You have to be diligent but worth it for me.

Martini tasting with very entertaining bartenders in the martini bar

Late seating for dinner with a large table of 8 at the Metopolitian which is the main dining area. Uncle Bob was supposed to be at our table but was not. We had another family with 2 boys close to our boy’s age. Their kids were too tired for the late seating so they move to the early seating…or who knows…but it worked out because that way UB could join us at our table.

Dress – smart casual…..which on the first night I would say most complied. Our boys had on a collared shirt and dress slacks…I wore a dress. My DH and UB wore a blazer.

Nightcap on veranda and early to bed that night

Tip – If you like to be very active and party all night long with lots of young singles…..this is not the cruise for you. We did not want the announcements every 2 minutes and the crew trying to get you into all activities constantly.

Day 3….Day at Sea

I do have to say I was worried about this day. I like to go and do and see as much as possible. They had plenty to do for everyone without feeling pressured or as little to do.

Lazy morning….coffee, tea and breakfast buffet on aft deck….beautiful. They would not let you serve yourself and everywhere you turned they were squirting hand sanitizer but I did not mind this at all. I am not a big buffet fan so them serving me was nice I thought. I never saw large lines.

Noro update – I did not see or hear of anyone getting sick on our cruise. I felt like the ship was very clean and did not see any of the film on everything like I had heard about. I also did not have any problems with the overwhelming smell I heard about on the board pre-cruise. I do have to say I was very worried since one of my twins has very reactive asthma….he had no problems at all. The captain gave a brief welcome again in the am and made a quick mention to wash your hands.

We went to the port show to hear about each port….mostly about shopping. I like to shop but that is not why I came on this trip. The shopping consisted of lots of jewelry, t-shirt and souvenir shops. I wanted to see the awe inspiring nature.

I went to the culinary demo

DH went to a drawing in the emporium shopping area for me….and he won a nice watch set.

Boys playing with all the other tweens still having a blast. They had things like the amazing race, majority rules and cokes on us, ping pong, soccer and dodge ball….they even had a Jr teen lounge that was supervised. They even put a card in our room at night with the next day activities which was a nice touch.

Naps for adults….note we have probably taken 3 naps in our entire life. The veranda with a blanket that they provide….rocks you to sleep like a baby. Speaking of rocking…..you could feel movement on the first two days at sea. I look a ½ of Dramamine at night and ½ of a bomine during the day and had no problems.

Off to a champagne art auction them to Ballroom dancing class to learn the waltz….had to drag my DH but he went and might have actually enjoyed it a little.

I was going to try and book a spa appointment but never did. The spa looked very nice and they did have certain spa specials everyday. I decided I can go to the spa at home. I did not want to miss the scenery.

We went to an around the world wine tasting in the Metropolitan….casual walk around tasting.

We had pre-arranged dinner reservations at Olympic. I can not say enough great things about this experience. It was truly 5 star.

We brought a bottle (magnum) of Don Melcher which they decanted for us. Meal (for 3) experience consisted of a cheese tray (fab) goat cheese soufflé, escargot, lobster bisque (the other rest. soups paled in comparison) lamb, duck, steak and lobster. Note – we pre ordered one dark chocolate soufflé….they brought us 3. The service was comparable to some of the finest we have enjoyed around the world. Gorgeous ambience!

Dress- Formal night….I would say only ½ of the men had on tuxes…..with mine being 2. A touch disappointing since my husband did not really want to bring a tux but did because we like to follow the suggested rules and I really love men in tuxes. I had on a long gown and saw maybe one more lady with a formal dress on. I love to dress up so I did not care.

Tip – If you bring kids….bring walkie talkies….amazing how we could stay in touch with no problem without worrying about being at the certain time or place to check in.

Day 4……Ketchikan

Wow what a day. We arrived earlier than expected so I did not get to video going into port.

Raining….more rain and more rain but that is what it does especially in Ketchikan.

We walked around Creek Street, took the cable car up to have hot chocolate walked down to the salmon ladder…..tons of salmon…watched people fish and catch from the bridge.

Went to some restaurant on the 3rd floor for a quick cup of soup and some liquid courage

Great excursion with Island Wings/Michelle…the weather cleared enough to have great views of misty fjords in the seaplane. We landed at a floating dock in the fjord instead of a beach since it was raining again. We walked around on the dock and got to see seals playing up close. I highly recommend this excursion…once in a lifetime. We saved around $50pp x 4 by booking directly with Island Wings.

Had to go straight back to the boat since we had an early departure.

Went to mass….so glad that they had a Catholic service everyday on-board

The adults missed the magic show that night….my twins went and said they enjoyed it.

Late seating at the Metropolitan….food is good….when you think that they serve over 2000 it is amazing. The Olympic really is outstanding. The difference is Met is smaller cuts of meats but overall still very good. The dress was smart casual and it started getting much more casual for most. My DH and UB still worn collared shirts and sport coats….and I wore a nice dress. We were overdressed by most but did not mind.

After dinner we went to the Celebrity singer and dancers show…..loved it….very talented small show.

Had dinner at Olympic with great wine and mouth watering food that was just as great as the first time.

Tips - The views are breath taking on the floatplane. I am glad I took a Bonine though….there is some motion. Rain is the norm in Alaska so be prepared with a rain jacket and umbrella. Do not let it ruin your trip….make it an adventure. Michelle told us that it had been very dry and hot the last couple of weeks. The good new about the rain for us was that all the waterfalls were running….no rain no waterfalls.

Day 5 …..Juneau

Wow….Wow what a day. I planned on videoing our arrival but the ship arrived early again. Weather was around 60 with overcast skies in the am.

We did not plan any shore excursions here because we could not decide if we should really pay for the floatplane and a helicopter…..but decided what the heck….we might not ever get back to Alaska.

We had time first to take the shuttle (gave us r/t for $7 not each way since we booked the heli with them) to Mendenhall Glacier and hike to the waterfall….take time to do the hike but know that it is not a maintained trail….but still easy by real hikers standards. Breathtaking!

Ran back to the ship for a light lunch

Straight back to town for our Helicopter ride…..we choose Era because they flew over 4 glaciers vs. the others just one glacier. So glad we did this it was awesome! You feel like you are floating so no motion problems for me here. We saved about $60pp by booking at the port directly vs the ship…..plus my twins opted out of this….so saved $700 kind of.

Walked straight to Red Dog Saloon for drinks….entertaining just to stop in and see.

Enjoyed our veranda this afternoon

Went to the champagne bar before dinner for a champagne tasting

Late seating….twins opted out and went to a tween party instead….pizza and dancing.

DH and UB went to the casino. We are not big gamblers so we can not really rate the casino for the hard core.

I went to Cosmos listened to music…..later it changed to karaoke.

Tip – if you can afford it do the Helicopter ride that land on a glacier. I can not find words to describe how incredible this was!

Day 6……Skagway

Weather was windy and cold….they say it is always windy in Skagway

I like this town much more than the other so far….still touristy but neat. We did not go on the train ride since we are taking a train from Seward on the last day. We talked to an information lady standing in the street since we planned on renting a car that day with no luck….we even went early. She suggested Dave and Ruth….we found Ruth on the side of the road and she took us on a private tour for 2 ½ hours for just $25pp. We went in Dyea looking for bear with no luck….still beautiful views.

Had some soup at the seafood house (out of town near the Princess cruise ship) wanted crab claws but did not want to pay $35 each for them…glad I decided to wait.

Did a little souvenir shopping and went to the Red Onion Saloon…..interesting.

Went back to the ship and had a lite snack at the spa café….the boys had burgers and beer by the pool….both good.

Went to the early comedy show with Noodle Leventstein…..I have not laughed that hard in ages.

Had dinner at the Olympic again…..just as fabulous as the first time. Great wine, service and food!

After dinner we went to cosmos for the 50’s rock and roll party…..had fun dancing….much livelier then the first of the cruise. I was dancing with UB and doing the twist when one of the dancers from the ship put a lanyard around our neck…found out that it meant we were entered in the twist contest. Great fun especially since we WON!

Day 7……Icy Strait Point

Weather was beautiful with calm seas….cold to cool around 55

Loved…..loved this port. All my boys (DH, UB and twins) went fishing early this am with teckkoutfitters.com they did a great job. I booked this pre-cruise and it worked out great. They caught a lot of Halibut and had it shipped home.

I had a great morning….went to Met for breakfast….they have grits and you get to sit and be served. Tendered into port and walked for an hour along the beach following whales….whales everywhere this port.

Walked into Hoonah and meet up with boys. We had a great lunch of Alaskan crab claws at the Office Bar Restaurant (hole in the wall) which is rated on the best bars by travel magazines. So glad I waited.

Ran back to catch a wildlife excursion that I (by myself) booked literally 10 minutes beforehand. They said you have a 70% chance of seeing bears. I was in the 30% but did get to see several eagles up close eating all the left over fish the bears left.

Caught the last tender to the ship

Enjoyed our veranda and cosmos for whale watching….got to see at least 20 very active whales

2nd formal night tonight…..the twins wore navy blazer, tie and khaki slacks and DH and UB wore tuxes….I would say I saw maybe 10 men in tuxes….that is out of 1000. I wore a long formal dress and was extremely over dressed. I even changed after dinner and before the show. For everyone that goes to the effort to bring along formal cloths you will be disappointed. This did not bother us but I just wanted to point this out. I prefer to be over dressed than under….though I doubt if we cruise again I will be able to talk my DH into bringing along a tux.

Show was iBroadway….enjoyable

Tip – Do the bear watching early in the morning to have the best chance.

Day 8……Hubbard Glacier

Weather was cold outside for viewing….gloves, hat and lots of layers and you will be fine

God’s amazing! We arrived early but I was ready. We were to arrive at 8am but I got up and went straight to Cosmos for viewing at 6:15am…..got 2nd row and got to watch the whole way in. We arrived at Hubbard Glacier around 7am. We went up to the very top to video and take photos until they opened the heli pad…..truly amazing! We got so close 1/3 of a mile away…..we got to see and hear the calving….again I am at a loss for words. This is one of the main reasons I picked this itinerary. So, I got to cross off another goal!

Had breakfast at the Met and watched as we left Hubbard Glacier. We sat down at a window and I was taking a picture of DH and the glacier calved the second I took the picture!!

Lunch at Met

We had the whole afternoon to pack.

Enjoyed the art auction and a wine and cheese pairing in between packing and enjoying our veranda for more glaciers and whales

Early show to see the Comedy and Magic show…..Noodles and Dale Scott…..OK.

Really enjoyed room service on our veranda the last night

Tip – This is a tip about tips. They are already added to your sea pass everyday. We were told that it was going to be $8pp…that is times 4 for us. We did not mind this because they had to make the 2 pull outs each day for the boys and the tween club was all included in the cruise no extra cost for this. We planned on giving a little extra for anyone that we felt gave us extra attention. We had a note waiting for us the first day that tips have gone up to $11.50pp per day. That added an extra $100 for us. So for planning purposes you might need to know this in advance. We still gave Jose our stateroom attendant some extra. He seemed to have a sensor on him. He was outside every time we came in or out of our room.

Day 9…..travel day

Early morning….dismemberment was very easy

Train back to Anchorage was nice with more amazing views along the way. Had a decent sandwich and very good hot chocolate. Nice to be able to move around….sitting on a bus for 4 to 5 hours just did not sound fun but it would have taken less time to get there. We had plenty of time so we did not have to rush.

We had (like 6 hours) to waste before our flight. Once we arrived at the airport….a short walk from the train depot…we went to check into the Celebrity waiting area where we found our luggage. Celebrity did a great job….they even watched our luggage in that area since we were not ready to take it….nice touch. We decided to go to the zoo. Got to see bears…..so got to, kind of, check this off my list.

Tip - We flew on Delta and just a note they do not have a Crown Room at the Anchorage airport. You need to pre-book the train it sold out.

Day 10….home

Back to wonderful Charleston at 10am.

Tip – if you want to feel jet lag try this flight home…..well worth it though.

[vbmom87]

Thanks for a great review. Your insight will help others who are planning to cruise to Alaska. Wish I was going back.

[grammagramma]

Great review! My husband, mother and step-dad and I leave on Milli on 9-11-09 so appreciate your take on the cruise. Thanks!!!

[SEPyle]

Thanks so much for your review! Alaska is an amazing place isn't it! You had a quote that I so identify with the day you experienced Hubbard Glacier: "God’s amazing!" I remember thinking and at times saying outloud: " Gosh, God sure did an amazing job creating Alaska!" We'd get to the next amazing place and I would just look at the vista's before us in awe!

Thanks for taking the time to write your review! Hopefully you'll post your pictures!

[esjas12]

Excellent post. Thank you. I leave on the southbound leg on 28th September, so your comments and tips are most welcome.

[travellovers]

I would not have a clue where to start to get my photos on this post...sorry.

I can put them on snapfish but past that I am lost

[Kaye2010]

Thanks for the great review, but I do not want to try the "dismemberment" (Day 9)... ;)