A train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route
Above : Alaska ’ s stunning scenery ; top left : an aerial tram in Juneau ; middle left : kayaking adventures
an expanded room service breakfast menu ; the use of yoga mats , blocks and other fitness equipment during the cruise as well as exclusive dining at Blu restaurant , which has plant-based options , and unlimited access to the Persian Garden , a rejuvenating aquatherapy series with an aromatic steam room , sauna and rain shower at the spa . Or choose The Retreat for a Royal Suite , private sundeck with dedicated attendants , exclusive access to special restaurant Luminae , complimentary 24-hour room service , onboard and shore excursion credits , and more . The Retreat suites and AquaClass staterooms automatically include on-board drinks , Wi-Fi and tips , but for other room types , guests may add on a package that bundles these .
Known for its dining options that rival top , landbased resorts — the Millennium ’ s main restaurant , Metropolitan , has received Wine Spectator magazine ’ s Restaurant Award of Excellence since 2013 — this ship ’ s restaurants leave passengers wanting for nothing . Any palate can be satiated with the onboard options . The Oceanview Cafe serves up an international buffet of dishes from pizza and pasta to burgers , salads , Mexican and Indian fare , plus desserts that would tempt even the most health-conscious diner . The main restaurant keeps it classic with dishes like shrimp cocktail , escargots , French onion soup , grilled steak , prime rib and broiled salmon . Blu ( for AquaClass guests only ) offers a plant-based Beyond Burger , zucchini carpaccio , pan-seared red snapper , dijon-glazed salmon salad , filet mignon and more . Luminae ( for The Retreat guests ) ups the ante with cold smoked salmon , roasted pork belly , seared duck breast and Moroccan chicken tangine with saffron couscous .
Notably , acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud , whose land-based restaurants have received Michelin stars , has designed signature dishes for Luminae . Specialty dining includes the Tuscan Grille , an Italian restaurant with a contemporary twist ; Sushi on Five for a modern approach to traditional Japanese cuisine ; and Le Petit Chef at Qsine , which presents an immersive display of animated projections involving a little chef who takes diners on a culinary journey .
When it comes to libations , choose from nine bars and lounges , including a pool bar and Sunset Bar on the back deck of the ship . The Martini Bar is a must-visit spot where bartenders become entertainers , dazzling guests as they juggle bottles and fill stacked glasses from a long chain of shakers without spilling a drop . Drinks are served on an ice-covered bar top .
Another go-to place is the Sky Lounge , a large space at the front of the ship with a stage , dance area , bar and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best views from inside the ship . Come here to sip cocktails including signature drinks named after horoscope signs , take part in a trivia game or magic show , dance to late-night DJ beats or just kick back and enjoy the view .
ALASKAN ADVENTURES While the onboard amenities are impressive , most people cruise in Alaska to marvel at the natural wonders and experience the historic towns . Each port offers plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and landscape . But the trip begins before stepping foot on the boat . For those on a southbound cruise , most people fly into
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT : ERIC LINDBERG PHOTOS ; COURTESY OF WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE COLLECTION ; COURTESY OF CELEBRITY CRUISES ; SHARON STELLO
68 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM