AWE-INSPIRING ALASKA
CRUISE ALONG THE COAST OF THE 49TH STATE , TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE AND STUNNING LANDSCAPES , FOR AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER .
By SHARON STELLO
Alaska ’ s abundant wildlife captures the hearts of its visitors — and for good reason . Imagine pods of orcas spouting in front of your boat , humpbacks flipping their flukes toward the sky as they dive into the sea , along with playful seals and otters , and bald eagles soaring overhead . Amid verdant forests , vigilant observers might even see a bear during the salmon run .
The wild creatures of this country ’ s 49th state are only rivaled by the jaw-dropping scenery , from snow-capped mountains to waterfalls and turquoise-colored lakes as well as breathtaking glaciers that groan and pop as pieces of ice calve and fall into the water .
Not only is Alaska stunning , but it ’ s immense . The largest state in the union , it ’ s bigger than California , Texas and Montana
A whale watching trip from Icy Strait Point
64 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE . COM combined . Given this impressive expanse , cruising is one of the best ways to visit the Land of the Midnight Sun .
Award-winning Celebrity Cruises is a great option for seeing the coast between Seward and Vancouver , British Columbia , with both northbound and southbound routes including inside passage offered from May through early September . Alaska sailings this summer are aboard one of three ships : the Solstice , Eclipse and Millennium . The latter is a Forbes Travel Guide Four Star-rated resort at sea , among five of the brand ’ s ships recognized by Forbes this year ; in fact , Celebrity is the first ocean cruise line to earn the travel guide ’ s star awards . And this is the last season to ride on the Millennium in Alaska as the ship will soon depart for Asia . Next year , the Alaska cruises will be on Solstice , Summit and Edge .
The midsized Millennium , which accommodates approximately 2,200 passengers and was modernized in 2019 as part of a $ 500 million upgrade to the fleet , is big enough to offer numerous amenities without feeling overwhelming . It ’ s jam-packed with activities , live shows , music and impressive restaurants from a casual buffet to fine dining options with menus by a Michelin-starred chef .
Plenty of land excursions are offered on this seven-night trip as well as nonstop onboard activities for those at-sea days and in between exploring port cities like Juneau , Skagway , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan ; passengers who opt not to leave the ship won ’ t be bored either , with everything from trivia to ping-pong and cornhole tournaments , silent disco dances , art sessions , an art gallery , casino , high-end shopping , a spa , fitness center , swimming pools , hot tubs and an adults-only solarium .
LEFT : SHARON STELLO ; REST OF SPREAD : COURTESY OF CELEBRITY CRUISES