Underwhelming - A mixed bag of highs and lows

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Review summary

Was a little surprised to see the high ratings from this particular cruise. Have been to Alaska several times and booked this cruise as a chance to try out the Retreat and visit Dawes Glacier. Retreat was just OK, and generally paled against the Haven on newer NCL ships like the Prima. We missed Dawes Glacier due to an overnight passenger medical issue and Coast Guard had more pressing matters than to airlift passenger off. As such, we went straight to Juneau. No compensation provided by Celebrity, but passenger disappointment was high enough that the captain gave a specific lecture on what happened. I’d like to give this specific cruise 3 stars vs 4, because the missed excursion disproportionately affected our experience even if other areas were better. Many passengers took the view that there is always another cruise, which came across as a privileged position, and not realistic for some. If choosing an Alaska cruise and this will be the one shot, recommend a cruise that spends all day at the glacier (Endicott Arm or Glacier Bay) or visits in afternoon after Juneau to reduce risk of missing. Theoretically on the right itinerary, the Edge should be great at a glacier given the bow thrusters and maneuverability. We are taking Celebrity again this fall in Europe on the Ascent, but not traveling in the Retreat so a better value. If we were to return to Alaska we’ll likely look at a smaller ship next time, such as Seabourn or Uncruise.

Embarkation

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Children's Programs

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

Ketchikan, Alaska

CRUISE ENDICOTT ARM & DAWES GLACIER Did not visit port

Juneau, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

Victoria, British Columbia

Disembarkation

Other reviews of this sailing