From soaring mountains to glacier-filled waters, Alaska is a breathtaking destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty. Cruise through stunning landscapes, spot wildlife up close, and soak in the tranquility of this majestic region. Experience the thrill of ice calving as you sail through pristine fjords and witness the raw power of nature. Engage in activities that allow you to connect with the environment and explore the wilderness. Discover why nothing comes close to experiencing Alaska with Celebrity Cruises, where unforgettable memories await you in the Last Frontier.
Seattle, Washington: Visitors to the Emerald City find a fusion of American, Asian and Native American cultures, set against a backdrop of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. There’s so much to discover on Seattle cruises. Founded in the 1850’s, Seattle continues to evolve while preserving many of its treasured landmarks. The city’s defining modern symbol is the Space Needle. Head up to the top of the 605ft. hourglass-shaped structure for amazing panoramic views of this beautiful port city. And right next door is the Chihuly Garden and Glass where the extraordinary glassworks and garden installations of Dale Chihuly will dazzle. Stroll through the famous Pike Place Market for a taste of local flavor and style. Established in 1907, the market is brimming with fresh produce and seafood stalls, wonderful restaurants, and specialty shops with local handcrafts that make unique souvenirs and keepsakes.
Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.
Places to eat near the Seattle Cruise Port
Portage Bay Cafe
Brunch is the main attraction at this café, which serves generous portions of global staples like huevos rancheros, Swedish pancakes, and crab cake benedicts throughout the day.
Metropolitan Grill
Love a good steak dinner? This is the place for you. The Metropolitan Grill serves the very best meat out there, hand selecting each of the USDA Prime steaks on the menu. Pair your main with a glass from their award-winning wine list.
Pike Place Market
Not just a fish-tossing market, Pike Place Market also features a myriad of local restaurants, from casual bar and grill atmospheres to fine dining and upscale cuisine. Many of the ingredients in the market’s restaurants are fresh.
A day at sea is a time to relax and enjoy life on board. For some, this means the indulgence of doing absolutely nothing beyond basking in the sun, enjoying iced cocktails, and topping up the tan. For others, a sea day might mean a carefully curated itinerary of gym, spa, lunch, pool, and cocktails.
Others still may want to spend the whole day on the go, testing out new sports, entering contests, browsing the shops, and enjoying some casino time.
This is the great joy of a sea day. The time is yours to enjoy, exactly as you please. To make the best of this special part of your cruise, a little planning can go a long way. After all, it’s not every day that you have no obligations, no commitments, and only yourself to please.
You've never tasted salmon so fresh. Known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World', Ketchikan is also the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who have carved the world's largest collection of totem poles. If you're up for an adventure, take a canoe and nature trail excursion through the rain forest or a wilderness exploration followed by a sumptuous crab feast you'll long remember.
You’ll visit one of the prettiest towns along the Inside Passage. Surrounded by the dense Tongass Forest and overlooked by the sometimes snow-capped Deer Mountain, Ketchikan is famed for its abundant salmon, impressive collection of Northwest totem poles, and the colorful houses along Creek Street, a stilted boardwalk that’s now a historical landmark.
Cruises to Ketchikan provide the opportunity for dozens of activities, from sea kayaking and mountain hikes to float plane rides over the island-specked Misty Fjords. There’s delicious salmon to be sampled in the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and during the salmon runs in summer, abundant bear spotting, too. On your Alaska cruise, discover Ketchikan’s ancient history told through the art and wood carving of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who have lived here for millennia.
Shopping Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port
Ketchikan has a creative, artistic atmosphere and offers some excellent shopping. Creek Street has several galleries where you can pick up an original piece, whether it’s a small, hand-carved totem pole, a beautiful painting or photograph, or a hand-woven cedar bark basket. There are multiple jewelry shops, many of them selling pretty silver earrings and necklaces made with blue mother-of-pearl or items made from locally sourced jade.
LOCAL CUISINE
Ketchikan has a thriving culinary scene, with more than 30 restaurants, and is one of the best places in Alaska for fresh seafood. You’ll find restaurants all along Front Street, an easy walk from where most ships dock, and Main Street, one block inland.
Look out for alder-grilled salmon, king crab legs drenched in garlic butter, battered halibut and chips, and creamy smoked salmon chowder. Chowder of all kinds is popular here, and warming on a rainy day. You’ll also find Mexican, pizza, burgers, and Asian cuisine if you reach a point of seafood saturation.
Alaska’s Endicott Arm Fjord marks the southern edge of the 653,179-acre Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. As you sail through its 30-mile-long stretch, you can’t help but be amazed by the untouched beauty of the surrounding granite mountains, verdant valleys and numerous waterfalls. Drifting icebergs, deep blue waters and a spectacular tidewater glacier only add to this natural spectacle’s appeal. Endicott Arm is one of the largest breeding grounds for harbor seals on the planet. Keep your eyes open for these creatures splashing in icy waters near the ship or floating with their pups on giant chunks of ice. Along the shore you might also glimpse brown bears, bald eagles, sea ducks, deer, moose and wolves. Your journey through scenic Endicott Arm Fjord ends with a front-row view of the striking Dawes Glacier. Standing over 600 feet tall and a half-mile wide, this very active icecap is known for its spectacular calving displays which noisily produce huge, chunky icebergs that float in area waters. Remember to dress in wind-resistant layers for viewing scenery outside on deck.
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier Guide
Admire the pristine, untouched natural beauty of Endicott Arm Fjord, a 30-mile stretch of water located at the southern end of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Experience breathtaking scenery as you sail past steep granite cliffs, floating icebergs, and cascading waterfalls on an Alaska cruise.
During your cruise down Endicott Arm, look for groups of adorable harbor seals that are often found lounging on chunks of ice or diving around the icy water. Your journey through this majestic waterway will end with a show-stopping visit to Dawes Glacier, where you’ll witness the thunderous roar of ice as it crashes into the sea during a calving display.
You’ll discover a compact capital bustling with activity, where floatplanes buzz over the water, hikers set out to explore the forest trails, and summer visitors browse the enticing shops of the downtown area. Nature is never far away in Juneau—you’ll see majestic bald eagles perching on fences and in trees. The waters of Auke Bay are rich feeding grounds for marine mammals, from acrobatic humpback whales to sleek orcas.
On your Alaska cruise, take a trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier and you could spot bears in the woods around the icy lake. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find yourself in a wilderness of pristine shorelines, where bottle-green spruce trees jostle against stony beaches, and blue-white glaciers flow over distant hanging valleys.
Shopping in Juneau
Shoppers will find plenty of choice in Juneau, from logo wear and printed T-shirts to vacuum-packed smoked salmon, cookbooks, pottery, and hiking gear. There are dozens of galleries and jewelry shops, some selling Alaskan-made jewelry and designs, as well as herbal remedies, scented candles, and soaps. Head up the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway to Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery for some of the best Native Alaskan artwork, from masks to carvings and framed prints. Always look for the “Made in Alaska” mark to make sure you’re buying a genuine piece.
LOCAL CUISINE
With abundant fresh seafood and a thriving culture of craft beer making, Juneau offers plenty of authentic Alaskan tastes for the gourmet traveler. King crab is king here, served in a flavor-packed bisque, as crab cakes, crab rolls, or as buckets of legs drenched in garlic butter and lemon.
Other specialties to try are salmon, which comes smoked, grilled, fried, or roasted. Fish and chips are a local favorite, consisting of flaky cod fried in a light batter and served with chunky fries. Reindeer sausages have a wonderfully smoky taste; try them with kelp salsa. Sweet treats include berry cobbler, made with local blueberries, cloudberries, and lingonberries, and served with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Skagway will whisk you back to the heady days of the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th century, a very different picture from the sleepy coastal town you’ll see today on your Alaska cruise. Back then, the town was teeming with prospectors who would set off over the treacherous White Pass to the Klondike gold fields, a journey many visitors make today on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. You can learn more about the Gold Rush in the excellent Visitor Center, which brings the whole story to life.
History aside, Skagway is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, like towering mountains, dense forest, and tumbling waterfalls. Outdoor activities abound, from ziplining to white water rafting, cycling, hiking the beginning of the famous Chilkoot Trail, and summer dog sledding. Back in town, you’ll find lively pubs and restaurants offering fresh Alaskan fare, as well as an eclectic collection of galleries, outdoors suppliers, and quirky craft boutiques.
Food and Drink Spots Near the Skagway Port
Red Onion Saloon, 201 Broadway
Probably Skagway’s most famous pub, the atmospheric Red Onion Saloon, a former bordello on Broadway and 2nd, is unmissable for a taste of life during the Gold Rush. You can even do a brothel tour with costumed good-time girls before sitting down to craft Alaskan beers, cocktails, pizza, nachos, and salads. Stop by the popular shop for Red Onion merchandise on your way out.
The Station Bar & Grill, 444 4th Avenue
Open all year and a favorite of locals, the Station Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials from an eclectic menu that will delight any palate. Offerings range from salads to assorted burgers, pizza, and the popular fish and chips featuring beer-battered Alaskan white cod. The restaurant is located in the center of town and is handy for a bite to eat after an excursion.
Skagway Brewing Company, 204 4th Avenue
Soak up a bit of history when you sip a craft beer at the Skagway Brewing Company. Founded in 1897 for Gold Rush prospectors who needed a place to stop and hydrate, this is still a favorite watering hole serving unfiltered ales and delicious pub dishes. All the fish is local and the greens are grown hydroponically on site. There are quite a few vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, which comprises burgers, salads, and mouth-watering seafood specials like “Crabby Mac ‘n’ Cheese”.
Shopping Near the Skagway Cruise Port
You’ll find ample places to shop in the town of Skagway. Simply stroll down the main street in town and you’ll see locally-owned stores and small boutiques selling warm outerwear, unique Alaskan handcrafted treasures, jewelry, and more. A few favorites include the Aurora Yarns of Alaska, Klothes Rush, and Duff’s Backcountry Outfitters. Look out for the “Made in Alaska” mark, a guarantee of authenticity.
The majestic landscapes of Alaska are an unmissable bucket-list experience for any adventurous traveler, and on an Alaska cruise, you won’t just hit the highlights like Juneau. From the comfort of your incredible cruise ship, you’ll sail across 500 miles of Alaskan wilderness known as the Inside Passage. This coastal waterway is filled with glacial mountains, lush pine forests, and unforgettable wildlife sightings.
During the best Inside Passage cruise, the summertime sunshine offers plentiful photo opportunities. You might see orcas and humpback whales from your stateroom on your way to destinations like Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. Marvel at the remote, untouched wilderness where you can breathe in the mountain air and truly think. Sky-high icebergs and glaciers await.
Whale Watching
Entire families of orcas and humpback whales swim the waters along the Alexander Archipelago, and you may be lucky enough to spot them on your Inside Passage cruise. Whale sightings are most common in the summer months.
Glaciers
Snap a picture of a giant glacier up close in Alaska. If you’ve never seen a glacier in person, you’ll be amazed at their scale and enormity here. Alaska’s glaciers constantly shift and change, attracting thousands of environmental scientists and nature lovers to the region each year.
A day at sea is a time to relax and enjoy life on board. For some, this means the indulgence of doing absolutely nothing beyond basking in the sun, enjoying iced cocktails, and topping up the tan. For others, a sea day might mean a carefully curated itinerary of gym, spa, lunch, pool, and cocktails.
Others still may want to spend the whole day on the go, testing out new sports, entering contests, browsing the shops, and enjoying some casino time.
This is the great joy of a sea day. The time is yours to enjoy, exactly as you please. To make the best of this special part of your cruise, a little planning can go a long way. After all, it’s not every day that you have no obligations, no commitments, and only yourself to please.
Though Toronto and Vancouver are the more famous Canadian destinations, it’s high time for the sophisticated and beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia (BC) to have its big moment. On a Canada cruise, the quaint charm and English manners of Victoria will take you back in time to the days of British occupation in the 19th century. Victoria is known as “the garden city” for its lushness and its commitment to keeping the city beautiful. Head to Butchart Garden or Beacon Hill Park to enjoy nature during your time in port.
Of course, a little history lesson is another must while on a cruise to Victoria, BC. Tour the expertly maintained Craigdarroch Castle and the Parliament Buildings, or stop in the Royal BC Museum, a natural history museum dedicated to the history of human settlement in the region. There’s also the Emily Carr House, a museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous painter, Emily Carr. Victoria exudes an intellectualism where art galleries and afternoon tea await you, but so do long bicycle rides along the seafront. Stylish cafes and restaurants are modernizing the city, all while maintaining its signature look: something straight out of a postcard.
Shopping Near the Victoria BC Cruise Port
The closest shopping to the Ogden Point port is the Beaver Gift Shop. It’s open during peak season from April to October and offers many of the souvenir items you might need, including handy items like umbrellas, hats, and gifts for back home. In downtown Victoria, go shopping at the Bay Centre on Government Street, which is just off the shuttle bus route. Bay Centre has higher-end items like jewelry, fine chocolates, clothing boutiques, and more.
Food and Drink Spots Near the Victoria BC Cruise Port
Il Terrazzo
Address: 555 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2
For a romantic Italian experience, sit on the patio at Il Terrazzo to enjoy the sea breeze and a full-bodied glass of red wine. Pasta, fish, and wood-fired pizzas are the classic fare here. The ambiance of Il Terrazzo, its deep-red brick walls, and upscale feel make for a good date night.
10 Acres Kitchen
Address: 614 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC, V8W 1A4
Ethically raised livestock and farm-to-table inspiration are what sets 10 Acres Kitchen apart from other restaurants in the area. Close to the harbor, 10 Acres Kitchen uses its seasonal, ever-changing menu to support the area’s fishermen and farmers. Try the mouthwatering salmon with smoked tuna rice and locally farmed turnips, the homemade gnocchi, or the fresh-picked summer squash.
Aura Waterfront Restaurant and Patio
Address: 680 Montreal St, Victoria, BC V8V 1Z8
Another waterfront spot for a night out in Victoria, Aura is all about the ambiance. It’s a good spot to get classic entrees like duck, freshly-shucked oysters, and hearty steaks.
With modernized cityscapes, gorgeous parks, and breathtaking waterfront views, Seattle remains high on the list of must-see destinations in the United States. Sample the Emerald City’s famous espresso (it is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all), visit its fresh, local markets, and tour the thriving art, tech, and foodie scenes that are scattered throughout its diverse neighborhoods. Located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is also a fantastic city for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and kayaking.
The city is perfectly situated to embark on an Alaska cruise from Seattle. After spending a few days in this vibrant metropolitan city, you’ll experience the towering glaciers, rugged landscapes, and unique wildlife of the Last Frontier.
Places to eat near the Seattle Cruise Port
Portage Bay Cafe
Brunch is the main attraction at this café, which serves generous portions of global staples like huevos rancheros, Swedish pancakes, and crab cake benedicts throughout the day.
Metropolitan Grill
Love a good steak dinner? This is the place for you. The Metropolitan Grill serves the very best meat out there, hand selecting each of the USDA Prime steaks on the menu. Pair your main with a glass from their award-winning wine list.
Pike Place Market
Not just a fish-tossing market, Pike Place Market also features a myriad of local restaurants, from casual bar and grill atmospheres to fine dining and upscale cuisine. Many of the ingredients in the market’s restaurants are fresh.
