Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise Review
Ahoy, adventure seekers! If you’re dreaming of glaciers, wildlife, and jaw-dropping scenery that looks like something straight out of a nature documentary, then an Alaskan cruise is exactly what you need! And there’s no better way to experience it than aboard the Celebrity Summit, sailing from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada. This unforgettable journey through the Inside Passage is a bucket-list trip packed with everything you love about travel: adventure, relaxation, and experiences that leave you speechless.
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Why Celebrity Summit & Inside Passage Route
So, why the Celebrity Summit? Well, let’s start with the fact that this ship perfectly blends modern luxury with just the right amount of intimacy. Celebrity Cruises are known for their attention to detail and top-notch service, and the Summit delivers all that, but with an extra splash of elegance. And if you’re into jaw-dropping views, there are multiple viewing areas aboard the ship where you can sit back, cocktail in hand, and watch mountains drift by.
Also, the Inside Passage route? Let’s just say, it’s the cherry on top! This one-way journey from Seward to Vancouver gives you an intimate look at some of Alaska’s most breathtaking sights—from towering fjords to charming coastal towns—while avoiding the circular route some cruises take. You get to soak in as much scenery as possible without ever repeating a single view.
Embarkation Day in Seward, Alaska
Flying to Anchorage & Getting to Seward
Flying into Anchorage is the start of your Alaskan adventure, and the views from the plane are just a taste of the stunning landscapes that await. Once you land, getting to Seward, where the Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise departs, is easy and offers some beautiful scenic routes. You can opt for a shuttle service that runs directly from Anchorage to Seward, providing comfort and convenience. This can be booked through your cruise line.
For a more scenic and leisurely experience, the Alaska Railroad offers a breathtaking train ride with panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. If you prefer more flexibility, rental cars are also available, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Each option offers a memorable journey to kick off your cruise in style!
Embarking in Seward: Setting Sail!
The adventure starts in Seward, a picturesque town nestled between mountains and the sea. Before boarding, take a little time to explore—Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can get a preview of what’s to come. The wildlife cruises and sea kayaking are highly recommended if you have time before embarkation.
When you arrive at the port, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the excitement, but the Celebrity Summit’s crew has the process down to an art. After a swift check-in, you’ll be greeted with a friendly smile, your SeaPass card (aka your golden ticket to fun), and before you know it, you’re stepping onboard and soaking in that ocean breeze. Once aboard, we got our safety briefing out of the way so we could start exploring.
Top Tips for Embarking a Cruise Ship
1. Pack a carry-on with essentials.
Your luggage may take a few hours to reach your cabin, so make sure your carry-on has everything you’ll need to start your trip off right—like your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. You don’t want to miss out on that first dip in the pool or the chance to lounge on deck while the ship sets sail!
2. Arrive early but not TOO early.
There’s no need to rush. Arriving at the port a couple of hours before departure gives you time to relax, but arriving too early might mean waiting around. Check the embarkation times and aim for a sweet spot that avoids long lines.
3. Keep your documents handy.
Make sure you have your passport, cruise documents, and any required health screenings ready. Having them easily accessible will make the check-in process a breeze.
4. Explore the ship early.
Once you’re on board, take some time to explore! The Summit has so many hidden gems, from the spa to the rooftop terrace, and you’ll want to get the lay of the land before the ship fills up.
5. Make those first-day reservations.
Whether it’s for specialty dining, spa treatments, or excursions, the earlier you reserve, the better. Popular experiences can fill up fast, and trust me—you don’t want to miss out on that hot stone massage after a day of glacier watching. Throughout our cruise there were discounted spa packages offered so if you are interested in a deal maybe wait a few days before booking.
Celebrity Summit Ship Review
Stateroom
We opted for an Inside Stateroom without any windows, and despite the lack of a view, we had an amazing stay! The room was surprisingly spacious, with a comfortable bed, modern amenities, and great storage.
While we didn’t have a balcony or ocean views, we barely noticed since we spent so much time exploring the ship and taking in the incredible sights during days at port.
Choosing an inside room was also a smart way to save money, allowing us to splurge on experiences like excursions and specialty dining. The room was always kept spotless by the housekeeping team, and the cozy, dark atmosphere made for some of the best nights of sleep we’ve ever had!
Restaurants & Bars
Dining on the Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise is an experience all its own. From the main dining room to specialty restaurants, every meal felt like a treat. The Oceanview Café (buffet) offered a wide variety of global dishes, perfect for a quick and casual bite.
We absolutely loved dining at Cosmopolitan (the main dining hall). This is an upscale restaurant with a great rotating menu each night and the food was fabulous including steak, salmon, lobster tail and more. We had our same waiters and waitresses each night that made the experience that much more fun and memorable. I cruised with my parents and boyfriend and this was the best quality time because how often do you actually get to sit down with family and fully enjoy each other without worrying about a thing?
The Rendezvous Lounge was a fun spot to hang out in the evenings, with bartenders showing off their flair skills as they crafted perfectly mixed cocktails. They also featured live music before dinner, conveniently located near the Cosmopolitan Restaurant, creating the perfect ambiance to start the evening.
Activities & Entertainment
There was never a dull moment aboard the Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise. Whether you’re looking to relax or be entertained, the ship has something for everyone. In the morning we loved walking laps around the deck while soaking in the fresh Alaskan air. During the day, we enjoyed some downtime by the Rooftop Terrace and the Solarium, a tranquil adults-only pool area that was perfect for chilling out after a day of sightseeing. The activities team also hosted fun events like trivia, pickleball, and workout classes.
In the evenings, the Theatre hosted Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and even live music performances, all of which were professional and entertaining. The production team went all out, and the performances really helped add a bit of extra magic to each night.
Above and Beyond Service!
The Celebrity Summit’s service was one of the most impressive aspects of the cruise. From the moment we boarded in Seward, we felt warmly welcomed by the crew, who seemed genuinely happy to make sure we had a fantastic experience. Embarkation was a breeze—staff guided us through every step.
Throughout the trip, the service was seamless. The housekeeping staff kept our room spotless, with thoughtful touches like nightly turndown service and chocolates on the pillows. Every restaurant we dined in had attentive waiters who took the time to make recommendations based on our tastes. They even remembered our names and favorite drinks after just a couple of days.
Ports of Call
Hubbard Glacier
Our first stop is a sight you’ll never forget—Hubbard Glacier. This towering wall of ice stretches over 76 miles and is Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier. As the Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise inches closer, you can see more and more of this natural masterpiece whether you’re bundled up on deck or relaxing by a window with a hot cup of cocoa. The sheer scale of this glacier is jaw-dropping, and the icy blue hues are stunning. Don’t forget to bring your camera—this is one of those moments that will make everyone back home wish they were on this adventure with you!
Biking to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
Next, we docked in Juneau, the capital of Alaska and a paradise for adventure lovers. From here, you can hop on a helicopter to see the famous Mendenhall Glacier from above, or hike the great Mount Roberts Trail which offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
We chose to mix a little adventure into our day in Juneau so we opted to rent bikes from Cycle Alaska and bike 26 miles round trip to Mendenhall Glacier. This was a great experience that left you in ah. We enjoyed the refreshing mountain air as we cruised through the town, and even spotted a bear along the way!
Once we were back in town we rewarded ourselves with some King Crab from Tracy’s Crab Shack. 10/10 recommend! And don’t leave without visiting the Red Dog Saloon—a quirky, historic bar that captures the spirit of this rugged frontier town. Whether you’re into adventure or just want to stroll through the shops and galleries in downtown Juneau, this port has something for everyone.
Skagway
Skagway is where the wild west meets the wild north. Once a bustling town during the Klondike Gold Rush, today it feels like a living history museum. We chose to take the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a scenic ride that winds through mountains and gives you a glimpse of what gold rush hopefuls saw and experienced. I highly recommend this excursion!
Skagway’s historic downtown, wasn’t one of our most favorite towns but we did have some of the best fish and chips at Skagway Fish Co. We also couldn’t leave without sharing a fry bread from Klondike Doughboy.
Icy Straight Point
We didn’t know what to expect at Icy Strait Point, but the humpback whales were an incredible surprise, putting on an amazing show for us. This privately-owned port, located near the town of Hoonah, is rich in indigenous Tlingit culture and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the state. Whether you’re soaring over the treetops on the world’s longest zipline or just browsing the area this a great relaxing port that is easy to navigate.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known for its vibrant Native Alaskan culture, rich fishing history, and of course, its status as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Here, you can stroll along Creek Street, a historic boardwalk that was once home to the town’s red-light district, now transformed into a quirky shopping and art district.
If you’re looking to dive into Alaska’s native heritage, the Totem Heritage Center houses one of the largest collections of original totem poles, telling the stories of the indigenous Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. And, of course, you can’t leave Ketchikan without tasting some of that world-famous salmon, whether in a local restaurant or on a fishing excursion.
Days at Sea – Inside Passage
One of the most magical parts of the cruise is your day at sea through the Inside Passage. This is where you get to kick back, relax, and let the stunning Alaskan scenery come to you. As the Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise glides through the calm waters, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of towering fjords, lush forests, and rugged coastlines. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—eagles soar above, and if you’re lucky, you might spot whales breaching in the distance.
The Inside Passage is nature’s theater, and there’s no better seat than the one on your ship. Whether you’re enjoying the views from the pool terrace or curled up with a good book in one of the ship’s cozy lounges, this day at sea is the perfect opportunity to recharge and fully appreciate the untouched beauty around you. With nothing but the sound of the ocean and the sight of breathtaking landscapes, this leg of the journey is a tranquil reminder of just how spectacular Alaska truly is.
Vancouver, BC
Your incredible journey ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada. This coastal metropolis offers the perfect mix of urban energy and natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains and water, it’s one of the world’s most livable cities—and you’ll see why as soon as you arrive.
Take a stroll through Stanley Park, where you can walk the seawall with views of the ocean and mountains. If you have some extra time, I highly recommend heading to Granville Island and diving straight into their amazing market filled with delicious savory and sweet bites.
Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise Review
The Celebrity Summit Alaska Cruise far exceeded our expectations. The ship’s beautiful design, exceptional service, and wide range of activities made this Alaskan cruise one for the memory books. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or someone who just wants to relax and be pampered, the Summit delivers on all fronts. We can’t recommend this ship enough for anyone looking to explore Alaska in style!
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to experience Alaska’s wild beauty, the a cruise is the way to do it. Sailing through the Inside Passage, with towering glaciers, wildlife sightings, and charming coastal towns, was nothing short of breathtaking.
Each port brought a unique adventure—from biking through Juneau to riding one of the steepest trains in Skagway. And when you weren’t off exploring, the ship provided a luxurious, comfortable retreat where you could relax and reflect on the day’s wonders. Whether it’s your first time in Alaska or you’re a seasoned traveler, this cruise is the perfect balance of nature, culture, and pure relaxation.
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