What excursions on Celebrity Summit to Alaska are worth taking and which should be avoided?

Question

Also - this is our first cruise. What should we do / plan to make sure that we have the best time possible? What excursions should we take and which should we stay away from? What shows, restaurants, etc. are good / bad? What should we do at the various ports that are not part of excursions?

Answer 1

I took a Princess cruise to the Alaska a few years back, but I've been on the Celebrity cruise lines a few times too to different destinations. The best excursions are not the sightseeing ones in Alaska, do the adventurous ones like walking on glaciers, helicopter ride to see the dogs they use in iditarods, river rafting. Beware that some of these excursions depend heavily on the uncertain weather in Alaska. I personally did not like the sightseeing tours coz they were kinda boring and not worth the price.
Go to ALL the shows, they have different shows everynight, so you will be entertained every night. I like to have first seating main dinner, so that I can go to the show right after dinner.
I did not try the restaurants on board cause you have to pay cover charges, and besides the free food from the main dining is awesome. Especially on Lobster night (which is only served once).
Beware that Alaska cruises are very popular so there will be tons of people, so make sure that you have a room that has a balcony cause the ship will be cruising along floating glaciers and natural wonders along the way, and if you go to the top deck it's very very cold and crowded, so enjoy it from your own private balcony. Long lines during lunchtime buffet, so go to the main dining hall for lunch, but the downside is it's not buffet. Better yet, order room service, they';re all free, you just have to tip the stateroom attendants.
Lots of shopping and local tours available at ports that are not part of the excursions, just walk around the town and it's enjoyable already.

Bring camera, and warm up cause even in summer, Alaska is pretty darn cold!

Answer 2

Please email me at [e-mail] to discuss. I may be able to help you.