6 reasons to choose Celebrity Edge for your Alaska cruise
Heads up, cruisers, there's a new cruise ship option in Alaska — and it's a game changer.
Travelers have long had plenty of choice in Alaska, with options including traditional cruise ships from lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises, tricked-out megaships from Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean and small ships from the likes of Seabourn and UnCruise Adventures. Now Celebrity Cruises has added its first Edge Class vessel to the mix, providing Alaska-bound cruisers with a different way to experience the Last Frontier.
Launched in 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge was the first vessel in the line's innovative Edge Class series. It showcased a slew of industry firsts in technology and design, including a new type of balcony cabin for oceangoing ships. Edge was also the first ship to feature the Magic Carpet, a movable, 90-ton platform cantilevered over the side of the vessel that can be used as a bar, a restaurant or a tender launching point.
From the ship's window-loving design to its gorgeous outdoor spaces, here's why an Alaska cruise and Celebrity Edge are an ideal pair.
Edge's design maximizes the views
Celebrity Edge's outward-facing design serves an Alaska sailing well.
"The Edge Series ships are designed to create a closer connection between guests and the destinations in which they sail," Emma Mumford, Celebrity Cruises' senior director of global public relations and communications, said. "We are able to create an outside-in design by placing the structural integrity on the interior of the ship, allowing for more floor-to-ceiling glass."
You'll certainly find more viewing vantage points on Edge than on the line's other ships in Alaska. For example, Celebrity's Solstice, Millennium and Eclipse vessels all feature the Sky Observation Lounge (Deck 14). The venue provides impressive views looking out over the ship's bow and to the starboard side.
Celebrity Edge basically took the Sky Observation Lounge concept and improved on it. The ship boasts ample and expansive windows across all decks, including the Eden entertainment area, a three-deck-high glass-walled lounge, bar and restaurant venue. As a result, your stellar viewing options aren't limited to one location.
In the central atrium on Deck 4, the ship's open design combined with an abundance of exterior glass means you can see out both sides of the ship from one spot. For example, during my lunch in Le Grand Bistro on the port side of the ship, I could choose to look out that restaurant's windows, or I could gaze across the atrium and see out the windows on the starboard side of the ship near Cafe al Bacio.
Another popular spot to take in the views was the ship's Solarium area. The expansive windows there are lined with comfortable loungers, making it a cozy place to soak in the Alaska scenery without braving the elements. The expansive glass roof over Celebrity Edge's Solarium brings in more light than you'd find in the same space on one of the line's older Solstice Class ships. Plus, Edge and its Edge Class siblings feature the largest Solariums in the fleet.
Warm up with a bowl of hot apple cider oatmeal or a banana nut muffin from the Solarium's Spa Cafe (open for breakfast and lunch).
Infinite Veranda cabins bring the outside in
Celebrity Edge was the first oceangoing vessel to debut Infinite Veranda cabins, a concept borrowed from river-based ships. These cabins feature a glass wall that slides down at the touch of a button and a sitting area beside it that can be closed off, creating a balcony-like space, or opened up to expand the interior room space. Whenever I was in my cabin during my Alaska sailing, I spent most of the time peering out my window and lowering it to take photos and breathe in that crisp, clean Alaska air.
While most standard cabin balcony doors provide ample natural light and decent views, the beauty of Infinite Verandas is that you aren't "blocked" by a door. You get extra indoor cabin space when the weather is cold or rainy and you don't want to be outside on a balcony, but you can also roll down the window to enjoy the outside from inside your cabin.
Also, many big-ship balcony cabins are set up with the balcony door adjacent to a couch or bed that faces the opposite wall, rather than the outer wall. The Infinite Veranda chairs face the window, so you can enjoy the view without awkwardly sitting sideways on your couch or bed.
Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Innovative outdoor spaces let you spread out during scenic sailing
Celebrity Edge showcases some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces at sea, so the big question for me was, "Can you still enjoy them during a cold-weather cruise?" You absolutely can.
Cruisers on Alaska sailings seem to be well prepared for cold weather, so spending time outdoors on the ship wasn't an issue. Many folks donned warm jackets and hats to hang out at the Sunset Bar on Deck 15, play cornhole by the pool on Deck 14 or have a drink and soak in the views from the Magic Carpet.
Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north
Additionally, crew members handed out fleece blankets for an extra layer of warmth (and stacks of blankets were always available at stands throughout the ship). Occasionally, hot chocolate service made its way around the upper decks. It was also available when we boarded the ship after a port day. Pro tip: Warm up faster by adding a shot of bourbon to your cup of cocoa.
A segment of our sailing included plying the glacier-walled waterway of Endicott Arm. During this portion, the ship is surrounded by the dramatic Coast Mountains range. From the towering snow-topped mountains to the floating chunks of ice that split from the glaciers lining the waterway, it's a spectacular sight to see.
While I could have enjoyed epic views from the comfort of my Infinite Veranda cabin (and I did for a bit), I made my way through the ship for different vantage points — which were plentiful.
I began at the Magic Carpet. The platform's expansive open windows and roof provided clear visibility while protecting us from the elements (there was light rain that day). As more passengers discovered the Magic Carpet, I moved on to Deck 15, making my way along the walking track and snagging open spots near the edge of the ship when I could.
AquaClass guests have access to the exclusive Thermal Suite area in the Spa on Deck 14. (Passengers not in AquaClass cabins can purchase a day pass for $69 per person or a full-week pass for $219 per person.) The space features a somewhat hidden viewing deck in front of the SEA Thermal Suite, which offers forward-facing views.
Also, the gold penguin statues on the deck make for the cutest photos — probably the only time you'll see penguins in the wilds of Alaska!
If you don't want to be in the elements, you can snag a heated lounger inside the Thermal Suite and enjoy a cozy viewing experience. Know that your view might be a bit obstructed by folks on the deck. I found that by late morning, more guests had made their way up to the spa, making it more challenging to get a good viewing spot.
The Sunset Bar is another prime viewing spot on Celebrity Edge. You'll find it on Deck 15 at the back of the ship; come here as your ship sails away from the glacier back toward the Inside Passage. Comfortable couches and tables line the ship's edge around the bar area, providing a relaxing spot to enjoy a drink and take in the Alaska scenery. Our group met here almost every afternoon before dinner.
Beyond the Podium talks provide ports-of-call previews
Celebrity Cruises offers enrichment talks and lectures across its fleet. The line's Beyond the Podium series features various experts in history, nature and culture. The program provides insight into the ports of call you visit during your sailing.
Celebrity Edge's "Beyond the Podium: Epic Alaska" discussion was a fantastic overview of our upcoming itinerary. Led by naturalist Celia Garland, the event was well attended, with most of the Theatre's 900 seats filled. She was engaging and knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about Alaska's wildlife, natural attractions and local diversions available in each port.
Additionally, Garland narrated our passage through Endicott Arm over the ship's intercom. She shared details about the region, such as what wildlife to look out for and how glaciers form. Garland infused our mini-science lesson with a guided meditation of sorts — encouraging us to relax, breathe deeply and assume a posture of gratitude for what we were witnessing. It was a nice reminder to savor every moment, especially because I get so caught up in "doing it all" on a cruise that I can forget to take a minute to relax. I don't know that many other cruise ships offer guided meditations during their enrichment lectures.
Enrichment activities for kids
Although kids' activities under Celebrity's Camp at Sea program don't change on an Alaska itinerary, Celebrity Edge is one of two Celebrity ships that offer STEM-based activities. (The other one is Celebrity Equinox.) Sponsored by the Frost Museum of Science, the program features exclusive activities and events centered around marine wildlife, nautical exploration and ecological conservation — all rich topics to explore during a cruise in Alaska.
For example, teens learn how to detect microplastics and other marine debris and explore ways to reduce ocean pollution. The youngest cruisers create totem pole crafts, learn about the animals of Alaska through games and participate in other engaging Alaska-themed activities.
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You can still enjoy a pool in Alaska
If swimming is a priority for you but braving the cold is not, you'll hit the jackpot on Celebrity Edge, thanks to its heated indoor Solarium pool. It's anchored by a gorgeous three-dimensional art wall that resembles ocean waves. The glass ceiling and floor-to-top windows allow light to stream in, creating a cheerful and tranquil environment. It's an adults-only pool, but it's open to families (and kids) from 5 to 7 p.m. every day. There's also a hot tub in the Solarium area, so you can trade your warm swim for a hot soak.
On my cool-weather cruise, I did notice a few hardy passengers swimming in the outdoor pool. The hot tubs outside by the main pool also seemed to always have people in them.
Related: 22 things to do on a cruise when it's rainy and cold
Celebrity Edge Alaska itineraries
In 2024 and 2025, Celebrity Edge will offer seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier sailings from May through September. The itinerary is available as a round-trip sailing from Seattle or a one-way sailing from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia (or vice versa). Fares for an inside cabin start at $749 per person.
Bottom line
Celebrity Edge is a game changer in Alaska with its inventive design, seemingly made to immerse guests in Alaska's breathtaking scenery. From inviting outdoor spaces to cozy indoor areas, the ship also offers ample ways to enjoy your time on board, no matter the weather.
Even better, Edge also delivers fantastic and plentiful dining options, as well as gorgeous bars and lounges that serve creative cocktails. Couples and families with kids who love to explore and learn should not overlook Celebrity Edge when planning their cruise vacation to Alaska.
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