When you're planning your Celebrity Alaska cruise for 2026, the ship class you choose can make or break your glacier-viewing experience. I've sailed all three Celebrity ship classes to Alaska over the years, and the differences go way beyond just the size of your cabin. Let me break down exactly what you're getting with each option, which routes they sail, and where your cruise dollars will stretch the furthest.
The Edge and Apex are Celebrity's newest Alaska ships for 2026, and honestly, they're impressive. The Edge-class ships bring those famous infinite verandas to Alaska – your balcony railing drops down at the touch of a button, creating an unobstructed glacier view that's absolutely stunning.
What you'll pay: Expect to spend $3,200-$4,800 for an interior cabin on a 7-day Inside Passage cruise from Seattle. Infinite veranda cabins start around $4,200 for the same itinerary.
The Edge class advantages:
The reality check: You'll spend about 30% more than sailing Solstice class for essentially the same itinerary. The dining venues get crowded quickly, and specialty restaurant reservations book up fast. The Camp at Sea kids' program is smaller than on other Celebrity ships.
For 2026, Edge sails 7-day Inside Passage roundtrips from Seattle hitting Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. Apex runs the same route on alternating weeks.
After sailing Celebrity Solstice to Alaska three times, I can tell you this is where Celebrity really shines for Alaska cruising. The Solstice class ships (Solstice, Equinox, and Eclipse in Alaska for 2026) hit that perfect balance of amenities and value.
What you'll pay: Interior cabins start around $2,400-$3,200 for 7-day cruises. Balconies run $3,000-$4,000 depending on your sailing date.
Why Solstice class works so well for Alaska:
Solstice class routes for 2026:
Celebrity Solstice runs 7-day Inside Passage from Seattle. Celebrity Equinox offers the same route plus some 10-day options that include Icy Strait Point. Celebrity Eclipse handles the northbound one-way sailings from Seattle to Anchorage – these are fantastic if you want to add a land tour.
Here's an insider tip: Book a balcony on Deck 8 or 9. You're close to the main dining room but high enough to see over the docks in ports.
Celebrity Millennium is the smallest and oldest ship Celebrity runs to Alaska, but don't write it off completely. I sailed her in 2025, and while she's showing her age, there are some real advantages if you know what you're getting into.
What you'll pay: This is the budget option – interior cabins start around $1,800-$2,600 for 7-day cruises. Balconies can be found for $2,400-$3,200.
Millennium class pros:
The limitations are real:
No real grass lawn club, smaller spa, fewer dining options, and the balcony railings are higher (blocks some views when you're sitting). The cabin bathrooms are noticeably smaller than newer ships.
Millennium runs 7-day Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, hitting the same ports as the larger ships but on a different schedule.
Most Celebrity Alaska cruises stick to the Inside Passage route, but understanding the differences helps you pick the right sailing.
Inside Passage (7 days, roundtrip Seattle):
Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, plus Victoria, BC. You'll see Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier depending on your specific sailing. This is the classic Alaska cruise – predictable weather, great wildlife viewing, and you fly in and out of Seattle.
Gulf of Alaska (7 days, one-way):
Only available on select Solstice and Eclipse sailings. Seattle to Anchorage (or reverse) with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and College Fjord glacier viewing. Pro tip: The northbound sailings in May are stunning but pack layers – I froze my first time doing this route.
Extended cruises (10-12 days):
These add Icy Strait Point and sometimes Prince William Sound. Worth it if you have the time and budget – less rushing between ports.
Best overall value: Solstice Class
You get 85% of the Edge class experience for 70% of the price. The Lawn Club alone makes glacier viewing magical, and the ship size handles Alaska's crowds without feeling overwhelming.
Luxury splurge: Edge Class
If you're celebrating something special and the infinite veranda experience matters to you, Edge class delivers. Book Eden restaurant on glacier viewing days – it's incredible.
Budget choice: Millennium Class
Honest talk: You'll save $800-1,200 per cabin, but you'll feel the difference. Great for first-time Alaska cruisers who want to test the waters.
My booking strategy for 2026:
Book Solstice class for July or August sailings (best weather), grab a balcony on Deck 8 or 9, and save your splurge money for shore excursions. The helicopter glacier tours in Juneau are worth every penny.
Remember, Alaska cruising is really about the destinations and scenery – any Celebrity ship will get you there in comfort. The question is how much comfort you want to pay for along the way.
Ready to compare specific Celebrity Alaska sailings with other cruisers? Join the conversation in our Celebrity Cruises forum where you can get real-time advice from fellow Alaska cruise veterans!
Edge Class: The Luxury Experience (Celebrity Edge & Apex)
The Edge and Apex are Celebrity's newest Alaska ships for 2026, and honestly, they're impressive. The Edge-class ships bring those famous infinite verandas to Alaska – your balcony railing drops down at the touch of a button, creating an unobstructed glacier view that's absolutely stunning.
What you'll pay: Expect to spend $3,200-$4,800 for an interior cabin on a 7-day Inside Passage cruise from Seattle. Infinite veranda cabins start around $4,200 for the same itinerary.
The Edge class advantages:
- Magic Carpet outdoor dining platform – incredible for scenic cruising days
- Eden restaurant's multi-course dinners with those floor-to-ceiling windows
- The Retreat sundeck exclusively for suite guests
- Rooftop Garden with real grass (yes, really) and stunning 360-degree views
The reality check: You'll spend about 30% more than sailing Solstice class for essentially the same itinerary. The dining venues get crowded quickly, and specialty restaurant reservations book up fast. The Camp at Sea kids' program is smaller than on other Celebrity ships.
For 2026, Edge sails 7-day Inside Passage roundtrips from Seattle hitting Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. Apex runs the same route on alternating weeks.
Solstice Class: The Sweet Spot for Most Cruisers
After sailing Celebrity Solstice to Alaska three times, I can tell you this is where Celebrity really shines for Alaska cruising. The Solstice class ships (Solstice, Equinox, and Eclipse in Alaska for 2026) hit that perfect balance of amenities and value.
What you'll pay: Interior cabins start around $2,400-$3,200 for 7-day cruises. Balconies run $3,000-$4,000 depending on your sailing date.
Why Solstice class works so well for Alaska:
- The Lawn Club's real grass deck is perfect for glacier viewing with a drink
- Blu restaurant for AquaClass guests serves lighter fare that's ideal after big port days
- The Sunset Bar on Deck 12 has the best glacier viewing spot on the ship
- Hot Glass Show demonstrations – surprisingly entertaining during sea days
Solstice class routes for 2026:
Celebrity Solstice runs 7-day Inside Passage from Seattle. Celebrity Equinox offers the same route plus some 10-day options that include Icy Strait Point. Celebrity Eclipse handles the northbound one-way sailings from Seattle to Anchorage – these are fantastic if you want to add a land tour.
Here's an insider tip: Book a balcony on Deck 8 or 9. You're close to the main dining room but high enough to see over the docks in ports.
Millennium Class: Budget-Friendly Alaska (But With Limitations)
Celebrity Millennium is the smallest and oldest ship Celebrity runs to Alaska, but don't write it off completely. I sailed her in 2025, and while she's showing her age, there are some real advantages if you know what you're getting into.
What you'll pay: This is the budget option – interior cabins start around $1,800-$2,600 for 7-day cruises. Balconies can be found for $2,400-$3,200.
Millennium class pros:
- Smaller ship means easier navigation and shorter lines
- The Observatory on Deck 12 is an underrated glacier viewing spot
- Specialty restaurants are easier to book
- More intimate atmosphere overall
The limitations are real:
No real grass lawn club, smaller spa, fewer dining options, and the balcony railings are higher (blocks some views when you're sitting). The cabin bathrooms are noticeably smaller than newer ships.
Millennium runs 7-day Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, hitting the same ports as the larger ships but on a different schedule.
Route Analysis: Inside Passage vs Gulf of Alaska
Most Celebrity Alaska cruises stick to the Inside Passage route, but understanding the differences helps you pick the right sailing.
Inside Passage (7 days, roundtrip Seattle):
Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, plus Victoria, BC. You'll see Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier depending on your specific sailing. This is the classic Alaska cruise – predictable weather, great wildlife viewing, and you fly in and out of Seattle.
Gulf of Alaska (7 days, one-way):
Only available on select Solstice and Eclipse sailings. Seattle to Anchorage (or reverse) with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and College Fjord glacier viewing. Pro tip: The northbound sailings in May are stunning but pack layers – I froze my first time doing this route.
Extended cruises (10-12 days):
These add Icy Strait Point and sometimes Prince William Sound. Worth it if you have the time and budget – less rushing between ports.
The Value Verdict: Where Your Money Goes Furthest
Best overall value: Solstice Class
You get 85% of the Edge class experience for 70% of the price. The Lawn Club alone makes glacier viewing magical, and the ship size handles Alaska's crowds without feeling overwhelming.
Luxury splurge: Edge Class
If you're celebrating something special and the infinite veranda experience matters to you, Edge class delivers. Book Eden restaurant on glacier viewing days – it's incredible.
Budget choice: Millennium Class
Honest talk: You'll save $800-1,200 per cabin, but you'll feel the difference. Great for first-time Alaska cruisers who want to test the waters.
My booking strategy for 2026:
Book Solstice class for July or August sailings (best weather), grab a balcony on Deck 8 or 9, and save your splurge money for shore excursions. The helicopter glacier tours in Juneau are worth every penny.
Remember, Alaska cruising is really about the destinations and scenery – any Celebrity ship will get you there in comfort. The question is how much comfort you want to pay for along the way.
Ready to compare specific Celebrity Alaska sailings with other cruisers? Join the conversation in our Celebrity Cruises forum where you can get real-time advice from fellow Alaska cruise veterans!
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