Celebrity Edge, the cruise ship known for its outward-facing design, is now offering summer sailings in Alaska for the first time. On May 8, 2024, Celebrity Edge began its maiden voyage from Seattle, embarking on a seven-night itinerary to the Dawes Glacier with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. The ship’s unique design aims to provide guests with an immersive experience of the Alaskan landscapes.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the ship’s design, which enhances the connection between guests and their destinations. From May through September 2024, passengers can enjoy the Alaskan views from the Edge Series ship, featuring the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered, floating platform, and Infinite Veranda staterooms that offer open-air access to the sea.
Celebrity Edge’s itineraries include roundtrip journeys from Seattle and one-way trips between Vancouver and Seattle, with visits to notable locations such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. The cruises offer various experiences, including opportunities to see wildlife like brown bears, bald eagles, and sea ducks.
The ship offers a range of features for guests, including:
- Transformational accommodations like the two-story Edge Villas and Infinite Verandas.
- The Retreat, an exclusive area for suite guests with a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck, and a dedicated team of butlers and concierges.
- A diverse culinary selection with 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges, featuring menus crafted by a Michelin-star chef.
- Unique spaces like The Magic Carpet and Eden, which offer culinary and entertainment options with panoramic views.
- The Grand Plaza, a three-story venue inspired by Italian piazzas, featuring specialty restaurants and the popular Martini Bar.
Celebrity Cruises will operate 57 sailings on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Solstice from May to September 2024, offering various six- to seven-night itineraries.
As part of its commitment to community impact and sustainability, Celebrity Cruises, through Royal Caribbean Group’s Sea the Future initiative, engages with Alaskan port communities. Key initiatives include:
- The Ketchikan Salmon Walk, developed in partnership with the Tongass Historical Museum, offers an educational experience about the salmon migration.
- Local sourcing partnerships with Alaska businesses like Skagway Spirits and Seafood Producers Cooperative to provide guests with authentic Alaskan products.
- Support for the Sitka Sound Science Center’s Scientists in the Schools program, which fosters science education among Sitka’s youth.
- The “Locals Onboard” partnership with Voyij.com, which connects cruise guests to local Alaskan businesses and artists, generating significant sales for the community.