6 compelling reasons to choose Celebrity Edge for your Alaska cruise

Attention cruisers, there’s an exciting new ship option in Alaska — and it’s a true game changer.

Alaska has long offered a wide range of cruising options, from traditional ships by lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises to impressive megaships from Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, as well as intimate vessels from Seabourn and UnCruise Adventures. Now, Celebrity Cruises introduces its inaugural Edge Class ship, giving Alaska travelers a fresh way to explore the Last Frontier.

Debuting in 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge was the first ship in the line's innovative Edge Class series. It introduced a variety of industry-first technologies and designs, including a unique balcony cabin style for ocean voyages. Edge was also the pioneer of the Magic Carpet, a movable, 90-ton platform that can serve as a bar, restaurant, or tender launch area.

With its focus on window views and beautiful outdoor areas, here’s why an Alaska cruise and Celebrity Edge make the perfect match.

Edge's design enhances the panoramic views

Celebrity Edge's outward-focused design is ideal for Alaskan voyages.

"The Edge Series ships are designed to forge a deeper connection between guests and the destinations they visit," explained Emma Mumford, Celebrity Cruises' senior director of global public relations and communications. "By situating the ship's structural integrity within, we can achieve an outside-in design that incorporates more floor-to-ceiling glass windows."

You'll find significantly more viewing opportunities on Edge compared to Celebrity's other Alaskan vessels. For instance, the Solstice, Millennium, and Eclipse ships all feature the Sky Observation Lounge on Deck 14, offering stunning views of the ship's bow and the starboard side.

Celebrity Edge has taken the Sky Observation Lounge concept and enhanced it. The ship is equipped with large, panoramic windows throughout all decks, including the Eden entertainment area, which boasts a three-deck-high glass-walled lounge, bar, and dining venue. Consequently, your exceptional viewing options extend beyond a single location.

In the central atrium on Deck 4, the ship's open layout paired with abundant exterior glass allows for views from both sides of the ship from one location. For example, while dining at Le Grand Bistro on the port side, I could either admire the view from the restaurant's windows or look across the atrium to see out the starboard side windows near Cafe al Bacio.

The Solarium area is another favored spot for enjoying the views. With its large windows lined with comfy loungers, it's an inviting place to relish the Alaskan scenery without facing the weather. The expansive glass roof over Celebrity Edge's Solarium allows for more natural light compared to similar spaces on older Solstice Class ships. Additionally, Edge and its Edge Class counterparts boast the largest Solariums in the fleet.

Enjoy a warm bowl of hot apple cider oatmeal or a banana nut muffin from the Solarium's Spa Cafe, which is available for breakfast and lunch.

Infinite Veranda cabins seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces

Celebrity Edge introduced the first oceangoing Infinite Veranda cabins, inspired by designs from river cruise ships. These cabins feature a glass wall that can be lowered with a button, alongside a sitting area that can be enclosed to create a balcony-like atmosphere or opened to increase the cabin's interior space. During my Alaskan cruise, I often found myself at the window, lowering it to snap photos and enjoy the fresh Alaskan air.

While traditional balcony doors offer good light and views, the Infinite Veranda design eliminates the obstruction of a door. You gain additional indoor space during cold or rainy weather while still having the option to lower the window and embrace the outdoors from within your cabin.

In many large ship balcony cabins, the balcony door is positioned next to a couch or bed facing the interior wall. In contrast, the chairs in Infinite Veranda cabins face the window, allowing you to take in the scenery without having to awkwardly turn sideways.

Creative outdoor spaces provide ample room for relaxation while sailing through stunning vistas

Celebrity Edge features some of the most stunning outdoor areas at sea, prompting the question, "Can you truly enjoy them during a cold-weather cruise?" The answer is a resounding yes.

Passengers on Alaskan voyages seem well-equipped for chilly conditions, making outdoor enjoyment on the ship a breeze. Many guests wore warm jackets and hats while socializing at the Sunset Bar on Deck 15, playing cornhole by the pool on Deck 14, or sipping drinks while admiring the views from the Magic Carpet.

Crew members generously distributed fleece blankets for added warmth, with stacks readily available at various stands throughout the ship. Occasionally, hot chocolate was served on the upper decks, especially as we reboarded after a day in port. Pro tip: Add a shot of bourbon to your cocoa for a quick warm-up.

Part of our journey took us through the glacier-lined waters of Endicott Arm. This segment was breathtaking, surrounded by the majestic Coast Mountains. From the towering snow-capped peaks to the floating ice chunks breaking off from the glaciers, the scenery was nothing short of spectacular.

Though I could have savored breathtaking views from the comfort of my Infinite Veranda cabin (and I did for a while), I decided to explore the ship for various perspectives — and there were plenty to choose from.

I started at the Magic Carpet, where the wide-open windows and roof offered unobstructed views while shielding us from the light rain. As more guests found their way to the Magic Carpet, I ventured to Deck 15, navigating the walking track and seizing open spots at the ship's edge whenever possible.

Guests in AquaClass enjoy exclusive access to the Thermal Suite area in the Spa on Deck 14. (For those not in AquaClass, day passes are available for $69 per person or full-week passes for $219 per person.) This area features a somewhat concealed viewing deck in front of the SEA Thermal Suite, offering stunning forward-facing views.

The charming gold penguin statues on the deck are perfect for photos — likely the only time you'll spot penguins in the wilds of Alaska!

If you'd prefer to stay sheltered from the elements, you can find a heated lounger inside the Thermal Suite for a cozy viewing experience. Keep in mind that your view might be partially blocked by other guests on the deck. By late morning, I noticed more visitors had made their way to the spa, making it trickier to secure a good viewing spot.

The Sunset Bar is another fantastic viewing location on Celebrity Edge. Situated on Deck 15 at the rear of the ship, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while watching as your ship departs from the glacier and heads back toward the Inside Passage. The area is lined with comfortable couches and tables, creating a relaxing atmosphere to soak in the stunning Alaskan scenery. Our group gathered here almost every afternoon before dinner.

Beyond the Podium talks offer previews of the ports of call.

Celebrity Cruises provides enriching talks and lectures throughout its fleet. The Beyond the Podium series features a range of experts in history, nature, and culture, offering insights into the ports you'll explore during your journey.

The "Beyond the Podium: Epic Alaska" session on Celebrity Edge was an excellent introduction to our upcoming itinerary. Led by naturalist Celia Garland, this well-attended event filled most of the Theatre's 900 seats. Her engaging presentation was packed with information about Alaska's wildlife, natural wonders, and local attractions available in each port.

Garland also narrated our journey through Endicott Arm via the ship's intercom, sharing insights about the area, including the wildlife we might spot and the formation of glaciers. She enriched our mini-lesson with a guided meditation, urging us to relax, breathe deeply, and embrace a sense of gratitude for the breathtaking sights before us. It served as a gentle reminder to cherish each moment, especially since I often find myself so focused on "doing everything" on a cruise that I forget to pause and unwind. I doubt many other cruise lines offer guided meditations during their educational sessions.

Enrichment programs for children

While the children's activities under Celebrity's Camp at Sea program remain consistent on Alaska itineraries, Celebrity Edge is one of two ships in the fleet offering STEM-based activities. The other is Celebrity Equinox. Sponsored by the Frost Museum of Science, this program includes unique activities centered around marine wildlife, nautical exploration, and ecological conservation—perfect themes for a cruise in Alaska.

For instance, teens engage in detecting microplastics and other marine debris while brainstorming ways to combat ocean pollution. Younger children create totem pole crafts, learn about Alaskan wildlife through games, and participate in a variety of other fun, Alaska-themed activities.

You can still enjoy a pool even in Alaska.

If swimming ranks high on your list but you’d prefer to avoid the chill, Celebrity Edge has you covered with its heated indoor Solarium pool. This space features a stunning three-dimensional art wall that evokes the feeling of ocean waves. The glass ceiling and expansive windows flood the area with natural light, creating a bright and peaceful atmosphere. While the pool is primarily for adults, families and children can enjoy it from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Additionally, there’s a hot tub in the Solarium for those who want to swap a swim for a soothing soak.

During my cool-weather cruise, I noticed a few brave passengers enjoying the outdoor pool. The hot tubs near the main pool were also frequently occupied by guests.

Celebrity Edge Alaska sailings

In 2024 and 2025, Celebrity Edge will feature seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruises from May to September. Travelers can opt for round-trip sailings from Seattle or one-way trips to Vancouver, British Columbia, and vice versa. Inside cabin prices begin at $749 per person.

In conclusion

Celebrity Edge revolutionizes cruising in Alaska with its innovative design, crafted to fully immerse guests in the stunning Alaskan landscape. With inviting outdoor areas and cozy indoor spaces, the ship provides numerous ways to enjoy your experience, regardless of the weather.

Moreover, Edge boasts an impressive array of dining choices, alongside beautiful bars and lounges serving inventive cocktails. Couples and families with adventurous kids should definitely consider Celebrity Edge when planning their Alaskan cruise getaway.