First, if you're searching for the PERFECT cruise....it does not exist. Many reviews I have read about cruises (and some couples we met during this cruise) lead me to believe that NOTHING could get them to leave a positive review. My wife and I are regular people so I will write a regular review.

DATES: July 1 - 10, 2006
PORTS/STOPS: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Vancouver
ROOM: Concierge Class balcony, Room 9164
PERSONS: Two

FOOD: Have to admit this is one of our highest criteria for cruising. There are three ways to evaluate this ship:
BUFFET: Excellent diversity in selection to satisfy American, European and Asian tastes. The food is fresh, kept hot/cold (depending on the selection) and the lines moved quickly. Rating:B+
TRELLIS RESTAURANT: My wife and I opted out of the group table and reserved a table for two. Our waiter and assistant waiter were magnificent. Smiles and service the entire week. By day two they realized we enjoy decaf after dinner and would bring before we even asked. The sommelier knew my wife liked red wine and would be prepared with suggestions depending on the meal that evening. Out of 6 night at the Trellis I would say only one evening was 'alright,' 4 nights were very good and one evening was excellent! RATING: A
SPECIALTY RESTAURANT (S. S. United States): If you're spending the extra buck to go on a cruise line like Celebrity, then please make time for at least one evening at this restaurant. THIS is dining! Hand and foot service, your selection of a 4 or 7-course meal and an ultra-quiet atmosphere to enjoy 2 hours of dining pleasure. Needless to say, the food is exotic and magnificent! RATING: A+

ROOMS: We were blessed with a disability-accessible room for some reason. EXTRA large quarters for a cruise ship. If you can score one of these rooms, do so. LaLaine, our attendant, was attentive to all of our needs and kept our room clean. Concierge Class is about $200 more, but if you want a special cruise, it is worth the extra perks (appetizers daily, special event invitations, champagne upon arrival, early embarkation, VCR in room upon request)

ENTERTAINMENT: My wife are not really into the shows, we like to relax in the evenings, so this may not be the most objective section of this review. The one show we attended was a New York/Broadway-type production....I fell asleep. During conversations with other cruisers, they stated the other nights were 'okay.'

EXCURSIONS: There are PLENTY from which to choose. I highly suggest a float plane or helicopter tour. This cruise is about the scenery (as well as the food). I did the float plane in Ketchikan and was thrilled! Definitely God's country. Other cruisers were disappointed they chose fishing because they got skunked....5 hours and $$$ down the drain. Mendenhall Gardens+Glacier was beautiful. Very relaxing and excellent scenery once more. Whale/Sea Lion/Otter/Eagle watching from the smaller tour boat was a great afternoon. It's was seeing Alaska at its purest aspects. RATING: A

CASINO: Did not use. Only passed through.

FACILITIES: Quality fitness center with plenty of equipment, room overlooked the front of the ship with a great view of the on-coming ocean.
One 'No Kids Allowed' pool/hot tub area. Kids are great, but we were on our anniversary cruise looking to relax. This area was great to relax, read and have casual conversations with other cruisers.
DECOR: Mild wood tones, deep blues, plenty of hallway and elevator-area mirrors, lots of windows to view outside.

CONS: My wife get enough junk mail at home...we got tired of getting it on the ship, also. It was our first cruise so perhaps this is typical of all cruise ships, but we were continually provided pamphlets about purchasing jewelry and art. We passed.
Smoke was another downer. The cruise ship could not prevent this except for going totally smoke-free. The couple in the balcony next to us smoked heavily and it would blow over into our area which was uncomfortable at times.

TIPS: Take a big mug to bring coffee back to the room in the morning from the buffet area. No coffee makers in the room.
No clothing irons in the room either. Bring wrinkle-free clothes when possible or steam them in the bathroom with the shower on hot.
You're stopping at U.S. ports so all you need is U.S. $ and postage for post cards/letters back home.
If you drink wine, bring your own and pay the corking fee. MUCH cheaper than on-board wine and not at all frowned upon by the sommelier (he actually suggested it!). We bought wine at the ports we stopped in and brought it back on board.

BEST CRUISE FOR: Couples celebrating special events, honeymooners, singles not looking to hook-up but to have quiet time, outdoor-type people looking to see Alaska in luxury.

COST: Cruise + Gratuities ~$4,500.
This included a Concierge Class balcony off the back of the ship (bigger balconies!) and the high point of the cruising season. Our window for vacationing was tight so unfortunately we had to go during the most expensive time of year...July 4th.
Any special questions regarding the Celebrity Infinity and this Alaska itinerary, feel free to contact me at Thisishaggis@hotmail.com

Recommended:
Yes

Best Suited For: Couples