Coral

I think cruise ship tours start disembarking between 6-6:30. I think your private tour company will know the proper time and timing it with the tunnel. I see nothing wrong with private transportation. Which company did she book with? There are only a couple and those ones posted here get good reviews.

You won't have time to do anything. Some of those train departures happen between 6-7 am.

It depends on how close you get to the glaciers (on most days). Most glacier days I am outside all day, wearing a jacket and ear protection. It can be cold and windy. Though - I have to say there was one day when I was at Glacier Bay and it was incredibly warm. I looked over and people were sunning in the pool area and swimming. Anything can happen. I haven't gotten close to Hubbard Glacier for awhile. So on those days, I can't tell a difference. Mendenhall glacier (when you visit via bus/car) usually isn't that cold. It is the temp it usually is in Juneau. If you land on the glacier via helicopter, expect an entirely different answer. Be prepared - dress in layers.

Yes.

Sapphire was in Europe in 2018 and 2019.

Here are the files: 2026 Europe Reference Flyer_Release_JG.pdf Europe 2026 Cruise Sailing Schedul_0508e_fares_Amenities_2024_0509.xlsx Europe 2026 Cruisetour Sailing Schedule_fares_Amenities_2024_0508.xlsx PC_2026 Europe At a Glance Flyer_050124 FINAL-es.pdf

I like the Grand and may do one of these. I haven't found the schedules yet - will try to dig for them.

I actually think the cruise prices were more affordable then compared to now.

No, not really. Princess used to have really hard mattresses. So many people asked for an egg crate each cruise that they ran out. Then they came out with new beds which were softer and most people were (are) very pleased with them. When they get past their "age" - they get really soft and have huge dips in them. If you do a search on beds on this forum, you will see the Crown Princes had really bad beds last year (and I was on that ship). Not sure if they got replaced as I haven't followed that ship as I am not sailing on her in the near future.

I think you will find them too soft, if anything. And I like softer beds.

Don't cruise Princess (or most main stream lines) for food. You won't go hungry but it isn't the quality of food that we got in the 90's. Cruise for the ports and other things you may end up doing.

Wow - what a cruise. A friend just did the Grand Princess back from that area (stopping in Tahiti and Hawaii) and was sort of bored with all the sea days (and he likes sea days). And he likes sea days. I have looked previously at cruises there and found a ton of 5 night cruises. It turned me off.

In 2003 and before - Princess used Seward instead of Whittier. I remember my 2nd cruise in Alaska (on Coral Princess) used Seward. I think it was 2004 that Princess started using Whittier.

Here is a flyer: SanJuanCaribbeansailings_2024_0508.pdf

It seemed excessive with 3 ships. Especially a lot of short cruises.