ProfCruise

54 minutes ago, cruiservictor said:

Kinky Boots was back last week and Choir of Man is back this week.  The schedule, at least for this week, is Kinky Boots Monday at 7 and 10 and Tuesday at 7, and Choir of Man Thursday at 7:30 and Friday at 7:30 and 10.

Yippy!  Thank you!

Hoping someone can answer this.  I'm onboard the 25th and hoping they are both back!

On 6/23/2021 at 4:29 PM, ctuttle said:

 

I can't answer your question about when more will be listed for your sailing, but I'm happy to share what's available for my July 27th sailing if there are any particular ports or types of excursions you're interested in.

1 hour ago, Dunk said:

The only thing I think that would make customs a thing is that you're out in international waters, buying a bunch of duty free stuff in the onboard shops. But who knows!

Now that I think about it, when we've done the 7-day Hawaii cruise on the Pride of America (the only US flagged ship that doesn't have to stop at a foreign port), I don't think we've gone through customs.  I'm wondering if the same rules would apply here? 

1 hour ago, Dunk said:

The only thing I think that would make customs a thing is that you're out in international waters, buying a bunch of duty free stuff in the onboard shops. But who knows!

Those are good points.  I'll be very interested to see how it all works!

13 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

I am on the Aug 10 sailing so I am interested in both Embarkation and Debarkation methods.  What about customs?

I'm curious too.  I'm assuming no customs for US citizens since we're leaving from and returning to a US port and aren't visiting any foreign ports.  First time I've (or any of us) have ever done that!  I'll be sure to report back with all the details!

1 hour ago, heidiatmn1 said:

I recently discovered your blog and love it. I am heading on the Miracle in August and have a couple nice to know questions:

1) How are you proving your vaccinated? In MN they are just giving you a card-will that card be sufficient.

2) Will any non Carnival tour operators still be at the end of the docks looking for tourists to take out or is it a good idea to book everything ahead?

General Alaska ?:

1) I'm up in the air on whether to do whale watching or not. I've done it before in Seattle in the shoulder season-saw maybe 4/5 whales from far away-just tails or backs sticking out of the water. While it was cool I wouldn't necessarily pay to do it again. Would Alaska be different? Thinking of maybe skipping and saving that for a Cabos cruise or something where I hear they're amazing.

2) Crab legs-(I know they are frozen as they aren't in season but this is always a vacation splurge for us). Any recommendations? We were really wishing the unlimited one in Ketchikan was open again.

 

Sorry for so many ? in one post!

Hi there!  How exciting that you'll be on the Miracle in August!  I think that's the perfect time to go.  Hopefully all the kinks will be worked out by then. 

As for your questions, I'll have to get back to you about number 1 and 2.  Carnival hasn't provided any specific information about proof of vaccination, but they promise it's coming.  I'll update as soon as I hear more.  As for #2, the only thing I know so far is that passengers will be allowed to book excursions or explore ports on their own.  I suspect there will be the usual tour operators near the docks eager to book folks as they're disembarking, but I'll let you know for sure as soon as I can.

As for whale watching, I've done it in Seattle and in Alaska and it was much better in Alaska.  We got as close as legally (and ethically) allowed.  I've never seen anything super dramatic like a full breach up close, but I thought it was worth the money to do it a few times.  The scenery in Alaska is so spectacular too.  And you get to see more of it on a whale watching excursion.  On one I did in Juneau, we launched from a beach with dozens and dozens of bald eagles of all ages on it.  That alone made the excursion worth it for me!  I also did a combined whale watch with the Mendenhall Glacier tour, which I would recommend.  I went through this company: Juneau Whale Watch.   Their prices are reasonable and their guides were fun.

For crab legs, I'd recommend Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau.  I don't eat crab, so I can't speak to it personally, but my husband does and loved that place.  I have a photo of him eating it here (just scroll down until you see it). 

Thank you for your generous words about my blog.  That made my day.  Happy cruising and let me know if there's anything else I can help out with! 

3 minutes ago, Linsuesue said:

Since you are the first cruise, I would presume all of the rooms will be ready when you step on the ship! Everybody should be able to drop off their carryons and head for the food!🎉🧳🍽🍺

Oh, good point - I hadn't thought of that! 🍕  🍰🍲

1 minute ago, Love being Mimi said:

Are you going to go see whales

I don't plan on doing any whale watching excursions because I've cruised to Alaska many times before and have done that several times already, but I ALWAYS see lots of whales from the ship (although much further away than you would on an excursion).  I'd definitely recommend doing a whale watching excursion if you haven't done it before.  It's pretty cool to see them close up!

1 minute ago, Love being Mimi said:

We will be on the Sept 14th cruise.  Thanks for doing this.  I can't wait to hear about your trip.  Would you check if they have Dr. Pepper.  Also anything you post, I will love to read about.  Thank you so much for doing this.  Also check and see which side of the ship to see the most.  I hope you have a great time.

Will do!  Thanks and I hope you have a great time too!!!

29 minutes ago, kwbrad said:

Thanks for posting this! I am on the sailing after yours. Will you be adding to your report while on the ship? 
and I am sure you know this but it leaves on the 27th not 29th. I assume just a typo in your first post. 

Oh my gosh, that's like my worst nightmare - showing up for a cruise two days late!  Thanks for the catch!  Yes, I'll be adding to my journal from the ship.  That's awesome that you'll be on the next cruise.  Feel free to send me any specific questions you might have once I board.  Have an awesome cruise!!!

6 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

 

You'll want to put this on the Carnival forum.   Here is the link.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/133-carnival-cruise-lines/

I thought that's where I posted it, but it's entirely possible (probable even) that I'm losing my mind.  I'll double check.  Thanks!

I'm booked on the first sailing from Seattle to Alaska on the Miracle on July 29th.  I'm live journaling about my experience from booking all the way through embarkation.  So far I've covered:

• My initial communication from Carnival regarding safety protocols
• Researching travel insurance
• Claiming my shareholder benefit
• My impressions of our announced Cruise Director
• Latest news regarding the first ship to sail from North America
• The 2.0 upgrades on the Miracle
• How to track where the Miracle is currently located
• Shopping for a mask for my cruise (which will be required in the terminal)
• Issues with excursions booked for Skagway that normally travel into Canada

So my question is, what would be helpful to know going forward for those of you traveling on a later sailing?  Anything you want me to pay special attention to onboard or as I prepare?

Thanks!  If you want to follow along with my journey you can do so here.  And feel free to share any other tips or information you have about these EXCITING summer cruises to Alaska!  I'm sooooooooo ready for this!

On 6/1/2021 at 1:55 PM, Silver Sweethearts said:

 

At least at the moment, the POA is scheduled to resume sailing November 6, 2021.

Thank you!

On 2/24/2021 at 1:00 PM, AF-1 said:

I just read your travel tips for Pride of America.  Thanks for sharing these,  I am sure they will help people who book this ship in the future

I hope so. I wonder when Hawaii cruises will be up and running again.  Has anyone heard for sure?

1 hour ago, Tutone56 said:

Thanks, great tips.  We leave in 8 days!

I'm jealous!  Wish I was back onboard.  Enjoy it double for me!

1 hour ago, finest14 said:

Mahlo for the tips!  We sail in two weeks.  

Yay, have a wonderful cruise!!!

I just returned from the Pride of America and have compiled my top 35 tips for booking, maximizing your time onboard, dining, and booking shore excursions here.

Please feel free to add any tips, tricks, advice you think I missed.  Hopefully this thread can help others booked on the Pride of America.  It was a fabulous, beautiful cruise! 

I collected all the bar menus on my recent cruise on the Bliss, if you want to check them out in advance.  I posted them here: https://profcruise.com/ncl-menus/

Here's my review of the drink package promo, if you might find it helpful.  https://profcruise.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-ncls-ultimate-beverage-package/

We took the free shuttle to the zoo.  There is also a trolley tour that departs from that same spot.  You can read my review here: https://profcruise.com/cruise-alaska-two-easy-and-inexpensive-options-for-your-day-in-anchorage/

This is incredibly disappointing to hear.  I love HAL and would choose it above most other lines for comparable price/itinerary.  But I do have a 6 year-old who often travels with me and enjoys the structured kid's programming.  This would be a deal breaker for us.  I guess if HAL doesn't want to provide supervised children's programming, they don't have to.  But better just to go "kid free" than go with this half measure.  It seems dangerous and unfair to both families and those who sail HAL to mostly avoid unruly children running around (seems this will just lead to a bunch of unruly children running around unsupervised).   Terrible move and I hope it's reversed quickly. 

I'm of your same demographic and have cruised extensively on every non-luxury line and I absolutely love HAL.  If I were forced to choose, I'd probably point to it as my favorite line.  I jotted down some of the things I love about it on my blog, if you're interested: https://profcruise.com/20-things-i-love-about-holland-america/

Enjoy your cruise!

If you're looking for a half-day (or less) excursion in Vancouver for before or after your cruise, I highly recommend the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.  There is a free shuttle from the cruise pier (or the downtown area hotels).  It's beautiful (if slightly terrifying)!  Here's my full review with pics and detailed info: https://profcruise.com/capilano-suspension-bridge/

Happy to try to answer any questions too. 

Here are my best packing tips after cruising extensively with my son since he was 6 months old: https://profcruise.com/what-to-pack-and-not-pack-when-cruising-with-a-baby-or-toddler/

And some more general tips: https://profcruise.com/cruising-with-a-baby-or-toddler/

Enjoy your cruise and time together as a family!  We've always had a great experience on HAL.