LEMJMcC

That is an excellent idea; I've added these to my trip list for our upcoming Alaska cruise! Thanks.

A statement made to me by someone to whom I was being rather hardhearted will haunt me for the rest of my life, "be kind". Still hits me. Kindness and sympathy are noble qualities that seem to be becoming more rare..

Would it really matter if the ship was an hour or two late leaving port if the next day is a sea day? If I was onboard, I probably wouldn't even notice that the ship was late leaving...arriving? yes, but not leaving. And with the next stop being CoCo Cay, big deal! I'd much rather give up an hour or two there (or even skip it altogether) than see someone's trip ruined.

Yah, I returned the Vortex 15x56...I replaced them with a pair of Zeiss 10x42 with a nice compact frame.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. We've already booked rooms in Seattle, so we're going to make that our base and just do some days trips. We'll have part of Friday, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday in Seattle as the cruise leaves on Monday morning. We arrive early enough on Friday that we may be able to take in the Snoqualmie Falls hike that afternoon! We'll monitor the conditions at Mt. Rainier and hit it either Saturday or Sunday, and do Bainbridge and Discovery Park the other day. Thanks again and if any other hikes come to mind, please share those as well!

A small plastic cafeteria-style tray to carry a couple of hot beverages and some morning pastries up to the cabin. Too many times I've tried the balancing act of carrying two coffees and two plates full of breakfast bites to enjoy on the balcony. This will help tremendously...I think.

Hi All, I'm hoping for some local experts to weigh in on this question. What are some good day hikes within driving distance from Seattle? We're planning to rent a car for a few days and are looking closely at doing the Skyline Loop on Mt. Rainier and already have entrance reservations for a couple of days there. Are there other hikes nearby? Is Discovery Park worthwhile? We also hope to take the Bainbridge Island ferry one day, but may walk to it. Is that doable from the Mediterranean Inn? Thanks.

Thanks for the insight, we may take a look before we recommend it to the others in our party.

Thanks for the info, this is most helpful!

I'd like to know as well...we were disappointed that Wonder did not have these.

We did Wonderland on Wonder of the Seas and enjoyed it so much we went back a second time. We did have the unlimited dining plan for that cruise, though. We found the food pretty durn good and the experience a lot of fun, of course our waiter made it great both times! We are from the east coast and I'm an early riser anyway, usually at work by 5:30 AM; so what can I get around 4:00 AM after my morning workout? We're whale-watching out of Juneau and railroading and biking in Skagway. Nothing planned for Sitka, just planning to maybe do some hiking. Definitely won't want to miss this. Thanks.

Hi All- We're a group of ten taking an Alaskan cruise on Quantum this summer out of Seattle. What features of the ship should we not miss? I'm familiar with Oasis class more than any other, so I'm looking for some advice on Quantum. The others in the group have either not been on a cruise, or been on only one several years ago, so I'm trying to help them as much as I can to really enjoy this one. I have no idea what shows they will have on this July's sailing. Any ideas? I see there's a Café Promenade where I can grab some early morning pre-breakfast coffee & tea and pastries. What are its hours of operation? Looks like Cafe @ 270 is another option for breakfast, again when is it open? What other grab-n-go eateries are there? I liked the hot dog stand on Wonder & Oasis, anything like that on Quantum? I believe the walking track is up on deck 15 with lounge chairs alongside? Is there anywhere else to walk where we wouldn't have to deal with loungers and people walking around looking at their phones and not watching for other using the track? We did this on the Mariner, I think we walked around the deck where they had the lifeboats hanging. Is there such a place on Quantum? We have a Junior Suite, so we will spend most of our lounging time there, but where else may we find some quiet chairs to take in any available sun and read & relax? Anyone have an idea when the North Star may be back in service? Thanks all!

We've had similar experiences as above on our cruises. I made one mistake telling the masseuse to go really deep...wow, what she did to me! I had to bite into the towel to keep from crying out! Anywho, my mistake. Others have been really enjoyable and a great way to start the cruise on day 1. As far as the sales pitch goes, I have simply said thank you, but we're not interested in anything else and that was that. We have a couples' massage lined up for our upcoming Alaska cruise on day 1 right before sail away. I hope we can board earlier enough to get a workout in beforehand though. If you want a relaxing massage as opposed to a therapeutic one, I'd suggest a Swedish massage. Deep tissue is great for stripping out tight muscles, but can be painful! Either way enjoy!

I don't tip, I let others do it for me😁

Does anyone know what the hours of operation are for the Windjammer on Quantum of the Seas for their Alaskan cruises? Some of our excursions will preempt our main dining room seating, so we'll need another option. For instance, when in Victoria, BC, this ship leaves port at 10:00 PM, will the WJ be open for a late night meal that day?

Does anyone know what the hours of operation are for the Windjammer on Quantum of the Seas for their Alaskan cruises? Some of our excursions will preempt our main dining room seating, so we'll need another option. For instance, when in Victoria, BC, this ship leaves port at 10:00 PM, will the WJ be open for a late night meal that day? Thanks.

I had heard that there is a bakery near a starbucks in Seattle that is a must. Can you tell me its name and location? We'll be visiting the last week of June. Thanks.

Congratulations on 40 years! My mom used to say that the first 65 were the hardest😉 Since you're cruising on Jewel of the Seas, why not surprise your wife with some jewels! Maybe not 40 of them, unless you have the means! 40 roses is an excellent idea as well as the love notes...maybe give her clues to the hiding spot for a nice necklace, bracelet, or ring...if that's her thing. Whatever you do, just enjoy it and the one with whom you've shared your life. God bless you both!

Thanks. I did a worldwide web search and did find some reviews which helped us determine that the excursion timetable wouldn't work with another excursion we have booked in Juneau.

RCI used to include reviews for their excursions on their website, but seem to have discontinued those. So, where do I find reviews for specific excursion? I am particularly interested in the Endicott Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer excursion off the Quantum of the Seas in early July. Thanks for helping out!

Thanks to you both. I bit the bullet and booked it through RCI...

Our July cruise on Quantum is slated to be in Endicott Arm on day 5. Royal offers an "Endicott Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer" excursion that leaves from the ship. Are there other private excursion options that would pick us up from the ship, or is RCI the only game in town for this? Thanks.

Per their website, Alaska Air allows a carry on bag that's 22" tall, 14" wide, and 9" deep. My wife's carry on is slightly larger than these dimensions, being 23" tall, 14" wide, and 10" deep. Will this pass or are they that strict? Thanks much.

Thanks to all for you input. We'll consider it carefully and prayerfully.

Taking our first ever Alaskan cruise this summer, which requires air travel from Atlanta to Seattle and back. Past cruises were from Florida, so we always drove to and from the ports. With the added expense and vulnerability of air travel, we are considering travel insurance for the first time. Allianz seems to get high ratings. Anyone have real world experience with this type of insurance? Any recommendations or suggestions or watch-outs? How's Allianz stack up against others? Thanks much!