islandchick

We will be sailing July 9th and would really appreciate any info on the current Alaska cruise from anyone on it. Would love to hear your opinions and any daily info including menus.

I hope this means they will start playing music at least from the 80' and 90's (not asking much since this is still 30-40 years old). I have not been on Viking yet but have been on many other lines and I am really tired of the same OLD songs played on every ship. If I have to listen to Sweet Caroline one more time I am going to pull my hair out (and I used to love that song). I am in my 50's and the music that is mostly played by all cruise lines is extremely outdated. It is time for a change!

My husband and I are Gen X and really loved our Crystal cruise. I will say however that Crystal and all the cruiselines we have been on really need to update the music selection. They need to move to a classic rock and pop mix as the old music is grating on my nerves at this point. If I have to hear Sweet Caroline one more time I may just pull my hair out (and I used to like that song). Please Crystal hear my plea!

We really loved the Al Ponte Antico hotel in Venice. Near the Rialto bridge and has a lovely terrace overlooking the canal. It has its own dock so you can get a water taxi to or from the airport or anywhere else for that matter. No lugging baggage as the small water taxis will load and unload for you. We thought it was in a great location.

I would not take any tour going to Denali right now. You would be better off touring the Kenai peninsula by staying in Anchorage, Seward, and Homer. Lots of beautiful sights to see. Go back another year to see Denali.

Highly doubt any company will take a 4 yo

The best part of Denali Park is after the landslide. Just be aware that if you decide to go anyway you really haven't seen the park. Perhaps you could book a flightseeing tour so you can get a better view of the park while the landslide is still in place. It wont have the best wildlife viewing but could see the extensive glaciers, and landscape.

I have purchased a July 9 2023 Viking Orion cruise. The initial documents show that every port is a tender port and that the times in port are quite short compared to what I am used to on other cruise lines. I honestly can't remember seeing any cruise ships tendered in Alaska except at Icy straight. Has anyone been on this itinerary recently that can tell me if this is actually true or will be updated closer to sailing?

We book Seward to Vancouver so we can spend some time pre cruise in Seward. Lots to do and really beautiful.

If you go on Vikings website you are able to go to the itinerary for the date you want. Once you get to that list, go to more info about the port or day and it will give you the possible excursions.

I would take the helicopter, however you should consider doing it in Juneau or Skagway with the dogsleds. It is really fun and a great scenic flight.

Regent hands down. If you can afford it then this is probably the best choice. Make sure you book early as excursions and dining reservations will fill up quickly.

Tons of otters and puffins on wildlife cruise out of Seward. Unfortunately haven't seen them along the regular Alaska cruise route. To late to see northern lights in general.

No need to go looking for eagles, they are everywhere. If your cruise stops or starts in Seward, they have great wildlife cruises there.

If you want to go to see the northern lights in Alaska then I suggest staying at Chena Hot Springs just outside of Fairbanks. You will need to go during the winter to see them

We have done a couple of Kayaking trips with Southeast sea kayaks in Ketchikan and it was really great. I highly recommend them.

Brooks Falls is Amazing!!!!!!! I stayed there for a couple of nights. We saw tons of bears. It was a experience I will remember forever. If you can swing it then you should go. You do have to walk about a mile (flat) to get to the viewing platforms so make sure everyone in your group is capable of that.

Regent is an amazing cruise line however your 5 year old might be really bored. I am sure there will be a few children as it is an Alaska itinerary however not many. Food is great. Cabins are spacious for a cruise. Included excursions are ok, however I find that I have to pay extra for the ones I really want. Don't wait too long to book as the excursions and dining reservations will be booked up.

Anchorage= Moose tooth pizza, Glacier brewhouse, Gwennies old alaska are all great. If you would like an upscale dining experience with magnificent views you could take a road trip from Anchorage to Alyeska ski area and dine at the 7 glacier restaurant on top of the mountain. Only open for dinner but during summer it stays light very late. Great food and views. Very memorable.

Skagway is very touristy but fun to stroll around and a trip up into the mountains is very pretty. However if you go into the Rocky Mountains all the time then you may not appreciate the scenery as much. There is a lot of mining history if you are into that. Another option in Skagway if you have a long day there is to rent a car and drive up to the Yukon. (just make sure you have your passport). The road follows the railway and you can take your own time. Haines is a cute, very small non touristy town. Ferry ride is fun and very scenic. You can rent a car there and drive up the road along the river and be on your own time. We saw several eagles (you will see many more in Juneau and Ketchikan) but like someone else stated they dont come in force until fall. I have also heard that there is a area that you can go and look for bears but I am unsure of exactly where it is (might have to research).

I think it matters. If you look at the itinerary map you will see that there is quite a large section that has only land to the right and ocean out to the left. I prefer to see the scenery . Starboard Vancouver to Seward, Port Seward to Vancouver.

bait-and-switch /bāt and,(ə)n(d) swiCH/ noun the action (generally illegal) of advertising goods which are an apparent bargain, with the intention of substituting inferior or more expensive goods. Seems that it applies to this pretty well. Please respond to the question posed or give stories that pertain to the thread instead of trying to pick it apart. Thanks!

Glad it all worked out for you. Your experience sounds like our previous experiences with the UDP as well. Unfortunately the changes that have been reported are on the current sailing.

Yes, apparently when shown the whats included list the f&b manager has stated it has changed on Allure. I wouldn't care too much except that they are still selling it as originally stated. This is called fraud and they obviously don't care about their passengers. Of course, this is only based on several reports recently, I will have to see for myself. I always buy the UDP when offered but expect to get what I paid for, if this is a strain for the cruiseline in cost or service then they should discontinue selling it.

I have been seeing multiple comments on RC dining facebook page stating that on the Allure and a couple of other ships they have not been honoring their UDP package. Several people have stated that they are being told that in Izumi Sushi they can only have a $20 allowance when is specifically states on the website that it is a Pre Fix menu. Also, many people reporting that all the dining reservations are being withheld and they are unable to get any reservations once onboard even though the package states you can eat at unlimited specialty restaurants every night and also lunch on sea days. Apparently they are also trying to charge for an extra entree when a couple wanted to share it. Is anyone else experiencing this? If so, its appalling the bait and switch that is occurring. I have a sailing this Sunday on the Allure and if this is what is currently happening it will be the last time we sail with Royal Caribbean.