Lady Anna & Sir Troy

Wondering if you have ever thought once you reached a port (In Alaska) that it was so beautiful you could just sit there in a quiet spot looking around and you would be satisfied?

If so - where was that - and what did you do? :D

This is coming from someone who almost always has activities planned. But one day in port I was still wheelchair bound so my husband helped me off the ship and I limped over to a nearby cafe/restaurant by the the waterfront and we just sat there - for two hours. It was one of the best days of my life.

The age old adage - one cannot do everything...

Just a couple of notes for you.

There are more options than you are listing:

1) Train to Fraser RT

2) Train to Fraser and back by bus/van (considered the Summit Trip)

3) Train to Fraser and then by bus to Carcross/Caribou Crossing and back

4) Train through Bennett all the way to Caribou Crossing and then back by bus/van

5) Bus/Van to just pass the Summit and Back

6) Bus/Van to the border area of the Yukon and Back

7) Bus/Van to Carcross/Caribou Crossing and back

8) Bus/Van to Carcross/Caribou Crossing and Emerald Lake

There are even more possibilities than that but my two cents worth is to at least do the trip that goes to the border of the Yukon with Frontier (http://www.frontierexcursions.com/yukoner.html). If you decide to do the longer trip include Emerald Lake as it is stunning (http://www.frontierexcursions.com/yukon-discovery.html). Sadly, I haven't done the Lake Bennett portion of the train ride, and still won't get to this May since we are there too early - but the pictures look great so you may want to consider that and get advice from someone who's done it (and if it will fit into your schedule).

One thing you don't say is exactly what you want to do in town. What do you think you may be missing? It's a matter of taste so it depends on if you want to visit Jewell Gardens, the Gold Rush Cemetery, see the Red Onion Saloon, etc. One can spend all day walking various hiking trails and visiting around town. I can't personally say for you if the Klondike Highway/Yukon is worth all your time - but most consider it stunningly beautiful.

L.A.S.T.

Princess cruises do a much better job in Alaska than Caribbean in my experience.

4 1/2 miles - a.k.a - 10 minutes further out...

L.A.S.T.

We have been on both Princess and NCL, and my daughter was bored with the Princess kid's programs but she was older. She thought the younger ones really enjoyed their time (5 - 7). I find NCL to be the better choice of the two for kids because in addition to their excellent kid's programs they have a lot more activities geared towards kids. Which means more stuff you can enjoy together.

I would suggest getting the kids involved in the planning. Some great shore excursions could include places like visiting puppies at one of the sled dog camps, exploring in the wilderness, etc. Show them pictures - talk about it - find out what interests them and that will help you pick the right ship and find activities you will all enjoy. Don't forget to get some much needed adult time too. ;)

L.A.S.T.

How far away is the Fortress of the Bear from the Raptor Center?

L.A.S.T.

I agree with BudgetQueen and your plan is a sound one. In Ketchikan I would take the blue bus for a $2 round trip to totem bight park and use this link to print a guide beforehand - http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/totempol.htm. The visitor center also has some good walking tours that you can pick up information on when you get there.

Most of the time I prefer private vendors, but there are a few I prefer ship tours. I haven't done enough to make recommendations on Alaska specifically, but I would think almost all boat tours (with the exception of the Tracy Arm type) are done better with smaller groups. For a budget I would consider Juneau Whale Watching or Orca Enterprises for around $120. If you can splurge use Harv and Marv for all 5 of you at $149 each, and you get at least a 1/2 our extra. I think you can include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier with the visit - but check with the vendors first.

L.A.S.T.

My husband has a 10x50 Nikon Action that he really likes, but I have the 10x30 Canon with Image Stabilization which means I can use them without immediately getting a headache from straining my eyes to see with the shakiness. Also the Canon 10x30 are so compact and light - it is really nice. Wish they had included a cap with them - it just seem stupid to me the caps didn't come standard on these.

Lady Anna

Thanks Jerry!!

That really helps.

Lady Anna

bump.

Hi -

My question is twofold. We are in Skagway on May 12. I understand most of the lakes will still be frozen then and the portion from Fraser to Bennett/Carcross isn't available yet on the train.

1) How different is the train portion between Fraser and Skagway versus the highway with a private tour?

2) What is the scenery like going past Fraser in that early of May? To be honest since I live in Minnesota I'm not interested in seeing frozen lakes.

Thanks so much!!

Lady Anna

So here goes. I've only been on these ships in the Caribbean so keep that in mind for the review, although I am going to be in Alaska on the Pearl in May - Yay!!

Cabin Differences:

1. The aft balcony on NCL will provide the best views by far. With little kids, being able to sit our on your balcony and see the views at any point in time is a big bonus. Alaska is very picturesque. The aft balcony also will be quieter, better storage space and layout, and bigger than the C3 on the Solstice. The placement of the aft balcony is also really nice in that you are near the Buffet. In comparison between the two cabins NCL wins hands down. In fact, I am jealous as you have my favorite cabin outside of the Haven ones.

2. Dining - Solstice Dining Venues and layout are a little better than NCL. I rank it like this - NCL Specialty Dining - Celebrity Dining Rooms - NCL Dining Rooms. This is after several years of ups and down on NCL for dining, whereas Celebrity has remained consistently good. The buffets are equal in my opinion.

3. Pools/Spas - Both the Pearl and Solstice have beautiful Spa "thermal" areas which I love. A big plus on the Solstice is the covered pool for swimming.

4. Entertainment/Activities - Here is where I think the ships vary greatly. I find Celebrity entertainment/activities more for an older crowd even in the Caribbean. I found NCL to be much better for all ages in the entertainment and activities department. NCL will not bore your five year old. One big plus for Celebrity is the Glass Blowing show - you have to go to understand why. =)

There are of course many more differences but I tried to highlight some of the big ones.

Lady Anna

Your post caught my eye. Celebrity and NCL are my two favorite lines. I have actually had the pleasure of being on the Solstice once and the NCL Pearl twice. It is late so I will post some main differences including specifics on the cabins that you may want to know tomorrow. Personally, I don't care for Costco as I've heard unfortunate stories using them, so my biggest advice would be to find an agent who can offer you good advice and meet the prices.

L.A.S.T.

I would look at the Toursaver book for some great deals for lodging and railway packages. You can practically plan a trip with the discounts. I liked this thread, only for a few days but you could expand easily. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1674295

L.A.S.T.

My first response is - because they can.

Then the realistic answer is they do have some perks included instead of costing extra. The entry level cabins are larger - 184 sq. feet for inside, 214 sq. feet for for outside, and include a tub. I noticed someone else mentioned the included soda, some of the venues for dining cost more for what they offer, and they have firework shows (not cheap).

So honestly I think part is the brand name and part is the upgrades.

Lady Anna

We took our daughter on Princess (around age 11 I think?), they were very friendly but she was very bored. I did involve her in the planning too! She just felt too old for the kid activities in the kids club.

Our friend took their 5 and 7 year old grandkids on a Princess Alaska Cruise and they liked it, but the kids said they preferred the RCCL cruise they went on. Surprisingly what the kids liked best was the marine animal talks and the totem pole tour.

I continue to maintain that RCCL and NCL are the best for all age groups (Disney probably is as well but I haven't dealt with their cruises very much).

Hope this helps!!

Lady Anna

Wow! Thanks Suzanne for digging that out for me. Now I am REALLY leaning towards it!!

L.A.S.T.

You sail up Lynn Canal to get to Skagway - if you get up early, you can see it all twice, north and south, for free.

Now this I hadn't thought of. Doh! Thank you! Think I would still like to get closer though - I just love looking up at large boulders with water running down the sides of them.

L.A.S.T

We did the Ocean Raft tour in the Lynn Canal last year. They have a video on their web site. Had a great time:

 

http://oceanraftalaska.com/

Thank you! That was helpful. Was it really cold? We are going in Mid May.

Try typing "Lynn Canal Photographs" into Google. There are many many photos there. Really easy.

 

DON

Really? I already did that.

Anyone out there can comment or share pictures about Lynn Canal? Considering going on a trip out of Skagway to visit Lynn Canal in mid May. I love seeing cliff like fjords with waterfalls and the wildlife. Yes, we plan to visit Misty Fjords but by plane and I'd like to see one by boat as well.

L.A.S.T.

Hello Norwane,

I have traveled many of the different lines and you will not find a consensus on which is best. A little homework (which you are doing - yay!) will help you enjoy most of the cruises out there.

Having planned many Alaskan trips for others, I have found that Celebrity tends to be the best for the "cruise" portion, Princess the best for the "land" portion (Anchorage to Denali) for the older couples, while NCL and Royal Caribbean are more pleasing to mixed age groups. Personally I have never been able to recommend Princess for kids because we took my daughter at 10 at it was her least favorite vacation - ever (even Wisconsin Dells was more entertaining for her).

I was surprised on the comment about feeling claustrophobic on the Pearl. I thought she flowed very well for her size and it is one of her better traits. I do wish they had the pool covered, but that's true of several of the ships. If you want an indoor pool there is only the spa's thlasso pool, but what an indulgent treat that spa is!

Anyways, if there is something specific about a ship that really matters to you, look for that and price. Then read up on tips to find out how to enjoy that specific ship the most. (For example - spa pools would be Celebrity and NCL Pearl and Jewel) =)

L.A.S.T.

We own two pairs of binoculars. One is a Nikon 12x50 that cost about $300 that my husband really likes. He has a steady hand. I shake a little and that makes them difficult for me to use, especially at night. In fact the shakiness wears on my eyes quite quick. These fit my husband with his glasses perfectly.

I bought myself a Canon 10 x 30 Image Stabilization. I don't "notice" much difference when pushing the stabilization button as they still shake a little, however the image is way sharper and my eyes don't get strained at all. They are a lot lighter and easier to hold for me as well. They were nearly double the cost of the Nikon new.

So... I have learned purchasing binoculars varies on personal preference and use, which may be difficult to determine until you own a pair. Some obvious things to consider are if you wear glasses and your particular uses. For use on a moving ship, at night, or if you shake; I would get image stabilized hands down.

The best advice I can give is go to a sporting store nearby and try different ones out. My big mistake was not trying them on a moving target. So make sure to look at the people moving around or cars outside, not a shelf when you do.

L.A.S.T.

Amazing scenery this whole trip....tons of waterfalls.

 

 

 

Hi -

I have really enjoyed your trip report. One of the questions I have is where did you take these waterfall pictures? Were they taken from the ship? I LOVE them!

L.A.S.T.

The variations you are seeing are due to different types of trains. The faster Frecciabianca trains are 15 Euro but make the trip in about 45 minutes (non-stop).

 

The IC takes about 50 minutes (one stop at Roma Ostiense along the way) and costs 10 Euro.

 

The regional trains take between an hour to an hour and twenty minutes and cost 5 Euro.

 

With the Frecciabiana and the IC trains you get a seat reservation, with the regional trains there is no assigned seating.

Thanks. I finally figured out what I was looking at - Super Economy versus Economy, etc. So for the 45 minute train you can pay 9 Euro - 15 Euro.

L.A.S.T.