jmcinnc

Hi there, We are a multi-generational family of 6 (2 grandparents in their 70's, parents in late 40's, and two teenagers). We have now whittled our cruise decision down to RCL Radiance of the Seas or HAL Westerdam, doing either the northbound or southbound cruise - between Seward and Vancouver. Both have decent times in Juneau and Skagway (though the Southbound itinerary of the Westerdam stops in Haines instead of Skagway). The Westerdam has less time in Ketchikan (either 11-7 or 7 - 3 depending on route) compared to RC which is there 6-4.

Two big itinerary differences:

1) RC Radiance cruises by Hubbard Glacier (appears to be 2 hour window) and HAL Westerdam spends day in Glacier Bay

2) RC Radiance stops in icy strait (so 4 ports in which you can get off the boat)

In terms of the ship, from what I read seems like food in MDR is better on Westerdam than RC Radiance and there may be more activities that appeal to grandparents on Westerdam and teens on the Radiance.

Would deeply appreciate any feedback on the itinerary differences as well as the ship differences.

Thanks!!

Thanks for your feedback. We've now eliminated the Norwegian Jewel because of port times and are between Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas and Holland American Westerden. I think I'll repost that question - there is a difference in itineraries there with one going to Glacier Bay and one going to Hubbard Glacier

Hi there, we're considering the southbound inside passage from Seward, with a plan of spending some time on our own in Denali prior to the cruise. We're a party of 6 - 2 grandparents in mid and late 70's, 2 parents in late 40's and 2 teenagers. The ports are the same, though Jewel also has Sawyer Glacier in addition to Hubbard Glacier (ROTS only has hubbard). The times in ports are slightly better on ROTS. In terms of the ship, reviews for ROTS - especially in regard to dining- are concerning. Right now Jewel has a special through which you can get 3 specialty dining meals as a bonus- which is a plus on the dining side. Any thoughts on ships or itineraries? Many thanks for your feedback.

Hi there, we head out on the adventure of the seas on August 12. We'd love to snorkel and see some sea turtles at our stop in st Thomas. We are considering the Royal Caribbean Buck Island sail and snorkel excursion. The alternatives we are considering are the private off beach snorkel tour with Saint Thomas scuba and snorkel adventures (great reviews but double the price) or just going to Sapphire Beach and snorkeling offshore ourselves (would be least expensive). Would welcome any thoughts or feedback on any of these. Thanks!!

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Hi there, we head out on the adventure of the seas on August 12. We'd love to snorkel and see some sea turtles at our stop in st Thomas. We are considering the Royal Caribbean Buck Island sail and snorkel excursion. The alternatives we are considering are the private off beach snorkel tour with Saint Thomas scuba and snorkel adventures (great reviews but double the price) or just going to Sapphire Beach and snorkeling offshore ourselves (would be least expensive). Would welcome any thoughts or feedback on any of these. Thanks!!

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Hi there, we will be in Saint Thomas from 9 to 5 coming off of Adventure of the seas. We are deciding between snorkeling on a boat excursion or going to a beach and snorkeling offshore. If we pick the beach option, I think we have decided on Sapphire Beach. Any feedback or suggestions for snorkel trips via boat? Any feedback on going the beach route versus the boat route? Thanks so much!

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Hi there, my family of four will be on the adventure of the seas cruise leaving on August 12. Our first port is Saint Thomas on the 13th. Adventure is the only ship in port that day and coming into Crown Bay. We'd like to spend the day at the beach (ship arrives at 9 and leaves at 5). We are looking for a beach that has good snorkeling, food and chair rentals and is a safe place to spend the day. Right now we're considering honeymoon beach on water Island, Sapphire Beach, or going over to trunk Bay on St. John's. We're a little concerned that we would have enough time for St. John's and getting back to our ship in enough time. Any and all advice welcome!

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Hi there,

We're going on RC Adventure of the Seas in August, stopping in St, Thomas, St. Kitts, Curacao and Aruba. We are thinking about doing snorkel excursions on two of the islands, a beach day on one island and swimming with dolphins on one island (our daughters' first choice for excursions). Would love some advice on which islands have the best snorkeling. Thanks so much for your help!

Hi there,

We're going on RC Adventure of the Seas in August, stopping in St, Thomas, St. Kitts, Curacao and Aruba. We are thinking about doing snorkel excursions on two of the islands, a beach day on one island and swimming with dolphins on one island (our daughters' first choice for excursions). Would love some advice on which islands have the best snorkeling. Thanks so much for your help!