Jnsplace1

1 hour ago, daisydawg said:

We’re renting a car and planning to stop at Michelle Phillips’ sled dog camp in July. This is a bucket list trip for my mother-in-law, and the sled dogs are a high priority for her. About what time did you stop? No reservations are necessary, correct? Thanks!

 

Would it be these folks?   if so, no reservations appear to be needed.

https://tagishlakekennel.com/tutshi-sled-dog-summer-tours/

As far as I can tell, as I'm 95 days out, there's no change to reservations.   Since I'm now paid up, I can book specialty, about it.

I googled suite benefits, discovery, and then clicked the PDF link.  Which lead to the listing.

With the ongoing changes on the Princess ships, is it current?  Probably not.

May want to just ask through the online chat perhaps?

I was able to book through the app both the Catch and Crown Grill, but not Sabatini's or the dining rooms (not really interested there, but was testing it).   Yes I'm paid up.

Not in a rush currently, got the things I wanted on the at sea days so I'm happy with that at least.

Honestly, when I travel to amazing places.  I generally try not to drive, while the driver has more control on when and where.  The driver also tends to miss a lot more due to concentrating on the road.

As somone who does a lot of driving for family, I'd prefer when I'm on vacation to let someone else do the driving.

 I booked the van/train option through Chilkoot, and am looking very much forward to sitting back and soaking it in.

Taking Chilkoot tours that takes train one way, and van the opposite way in Sept.  From what I understand, this is a great way to do it.  Best of both worlds.

Another thing to consider, you might be able to get the same table, at the same time every night in MDR.   But with the same people?  Perhaps. 

Those people might elect to go MDR one night, or Steak night the next, or Sushi the following, at that same time.    I am not sure how the dice will roll.  But yes, like others, the dining is changing real soon when they update everything in June.

Good luck!

PS: I've done traditional, I'm whole heartedly not going back to that.   Personal opinion, I perfer to like to do different dining venues and not be locked into one.

My first AK cruise did not do Glacier Bay, and I am not sure that I knew what I was possibly missing?  Instead, it was Hubbard and I thought it was stellar.   

This next cruise because it's not only my honey's first cruise ever, but also first one on an AK cruise.  I specifically choose a GB itinerary.   

So, do you go not knowing, and enjoying anyway?   Sure why not?  AK is lovely.  

With RealID now live, I've been using my Passport to fly until renewal.   It's worth it.

For me: I am not elite, and I cruise in Sept.  I am not able to book dining, as it says I must be fully paid up.

And I'm one of those that like trying new things.  I have zero interest in a steak house, been to plenty.   I like variety.    

count me in.  😉 

For me, I call it respect for my time.  

If I've booked something somewhere else.  I'd like to have time to enjoy the show, and walk to the next event, item, apt that I have.

I bet they figured out the average time for someone to get somewhere next.   

I was able to access mine just now.  Used Google.

I ended up setting up mine with a PIN as I was traveling to EU.  A few years ago, I had to call the company to set it up.  Now a days, might be through the help chat on said company's website.

IMO, it's worth setting up just in case the "tap" doesn't work, or what have you.  I've experienced that as well.

I use the website chat.  Been able to get what my needs are resolved there.   And I can multitask at the same time.   Calling, no thank you.  But that's me.

I had a change on my cruise, and was notified by email.   I know that they had some issues with their account management system a few months back, I had to escalate mine as I was not getting notifications of my purchases.

So I guess I'm glad the notifications work, now......

I prefer to buy ahead so that I can book specialty restaurants ahead of time.   Those at sea days tend to book up.

If you care for that sort of thing.....

I've cruised with and without packages of such.   Last one I did, I cruised without and it was the best mental treat for me.  It opened up my choices, and I enjoyed my vacation of "I just want to try this".

Trying new things is my joy.  So go for it!

I did a google search and this CC thread popped up.  Perhaps browsing through this might help answer your question.   It sounds like (from page 3) it's a very small invite only group of passengers that get to experience this.

I have the same issue, I tried to get help through web chat so I can do screen shots and etc.   They put in a ticket that got escalated to IT.   It's still there, but at least now I'm getting emails from Princess.

Figure I'll try again later, perhaps after my cruise.

PS: i can log into the App on my phone.  Good enough for now.

RE: service animals.

They might...figure that the country regulations may be enough that they don't have to.  Taken from their website

Travel Documents: Entry requirements for service animals vary by port. Entry requirements for service animals at the ports you visit differ, and there are some ports where animals may not be allowed ashore. You must check in each country you visit and obtain the necessary travel documents, which may include vaccinations, medical certificates, and other travel documents.

Suddenly I'm glad that I booked a whale trip on this stop.  I have strong fond memories of walking on that glacier back I think 12 yrs ago or so.

10 years ago, I booked a one way cruise through Celebrity with my Mom.   We booked them because at the time, they had the best value for what we wanted with inside passage and cruisetour on the other end.   I've cruised through various ships from HAL, NCL, Carnival, and Princess prior to for EU, or Carb but it was my first time through AK.

We loved it.  We enjoyed the foods, the inside passage, and the service we encountered.   It wasn't cheap. In fact, we felt at the time, it was more spendy then our EU cruise but we really did  enjoy every moment, and wished we had spent more time in Denali. 

This year, hubby and I are doing AK cruise through Princess.  Initary was sole focus.   We've had 3 cruises canceled on us ranging from work, Covid to weather.  So we didn't want to fly LOL....we're trying so hard not to get excited due to our poor luck.   He's never been on a cruise, and it's a SEA to VAN route.  I wish we could go one way but time was not meant to be in this case.   I really feel that if you do one way, you should go inland.  It's so worth it.  

Frankly, i completely understand route and cost are major considerations for many. Each line has it's "feel" and how they provide you services.  Everything has a cost, the choice is up to you where you spend it.

At sea days tend to book out.  I've read elsewhere that some venues get booked up fairly quickly, particularly for those prime time spots.

if you want to try out a restaurant, suggest booking it, and the menu should hopefully have enough variety outside of steak that you have other options to choose.

I disagree, I liked my cruisetour very much.  of course I researched the heck of which one would fit time and budget.   I knew that some of the hotels may not be awesome, since it was linked to the amount I was willing to spend.  Which was fine, it's a hotel.  I was there to see the land.   

I guess, it falls into expectations.  I agree marketing material can overstate things, and it's certainly not sunny all the time in Denali area.

I find if you want wilderness, then it's going to be a rare find to be in a high level hotel.  Particularly when tourist season is short.