InfrequentPNWCruiser

I added transfers and dining reservations using my computer post final payment and as luck would have it, the system crashed and wouldn't let me continue...come back later it said. When I came back on I found that the reservations processed but I was now no longer was paid in full. I immediately redid the payment and went back to paid status. So, I could see this happening inadvertently if you weren't paying enough attention which was part of the original issue...no documentation. I should add that putting transfers in requires flight info etc so it's a lot more than just a single selection.When I re-entered the payment info there was no ability to edit any of the transfer info,so it was locked in.

Same for us in 2019 with the Escape at MCT. Getting of the ship was easy but CBP was only allowing a dribble at a time to go onto the terminal. Once you got there, including picking up the luggage it was like about 10 min to the street as facial recognition was being used. All depends on CBP staff levels ( same goes with TSA staff at the airport) on how smooth debarkation will be.

Pre-pandemic they were only available after boarding, so only recently they have been available pre-cruise. Course now instead of literally running on board to snag a pass, you got to book them quickly online!

Can't imagine them chartering the Vibe space since all of those were sold pre-cruise. I'd be pretty peeved if it got closed off to me during any normally open hours as I've paid for that access for that voyage above and beyond just booking a cabin.

I tend to take these big vacations in the off-season anyway as all of my cruises have been April or mid-September/October. I went on the Encore in mid October 2021 and personally I liked being the only ship at the ports. Sure it was rainy and cloudy but being from the PNW that's pretty normal. It snowed on us in Glacier Bay which made it all the more magical. A lot of the shops were closed but still found plenty open to buy things I wanted without having the crowds. Scored some large discounts on tanzanite jewelry as some stores had 50-70% off closing sales (the prices were less than I could buy in town and so it wiped out any "tourist price upcharging") so there was some benefit! I'm going again this year in October as well but in the Haven to mix things up a bit.

Another soca group has chartered the Epic in mid April which is a totally private cruise. Not sure how this is going to work, maybe with this group literally taking over venues en mass unpredictably? I booked this cruise in 2021 and since we're past final payment and changing is pretty much past considering flights, etc. Hope I don't have to spend my time at guest services complaining about things or feel trapped in the cabin...want to make the best of it.

I'm on Prima mid-April and just tonight bought a pair of Vibe passes, so some voyages still have availability.

I don't think you'll have an issue with the ship and the proximity to the glaciers. Here's a picture from the Encore last October. Also sometimes different things happen when they took the ship up a different arm in Glacier Bay with snow falling and skim ice on the water...quite surreal and magical at once. The crew had great fun as many had never experienced a snowfall before. Alaska must be experienced personally and I don't think you would be disappointed on any NCL Alaska voyage.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with booking and paying for excursions until after final payment at the 120 day mark. I've never had an issue with not being able to get what I wanted.

You'll run into some slow traffic around I90 on Saturday mid morning. Take the Mercer St left exit and follow Mercer to Elliot Way and north to the lot. I also left from Oregon but overnighted in Olympia so I didn't have to have the stress of driving 5 hrs and running into traffic snarls.

I used Seattle Cruise Park last October on my Encore cruise. Very easy to get to and cruise shuttle took little time to get to the port. A bit more wait on the leaving side but still quick (may need to call them if you're the only one waiting for a pickup). Cost was reasonable around $170 for the week. Reserved and paid online with their website. Remember to print out the parking pass/ reciept for the dash and is proof for you to get in the lot if somehow you are not on the list. I had no issues in that regard. Parking is no issue as the lot isnt that big.Reservations are by cruise voyage and line so they know where you are going. They service both piers so no issue there. No qualms with using them again.

The weather can go either way. If its sunny then the balcony is just fine , otherwise if could be a bit chilly if its cloudy but nothing like a light jacket can't fix .