Spikesgirl

We are going on a cruise to Alaska this summer and I haven't worried about it for a moment.  We are paying for our cruise this week and I'm ready to start packing!

22 hours ago, contessa1 said:

Are any months better to avoid excessive fog on an Alaska cruise (earlier May cruises or later August/September cruise)or can it happen at any time ? Thanks for any input.

 

 

 

 

Our first Alaskan cruise is in late July/Aug and it was sunny and dry.  This year, we are going in late May/June.  My fingers are crossed.  I totally agree with AKStafford.  Just expect the worst weather wise and have fun anyhow.

11 minutes ago, immsters said:

We are looking to book a cruise tour for us and some extended family. I am so confused at what the difference is between the regular cruise tour and the do it yourself option. Can anyone please explain? It was recommended that we do the land portion first. Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. We have done an Alaska cruise before but didn’t do the land portion so we are really excited to be able to do this. 

It's pretty straight forward.  If you book with the ship, you do it through the excursion page.  If you book your own, you do the research for each spot you want to visit, then contact the tour guide for prices and options.  They are usually cheaper if you go through the vendor yourself,  but you do need to keep in mind that the ship will not wait for you if you are on a private tour and late.

You might have better luck with this over on the Alaska site, as I know there are tons of information and folks who book their own tours there.

9 hours ago, VermeulT said:

I have more than enough "stuff" in my house - but I'd like to bring back something special and unique from my cruise that starts in Vancouver.  Also stopping in Ketchikan, Haines, ISP, Anchorage, Homer, Valdez and Juneau.

What is something that you've bought for yourself or a gift that you were happy with?

 Our very first cruise was to Alaska in '97 and we had next to nothing as far as spending money went.  I came home with three things:  a set of potholders, two white birch wooden salad bowls and a stuffed toy (a jackabou).  I still use the first two items daily and the toy went to the GD.  I wonder what I will bring back this time...

14 hours ago, TahitiDreaming said:

... and THAT is why we always "cross pack" - half of my things in one suitcase, the other half in the other... that way, if one of our bags go astray, at least we have some of our things!

Gosh, I've never hard of doing this.  What a great idea!

36 minutes ago, KristyMisty14 said:

I'm interested in what she says a private tour would run?  Please pass along when you get the info, 😃 thanks 

Sure - this is what she sent.  This would be for a party of 5

The total for a group of 5 on a private tour is $774.00, this includes sales tax and gratuities. We will take our time and ensure that your group is comfortable and able to enjoy all the sights and flavors of Juneau!

Heard back from Midgi at Juneau food tour and she said: 

To answer your question, all but one of our locations have seating available. There is about a 20 minute walk from our first tasting to the next one, but other than that it’s pretty easy. 

She suggested that we might do a private tour instead, so I am waiting for some additional info on that before making a decision.  Thanks again, Editrix, for the suggestion! 

21 minutes ago, Fairfield Nana said:

Hi-- here is some link info I got from the lady who manages this tour and who booked us on it. She might be able to help answer your questions. Seems like a delightful person.

 

Midgi Moore, CCTP

Owner, Juneau Food Tours

A Tour with Taste

Juneau Bites & Booze – the ULTIMATE pub crawl

Juneau Afternoon Delights – all the hot spots in 90 minutes

www.juneaufoodtours.com

(907) 723-8478

Thank you so much!  I have contacted her and will let you know what she says.  Thank you so much!

49 minutes ago, Adlig said:

My wife and I did this tour in 2018. We were looking for something different since we had been to Juneau before. We enjoyed it very much and would do it again. We booked through Princess since at that time I don't think the price was significantly different and we had cruise credits.

 

 

I plan to book it through Princess if we decide to give it a go.  Right now I'm just not sure if our friends can do it.

11 minutes ago, Editrix said:

 

From the Juneau Food Tours FAQs:

 

"Juneau is a mountainside city and our tour includes traversing some inclined streets. A few locations are in historic buildings with stairs and no elevators. We encourage participants to gauge their own abilities as to whether these issues will be barriers."

Right.  I saw that and that's not as much of an issue at the standing with no opportunity to sit.  They both have neuropathy in their feet and the just standing isn't good for them.  Thanks. 

9 minutes ago, Editrix said:

 

My husband and I took the food tour the first year it was offered and thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the stops are different now, but they are likely just as good as the ones we had. There is a fair bit of walking and standing, plus the possibility of heavy rain (which we had on the day of our tour), so anyone with mobility issues should find something else to do.

That's disappointing.  I was hoping there would be opportunities for them to sit.  Perhaps it is better if we sit that one out.  

On 2/3/2020 at 12:09 PM, thirstyman1 said:

Thank you!!

 

You are welcome!  

8 hours ago, Fairfield Nana said:

Yeah, We only saved $4.95/pp but that's dessert somewhere. Never been on Princess before as this is our first. We usually try mix some ship tours with some "DIY" tours and usually find the latter to be a bit less costly, totally reliable, well-rated in TripAdvisor, and much more flexible (usually travel in 8-16 max passenger vans versus a big bus, and can re-work the itinerary on the fly mush easier if all are in agreement. Found our single experiences on both Viking and Oceania to be quite expensive in the tour dept., and RCL to be best ---cannot comment on quality of actual tour as this coming May cruise will be our first. 

We have done independent tours before, but usually it's because of a huge price saving.  That's why this was such a surprise!  This will be our 19th cruise with Princess and we have come to rely upon the quality and care that Princess offers.  We are only doing one other excursion on the trip with our friends (they have walking issues, so we will probably stick with Princess, just in case they have to bow out late).  Thanks and I hope this is your best cruise ever!

12 hours ago, need2cruisesoon said:

I am getting my Ruby loyalty pin on my cruise on the Grand (Medallion Cruise) in April and will probably put it on my shirt lapel or possibly on my cap.

 

Just wondering if you wear yours all the time (on and off ship) and if you display on a shirt or cap or ladies maybe a purse?

Are there other ways to display Princess loyalty? i know my Medallion will reflect the Ruby color.

 

 

Thanks,

Need2Cruise

 

 

 

 

I have to say that I was so excited to finally get to the Elite level that I wear that little sucker everywhere.  😄  

10 hours ago, Fairfield Nana said:

we are on the Star Princess sailing May 23 from "The City" and we bought the Juneau Bon Appetit Recommended: Juneau Foodie Walking Tour at 10:30-1300 for $135/pp directly from the company conducting the tour after finding it on TripAdvisor. Looks like the same tour offered by Princess.

Wow and that's what it's being offered for by Princess .  I'm impressed.  I thought their mark up would be much more.  Thanks!

11 minutes ago, thirstyman1 said:

hmm cant see the name of the tour, can someone post it please? Thanks!!

Juneau Foodie Walking Tour

15 hours ago, Kfrech said:

Have you checked TripAdvisor? They may have some reviews on their Alaska boards. 

All the reviews were pretty much thumbs up.  Not sure how the one they were commenting on compares to the one Princess is offering, though.

16 hours ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Then, you guys can let me know!!!

I can do that!  😄

1 hour ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Then, you guys can let me know!!!

You got it!  😄

1 hour ago, Poodle Lady said:

May 20

Oh, okay, you will be on the cruise before us.  If you decide to try it, would you let me know?  😄

1 hour ago, Poodle Lady said:

Following this. I saw this excursion, too, and thought it might be right up my alley. 

When are you going?  We will be there the first week in June. 

18 hours ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Hey guys, saw this tour excursion the other day on the Princess shore excursions, an am wondering if anyone has taken this tour before? Been thinkin bout takin it. Thanks.

 

Virginia

Thanks for asking about this excursion.  I'm interested in it, too.  We have some folks with mobility issues and I'm wondering if it's doable.  Can't wait to read the answers to your question!

I would assume that it would be in feet and yards, but they usually say.  I know we have one upcoming excursion that is about a mile, but  that's the first time I've seen it.

Stick with the excursions noted as easy and you should be okay.

1 hour ago, Dobby_The_Ship_Elf said:

Mrs Elf liked the fire and ice  treatment ...........

 

PS ....... she firmly believes while it was 'nice', it wasn't worth the money!

Great user name!  HP rocks! 

Thanks so much for your response!  It's a little pricy, but we want to do something to surprise her as this is her first (and probably only) cruise and a milestone birthday.  Sail safe!

10 minutes ago, Wichard said:

Yes I will but after I told her she wants a "gel" coat so I do not know if Princess does that.  

Hmm, I don't either.  If she changes her mind, let me know!  Thanks and have a great cruise!