dpavid

18 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

There is nothing stopping you. You will need your passports and ticket to enter the terminal. 
 

You’ll have to find out how to get back downstairs since all escalators go up. 
 

I would just drop bags and leave check in to later. 
 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Aloha???

I had to check that comment, "Welcome to Cruise Critic!" I think the website logged me in using Google instead of my account, which I had for a while. I logged out and had to log in with my regular one. That was weird. Thanks for catching it.

We're going to attempt the lumberjack show for the kids. That's about it. We really enjoyed the Christmas Store but won't have much time.

What is there time to do in town now that the window is so short if you don't book an excursion? Arrive at 7 am but nothing in the town opens until 10 am. The last shuttle back is at 11 am. Walk Creek Street? That's about it. What a waste hanging out in their tourist trap.

23 minutes ago, NikiPinkston said:

Something else to be aware of is that the shuttle drops you off at Berth 4 in Ketchikan, which is 1/2 mile from "downtown" and it's a 10-15 minute walk.

I just saw that on Google Maps. Terrible. Berth 3 was perfect when we went in 2019.

4 hours ago, tokidoki said:

This is from the daily.

Thank you! That's terrible. It's such a short window. To maximize time, we need to be on the first shuttle in the morning. Thank you for posting this.

3 hours ago, dmwnc1959 said:

You may already know this, but on some days Ward Cove hosts two ships, which may make it more interesting when using the shuttle services. It appears on the day you’re their Norwegian Encore has Ward Cove all to herself…

 

https://claalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/KTN-Ketchikan-2024.pdf
 

 

Thank you! 

We arrive on the Encore in May 2024. How often does the shuttle run, and how many are running simultaneously? Will there be a long line and queue where we must wait over an hour to get to and from the ship? Any insight would be terrific.

3 hours ago, Jennifire7 said:

Is this always available? I’m on the Viva in March and my kids would love this! 

If they're all sold the same, there is no pre-purchase. 1st come 1st serve once you get on board in the comedy club.

Like the unlimited Spa pass, I wondered if they sold a limited amount per cruise of the Trio. The Spa pass is limited to only 200 per cruise.

1 hour ago, Anoynmous Phoenix said:

@dpavid

 

About the only ways to upgrade are to be in NCL's Upgrade Bid System if you are eligible or to pay the present going price.

 

Any available cabins now go to a bidding system and while you MAY be lucky I would think it very unlikely you would get too much of a bargain as many people bid.

Thank you. Yes, we are in the system to bid from an upgrade.

Thanks for all the replies. This was helpful. I will post what we decide in a few months, if anything.

$399 for unlimited, 1st come 1st serve after boarding.

Is there a limit to how many of these they sell per cruise?

Galaxy Pavillion and Speedway are $199 unlimited each. My kids didn't care for the laser tag.

Do they sell an Ultimate Duo Package for just the Galaxy Pavillion and Speedway? Maybe something like $299?

51 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Yes, you can call in and ask to  upgrade  your cabin.

Don't be surprised if they're all sold out at that late date.

Very unlikely that  you're going to 'steal' a very good rate. Haven cabins usually sell out well before 30 days out.  

Second, 32 fellow passengers.  Would you be the only one in the Haven if you did upgrade?

Are you aware that none of your other friends would have Havn Priviledges?  Wouldn't that be arkward at best?

It doesn't have to be a steal, but getting a haven suite would be a nice upgrade for my wife and I. My kids and grandkids have 2 inside cabins. They can stay there with their cousins. I was thinking maybe I could convince my parents and siblings with spouses to upgrade. We have adult children who could moderate and care for the littles. The youngest children are 8 years old and staying with adult cousins in adjoining inside staterooms next to each other.

We booked a Balcony on Encore months ago for Alaska 2024. We paid the full total price to secure our spot on the ship with our family. 32 of us in 10 cabins.

I've booked sailaway rates sub 30 days prior to departure for cruises and can travel at the last minute. Usually, getting them at a steal!

Suppose a Haven suite or upgraded cabin is available 30 days out at a ridiculously low rate. Has anyone successfully called in and upgraded their cabin for the price difference? I don't want to cancel my reservation since it's attached to booked shore excursions and dining, and I want to retain them.

I just got an email to bid for an upgraded cabin, but there's no guarantee. I was hoping for a guaranteed upgrade path at the last minute.

In the 2024 season, the price is being increased to $55. If you can get a group of 30+ together, ask for a group rate, and they will discount it by 20%. You must buy in person and a single purchase, not separate transactions. The total will be $1248 for 30 discounted tickets.

Make friends on the ship!

2 hours ago, Tom O said:

Got the same email for the same cruise maybe next year

Bummed, we got such a great rate too. I know they won't be able to honor it for a future cruise.

1 hour ago, jetact said:

I have an Alaska cruise booked and have gotten no correspondence at all so far. I am booked for October. 

You can still book October. Not cancelled yet. Only months through September 2021.

I just got an email with a full refund today from NCL for our cruise May 30, 2021 on the Encore today. I went to their website and it seems like the entire Alaska 2021 season is not available to book. I assume they are tapping out of the 2021 Alaska cruise season.

On 2/24/2020 at 2:08 PM, hallux said:

There is a week-long pass for Go-Karts, maybe $200 per person?  Only the Joy and Encore have the Galaxy Pavilion.

Didn't know Bliss doesn't have Galaxy Pavilion. Hopefully thy still do the $200 unlimited cart pass.

Thanks for all the replies! We're watching Alaska late May - July. Waiting for a sub $600 on Bliss the last 2 sailing in May and I'll pull the trigger. My guess is 60 days out or less. It's pretty close at $734. Any reason not to wait? At what point do you think this ship will fill up and prices start to rise? My guess is 30 days. These are odd weeks and most families are traveling yet. Trying to beat the summer rush and rates.

10 minutes ago, hallux said:

Unless there was a discount or some other replacement activity it wouldn't have ever been there for the Bliss as the Bliss does not have the Galaxy Pavilion.

Maybe only a Joy thing? It still show on the NCL website that they offer it for the Joy. Maybe the Bliss had an unlimited go cart option they got rid of?

What's the best timing for lowest rates on any NCL Cruise? 90 days out, 60 days out, 30 days out? Not asking for the secret formula but your past experiences. I can travel any time and place since I work from home and can be remote. That leaves me the flexible to book extremely last minute. I get there are too many variables. Cruise capacity, percentage vacancy, open cabins in various classes, etc. I find 30-60 days out from cruise date is a pretty sweet spot on ships with more availability. I also understand that cruises may not be interested in filling 100% of the cabins for various reasons. Curious on what deals you got last minute and how close to sail date you booked.

Also, my NCL rep mentioned if I book now and the price drops, they'll give me 25% of the booking in onboard credit or a free cabin upgrade for the difference is available. 25% on board credit is a piss in the bucket. For me the cabin upgrade is a bonus however, I always book the cabin I want in the first place. I guess if you take a chance and book an inside room, a bump to balcony might be nice.

Tell me its not true! Just heard the Ultimate Trio Package $350 (Galaxy Pavillion, Go Carts, and Laser Tag) passes are gone on the Bliss and Joy from our NCL rep. Can anyone confirm? Not going to lie but this is a huge reason for us selecting these ships to cruise on.

1 hour ago, rjm11 said:

we have done this often, never lied about who they were for, and never been charged for them.

Same here, even though my kids had drink packages. We all had soda packages. I ordered for them and took to table. Nobody ever asked for their card. Yes, I consider it stealing if your kids don't have drink packages and you do and you get them drinks. I did however, have my NCL rep suggest to me to do this on a booking. My wife and I get unlimited drink package with a booking and just order soda or virgin drinks for our kids. I guess it depends on your personal integrity and if the bartenders ask for the cards or not. After a couple days, the bartenders knew my kids and just gave them whatever without asking. Non-alcoholic drinks that is.

On 5/13/2019 at 11:44 AM, TexasCruiser84 said:

This introvert would rather just complain on CC 😁 I did find eating in the observation lounge to be enjoyable, bit more peaceful there than the loud, slightly chaotic buffet. 

This is a great tip to get your food and go someplace else more enjoyable.

My kids want to know what are the hours for the go kart? Was an unlimited pass worth it or do they get bored after 4-5 times?