reney313

Even though extremely tight, I think I would try for Denali and then fly out of Fairbanks. That's assuming you have a late night flight out of Fairbanks. I'd go for that over Kenai. Mostly so you get to see some of the interior (and Denali Park is incredible, even if the mountain isn't "out"). Going to Seward is similar to what you've experienced on the ship. That said, it might be perfect as a way to unwind and relax a bit before your flight out the following evening.

If you do decide on Denali, I would pre-purchase the tickets from the park for the bus since you are time dependent and can't risk needing to take a later bus because the earlier ones are sold out. And yes, I also agree it is best to go to Eielson.

We stayed at Alex Suites a few years ago. It's not fancy, but it was reasonably priced and clean. Our room was in the annex building across from the main building. We were staying for one night, arriving to Anchorage at 1:00am and leaving for the train at 8:00am. It was fine for that. They have a "free" breakfast which was sufficient, albeit it crowded in the morning. The staff weren't the most friendly, but they did have a free airport shuttle and a free shuttle to the train station. I'm not sure if that is the same.

If I recall correctly, Puffin Inn was almost across the street. Maybe a block away. It looked fine from the outside to me.

Interesting that it is considered a sketchy area of town. I did wonder that a bit while in the parking lot late at night, but I wasn't worried and never felt scared. I probably wouldn't walk around late at night by myself.

We have a different hotel booked for this summer's cruise, just because I like to try different hotels and areas. We've stayed at the Sheraton, Hilton, Homewood Suites, Alex Suites, and Fairfield Inn. This time we have our arrival night at Lakeshore (not the nice one, the other one. lol) and when we return from Denali, one night at the Captain Cook. I almost booked Alex again for the arrival night, but decided to try yet a different property.

For Juneau, I'd definitely go local if you want to go to Mendenhall. You can pre-book, or there are several kiosks when you get off the ship, near the entrance to the tramway. You can get a ticket for the bus to Juneau and back. It's definitely cheaper and the busses are hourly, I think, so you can spend as much or as little time as you would like there. One year we combined it with whale watching, which was nice too.

Kudos on finding the song lyrics/titles. You missed the title of one of my favorite Bob Dylan albums -Bringing it all Back Home in one of the Brooklyn Pics but that was a harder one as it isn't a song title. No one claimed the others you listed so you get an A+

 

Your name is unfamiliar so I bid you a double welcome and thanks for taking the considerable time to read two of my reviews this weekend-what was the 2nd one? This is a medium length one compared to the Celebrity Silhouette one which is over 50 pages but that was a stunning ship design and I rambled at length (and the cruise was great too).

 

Hope to see you in my Crown Princess review in 6 weeks or so!

Norris

Yes, I do lurk from time to time. I've been around on the boards for years (even before my official sign up date, back when it was on AOL). I pretty much stick to reading reviews and checking up on things when new policies are rolled out (or if I haven't sailed a particular line for awhile and want to see if something unexpected has changed). Oh and I guess roll calls too. Well, I guess i'm on more than I thought! lol.

I can't believe I missed Dylan. I guess it didn't stick out as a song to me, but I should have recognized the title! That was fun!

I read your Star Princess cruise to Alaska. I believe it was the NB route. Wonderful review there too! And took an entire day. But I loved it! I'll be on the Star next August on a return trip to Alaska. It definitely whetted my appetite for a return.

I can't wait for your next installment with the Crown cruise. I didn't see, what is the itinerary for that one? Mexican Riveria?

Wow! I finally made it all the way through. I have read 2 of your reviews yesterday and today. I've literally done nothing else this weekend! Bravo!!

And I think there were a few songs you quoted that I didn't notice anyone respond (or I missed the responses). I believe I saw a U2 song, "I Still Haven't Found what I'm looking for", Harry Belfonte (I think), "Day-O" aka "The Banana Boat Song", and the other I did have to cheat and look up the artist. "When will I see you again", the Three Degrees (I have never heard of that group, but certainly know the song).

At least I think all those lyrics were in your posts the last few pages!

 

Carnival fantasy was next to us. So much smaller and older.

 

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Fantasy was my first cruise, back in 1991. She was less than a year old when we boarded. I remember being amazed at how HUGE the ship was!

We have been getting the AIBP on all lines (Princess, RCI, NCL) that we sail since they were first introduced. We get just as drunk now as we did before AIBP :) But seriously, before the drink packages, we ordered what we wanted. We were on vacation, after all. Having the package has not changed our habits and aside from a few rare instances, I haven't seen it change others' habits.

On our last Alaskan cruise, there was a passenger who did not have the AIBP. Why, I have NO idea. He was drinking a minimum of 20 drinks a day/night, when not in port. I can only imagine what his drink tab was. If someone is going to be drunk, they'll pay for it ala carte or with a package.

I don't recall anything near the port in Copenhagen. If you have a taxi, might just ask them to stop somewhere along the way.

I'm anxiously awaiting as our next "big" cruise will be 2019-2020. It always seems I'm ready to book long before the itineraries are released.

For what it's worth, it does seem like the China market is not as strong (or maybe it is over saturated?) as some originally predicted. We sailed on the Majestic Princess (I know, not RCI), this summer in the Med. It was purpose built specifically for the Asian market and debuted this spring with about 6 Med cruises before heading to China. Right before we left in May, 3 weeks after the ship was released from the shipyard, they already were moving itineraries for next year from China to Australia. That might give RCI pause for how many ships they have in the market for 2019-2020? Or potentially Princess is losing out and RCI is gaining ground. Who knows, I guess we'll find out for sure in about 6-7 months.

Perfect! Thank you for the confirmation. I assumed so since I couldn't find anything on RCI's site that said the contrary, other than a blurb in the search which seemed to indicate 4 days and up. But, that might have been with 4 days remaining in the cruise.

I haven't been on a 3 day cruise since long before the drink packages were created. I had no clue for sure.

I have been looking on RCI site and a search here, but coming up empty.

Is the alcohol drink package available for 3 night cruises? Or is it only 4 nights and longer?

I have a group of friends looking to book a weekend cruise in early January. They were leaning toward booking NCL Sky (all inclusive with drinks, although a lot of exceptions on the drink package). I recommended they look at Enchantment instead but they want to ensure the drink package is available for purchase.

Personally, I have sailed Princess much more in the past few years because I found better deals than on RCI who I primarily sailed prior.

That said, I can still find good deals as we are flexible in our dates (no kids and jobs allow the freedom for vacation when it works best for us). I feel for those that can only sail on school breaks!

And yes, I have booked a few cruises on my credit card and even carried a balance once to do so. (seriously, only once! But it was well worth it). Stupid, maybe financially. My late husband and I enjoyed cruising. A day before his 51st birthday in 2008, he passed away. We always wanted to cruise to Alaska to which he would say "we can do that when we get old and retire". He never got to go. Nothing is a guarantee. I put away a large chunk of my paycheck for retirement, which I won't touch until then, but I'm not afraid to spend the rest of it for experiences that I may never get if I "wait" until I'm more financially sound to do so. To each there own.

If I am fortunate enough in health to make it to retirement--which is still 20-22 years away, I'll be able to start sailing in full suites with no interest :) I guess I could save the $ I spend on vacations/experiences now to retire earlier, but I'd rather experience it now.

Thank you for the information, I booked the train today. There were only 8 seats available and I took 4 of them.

 

I really appreciate Cruise Critic and the information you can get here on the boards

Good call. We have taken the morning train on 2 cruises from Whittier and will next summer as well.

If I recall correctly, we had to arrive at the train station around 7:00amish. Maybe 7:30. By the time you get your luggage at the airport, you'll probably just take a quick catnap (or read) for a few hours and then grab a taxi to the train station. They will have a large white tent covered area next to the depot. Go inside to the Princess podium. They'll take your bags and the next time you will see them is in your stateroom. I was nervous the first time I did this because it wasn't through a Princess transfer or land tour, I had booked direct with Alaska Rail. But lo and behold, it all worked out exactly the same! Then go inside and check in for the train where they will give you the official train boarding pass and seat assignments. Then enjoy some pictures, the gift shop, little coffee/danish place, some fresh air and board your train when it arrives. Do go inside shortly after the train arrives, in case you're chilling around outside. They make announcements for boarding and you can't hear the announcements from outside.

If you weren't able to nap at the airport, I'd do my best to stay awake on the train. There might be a few "slow" spots, but for the most part it is very scenic and they have some commentary especially if they see wildlife.

When you get off the train in Whittier you have 2 options. 1. Check-in and board the ship or 2. Check-in and get your sea pass and then head over to one of the 2 different glacier tours. There really isn't much to see or do in Whittier. We took a walk around once. Took us about 15 minutes. Other than the hotel and a local shop (which is where the Avis car rental counter is at the back of the shop), there isn't anything to "visit" that I noticed.

Only you know how tired you might be after working all day and then the long flights to Anchorage + waiting for the train, etc. If it were me, I'd board the ship and take a nice nap in my cabin. The ship is VERY quiet at that time as most people are still on other transfers and won't board for several hours (some trickle in, but nothing like it is when the later motor coaches and train show up in the late afternoon/early evening). At that point, you can be well rested and ready for the evening and hopefully a clear sail away.

Of course, the glacier tours are great on the sound. But if you think you'll be in a haze the whole time, I'd just get myself set up for the evening and back on schedule.

Edited to add: Now that I think about it, the early 7:00am train arrival was when we took the train to Denali. I think the Whittier train is a little later, but not much. Maybe an 8:00-8:15am arrival time. I'm sure it's listed on your reservation of what time to be there. I was surprised of how much earlier they wanted us there to check-in then when the train left.

I feel for those who have sailings this weekend. I've been on these boards for several hurricanes. While I think it would be prudent for RCI to at least notify of an expected delay to Monday or Tuesday, I also know that they generally make it up to passengers that travel and are unable to sail or are delayed. It seems like it would cost them more $ by waiting as they pay for hotels and other incidentals that they wouldn't be paying for had they delayed it earlier and just payed some airplane change fees (that would likely be free as airlines are offering that).

In any respect, I would be doing the same--if my flights were still on, I would be flying in. I would expect to potentially be in a hotel in the area for a few more days than expected. Maybe even look at other towns around the area to see if there is somewhere i would rather be "stuck".

Personally, my complete guess is that they will announce tomorrow after the models are updated and they see what the storm is "actually" doing that there will be a delayed boarding for Tuesday, potentially Monday. In that case, I'd still rather be in or near the Galveston/Houston area. Spend a few days on a land (albeit wet) vacation and be rested and ready to board for the shortened trip. RCI or insurance should cover the hotel and incidentals/food. And then a prorated refund on the cruise fare + likely a voucher for a % off a future cruise. I'd always prefer to sail as I expected, but I'd roll with the events and make it the best anyway.

For those driving/flying in and those who live in the area, Be safe!

It took us no time at all to get off the ship in Rome. If taking private transportation from the port, they shuttle you out of the port to a parking lot area. It took about 15-20 minutes for the bus to fill up and then about a 5 minute drive out to the parking lot area, if I recall correctly.

We took a tour through Dyea Dave to Emerald Lake on our first visit to Alaska in 2011. I can't recall the name of the guy who we were with, but the tour itself was outstanding. We did purchase the train tickets separate to go back to Skagway from Fraser. He didn't seem too happy with that (or he was just miffed why we would spend the extra money when our tour already included the return trip). Either way, we absolutely loved it all (including the train). As a matter of fact, we are taking my sister and her husband next summer and I plan to book them on the same tour.

One of my favorite things was that the shuttles they use are small and we're able to get in and out before all the big tour buses show up at the different pull out scenic locations.

I forgot to mention. I also picked up a couple long sleeve shirts from the same Patagonia sale. They are lightweight, but critical for me in Alaska (or Iceland, or Norway, or anywhere cold), especially during the summer. I am big on thin layers as you never know the weather. A typical port day for me would be a long sleeve shirt, t-shirt or other layer on top, lightweight fleece, and rain jacket. If it's not raining, the rain jacket folds up nicely into its pocket and can be put in my backpack or outside the backpack with a carabiner. I can tie my fleece around my waist and even change quickly to remove the long sleeve t-shirt if it is really warm. Anyway, just wanted to mention about the long sleeve shirts on sale now too.

A few other outfitters online that typically have great sales is Sierra Trading Post and Moosejaw. I often find quality outdoor wear (Patagonia, TNF, Marmot, Artyrex, etc) for the same price or less than Walmart and other lesser brands by shopping around online.

Patagonia is having their 50% of sale right now on their website. I bought my sister a great rain jacket for next year's Alaska cruise for around $65. She can wear it for 20 years. I am a firm believer in a good, lightweight (non-fleece lined) waterproof, breathable jacket. It makes ALL the difference, especially in Alaska. People often ask the one thing not to skimp on, and in my opinion, it's the rain jacket. And the best part is that no matter where you live, you can always use a rain jacket!

Also, this is the best time of the year for outerwear sales. Our local outdoor places are running clearance on the spring/summer inventory. Check one out in your local area.

Like others, I have been charged incorrectly for drinks when I've had the AIBP. What seems different, is my experience at guest services was them verifying my AIBP purchase and sticker on the card and then removing the charge with no problem. Drinks rang up with AIBP do not charge a gratuity so that's a crap line if they used it on you for drinks under $10 including gratuity. How would anyone calculate that?

azbirdmom-I'd love a copy also, if possible. Thanks so much for continuing to send these out via email.

reneyponch@gmail.com

That's what you had to do to get one on the recent Majestic 28 day cruise.

The stamps were in our room on Embarkation day on the Majestic sailing Barcelona-Rome in May. Odd that the following cruise they weren't. That would make me sad. I always save the stamps. I've never received a passport book (I guess i could go ask for one), but I save them with other souvenirs from the cruise. It's something small I look forward to with Princess that I don't receive on other lines.

We're not elite, just barely Platinum. We enjoyed our cruise on Majesty in May. I embraced the differences from what is "normal" with Princess. That said, happy we got to experience the ship but I won't be looking to book on her again unless there are changes to bring back some of the beloved spots (specifically Crooner's and bars in the lounges). Still a nice ship though and offered a different experience than normal. The noodle bar was fantastic and something I wish they had on all ships, although maybe not at the cost of the Pizza on Lido.

I didn't find that many differences other than some of the bars were removed for shops or restaurants.

Crooners is La Mer french restaurant (and I didn't see more than 2 tables a night dining there--it is a little odd with placement). That said, I think they could EASILY convert it to a bar if they find that the restaurant is not being booked as they hoped during the other sailings.

The bar service that is normal in lounges like Vista and Princess Live! are not there (they don't have a bar within the lounge and I only saw a server once during stuff like karaoke and trivia held in the lounges).

I did like that the Sanctuary is a "free" spot on Majestic. They do have some nice cabana spots you can pay for within the area, but anyone is free to enjoy the space.

While I love my Prego pizza on the Lido deck (and it is not the same as Alfredo's, in my opinion...I like Prego much better), it was a pleasant change to have the noodle bar and dim sum areas. They still served hot dog/hamburgers out of the dim sum grill while in the Med. I'm not sure if they will continue that in Asia, but I imagine they will when they go to Australia/NZ.

There is a new concept Harmony Chinese. Those that went seemed to like it. We did not end up going. It's a little too authentic for us. lol. I did miss Sabatini's but again, it wasn't a huge deal for us. I like that they are doing something different and for one cruise, that's fine for me.

We likely won't sail on Majestic again due to some of the changes, but not because it was bad. It was great to experience once and a nice change from the old normal, but I do like the normal offerings that I am used to seeing.

We were in Barcelona pre-cruise last month. We stayed at the NH Barcelona Centro. It's about a block off Las Ramblas. We really enjoyed the location and the room (booked a Jr. Suite which was very large compared to other rooms and not much more than a standard). It was like a little oasis in between huge tourist areas. We really enjoyed it. The only thing I would caution is that taxi's can't always drive on the street in front during the day so they'll drop you off just short of the hotel about a block or two depending on which direction you are coming from. Morning and evening they can drive on the road. It is a European chain but still a quaint boutique style hotel. I would have booked a few other places first that have better reviews but they were sold out when I went to finally book.

That said, after spending 3 days in Barcelona and seeing pretty much every area in detail, I don't think there is a bad location. i'd go for value over location as each location is great. There is wonderful and easy transportation including taxi's, walking (everything is really close), buses, and metro.

Oh..and I wouldn't book through Princess, personally. Easy to book on your own either direct through the hotel or a pre-paid service like hotels dot com or other sites. I have found booking direct with the hotel often gets you a better room and other perks vs. using the other sites. Also, if they have a reward program, make sure to sign up for that even if you only plan on staying with them that one time.

The amount of credit should offset for your autopay since autopay typically isn't deducted until your due date. As long as the credit posts before the due date, you should be fine. I'm not sure who your credit card is with, but you can call them to confirm.

I agree, it is frustrating. Unfortunately, since the initial debit was processed, it has to go through posting and then the credit comes through after that time. Normally, debits and credits take the same amount of time to actually post to the account (although available credit is deducted immediately with use of an authorization code, there isn't the same authorization release with credits). Depending on the merchant acquirer, they might batch credits on a different schedule that debits which can account for a few days difference in the timeframes, but most batch on the same schedule.