ChiefMateJRK

I think that it's all treated as one common account unless you set up something special.

If you're a first timer (and maybe only timer) to Glacier Bay, then by all means make certain to see it all and maximize the experience. I REALLY enjoy Glacier Bay days every time. I get to just chill on the ship and enjoy the views. I've cruised there six times (2 Pearl, 2 Encore, 2 Bliss) and they were all great. That said, at this point I won't fight crowds unless I have to. I'll find a calm place to sit and see what I can. I don't want or need my own balcony to do this. If I miss something this time, I'll catch it next time. 😎

There is no such thing as "Black Friday deals."

They usually have Clamato, so you likely can relieve yourself of that burden.

I will encourage anybody who does such tracking to share here on the forum when they spot availability of new itineraries. I, like a number of others, like to book my NCL cruises years in advance. It doesn't tie up much $$$ and it creates a pricing baseline that can't go up but may go down.😎

Yep. I sail steerage and consider the waterfront my personal steerage balcony. Unlike the balconies that the good folks have, mine has nicer seating and alcohol service.

Less kid attractions may equate to less kids which likely means less people on the ship. Just a theory that I can't really back up.

My mantra as we get into the car to head to the airport is: Does everybody have their passport? Does everybody have redundant prescriptions in two different bags? (one a carry on) Does everybody have cash/credit cards? Armed with those, there isn't much more to worry about. Thank God we've crossed proof of vaccinations and negative Covid tests off the list. I got my twenty-seventh Covid booster this week and the lady just smiled when I pulled out my now-relic original CDC covid vaccination cards.

Let me help you with the math. I grab a table for a leisurely breakfast. Place is clearing out by 8 because everybody wants to be on the bow or in the OL. Closes from 9 - 11. Lunch starts at 11 so we eat lunch at our table in the buffet. I know you're sharper than this @RocketMan275, so you must just be screwing with us at this point.

That, my friend, is a FANTASTIC story! We need more of those here on the forum! 😎

Just wear your slippers. Those are never questioned.

I believe that my very good friend @graphicguyis mistaken about this one. I have NEVER seen socks mentioned in the NCL dress code!🤣 Or course, I've been known to disrespect "the code" from time to time (or always), so I'm likely not your best source.

I've done Pearl to Glacier Bay (twice), but that was years ago before I became as savy/clever as I am now (that was a joke @RocketMan275). I'm sure we crowded out on the bow to enjoy the views from the great outdoors. Now, we're old, so sitting in a quiet space enjoying a Bloody Mary is more our speed. Those Jewel class ships are nice. We'll be back on the Pearl for our next one (very soon!) and are looking forward to it. Any ship with both a Great Outdoors and an OL is top notch in my book.

Definitely the tough part. Trapped in the back of that fabulous buffet (with peace, quiet and very few other people), with only the Glacier Bay views, my family and the bored bartender (buffet is closed, but he's still open 😎). Times are tough. I was making a suggestion to others. Like my oft-posted, generally ignored Seattle disembark hack, you can lead a horse to water but.....

Thanks friend! My work is about done here.... 🤣 Happy Thanksgiving also to you and your family and friends. bottom line: all of this just makes me more anxious for that next AK cruise on the Encore or Bliss, squatting in the buffet and enjoying Glacier Bay. I think I have a couple of B2B's booked next year. Fun stuff!

I'm denying somebody a table when the buffet is closed? That's a good one! 🤣

Sure. But, you are not "all." If you review a handful of my posts you'll see that we frequently cruise with DD, but in many situations like ours it wouldn't be enjoyable for some or all of the parties involved. Thanks for the education though.

Not if I eat breakfast first and then lunch later. 🤣 If you had been there (you weren't) you would understand that I wasn't denying anybody a table for breakfast or lunch. They're all packed in the OL (as you had previously suggested). I find it strange that you're throwing stones at somebody for something that you didn't witness in a scenario that you've never experienced. Time to stop digging my friend.

All 54 year olds "want" to be stuck on a ship with their parents? Really? Based upon everything else you've told us, I'm finding it hard to believe that the kid was that one who "asked to go."

It's not hogging a table between breakfast and lunch. The place is deserted. It's obvious you haven't sailed one of these ships/itineraries. I'm guessing the OP would appreciate feedback from those who actually have?

Thx. I believe you are mistaken about the OL being packed to the gills. I’ve sailed Encore and Bliss to Alaska four times, and rarely encountered a crowded OL. Glacier Bay? Certainly. We just squatted in the Buffet after breakfast. Just stayed there while they closed between bkfst and lunch. Oddly, the bar remained open. 😎 They won’t kick you out but if you leave you can’t get back in until lunch. The buffet has the exact same views as the OL.

There is a reason aft balconies cost so much more than regular balconies. I can’t take a nap in those crappy chairs on a regular balcony. Arguably the worst seats on the ship. A lounger on an aft? 😎

Have you sailed the Encore or Bliss to Alaska?

Nice. Canada would be great. We've done Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Sunset Limited. I also road whatever Amtrak called the El Capitan back in the early 70s.

The diner on a passenger train has always had shared tables. We've enjoyed several long distance Amtrak trips, and did meet some nice folks over dinner. The odds are pretty good, but there are no guarantees. Looking forward to our first trip on the California Zephyr next year.😎