Denise T

Sound came on. 

Checking in just as the Apex is moving. No sound though.

I will be on the Nieuw Amsterdam to Alaska from 5/28/2023 to 6/4/2023 for 7 days. This is the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound. This will be my first Alaskan cruise, first HAL cruise, and first family cruise. I will have a live report for the cruise. 

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I hope to keep you all posted on my gardening adventures and my upcoming cruise. Thank you for the honor of taking a peek into your lives as well!

Thank you for the review and the wonderful pictures. This brought back memories as the Pearl has a special place in my heart. She was my very first cruise ship for my very first cruise to Canada/New England for the first time. Lots of firsts. We sailed out of Boston. I remember looking out the window of the hotel we stayed in the night before and the excitement of seeing her docked. I loved every minute of being on board. She was the right size of ship for me. 

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for all of the wonderful information and pictures. This is my first time posting here. I love the vibe. 

Today in Pennsylvania it is raining. No outdoor planned today. Tomorrow I will venture out to the garden center and pick up supplies. 

My plan today is to finish grading student papers, laundry, and get the taxes done. 

I continue with my countdown, 43 days until I board the Nieuw Amsterdam in Whittier for my Alaskan cruise. 

11 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We are fans of open dining and sharing large tables (great way to meet folks and socialize). Currently on the Westerdam which is near capacity.  We usually go to dinner after 7:15 and have never waited more than 5 minutes to be seated (with no reservations).  In the first 19 days, we have had 18 fun tables and only one boring dinner.

 

I do think some folks get their jollies by waiting in queues.  Queue avoidance is quite simple if you adjust.  For example, folks who go to the Lido at 11:45 will often fight the crowds.  Go at 12:30 and there is seldom a queue.  Have a question for Guest Services?  Instead of waiting in a slow moving queue you can simply message them through the Navigator App and they do respond within a few hours.  Don’t want to wait in queues at the ports?  Wait a few minutes until the initial surge has cleared!  
 

Hank

I did this as well on my last cruise. We avoided the rush getting off the ship and went to dinner in the main dining rooms and buffet at off times. Avoiding crowds was easy to do. 

7 hours ago, dreamer321 said:

If you are thinking of doing the Goldbelt (Mount Roberts) Tramway don't pre-book through the ship. Wait until you are in port and see if the top of the mountain is clouded over. You don't want to spend $50 per person to ride the tram only to have no view from the top.  The price is the same whether you purchase via HAL's shore excursion desk or at the box office at the base terminal. It's only a short walk from the dock.

I had heard this. Thank you for the reminder. Someone else had told me the same thing about the tramway. 

11 minutes ago, Hogladyrider said:

@Denise T...Juneau I recommend taking the public bus to Mendenhall Glacier.  Great visitors center and great views as well, nice walking paths.

 

Ketchikan is great walking town, especially Creek Street.

 

Skagway we did the train ride, worth every penny then a quick walk into town.

Yes, I heard the public bus was a good way to get to Mendenhall and that is probably what we will do. Creek Street is definitely in the plans. I love the flexibility of a DIY excursion. 

29 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

@Denise Tthose towns are all very walkable with lots of nice things to do and great food.

Annabelle's in Ketchikan has great food; it's a short walk across the street from the port. It was recommended to us by locals; I don't eat seafood and always find something yummy; my husband and sister say the chowder is the best they've had. www.Annabellesketchikan.com 

The train in Skagway is good for spectacular views.

Mt Roberts Tramway in Juneau provides spectacular views, there's a self guided hiking trail and restaurant at the top. You can buy tickets through the ship, Expedia or just directly at the ticket booth.

So excited for you and looking b forward to your amazing pictures!

We leave in 2 weeks (Sat April 29) for 7 days, cruise only; earliest in the season we've gone, but there's no bad cruise to Alaska!!

 

I hope you will post some pictures! I think that Alaska is the type of place where you should visit frequently at different times of the season. So many changes. I was thinking about the tramway. I will definitely look for Annabelle's. I am making a list of recommendations that I have gotten. 

44 days out and counting. It is warm here in Pennsylvania, maybe a little too warm in the upper 80's. Spending time watching Youtube videos of the areas where I will be going, I found some nice ones from cruise vloggers ParoDeeJay that showed possible excursions in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. I love it because these towns are very walkable and there are things to do that aren't overly expensive. My plan is to take loads of pictures and post them here. I will do as much posting as I can, depends on the Internet. 

4 hours ago, oakridger said:

I'm getting excited for you just by reading this!!!  

 

~Nancy

Me too! I need this cruise so badly. Haven't had time off since the Christmas holidays. 

Here we are at 48 days out. I noticed my preliminary boarding pass it out. The final one will be available 14 days out. Getting closer and closer. My brother and sister-in-law said that they have finished their shopping for the cruise. Trying to get my sister to get going as she stated she needs a few things. I think I have everything I need. 

From the boarding pass, the air itinerary is there and correct. I am sure American Airlines will change a few more times. We are also confirmed for the Cruisetrain transfer. It leaves Anchorage around 12:30 and gets into Whittier around 3. The we set sail at 8. 

I wonder what my first drink on board will be. 🤔

Thanks everyone. Enjoy the upcoming week. 

Toots!

Here comes the Eurodam.

NA toots!

3 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

I’m having a hard time keeping my champagne glass full!😊

If I had to have a problem, this would be it. I love champagne. 

Yay NA. 49 days until we board to Alaska in Whittier. Should I start packing now? 🤔

Toots!

Regal coming into view.

49

Love boat toots!

Visibility getting really bad.