Aubriee01

1 hour ago, Crew News said:

Long poncho or rain suit.

We're not leaving till Sept 2025, but have already bought rain jackets, rain pants, waterproof hiking boots, waterproof backpacks, and rain ponchos to cover the backpacks just in case.  Rain is the one thing we are expecting. lol. If we catch good weather it'll be a pleasant surprise, but if it's rainy like we expect we'll be prepared.  

It's the other stuff I'm not sure about and how do we fit everything into one suitcase and keep it below 50lbs?

8 hours ago, Northern Aurora said:

  And remember -- there is no such thing as bad weather -- just weather that folks are not prepared to encounter.

True, which is why I want to be prepared.  I just wanted to know if I should waste space in my suitcase with a pair of shorts or maybe use that space for an extra pair of thermal underwear. lol. The 50lb weight limit the airlines allow make you carefully consider every ounce of clothing.

11 hours ago, gottagoacruzn said:

 Where in Texas do ya live? My dad grew up in Brownwood, he an my uncle were Aggies.

We're in East Texas, about 25 miles east of Tyler.  Thanks for the info.

What is Alaskan weather like in September?  We are planning a cruise September 16th-26th 2025 and are wondering what to pack.  I know we need layers, but exactly how cold (or hot) does Alaska get in September?  

3 hours ago, BeasleysMom66 said:

 

This is not a commentary on your other choices but I just got back from Alaska and decided to not do this excursion and bought the hype of a local "carnival barker" tour operator on the pier.  I spent $65 with the hopes of seeing bears and it was completely wasted.  WORST EXCURDSION EVER.  DO NOT fall for the sales pitches of the tour operators hanging out on the pier in Ketchikan.  Stick with this Bering Sea Aleutian Ballad tour.  I regret my choice.  Do not make my mistake.  

Sorry you were disappointed with your Tour.  The Bering Sea Crab tour was the main excursion my husband picked, so no way are we changing our minds. lol

2 hours ago, dmwnc1959 said:

A lot of nice choices!!! I've only ever heard really remarkable things about the Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Explorer. Watched a really nice video on it the other day...

 

https://youtu.be/WeYjbPCYr-U?si=GZhgJcjz_GKKGV_F

I've done the Taku Glacier Lodge and it's also really nice! Does that include the salmon bake lunch? Very exciting! 

Thanks for the YouTube video.  Yes it includes the Salmon bake.  We're really looking forward to it.

13 minutes ago, wolfie11 said:

Yes.  As an Alaskan I was unimpressed with the Salmon Bake.  The salmon at Taku lodge was some of the best I’ve ever had.

Glad to hear it.  Can't wait.

Sixteen months just seems awfully early to book excursions.

On 5/17/2024 at 12:53 PM, AKStafford said:

Book early. The popular ones will fill up.

OK you guys convinced me.  Even though our cruise is not until Sept 2025 I went ahead and booked all our excursions.  All except Juneau are through the ship.  How did I do:

Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Explorer

Skagway: Train, Saloon, & City Tour

Juneau: Taku Glacier Lodge & Seaplane Glacier Excursion

Icy Point Strait: Whale & Bear Search

Sitka: Sea Otters, Raptors, & Bears

Ketchikan: Bearing Crab Fishetman's Tour

Victoria BC: Butcharts Gardens

4 hours ago, Gsel said:

If you really want the tour book as soon as it shows on the websitre.

Even if it's over a year out?

We are going on an Alaskan cruise through Carnival in mid September 2025 (so over a year from now).  When should we start booking excursions?  We are planning on at least two nonship sponsored excursions (Seaplane/Taku Lodge and the Skagway Train/Yukon tour).  When should we book excursions:  now? a year out? six months out?

Also what is the weather like in mid September?

Thanks so much for the information.  We'll check into it.

1 hour ago, lobsternight said:

We will be doing the glacier landing this year, looks great. From past experience I also suggest the Taku Lodge trip. Great views of the glaciers, good salmon BBQ, more than likely to see a bear, fun floatplane trip

 

Don't forget to stop in at the Red Dog Saloon for a Duck Fart

Who do you book through for either the glacier landing or the Taku Lodge?  I know nothing about Alaska and am just now starting to research.

Thanks!  Who would you recommend for a glacier landing?  and why not go to the visitor center and face of the glacier?  I thought Mendenhall glacier was the main thing to see in Juneau?  We'd really like to walk on it, even if we can't do the dog sledding.

Thanks!  Sorry we can't do it, but I'm sure we'll find another excursion we'll enjoy.  We are easy to please and not picky.

Any suggestions for mid September?  We are not interested in hiking or ziplining. lol

We are interested in doing a helicopter ride over the glacier and dog sledding on the glacier.  We'd be there in mid September.  Has anyone done this excursion and if so how did you book it, how much was it, and was it worth it?

How much do most people tip the pedi cabs that take you from the ship into the port area?

I just checked in for my cruise in 14 days.

We are going on a 14 day Panama cruise in January.  We prepaid gratuities.  Being a 14 day cruise, what would be a decent amount to tip our room steward and waiters?  We want to tip them extra, but are unsure how much for a longer cruise.  Does the length of the cruise matter?

OK, we decided to take everyone's advice and booked Nachi.  Thanks!

8 hours ago, JohninDC said:

Definitely Nachi - never crowded, relaxed, great food, no water toys or other noise makers, small pool plus a hot tub.

Is Nachi all you can eat, as well as all you can drink?  I just saw a YouTube video that said it included a appetizer; entree, and dessert, making it sound like you only get one of each.

1 minute ago, c-leg5 said:

What are you looking for? What are your priorities?

Good food, laid back atmosphere, good massage, just a relaxing day

Trying to decide between Mr Sanchos, Paradise Beach, and Nachi Coccum.  We've been to Mr Sanchos but not the other two.  Which do you prefer and why?  

None of the cruise sponsored excursions look interesting to us. What are some things to do in Bimini?

I just returned about 2 1/2 weeks ago and have another cruise booked for January.  I too have received zip.  I gave up waiting and booked a b2b for next October.

Thanks!

I asked this question on the Ask a Cruise Question board but it was suggested I move it over here to the Carnival board.  How do back to backs work if you are doing both cruises on the same ship, in the same cabin?  Can you leave your stuff in the cabin and just disembark then re-embark?  Stay on the ship?  What is Carnival's policy?  We'd be sailing out of Galveston if that matters.

98 days until Panama cruise