SoloAlaska

I love reading one star reviews in general they are often very entertaining. This applies from cruises to random stuff on Amazon and everything in between.

Absolutely it was a surprise and we missed Bermuda but it was nice to see a bit of NYC again. Unfortunately I was really sick so I only went out once but my view of the intrepid was pretty cool.

We ended up having 2 overnights in port due to weather. It was odd to have a floating hotel in NYC.

Why 100 bags, haven’t they heard about gallon size freezer bags.

Most rules are in reference to men. Like no tank tops or open toed shoes. Follow the mood not the letter.

I find there’s a weird thing where the price listed is actually for 2. Have you looked at the price at the end of a mock booking. They are higher though than some other lines your right.

I once told a Patagonia rep that the word that described Patagonia for me was sexy. Patagonia chic is why I love Alaska cruises.

USD are really handy because they come in low denominations for small tips. My last cruise was mostly in Europe and I had USD to tip and Euros. Mostly the Euros for tipping for excursions and USD for the bar on the ship. I wouldn’t bother carrying Sterling since turnover day is when most of the crew are working their hardest and won’t be getting off the ship, they have little use for currency that they won’t be able to use. Euros they can use in most ports where they may actually get off the ship.

I only buy black luggage since to me it looks more professional when travelling on business to have matching luggage. I made fabric handle wraps out of fabric I bought on an Alaskan cruise. Each handle wrap has a bright orange strip. Each family unit has a different main fabric. This way when we go on a big family cruise with 12 people anyone can identify which luggage belongs to the family and pull it off the luggage belt but when we get on the ship each main fabric identifies which cabin it goes to. I like systems and organization even when travelling.

Thanks I will definitely be ordering some. Since I am planning on hiking several days in a row I’ll leave my 2 pairs of hiking pants but will add the silk as a layer. Nights camping they will be perfect pjs too.

Young single woman in a strange city you have to do what feels comfortable. There are a few very quiet blocks closer to the terminal it didn’t help that it was raining and cold with a storm upon us. I travel solo a lot and trusting my instincts keeps me safe. I did not feel particularly unsafe in NYC but very quiet streets anywhere makes me uncomfortable.

Do you have any recommendations on brands? Adding that layer is a great idea.

The baked goods that were available to purchase were so good. I wasn’t traveling gold star so can’t attest to that part.

Easiest way to find out… take a drive to the Canadian border. Even if he wasn’t charged it can show up on the system. A DUI from 30 years ago is plenty enough reason to get denied entry to Canada since we consider it a serious offence. You can apply to be allowed in however (like a pardon or something) but it does take time so it’s good your looking into this now. Have you tried contacting Canadian authorities? CBSA is our equivalent of CBP and would be my first stop to call up.

Unless you board late when rooms are already opened. I once boarded a cruise at 5pm so ran straight to my room for a quick shower before dinner.

Fairfield Inn Midtown. The shuttle to the train isn’t a guaranteed thing but we were lucky that day. It was a perfectly adequate hotel, we would stay again.

Was at MCT for 2 days and it was not the most pleasant. We went to leave one evening and we had such a hard time figuring out how to even get out of the building. I would not have felt comfortable leaving the port alone at night. Everyone had to get off the ship and then could get back on and customs was quick but security was very very slow with LONG lineups. Getting to a transfer is a long walk and a disorganized mess and porters are rude at best. I had a quick transfer to the airport but my friend went a little later and hit insane traffic, it took him almost 3 hours to get to the airport. MCT needs some major improvements in order to match other ports. It may be convenient if your from the area but that is about it. Not surprised NCL is pulling back a little.

I’m not going between these two but am in need of a transfer on a non ship day late in the afternoon near the end of season. Best I’ve found so far is AKtripping. I’m travelling solo so definitely don’t want to pay over $1000 like some companies charge.

Ahh my mistake I was on a TA with mostly European ports so that must have made a difference.

I have a severe wool allergy so no wool for me anymore. I’m actually allergic to all animal fibres even musk ox (qiviut). My allergy is respiratory and can’t be controlled with antihistamines. For people without a wool allergy I would completely agree even thought them standing near me and cause my allergy to flare up.

The main theme night that people typically participate in is the Glow Party which is white or neon.

Juneau or Icy Straight would be my two go to ports for whale watching. We saw whales right beside the ship in while in port in Icy Straight. I ended up booking independently.

Making a packing plan for a very lightweight trip to Alaska in September. I’m cruising in September on NCL so this will be all casual, no real dressing up. I’m bringing carry on and personal item only which will have to fit my tent, down quilt, and sleeping pad. I’ve done a rough visual of my plans. I am loosing weight so by then most of my clothes will be new since everything is too big. 5-4-3-2-1 is the bases of this wardrobe, oops no 3 but Alaska needed more than 3 layers so it became 4. I will be hiking during my pre cruise and in most ports. I’ll hand wash during the cruise plus send laundry away once.

I’ve only cruised celebrity to Alaska so far and love their naturalist programming. NCL doesn’t offer nearly as much Alaska programming onboard. I haven’t been to Glacier Bay yet but don’t feel like I’ve missed out either. This year I’m adding a Kenai Fjords tour pre cruise which I am very much looking forward too. you didn’t mention when your planning to cruise because that may impact your odds of seeing Hubbard.

Price, brand loyalty, compromise are all reasons people may sail Alaska on carnival. I’ve actually never seen a carnival ship in port when I was in Alaska. Enjoy all those amazing excursions your planning.