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snowmc

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Posts posted by snowmc

    Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay?

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    I would look for an itinerary with at least 2 of these 3 choices, because weather can easily knock one out (especially Hubbard). We took a Princess cruise that scheduled both Hubbard and Glacier Bay -- we had a glorious day in GB, but Hubbard had too much fog for the captain to safely navigate the icebergs so it was skipped. If Hubbard had been our only glacier viewing, we would have lost out completely.

     

    Yes...weather is one of the hazards of Hubbard....along with ice problems. If you can find a cruise that hits two...that's a bonus! We did a 14 day cruise Alaska cruise that hit all three....amazing trip!

    Alaska Excursions

    in Alaska

    Posted

    We have always found plenty of tour operators waiting outside on the docks. That being said...if there is something that will make or break the trip for you, book it either through the cruise line or find an independent operator. TripAdvisor has lots of good suggestions (by the way...they own cruise critic now. :) )

    July 1 RT From Seattle Weather

    in Alaska

    Posted

    I have been on 10 Alaska cruises and have developed a packing list that works pretty well. It is on my travel blog....http://www.zest4travel.wordpress.com From our experiences in Alaska, you can get everything from 70's or 80's in one port and then cold, windy and/or rainy in another. Plus...it can get chilly while cruising, especially up to the glaciers. You just never know.

    Do i need rain gear in july/august in alaska?

    in Alaska

    Posted

    In a word....YES! You never know what the weather will be like...and you are covering a lot of distance, with different weather patterns. Pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho. I have a packing list on my travel blog....http://www.zest4travel. wordpress.com We've done this cruise 10 times.

    On Board Credit - Wonderful but Beware!

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    ALWAYS check your onboard account SEVERAL TIMES during the cruise. Mistakes happen....we have been charged for other passengers/cabin's purchases and, if we had not checked them, would have been stuck paying it. Front desk was always willing to take off the wrong charges after checking the charge tickets. We check our account when we board to make sure OBC has been applied, and then several times during the cruise. Have also been charged for drinks, even though we have the premium package. Just keep an eye on it.

    Alaska Excursions

    in Alaska

    Posted

    There will also be tour operators outside on the dock booking tours. Sometimes they offer better prices in order to fill up partially booked tours. There will be whale watching, fishing, float planes....you name it. Basically, if the ship offers it, you can get it dockside.

     

    I have several posts on different ports with excursion suggestions on my travel blog....www.zest4travel.wordpress.com We have sailed Alaska 10 times. There is also a packing list there.

    First Cruise - Alaskan Cruise

    in Alaska

    Posted

    Congratulations on your first visit to Alaska! No matter which company you cruise with, you will have an amazing time. I have sailed with Holland America and Celebrity, but never with NCL. Night life on Holland is much quieter than Celebrity....and I have heard that NCL has more than Celebrity. BUT....you will enjoy any of them.

     

    We have sailed Alaska 10 times. I have several posts about different ports (and a packing list) on my travel blog...http://www.zest4travel.wordpress.com. Please let me know if you have any questions. I (or anyone on here!) will be happy to help!

    Iceland/Norway ports

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    We are arriving at midnight and have the next whole to enjoy Iceland and leave very early the following day by 8 AM. Read your review about Reykjavik. Thought why take a tour when I can spend an enjoyable in town as you did but then read further about all you got to see(waterfalls, national park, etc.) Just want to do everything - sounds so wonderful. Thank you for the reviews. Hope to find that wonderful bakery in St. Petersburg.

     

    We rented a car....quick taxi trip to the rental agency. Made seeing things on our time so much easier. Roads are well marked and very easy to drive. And Reykjavik is very walkable. Nice path along the waterfront.

     

    In St. Petersburg, if you have a private driver, just ask them to take you there. If you are on a larger group tour, I doubt it will be included. This is one city you do not want to try and wander around by yourself. For one thing, it would require a separate tourist visa...expensive and time consuming to get. I would suggest using a private company (not through the cruise line) to hire a private car and driver. We did that with four adults and it was actually cheaper than the cruise excursion. TripAdvisor has lots of good suggestions. As does cruise critic!

     

    Enjoy your travels! And thanks for reading my travel blog and for the nice comments. I really appreciate it! :)

    Iceland/Norway ports

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    Thank you very much for sharing your journey with us. Do you use ship excursions or private tours? Specifically for Shetland island. Thanks, irina

     

     

    We rented a car. It was about a 15 minute walk from the dock. This gave us the freedom to visit several different places and on our own time. There are only a few roads on the island, so it was very easy to make our way. Of course, if you are not comfortable driving, the ship's excursions are also a great idea.

     

    We had plenty of time to explore the town after returning the car. Not much there, but it was fun to wander around and grab some fish and chips before taking the tender back to the ship.

    Iceland/Norway ports

    in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

    Posted

    Earlier today, I saw someone asking for any information on ports for the Iceland/Norway cruise. I can not locate it now. We did this cruise several years ago and I have added my reviews of our ports on my travel blog....http://www.zest4travel.wordpress.com I hope it is helpful. I am also happy to answer any questions readers may have. :)

    Iceland/Norway ports

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    Earlier today, I saw someone asking for any information on ports for the Iceland/Norway cruise. I can not locate it now. We did this cruise several years ago and I have added my reviews of our ports on my travel blog....http://www.zest4travel.wordpress.com I hope it is helpful. I am also happy to answer any questions readers may have. :)

    Luggage Valet Losing Bags?

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    Our experience was not with luggage valet, but with luggage delivery to our bus from Vancouver port to Seattle airport. We were not allowed to collect our bags...were told they would be placed on the bus. We saw them sitting in the luggage area...again, told we could not collect them, they would be loaded. Lo and behold..we get to Seattle airport and NO BAGS! They were left sitting on the dock in Vancouver. It took a FULL WEEK! for them to clear customs and be FedEx'ed to us. From that point on, we have carried our own bags off....will NEVER AGAIN! trust anyone to get our bags off the ship and ready for us to collect.

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