Aquahound

I am just trying to imagine the size of the freezer that would have to hold all those bags of ice.  😁

On 2/21/2024 at 11:28 AM, DawnGail said:

Normally cruise lines give refunds when they don't stop, but not this cruise line.

Your whole cruise was canceled, not ports, so I don't understand this question.  🤷‍♂️

On 2/21/2024 at 5:33 PM, sunseawinedine said:

I am sailing on Quantum this coming April on the transpacific cruise Australia to Hawaii, after Hawaii i believe it heads to Vancouver after which it’s apparently going into dry dock for refurbishing. I am unsure how long that process takes for a refurbishing but perhaps this could be why it was cancelled?

 

Catherine

It moves down to Seattle after Vancouver and starts AK cruises out of Seattle on May 6.  

In my experience, this isn't even close.  Definitely Celebrity in both MDR and specialty.  

Agree with both of the above.  Also, drive by the Governor's mansion, and then out Basin Rd to the end where you can hike a little and check out the mining museum.

Drive down Skaters Cabin Rd and stop by the cabin that overlooks Mendenhall Lake.  Maybe hike a little bit of West Glacier Trail.

If you like craft beers, stop by Forbidden Peak Brewery in Auk Bay.  

I kinda understand the HAL issue.  That bench seat that runs the length of the window, facing away from the window is a good test of people's sense of community.  If folks are sitting in the chairs facing out, it's kinda rude to plop down in front of them.  Then again, it's empty seating.  🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

I guess I don't really understand the need or expectation to move.  There are prime viewing locations all over the ship and if a spot isn't prime, just be patient and as the ship moves, it will soon become prime.  If a person gets a good spot on the railing, just like if they grab a great lounger, it is theirs until they want to vacate it.  

And I think slidergirl nailed it.  In areas like Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm, we just hang out on the balcony.  We see one side going in and the other side going out.  And yes, we do get hot chocolate served.  Well, at least, my wife does because I'm the one going and getting it.  😁

On 2/14/2024 at 12:58 PM, wolfie11 said:

 

There is plenty to do close by.  Stop at Portage Glacier and take the small boat up to the glacier...

On 2/15/2024 at 7:52 AM, SightCRR said:

Also check the 1.5 mile family hike to Byon glacier from near portage glacier visitor center. 

I highly recommend these 2 ideas.  The glacier hike is flat and easy, and the boat ride to the glacier, I thought, was excellent.

On 2/7/2024 at 6:20 PM, mncbabu_yahoo said:

 

In Skagway, I booked Yukon pass train for morning 9 am. I am trying to find activities for the afternoon, as cruise ship leaves 8 pm only. What cost effective activities we can do ?

 

Are you willing to do a hike?  I highly recommend the Dewey Lake hike, at least to Lower Dewey Lake, and taking the trail around the lake.  

1 hour ago, Gopropak said:

Can anyone shine any light on Celebrity?  I know that it is more luxurious, but I am not ready for a super low key cruise....yet. 
 

We, too, regularly cruise Royal Caribbean.  It's been a while since we cruised Celebrity, but we have Edge booked later this year.  We've cruise Solstice Class a few times, including Eclipse, and we loved it!  The Solstice Class ships are beautiful and to this day, remain some of our favorite ships on which we have cruised.  

I typically recommend RCI for families, and Celebrity for couples.  Like leaveitallbehind said, the two lines are very different, but great in their own regard.  

Never cruised MSC so can't comment.  Can't really comment on Carnival either since I still have not yet wanted to venture back after one cruise with them.  

As the others said, Stephens Passage is the primary route when northbound into or southbound out of Juneau.  I've never seen a cruise line highlight it as part of the itinerary.

It's a wide pass.  I've seen whale spouts numerous times through there, but rarely close to the ships.  They're usually close to the shoreline.  

2 hours ago, Casey12 said:

I would look into Princess. I would avoid any mega-ship in Alaska. Most main stream lines don't have great dining anymore. Or if they do it is additional.

This is kinda contradictory because some of the largest mega-ships sailing Alaska are Princess ships.  

To the Op, my recommendation is Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships.  In in my opinion, they are the perfect balance of fun and relaxation.  They're not the mega RCI ships with ziplines, but they do offer a lot of fun activities and great nightly entertainment.  Radiance and Brilliance sail out of Vancouver and, I think, Serenade is sailing out of Seattle.  Pick an itinerary that visits Hubbard Glacier.  

10 hours ago, Vegamatic said:

Just want to thank Coral and Aquahound for hijacking my post and turning it into an insult fest.  Very Entertaining 

My most sincere apologies.  I regret responding to that poster.  Hopefully going forward, everyone can be adults and not attack one another for differences in opinion.  Happy cruising, and good luck with whichever option you choose.  I'm sure you'll have a great time.  🥹

I agree with AKJonesy.  I don't recommend Anchorage as a destination.  Girdwood & Alyeska is a great destination but if you want more of a scenic road trip, I recommend heading in the other direction toward Seward, or maybe out to Hope.  There are so many spots to stop the car and take in the beauty.

I also think 6:30 is cutting it a little close.  Remember, it's not a regular port call.  You're on a back-to-back, so they might want you there earlier.  I would try to be back around 5 or 5:30.  

11 hours ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

I’ll never understand why certain posters just can’t accept that other cruisers have different likes. 

Thank you!  It only seems to get worse and worse as time goes on, doesn't it? 🤷‍♂️🙄

5 hours ago, Coral said:

My comment was related to your suggestion of Alaska Marine Highway as an adequate way to visit ports which made absolute no sense.

Nope.  That's not what I said.  I said nothing about ports.  But hey, keep making stuff up to justify yourself.  

15 hours ago, Coral said:

 

Sometimes I look at your posts and wonder how much you know about Alaska.

No, your problem is you can't follow context or any other opinion contrary to yours.  My post was a snide response to those who seem to have such a terrible time understanding why others like to have good entertainment on board.  But hey, if you didn't get it then, I don't expect you to get it now.  See ya.  

I have not cruised Silversea but if that is a solid option, I say go for it!  A good friend of mine cruised Silver Muse last year and still raves about it.  I think Nova is sailing from Vancouver, which looks like a really nice ship.  

3 hours ago, MississippiMom said:

I appreciate you sharing this, especially when so many on the board are insistent that it must be about the itinerary, only.  

 

For those folks, I'm surprised the Alaska Marine Highway System and/or the small expeditionary cruise lines aren't mentioned more.  Personally, if my ONLY interest was watching the scenery 24/7 and never attending shows or going to a dining room, I wouldn't even look at the large, modern cruise ships.  

7 minutes ago, Northern Aurora said:

 It will be deployed to the Alaska market this coming summer.

Yep, and I've got it booked.  I cannot wait to see that ship!

16 hours ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

LOL. So true. But hey, isn’t everyone who works for the government a Navy SEAL?  😂😜

 

Or the sudden increase in fighter pilots when Top Gun came out.  😁   Don't even get me started on the posers.  

I love on board entertainment and will always consider the ship as a high priority, second to the itinerary.  Hard for some to understand, apparently, but oh well.  🤷‍♂️

1 minute ago, capriccio said:

I'm not cool but I guess my reality has been very different from yours.  How would you know? They wouldn't tell you.

I know because I work in the industry.  😉

Do Tracy Arm and then when in Whittier, do the Portage Glacier cruise.  

11 minutes ago, capriccio said:

 

There are federal careers (especially in the intelligence community and certain military occupations) that can't be disclosed even to family at times.  And for some, that restriction continues into retirement.  That's not to say they aren't proud of what they do. 

Again...c'mon.  I know it's cool to act that way sometimes but in reality, that's more of a movie thing.  Those careers are very few and far between.