SWACruising

Thanks guys. I ended up just booking it since it's the only cabin available on the sailing I want. TA said I could transfer to them for 10% OBC

Are Princess cruise tours bookable by travel agents and do they have access to the same room inventory? I'm able to book a Grand suite cruisetour through Princess but so far no travel agent site show that cabin being available. Debating whether to book with Princess to lock in the room and transfer to an agent for some OBC if that can be done with cruisetours the same as with just a cruise.

My understanding is unless you are very early of very late in the season it will be unlikely to see snow other than up on the mountains. Lots of rain and but less chance of snow between June or August. The best animal sightings for us were the whales. Could watch that all day.

Found the thread. Got some reading to do. Really appreciate all the knowledge this group brings.

Also considering late August which might be better for both animals and salmon. Last time up there we cruised in September and the weather was perfect but I know it can be a crap shoot,

Thanks, the princesslodges is a site I didn't even know existed. I'm learning. Did you cruise after the unescorted 6 night tour?

Thanks, I'll look her up

Looks like the Coral Princess is their smallest ship (not a bad thing for us). Anything specific about the ship compared to the other two?

Looking for guidance for booking a 25 year anniversary cruise for frequent RCCL cruiser back on Princess for the first time in over 20 years. Our first cruise was on the original Sun Princess in the late 90s and for whatever reason never cruised Princess again even though we had a fabulous experience. Going back to Alaska and Princess land/cruise combinations seemed like a no brainer. 2025 Cruise, ideally May Land first followed by cruise Flying from the midwest Been to Alaska before but never in the national parks 3-5 day pre cruise seems like enough My wife and I are in our 50s Room Plan to book a full suite. there doesn't seem to be much price difference between them. Aft facing preferred and wrap around if available would be ideal for Alaska. Do suites have any dining or lounge benefits? We usually book specialty restaurants if there is not a dedicated suite restaurant. Really enjoy a smaller, more intimate atmosphere. RCCL has a suite lounge for coffee and light snacks/drinks throughout the day. Couldn't tell if Princess has anything similar. Ships Caribbean Princess Coral Princess Saphire Princess I have no knowledge on any of these ships and favorite ships can be subjective. Most of our time on cruises is spent around quiet, peaceful hanging out. Like good food, shows and intimate bars. Tour Options Connoisseur Escorted This is our preferred option as it seems like a turnkey vacation where everything is arranged for you. Value for the meals and tours included appears to be worthwhile. Denali Explorer Off the Beaten Path National Parks Start Location Anchorage (preferred due to the availability of multiple nonstop flights from ORD) Fairbanks Lodges Denali Wilderness Lodge Mt' McKinley Wilderness Lodge Copper River Wilderness Lodge Kenai Wilderness Lodge Most seem to do the first two lodges and longer or Fairbanks starts may include the other two. Any thoughts, suggestions or guidance are appreciated. We have only done 1 Alaska cruise previously and that was roundtrip Seattle. Want national parks and Glacier Bay on this one. Also love the train passage through Alaska which I believe is part of all the tours. Thanks for any help from my Princess experts.

50 wings for 30 bucks, yes please. Still a bargain

Probably too early. Giovanni's was open on embarkation day when we sailed Allure last month. Walked right in at noon without a reservation and had no issues. Never filled up more than half

We had snacks at Playmakers but had meals (several lunches) at Portside. Both are great but unique.

Revenue management. Double the price and only lose 1/3 of business, they will double the price. Happening everywhere. It's the convenience of bottled water already in your room vs carry on or tap. Enough people say no, it will come down. Sadly now the 50% "sale" is higher than the previous full price and not just for water.

We sailed the week before this on Allure. 150 Central Park, Giovanni's and Izumi were excellent. Chops was ok. Samba Grill was one and done, too much meat and that's coming from a hard core carnivore. 150 CP - Lamb Wellington was my favorite (ordered both meals) Giovanni's - Ask for Ali as your server, fantastic! Carbonara, Gnocchi, Filet Izumi - Futomaki Roll and Spicy Miso Ramen (best dish of the cruise) Chops - Usually a ribeye lover but it was too thin. Recommend the strip or filet. Lobster not recommended, was Caribbean lobster not cold water (no claws) All waitstaff was very accommodating for multiple dishes usually bringing out things to try without ordering. Always left stuffed. Sabor was good for a couple of lunches. Guacamole and shrimp tacos Other than Izumi, restaurants were rarely more than half full. Enjoy!

Just got off Allure. The lower plants are about 3/4 restored and saw new planting constantly. The trees are untouched so far but hopefully soon will be back. I expected the worse and it was pretty good.