RLBlack

Sorry to throw cold water on your plans- I speak from experience, caring for someone with a stroke. We took care of my mother in law, (left side paralyzed) after she had 3 months rehab; yes, she could transfer, with assistance or someone standing by, yes, she could dress herself, with some assistance, yes, she could walk, with assistance or someone standing by- but that "assistance and standing by" is 24/7- top off the fact that a stroke, does effect the brain, so the personalities can change. Visiting in rehab- is so different than the 24/7 care- then add the stress of patient being in a strange setting or situation- I would talk very seriously with your medical professionals - and possibly if you decide to go forward with the trip- to add a professional caregiver to the trip.

C'mon I want to see Alaska in the winter.

 

Beautiful snow capped mountains. Bears running wild.

 

I want to experience AK in the winter, could this work?

Book the first cruise of the season and you will see lots of snow capped mountains- (without slogging through snow drifts in the streets)- and maybe a bear has woken up and looking for food.

We took an Alaska cruise- Vancouver to Whittier- we live in Juneau- we took a bag off- and took it home, picked up other clothing- and back to the ship - no problem. That has been a number of years- so I would call Princess and ask the "company" policy. I would be surprised if there is a problem but best go to the "source". Hawaii should be not different- as long as there are no fresh fruit or plants.

Other than wildflowers I don't know of a place close to the docks. You could take a taxi to the grocery store, which is a couple of miles or if you have time, the shuttle to Fred Meyer or Walmart. If you're northbound you could get them the day before in Ketchikan. The free downtown shuttle bus stops at the Safeway mall.

Sorry- no Walmart-in Juneau anymore.

I would suggest that you go to the "Travel Juneau" site-

https://www.traveljuneau.com/

This is the non-profit organization that promotes travel and tourism to our community. They has associated members, that are tourist businesses in our community and those close to us. Their members are "real businesses" -

The folks that greet visitors at the cruise terminal, small kiosk by dock, come on the ship, are at the airports, and ferry terminal, are local volunteers. We are full time residents of Juneau. There are approximately 200 people that volunteer their time throughout the summer months to assist people that come to visit our community. They do not "work" for any of the vendors, their only motivation is to promote our community and assist visitors. We take very seriously if there are any "fake" businesses. Please check out the web site, it can give you much information.

We enjoy finding local flowers and taking them on board with us. They usually last the entire cruise. We get many comments as we board the ship. The flowers in Seattle's Pikes Market are beautiful - I would have gotten a bouquet there for our Alaskan cruise, except we left from Vancouver and we couldn't take them across the border...[emoji22]

 

 

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I have a question- does the ship have a vase to put them in- or do you carry your own vase to put the flowers in?

We fly 6-8 times a year- USA and Mexico- we have good quality inexpensive rolling duffles that have seen better days, we use zip ties to keep the handles together ( the Velcro will not hold up to airline baggage handlers slinging them around ) - we do not pack anything that can not be replaced easily- we use TSA locks, to hold the zippers closed, and so far have the same locks and nothing stollen- probably since we don't have anything in them that someone would want.

Just a little tip, from someone that has spent lots of time on the water in small boats, in Southeast Alaska - and tend to get a little sea sick on anything- if you feel like it is coming on- get out on deck in the cool breeze- no matter how cool it is- and look at the horizon- good luck-

I put my chargers, and any cords in a pouch of some type- or in a zip lock bag- the TSA can then see it when going through screening- if they are all over your carry on it can raise questions. They get nervous re loose wires

I have to say, I love the coffee service in the morning- with a little pastry- it is a real treat- at home, I do not have that service. I bring with me my flavored coffee creamer- and love sitting on my deck- no matter the temp.- And I bring my insulated cup for other times of the day.

The beauty of a cruise, is that there are many choices and no one really has to be in lock step. Even though there are up to 3,000 different folks, the cruise line tries its best to make all of us happy.

Have a great cruise, and delight in all the services you are getting- that you do not get when you are on a land vacation or at home.

Avis is located a the Goldbelt Hotel. The distance depends on where your ship docks- if right downtown very easy walk- if out at the furthest Princess dock- is a good hike, but there is normally shuttles to downtown or taxi cabs available.

Avis is at the Goldbelt Hotel. The distance depends on where your ship docks. If it is at the furthest dock- there will be taxis available. And I think they have shuttles to the downtown area.

A car will give you the best felxablity and if you have small children- don't miss letting them get off steam at the park at Salmon Creek- very close to the Hatchery-

Check with your carrier. I just switched to AT&T and they said even though Alaska is apart of the US and you may get coverage, their data pings off Canadian towers and you will get charged outrageous fees. I am going to ask them again if this is true, but I have a feeling this is accurate.

 

Of course, do not use your phone on the ship. You are in international waters and will be charged roaming fees.

I live in Juneau, Alaska- and have AT&T service- no Canadian towers here- never a problem using my phone or having additional charges while using my phone all over Alaska. Or for that matter- traveling throughout the "lower 48"- Having said that- if you use your phone while you are "under way"- and hit the ship service- that is another matter.

My suggestion would be, if a call the to Post Customer service number does not produce a reasonable conclusion- I would write a business letter, stating the ship you were on, dates, time you left your luggage out- an inventory of what was removed from the luggage- cost estimates for replacement- attach any receipts that you have for the items- And ask for reimbursement. I would either email ( or better still via postal service using the type of receipt that shows it was delivered - do not use one that has to be signed for- they may not) - you will then have to do some research- find the names of the following- president of the company, head of customer service, captain of the ship- I normally direct it to the president of the company- and copy all the folks that you think might have an interest. Be sure that you put all your contact info including phone numbers. And sit back and see if they respond.

I have found through the years- that when someone goes to the trouble to write a very concise letter that respectable business take note. I have had very good luck through the years using this method. just an idea.-

You might ask the type of salmon- there is a huge difference in taste between "Atlantic" and Wild Alaska- The Atlantic tastes like the grain they feed them.

You might check what benefits your credit cards have. Many have free checked bags, when using them to pay for your airline tickets. I know that the Delta,Alaska Air Line visas , and Citi bank have that as a benefit . The ones you carry may already have the benefit.

We also have the promotion, I asked our TA to request the Crown Grill and for a specific day- and she said that when we board, in our cabin will be our reservation for one of the venues- if that does not work for us- we can go to the venue and request a change. And we might be able to change- She said she could not request our preference.

You might call your TA and see if you get the same answer.

As soon as we get on the ship, we deposit our wallets and valuables in the safe in our room. We have an envelope in a drawer with a few one dollar bills for room service. Sometimes I will carry a tote with my kindle, and some personal items- unless we are going on shore- (then only one credit card and small amounts of money) I will carry some type of purse, My tote has nothing of excessive value to steal. There is no need for cash on most cruises, the cruise card handles just about everything.

We went on a family cruise last December- two sets of grandparents- 2 grandsons, and their parents- we (the grandparents) split the costs for the grandsons- cabin and- we pre-paid the tips and soda plus card- and then the parents were responsible for all other charges- that worked really well.

We took our 2 grandsons on a week Mexico cruise the end of Dec- we bought them the Ultimate Soda Package- so they could have not only soda, but milk shakes and etc- that and the gratuities were all that was on their accounts. We said they could order pizza- so there were a couple of Pizza's on the bill - that was it. They did not like the video games- it was easy-

Have to give a big "Thank you " to you folks on Cruise Critic- as I was drinking my coffee this morning- read about the sale.- Quickly emailed our Princess TA- and asked about the promotion- for us and our traveling companions- We are thrilled with the savings- she rebooked us- we got the same cabins but saved in both cruise fare and the perks.

Yes, as a matter of fact, ships do discharge waste water at sea- and their holding tanks sometimes fill up and they get huge fines if they discharge in Alaska waters. Also many communities do not have facilities large enough to handle ship waste. State of Alaska environmental folks watch very closely- so do the citizens of Alaska.

The first thing we do is - go to our cabin with our carry-on bags- put them down- open the balcony door- step outside, and just enjoy- we don't rush anywhere- we just enjoy that we are beginning our cruise.

then... we decide where to go for a drink.:)

My suggestion would be to get your son a nice pair of slacks, dress shirt, and vest, and or a child's tie- he will look "dressed up"- and the price is not an arm and leg. Normally can be ordered from discount wedding shops and etc- About 10 years ago I got a black suits through ebay- at a very reasonable price for my grandsons (then 8 years old) to go in a wedding- and they thought they were very fancy- they were not high quality- but for one wear were great.

You will notice that the "formal" nights are now more- dress up if you wish- and have not seen anyone not seated unless they are in shorts- or very casual cloths- you will see everything- from tux/long gowns to flannel shirts/sparkle t-shirts. ..

The main thing is if your son is use to evening dining- and sitting at dinner for up to 1.5 hours while all the courses are delivered and etc- the formal dinners seem to take longer.

How ever you do it- have a wonderful cruise-

They accept both