urbanhawk

In the mid 80's, I lived and worked for 3 seasons at Denali-days off, would go hiking and camping in the park. I remember one time being at Wonder Lake. It was a beautiful sunny day, and not a cloud in the sky -"the mountain" was out-it was heaven on earth, but also a living hell, with all those pesky skeeters. I swear, millions of them.😮. Wear the hat with the  mosquito netting, and dress in long pants, , long sleeved shirts, etc. No skin exposure. Same thing at the Artic Circle at solstice. (summer😉!!!)

3 hours ago, ultrafighter said:

Is there a way to see which rate code was used for an upcoming cruise?  All I see on my receipt is the actual cruise fare but not the code.

If it's a casino offer, check out www.carnivalplayersclub.com. If it's not, an offer thru the casino, perhaps someone else will be able  to assist.

I have taken Amtrak from AZ to Seattle many times. (Tho you could be traveling east to west). It's a great way to travel-very scenic up the coast and thru the mountains. The last time was nearly 8 years ago, and I stayed at the Moore Hotel-close to Amtrak station, and close to Pike Place Market. Not very far from the cruise ports. The hotel does not have a.c., which could be an issue, as Seattle can get warm/hot, if you remember last years heat waves. The Moore is reasonnably priced, and has its followers, but it is not a Holiday Inn!  May be other affordable options. Happy travels!

23 hours ago, greenie082756 said:

@jerseygirlinAZ Thank you for sharing your experience on the Carnival Panorama. 

 

We are also from AZ, and we tell people that if its below 80 degrees we get cold. I know you will understand that. Today it is supposed to get to over 110 degrees. Oh my!!

 

We will be on this ship in October for our 44th anniversary. This will be our first experience with Carnival Lines as we usually do Princess.

 

You gave some really good tips and I hope that you all are doing better now.

Thanks for sharing!!

Yes, it was 109 yesterday in Tucson...and even hotter in Phoenix....I left my "swamp cooler" on last night-when I woke up this a.m., it had cooled down to 75 degrees, and I was freezing. We Arizonans ARE of a different blood!😉. (Happy early anniversary-44 years-Wow!)

1 hour ago, Saint Greg said:

 

It was a joke. Though there are lots and lots of California people moving to Texas.

I looked it up, and 80% of Canada is uninhabitable -that's what I thought you meant.  Great knowing you are feeling better, and back to work.

25 minutes ago, jerseygirlinAZ said:

The rest of DAY FIVE was pretty uneventful.  We had dinner in the MDR and went to the casino.  Not much else to report.  Sorry ... no pics of dinner tonight.

I have been following along, and very much enjoying your most informative travelog and pics.. My favorite  photo is of you and the seal, sticking your tongues out!😁. Enjoy those cool  ocean breezes. Summer has arrived in AZ.😯...Steve/Tucson 

I have a 23 day transpacific booked for Sept. I've been holding my breath, that a fuel surcharge could be added.😬...I hope for everyone's sake, this doesn't happen.

2 minutes ago, pc_load_letter said:

 

They do! I have taken a protein powder that was not dairy based and it derived it's protein source from salmon, beef and chicken. It's called MRE meal replacement. Ingrediants are...

 

Whole Food Protein Blend (Beef Protein, Salmon Protein, Chicken Protein, Egg Albumin, Rice Protein, Pea Protein), Whole Milk Powder (for texture), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium.

Who would thunk?! I had no idea. I think I'll continue with steak!

Just another Stephen (AZ)  

4 hours ago, PSU2LSU said:

You can take the protein powder.. but like crewsweeper mentioned you could also just order two steaks at dinner.  Or order 2-3 appetizers of shrimp.  Natural protein is way better then the powder protein.  At least it tastest better. 

 

Maybe they could make protein flavors of one's choosing : steak, shrimp, chicken, salmon!😄

I still receive them everyday. Even elite ones. I do have a cruise booked for Sept.- my 1st one in  8 years-maybe they'll "dry up" after that one.

53 minutes ago, shof515 said:

here is the link to the post, you do not need a facebook account to view it:

https://www.facebook.com/JohnHeald/posts/7782918631750630

 

Thanks, shof515-I checked it out-very helpful info.

24 minutes ago, ArchieCruise said:

John Heald posted on another social media site today regarding the transpacific and addressed many of the questions regarding that sailing.  

Any way, others like myself, could access J. Heard's info, who don't have social media, other than C.C.? Thanks. (I made my final payment yesterday for this cruise.)

Thanks for all the replies, and sharing experiences/thoughts. In hindsight, I think I should have said  in the title, had any 2nd thoughts, instead of any regrets. Traveling solo, is not so much a concern to me, but not seeing land for so many days in a row, could be (or not!-will keep open-minded).

3 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

Breakfast. It shouldn’t have been open but the ship still seemed to be operating on Seattle time. I pierced the pancakes which is why they’re frowning.

 

That looks like my morning face, before several cups of coffee! To be honest, not so different afterwards! 😬😬. Great review so far-following along!

This is unfortunate/sad for the current passengers, and all others,  affected. Freedom was originally scheduled to sail to Alaska for the season.  I think it would have been more challenging to send a "rescue" ship to Alaska, as there is more availability to send one from Florida to the Turks....

Just curious if any one has ever had any regrets/felt anxious, taking a Trans Pacific cruise solo? For example, not meeting their expectations, not realizing how many days at sea might affect them-not seeing land, ever feeling bored, even with so many on board activities, etc.. Some people love sea days, while some might prefer port intensive cruises. Not trying to be negative-again, just curious. Thanks, and happy cruising! 

My last cruise to Alaska was nearly 8 years ago. It started in Seattle and ended in Vancouver. (It was with Carnival). It seems this itinerary is no longer available? When did this change?  

Not trying to hijack this thread, but what about longer cruises? (ie:Panama Canal, Hawaii, or 23 days from Seattle to Sydney) Thanks!

19 hours ago, Moviela said:

Yes! Take one with with you and see how fast you buy it.

I was thinking the same thing myself!😇!!!!

(Glad others got the info they needed.)

4 hours ago, hapytobehr said:

yes

Great! I was really hoping I wouldn't have to bring a coffee maker, or my bean grinder!!😉 I'm not really a coffee snob-I just enjoy a couple of cups of good fresh coffee in the a.m..!

Is this the same as the casino's promos, of "drinks on us every where on board"? I think it is-or not-just trying to verify.

2 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

The problem is: you will always have a loose end.   Whichever you book later can surprise you with a higher cost than anticipated  -- but the cruise always is (or sure should be) the big ticket - as well as the most important - item.  Book the cruise first - and then start checking how to get to the port - fly, drive, bus, train -- whatever works.

 

I sure as hell would not want to book a cruise which is likely to cost less than getting me there:   think about it.   And, always remember: the point of the exercise is to have a good time ---if saving money trumps everything else you should stay home ---- that is the obvious way to save money.

You are right on. Thanks for pointing that out.

6 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

That makes sense and actually works well with this method since we'd be looking to cruise sometime between February and April to escape the cold for a little bit (and this is another drawback of sailing out of the Northeast, the weather doesn't get nice for a couple of days heading down).

Just a couple thoughts come to mind: kids would most likely be in school, except for spring break for the ones in college, for the most part in March, which may or may not be a concern?. Would this time frame, be high season for cruising, and lodging? For air fares, could you book better fares, and get better seats, booking further out? Unless, of course,  you could be driving. I am not trying to be a "debbie downer"-I just like to look at making plans, from all angles! Happy cruising, whenever and where ever, you go!

I have a cruise booked that leaves out of Seattle on Sept. 6th. This is the day after Labor Day. I've been checking airfares. The fares for Labor Day are much higher than the day before or the day after the holiday. I don't want to fly in the day of the cruise, esp. in this day and age of uncertainty, even with a 3 hour nonstop flight. Guess I should just bite the bullet, and book the flight for L.D., before the fares go any higher😬

2 hours ago, tech1932 said:

Thank you all for the info. I see we will need to depart from Vancouver. From what I'm reading September sounds like it's too late. Do conditions change that drastically?

We were trying to save some money and enjoy less crowds by going in a "shoulder season" (e.g., early September).

Although we prefer Princess we aren't limited to them and will consider other cruise lines. 

 

 

One cruise I did to Alaska,  started the day after Labor Day in Seattle and ended in Vancouver. There was some rain, but trip was still enjoyable. Few children, as they were back in school.. As far as Denali, (I lived and worked there for 3 seasons in the 80's),fewer visitors  after L.D., businesses started shutting down. But, the landscape was beautiful, due to autumn  foliage, and perhaps a dusting of snow. Also, may get a chance of seeing the northern lights..Heading south towards Anchorage, autumn was a few weeks behind Denali.  (I always liked traveling in the  shoulder season!)