PIR8LUVR

Got off Explorer yesterday (Alaskan cruise). They had a string quartet that played in the Promenade for an hour or so most nights. They were very good.

We got of Explorer of the Seas yesterday and took advantage of this. It was so easy and made the end of the cruise less stressful.

This is exactly the information I was looking for, thank you! We fly to Seattle in the morning. My husband showed me a video getting from baggage claim to the light rail. I was concerned about us each having a big suitcase, but this eased my mind.

Before our cruise I read several comments about the Light Link Rail, so I thought I would share my experience. I thought it was a great option for us! We were staying at the Seattle Sheraton. It is a bit of a walk, but they have the little golf carts to take you to the ticketing stations if you need it. We paid $6 for the two of us. We got off at the Westlake stop. The only time it felt a little crowded was between Pioneer Square and Westlake which was only about 5 minutes. We had two large suitcases, and we each had a backpack. The Seattle Sheraton was about one block from where we exited. Super easy!

Our friends stayed closer to the Needle (at the Quality Inn). They had to take the light rail and then a monorail to get to their hotel, but they also said it was easy.

It’s post-travel vestibular disorder. It took several weeks to go away for me after one cruise.

I am going on Explorer on the 27th. I recently saw a prediction that temps will be higher than normal, with lower precipitation than normal. I am only taking fleeces and a lightweight jacket.

What has the weather and temperatures been on very recent Alaska cruises? Down coats or fleece jackets recommended?

Thanks!!

We used Lyft extensively in Seattle - found their rates to be cheaper than Uber and they do offer a lot of promo codes

I checked yesterday and the Uber estimate is cheaper than Seattle Express if two or more people are traveling.

Call them. The same thing happened to me. I finally got it fixed by calling.

Hi all!

I've had an RCI account for over 8 years now. In the beginning I was getting all kinds of emails with special offers and discounts.

For the last 2 years, I haven't received a single email. I've tried multiple times to get back on their mailing list somehow - changed my email, contacted customer service, contacted crown and anchor - but still nothing!

I'm booked on a holiday cruise this December, and it would be really nice to be receiving emails in case any specials come up in the cruise planner (even if this is not likely).

 

Does anyone have a suggestion of how to start receiving emails again?

 

Thanks!

CatLady,

In a previous post you mentioned the Solarium pool being heated. Is the Solarium enclosed? I know they usually are, but someone on another board said the Solarium on Explorer is not. I'm just curious.

Thanks! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time. I can't wait to go in July!

You are so welcome. I am a total planner and researcher (oh hey PhD skills popping up elsewhere in my life) and also have anxiety, so I really really appreciate all I have gotten from this site, and am thrilled to be ablento contribute back, especially since I was on an early sailing. I hope all of you who are traveling later this year on Explorer have an amazing time!

 

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Thank you, I appreciate this!

quote=Beachiekeen;56188272]I'm not the OP but we just took the shuttle in front of the Mt. Roberts tram to the glacier, and we just bought our tickets when we got there. From where we docked (Coral Princess), it was just a short walk to the shuttle. If you have a group going, a taxi is cheaper, but this was more convenient. The public bus drops you a half mile from the Vistor's Center so that would be the least desirable option.

http://www.juneautours.com/book-a-tour/details/33355/mendenhall-glacier-shuttle/

Hi! I'm enjoying your review. My husband and I are going on this cruise in late July. Have you noticed if there are excursions offered through the ship that weren't listed online prior to your cruise? We want to go to the Mendenhall glacier, but not as part of a tour/guided hike. Does the ship offer a shuttle to the glacier like they do the beaches in the Caribbean? I know we can take Uber or a taxi, and I know about the public bus. I'm trying to decide if we need to book something before we get on board.

Thanks!

This might not be your kind of music, but this winter I was introduced to “So Will I,” by Hillsong. It’s a contemporary Christian song that references creation. I imagine myself in Alaska when I hear it (we are sailing at the end of July).

We leave in 3 weeks for our trip aboard the NCL Pearl. We will spend a few days pre-cruise in Seattle and 4 days post-cruise in Portland.

Today we started to download binge-worthy shows on the I-pad for the long flights (we are from Florida). It got me thinking about a fun Alaska/PNW playlist. We always have a good playlist for our Caribbean trips, but these are much easier to come up with.

We'd love to hear your ideas for a playlist for this trip!! :D

We went on NCL Sun in 2011 because of family. My husband and I did not enjoy it as much as RC. We are Diamond members now, so we aren’t likely to cruise with anyone else except Celebrity.

According to the deck plans on the RCI website, Explorer has a solarium. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/explorer-of-the-seas/things-to-do/solarium

I don't like being stuck somewhere without something to eat if I need it. Last summer, I made a huge bag of trail mix (cashews, peanuts, craisins, and M&Ms) at took it with us to Bermuda. I've also taken granola bars and Cheez-its. I took it when we went on excursions and never had a problem. I usually take a Nalgene bottle and fill it with water in the Windjammer (I use the WJ cups to fill it).

Thank you all! So, taking packages of protein bars and chips and the like is "okay". and what about a reusable/refillable water bottle...please tell me you can take those off the ship...I am NOT buying bottled water!

I was hesitant to change my birthday, but I noticed that my gender was not displayed. I selected female, saved, signed out, and back in and it's fixed!

I had the same issue and called Crown & Anchor. I was instructed to sign in, go my MY Account, settings, change my birthday date to a different date, save, sign out, wait a few minutes. Signed back in, all fixed, my status was correct, and then I corrected my birthday. Hope it works for you.

 

 

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Same with me! Ugh!

The website LOOKS pretty today. It lists all of my previous cruises, but I am still somehow pre-gold. Must be some new system of counting, huh?

I got an email today asking if I wanted to be put on the waitlist for a JS on Explorer in July for our 7N to Alaska. $900 for the upgrade from the Spacious OV Balcony. I added myself to the list, but don’t know that we’ll except. The only real benefit is the larger bathroom.

Sounds fine to me! I would not be offended.

It doesn’t.

We went last year and bought the 2-day transportation pass — good for the buses and ferries. We went to the beach and lighthouse one day, and then went to St. George’s, then to the zoo & aquarium, then Hamilton for lunch.

Thanks for sharing a positive experience! :)

Free drinks.

Working. Generally, 1 a year, but 2 some years.

If you are on board at 11 and go straight to the Windjammer, you'll be fine. When we were on board in July we waited until Noon, and the Windjammer was at capacity. But, they opened up the Solarium Cafe which was much better anyway. It is smaller, but had most of the same food, and it was much less chaotic.