Assateague Island Princes

Yes, the last post is correct - Hope and Dan travel down to Arizona to golf in the winter months w/their RV. But Hope does check her email often, and I'm certain, barring any complications, she will get back to you soon - atleast that has been my experience.

Yes, Misty Bay Lodge is actually just across the street from the dock where Hope will drop you off to meet Capt. Dan at the boat. So you can walk over to the lodge, or just ask Hope to take you right back to the port. There is also a nice, paved walking path along the water from the town of Hoonah, which is where the whale watch boats depart from back to the port of ISP. I'd estimate maybe a mile (could be wrong about that, someone will correct me if I'm wrong!)? Nice easy, flat walk with spectacular scenery the entire way.

When we were there this year, 3 of us went to the lodge afterwards for some lunch, while two asked to be taken directly back to the port. Capt. Dan's wife, Hope, is very accomodating - and a sweetheart to boot. BTW - the lodge is really just a small cafe with rental rooms above. Food was great - and yes, they have much more than just seafood if interested - soups, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, homemade pie, cake, and ice cream, coffee, etc. One of my friends had halibut pizza, which she said was amazing, another had fish and chips, and I had homemade huckleberry ice cream - DE-licious! :D

I'd throw a fourth into the mix - Misty Bay Lodge. Excellent tour w/Capt. Dan, a comfortable heated 6 passenger catamarin with covered outdoor viewing area and a crows nest that is also accessible in good weather. I've gone with them twice, and would highly recommend both their whale watching tour and their bear search.

The last two sentences of your post from NCL refers to your initial embarkation to the ship in Vancouver, and then to your final disembarkation from the ship in Seward.

Most cruiselines require you to be back on board your ship 1/2 hour prior to the posted sailing time. Hope this clears things up for you.

The Grand doesn't go to Anchorage - it either goes to Seward or Whittier. None of the one-ways to Alaska dock at the port of Anchorage. HAL offers a 14 day roundtrip Seattle (next year on the Statendam), which provides for a one day port stop (a long one -8AM-11PM) at the port of Anchorage. None of the other mainstream lines embark or disembark at the port of Anchorage though.

Agree w/Mapleleaves - the Milepost is invaluable if used in the proper way - for mile by mile knowledge of what you'll be seeing, little known facts about areas of interest that may be upcoming, etc.. For instance, when we used it on our DIY to Denali, I would read out loud to DH as we were driving along, and at one point, it noted that caribou were often seen at a specific mile marker. Lo and behold, when DH exclaimed "And like clockwork, there they are!" we had driven up onto a herd of caribou crossing the highway just ahead, right next to the mile marker sign. Can't beat THAT for accurate and interesting information!;) IMHO, the purpose is not to use it for finding costs of lodging, restaurants, etc., - there are visitor's guides and/or Fodors'/Frommer's or other travel books for that, but rather for mile-by-mile points of interest, locations of various campgrounds, hotels, B&B's, scenic viewpoints, etc.

Sorry it didn't work out for you agabbymama, but it seems like the cruisetour was a better option for your group anyway. To each their own.

And donald - I couldn't agree more with your assertion that it isn't about the cost, it is about the journey and the experience. Wouldn't trade my DIY trips for a cruisetour, no matter WHAT the cost savings may (or may not) be - just not our style of travel. Again, to each their own, and isn't it wonderful that there are all these options for people to see the Great Land, no matter what their comfort level or interests?

OP - you've made a great choice! So happy it worked out for you. I think you will really love the location, and as previous poster noted - excellent service due to all the suites located on Navigation deck. Really nice piece of real estate near the aft of the ship. The bed's configuration in these cabins is sideways, which is great because it frees up a walkway right to the window overlooking the secret deck. The only odd thing about the cabin is the location of the loveseat, which is kind of tucked into a corner, with a part of it behind the bathroom wall. For the 2 of us though, it was not an issue. We used the love seat for 'staging' our gear for the next day in port - backpacks, binoculars, camera, etc., so all we had to do was grab-n-go in the morning to get out there and enjoy beautiful Alaska!

Smooth sailing to you!

I've sailed in the similar 'secret cabin' on the Amsterdam for Alaska's 14 day itinerary (though ours was the equivalent to 7086 on the Volendam). Friends of ours did stay in the equivalent to 7083 and they loved the cabin location as well. Note that the difference between those two aft cabins is that the open stairway up to the aft Lido/Sea View Pool passes in front of the window in 7083, where the space out the window of 7086 is unimpeded. You can still see out 7083's window, there is just a staircase (albeit open) that slightly impairs your view.

However, regardless of which of those two cabins you are in, you are still just five steps from your cabin door out to that wonderful secret aft deck, which has loungers and a few small tables, not to mention beautiful wake views - almost like having your own large balcony since it is rarely crowded. Access up to the Lido is just one short flight of stairs - perfect to grab that snack, a drink at the Sea View Bar or a quick swim.

As far as your DH's seasickness issues, certainly any aft location may bring more motion, however we did not have any issues with that aspect. Your mileage may vary, depending on the motion of the ocean on your sailing. If your DH is well prepared - get some Bonine, seabands, ginger, or something prescribed from his doctor - and follow directions to the letter (ie - begin taking medication a day or two prior to sailing, and continue taking it every single day during the cruise), he should be just fine. Don't wait to take the medication when staring to feel ill - that defeats the whole purpose.

Best wishes on your sailing. I really think you would enjoy cabin 7083 and its location on the ship - really the best of both worlds - an oceanview price for what amounts to a balcony cabin (with a bit of imagination;)).

Since Skagway is not a whale watch hot spot - I'd definitely plan on Skagway for your walk-around day (or better yet, rent a car and drive up into the Yukon, very affordable and scenic excursion for Skagway).

In ISP, I've gone whale watching with Misty Bay Lodge on their very comfortable, six passenger catamarin twice - once in 2011 and once this past May. Your folks won't have any problems with the comfort of the boat. There is a heated interior, with a small head (bathroom) on board, as well as comfortable padded seats, table, and access to the aft deck, which is also covered. If you're feeling venturesome and the weather cooperates, you can even climb up to the crows nest for great views. Great homemade cookies, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are provided, along with other snacky items - granola bars, chips, etc. Love Misty Bay Lodge! Capt. Dan along with his wife Hope will show you a great time and provide an excellent whale watching experience - highly recommend!

Wonderful job, Tony! Thanx so much! I'm off to check the others now.

More please:D

If you do choose to go w/an oceanview, I'd recommend cabin 7086, on the aft of the Navigation deck. Literally just four steps out your cabin door to a little used public aft deck with plenty of loungers and small tables. Its like having a huge balcony all to yourself! Your cabin window, which is easily accessible because of the unique bed placement in this cabin, overlooks this 'secret deck.' From this deck, just one flight of stairs up to the aft Lido and Sea View Bar and outdoor pool. Nothing finer than sitting on one of the loungers on this secret deck, overlooking the gorgeous wake and beautiful aft views - particularly for Alaska!

I've not sailed on the Volendam, but have sailed three times on the sister ship - Amsterdam - all 3 being their 14 day Alaskan itinerary. We have sailed in the Amsterdam's similar 'secret cabin' in that same location and LOVED it!

Note that there are also a few other 'secret aft decks' on the Volendam, including the Main Deck and the Verandah Deck, so you could choose one of the oceanview cabins near the aft of the ship to take advantage of those 'secret decks' as well.

Enjoy - you're going to fall in love with the Great Land! I guarantee it!

OP - also consider whale watching in ISP with Misty Bay Lodge. Capt. Dan and his wife Hope are wonderful, and will get you to the whales if they are there! I've gone with them twice and have not been disappointed. Would highly recommend!

Wow - spectacular job by Mr. Spielberg.....er, I mean Mr. Bulinski;). Well worth the wait - from beginning to end, I was riveted to the photographs and videos, and really enjoyed the special touches throughout. Wonderful video - thanx so much for sharing! And Happy, Happy Anniversary to the special couple! Wishing them 50 more!

On many HAL sailings - including Alaska - they offer 3rd and 4th passenger in the stateroom for free or for a small amount (taxes apply). This can really save you $$$$ in the long run, rather than paying full-fare for your child. There are several quite large inside staterooms on HAL ships - the 'sideways' cabins on the Main Deck specifically come to mind. Also, depending on which class of ship, there are oceanview cabins, which are located either on the wrap around Promenade deck or near the aft of the ship, providing easy access just steps out your door to little used public decks (often called "secret decks") on the aft of the ship.

Alaska is a very port intensive destination so much of your time will be spent in port experiencing shore excursions. Your time aboard might be spent enjoying the amazing scenery that will surround you or the various acitivites that are tailored to Alaska sailings.

Kids clubs on all the major cruiselines are known to do an excellent job in Alaska, so I don't think you could go wrong with any line you chose.

Enjoy the Great Land, whichever cruise line you choose. It is a very special place that will capture your heart - believe me, you'll be back!

To the OP - this excursion is run by Allen Marine and it is possible to book the TA sailing thru them upon arriving in Juneau if time permits. Alberta Quilter and I did this excursion on the May 18th sailing of the Amsterdam this year. One of our Roll Call members contacted Allen Marine directly, and they graciously permitted us to book tickets and travel along w/those on the Oosterdam who were in port on the same day. So while the excursion may not be available on your specific sailing, if you really want to do it, you can contact Allen Marine directly to see if it is an offered excursion on any of the other HAL ships that might be in port with you in Juneau. Again, it will depend on your port time in Juneau as to whether or not it will be available to piggyback on another ship's excursions, but it IS possible. Good luck!

Spot on Sherry - particularly your last sentence.:D

Thanx so much for doing this - my friends Michelle and Michael are on this sailing, so I'll be able to follow along, appreciate it! Love it already!

Welcome home Mary and Family! I'm loving your review and most anxious to hear how your day at the Alaska State Fair went. Your photos and commentary are excellent - brings me right back to our May 18th sailing. More please.....much, much more! :D

Clarks! Love 'em! Two pair - both lightweight and waterproof, low-hiker types, perfect for AK....and for rainy or snowy weather here in Penna.!

I wholeheartedly agree w/KK's recommendation of HAL's 14 day itinerary. I've done this itinerary three times, w/the most recent being this May 18th. It is magnificent - a true 14 day itinerary w/no repeat ports. Going to Kodiak, Homer and right up Cook Inlet to the port of Anchorage is an amazing journey to some very little visited by cruiseship ports. There are also two glacier sailing days - Tracy Arm and Hubbard Glacier, along with a full day in Victoria, BC. The rest of the itinerary includes the 'usual suspects' of Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. Take a look, and if you can swing the 14 days, I'd highly recommend this sailing.

I just received the same mailing minutes ago - was very pleased to see the taxes, etc. noted. I think it is a great idea as well - certainly makes booking that much easier to know all the upfront costs before hitting the 'buy' button, doesn't it?

I've used Seattle Express numerous times - both pre- and post-cruise, and have never had an issue - always prompt, reliable service and you cannot beat the price!

Amen, Fleckle!;)

Lucky you, Dave - coconut ice cream seems to be back on the menu. It was no where to be found on our May 18th sailing - and believe me, we looked high and low!

Thanx for sharing your on-board reports. I'm vicariously reliving my three previous trips on this itinerary and enjoying every minute!

More please.....:D

Thanx so much for your trip report! I too agree wholeheartedly that a self-planned land trip to AK can offer so much more than a cruise, and for us anyway, it is a preference. Each adventure you posted about your land trip was right up our alley, and we'd have done the same. Appreciate you sharing your review and your thoughts on your first cruise.

We too stayed at Homestead Cabins with gracious hosts Sandy and Dan in May of 2013 for three glorious nights (in the middle cabin), and LOVED the area. We were fortunate enough to have daily visits from a moose mama and her offspring walking right past our cabin every single day. Also spent an enjoyable morning speaking with Dan's 82 year old father about his experiences in Alaska - so interesting and so much fun! BTW - Dan's Dad has published a book about his experiences which I have since read; it is enlightening and a joyous, uplifting read.

Again, thank you for your posting and welcome home!