librarymom

Just back from the Grand in Alaska. We chose anytime. We went at all different times and never had to wait. We were a group of 4 and always said we were willing to sit with others. Sometimes we got put with others, sometimes we got a table just for us. Sitting with others always took longer, but we had a great time meeting new people.

I don't know anything about calving glaciers but I saw a glacier calve multiple times last week in Glacier Bay. The unseasonably warm weather might be partly responsible.

I never use a TA but I did for Alaska. It doesn't cost me anything, in fact I got a few freebies and I had someone else confirm the decisions I already made and make a few helpful suggestions. I never needed the TA after the booking.

Just did my second trip making up for all my mistakes the first time, 25 years ago. Both were Princess southbound Anchorage to Vancouver and I highly recommend that. This time I added a land tour first, booked a balcony, and didn't do any sightseeing bus tours (we did active tours instead). It was fabulous. If I ever go again I would love a back to back to see even more at each port of call and not feel rushed.

Just went out with Orca last week and it was great. Captain Larry was there and told us about what we were seeing. Someone else "drove" most of the time, but Larry took over when we got some seaweed in the engine. He went forward and back for about 30 seconds and took care of it. There was also a woman on board who helped out. She has a daughter who came on the boat for years so they are definitely kid friendly. We saw lots of whales including some babies and would happily go with Orca again.

Get a balcony, any balcony. We spent a lot of time viewing with the other passengers on deck, but you are at these locations for a long time and it is nice to relax on your own balcony. We were starboard on a southbound and had beautiful views throughout.

Just off the same cruise and everyone was lovely. No hard sells. I would repeat the experience in a second.

If one tour ends in Talkeetna and the next tour starts there, you do not have to return to the lodge. Likewise, you can go to Talkeetna earlier than your first tour and stay after the last tour. You will get the shuttle schedule when you check in, but it is pretty much every hour.

Mosquitos have been bad for us this week. We stayed at Princess McKinley and Princess Denali. We needed bug spray on all excursions. We have Off in an aerosol spray and Cutter wipes. So far they are working.

I had no problems with Off in my checked luggage with Alaska Air this week.

My daughter has been cruising since she was 7. She has been to kids clubs on Princess, RCCL, Carnival, and Celebrity. She never met one she didn't love. She is now 19 and has to hang with us old folk. The kids club shouldn't make the cruise decision.

With fttf you will be fine. I just got off the breeze at pom and I was at my mom's apartment in Fort Lauderdale by 930 including picking up a rental car in Miami.

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Used it on the Dream in July. It was a dream. I left my luggage outside my room the night before and saw it again at my destination. No problems, but it tends to be a little rougher on the luggage so I would only do it with very sturdy bags.

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I think you will regret this. It is crowded with tons of children and teenagers stuffed into every available space and the rate is double what it is the prior week. If you have to take that week I'd go to a couples resort. Having said that, I'm cruising that week due to my teenagers schedule, but this is the last time ever! !!!

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FYI , these at now available on the breeze. I just bought them for my December cruise. My mother has mobility issues, so I'm treating her as a surprise.

Does anyone know if the teen club operates in October? It would be awful to make this decision and then discover they are combining all the ages because there are so few kids. What college freshman wants to hang out with 13 year olds.

Your idea is so sweet and the timing would be perfect in terms of the kids club and turning 18, but missing college at that time would be very difficult. I work at a University and the students, especially freshman are very stressed. Even if she was allowed to miss classes/tests, she would either spend her time doing work or feeling guilty about not doing work. Go in August.