cw2go

If you're doing a north or south bound sailing. Phillips cruises out of Whittier will be a great opportunity for otters and the 26 glaciers tour is fantastic. Bring binoculars and sunglasses, you'll thank me later! 😎 Patty

I looked at some maps and did bit more reading. It appears we do the hike round trip and train back to Skagway. Still not sure how the Op could do this since I'm not even sure of what I am doing 😆 Patty

Laughton Glacier Wilderness Hike & White Pass Railway Your hiking excursion from Skagway begins with a scenic train ride on the White Pass Railroad, followed by a wilderness hike to Laughton Glacier. Where your railway ride ends, your journey to the glacier begins as you hike a guided wilderness trail along the Skagway River, through the Alaskan forest. Observe an array of wildlife as you reach Laughton Glacier, where you’ll see exposed crevasses and other wondrous glacial sights Highlights Enjoy a '-hour train ride on the historic White Pass Railway past spectacular waterfalls, rushing rivers, and jagged mountain peaks. Enjoy breathtaking views, exposed crevasses, and other forms of wonder that the glacier brings. Follow your guide on a 5-7 mile hike along the raging Skagway River on the way to Laughton Glacier. Departs at Day 4 7:30 am Duration 7hr 45 min Activity Level Strenuous Went in my cruise planner and this is the tour/info I have booked. Patty

Per your other thread ~ without cell phone users, you wouldn't have seen this.

I believe there may be port time issue, Packer Expeditions have time restraints to work with the cruise lines. I am booked on this tour with Celebrity and its is a 7/8 hr excursion. So without knowing how long you're in port for no one can answer. Also I believe this tour is train up, hike then bus back. So without having travel arrangements back after independently hiking, not sure how you'd do this. Patty

If able and desired to go independent, no need for a tour ~ In Montenegro after tendering, you can hike up the mountain to the Kotor Fortress / San Giovanni Castle with gorgeous views all along the hike. It's an amazing port. Don't miss being on deck for sailing in and out, it's beautiful! After you hike back down you can enjoy some gelato, that's always a priority when sailing in the Med 😁 If you want any specialty dining especially Eden I'd recommend booking asap, you can always cancel later but they do often sell out. For the reasons you mention, I don't do the packages. I prefer to lock down my schedule but I'm a planner and like to have my days "within reason" somewhat pre organized. You can use your OBC for dining and excursions in your Cruise Planner, after adding to your cart at checkout just apply the credit in the payment option. Patty

You're right, I got derailed. Sorry Patty

I've booked dining as far out as Feb 2024 for the Apex

100% on point! Also since sail aways are later in the evening, there isn't the same crowding to embark at 11 am like in Florida.

I understand your point and I certainly respect that you have to make the best decisions for what's best for you when splurging on travel/vacations. I would like to add from the other direction, I've traveled to Sedona, Cali and Maui this year all land trips and all repeats for us. The dining was very limited, lackluster and super pricey compared to years past. Just saying it's not only the Cruise Lines that will seem like a total rip off. The service for restaurants and accommodations on land had much to be desired, for us it feels like we are in a take it or leave it scenario and we just wanna go go go bad enough to accept this until it gets better rather than wait. Patty

Another thing that concerns me, even though I love Celebrity is that they chartered these sailings out of San Juan a lot. I'd hate to get bumped again... yes it's happened to me twice. This Feb I am on Beyond because I was afraid of losing my sailing on the Millie when I was making my decision for our 2023 Winter Escape. I wish I had gone Southern Caribbean but at the time I just didn't feel confident.

This is great news! Hope to see the Southern Caribbean sailings released soon.

Re: Southern Caribbean and the The ABC's I prefer 7nt sailings out of SJU rather than 9/10 out of Fl... I'll take the layover flight with immediate sunshine/warm weather during winter from Ohio over the extra sea days with a risk of being cloudy/chilly any day. So much so, I have NCL Viva booked w/refundable deposit. Waiting to see what Celebrity puts out because they are my preferred cruise line but sometimes you have to take what you can get. Patty

This is sad news! I did a review in 2010, we did an excursion with Cape Larry. I remember writing he was a man of few words but when he gave a command his deck hands hopped to his orders. It was an amazing day! He knew his waters inside and out! Patty

This has also been recently reported for The Edge.

This is an amazing itinerary! I've been to Venice, Corfu and Montenegro ~ You'll LOVE these ports of call!

May 26th - June 4th 26th Barcelona embark 5pm 27th Cannes 8-6pm 28th Livorno 6:30 am (overnight) 29th Livorno 7pm 30th Civitavecchia 6:30 - 7pm 31st Naples 6:30-5pm 1st Sardinia 9-4 2nd Palma 12-11pm 3rd Ibiza 7-6 4th Barcelona 5am

I am a "NEVER NCL" girl who actually never sailed them ( basically based on reviews) but I bit the bullet and booked for the Med May 2024. The itinerary and price can't be beat. Celebrity would easily be more than double and I'm actually looking forward to some variety. I currently have 5 Cel sailings booked and 4 are on Edge class. I'll lower my expectations as far as food and hope to be surprised but to be fair, I will be enjoying many of my meals while ashore, especially since there are no sea days. Enjoy Europe with your friends, Patty

Tracy Arm is a scenic sailing. Juneau whale watching and you can bus to Mendehall Glacier. Ketchikan is great for bear tours. Also Misty fjord is amazing plus many people hit Totem Bight State Park and explore Creek Street

Traitors cove is July 20th but Anna Creek is July 1st. These are two separate locations/tours.

I can also recommend Beyond Alaska out of Juneau if you're interested in the Mendenhall Canoe and Glacier Hike, We had a fabulous tour with them.

Link... https://www.islandwings.com/bears.html

I am doing a tour July and it's prime viewing for Anan Creek. It has this info on their site. It's $650 per person. From July 1st to early August you can experience a trip of a lifetime at the world renowned bear viewing observatory, Anan Creek. Fly along the beautiful waterways of the Tongass National Forest to Anan Creek which hosts one of the largest pink salmon runs in Southeast Alaska. The presence of the salmon draws a large dinner crowd, including both black and brown bears, seals, river otters, mink, marten and eagles. I've flown with Michele twice before, amazing tours and great service, Patty

For bears, I'd recommend a tour from Ketchikan. I've seen bear at Mendenhall in Juneau but nothing compares to Anan Creek and Traitors Cove with Island Wings.

100% Agree!