CruizinSherry

We are considering one of these ships, I know that they are both going into dry dock within the coming months. We plan on going in either late August or early September. Which ship would you choose? Also any idea what changes or updates to either of the ships?

I have been on the Southern Carribean cruise many years ago and I would go back just for Barbados alone! Cruising out of San Juan is pretty amazing, and St. Lucia was just beautiful. Any Southern Carribean cruise is very port intensive so it is more about the ports than the ship in my opinion. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the cruise choices you mentioned.

I think either one will be great for different reasons.  We are booking a guarantee neighborhood balcony.

Thanks everyone for your input, I am leaning more toward the Central Park balcony now. I think because when we are relaxing in the cabin on our balcony we want a little reprieve from all the activity.

Help me decide! Which is better, a Central Park balcony cabin or a Boardwalk view cabin?

Thanks!

Thanks So Much for that info!

Are there liquor stores close to the port to buy wine? We are on Celebrity but not sure which port?

On cruises in Alaska is the solarium warm enough to lay by the pool? Also how late is it open?

I have also had the same problem and for many months now. I always check the box "remember me" Will it ever be fixed???

The cabins are located on Emerald and Dolphin decks.

Looking at possibly booking one of these cabins for Alaska. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons for this type of cabin? Are there any pics out there?

Thanks!

I was wondering if Celebrity has the same type of on demand programming that Holland America offers? What is offered as far as news and other stations or shows?

I really felt I had to respond to your post. I am also a beach and warm weather kind of person. I greatly dislike the cold, cool or rainy temps.

My husband is the opposite and his dream vacation is Alaska. We have been twice and despite the sometimes cool and rainy temps I loved it and we are planning our third trip this summer.

The scenery and wildlife are amazing and Alaska has a way of pulling you in. I had a lot of fun and great adventures on my trips to Alaska. I think it is just an adjustment of attitude and honestly you will be so busy enjoying the scenery you may forget about the warm weather cruises momentarily.

Try cruising late July or early August for the prospect of better weather. Either way you will have a blast and great stories to tell :D

The duck tour is a lot of fun and relatively inexpensive.

I was in my mid forties on our first HAL cruise to Alaska a few years ago. I didn't really notice age differences, but there seemed to be a good mix. I think it depends on what you are in the mood for as far as cruises. Some cruises I look for a lively party type atmosphere, others I just want to enjoy something more meaningful and serene. That said, I had a great time on my HAL cruise. The service was the best ever.

Thanks, One more reason to sail on Solstice!

Is Brent Nixon the naturalist still speaking on the Alaskan cruises this year? If so, which ships will he be on?

Thanks!

Contemplating an August cruise to Alaska on Radiance and looking at booking an ocean view on deck 4. Are these cabins larger than other inside cabins, or is the configuration different and also is the window larger than on other decks? We have always booked balconies but the prices are quite high.

Thanks!!!

We were last in ISP last May (2016). There was a humpback whale playing around right by the ship for hours. Many passengers said they had a better whale watching experience from their balconies than from their excursions. :') The whale swam all the way around the ship, but seemed to prefer the area between the ship and the shoreline.

 

Still...ISP is a great place to do a whale watching excursion. You will have plenty of time.

Thanks, I am looking forward to ISP. There is a choice between ISP and Sitka. We have been to Sitka before and I loved it, but I am also excited about ISP. I have heard it is the best port for whale watching :D

I have been to Sitka on a previous cruise and it was one of my favorite ports. In fact I want to go back there again!

Most here on cruise critic think Glacier Bay is a must see. I have not been there yet but excited to see it.

I think Holland America have cruises that do both Sitka and Glacier Bay. Skagway is a great port for the train ride into the Yukon if you are into that.

Our first Alaskan cruise was with Princess and now we are hooked. Cant wait to get back to Alaska :D

Happy Planning!!!

August 6th??? August 6th is a long weekend in Vancouver.

• Hotel prices will be peaking the night before with a fireworks competition.
  
• Your debarkation day will have a massive Pride parade in the downtown.
  

If you insist on this sailing date.... look for hotels East of Howe and/or North of Georgia.

Wow I had no idea, Thanks for that information! I am not set on that date but would like to cruise during the first couple of weeks in August.

We are debating on booking this cruise which departs on Aug. 6th.

Our question is if this is enough time in port, and about whale watch tours during these hours? The times in port do not seem to be the best.

I have been researching a lot lately, and we have also been to Alaska twice several years ago.

In my honest opinion and from my research on cruise critic it seems that Glacier Bay is a must see. I have been to both Tracy Arm and Hubbard Glacier on previous cruises. Tracy Arm was amazing and so was Hubbard Glacier even though we did not get too close to Hubbard. On our next Alaskan cruise we definitely want to see Glacier Bay as this could be the third and last trip to Alaska. Glacier Bay is a national park.

We have been on both Princess and Holland America. Both were great in different ways. I have also been on a Celebrity cruise and that was one of my favorites.

Going by just the itinerary alone, I would probably choose either Holland America Eurdodam or Ruby Princess which both go to Glacier Bay. Eurodam goes to Sitka which is amazing and beautiful. Ruby goes to Skagway which is really nice if you are into trains and history. Both would be equally great trips. The ships are both really nice and offer service comparable to Celebrity. Also both trips go out of Seattle. Seattle is a great port city to explore.

Good Luck in your planning!

Thanks for all of your insight on my choices for this cruise! I am leaning more toward Niew Amsterdam, but still not opposed to the others.

Does anyone have experience on Noordam?

It may come down to prices for me.

It is kind of a tough decision! Considering either the Eurodam, Niew Amsterdam or Noordam for Alaska in mid August. Each ship and itinerary have their pros.

I really like the Eurodam itinerary and ease of travel out of Seattle. Sitka would be the plus.

I also really like the idea of checking out Vancouver and cruising the inside passage on the Niew Amsterdam.

The Noordam seems like the best itinerary and from the pictures I have seen the ship looks beautiful. However this option is more pricey and have to consider airfares and transfers. But I am open to the possibilities.

Please let me know your thoughts???