mdeane

It seems you already have tons of advice but I will add a bit more. We cruised on RCCL with our 2 teen grandchildren and they LOVED it. But we were in July and many more kids onboard whom they met and have maintained communication long after the cruise. We love the southward cruise from Seward to Vancouver as to not waste more time going all way to Seattle where the sea seems rougher.

We loved Seward and stayed a couple of nights there. Lots to do. We flew to Anchorage and took train to Seward. We took a helicopter to the glacier and did dog sledding in the snow and sleet. It was so fantastic. We used Godwin Tours. The first day weather did not permit the flight but the next day we were first off.

We took them on a float plane to see bears catching salmon in the streams of the forest and the bald eagles. It was fabulous also.

They did the zip line in ISP and we did whale watching in Juneau. They will never forget the cruise and great time they had.

I am going back on the same ship this year but doing Talkeetna and the flight to Denali for 3 days before the cruise out of seward. Going again in July which in my opinion is the best time. The side of the ship you are on really does not matter. At Hubbard Glacier the captain rotates the ship 360 so all get a great view. Hope this is helpful.

Two week ago my DH and I celebrated our 50th anniv. and our TA had our room decorated. Guess what??? It was celebrate love and actually pretty tacky. We took it down very soon.

Our grandson had a birthday and his was decorated and he loved it. All in the eyes of the beholder.

Thanks...guess we will get one in July

What are crystal blocks???? We are diamond. Should we have a block?

Thank you soooo much...I am very grateful.. I had looked everywhere I knew to go.

Can anyone one direct me???? I have searched for KansCocoa review of the FOS but cannot find it. I know she has one somewhere. Does such beautiful reviews that I really want to read it before I take my 15 family members on her.

aplmac, We are returning to Barbardos in Feb. and what I love most are the green monkeys. I am such an animal lover......where would you suggest would be the best place to see them up close? Last time our tour guide took us to a place where I could actually hole one. They are soooo precious.

TikiShopGirl, That is a fantastic idea......hope we cruise with you some day.

Love it.....We always decorate our doors. I find lots of "stuff" in party stores and costume shops. Had a ball in the Med. and changed our doors as we changed countries. I also find things online. Every time I see anything that could be used for a future cruise, I buy it. Even had a life size picture of "David" with a fig leaf when we were in Florence.

Thanks for all the local information. Is the Blue Horizon (where I am booked) and seems in a good location okay? Or have I been duped? I would like to be on Robson Street.

I always decorate the door. Such fun and conversation starter. For our last Med. cruise, I changed the decor with each port such as Halloween in Venice, statue of David for Florence, Blue Mosque for Istanbul, etc. People came by just to see what I had done for that day.

We will be staying one day and night post cruise in Vancouver. We are looking forward to it and will have our two grandchildren ages 13 and 15 with us. We would like to find a hotel that is moderately priced (after that expensive cruise) to just sleep. Any suggestions? Thanks

Wow... 16,000 tons vs 150,000-200,000. What a difference. Yes, I agree that the food and service has changed over the years but I must say, I really love the big ships. I am addicted to the suites and balconies. So spoiled am I. I even still enjoy the food on most ships as I am not very picky. Don't think I could go back to one that small. Thanks for all the info. Myra

Thanks so much for the information. It was in the early 70's when I first sailed on the Skyward and of course I thought it was grand. Now with the Voyager and Freedom class ships, I guess she seems like a private sailing vessel. Does anyone know her tonage? The pictures are wonderful.

It would be interesting to know where she is now or if she is still floating. Anyone know???????

I just found this thread and had to add my two cents. My first cruise was on the Skyward in 1969 and I don't remember too much about it. I do remember the dining room with a nice window by my table and my cabin with twin beds and a window (not porthole) between them. I really thought it was something then. I wonder what the tonage was? Fun to compare to the Voyager class today.