Northern Aurora

Celebrity does not use Ward Cove. Your ship will be right downtown. And all aboard for passengers is half an hour before departure, so in your case 8 PM. You will be able to visit the downtown area with no problem.

Neither Luminae nor Blu take reservations. Folks are seated as they arrive, with occasionally having to wait a few minutes at a very busy time. While most of the tables are for two people there are a few larger ones. A shared table is not common, but the tables for two are close together so folks start conversations with some seated next to them. The reference to in-suite specialty coffees is a reference to the butler bringing you coffee. That being said, if you ask nicely you may be able to secure a coffee maker. I haven't been on the Infinity post pandemic, but didn't have serious issues with the wifi. And the rumor that Celebrity has a M-class ship for sales has been circulating for at least a decade.

What hours does the Captain Cook offer room service?

Are all of you on the same flights? Depending on what time your party arrives in Anchorage (and assuming the flights are on time) you may not find a shuttle willing to make the drive. The drive to Seward from Anchorage is about 2.5 hours while the train takes about 4 hours.

Very nice review -- helpful information and well presented.

At those meetings for B2B passengers often a representative from the food service team is there. They are there to make specialty dining reservations for the next leg.

Von & Jon have provided an extensive list. Just a few comments from another Alaskan: Use google to locate the Seward visitor's bureau to check their visitor's guide. In the past Seward has had a shuttle service around the community and the visitor's bureau will know if it will be offered this coming summer. Our favorite vendor offering small vessel trips into the Kenai Fjords National Park is Major Marine. And one time we actually did see a bear on the shore while on one of their trips.

In 2021 we did a B2B pair out of Seattle after the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act passed. That legislation allowed for a temporary bypass of the PVSA requirement so no stop in Victoria. It was a rainy day when we left Seattle so we were in the Millennium equivalent of the Sky Lounge. Initially there was some lovely scenery. But we fairly quickly entered the open ocean. I don't remember the timing, but (if my memory is correct) we were sharing a small table with another couple and they left to head down to the MDR for the first dinner seating just as we entered the open ocean. The best areas of the ship for viewing are always on the upper decks where folks can move from port to starboard. Last fall we spent 40 nights on the Edge. I will be interested in opinions regarding this ship in Alaska.

While it can rain any time in southeast Alaska May tends to be the driest month with the rains much more frequent starting in late August. You certainly can have rain in mid-July and it could be heavy if you are in a storm. Definitely need a waterproof (not water resistant) outer layer. Your shoe requirement is dictated by your activity level. While we own waterproof hiking boots I take a waterproof pair of walking shoes. Not only do I use them at home they have been used in Iceland, South American and Northern Europe. We don't take a waterproof backpack. If you are concerned then pack a large plastic bag which can be used to protect the items in a backpack.

Princess is not the only cruise line to have naturalists on board during their Alaska sailings. For example, Celebrity also has them.

Have you considered just packing a couple of granola bars or a baggy of dried fruit in your suitcases? I've stayed eat the Captain Cook a great number of times through the years and there will be a coffee maker in the room.

We also thought Le Grand Bistro was excellent. We spent 40 nights on the Edge last fall and had approximately six lunches at LGB. The lobster bisque was incredible (caged with puff pastry) and the coq au vin was one of the best I've ever enjoyed. We had a Captain's Club specialty dining discount, but the cover charge is $30 per person (if my memory is correct).

When I read the OP's first post I wondered if he was referring to Le Grand Bistro when referencing something called the Grand Plaza Cafe. Le Grand Bistro is a specialty (extra fee) restaurant with a "French-ish" feel at lunch which becomes the Le Petite Chef venue at night.

Both passengers in Suites and Zenith members of the Captain's Club are not charged for room service. We spent 40 nights on the Edge last fall, had some wines which exceeded the premium level and were not charged for the differential when in the Retreat or Luminae.

After boarding passengers go directly to their stateroom where the Seapass card will be in the mail slot. If the stateroom attendant hasn't finished preparing your stateroom there will be a sign on the door. But you are free to drop off your carryon bags and put your valuables in the safe.

Several years ago we dropped off our luggage at 11 AM at the Seward cruise terminal. Consider the SeaLife Center in Seward. Also goggle their visitors bureau for ideas.

Depending on whether that August cruise is early or late August, if they experience heavy rain that balcony would not be used much.

Transportation between Seward and Anchorage is by either the Alaska Railroad or road. Despite the fact that we fly everywhere in this state there is no commercial air service. Motor coach transfers will be offered by the cruise line and there are also private companies; use google to locate them. Generally cruise lines offer an early morning chartered train from the Seward cruise terminal to the Anchorage airport. The Alaska Railroad offers early evening service from their Seward terminal to their Anchorage terminal. Between Anchorage and Seward a nice family friendly stop is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Instead of spending a night in Anchorage following your cruise consider staying in Seward instead. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, Exit Glacier or the IdidaRide Sled Dog Tour offered by the Seavey family. There are also lovely day trips (by boat) into the Kenai Fjords National Park. And welcome to Cruise Critic. I hope you enjoy your time in our special state.

Use goggle to find the Ketchikan visitor's bureau. Should be able to locate a nice self guided walking tour. There are also a number of attractions located right downtown (assuming you are not on a NCL cruise which docks at Ward Cove).

As someone who likes to live in a clean and organized environment I am still wrapping my head around the fact that our OP has luggage tags from a December cruise in their home. We use plastic luggage tags sleeves. When on the ship, while we are unpacking, those paper luggage tags inserts are removed from the plastic sleeves and immediately tossed into the waste paper basket.

We board the Millennium on March 28 to start a B2B. We do not have the words "Captain's Club" on the tags. We are Zenith members of the Captain's Club and are traveling in a Suite. I find it best not to overthink situations like this. The luggage will find us.

We were with Harris on a set of cruises which required several visas. For the Indonesian visa we used the website he provided in post #2. And check your Cruise Critic roll call for your cruise as a fellow passenger may post how they completed the application. The roll call for the Edge sailing on November 25, 2023 has a number of helpful posts regarding the Indonesian visa application.

Since you have never visited Vancouver I would just stay in Vancouver. Also consider a visit to Grouse Mountain if that would be of interest.

Just a quick comment -- Butchart Gardens is lovely but is not located in Vancouver. It is outside of Victoria which is on an island. In addition to Stanley Park, goggle the Vancouver Art Gallery. Lovely art museum which frequently hosts very interesting shows.

Actually, from the docking position of that HAL ship in Kodiak in 2016 we would have had absolutely NO problems walking to the down town area. Very flat along the waterfront.