23 hours ago, Crew News said:

I cruise solo and as a photographer and many-time cruiser to Alaska, my preferred stateroom is an aft balcony.  Aft balconies have no wind while the ship is moving so you can spend lots of time there watching for whales that will be moving north from Mexico during early May.  Not having to move from side to side of the ship to see everything, is a big plus as well as having a Room Service lunch while cruising in Glacier Bay.

 

Bring binoculars, gloves, windproof pants if going on any water excursions, hand warmers, extra camera batteries (drain quickly when cold), lightweight long underwear, backpack for excursions (rain poncho, snacks, water bottle, camera stuff, and room to store removed clothing layers as temps rise), multiport AC electrical adapters, clothes pins to keep the curtains closed since sunrise is around 4:30 AM, and $1 bills to tip Room Service for starters.

Those are great tips!. Thank you bunches!

8 hours ago, Crew News said:

Some excursion tips might be helpful in your planning.

 

Skagway - train to Caribou Crossing (sit on left side going up and right side coming back or you will be looking at a rock wall) and go betweent the cars to get pictures.

 

 

Definitely whale watching in Icy Strait Point (best whale feeding):

 

 

Victoria - Butchart Gardens for amazing flowers in a formal garden setting:

 

 

 

Wow! Beautiful!

3 hours ago, houseflipper48 said:

We are leaving out of Tampa.

I am leaving out of port Canaveral in January.  Since they are starting after these 2 ports soon, we will have a good idea of what happens on the very first cruises out. 

11 minutes ago, Crew News said:

 

Then you should like this one as well.  The blow hole was about 18 inches wide.  The Orca rolled onto its side and looked at me seconds after the photo was taken.  Taken right beside my excursion boat in Juneau and so big it did not fit in my camera lens:

 

Wow! that is beautiful! Just stunning!

Firefly, yes it would be boring, and also hard to book, if we all wanted the same cabin.  My first cruise was an interior.  We upgraded to a balcony on our next one.  One time, we had a high school reunion and the best option was an ocean view.  We missed our balcony!

 We love to order room service and sit outside in the morning.  Look at the sea with a cup of coffee.  That is the best! 

This being my first Alaska cruise, that will be different for me.  I am looking forward to the views, and maybe some whales.  I am thinking the hot coffee will be more important. I will just have to dress in layers. Do I even need to bring a swim suit this time?

On 10/7/2020 at 6:48 PM, Crew News said:

May is also the driest month of the year.  The presence of so much more sunlight offsets the lower temperatures.  It is the month with snow still on the peaks and lots of new animal babies experiencing life.  The baby humpback whales are extremely active in May.

 

I just love that picture!

2 minutes ago, Coral said:

I have cruised in everything from an inside to a suite in Alaska. I have sailed a ton there. I personally would rather go with a better itinerary in a lesser cabin than a balcony on a poor itinerary. If you want to see Alaska, I would pick a better trip.

Thank you, Coral.  I would actually prefer to take a Caribbean cruise, all together.  The beach is my happy place!  My husband will love this one though. 

2 minutes ago, Coral said:

I got this price for an inside and was upgraded to a balcony. The balcony was not that much more. There are often a gluten of cabins available in May. I spend most of my time on deck which has better views so I could care less about a balcony.

1 minute ago, my kids mama said:

Well, I pulled the trigger, and booked the Carnival Miracle on the 10 day, via San Francisco .  I know there might be better itineraries, and maybe better cruise lines, as well.  I have only cruised carnival. I have nothing to compare it to.  It all started on our first cruise, with me losing money in the casino and then winning $2400 at the last minute.  After that, they kept sending me great deals.  

 

We have gone to many ports at very reasonable prices because of the casino deals.  Of course, I always give some back.  Sometimes I win though.  My biggest win, at any casino ever,  was on the Carnaval inspiration. A little 3-4 day cruise from Long Beach. 

I do want to cruise other lines, at some point.  Every time I look at other lines, I go back to the casino deal Carnival is offering.  

 

I am sure that we will have a great time on this cruise on the Carnival Miracle.  If it's cancelled, we will just put our FCC  towards the next cruise we have booked out of Sidney, Australia. 

 

Either way, it's nice to have something to look forward to. 

 

3 minutes ago, Coral said:

I got this price for an inside and was upgraded to a balcony. The balcony was not that much more. There are often a gluten of cabins available in May. I spend most of my time on deck which has better views so I could care less about a balcony.

I really do care about a balcony. It has become an important part of our cruise. 

Well, I pulled the trigger, and booked the Carnival Miracle on the 10 day, via San Francisco .  I know there might be better itineraries, and maybe better cruise lines, as well.  I have only cruised carnival. I have nothing to compare it to.  It all started on our first cruise, with me losing money in the casino and then winning $2400 at the last minute.  After that, they kept sending me great deals.  

We have gone to many ports at very reasonable prices because of the casino deals.  Of course, I always give some back.  Sometimes I win though.  My biggest win, at any casino ever,  was on the Carnaval inspiration. A little 3-4 day cruise from Long Beach. 

I do want to cruise other lines, at some point.  Every time I look at other lines, I go back to the casino deal Carnival is offering.  

I am sure that we will have a great time on this cruise on the Carnival Miracle.  If it's cancelled, we will just put our FCC  towards the next cruise we have booked out of Sidney, Australia. 

Either way, it's nice to have something to look forward to. 

17 minutes ago, Coral said:

I have cruised for $299 per person before with a much better itinerary. These were last minute specials out of Vancouver.

 

I am not sure we will be cruising in May. Hopefully. I think people will be hesitant to cruise when ships start sailing.

You got this price for a balcony?

4 minutes ago, my kids mama said:

Even with this deal I have been offered, it's just under 2K for the 2 of us.  I have become spoiled with casino deals from Carnival. I looked a little bit on other lines, but they seem to be much more expensive. Do you know something I don't know? 

I also have a concern that when we are finally cruising again, the prices will go up!  This might be my last opportunity to cruise at  these good deals for quite some time. 

2 minutes ago, Coral said:

It is not a great itinerary. You don't get into Juneau until 2 pm. You most likely will miss Tracy Arm due to being very, very early in the season. Hopefully they will substitute Endicott Arm.

 

I would be tempted to spend a little bit more for a better itinerary.

Even with this deal I have been offered, it's just under 2K for the 2 of us.  I have become spoiled with casino deals from Carnival. I looked a little bit on other lines, but they seem to be much more expensive. Do you know something I don't know? 

5 hours ago, martincath said:

Given you only have a choice, within the parameters you gave us, of "Do, or do not" to quote the great philosopher Yoda - I'd do it;-)

 

SF is a great city to hang in for some Pre/Post cruise time - although I would be tempted to look at other lines and departure cities even if your deal is excellent on this particular cruise. If you have time to spend on land before or after a one-way cruise for example, you'll get more time in Alaska and see things that can't be done from the coastal ports - and even an RT Vancouver 7 day cruise spends more time in Alaska than this one or any other US port RT, due to skipping Victoria (most US RT cruises simply stop there to make them legal, spending the shortest time possible and often late in the day when there's very little open - so even if Victoria is somewhere you do want to visit, it's most often better to visit independently instead).

Thanks Martincath.  Good to know.  

Where are you departing from?

5 hours ago, Coral said:

Can you post the 7 night itinerary?

The 7 day itinerary is out as they have no more balconies available for the deal that I was offered. 

The 7 day freedom is out as they no longer have any balconies available under the deal I have been offered.  This 10 day on the Miracle still has some available.  I had my PVP place a 48 hour hold on an extended balcony for me.  It will be just under 2k for the both of us.  This includes a free ocean view (would upgrade to a balcony for $750 pp though) $500 to play with in the casino, $400 OBC, Free drinks for me, (not my husband) anywhere on the ship.  

I should also mention that this is an ultra cruise.  I have an ultra offer as well, but this is the better deal of the two offers. 

7 hours ago, Coral said:

Post the entire itinerary.

Itinerary: 10 Days Alaska from San Francisco, CA

May 3, 2021 - May 13, 2021 | Mon - Thu

 

Carnival Miracle from Monday May 03, 2021 to Thursday May 13, 2021

SAVE

Your Itinerary 

 

Day 1

San Francisco

Day 2-3

Fun Day At Sea

Day 4

Juneau

Day 5

Skagway

Day 6

Icy Strait Point

Day 7

Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord

Day 8

Fun Day At Sea

Day 9

Victoria

Day 10

Fun Day At Sea

Day 11

San Francisco

Thanks you so much for the replies.  I will be going on carnival, because that is the cruise line that is giving me the best deal. Here are my choices.

 10 day from San Fransisco on the Carnival Miracle.  This includes Icy straight point.

7 day on the Carnival Freedom out of Seattle.  This one includes Ketchikan. 

Your thoughts????

Thank you so much for your replies.  Please keep them coming.

Thinking of taking advantage of my recent offers from carnival, and booking one more cruise.  I already have 1 booked for January 2021, out of Tampa. Have another one booked for January 2022 out of Sydney Australia. We have always wanted to cruise Alaska, but our work schedule doesn't allow us to take time off in the summer months.  We can take a bit of time off in May. I have heard that Alaska is much more lively later in the year.  Is it still worth it to go in May?

One more question. My most recent search had ships leaving from San Fransisco and Seattle.  I have heard that it's best to leave out of Vancouver, but that didn't appear to be an option for my dates.  Would you do these ports for Alaska? Would love any feedback you have. Thanks in advance. 

I went ahead and booked her for January 2022 out of Sydney.  I know the flight prices will be high, but it was such a good cruise offer.  I just couldn't refuse.  I have lots of time to find a good flight price. 

9 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

 I "go wild" and enjoy burgers with lots of toppings.  This is something I never ever get to do at home (nor would do if something healthy were available).  If this comes to be....I'm gonna miss them.

 

 

 

 

I get you.  I lost 40 pounds a few years back.  Generally speaking, I try to eat healthy, so I don't gain it back.  When I am on a cruise, I try all of the toppings!  I don't eat bacon cheese burgers at home very often.  I will eat guy's burger usually once on a cruise.  If I am on a ship that has pig and anchor, I will probably eat that at least once as well.  I eat chocolate melting cake almost every night on a cruise.   I may come home a couple pounds heavier, but I know exactly what to do to get things back on track, when I get home. 

7 hours ago, Nachosdelux said:

 

actually worst case is Carnival liquidates and you become just another unsecured creditor.

 

Personally, there is no way I would give ANY cruise company any of my money right now.

Then why are you on this forum?  No mean intentions at all, I promise!  Just wondering, why you are spending time on Cruise Critic if you have no intention of cruising in the near future? Just curious????  

4 minutes ago, Budget Queen said:

Did you have a nonrefundable deposit?    There are also refundable rates.   

I called and spoke with someone from the casino.  They told me if we purchase cheers for my husband, I would have to buy it too.  We won't be buying cheers for him.  We have $400 on board credit.  We will just use that to pay for his drinks.  Maybe I will give him one of mine occasionally. We can also bring on 2 bottles of wine. I will still ask the casino host if they will comp his drinks when we get on the ship.  He doesn't gamble though, so they may say no.  Either way, it's a great deal for a cruise.  I even found a pretty decent deal on a flight with southwest, so no worries about losing out if we have to cancel. 

27 minutes ago, Silverscreen said:

All the casino offers for the Premier, Elite, and Ultra the benefits are extended to 1 travel companion (except the casino money itself).  I go with my mom.  Your hubby will get the free gifts in the room, get to attend the reception hour and others.  He will get free drinks everywhere with you (some are everywhere and some are only while playing, depends on offer) 🙂 

Some of the casino offers are pretty great!!   Like here's 2 of my moms current offers

 

Elite Cruises Australia: FREE Balacony room +1500 AUD in FunPlay + Drinks on Us eveywhere on board the ship

Book by September 4, 2020

• Elite Cruise Australia: Exclusive Carnival Players Club offer
• Get a Free* Balcony Room + $1,500 AUD in FunPlay® Credits
• Free Drinks On Us everywhere on board the ship for you and one travel companion. Terms apply
• Rate Code XXX

 

Ultra Cruises: FREE Balcony room +$1000 in FunPlay credits + free Drinks on Us for you and one travel companion

Book by October 16, 2020

• Exclusive Carnival Players Club^® Ultra Cruises offer
• Invitation Only: Available on select Ultra sailings. Space is extremely limited
• Enjoy a Balcony Room + $1,000 in FunPlay^® Credits
• Free drinks for you and one travel companion while playing in the casino. Terms apply.
• A shot at $100,000 in total Cash and Gifts
• Rate Code XXX

Now that is. nice offer!  I didn't book and ultras or elites this time.  The dates didn't work for me.  this is just a regular cruise, but I don't mind.