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Well, THIS is a first!!! Are yo sure that it was no smoking just for one night? We were on the Emerald in May and there WAS smoking! This would be fabulous if things are moving forward on this issue.

I am glad that helped!

I appreciate the info. One mile might be ok. It depends on how energetic I feel that day.

I am thinking that the itinerary may also have a lot to do with feeling crowded. The warmer it is, the more likely the rocks and pools are crowded. We loved the Regal when we sailed the East Coast itinerary. Alaska cruises do not seem crowded either.

Is there a shuttle into town from our dock? We will dock at Jekteviken which is a bit removed.

I would think that after final payment, that everything is a done deal.

After some more refined research, I found that we will be docking at Jekteviken. I think that one of the HOHO bus companies visits that dock.

We will be on the Sky Princess, docking in Bergen on June 5th. After much research, I think we will casually explore Bergen on our own. I am having a bit of trouble determining if the HOHO bus is available at the dock, or a short distance away. Or are there shuttles to take you into town where we can find a HOHO bus? Thanks!

If you will not eliminate all indoor smoking, PLEASE at least enforce the rules you currently have. After many witnessing smoking on the aft observing decks on the Coral, a smoker was reported to Guest Services. The smoker was in broad daylight and would toss his butts overboard. Absolutely NOTHING was done, nothing was enforced. Guest Services said that WE had to catch him in the act which we did, more than once. The offender's name and cabin number was reported. I guess it is ok to have engine fires which could have been prevented. Some people are sensitive to the smoke and were not able to enjoy the public aft decks because of this. W "We" were appalled at the lazy attitude. GROW up, Princess!

It is true; we really enjoyed the commentator (usually a National Parks Ranger) on our cabin tv and enjoying the views. The Captain will do a 360 degree spin. Be sure and book a larger balcony that is at least partially covered. Room service is wonderful!!! However, yes, we have also been on top in Skywalker's (the Golden and the Crown) and enjoyed inside and outside viewing. Alaska is FABULOUS!!!

There have been many threads with the same question. It really depends on your cruising style, budget, etc. For us, we book balcony cabins with the larger balcony. We use our balcony for viewing and quiet. It is a blast taking a look outside and spotting whale spouts. However, many think of it as a waste of money because they will obviously be viewing from other areas of the ship. We do as well. It is personal preference and only you know your expectations and budget.

We have also used the International Cafe for our lunch, along with some adult beverages from Good Spirits or Vines.

That is an excellent point. The buffet is very crowded.

As @skynightstated,take a look attended plans and you will see what is a larger balcony. I check this each time we book. I also research images to see what kind of covering that balcony has.

Last September, we disembarked from the Grand. The earliest time was 7:30 am and we met in the Crown Grill. Of course, we had all of our luggage. Shortly after 7:30 am, we were allowed to leave. It was very easy to get a cab to the parking lot where we had parked our car.

I think you would be a good match for Princess; especially for Alaska since it tends to be a bit more casual and attracts all ages. I tend to disagree with others regarding Celebrity as our experience was different... A bit snooty, very mediocre food and service. The shows ALL had acrobatics swinging from above wrapped in fabric. We As you can see, we have been on Princess for the majority of our cruises.

Thank you so much @TrixieBel for taking the time to share your adventure with us!

We noticed that too when we were on the Grand last September. But WOW! The pizza was wonderful. And as someone suggested, we could grab a salad from the IC.

As a rule.of thumb (for us), we book international flights through EZAir as soon as they are available. We check often and adjust accordingly. We book our own domestic flights with Alaska Air as others have said, the domestic flights are not competitive.

@memoak Was referring to some Grand Class ships not having an Alfredo's.

Skywalker's is fantastic for Alaska!!! That is where we enjoyed Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord. You could be outside for viewing and then be inside for a bit to warm up.

Absolutely! We take our originals with us. We just tuck them into our Passports which are in our RFID envelopes.

In our experience... They do NOT go by assigned times. When you get there, they sort you according to groups of disabled, Elite, Platinum and Suites. That is all that matters. Green lines have nothing to do with boarding!!!

We were not crazy about the Emerald.

Just curious... Why do you limit yourself to Princess only shore excursions?