bigchid

On the Coral, how does one tell if balcony bigger/different layout from deck plans? It was one 'small' step up from a BA. Is it just location on a deck?

 

Thanks,

 

Ruth

I think the suggested show up time is an effort to reduce the lines, but waiting in the airport (for example) or waiting to board is still waiting, and waiting in line to board will get you on sooner in most cases.

We were behind the youth center on our recent Alaska cruise. only once or twice did we see a group of kids in the hallway and they were polite and quiet. I wouldn't worry about it.

We had dinner with a lady on the Ruby who said she was doing this because it is less expensive and a whole lot more fun than a retirement home. She said she did the b2b2b2b's, and that she didn't like to change ships because the crew become your friends and it's hard to start over.

Yes it's hearsay, so take for what it's worth:)

G'day, as you have done we have been into San Pedro a few times and spent pre cruise days in LA area doing the LA, movie stars homes, Venice beach stuff etc. I have just booked the De Bark tour - Long Beach on your own @$49.95 pp. Mainly because apart from looking at Queen Mary, have many hours to fill in on 5 December at LAX before 9.45pm flight on Air NZ to Sydney via Auckland, plus the de bark tour keeps your luggage on the bus from ship to LAX. Air NZ check in does not open until 2pm. We would have access to Star Alliance Lounge at LAX, but not until after check in, security, customs etc.

 

My main issue with this de bark tour is..Special note on the tour notes. 'Passengers must also purchase the Princess Airport Transfer in addition to this tour.' !! This seems odd to me when one is paying Princess for the transport to Long Beach and one would of thought transport later from LB to LAX. Do you recollect if you paid extra for a transfer on top of the Debark Tour cost?

 

Thanks to all for advice so far.

We only paid the price of the tour, LAX was included.

You do have to pay to get into the aquarium (it was just opening when we got there).

After having taken the ships excursion to Long Beach, sitting at LAX with a good book doesn't sound so bad to me. The excursion was little more than killing time.

Sorry, duplicate

We were in cabins C535 and C601 on the Ruby, there is a fire door in the hallway between them, but we had our divider open - And latched open.

We tried our first suite on our recent Alaska cruise. The part I liked the best was breakfast in Sabatini's, the rest of the perks you could pay for and come out ahead with a mini. We got a once in a lifetime price on the suite, and for that price I would certainly do it again.

All considered, I think you made the rite choice.

how much was the Princess transfer, we were going to take the skytrain but if the timing and price is right your way sounds easier.

You'll pay more for the transfer, but it was well worth it to us.

What time?

It was about 11:45+-

We boarded the Island at Canada Place on 8/3, and it was the quickest embark we've ever had. From stepping off the bus to entering our cabin couldn't have been 30 minutes (and our bags were already there). We had priority boarding, but the regular lines seemed short. I think we were the only ship.

I'm the OP, and the reason I started this thread is that I had never heard of the soot issue on the Island. As someone else said, it could be that due to tight quarters the ship couldn't maneuver to blow the stacks. Just a heads up for those considering an aft balcony and want to use it, make it a covered one.

Thanks for the heads up about the soot. We will be in an aft suite on an upcoming Island cruise. Did you notice any excessive vibratrion in your cabin?

We were there 8/3/16 and had planned on using the sky train, but when we picked up our bags, the Princess rep was there with a bus ready to leave, so we bought the transfer. You hand your bags over there and they were at our cabin when we got there. It couldn't have been easier.

We just completed a NB Alaska cruise on Island Princess in one of the new aft suites (first time in a suite). For the most part we enjoyed it, but found that we couldn't use the balcony due to the soot. I discovered it by sitting in one of the chairs and then leaving my mark on the inside furniture and carpet. Our balcony was uncovered (A729), I spoke to the people in the covered balcony below us and they didn't have the problem.

The free laundry perk took care of the dirty clothes.

For the right price I may book another suite, but it won't be an aft one.

I've gotten used to the starboard side, and when we booked one on the port side, I found myself getting turned around quite regularly. :) But other than that I don't think it makes any difference, you can always go on deck to see what you would have missed, and there's always something.

Thank you all for your input, and thanks to BigGuy25 for the menu. We have a free specialty restrant dinner the first nite and need to make a choice. It looks like we have a winner!

Does the Bayou cafe on the Island compare with Crown grill on other ships?

We were on the Ruby earlier this year and were really impressed with Grown grill. We're leaving on Island on the 3rd and hope to have a similar experience.

We did the Panama Canal on the Island just before her refit, and like you, we decided to see for ourselves how she is now, partly because we got a really good deal on an Alaska cruise. Island and Coral have been our favorite ships to date.

At least we'll be cruising.:)

To me, it would depend on where you pick up the car. If in Whittier, I would suggest a drive to Seward, or Cooper Landing. Along the way there are stops at Portage glacier, a near by fish viewing platform, an Alaska wildlife center, Alyeska resort and tram, sheep and possibly Beluga whales along the Turnagin arm to Anchorage.

That is a beautiful drive and would surely use up the day, you may have to leave parts out to squeeze it in. :)

I don't remember what time our sail away was for Panama canal, but it was getting dark when we passed the last channel marker. Twenty miles from there to Santa Catalina, starboard side.

It'll be getting dark by the time you clear the harbor, but there is a battle ship on your starboard side just after you clear the dock.

I don't dress for formal nite, and don't use the MD then ether. I do find it ridiculous that what I wear can have any effect on some strangers evening!

That's the Alaska Railroad though, not White Pass.

The effect would be the same if the op has to use it, even on a bus.