purplemusik

I can only tell you by what my Grandmother told me ( and why we booked the balcony ) as I haven't gone yet ( next weeeeek!!! ) but...she said it was VERY VERY cold in glacier bay and packed out on the decks. At times you couldn't get as good of a view on deck and didn't want to stay out long because of how cold it was. She said when they got a balcony, they could sit out on the balcony with sweaters and blankets-drink hot choc/coffee and have amazing- personal views. And when they needed a bathroom or to get warm for a moment- they went in and went right back out without the walk or hassle.

Thanks for the intro but I'm well aware of who you are because I ADORE your reviews! Keep it coming! BTW: I have a feeling you're going to make me miss the Dream!

Yes, I'm one of THOSE people- a FTTF question. I tried to look for it and couldn't find it. I've purchased ( and loved ! ) FTTF in the past however, with my new booking, the website is different and I just wanted to make sure it was the same as before. Right now, under activities it's not even showing FTTF as an "excursion" whereas before...it would list it but say it was sold out. I'm assuming this means there aren't any available at this time? Or is it in a different area now? Thanks so much!

Thanks guys! It was one of my fav cruises!

LOVE your blog!

Some More Yukon Bridge Photos

 

 

 

 

Our Tablemates and Friends - Angie and Greg Crossing The Bridge.

 

 

 

This cracked me up because I immediately thought, I wonder which ones they are- I bet they are the ones in pink and orange and then I realized what you did here! HA!

We loved the Inspiration! Have fun!

If the person the FTTF was under was the one who canceled...that's why they canceled the FTTF offer. She needs to find out who was the one they booked it under.

I think my 3 little ones would be thrilled if they had the activities around the ship and modified then staying in that room all day! This would be a positive for me. I guess it just depends what you are expecting. I'd be concerned if my now one year old would be moving from place to place.

I haven't been on since Feb so I can only tell you of my experience however my family went together ( two cabins ) and we were each able to change our temp in the rooms as much as we wanted!

I will have a 10 year old, so I'm in the same boat.

 

I'm thinking about this tour: http://bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_whale_watching-salmon-combo.htm

 

Whale watching and salmon eating in Juneau.

That one looks interesting too, thanks. I'll have to keep an eye on this one.

I can't tell you about whale watching in Skagway because I didn't do it.

 

I will tell you I've used Orca Enterprises out of Juneaj in the past and I'm going to use them again in July 2015. I know they have some issues with Capt Larry lately, who was the captain of the boat I was on in 2006, but I'm hoping we either get a different captain or he's not drunk when he's driving my boat :eek:! There is another company in Juneau that does whale watching that I have not used and I can't remember the name... I'm sure you could find it in a thread.

 

Happy Planning!

LOL! These prices are fairly good compared to those I've seen. How did you like yours before? Did you have a good experience? I'm assuming so since you are going again- lol. What is happening now with him being drunk?! oy vey! lol

I wanted to do Harv and Marv in Juneau but I'm going with a 9 year old and they won't allow her on SO....is there much of a difference ( whale sighting wise ) in Juneau vs Skagway?

I can't wait....love it so far

:: popcorn out :: I'm ready!

Going to call Carnival and ask them directly....but to be honest, when I called with my other question, about if there would be a naturalist on board, the person had no idea. Then after putting me on hold and asking someone else, she came back and said the answer was "no". "That the CD was the only one who narrated what you would be seeing". And my CC friends here have told me otherwise, so not sure if I can even trust them but I'll give it a shot.

If you read the reviews for Carnival Alaska ones in the Alaska forums- they show pics of the naturalist on board with the times they'd talk about each thing so I KNOW they have them...for SURE. lol

Funny you should mention that.....stayed tuned.....getting one started soon!

I can't wait too...wish I could subscribe in advance!

I was booked on NCL for Alaska next year and just canceled and saved a little over $2000 just on the cruise alone ( same exact ports inlcuding glacier bay - balcony stateroom) and we'll save approx $1500 on airfare by not going into Vancouver. We read up on every Carnival review with Alaska and decided they've never done us wrong and we've always had a great time. I'd rather spend that money experiencing Alaska!

Thanks for your review! I loved it!

The only " bad " cruise I've had ( and I use that lightly because it would take a lot to ruin my vacation ) was the result of my poor planning in picking a room. On the Esctasy we were on the Rivera deck-by the thrusters and right next to a supply area for the crew. Didn't ruin my cruise and I wouldn't call it BAD but I was annoyed with myself with the noise at times.

The other " bad " cruise was on RCL and not because of the ship either- Noro virus all around...need I say more? I barely remember the ship. In fact, I'm not sure if I ever saw the whole ship in 7 days!

Thanks!!!

I have disembarked twice in Seattle. It was by far the easiest port ever! We walked off the ship grabbed our bags and kept walking to customs. We handed them the form and was told have a great day. We had arranged transportation to our hotel so we skipped the taxi line which was long. I will tell you the delay will come at SEATAC. Some of the longest lines we have ever seen. Hubby flies for business a lot. It took over an hour to get thru security. And we were priority/business first with precheck. And this was not cruise related. Both trips we flew two days after we returned to Seattle. So plan accordingly.

 

Luggage express is a great option as you don't have to bother with your luggage until you get to your home airport. Just remember to keep out what you need to get ready on the morning of debark.

 

As to your time line only you know your comfort level. The cab ride to the airport is about 45 mins be safe and allow an hour. You will need about an hour or two just to get checked in and thru security.

 

I wouldn't book anything earlier than noon but that is just me. I don't want to stress after a wonderful vacation.

Great tips! I am also flying into Seattle next year and was wondering the same thing. I don't know why but I wasn't expecting it to be a 45 min cab ride to the airport! lol How much was the cab ride?

Which sailing are you on? I see there are two in May to GB and I'm on one of them! Wasn't sure if you were on mine or the one before mine :)

I've only been on the Dream but we LOVED it. See review below!

We booked Carnival for Alaska for next year. Everything was the same as the NCL we had previously booked but when we realized we could save a little over $2000 by going with Carnival- we changed! We've done a few on Carnival and have always loved it so why not? I'm also looking for any reviews on Carnival so I'll be watching this! lol