GaryWT

As many are saying they mostly start on smaller ships and the good ones get promoted to the bigger, newer ships. Those that you don’t see much need to learn to be seen or plan on staying where they are. That said, we have been on cruises where everyone says the ship has the best CD in the business and we did not like them at all. Part of it is when they starting believing they are the best it is no fun to listen to them as they are mostly conceded.

Hi, looking at booking a Caribbean cruise and Carnival lists some balconies as Cove Balconies and further states they are on deck 2. Seems a little low for a balcony so looking to see what the actual setup is. Who has had these? Sounds like you could get wet. I have had ocean view at that level and feel the windows get wet. Just got off a cruise with NCL and we were on the 14th floor. Anyway look forward to hearing about these. Thanks

We first heard 60% and the 30% and then just under 50%. I think the just under 50% is about right. We never experienced lines or waits to get into restaurants. Kinky Boots first show was totally full and the comedians filled the comedy club but that was all we noticed.

Ketchikan was good. We did the trolley tour which showed the town and an Indian village with totem poles. Saw them making one. There was a nice store on the pier.

Skagway port has been closed and could possible be closed next year as well. The government is still trying to figure out how to fix the rock slide and until fixed no ships are allowed in.

We had booked the afternoon but it was cancelled as was the port. Talk is Skagway might miss all of 2023 but I hope they get it fixed for you.

Was just at all 3 ports. On Norwegian we’re were parked at all the outer ports so took the free shuttle to town. Ketchikan and a golf cart shuttle to get from the boat to the bus shuttles.

We originally had planned to go to Mendenhall but somehow we ended up not booking.

She was embarrassed because it was so bad. Most of the music was fine but the entire performance was so confusing we had no clue as to what was going on. The long monologues put us to sleep.

It was so bad that she was embarrassed to bring us there. If she had know we would have skipped it.

If we ever come back we would probably do a northern or southern passage.

The Beatles are awesome, Skagway is closed, told probably until 2024, Ketchikan tomorrow we have a trolley tour, our tour in Victoria was just canceled. 2 night in specialty restaurants came with the cruise and Cagney and Le Bistro were excellent.

So Royal and Carnival are past cruises. We liked Royal and later cruised Carnival and liked the food better than Royal. First NCL cruise. Maybe if Choir of Men just sang it would have been good but with 5-10 minutes of jibberish between songs it got old fast. Leaving the theater my wife was embarrassed she had all of go to the show.

Yes we have not enjoyed it as much as Caribbean cruises. My wife would much prefer sitting on a beach or poolside vs sitting inside a lounge all day. So 7 nights, unfortunately Skagway is closed until further notice. Sitka was raining all day, Juneau was just ok but we just went into town. Glacier Bay was awesome today, worth the price of admission. Basically we do no see any reason to return.

There was nothing on the entire menu she was willing to order so we went to The Local which was good.

Just a few mid cruise notes, first time on NCL. Beatles Invasion is amazing, most lounge singers are excellent. Choir of Men was the worst show I have ever seen on land or see, just horrible, can’t believe they pay them. Food at Le Bistro and Cagney was excellent, other food is totally lacking. First the choices are bad, everything has extra stuff dumped on it. One night 3 of 4 ordered from the every night menu, the steak could not be cut it was so tough and the fried flounder cam with an entire salad on top of it. One night my wife refused to go to a dining room as the menu was not good. So far Alaska has not been what we hoped but tomorrow is Glacier Bay so we are hopeful. First time with freestyle dining and although not have a set time is nice, the staff does not get to know who you are since you mostly only have someone once. We have yet to meet our room steward but the room gets cleaned. It probably sounds like we are having a miserable time but we are not. Cruising is great, sitting on the balcony is great, sitting listening to music is great, the staff is great, drinks are great, the ship is great. The advances that this ship has compared to previous cruises is amazing. Double sinks in the bathroom, large shower, do not disturb any make up room lights are all wonderful. Alaska will be off our bucket list. Will do a review when it is over.

It definitely sounds better when booking. You do get the $50 off each excursion so it can add up to be $200-250 or so. Most drinks you can get, I have been drinking BBCs, mudslides, spiked lemonade etc. A friend did have to pay a dollar for a drink as it was listed at $16. We did upgrade our wifi as 150 minutes would be gone in no time. The dinners are good as well, we ate in the French restaurant at no cost and are eating at the steakhouse tonight which will be no cost.