Casey12

I would do Tracy Arm in a small boat in a heart beat. It is fantastic.

I would say yes, it is important to get into the Yukon and to understand the Gold Rush story. If you do it via bus or train or combo - it is worth it and really what this port stop is for. It doesn't have to take up the entire day as the train ride is only a small part of the trip. I don't know anyone who regrets it.

You won't miss the ship. Lots of people do this. Great excursion.

I would still try to do excursions to get out of town. I enjoy dinner in ports but you should do excursions to see Alaska. There are plenty of local art shops amongst the other shops. No Uber.

Another vote for 26 Glacier Tour. This area of the world is so beautiful with their glaciers. There are only a few other places where you can see so many glaciers so close to each other. Take it in. Going to Anchorage is not as exciting. Anchorage is a city.

We have had mixed issues with large groups. Almost always venues are closed during the day. They maybe lounges and bars that are not frequented often but I like to go because they are quiet. They may take over dining rooms. I remember once at breakfast in the dining room -- all of a sudden they started making presentations to awards over the microphone. Everyone heard all the awards of the top selling individuals in the general dining room. I have been on tours where 90% of the people on my tour were with this group and they all knew each other. I felt like an outsider. Some groups are very pleasant and others are incredibly annoying. I would be less worried about an Irish singers group or medical convention over some other groups.

There is more to do in Seward. The boat rides here are exceptional and are the highlights for me. On our last trip there, we spent 3 days out on the water. We love the hike to Exit Glacier, seeing Seavey's Iditaride, Sealife museum. It is just a beautiful small town with so much to do. A hidden gem that most people miss who go right from ship to airport. We did not have a car when in Seward and it was not an issue. There really isn't much to see in Anchorage. We ate some nice meals there and enjoyed the Ulu factory but otherwise - it is a city and not really a tourist destination.

I have been to Alaska probably 20x. This was my least favorite excursion of any port in Alaska. There really is no scenery that you get that you don't get when you sail into Alaska.

If anyone has ever had decent prime rib - they would realize Princess does an awful job. It is not even a 50/50% chance it will be good. It is just plain awful.

Here is the deal as someone who has done probably 25 cruises to Alaska. Older and smaller are better! They will get you to more scenic spots - large ships can't go these routes. Coral Princess was great in Alaska but I don't think that is an option. I agree with those who say Sapphire Princess. She has a covered pool, large promenade deck for covered viewing, large viewing areas. Remember -you are going here to see Alaska. The newer ships have very limited viewing. The balconies on Sapphire Princess are pretty good size compared to the newer ships. Disregard the recent bad reviews - she just came back after not operating since 2020. She is due for dry dock and it will work itself out. There were similar reports about every ship that came back after not sailing. I would not go on NCL and would not do a newer Princess ship to Alaska. Holland America has some good ships also and they are smaller in size. Others are posting preferences based on larger buffets. Who cares - it is Alaska you want to see.