scrotser

Highly recommend!  We did this excursion 2 years ago on the Spirit, and have it booked again for our cruise this summer.  You will see the glacier off in the distance from the ship, but this excursion gets you much closer!  Lots of seals around the base of the glacier, fantastic experience with glacier calving. Gorgeous views of waterfalls.  We also saw mountain goats, and got up close and personal with humpbacks (better than our whale watching excursion!) on our excursion.

I've been watching it closely too, as we leave July 11th.  Try to find a site that tells you not only the chance of precipitation, but how much to expect.  There are lots out there, but I've been looking at this 14 day: https://www.theweathernetwork.com/us/14-day-weather-trend/alaska/juneau?from7day=1

Days range from 1 inch to trace, so that at least gives an idea of drizzle or downpour. 🙂  Looks like it will be fairly cool for us!

20 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

Galveston exists

Hey now!  Galveston often has dolphins.  That's cool! 🙂 (And it's driving distance...)

Awesome!  We'll be on her in 3 weeks!  Can't wait!

Having cruised both CCL and RCCL, I think we prefer CCL.  We really enjoy the comedy club, and generally like the food better on CCL (Guys and Blue Iguana).  Otherwise, we find them fairly equal.  RCCL tends to be a bit higher priced, but I would not agree that the passengers are any better / different.  I think THAT changes more due to itinerary / cruise length.

We NORMALLY pick the earliest we can get, because we are ready to start vacation!  🙂  That said, we normally arrive the night before.  You make very valid points for picking a later arrival time, and if I were in your shoes, I'd likely do it.  Do you want to stress yourself (trying to rush to port early) for just a few extra hours time?  Take it easy and don't start your vacation stressed.  Just my opinion!   Enjoy your trip. 🙂 

The Spirit class (which the Spirit and Legends are part of) seems to be a favorite of many!  I've not sailed any of them yet, but have an upcoming July cruise on the Spirit.  Excited to try it!

I will say that my 15 year old son prefers the pullman to the sofa bed, as he found the pullman mattress more comfortable.

2 hours ago, land64shark said:

Same! We sail July 13. Can't wait, but getting really concerned about these spiking Covid numbers onboard the ships...

 

We’ll be on her with you.  Bit concerned as well!

We've sailed on 2 of the conquest class ship and enjoyed them, but looking forward to trying the Spirit in Alaska (July) and the Dream next spring!  Sounds like those 3 classes are the favorites.

It's been awhile, but I don't remember being impressed with the fantasy class (Elation).

48 minutes ago, staceyglow said:

The ships carry Truly hard seltzers.  They have very low carbs.  That's my go-to drink when I am trying to cut carbs.

That's fantastic to know!  Thank you!  I will be on the lookout for those for sure.

13 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

I am not diabetic but I do a ketogenic diet which is essentially a zero carb diet. I drink water. As far as flavored drinks every once in a while I'll drink a diet pepsi onboard. My wife will usually bring on a case of diet ginger ale.

I mostly drink water and iced tea, and rarely drink alcohol, but on vacation I'd like to have a fun drink or two! 🙂  I dislike most diet sodas, so not what I'd want to mix a drink with.  I know that hard liquor like rum or vodka is carb free, but I'm not one to drink either of those straight.  I did find some interesting looking sugar free powdered drink mixes at Amazon that I might try.  Margaritaville makes them with these flavors: pina colada, strawberry daiquiri, and margarita. Mix with a bottle of water and add a shot of rum or vodka.... should be a low carb option.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WQEB2BE/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

16 minutes ago, mz-s said:

"Carnival’s  Liquor and Beverage Policy states that guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles."

 

https://www.carnival.com/help

 

Seems pretty simple cut and dry to me 🤷‍♂️

Pretty sure I stated as much!  I understand I won't be able to bring them on.  I just want to know what other diabetics drink and wonder why the ship has so few other options if they don't allow us to bring our own.

Am I correct that I will not be allowed to bring on my own sugar free drink mixers?  I love Bai coconut (add some rum) or Clear America makes a mint mojito sugar free water (also add some rum).  Both only come in a bottle.  I don't really care for diet sodas or club soda.  Why do they seem to have little to no sugar free mixers onboard???  What do other diabetics drink?

10 hours ago, firstjourney said:

Thank you Wanna_Cruize for the welcome! When I booked I did purchase both Taku Lodge/Seaplane and White Pass Summit train. In Ketchikan I plan to hike Lunch Creek and/or Ward Creek trails, either myself or possibly with a local guide. I'm not sure if we can ask about specific local tour guides, but I'm wondering if anyone has any info on Wild Wolf Tours?

If you haven't been yet, I suggest you go over to the Alaska boards.  You'll get more specific information there on questions concerning tours.  We'll be on the Spirit mid July, doing the same cruise! Can't wait!

10 hours ago, _rusty_shackleford said:

When do you need to know by? We're sailing on 1 June. I can let you know when we go if no one else does before then.

That would be great!  Thank you!

10 hours ago, _rusty_shackleford said:

 

In the beforetimes I seem to recall seeing this menu on other ships but I'm about 50.000001% sure it was an extra cost if that matters.

Yeah, I'm good with that.  Just looked like some interesting items to try.

According to this, they serve snacks, however other things online contradict this.  Anyone been on recently that knows for sure?  https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4252/~/for-your-eating-pleasure...

The menu looks fun!

https://www.carnival.com/-/media/images/explore/fun-activities/menus/redfrog-pub-brewery-menu.pdf

How were the salmon tots?  I saw lots of things on that menu that sounded good!

Can't wait to hear all about your ports!  I'm living vicariously through your cruise until ours in July. 🙂

So glad you posted!  I've been waiting for an update! 🙂

I don't think getting a great rate from the casino means you are obligated to spend a ton in the casino.  I got a FANTASTIC Alaskan cruise rate (casino rate) and don't gamble that much.  Like, $20 a day.  Take the cruise, gamble less, spend more on excursions.  Just my 2 cents!

I think you can call the Carnival reservation line and ask.  I know when I called to upgrade our room, they said "oh!  You have a casino rate, I'll have to transfer you over to them." (I didn't know I had one.)

Thank you so much for posting this!!

This place is in Ketchikan, and has items crafted by Alaskans (including whale tale jewelry).  This is where I will be shopping!  Great prices too.  https://fishcreekalaska.com/

I know the feeling.  I watched and watched, only to see prices go up and up.  High prices together with horrible flight times (redeye flights were over $600 PP RT!).  Finally split my trip up with over night stops in Vegas (I have rewards for free hotel nights).  Gave me a bit cheaper flights, but more importantly, better flight times!  Crazy the hoops we jump through...  Our flights cost more than our 8 night Alaskan cruise in a balcony (granted, we got a crazy good deal on that) WITH gratuities!