Coral

I almost added that the Park Rangers are the ones on the Bridge the day of Glacier Bay but then stopped. The times are listed in the Daily Patter. The Naturalists are often on deck for their own enjoyment that day and are approachable. Though there are several Park Rangers on the ship (from the Bridge to the Table that they setup and they also do talks. Park Rangers are on every ship that sails to Glacier Bay (it is required).

Yes - Princess still has naturalists onboard. Yes - the times are listed often in the Patter or whatever they are calling it now.

It doesn't matter.

I actually like the North Bound. The scenery gets better as you go! You will have a blast -don't worry. Insides are fine. I would rather save the money for excursions. I have had everything from insides to suites and will take any of them in the future.

IMO - no.

Thanks for posting. I sort of have to laugh as I have no doubt this was planned before the Sun Princess debuted. I remember when MUTS came out, on the first week or maybe even the first day, they announced due to the huge success - it will be implemented through out the fleet. I doubt they had enough data that week on stats. Same with Sun Princess. Most of the reviews I have read have been negative though a lot has to do with a ship that was delayed and not all features available yet. I don't know what flexibility they have on the Sun Princess but I doubt passengers have had time to give it a full evaluation or deem that a change in dining across the fleet will be beneficial based on a new ship and an older fleet. Though I have to admit - the current situation of dining does not work well.

I have done B2B on cruises in the same cabin and really don't think one side sees more land.

Which glacier are you going to?

It doesn't matter IMO as it is best to be on deck for viewing. This allows you to move around. I think one side does get more viewing time usually but I am always on deck even when I have a balcony.

There were issues when they built the Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby, etc.... and had the same size dining room as Grand, Golden, Star, Diamond and Sapphire. There simply wasn't enough space in the dining room to accommodate extra passengers. Obviously after COVID, they had a difficult time with staffing.

They could easily have solved their "dining issues" by building larger dining rooms and having more alternative free dining venues that are desirable to pull people away from the dining rooms. Their dining rooms have never been large enough to handle people with reservations. If a table is reserved at 6:15 or 6:30, no one can eat at the table before hand. So it sits empty. Having "dined my way" several times, I have been extremely frustrated with the dining experience.

Large ships can get to Glacier Bay. Large ships can not sail the inside passage. RCCL and Celebrity do not go to Glacier Bay. There is plenty to explore on most ships.

I have only done Princess and RCCL in Alaska. I can only speak on those lines for cruise portions. I believe Princess has more Alaska programming onboard (more speakers, etc...) compared to HAL. Some of them are amazing. HAL has a great reputation in Alaska, I have just only been on their ships in other locations.

Captain Cook is also my favorite. Service is outstanding and the lobby looks very nautical (dark wood, etc....). I agree - this is Alaska and Anchorage can't compare to other hotels in other cities. Though they have their own character and I like that.

Maybe in May. I know several who have tried in June - August and they were unable to. They were sold out. I know it is easy with Princess and HAL to do beforehand. It just takes an agent who knows how.

I bring ear protection and gloves for glacier days. When I sail to Glacier Bay - I am outside all day. It can feel windy on the deck when the ship is moving being outside and it can be quite a bit cooler than port days. I am one that usually doesn't wear a jacket in 40's but I do bring gloves and ear protection to Alaska. I don't bring a winter jacket - just dress in a long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt and a jacket.

Have your agent call the cruise line to see if an upgrade is available. If she doesn't know - she needs to find out. Princess allows people to upgrade. I don't know about RCCL. I vaguely remember some lines would not upgrade individuals or give them a refund if they cancel and then book on their own. I just don't remember which lines and this was before COVID so outdated info.

Usually at 6 am, I see a ton of whales. I have also seen bears early in transit when I am the only person on deck.

It must be due to the limited route on the Tundra Wilderness tour as it was always June 1st before the rockslide. Definitely book it before you arrive through your agent or cruise line (however you book).

What day will you be at Denali? The road generally is not open far in May. June 1 used to be the magic day but with the road closure, it maybe sooner as they are not going as far.

How mobile are your parents? That would make a big difference on size of ship and the Quantum class. Princess has flexible dining - you do not need to eat with others. You can make reservations or walk up. I prefer to make reservations. I personally would choose a ship that goes to Glacier Bay.

I don't have experience with this but I wonder if it is related to how it is booked. If it is a fare code and booked with Plus, I would think not with out change fees. If it is added later via the Cruise Personalizer, I would think you could.

Awesome 🙂

Really? Small world!

It goes to Endicott Arm which is the weakest glacier visit IMO.