pickle11

51 minutes ago, cw2go said:

Celebrity does offer a small boat excursion so RCCL may as well. It will be in your cruise planner since this is only operated through the cruise lines. 

 

Patty 

Which ships?  I'm interested.  What additional highlights are there other than the glacier.  

41 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I've found that true on many of the ships.    I always look in the hallway to see where the router is located on the wall or ceiling and try to get as close as possible in my room.

How much closer can you get?  

Some cruise lines offer tours from the ship.  A catamaran pulls up to the side of the ship at the entrance of Tracy Arm.  People get on.  The tour goes ahead of the ship hitting highlights and looking for wildlife.  Reaches the glacier before the ship and able to close to the glacier.  

But not all cruise ships or itineraries to Tracy/Endicott Arms.  

Now if your cruise ship docks before 7am and leaves after 7pm there is a good chance to book a tour to Tracy Arm in Juneau.  Tour can be between 8 to 10 hours.  I would use this method because the ship actually getting close to viewing and hearing a calving are less than 50%.

As for Hubbard Glacier I have never seen a tour to the glacier from the cruise ship.  No need to.  Ships on average days can get very close.  And I bad days the ship could hit an iceberg.  I was on the NCL Sun last June.

I would say 95% no.  NCL to cheap.  All about money.  They have to pay to receive the signal.   And not just for one ship.  All ships.    American live sports very limited.  Contract with sports24 I think.  

On 10/23/2022 at 7:52 PM, Harry_D said:

 Plus a ship will often back in giving me a great view of the city…

 

I hate the back.  I have mobility problems and it is a long walk to the elevator.   The view you see gets farther and farther away.   And any waterfalls you hope to see while cruising tend to be hidden because of the terrain.  At the glaciers the captains spend more viewing time with starboard and port positions.  Then you see it while leaving.

Which Alaskan cities do you get a great view of the city when backing in?

You will be fine with any Alaskan cruise you take. Alaska will see you many times after the first doing different things.    Happy travels.

8 minutes ago, njsmom said:

Where is a good place to learn specifics about each port? I've read about each one, but it seems that everyone glosses over the details. It's very hard to find out what's real about the ports, at least, enough to say, yes, I want to go to Skagway but not Ketchikan, or I must see Hubbard Glacier but I don't think Tracy Arm is worth the bother. 

A great place for info is here on CC.  Are you a shoot from the hip port walker or are you interested in particular tour activities.  Skagway is about a hour walk.  It is one street.  The main attraction is the train.  First time Alaska cruises are more about tours because the walking tourist areas are relatively small and all the same.  Jewelry shop, restaurant, t-shirt store, salmon and nice views.

The only way to get out of Whittier is tour bus, rental car, train or you know someone to pick you up.  Not really familiar with local shuttles.  But if is a Princess ship and Princess EZ Air I would think that would guarantee your flight.

9 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Spent many years as Captain on our Ro/Pax, but left cruise ships when still a Navigator.

And that person possible has a dream job.  I also like my job but cruising Alaska is my passion.  

4 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

@pickle11, you may not be aware @Heidi13 was an officer (perhaps a Captain?) on cruise ships for a number of years.

And that person has the best seat at all times.  Not all of us to observe Alaska on the bridge.  I would love to just once be on the bridge cruising Glacier Bay.  Been there over 20 times.  But have seen so many wonderful things my way.  Orcas, whales, goats, eagles and bears...OH MY.  But not all at once.  Maybe one or two each trip.  I am giving a solo cruisers perspective.  I think I have some knowledge.  Maybe njsmom will be lucky enough to experience Alaska from the bridge.  Heidi13 knows popluar areas, but if you have to wait for an announcement from the naturalist for that kodak moment, you probably are to late. Some is already in front of you.

But not on the bridge.

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Having spent more time cruising Alaska than most, I respectfully disagree. Yes, Alaska is all about the itinerary, but it is also key to have a ship with great spots to observe the scenery. The OP asked about "Observation Decks", which I consider a very valid question, as not all ships are equal. Many of today's mega ships have special areas requiring an additional fee in the best viewing areas. Many, such as the "Royal" Class don't have Promenade Decks.

 

Personally, having spent most of my time in Alaska on the Bridge, I look for ships that have fwd observation decks unencumbered with glass. The Viking ships have an excellent fwd observation deck on Dk 7. Although the Island/Coral are no longer in Alaska, they had excellent decks below the Bridge, which were great for viewing, but the top deck had blue glass all across the fwd end. Some of the "Grand" Class ships also had a huge bridge wing to bridge wing observation deck atop the Bridge, which had impressive views.

We all cruise Alaska differently.  I'm a solo cruiser.  I was only able to get four weeks in this year.  Usually do six to eight weeks in Alaska on various cruise lines.  I have been to Alaska probably as many times as you.  Just get me one the ship.   In all my cruises I have spent maybe eight hours viewing Alaska in the inside observation areas.  I find that these areas are very crowded during peak viewing times.  And like pool loungers you better get there early and put your towel down.  You will find me 100% of the time outside in areas that are user friendly near food and drink.  I am a ping pong ball.  Back and forth.  But if you are that sit down, drink wine for an hour type I guess inside observation area is important.  Even in rain I will outside somewhere (with my beer) under covering and just absorbing it all as much as possible.  I still encounter something new on each cruise.  I was on the NCL iceberg cruise this season.  Now that was different.

51 minutes ago, Italy52 said:

One thing to be aware of is that in Ketchikan Ward Cove is not right in town --- you have to take a bus from Ward Cove to get into downtown Ketchikan.  That is definitely not a plus in my book.  I have seen as well as heard a lot of grumbling from NCL passengers that have to use Ward Cove.  If considering NCL, I would definitely go to their board and ask around about your itinerary and get their comments. 

I will take Hubbard and Glacier Bay with Ward Cove over any cruise that has only one glacier (unless Icy Strait is a port stop).  And now with a full season at Ward Cove I hope NCL will work out most of the kinks.  I think covid made it worse because of restrictions and finding people to work.   And Ketchikan is just another Alaskan cruise stop.  Nothing really special to do there that you can do at any another port Alaskan port.  Unless you go to the Aslyum bar eat next door at the Burger Queen.  Great food and cheapest draft beers in Alaska.

On 10/12/2022 at 8:47 PM, Heidi13 said:

 

Determining if Glacier Bay is a "must-see" is highly subjective and depends on what you want to experience in Alaska.

 

I completed 2 full seasons cruising to Alaska, plus numerous additional cruises as a pax, so I've been to all the glaciers. With respect to Glacier Bay, I've lost count at the number of times I've been in the Bay - well over a couple of dozen. Even with that number of visits, I'm still one of the first pax out on deck for the sail-in.

 

Does Glacier Bay have the most impressive glacier - in my experience and opinion No. However, regardless of the weather - rain, wind, fog, etc. I have never missed getting into Glacier Bay and seeing at least 1 glacier. In addition, the Park Rangers provide exceptional commentary and even having heard it many times, I often pick up new information. You also have multiple sightings of wildlife. On a bright sunny day, Glacier Bay is a spectacular experience. On a cold, wet and windy day, it is still impressive, as the ship is almost guaranteed to see a glacier.

 

Hubbard is the largest and, in my opinion, the most impressive glacier. However, the entrance channel can be icebound, preventing the ship from sailing up to the glacier. I have missed Hubbard Glacier a few times.

 

Tracy Arm is spectacular scenic cruising, especially if the ship navigates down to the glacier. However, even getting into Tracy Arm can be challenging. Of all my cruises to Alaska, I have only been on one, that made it down to the glacier. Most couldn't even enter the Arm. 

I 100% agree.  But it takes many cruises to get that Kodak moment.  Weather plays a big part in glacier viewing.  If you want a guaranteed glacier you must go with a Glacier Bay cruise.  And there is always chances to see wildlife because the captains know the route well and tend to try to hug the shore (weather permitting).

You may also want to look at NCL Jewel northbound.  Good port times and goes to both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

As far as Alaska goes it is not about observation areas but itinerary.  Do you want to look through glass or go outside for viewing?  And what about rain drops on the windows?  It is Alaska after all.   My choice is the Queen Elizabeth.  Goes to Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm.   When it comes to Alaska it is "All about the Benjamins".  The more you spend the more you get.  Or you can do the NCL Jewel which on a b2b goes to the same glaciers for a lot less.

Here we go again.  Every two weeks.   NO

Why are Princess and HAL the "experts" in Alaska?  Do they go to different ports?    Do they take different routes?  Carnival, RCL, NCL, Celebrity and Disney do Alaska too.  I have cruised Alaska on all of these cruise lines.  Cruised Alaska many many times.  The cruises that stand out are the ones that visit Glacier Bay and Hoonah (Icy Strait).  

Oh Yeah.  I was on the Iceberg cruise on the Sun in June.  And that was a fun cruise too.

Once again NCL can do anything they want at any time (read the fine print).  Apply policies sometimes and sometimes not.  Have had shareholder benefit denied a few times for various reasons.  And then again approved with the same various reasons.   It all depends on who ends up with the paperwork.

8 minutes ago, njsmom said:

Alaska because we're not really beach people, and we'll have just done the Caribbean anyway in December with our son, who is a beach person. He won't be with us for this one. I absolutely loved Alaska when I went there in 1999 for three weeks and I'd love to show it to my husband. The wildlife, the scenery, the culture. It was simply breathtaking and amazing. I want to see things on sea days if possible. I don't need announcements. I like tours, I like shopping. I am not into big entertainment on ships, but I'll go if it's there a couple of times per cruise. 

 

We like to get a drink, sit on our balcony or a deck, enjoy the view, talk, meet other passengers, relax. That's our vibe. We're in our early 50's, and we like to enjoy ourselves in a low key way. We are physically fit, we like to hike, do tours, explore a new area, etc. 

Then you will like Alaska.  Do not get caught up with the ships inside activities.  Nothing different from any other cruise line.  A show is a show.  A comic is a comic.  And the Beatles well it just could be the best of Neil Diamond.  Music is music.  Alaska is the show.  Have good binoculars.  So much sunlight.  Get your drink and watch paint dry.  Find that needle in the haystack.  There is no right place, just the lucky place.  And you can always do tours to get that Kodak moment.  Dog sledding, glacier walking, whale and bear watching.  It all depends how much extra you are willing to spend.

But NCL gets the worst parking places.  Ward Cove, Juneau and Icy strait are not very user friendly in my opinion.  Usually have to wait for a shuttle.  I have mobility problems.  

Can you wear headphones or are ear plugs more acceptable in the dining room?

2 hours ago, njsmom said:

Has anyone sailed on an NCL ship to Alaska and, if so, how was your experience? I worry that the ships are too large to really get close to the glaciers. I did a one-day glacier cruise many years ago on a small boat and we were so close and it was so beautiful. I think it was even offered as an excursion to Princess passengers at the time (I was on a land vacation.) 

 

What is it like to cruise on NCL to Alaska and which port is best?

Why Alaska?  What expectations do you have?  So many places so many things so much wildlife.  And the weather can change sometimes.  Are you a tour person or one that likes shopping?  Do you like adventure?  Do you expect to see something on sea days?  Are you patient or expect some type of announcement?  Different strokes for different folks.  I have been going to Alaska every season since 2013 and still see something new each time.

So NCL has made policy changes because of CC.  Lets go complainers.  Voice your opinion.

The internet is really important to you.  First 300 minutes and now 400 minutes.  Maybe if you get enough positive responses NCL will change the policy.  Good luck.  I do not understand.  Why not ask NCL the question (and not getting the answer you want) instead of trying to get complaints on CC about the policy.  NCL can do anything it wants at anytime.  It is what it is.

18 hours ago, LuAnn said:

I live in SD too and I SO agree!!! Can't understand why Celebrity doesn't use our port instead of LA...so much easier to get to for the passengers!! 

It's all about the $$$$$

Coke or Pepsi.  All about preference.  You have to try to compare for yourself.  You will only get positive responses here. Try this topic on the RCI board.