jdm

We were also on this sailing.  Had a great time and think Celebrity did a super job.  Had fixed seating and they did a great job accommodating the 12 of us at one big table. Food was very good.  Two of the grandkids (ages 6 &7) each had two servings of Escargot every night! 

Lots of good memories were made being with our children and grandchildren celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.  Since it is next to impossible to have our whole family together at the same time because we live in different parts of the United States, my only request of my family was to have photos taken of our entire family  at the ship's studio.  The studio photographer did a great job making us all look good and it was a fun experience.  

Since it was very hot and humid Celebrity provided us with iced towels upon entering the dock area of the ship while in Bermuda.  This was very much appreciated!

Just returned from the Summit cruise and in our group of twelve we all thought the food in the MDR late seating was excellent.  We are seasoned cruisers (+45 cruises) and have also been on a few upscale ships.  We thought the food competed with those ships.  The only area where we thought the food lacked was the breakfast room service.  After two days, we simply went to the main dining room.  Some in our group went to Qsine and they really thought the food was better in the MDR and they are very much foodie people.  We did go to the Concierge lunch on the day of embarkation and I personally found the salmon to be very good.  Since there have been so many negative reviews, I was expecting simply ok food, but was more than pleasantly surprised. The Summit exceeded our expectations.

14 hours ago, Aralim said:

 

Wait, what?? If that's the case, I don't see how my 12-top table request is going to be satisfied. I'm in late-seating traditional, and as best I can tell all the large tables are in the lower level.

 

I've got to say, that sounds completely backwards from my experience on other ships. I've always seen / had traditional seating in the lower level where they can accommodate large groups / tables, and upper levels were always My Time / Anytime / etc dining since 9 times out of 10 it's smaller groups of no more than 4.

We also have requested a table for twelve, late fixed seating, for our family cruise (celebrating our 50th anniversary) end of July. I am told by travel agent we are confirmed.  I am going to ask my agent to check on location of the table. 

You will love being in paradise.  As a fellow dog lover, I was so saddened in the back areas of Papettee to see so many stray dogs, super skinny just lying in the roads.  In hindsight I wish I had taken a small baggie of dry dog food to give them some nourishment, especially those that were nursing.  They come right up to you when you get out of the car.  Our spoiled 14 1/2 year old german shorthaired pointer and our cat don't have a clue how spoiled they are. 

Enjoy your  cruise!

Several years ago we applied for a permit to visit McNeil River Falls in Katmai National Park. It is the premier bear viewing experience. We did this pre-cruise for several days. Very primitive camping (we rented gear) walking several miles daily to view the bears in their natural habitat. No barriers on the pad we sat at all day and viewed the bears at the falls. BEST EXPERIENCE EVER.. Check out Bear viewing/McNeil River Falls/Katmai National Park. Only ten people are allowed per day and you must have obtained a permit from the lottery system. This can only be done with several days land time and takes quite a bit of organizing to get to McNeil River Falls BUT WORTH IT. I realize original poster will not be doing a land tour, but felt the information might be helpful for others who are adventuresome.

Regarding finding information about the smaller ships ---most are not listed in the regular information sites on Cruise Critic. We loved the Alaskan Dream and found it by doing a google search of Alaskan Dream Cruises. I am sure the same can be done for the other small boats.

Posted previously that they were a great company that we used last April to get from Houston/Hobby to hotel in Galveston and then next day to the ship. Very personalized service. He even stopped at a liquor store for us to buy some wine to take on board. Very professional. You will be contacted a few days before your trip to confirm everything. Highly recommend Emanuel.

We used them also the same week however we were on Liberty of the Seas. Nothing but positive dealings with Emanuel. Everything that original poster mentioned happened to us also. We would definitely use this service again.

We used this service last week when we were on Liberty of the Seas. Emanual was fantastic. He always called to confirm where we were upon arrival to Hobby airport. He was prompt and courteous. He even stopped at a liquor store on the way to Galveston so we could buy wine to take on board. He dropped us off at a hotel in Galveston day before cruise. Next day he was promptly back at our hotel to take us to the pier. Upon our return last Sunday, he called me Sunday morning to verify when we would be departing the ship. I would highly recommend his prompt, courteous, and reliable service.

Oceania is a great cruise line IF ALL GOES AS PLANNED! We were on a Caribbean cruise on the Riveria in February 2016. We should have known something was happening when each person was handed a sealed pen to fill out the forms before boarding. Apparently the noro-virus was on board the previous cruise. Boarding was delayed and rooms not ready for quite awhile. This happens but three or four days into the 10 day cruise everything went south. Could not use library, art or cooking classes, and couldn't even get off the ship in St Maarten until checked by local disease control. Number of norovirus cases increased and the ship cut short the cruise by two days, sprinting back to Miami to get us off ship asap. The stop in Nassau was cancelled because they would not allow the ship to dock with the norovirus. While this was occurring, if you were eating in their cafeteria we witnessed a group of employees placing chairs and tables close to us in large plastic bags (apparently someone got sick there). Things became progressively worse. Those cabins that had noro were sealed with tape so occupants could not leave until cleared by doctor. Food was delivered to them on paper plates and these plates were placed in sealed plastic bags. I can understand that, but NO WHERE was the Captain and other oifficers to be seen. the staff was overworked because each time you wanted to sit down someplace, the table had to be sanitized with some goop and you had to wait several minutes. The hallways were fogged with some stuff during the night and cabins, elevators had this dripping stuff on the walls. When we arrived in Miami, upon going down to retrieve our luggage, the personnel were in hazemat clothes! Disappointed in the lack of concern that Oceania provided to the people on this particular cruise. We were put up in a hotel (no dinner or lunch provided) until our flight back home. Luckily we did not get sick. This particular sailing should never have occurred knowing there was the norovirus on its previous sailing. Trying to speak with the staff etc. was frustrating to say the least. I will never go on this cruise line again. Interestingly, I used to receive cruise literature from them weekly, but after this cruise from he-- all information stopped. I have been on ships with norovirus before, but not to this extent. THE WAY THIS WAS HANDLED BY OCEANIA CRUISE LINE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING. Again, I have been on the Oceania Riveria another time previously and everything was wonderful and we were impressed. Completely opposite on the February 2016 sailing. They just did not know what to do in the situation and the officers found it easiest to simply hide.

We were on the Chicagof last year and on the Alaskan Dream in June of this year. The company owned by Allen Marine headquartered in Sitka Alaska has beyond exceptional customer service. The food is fantastic. The experience is above top notch. It is a totally different experience from the large cruise ships (I have been on many). I do enjoy the large ships, but for Alaska specifically would choose the small ship experience in a heartbeat. Being in places that the large cruise ships cannot enter is wonderful. Being without cell phone, internet, tv is so refreshing. Loved kayaking right off the ship. I could go on and on.

For us the cabin dos not really matter since we don't spend much time in it

We were on the main floor on the Chicagof. Nice cabin which is close to everything. I did not see the larger cabins.

We loved the past cruise on Alaskan Dream. Especially Captain Eric who is so accommodating. Love the open bridge policy especially when viewing the many whales that were so close.

Thank you so much for the input! The prices I've been looking at for the large cruise lines are about $4-6K, is the Alaskan Dream Cruise similar to that price range or closer to double? I looked online and sent them an email, I'm not sure if the pricing for the Alaskan Dream Cruise is per person or per stateroom?

 

Did you ever find yourself bored on the ship? I don't need nonstop action but, I'm not quite sure what to expect with such a small ship. Thanks for your help!

NEVER bored. It depends what you expect from your trip to Alaska. There are lectures after dinner with local natives and park rangers coming on board. The ship stopped for about an hour or more to watch the 10 - 12 humpback whales bubblenetting VERY close to the ship. We went to some small towns without the t-shirt shops/jewelry stores that are owned by non locals. So refreshing. Cost is per person, but includes excursions, wine/beer at lunch and dinner. Rain gear (coat/boots/pants). The crew are Americans, even a Tlingit was part of the crew. They pick you up at airport and transport you to hotel/ship. Again,deciding which type of ship depends on what you want to learn from your trip to Alaska. I was on one of the big ships in April in Caribbean where the ship is important to me. For Alaska, the destination is what is important for me. Alaskan Dream Cruises is owned by Allen Marine, the company that provides so many of the day trips for the cruise lines. No excursions need to be booked. Realize what the age demographics are and what your needs/desires are while on vacation to make a decision. NOT a party cruise

I was on the Alaskan Dream in early June this year. Having done many many cruises on the big ships (six to Alaska alone) and I do enjoy them, but Alaskan Dream Cruises is so very different and adventuresome for seeing the Inside Passage. It is very personalized and getting into the small coves and other areas that the big ships do not is wonderful. Since it is a small ship (we had just 38 passengers), we could get right up to the wildlife and almost under the waterfalls. The food is excellent and atmosphere is casual. Ages of fellow passengers is mostly over 55 and appeared to be interested in the culture and wildlife of Alaska. Most were very active people interested in adventure. Heck, we had one passenger who was about 85 who had no problem getting into a kayak! On the Alaskan Dream we did kayak right off the ship several times in very quiet serene coves. No cell phones, computers, TV ----What a joy! Alaskan Dream Cruises is owned by Alaskans who know how to show you Alaska. LOVED IT

We loved our DIY land portion. Staying at B&Bs were great. The owners provided so much valuable information. Planning for 2017 as a DIY might be difficult since most places will be fully booked by now. Be sure you have lodging reservations wherever you drive.

I am bringing collapsible Easter baskets and plastic candy filled eggs to hide in the cabin my grandkids will be in when we travel this Easter. Did it two years ago and the grandkids loved it! Making fun memories - they grow up so fast.

We were on two of Alaskan Dream Cruise ships early last September. We had no need for air conditioning so never considered if they had it. If I were you I would call them directly. Great cruise. Best way to see Alaska's inside passage and get to out of the way places. Casual atmosphere and crew is fantastic. Going again this June. I would be surprised if it is not sold out for this coming summer season. When I booked for the cruise last year, I could only get on the September cruise. Summer was sold out and I was searching to book early in 2016! Good luck. Amazing experience.

In Sitka, a great place for the best mojito ever is at the bar/restaurant in the Westmark hotel. Local legend Ramone works there and supposedly the "Ramone" in the movie, The Proposal, was based on his over the top personality. If you have seen the movie, you know the character. It is claimed that before the movie was made, the film crew/producers etc. stayed in Sitka for quite awhile to get a feel of the local people. They stayed at this hotel. Although because of logistics etc. the movie was not filmed there, though it is supposed to be in Sitka. The food was very good in this restaurant also. Believe Ramone starts after 2PM. We will visit him again when we are in Sitka after our cruise on Alaskan Dream cruises in June.

We have cruised Alaska six times and have been on MANY wonderful cruises throughout the world on the large ships which we do enjoy, however NONE of the large ships can compare to the experience of a small boat which goes into remote areas where you get the feel of the real Alaska, see much wildlife and get to be up close to the glaciers. We recently cruised with Alaskan Dream Cruises ,just 40 passengers, which is owned by local Alaskans who are so commited to customer satisfaction. The experience and customer service was the best after cruising more than 35 times on large ships. No comparison. So much so we are going again next summer. Large ships are great when you wish to party at night, dress up etc. - but in Alaska for us it is all about the scenery and wildlife. and learning about the culture. We got up very close to glaciers in Glacier Bay and Sawyer glacier. Did kayaking from the boat so we could almost touch the icebergs! In the past we never thought of doing a small ship, never heard of Alaskan Dream Cruises and we are so glad we discovered a real Alaskan experience. Just my two cents.

Will be leaving for Alaska Sept 5 - 15. Sixth time there. Not on a big ship this cruise, but trying something totally different - an expedition cruise (Alaskan Dream cruises)with just 40 passengers so we can get close to wildlife, glaciers and go to small towns to learn about local history etc. A different adventure for us, but comes with very high ratings. I'm excited

Appears you have a LOT of clothes. As others said layers is the answer and be prepared for rain. I have rain pants, waterproof shoes and jacket and only one fleece to put under the jacket and two turtlenecks, three pair jeans and one sort of nicer pair of black pants

and a few blouses/tops and one sweater. I also take a pair of stretchy gloves from dollar store and silk long johns to wear under the jeans & water proof jacket when viewing the glaciers on deck. A headband or something warm for head for glacier viewing. It gets very windy on deck and the views are spectacular! You just don't want to go inside, so bundle up for that. Princess also has lap blankets on deck and you can wrap yourself up in one of them if need be

Remember Princess has self serve laundry on board and if you are like me, you will probably buy a sweater or sweatshirt in one of the towns (great end of season sales). Princess cruises are much more casual in Alaska than in Europe. We have enjoyed our many Princess cruises. They know how to people move efficiently.

Have a great trip. Alaska is so majestic.

Don't forget the binoculars!

Best whale watch EVER was one we took in Juneau. We will be in Juneau also a few days after you. .

We were on the February 12 sailing that was cut short because of the Noro virus. We did not get sick and did not receive the CDC questionnaire. I have contacted Oceania regarding my disappointment in how the management handled the information about the cruise and, as others, have heard nothing back.

Simply, Riveria should never have sailed on February 12 knowing that the Noro was on board. This was our second cruise on Riveria. First was fantastic a year ago. Over 35 cruises under our belt and this particular sailing is at the bottom . Simply put, we did not get what we paid for, even with the token amount returned.

I am so disappointed in Oceania. I really wanted them to be my favorite cruise line for future cruises! Sadly, because of how management handled this particular sailing, it cannot be. I will not waste my vacation time and money

citipam - Thank you for posting what I was thinking. I was also on this cruise and agree with you 100 per cent. The ship should never have sailed on February 12th!

What does that mean for cruise ship passengers? Anything to do? :confused::confused::confused:

I'm bringing heavy duty mosquito repellent. All the years I've travelled in the Caribbean I have never been bitten by a mosquito or other bug. This year might be different with all the warnings. I will be diligent about using repellent next week while in the ports.

I believe we are on same cruise, Riveria, which leaves next Friday, February 12. Valentine's Day is Sunday, February 14th. We have a reservation at Red Ginger (our favourite) for Valentine's Day. dinner. Don't know if Oceania does anything special that day.

From what I saw on our Riveria cruise last year, people dress nicely in the speciality and main restaurants. Not particularly super dressy, but heck, you are on a cruise and the sparkly heels sound wonderful! I'm taking my basic black heels and outfits are what I'd wear to a fancy restaurant in the city

We took this cruise last January. We booked it because we had not been to some of the ports. We enjoyed the cruise, but expect to see lots of poverty. We did some research and booked a Rio Dulce Santo Thomas excursion through another cruise critic member who booked through Happy Fish. It was an unusual excursion and so very interesting to see how people live. Children greet your boat in their dug out canoe type boats. On this particular tour we were to visit a school, but it was too muddy to climb to the school. In anticipation of visiting the school, or seeing children, I brought along several packs of neon mechanical pencils to distribute. The children we did see loved them.

When I visited Belize years ago on another cruise, I did cave tubing. It is so much fun.

I have visited Cozumel many times and avoid the downtown area. We rent a car at the port and drive to the other side of the island. Nice to get away from the crowds!

It was an interesting cruise. This coming Winter we are booked again on the Riveria, but doing the Sand and Shores itinerary.