Norwegian Jewel Alaska Sept 10 2018 Hi all!

My wife and I did the Mexican Riviera cruise about 13 years ago for our 5th anniversary, and I recently picked up a "free" cruise for 2 from a casino promotion....so we booked the 7-day Alaska cruise (Seward to Vancouver) on the last sailing which leaves Sept. 10.

It seems like maybe NCL has changed a little in 13 years, and like I said that was our only cruise.

If anyone has done this one before, would love some advice.

I get to choose one of the 5 "free" things on the ship....is the general consensus that the free alcohol/drinks is the best way to go?

I'm planning to fly up on Sunday (Portland to Anchorage) and then take the train from Anchorage to Seward Monday morning for ship departure at 9pm. That's more than enough time, right? I've heard the train ride is spectacular. Would love suggestions/comments on that ride if anyone has one.

If you had to pick only one excursion on that trip, what would it be? We're more interested in wildlife and adventure than looking at historical locations

Looking forward to being back on these boards. They were a huge help on that first cruise.

Peace!

Chris in PDX

My wife and I did the Mexican Riviera cruise about 13 years ago for our 5th anniversary, and I recently picked up a "free" cruise for 2 from a casino promotion....so we booked the 7-day Alaska cruise (Seward to Vancouver) on the last sailing which leaves Sept. 10.

 

It seems like maybe NCL has changed a little in 13 years, and like I said that was our only cruise.

 

If anyone has done this one before, would love some advice.

 

I get to choose one of the 5 "free" things on the ship....is the general consensus that the free alcohol/drinks is the best way to go?

 

I'm planning to fly up on Sunday (Portland to Anchorage) and then take the train from Anchorage to Seward Monday morning for ship departure at 9pm. That's more than enough time, right? I've heard the train ride is spectacular. Would love suggestions/comments on that ride if anyone has one.

 

If you had to pick only one excursion on that trip, what would it be? We're more interested in wildlife and adventure than looking at historical locations

 

Looking forward to being back on these boards. They were a huge help on that first cruise.

 

Peace!

 

Chris in PDX

Chris,

Welcome back!

The drink package and dining package are the two popular options for the “free” at sea.

We sailed on the sun which was doing that route last year. Here is the link to my review https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2529761

There are tons of things to do in each port. Check out the Alaska board on excursion ideas and to ask specific Alaska questions! https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

Hi Chris!

I live in AK on the Kenai Peninsula which is 2.5 hours from Anchorage and not too far from Seward. You should be fine flying in on Sunday and headed to Seward on Monday morning. It is probably a 3 hour trip by train and yes it is beautiful. Make sure you pick up everything you need from Anchorage since Seward is very small and has one main grocery store. If you have a chance to stop on the train, there is the Alaska Wildlife Refuge in Girdword/Portage area. They rehab moose, eagles, carribou, bear, You never know what you will see! There is the Alaska Sea Life Center to tour. Exit Glacier is right outside of town there and is a nice easy hike to see the glacier. If you have time and could add a few extra days, a trip to Homer would be fantastic Let me know if you have any local questions! We spend quite a bit of time on the highway to Anchorage since it is the ONLY road for us to go to/from there!

Kim