Just back from the first Spirit Alaska cruise of the season!!

[Lovharvey]

I really enjoyed your review. I was hoping that my late husband & myself would be able to take another cruise to Alaska, but, it wasn't meant to be. I do hope to get back one day. I have been checking everyday for the Alaskan cruise reviews and can't wait until more start popping up.

[Gypsywych]

Perhaps it is mentioned and I missed it.... if so, I apologize.... but which aft wrap room did you have?

[Sailor_Sally]

We were also on this cruise .Except for a shower in Juneau the weather was good .We took the Yukon trip with Duryea Dave which is a great trip but very long so we basically had no time in Juneau at all . In Ketchikan we went to Annabelle's and had salmon chowder . It was great . We also went to the comedy club ( Dean Austin) was fantastic at both the PG & adult rated comedy. All in all a great trip with amazing scenery .

[Prairie_Gal]

I loved your review! Can't wait for our turn in September.

 

I have a question about the train trip in Skagway. Was there commentary on the both the ride up and back? Or just on the ride up? The reason I ask is because we are going one way (either up or back) in a van with Chilkoot Charters and I don't want to miss the commentary.

[DisneyMemaw]

Great review and thanks for getting it posted so quickly. I know those of us leaving in the next week or two really appreciate getting a glimpse into what we are about to see! Love the pictures, they make everything so real. I too was really surprised to see all that snow by the railroad tracks. It'll be great to go from the 90's we are having here this weekend to the 50's in Alaska next week. With the horrible drought we are having in Texas right now, I wouldn't mind seeing some rain, just hope it waits until the evening when we're done touring! Thanks again.

[ruskatab]

Perhaps it is mentioned and I missed it.... if so, I apologize.... but which aft wrap room did you have?

 

I probably forgot to mention which cabin we had but we were in 7298 and absolutely loved it!!!!

[ruskatab]

I really enjoyed your review. I was hoping that my late husband & myself would be able to take another cruise to Alaska, but, it wasn't meant to be. I do hope to get back one day. I have been checking everyday for the Alaskan cruise reviews and can't wait until more start popping up.

 

Im so sorry to hear about your husband. Take a friend or another family member, you deserve it!

[ruskatab]

I loved your review! Can't wait for our turn in September.

 

I have a question about the train trip in Skagway. Was there commentary on the both the ride up and back? Or just on the ride up? The reason I ask is because we are going one way (either up or back) in a van with Chilkoot Charters and I don't want to miss the commentary.

 

We rode the train up and back down and there was commentary both ways. We learned some really interesting things about the train and the goldrush!

[ruskatab]

Great review and thanks for getting it posted so quickly. I know those of us leaving in the next week or two really appreciate getting a glimpse into what we are about to see! Love the pictures, they make everything so real. I too was really surprised to see all that snow by the railroad tracks. It'll be great to go from the 90's we are having here this weekend to the 50's in Alaska next week. With the horrible drought we are having in Texas right now, I wouldn't mind seeing some rain, just hope it waits until the evening when we're done touring! Thanks again.

 

We didnt mind the weather at all knowing we would be coming home to a really hot summer. When we stepped out of the Austin airport we about died with the humidity! I will be really wanting to go back to Alaska in August!

[Txhornfan]

My wife and I were on the cruise also and had a great time. Our boarding the ship was very easy. We started boarding at noon. Our cab driver took us directly to the boarding area where our luggage was taken. We waited no more than 1/2 hour and were on board.

 

Layering in clothing is a must in May. Fortunately, the only rain was a sprinkly in Juneau. We toured a microbrewery and had a great time. Our "samples" were about 8 ounces each! From there we toured a rainforest.

 

Skagway was great. We did the White Pass rail tour. If you do this tour, take a camera for sure. You will come away with amazing pics and great memories.

 

Ketchikan was nice as well. FYI, for those that may be Catholic and would like to attend mass on a Sunday, Holy Name Catholic Church has Sunday service at 5:30. They also offer a service called "Port to Pew". We didn't know about this until we were at the church service. The church has a van that takes people to mass and back to the ship. A family from the congregation took us in their van back to the ship. We tried paying them for their generosity but they would not accept any money.

 

We enjoyed the comedy shows onboard. There were two types - family rated and R rated.

 

Getting off the ship in Seattle was incredibly easy. Our luggage was taken off the ship for us. I believe our call number for disembarking was 15. From the time we got our luggage, it took less than 5 minutes to get through Customs.

[ruskatab]

My wife and I were on the cruise also and had a great time. Our boarding the ship was very easy. We started boarding at noon. Our cab driver took us directly to the boarding area where our luggage was taken. We waited no more than 1/2 hour and were on board.

 

Layering in clothing is a must in May. Fortunately, the only rain was a sprinkly in Juneau. We toured a microbrewery and had a great time. Our "samples" were about 8 ounces each! From there we toured a rainforest.

 

Skagway was great. We did the White Pass rail tour. If you do this tour, take a camera for sure. You will come away with amazing pics and great memories.

 

Ketchikan was nice as well. FYI, for those that may be Catholic and would like to attend mass on a Sunday, Holy Name Catholic Church has Sunday service at 5:30. They also offer a service called "Port to Pew". We didn't know about this until we were at the church service. The church has a van that takes people to mass and back to the ship. A family from the congregation took us in their van back to the ship. We tried paying them for their generosity but they would not accept any money.

 

We enjoyed the comedy shows onboard. There were two types - family rated and R rated.

 

Getting off the ship in Seattle was incredibly easy. Our luggage was taken off the ship for us. I believe our call number for disembarking was 15. From the time we got our luggage, it took less than 5 minutes to get through Customs.

 

Too bad we didnt get to meet on the ship with us living so close to each other!

[TrulyTexan]

Thank you so much for posting! I have lots of questions ... we fly from Austin to Seattle for June 7 sailing. My inlaws have booked the same aft suite you were in so I can't wait to show them your review and pictures.

 

I've been curious what to pack since, as you know, we're already in shorts and flip-flops here in Central Texas. So that part of your review was particularly helpful. But we're still trying to decide what to buy in terms of binoculars, since we'll hardly ever use them again.

 

We'll have our two kids, 9 & 11, on the cruise with us. Did you see many children on the Alaska cruise?

 

Also, I've been curious where the smoking sections are on this particular ship and if you were frequently exposed to smoke -- balconies, cabins, walking through common areas, etc. My son is sensitive to smoke and just want to know what to expect.

 

We've booked the train excursion in Skagway but are still deciding on the others. My daughter is begging to see whales, so I may look into your Orca excursion. I just saw that they've now added the "Deadliest Catch" excursion in Ketchikan. Did you hear any reviews of that?

[Pistol Packin Mama]

I was also on this cruise. It was my first cruise so I didn't know the expectations. We had any time dining and would do it again. We only received a pager one night and by the time we went to the bar to get a drink, they paged us. We had great waiters and sat in the same area most nights. The bar person was Maryiott or something like that.. she called me by name the entire cruise even seeing me on port.

 

I was amazed. We also tipped our steward extra. "Conrado". He was great! Also had an aft wrap. We were on the 4th floor and was great with the extra overhang above. An aft wrap is the way to go on an Alaskan cruise.

 

We flew into Vancouver and stayed at the Pan Pacifica. 5 star hotel. They upgraded us and WOW! What a room and view. We ate at the Mill in Vancouver and wouldn't suggest it to others. The service was great.... just didn't care for the food.

 

I wouldn't change anything about the cruise. I agree with the OP... layers, gloves, and we took our coats and was glad we did. Of course, we were on the balcony most of the time. The one difference I saw was the cruiseline stated that we couldn't book excursions in Ketchikan on Sunday's. This wasn't true, once we got off the ship, we were able to book.

 

We ate in the MDR all nights. We dressed casual for most nights but on cruise elegance night, around us anyway, the people frowned if you weren't dressed in a tie at least. There were about 3 couples that seemed pretty snooty. DH was dressed up but no tie. They didn't frown at us (that I saw) but I did see them rolling eyes at others.

 

Hope this adds a little to the OPs....

 

I met a couple of the people from CC and they were really helpful before the cruise.... so listen to what the CC people say - it really helps!

 

Enjoy!

 

We leave tomorrow for Seattle and cruise on Tues., glad I found this thread. Great review. We have 4228, the corner aft and are looking forward to being out on it to see some of the great sites. Was surprised that there wasn't more snow on the mountains. Well I've got my layers packed, DH did bring his tux, hope he is not out of place. Was surprised about jeans in the dining room, but with the way you have to pay for your luggage I can understand it.

 

Can't wait to hear more about everything. Leave on this cruise next Tuesday! Headed to Seattle on Saturday.

 

Hey Kaye, you found this before me. Layers, layers, layers.........see you tomorrow.:D

[sportygirl731]

Thank you everyone for the posts and pictures ... we are leaving on the 7/26 cruise. Very excited ..... love to hear what everyone has to say about their experience. Maybe we should rename this thread or start a new one .. 2011 Alaskan Cruisers on the Spirit .. or something lol!

 

For those home from cruising .. welcome back! For those heading out ... have a safe and wonderful cruise! And for us still counting the day .... keep counting and start packing LOL!

[familycruzinnewbie]

Hi - great review. I'm curious about what you see on this cruise depending on what time you go. Wondering when the best time to go to see the different animals, fish, scenery. From the schedule it looks like Carnival only does the inside passage on the 1st one in May and last one in September. I can't see wanting to leave my cold part of Canada to fly across the country to be even colder. What is September like? Are the summer months warm at all and do you still get to see things. What is whale season as it is usually June when we see them here on the Atlantic, but March in Hawaii. Thanks

[Serangel71]

We had a great time!! I will write a review later. If you have any questions ask away!!

 

 

THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!! We leave in 2 weeks for the MAy 31 cruise. Can not believe it is so close alreadY!!!!

 

Did anyone check out the piano bar? Tom Ricco should be in there but have not heard anything about him. Glad the Comedian is good.

 

Gleaned a lot of great information from the reivews.

 

Have some knee high leather boots - heavy. Would those be appropriate for Alaska or just use regular tennis shoes. have some black leather ones that if they are damaged, not a big thing but would hate to carry boots if did not have to.

 

Most pictures it looked like layering with hoodie was all you needed but not a really heavy jacket. We are doing the the White Plains RR with panning for gold and the whale watching tour with walking around in Ketchikan. Will bring layering pieces and gloves & head gear. Trying to keep suitcases light as possible.

 

Again - Loved all of the pictures and the information. 14 DAYS!!!!

 

Thank you!!!

[Cruising_K]

Thank you for the great review and sharing your lovely pictures. This is a cruise my family keeps talking about taking but we still have not. We have no good excuse as we live in the Seattle area. Maybe that is the problem... we are always cruising the Caribbean looking for sun.

[JaneyLynn]

great review and pictures... thanks!!

 

I hope your husband will be able to scan the Capers, I really want to see those. AND my sons would like to know if there is sushi on the buffet

[Bunkie103]

THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!! We leave in 2 weeks for the MAy 31 cruise. Can not believe it is so close alreadY!!!!

 

Did anyone check out the piano bar? Tom Ricco should be in there but have not heard anything about him. Glad the Comedian is good.

 

Gleaned a lot of great information from the reivews.

 

Have some knee high leather boots - heavy. Would those be appropriate for Alaska or just use regular tennis shoes. have some black leather ones that if they are damaged, not a big thing but would hate to carry boots if did not have to.

 

Most pictures it looked like layering with hoodie was all you needed but not a really heavy jacket. We are doing the the White Plains RR with panning for gold and the whale watching tour with walking around in Ketchikan. Will bring layering pieces and gloves & head gear. Trying to keep suitcases light as possible.

 

Again - Loved all of the pictures and the information. 14 DAYS!!!!

 

Thank you!!!

 

I wouldn't bother with boots. I had New Balance walking shoes that I was prepared to ruin, and they were fine and not ruined. Bought a HEAVY jacket but didn't take it after all. I felt I needed waterproof and wind resistant and i was right. A sweatshirt with a hood under this was fine. We did White Pass and Yukon Railway the 7 1/2 hour tour and I took my jacket off because I was too warm! Took a wool hat and never had it on ditto for the gloves. I did take a baseball cap which I wore to Mendenhall when we had a shower to keep the rain off my camera. This is a unique cruise and you'll have a wonderful time. Note my clothing in the picture and this is at 3000 feet!

[sb4ever]

We are on the June 14th sailing and I am even more excited after reading your review! Thank you so much for posting!

[Linsuesue]

TrulyTexan, Serangel71, and Sb4ever-please post about your Alaska adventure once you get home! We are sailing the Spirit to Alaska in June of 2012. I'd love to get a feel for what your weather and experience was like.

[lgerrish]

I'm enjoying the posts here. We're cruising Aug. 9 on the Spirit (our first to Alaska) and lots of my questions have been answered. We still need to find a hotel for pre and post cruise. We're flying into Seattle and can't decide if we want to stay near the airport that first night (we don't land until 9:15 pm), then close to Pike's Market after our cruise for one night.

 

Loving the photos especially!!!!

[MrsHeart]

Did you buy any of the pictures on board? If so, how much were they?

[Newtocruise2011]

Did you buy any of the pictures on board? If so, how much were they?

 

I paid $23.49 for the 8x10 embarkation picture but bought an additional little hardback folder. This included both.

 

I also paid $11.99 for each 5x7.

 

Embarkation drink of the day with keepsake glasses were $17.25 for 2.

 

Cost me almost $9 to log in quickly and print off two boarding passes. Other than that I didn't get on the Internet.

 

I had a lot of OBC. Could not get it at the casino like others suggested. But was easily done at guest services whenever I needed.

 

Some of the bingos were $10.

 

Suite mini bar costs were 5.75-7.50 for the liquors like you get on a plane. Beers were 4.95 and soft drinks 1.95. These were minibar prices and add the 15% grat.

 

I know this is more than you asked but for anyone else who may have wanted to know.

 

Awesome cruise! Enjoy!!

[Newtocruise2011]

Attached is a picture I took at one of our dinner times during the May 2011 Alaska cruise.... thought I'd share. This was taken from our table in the main dining room. Just "some" of the scenery you will see! :)