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Alaska on the Pearl questions

cntwait2cruz

By cntwait2cruz,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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cntwait2cruz

cntwait2cruz

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So I've not seen much for reviews of Alaska so far this season on the Pearl. We are at 7 weeks before we leave and I'm curious what anyone who has done the Seattle to Seattle Pearl this year thinks are the highlights. We are booked on the Alutian Ballad excursion in Ketichikan and the garden tour in Victoria otherwise we thought we'd wing it. Good suggestions???? This is our second trip to Alaska on NCL so we've done whale watching, Mendenhall Glaciar, white pass rail, and a fishing trip before.

 

Also what are you favorites about the Pearl as this is our first time on her! I want positives as I believe this trip is going to be great and that if I go with a good attitude I will have a great time!

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Hikini

Hikini

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We haven't gone this season....yet, but we have been on the Pearl and we've been on NCL 6 times to AK. I'd love to hear about your Aleutian Ballad excursion when you come back. We saw it in Ketchikan last year and it looked very interesting.

 

The Pearl is a nice ship with lots of space to roam around. You will have the large Spinnaker Lounge at the front of the ship (is it deck 13?) for good viewing and there are a lot of shows and entertainment in there.

 

We really enjoyed the decor in the Summer Palace which is the MDR at the back of the ship on 7. I don't think we ate in the other MDR but once and I can't even remember the name of it right now.

 

The Pearl has a nice buffet, laid out in sections. We found it easy to navigate when we did eat there. We tend not to be buffet diners, but buffet samplers instead. We'll take a pass through and pick a little something here and a little something there.

 

You also have the Great Outdoors, which in AK can be cold but it's still nice to have an outdoor dining option.

 

The Spa on the Pearl is wonderful! We didn't use it a lot but our friends did and loved it. The views from the one side of the spa are fantastic!

 

Enjoy!

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Traveller20074

Traveller20074

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So I've not seen much for reviews of Alaska so far this season on the Pearl. We are at 7 weeks before we leave and I'm curious what anyone who has done the Seattle to Seattle Pearl this year thinks are the highlights. We are booked on the Alutian Ballad excursion in Ketichikan and the garden tour in Victoria otherwise we thought we'd wing it. Good suggestions???? This is our second trip to Alaska on NCL so we've done whale watching, Mendenhall Glaciar, white pass rail, and a fishing trip before.

 

Also what are you favorites about the Pearl as this is our first time on her! I want positives as I believe this trip is going to be great and that if I go with a good attitude I will have a great time!

 

We ran aground on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour....hopefully, the boat will be working for you :D

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www3traveler Holiday Sharing Rare

www3traveler

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So I've not seen much for reviews of Alaska so far this season on the Pearl. We are at 7 weeks before we leave and I'm curious what anyone who has done the Seattle to Seattle Pearl this year thinks are the highlights. We are booked on the Alutian Ballad excursion in Ketichikan and the garden tour in Victoria otherwise we thought we'd wing it. Good suggestions???? This is our second trip to Alaska on NCL so we've done whale watching, Mendenhall Glaciar, white pass rail, and a fishing trip before.

 

Also what are you favorites about the Pearl as this is our first time on her! I want positives as I believe this trip is going to be great and that if I go with a good attitude I will have a great time!

Hi. I have not been to Alaska this year, but I have the last two years on The Pearl. My favorite port is Skagway. I love looking around and looking in the various shops. On one of the side streets is a quilt fabric store. I do not quilt or even sew but I love looking at all the Alaskan style fabric. They will ship fabric home for you. On the main street is a bookstore specializing in Alaskan history and they will also ship for you.

 

I have made a number of cruises on The Pearl and will be aboard Her for Her return trip through the Panama Canal this fall. I love Summer Palace (the MDR). There a a number of very large portraits of Czar Nickolas and his family. I also like Cagney's ( steak house) and La Cucina (Italian). La Cucina makes the best salmon pizza. Both Cagney's and La Cucina charge a small fee and I do not know what it is.

 

I hope you have a wonderful time. The Pearl is a wonderful ship and has a great staff. Mandy

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TravelWise101

TravelWise101

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Cheryl,

 

We are on the same route as you in August on the Pearl. Please keep this thread going as I want to hear all about your trip!

 

In looking at the ports, Skagway is the longest port-of-call (12 hours). We have scheduled a helicopter glacier trek thingy (I know very technical for someone who's already on her cruise in her mind) but would love some other ideas besides the train. Anyone do something unique in Skagway?

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Traveller20074

Traveller20074

Posted
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Cheryl,

 

We are on the same route as you in August on the Pearl. Please keep this thread going as I want to hear all about your trip!

 

In looking at the ports, Skagway is the longest port-of-call (12 hours). We have scheduled a helicopter glacier trek thingy (I know very technical for someone who's already on her cruise in her mind) but would love some other ideas besides the train. Anyone do something unique in Skagway?

 

There is the Gold Rush Cemetery.....we rented a car. Also drove to the Yukon (Carcross) and back. You're brave! I was afraid to do the helicopter, but that is going to be so awesome!

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lovingUT

lovingUT

Posted
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So I've not seen much for reviews of Alaska so far this season on the Pearl. We are at 7 weeks before we leave and I'm curious what anyone who has done the Seattle to Seattle Pearl this year thinks are the highlights. We are booked on the Alutian Ballad excursion in Ketichikan and the garden tour in Victoria otherwise we thought we'd wing it. Good suggestions???? This is our second trip to Alaska on NCL so we've done whale watching, Mendenhall Glaciar, white pass rail, and a fishing trip before.

 

Also what are you favorites about the Pearl as this is our first time on her! I want positives as I believe this trip is going to be great and that if I go with a good attitude I will have a great time!

 

We just returned from the May 29th Seattle departure on the Pearl. It was our first cruise so I'm not a reference for ship comparison, but we loved it; layout, ease of use, decor, incredible staff; service, PR, dining and attentiveness.

Having worked a lifetime in casino gaming we know the hospitality business and the importance of customer service. The Pearl staff were impressive. We weren't VIP passengers so no special perks, yet it felt special.

All of the spaces; dining, entertainment, information, staterooms, exercise and, most importantly, the viewing seemed well thought out, immaculate and lovely.

 

Lots going on in the Atrium, which was a pretty space, but a bit too busy with shopping, photos, promotions, concierge, tours, etc. for what we were interested in. It was a great central location & seemed to be ground zero for cruise info, meeting up with family, etc.

 

We enjoyed the Spinnaker lounge, Deck 13 bow, when we were ready for a cocktail or just butt down & feet up, but still wanted Alaska at our fingertips, which the wrap around, floor to ceiling, windows provided. When the bingo started we fled to other spots and had no problem finding a good selection.

Spinnaker is also great for Glacier Bay day, but you have to be there by 6:00am to guarantee a window table. It has quick access to both port & starboard outside decks for up-close-nature & photos.

Deck 7 (full unobstructed outdoor) length of the ship was our favorite walking deck & often quiet.

My husband enjoyed the spa for hydro therapy on his achy back. I did hear complaints on this forum about too much passenger chatting in the spa, but that wouldn't have bothered my husband. Also great viewing windows in the spa.

We were traveling with another couple (also their first cruise & also retired from casinos) so none of us was terribly interested in the entertainment, but heard it was good & seemed to be quite a variety. We did walk through the Stardust Theater & casino to check them out & were impressed with size & amenities...on a ship.

 

We had reservations about traveling in close quarters with the masses, yet it was the best way to see a bit of Alaska with our time constraints. Our reservations dissolved from the time we entered the pier terminal to the views of Seattle from the Outdoor Grill on the stern of Deck 12 (where we spent sunny hours when feet were tired) as we pulled away from the dock. From embarkation to disembarkation, NCL made the whole experience fairly effortless, from our point of view....again, our first cruise so maybe not the best judge....when talking with folks who have done many.

 

We enjoyed both Summer Palace & Indigo, Garden Buffet, Blue Lagoon for a 5:30am breakfast when up really early (again, the floor to ceiling windows) and The Outdoor Grill for some breakfasts & lunches during sea day as it was outside. The Outdoor Grill is also convenient to the Garden Buffet (just inside on same deck) if you want a greater food variety that you can take outside. You can tell that the theme here is; OUTSIDE, which my camera and I couldn't get too much of.

We were doing this trip specifically for Alaska so gourmet dining wasn't a priority. We didn't do the specialty restaurants, but the reviews sounded good. Our friend is vegan (not even eggs) and he was satisfied with the selection, despite that his wife is an excellent vegetarian cook so he's a bit spoiled.

 

You've already booked a Ketchikan tour, but I will say that one of our highlights was the Misty Fjord floatplane. Truly wonderful....as had been recommended by members here. It didn't leave enough time to easily take the city bus to Totem Bight (only runs once an hour) but a private tour could incorporate both if that was a priority. We did still have time for Creek St. & downtown Ketchikan and saw totems, but I'd love to return with more time for the totems and eagle sanctuary.

 

We rented a car to drive the White Pass to Carcross and Emerald Lake with time to explore on our own. We got to Avis before they opened at 8:00am, were out of town quickly, never felt hurried that day with time for plenty of photo stops, lunch, walking around Carcross, drive the Dyea Rd. to Skagway harbor overlook & still a couple of hours to walk around town & have a beer in a side street pub. We did pop into a few of the galleries. Our friends did the White Pass train & loved it. Others we met, did the canoe to Davis Glacier & said it was spectacular. I'd do that if we went to Skagway again.

 

In Juneau we spent a fair amount of time at waterfall, glacier, visitor center (where you've already been) so Alaska State Museum was closed when we got back to town (which I would have liked as it gets good reviews) or Mt. Roberts Tram. It was a gorgeous evening so we walked around the small harbor park, reading the history of flight in Juneau & went to the "Hanger" for a beer on the back deck overlooking the harbor & their delicious clam/halibut chowder. It's a local place so fun to chat with residents & learn what brought them there from the lower 48. That outdoor deck at Hanger is the smokers area & we don't smoke, but folks around us were considerate & it didn't bother us. The harbor/Douglas Island view was worth it. We walked back to the ship.

 

We've spent 4 days in Victoria previously so had done Burchart Gardens, Parliament building, Empress Hotel, city tour & water taxis around the harbor. We loved it all, but this time we just walked the waterfront, found an outdoor table for oysters & sushi, enjoyed local musicians & walked back to the ship. The residential neighborhoods, between town & dock, were lovely. Depending on your time in port, your own interests will guide you. We spent an entire day at Buchart Garden during previous week on Vancouver Island, but I would still recommend it, if even for a few hours. Victoria is a beautiful city with lots of stuff going on at the waterfront.

 

It was all great and I'd go again tomorrow...

Have fun.

Randi

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cruiseat50

cruiseat50

Posted
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We just returned from the May 29th Seattle departure on the Pearl. It was our first cruise so I'm not a reference for ship comparison, but we loved it; layout, ease of use, decor, incredible staff; service, PR, dining and attentiveness.

Having worked a lifetime in casino gaming we know the hospitality business and the importance of customer service. The Pearl staff were impressive. We weren't VIP passengers so no special perks, yet it felt special. **

All of the spaces; dining, entertainment, information, staterooms, exercise and, most importantly, the viewing seemed well thought out, immaculate and lovely.

 

Lots going on in the Atrium, which was a pretty space, but a bit too busy with shopping, photos, promotions, concierge, tours, etc. for what we were interested in. It was a great central location & seemed to be ground zero for cruise info, meeting up with family, etc.

 

We enjoyed the Spinnaker lounge, Deck 13 bow, when we were ready for a cocktail or just butt down & feet up, but still wanted Alaska at our fingertips, which the wrap around, floor to ceiling, windows provided. When the bingo started we fled to other spots and had no problem finding a good selection.

Spinnaker is also great for Glacier Bay day, but you have to be there by 6:00am to guarantee a window table. It has quick access to both port & starboard outside decks for up-close-nature & photos.

Deck 7 (full unobstructed outdoor) length of the ship was our favorite walking deck & often quiet.

My husband enjoyed the spa for hydro therapy on his achy back. I did hear complaints on this forum about too much passenger chatting in the spa, but that wouldn't have bothered my husband. Also great viewing windows in the spa.

We were traveling with another couple (also their first cruise & also retired from casinos) so none of us was terribly interested in the entertainment, but heard it was good & seemed to be quite a variety. We did walk through the Stardust Theater & casino to check them out & were impressed with size & amenities...on a ship.

 

We had reservations about traveling in close quarters with the masses, yet it was the best way to see a bit of Alaska with our time constraints. Our reservations dissolved from the time we entered the pier terminal to the views of Seattle from the Outdoor Grill on the stern of Deck 12 (where we spent sunny hours when feet were tired) as we pulled away from the dock. From embarkation to disembarkation, NCL made the whole experience fairly effortless, from our point of view....again, our first cruise so maybe not the best judge....when talking with folks who have done many. ** I think that the fact that this was your first cruise and the fact that you had such a great time and that they made it so easy is an even better acknowledgement to NCL's great staff. :D:cool:

 

We enjoyed both Summer Palace & Indigo, Garden Buffet, Blue Lagoon for a 5:30am breakfast when up really early (again, the floor to ceiling windows) and The Outdoor Grill for some breakfasts & lunches during sea day as it was outside. The Outdoor Grill is also convenient to the Garden Buffet (just inside on same deck) if you want a greater food variety that you can take outside. You can tell that the theme here is; OUTSIDE, which my camera and I couldn't get too much of.

We were doing this trip specifically for Alaska so gourmet dining wasn't a priority. We didn't do the specialty restaurants, but the reviews sounded good. Our friend is vegan (not even eggs) and he was satisfied with the selection, despite that his wife is an excellent vegetarian cook so he's a bit spoiled.

 

You've already booked a Ketchikan tour, but I will say that one of our highlights was the Misty Fjord floatplane. Truly wonderful....as had been recommended by members here. It didn't leave enough time to easily take the city bus to Totem Bight (only runs once an hour) but a private tour could incorporate both if that was a priority. We did still have time for Creek St. & downtown Ketchikan and saw totems, but I'd love to return with more time for the totems and eagle sanctuary.

 

We rented a car to drive the White Pass to Carcross and Emerald Lake with time to explore on our own. We got to Avis before they opened at 8:00am, were out of town quickly, never felt hurried that day with time for plenty of photo stops, lunch, walking around Carcross, drive the Dyea Rd. to Skagway harbor overlook & still a couple of hours to walk around town & have a beer in a side street pub. We did pop into a few of the galleries. Our friends did the White Pass train & loved it. Others we met, did the canoe to Davis Glacier & said it was spectacular. I'd do that if we went to Skagway again.

 

In Juneau we spent a fair amount of time at waterfall, glacier, visitor center (where you've already been) so Alaska State Museum was closed when we got back to town (which I would have liked as it gets good reviews) or Mt. Roberts Tram. It was a gorgeous evening so we walked around the small harbor park, reading the history of flight in Juneau & went to the "Hanger" for a beer on the back deck overlooking the harbor & their delicious clam/halibut chowder. It's a local place so fun to chat with residents & learn what brought them there from the lower 48. That outdoor deck at Hanger is the smokers area & we don't smoke, but folks around us were considerate & it didn't bother us. The harbor/Douglas Island view was worth it. We walked back to the ship.

 

We've spent 4 days in Victoria previously so had done Burchart Gardens, Parliament building, Empress Hotel, city tour & water taxis around the harbor. We loved it all, but this time we just walked the waterfront, found an outdoor table for oysters & sushi, enjoyed local musicians & walked back to the ship. The residential neighborhoods, between town & dock, were lovely. Depending on your time in port, your own interests will guide you. We spent an entire day at Buchart Garden during previous week on Vancouver Island, but I would still recommend it, if even for a few hours. Victoria is a beautiful city with lots of stuff going on at the waterfront.

 

It was all great and I'd go again tomorrow...

Have fun.

Randi

 

Thank you Randi this is very well written and I am going to save it in my research as we are going to cruise Alaska next year on the Pearl. We have been on the Pearl twice already so know that we love the ship but this is very appreciated information.

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blondie1746

blondie1746

Posted
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Cheryl,

 

We are on the same route as you in August on the Pearl. Please keep this thread going as I want to hear all about your trip!

 

In looking at the ports, Skagway is the longest port-of-call (12 hours). We have scheduled a helicopter glacier trek thingy (I know very technical for someone who's already on her cruise in her mind) but would love some other ideas besides the train. Anyone do something unique in Skagway?

 

We were on the Pearl last June. Depending on how adventurous you are, there is a zip-line and ropes course excursion that we did. Lots of fun and great guys running the course. My son also did the rock-climbing and rappelling that day. One of my favorite ports!

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blondie1746

blondie1746

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So I've not seen much for reviews of Alaska so far this season on the Pearl. We are at 7 weeks before we leave and I'm curious what anyone who has done the Seattle to Seattle Pearl this year thinks are the highlights. We are booked on the Alutian Ballad excursion in Ketichikan and the garden tour in Victoria otherwise we thought we'd wing it. Good suggestions???? This is our second trip to Alaska on NCL so we've done whale watching, Mendenhall Glaciar, white pass rail, and a fishing trip before.

 

Also what are you favorites about the Pearl as this is our first time on her! I want positives as I believe this trip is going to be great and that if I go with a good attitude I will have a great time!

 

We did the Aleutian Ballard on our first cruise to Alaska. Loved it! And also did the Butchart Gardens in Victoria on our second cruise to Alaska. Loved it, too!

 

In Juneau there is a crab place called Tracy's Crab Shack. It is in the downtown area near the library/public building. It would be on the left-hand side going from ships towards downtown. It is just that, a shack outdoors with tables/chairs under a tent to sit at. Delicious crab bisque and of course, crab legs. Well worth the stop!

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cntwait2cruz

cntwait2cruz

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We did the Aleutian Ballard on our first cruise to Alaska. Loved it! And also did the Butchart Gardens in Victoria on our second cruise to Alaska. Loved it, too!

 

In Juneau there is a crab place called Tracy's Crab Shack. It is in the downtown area near the library/public building. It would be on the left-hand side going from ships towards downtown. It is just that, a shack outdoors with tables/chairs under a tent to sit at. Delicious crab bisque and of course, crab legs. Well worth the stop!

 

My DH will probably want to try the crab place in Juneau..we're both nuts over crab legs! LOL

 

*We enjoyed the Spinnaker lounge, Deck 13 bow, when we were ready for a cocktail or just butt down & feet up, but still wanted Alaska at our fingertips, which the wrap around, floor to ceiling, windows provided.*

When we went in 05 on the Spirit they had a lounge like this and we LOVED it just don't remember what it was called!

*Hi. I have not been to Alaska this year, but I have the last two years on The Pearl. My favorite port is Skagway. I love looking around and looking in the various shops. On one of the side streets is a quilt fabric store. I do not quilt or even sew but I love looking at all the Alaskan style fabric. They will ship fabric home for you. On the main street is a bookstore specializing in Alaskan history and they will also ship for you.*

 

I love sewing and quilted things..not real good at it but learning and my grandmother is a whiz at it so this may be a must stop if DH will consent...or I'll leave him on the street! :D

 

 

*We ran aground on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour....hopefully, the boat will be working for you :D *

 

:eek: YIKES!!!!!

 

*We are on the same route as you in August on the Pearl. Please keep this thread going as I want to hear all about your trip!*

 

I will post a review as soon as I can unfortunately we will get in on the 7th so anyone sailing out that day probably won't get to see it as I'm not real sure we will invest in internet service on the ship....pretty pricey for what we'd want to do...but who knows we just might!

 

Wanted to say Thank You to everyone for input/advice and comments! I really appreciate them! After saving for so long to do this again we really want to get the most we can out of it. Keep the comments coming!

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Readyforvacation2010

Readyforvacation2010

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To Loving UT---when you were in Skagway..did you follow Murray's Guide on your roadtrip? did you do the dog sledding at Caribou Crossing at all? Is there one thing you would say we should not miss? We are renting a car also. Was the car rental place pretty crazy - or is 8am the recommended time to get there to get the car?

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lovingUT

lovingUT

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To Loving UT---when you were in Skagway..did you follow Murray's Guide on your roadtrip? did you do the dog sledding at Caribou Crossing at all? Is there one thing you would say we should not miss? We are renting a car also. Was the car rental place pretty crazy - or is 8am the recommended time to get there to get the car?

 

We rented from Avis, weeks in advance (glad we did) & were in line by 7:45am (glad we were). It's a short walk from the ship. There were half a dozen people in front of us, but only took about 20 minutes. The line was around the corner when we left.

They have a young man outside, providing a map & info. but when he saw that we had the Murray's Guide he said that it was far more thorough than his, although theirs is nice for Skagway itself. We enjoyed the historic info. in Murrays, but it's a beautiful drive even without it and the only road out of town so you can't get lost.

We didn't do the dog sledding. I think it gets good reviews here, but the little Caribou Crossing area appeared a bit tourist/shabby & maybe somewhat under construction although that was a quick drive-by impression only. Could be they're just getting ready for the season?

We were more interested in Carcross and their visitor center that provides a nice walking tour map of historic buildings that gives a good glimpse into old Yukon frontier life. Also ask the visitor center for the key to the little church behind them. It's worth a look....very old and still in use. I mailed postcards from Carcross (for the Yukon postmark) and enjoyed that tiny post office, sort of felt like someone's livingroom and the lady working there was super nice. She bought all my change.

Before going north to Emerald Lake, we first went about 10 miles east on the Tagish Rd. where we saw bear, beautiful large lakes & stopped at a small, family style bakery for their lunch special of the day that was recommended by the lady in the visitor center. Very simple, very local. The wife had us come outside to see a moose that is often in their front yard, but he had already wandered into the trees.....darn!

 

After our drive all we did in Skagway was walk around town, including the residential areas, stopped at both the visitor center & NPS offices, enjoyed window shopping in a couple of nice galleries that had beautiful Alaskan art in glass, bone, stone, etc and too pricey to be tempting. We stopped into a side pub for the specialty spruce draft where residents were hollering over the first game of the Stanley Cup....animated and fun.

We love the wooden sidewalks & Klondike Gold Rush architecture of the downtown buildings that have been preserved for tourism, but we're not big souvenir or curio shoppers so can't recommend anything in particular.

Before returning our car we drove to the Skagway overlook on the Dyea Rd, which is a good photo opp.

Some others we met on the ship did the canoe trip (think it holds about 10 passengers) to Davis Glacier and said it was wonderful. I don't know how strenuous it is, but two of those folks were elderly (80) so can't be bad. If we returned I would do that.

 

It's all good and we'd pack tonight to return tomorrow.

Have fun.

Randi

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Hikini

Hikini

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Which port is it that has the tram?? I can't remember from our first trip. I'm interested in finding some info on that, think it might be adventerous!

 

The Mt. Roberts Tramway is in Juneau. We've done it a few times and were incredibly lucky last year to have a beautifully sunny, clear day and could see for more miles than the eye could take in. We hiked up the trails as high as we could and the view was beyond description.

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