Alaska Golden Princess Aug 4 - review and photos

[Mikeyto]

Great review and pics! My parents and I were on this cruise as well, F301. We had a great time. It was my first ever cruise and their fourth to Alaska. They said it was the worst weather but best wildlife viewing they've experienced.

[bobalink]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments about my review and photos.

 

I am not much of a photographer, I just use a point and shoot. I did not know how to manually adjust the shutter speed. You have to be really quick to catch all of the action with the whales, and on top of that, the boat is rocking so it is really difficult to get a steady shot.

 

I downloaded the pictures from my husband's camera, and thought I would share a few more with you.

 

These two shots of the bubble net feeding are pretty cool.

 

IMG_0065 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

 

IMG_0066 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

[bobalink]

These are also from my husband's camera. From the picture I took, I thought there were only two orcas, but from the shot below it looks like three.

 

IMG_0038 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

 

IMG_0039 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

 

IMG_0033 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

[goldenaspen]

Couple of questions . . . we will be on the Golden Princess on Aug 25th. What was the weather like? The one picture of you on the boat looked like it was pretty cold. We thought it would be in the 60s and not so bad. How did you dress most days . . . light layers, heavy winter clothing, etc????

 

We also have a 10:55am flight out of Seattle. If we do not put our bags out the night before and carry off our bags at 7 am, will there be plenty of cabs to get us to the airport quickly?

 

We love your pictures and the info. We are going whale watching wih Marv and Harv also. Looking forward to it.

 

Thanks for your help.

[bobalink]

Our guide, Jayleen Beedle, from Harv & Marv, told us that the dorsal fin on a male orca stands out about 6 feet.

 

This picture indicates a male orca by the size of the dorsal fin.

 

IMG_0031 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

 

Just a little plug for Harv & Marv...

At the end of our whale watching tour I purchased a book from our guide, "Alaska's Watchable Whales" Humpback and Killer Whales.

The book has the most amazing photos of whales and facts written by Mark Kelley. Many of the photos were taken by our guide, Jayleen (age 19) and her father, Jay Beedle.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in wildlife!

 

Here is a link to a video that shows and explains bubble net feeding:

 

 

Thank you, that was amazing!!!

[bobalink]

Couple of questions . . . we will be on the Golden Princess on Aug 25th. What was the weather like? The one picture of you on the boat looked like it was pretty cold. We thought it would be in the 60s and not so bad. How did you dress most days . . . light layers, heavy winter clothing, etc????

 

We also have a 10:55am flight out of Seattle. If we do not put our bags out the night before and carry off our bags at 7 am, will there be plenty of cabs to get us to the airport quickly?

 

We love your pictures and the info. We are going whale watching wih Marv and Harv also. Looking forward to it.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Layering is the key. I have some down-filled vests that are ideal. I wore a long sleeve top, and my vest. I wore jeans or long pants every day, and closed-toe shoes (rain proof). When I needed to, I added a weather-proof jacket that has a hood, and gloves.

 

Be prepared for rain with a packable poncho and small umbrella. I have a light weight windbreaker that I can roll up and keep in my purse.

 

On some of our excursions, the tour company provided water proof overalls, gloves, life vests, rubber boots, etc. (As shown in the picture of my kids on the Zodiac boat.)

 

Every port has stores that sell fleece vests, sweatshirts, umbrellas, ponchos, hats, etc. I know some people don't pack stuff from home and just purchase those items as a souvenir.

 

Regarding your flight... If you do the self-disembark you will probably be in the 7:45 am slot that meets in the Casino. You should be okay with that time. The airport isn't too far, but of course, you must allow for time to check-in once you are at the airport.

I did not notice cabs (they may have been there) because I had pre-arranged our transportation with "Already There" Towncar Service.

 

bobalink

[Countrygirl44]

Great review and wonderful pictures. We were on the STAR the week of July 29-August 05. This was our sixth trip to Alaska and the worst weather. We still had a nice time, but it was COLD!

We did not do any of the same excursions you did. We did the whale watch last year. It is fantastic!

We have used Already There Towncar Service for the last two trips that were R/T Seattle. Charlotte does an outstanding job. We did the EZ check luggage as we are not physically able to do the "walk-off"

[JanetAlice]

Couple of questions . . . we will be on the Golden Princess on Aug 25th. What was the weather like? The one picture of you on the boat looked like it was pretty cold. We thought it would be in the 60s and not so bad. How did you dress most days . . . light layers, heavy winter clothing, etc????

 

We also have a 10:55am flight out of Seattle. If we do not put our bags out the night before and carry off our bags at 7 am, will there be plenty of cabs to get us to the airport quickly?

 

We love your pictures and the info. We are going whale watching wih Marv and Harv also. Looking forward to it.

 

Thanks for your help.

The inside passage of Alaska is a rain forest and if you see the sun for an extended period of time you are very lucky. The week that Bobbie and I cruised the temperatue was in the 50s. It might be slightly colder since you are going at the end of the month. The day you scenic cruise it will be chilly. Remember you are in front of a glacier that is 250 ft high and a mile across. Bring gloves and a hat.

 

Regarding walking off at 7 am you should be fine. I'm sure taxis will be waiting. You might also consider a private transfer if you are a large group.

[wowsmom]

Our guide, Jayleen Beedle, from Harv & Marv, told us that the dorsal fin on a male orca stands out about 6 feet.

 

 

 

Just a little plug for Harv & Marv...

At the end of our whale watching tour I purchased a book from our guide, "Alaska's Watchable Whales" Humpback and Killer Whales.

The book has the most amazing photos of whales and facts written by Mark Kelley. Many of the photos were taken by our guide, Jayleen (age 19) and her father, Jay Beedle.

 

We were on the Golden the week before you and also did the whale watch with Harv & Marv and we had Jayleen as our captain. We just loved her! I got tons of pictures of tails because she kept saying when they were coming so I held my camera ready and just snapped.

[tomava]

Wonderful pictures and review. Thank you. All the more excited for our 8/18 adventure. Tom n Ava :)

[goldenaspen]

Appreciate the two replies to my questions regarding weather and early departure back to airport. There are four of us. Called Already There Town Car Service and was told that we would not fit in a towncar with a total of 6 pieces of luggage. Those of you that used them, were there more than two of you in the towncar?

 

Never been to Seattle but if it is like other ports, there should be plenty of cabs waiting when we get off the ship. Any other thoughts????

[sherryf]

Appreciate the two replies to my questions regarding weather and early departure back to airport. There are four of us. Called Already There Town Car Service and was told that we would not fit in a towncar with a total of 6 pieces of luggage. Those of you that used them, were there more than two of you in the towncar?

 

Never been to Seattle but if it is like other ports, there should be plenty of cabs waiting when we get off the ship. Any other thoughts????

 

I've noticed that a lot of taxis these days are Prius. (What is the plural of Prius? Prii?) With 4 people and 6 pieces of luggage, you'd need at least 2. We've used a "limo" service that usually sends a large SUV, I think a Suburban. Even when we took the kids last year and had 5 people, 5 suitcases, and several carry-ons, we had plenty of room.

[Countrygirl44]

Just the two of us in the Towncar plus two carry-on luggage. We used EZ check luggage service.

I am thinking Already There has SUV's too.

[bobalink]

Appreciate the two replies to my questions regarding weather and early departure back to airport. There are four of us. Called Already There Town Car Service and was told that we would not fit in a towncar with a total of 6 pieces of luggage. Those of you that used them, were there more than two of you in the towncar?

 

Never been to Seattle but if it is like other ports, there should be plenty of cabs waiting when we get off the ship. Any other thoughts????

 

Just the two of us in the Towncar plus two carry-on luggage. We used EZ check luggage service.

 

I am thinking Already There has SUV's too.

 

 

Already There does use SUV's. I think the model we had was a Yukon.

There were 5 of us plus our luggage and we were very comfortable.

 

Like sherryf said, I noticed the taxis in Seattle were small.

 

We would have needed two taxis, so it made since to hire Already There.

[many cruises]

Thanks for your great review. We were on the Golden 2 weeks ago and also had a great cruise. Glad to hear the crew was well prepared to handle the emergency. :)

[bobalink]

This is another photo from my husband's camera.

 

IMG_0146 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

[gone_cruzing]

Hi...thanks for your WONDERFUL review...we will be cruising the GP in 3 weeks. From your description...I'm excited to go.

 

Not sure if you drink but did you happen to notice the beer they serve? I was told no Bud products of any kind, anymore on Princess. My husband sells the product and I've been reading they discontinued their contract with them. If you have any idea...

 

Thanks!

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for the great review and wonderful photo's. Looks like you had a good timel.

[bobalink]

Hi...thanks for your WONDERFUL review...we will be cruising the GP in 3 weeks. From your description...I'm excited to go.

 

Not sure if you drink but did you happen to notice the beer they serve? I was told no Bud products of any kind, anymore on Princess. My husband sells the product and I've been reading they discontinued their contract with them. If you have any idea...

 

Thanks!

 

I did not notice, but I will ask my SIL, he ordered beer a few times.

We did have some great Alaskan beers while in port!

 

Have a great cruise. The GP is a great ship, with a super nice crew.

[bobalink]

Thanks for the great review and wonderful photo's. Looks like you had a good timel.

 

Hi Melodie!

I met you at the M&G on the Coastal Cruise in May on the Zuiderdam.

We are thinking of doing another HAL Coastal cruise in late October. Are you going to be doing any coastal cruises? Maybe we will meet up again.

Bobbie

[bobalink]

Victoria ... last stop

 

IMG_1001 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

 

These hanging baskets are everywhere!

 

IMG_1013 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

 

Family cruise - such fun!

 

IMG_1008 by BobalinkToo, on Flickr

[aussie travel bird]

Thanks for this informative review, we are sailing on the Golden on 25/8 with another two couples from Australia, seems we're in for a treat.

[koolforkatz]

Great pictures of the whales! We are just back off the Diamond and did a Harv & Marv tour a couple of days ago. We weren't as fortunate to see the bubble net feeding but it was still an amazing experience - they are a great outfit.

[Coolmama_1]

Great review and awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing.