Most important tip

[bakerguys]

What is one most important tip you would give me to fully enjoy our 1st cruise? It will be on the Sapphire July 24th. Looking for any tips or tidbits that Princess won't tell me about - things that only experienced cruisers would know about the ship or Alaskan ports. Thanks. :)

[Liner]

A hooded windbreaker jacket with zipout lining was the most valuable item of clothing that I brought with me to Alaska.

 

Wish I could tell you more about the Sapphire, but I won't be sailing on her until November!!

Have fun...Alaska is beautiful!!

[bakerguys]

Thanks. Already bought waterproof pants and jackets with big hoods from REI last month. Cost me a fortune but we camp a lot and will get plenty of use out of them.

[geoherb]

I'd recommend a first-time cruiser to remember it's not a trip of a lifetime. You can always go back and do it again. So don't try to do everything. Try to find time to relax and enjoy the cruise. Plus be patient. Don't worry about any little inconveniences. But also don't be afraid to ask your waiters or cabin steward for something you'd like.

[momthecruisedirector]

Have a game plan for each day but have the flexibility in your head to make changes. My brother in law is one that likes to see where the day takes him, well that is fine if vacation wasn't so short. I would prefer to do the research ahead of time for port visits and at sea days and write down a few options, when I get my patters the night before I may or may not make changes to our plans. Bring a highlighter to mark the on ship activities you don't want to miss. There are plenty of opportunities to sleep when you get back to work -ha-ha.

[cworld]

Our biggest thing was, letting people wait on us. Let them get the drinks. If you want 2 desserts, ask. If you want steak and lobster, what's wrong with that.

 

Almost all of the people on the ship will bend over backward to serve you, let them. Enjoy yourselves.

[Liner]

I'd recommend a first-time cruiser to remember it's not a trip of a lifetime. You can always go back and do it again. So don't try to do everything. Try to find time to relax and enjoy the cruise.

 

I SECOND that!!!:D

[cherylandtk]

A cruise is unlike any other vacation--so I am with Geoherb and Mom--don't overplan and overanalyze. Be sure to take time to enjoy what comes your way, and get a kick out of the entire experience.

[zachnlucy]

and don't forget a power strip.

[claroquesi]

I'd recommend a first-time cruiser to remember it's not a trip of a lifetime. You can always go back and do it again. So don't try to do everything. Try to find time to relax and enjoy the cruise. Plus be patient. Don't worry about any little inconveniences. But also don't be afraid to ask your waiters or cabin steward for something you'd like.

 

 

But also the people getting you on/off the boat can be snippy, think of it as your last dose of reality before getting fed and watered at the drop of a hat. It is so wonderful!Have fun!

[relevart]

Go with a good attitude. Don't let the small stuff bother you. Have a good time!

[LARGIN]

correct.. Don't sweat the small stuff and remember this word... "Layer" :D

[mr green]

Don't run out of film in Glacier Bay! :) john

[Casshew]

1) The ship is a wonderful place when practically everyone leaves for excurions... it's like you have it all to yourself - so try to be onboard when everyone else is gone!

 

2) Eat breakfast in the dining room, wonderful service and hot fresh food, you won't have to fight the crowds at the buffet line or scramble to find a table.

 

3) The tournaments in the Casino are fun ~ slots etc... you might get lucky :cool: so watch for tournament times schedules.

 

4) Enjoy a soothing, quite hot tub on deck at night or in the early morning.

 

5) Wait till later in the week when the Spa discounts start to book a treatment

[Desert Nurse]

Be sure to read the Princess Patters as well as the other written information in your cabin. There is a lot of information out there! After all that reading, don't overplan. One of the best parts of a cruise being able to do whatever you want to at anytime.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Set your travel alarm clock for an early rising on the Juneau day (or wake up call for 6ish) and then go up to an outside deck so you can see this:

[RSGS315]

Bring gloves on an Alaskan cruise. You will need them on the day you sail in Glacier Bay, and dress in layers.

Also bring half the clothes and twice as much money.

Ginnie

[Nancyquilts]

Also a warm hat. And the Alaskans make fun of me, but I always take an umbrella. Nancy

[patlanta]

Be prepared to walk, walk, walk on the Sapphire Princess. Our cabin was near the front of the ship and we eventually took pictures of the corridor because we were astonished by the distance we had to walk to the dining room. You could even get lost, at first, finding the dining room; a few days later they put up permanent directional signs.

 

Most of all, enjoy the people. They'll run the whole range between "crazy" and extraordinarily nice. You'll attach your own nicknames to passengers before you even get to or on the ship.

 

Have fun.

[Karen Carney]

Don't forget gloves and binoculars.

[spongerob]

You're going to stand in lines. Sometimes this makes people grumpy. Use the time as an opportunity to get to know the people around you. Cruising is best when it's a social occasion.

[momofkipper]

remember to take the "dot" off your shirt from your tour before you take the pictures!:cool:

[sunprincess]

#1 Key to an Alaska cruise is layers. Dress in layers.

#2 Key for Alaska is raingear - at least a slicker & umbrella.

 

#1 key for your first cruise ENJOY!! It will be the time of your life.

 

Alaska is awesome. Being a sun worshipper I did not think I would like it. But, I loved it.

Glacier Bay is magnificent.

Skagway I enjoyed the White Rail Pass Train. Beautiful scenery.

Ketchikan I did Misty Fjords Seaplane. Awesome.

Juneau I did the helicopter ride & glacier walk about. Wild. Be sure to visit the Red Dog Saloon.

 

Here is a link to sneak a preview of my Alaska pics:

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/sunprincess8

 

BON VOYAGE :)

[Sheebah]

Take a few moments on your cruise to just breathe in the air, really take it in. Smell the clean, cool air- espcially the pine (not the smog), and cherish that you are in a truly untouched wildnerness. Enjoy the person next to you and enjoy the lack of sound (no telephones! yahoo!)

 

Buy a decent digital camera if you don't have one-and make memories with your camera.

 

And lastly, shhh...has anyone mentioned the aft hot tubs? Remarkable views, rarely crowded in the first few days of the cruise. A surreal place to watch the Alaskan scenery go by.

[WazAnOkie]

Sheesh, after reading this thread, I am gonna have to convince my DW on the idea of an Alaskan cruise.