The Alaskan Jewel! Welcome Aboard….You don’t Exist!

[jenseib]

Thanks so much for your review. My DH always wanted to go to Alaska so we did 4 day land tour and a southbound Alaska cruise on Radiance August 2014. The was one too long trip. I thought I would never want to go to Alaska again but after reading your review I can see my self wanting to try the round trip out of Seattle. It would not be so long and NCL has different ports and glaciers and being on a different ship would make it more interesting. Thanks again.

 

That sounds like a wonderful trip to me, but I love being gone longer. A week is even too short for me now a days.

I am glad we went out of Seattle though. I think it eased Skip into a longer trip. Seattle was a really neat city too

[Tinknock50]

[quote name='jenseib;47767989

catch8 by Jenseib' date=' on Flickr[/color']

catch1 by Jenseib, on Flickr

Chief gave us a demonstration on how to use the life jacket and of course were told where they were and what to do in an emergency.

catch7 by Jenseib, on Flickr

Chief doesn’t normally do these tours…though I think he did in the past. I am not sure why he doesn’t anymore, but he was filling in for a guy who had to go to a funeral. He said he got the call and was immediately on a plane to help out. He was such a nice guy and very passionate about fishing. He also told us he is not married…..been engaged a few times, but in reality he is married to the sea.

Some more Princess tenders coming in.

 

Thanks so much for posting that through the net pic of the ramp. I am considering taking this excursion with my full time power chair user cabinmate. It did say in the description that he would be able to take this tour, but I really appreciate seeing what the ramp is really like.

(The price is a little scary!)

Edited January 14, 2016 by Tinknock50

[jenseib]

Thanks so much for posting that through the net pic of the ramp. I am considering taking this excursion with my full time power chair user cabinmate. It did say in the description that he would be able to take this tour, but I really appreciate seeing what the ramp is really like.

(The price is a little scary!)

 

There were at least 2 scooters on our boat that I remember so it was accessible for sure.

[maryandmarge]

We did this tour last year on this boat from the Deadliest Catch and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable tours we did. Very dedicated crew and you get to get involved with touching the "creatures". So even though it seems pricey I think you would really enjoy it. We try to save money on other things so that it doesn't bother us as much to pay a little more for the excursions. Sean - hope you decide to have and have a great trip.

[Tinknock50]

There were at least 2 scooters on our boat that I remember so it was accessible for sure.

 

We did this tour last year on this boat from the Deadliest Catch and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable tours we did. Very dedicated crew and you get to get involved with touching the "creatures". So even though it seems pricey I think you would really enjoy it. We try to save money on other things so that it doesn't bother us as much to pay a little more for the excursions. Sean - hope you decide to have and have a great trip.

 

Thanks to you both! :)

 

Quick story......My disabled friend had never even been on a plane, much less a ship so I really enjoyed taking him on his first cruise. So cool to see everything through his eyes for the first time. I will never forget in Vancouver,when we were all checked in and headed for the ship. We had to go along the dock a bit next to the ship because of the location of the elevator.

I was hurrying along ahead of him because I am always anxious to get on board. He suddenly stopped and I thought "what is the problem?"

Well, he had turned his chair to face the ship and was checking it out from bow to stern and from dock to top. You could tell he was just in awe of it's size.

 

Amazing what we take for granted ....and then see what others are excitedly seeing for the first time. :)

Edited January 14, 2016 by Tinknock50

[maryandmarge]

I couldn't agree with you more. Before my Mom passed away at 94 she had macular degeneration which progressed over the years. I saw her going from an avid reader and afternoon soap opera fan to not being able to see well at all. At times when I'm in the house at night and walk around without the lights on I feel like that must have been how she felt all the time. I'm blessed with decent health....and do have compassion for those that don't.... Hope you enjoy the trip. My sister and I have been to Alaska on cruises twice and we hope to go back in 2017 to celebrate my retirement (if all goes well :).

Safe Travels...

 

I have been following this blog since the beginning and it was so enjoyable to see Alaska thru her family's eyes..... Truly everyone should go to Alaska at least once in their lifetime.

[Kayloves]

Great review. I really enjoyed the pics and writing!

[jenseib]

We did this tour last year on this boat from the Deadliest Catch and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable tours we did. Very dedicated crew and you get to get involved with touching the "creatures". So even though it seems pricey I think you would really enjoy it. We try to save money on other things so that it doesn't bother us as much to pay a little more for the excursions. Sean - hope you decide to have and have a great trip.

 

All the excursions in Alaska are so pricey but we found all of them worth it to us too. We enjoyed just about every single thing we did the whole trip.

 

Thanks to you both! :)

 

Quick story......My disabled friend had never even been on a plane, much less a ship so I really enjoyed taking him on his first cruise. So cool to see everything through his eyes for the first time. I will never forget in Vancouver,when we were all checked in and headed for the ship. We had to go along the dock a bit next to the ship because of the location of the elevator.

I was hurrying along ahead of him because I am always anxious to get on board. He suddenly stopped and I thought "what is the problem?"

Well, he had turned his chair to face the ship and was checking it out from bow to stern and from dock to top. You could tell he was just in awe of it's size.

 

Amazing what we take for granted ....and then see what others are excitedly seeing for the first time. :)

 

I have cruise 8 or 9 times now and each time I still think how big the ship is. LOL. But yes, those first times really have big eyes when they see the ships. It is hard sometimes to remember to slow down so others can enjoy things like you did the first time.

[Tinknock50]

All the excursions in Alaska are so pricey but we found all of them worth it to us too. We enjoyed just about every single thing we did the whole trip.

 

 

 

I have cruise 8 or 9 times now and each time I still think how big the ship is. LOL. But yes, those first times really have big eyes when they see the ships. It is hard sometimes to remember to slow down so others can enjoy things like you did the first time.

 

I have cruised over 30 times, mostly Alaska and I am still amazed by the ships and the scenery. :)....and I get just as excited for each trip!

[jenseib]

I couldn't agree with you more. Before my Mom passed away at 94 she had macular degeneration which progressed over the years. I saw her going from an avid reader and afternoon soap opera fan to not being able to see well at all. At times when I'm in the house at night and walk around without the lights on I feel like that must have been how she felt all the time. I'm blessed with decent health....and do have compassion for those that don't.... Hope you enjoy the trip. My sister and I have been to Alaska on cruises twice and we hope to go back in 2017 to celebrate my retirement (if all goes well :).

Safe Travels...

 

I have been following this blog since the beginning and it was so enjoyable to see Alaska thru her family's eyes..... Truly everyone should go to Alaska at least once in their lifetime.

 

 

Thanks for following.

 

Great review. I really enjoyed the pics and writing!

 

Thanks!

[jenseib]

I have cruised over 30 times, mostly Alaska and I am still amazed by the ships and the scenery. :)....and I get just as excited for each trip!

 

Yes, me too!

[windjamming]

Hi jenseib, just popping in to say how much I enjoyed this review! We went to Alaska 10 years ago, when many of the excursions offered now weren't available yet. Your enthusiasm and detailed descriptions piqued my interest in maybe a return visit!

 

I liked your writing style so much that I've been reading your other trip reports, too! I am also a big Disney fan, so I love that you review the entire trip and not just the cruise portions.

 

Thanks again for taking us along!

[JC5240]

Thank you so much for this review! I was following along from the beginning, and it's a very bittersweet feeling when it came to an end! You have an amazing writing style, and I feel like I got the post cruise blues right along with you!

 

Thank you again for all of your time. Can't wait for you to go on your next adventure so I can follow along again haha.

[jenseib]

Hi jenseib, just popping in to say how much I enjoyed this review! We went to Alaska 10 years ago, when many of the excursions offered now weren't available yet. Your enthusiasm and detailed descriptions piqued my interest in maybe a return visit!

 

I liked your writing style so much that I've been reading your other trip reports, too! I am also a big Disney fan, so I love that you review the entire trip and not just the cruise portions.

 

Thanks again for taking us along!

 

Thanks for reading. It was such an interesting trip. We learned so many new things and saw such amazing things.

I haven't decided but I might write about the cruise portion of my next DCL ctuise. I know I will probably take a little less pictures and I am thinking of using mainly my point and shoot this trip to make it a bit easier on me. Since it's part of work as well hauling the big camera sometimes is a pain. I will still bring it, but I am going try to use it less. that means pictures not as nice but a little more freedom maybe??? LOL.

I started packing today and put the big boy in the carryon already. It's getting close.

 

Thank you so much for this review! I was following along from the beginning, and it's a very bittersweet feeling when it came to an end! You have an amazing writing style, and I feel like I got the post cruise blues right along with you!

 

Thank you again for all of your time. Can't wait for you to go on your next adventure so I can follow along again haha.

 

Thanks so much for sticking it out. It takes some time but I do like reliving all the fun things and having this to look back to when I forget things.

 

I head down to Orlando in less than 2 week! Getting excited....and the cruise is 2 weeks from Sun!!

[knccrusin2016]

I truly appreciate your review. Being this is our first cruise and to Alaska also helped out a ton.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[jenseib]

I truly appreciate your review. Being this is our first cruise and to Alaska also helped out a ton.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

I am so glad you enjoyed it and I hope it helps!

[jenseib]

I have started my newest DCL Trip Report if anyone is interested.

 

Sailing with the Gang

[SenatorsFan]

Thanks, Jen, I'll be following!:)

Heather

[kel3420]

Thanks so much for the detailed report. I'm going on this same cruise in a month and learned so much. Can you tell me more about the smoking areas on the ship?

 

Thanks

[jimsig]

Gee thanks for making my next 2 months unbearable until my cruise. Your report was so great I want to leave tomorrow :D:D:D

 

Heading on the Pearl at the end of June with my DW and 6yo DD and loved reading your report. Took me 3 days to do so and didn't want it to end. Hoping my DD loves it as much as yours did. We are also doing the Crab Boat in Ketchikan, and will do Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, and one of the trips that involves the RR in Skagway.

 

I know of you from that other Dis board as well, though I don't post there a ton and only usually when I'm getting ready for a trip. I'm sure you can tell where my profile pic here was taken :) Actually planning a trip in Sept/Oct 17 to coincide with MNSSHP like we did in 2015. DD has now been 3 times and this time hoping to make it a big family trip. Sounds like my brother his family and sister and her family are going. My BIL and his family, one of my cousins and his family , and possibly my parents as maybe in-laws are maybe going. Think I have convinced those that are going to stay at Fort Wilderness in the Cabins. My DW and I love the Cabins and The Fort.

 

Thanks again

Edited April 21, 2016 by jimsig

[jenseib]

Thanks, Jen, I'll be following!:)

Heather

 

Great! :D

 

Thanks so much for the detailed report. I'm going on this same cruise in a month and learned so much. Can you tell me more about the smoking areas on the ship?

 

Thanks

 

Deck 7 on the Starboard side is where we usually went. I think almost all of that side was smoking,but I know for sure outside the theater in the forward area and outside the doors of the aft stairs and elevator was. I can't remember offhand if the port side had it or not. But there were ashtrays connected to the walls so you can tell.

 

Also in the casino.

 

Deck 13 outside the Moderno/Cagneys area on the starboard side was one and on deck 13 on the port side near the front was another location.

And then deck 12 had an area on the port side with tables and chairs.

 

Now these could change, but that is where they were for us last August.

 

You will have an amazing time. I hope the weather is warm for you, but just remember to bring layers so you can take off if needed. That first day going up was really cold and windy, but by the 2nd day in the afternoon it got better.

 

Honestly it was one of the best vacations I have ever been on.

[jenseib]

Gee thanks for making my next 2 months unbearable until my cruise. Your report was so great I want to leave tomorrow :D:D:D

 

Heading on the Pearl at the end of June with my DW and 6yo DD and loved reading your report. Took me 3 days to do so and didn't want it to end. Hoping my DD loves it as much as yours did. We are also doing the Crab Boat in Ketchikan, and will do Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, and one of the trips that involves the RR in Skagway.

 

I know of you from that other Dis board as well, though I don't post there a ton and only usually when I'm getting ready for a trip. I'm sure you can tell where my profile pic here was taken :) Actually planning a trip in Sept/Oct 17 to coincide with MNSSHP like we did in 2015. DD has now been 3 times and this time hoping to make it a big family trip. Sounds like my brother his family and sister and her family are going. My BIL and his family, one of my cousins and his family , and possibly my parents as maybe in-laws are maybe going. Think I have convinced those that are going to stay at Fort Wilderness in the Cabins. My DW and I love the Cabins and The Fort.

 

Thanks again

 

I am so glad you enjoyed it.

 

you should have a great time on those excursions. We really enjoyed everything....just be sure to have a snack in case of an emergency. As you can tell, Claire as close to death in Ketchikan because she was so hungry. lol

 

I am a HUGE Disney fan! We are looking at doing a family cruise on the Fantasy this year. We have some cousins, sisters, Aunts, etc. planning on going. We are still trying to narrow down the date. We have Oct. 22 booked for some of us already, but we may have to change it and are looking at Sept. 24 as the back up. My plan is to hit MNSSHP the night before the cruise too...if all the stars align. With my family it sometimes just has to have the wind blow just right for me to get all the plans set.

And I was actually looking at maybe doing a cabin for that night too. I figured we would get a rental to take us to the port so it would be not too bad to get around the campground with a car.

 

I am on social media too if you want to hook up there. You can search my user name from here and it should show up. I have a ton of Disney friends on there and I love to stalk their trip pictures. :D

[jimsig]

I am so glad you enjoyed it.

 

you should have a great time on those excursions. We really enjoyed everything....just be sure to have a snack in case of an emergency. As you can tell, Claire as close to death in Ketchikan because she was so hungry. lol

 

I am a HUGE Disney fan! We are looking at doing a family cruise on the Fantasy this year. We have some cousins, sisters, Aunts, etc. planning on going. We are still trying to narrow down the date. We have Oct. 22 booked for some of us already, but we may have to change it and are looking at Sept. 24 as the back up. My plan is to hit MNSSHP the night before the cruise too...if all the stars align. With my family it sometimes just has to have the wind blow just right for me to get all the plans set.

And I was actually looking at maybe doing a cabin for that night too. I figured we would get a rental to take us to the port so it would be not too bad to get around the campground with a car.

 

I am on social media too if you want to hook up there. You can search my user name from here and it should show up. I have a ton of Disney friends on there and I love to stalk their trip pictures. :D

 

Good idea on the extra snacks.

 

We love the Cabins and have already stayed there twice. Rented a golf cart last time as we were there for 9 nights. My daughter loved the MNSSHP and we know all my nieces and nephews would too as they will range in age from 2to 8 at that point.

 

We def want to do a Disney Cruise just have to figure out when.

 

Found you and sent a request and I have lots of Disney pics. We got some Pixy Dust this past year and my daughter was chosen to start the fireworks for Illuminations!!

Edited April 21, 2016 by jimsig

[candigirl41]

Thank you so much for all the information and pictures of the Jewel. I am going on her to Mexico in October and this helped me so much seeing all the pictures. I want to go to Alaska one day but I think if I do I will take the 11 day round trip out of San Francisco as that looks amazing and I love long cruises.

 

Candi

[jenseib]

Thank you so much for all the information and pictures of the Jewel. I am going on her to Mexico in October and this helped me so much seeing all the pictures. I want to go to Alaska one day but I think if I do I will take the 11 day round trip out of San Francisco as that looks amazing and I love long cruises.

 

Candi

 

Mitsugirly also has a good review of the Jewel as do a few others. I searched the Jewel before I went and found a couple of great ones.