elililly Posted May 24, 2017 #1 Share Posted May 24, 2017 We mom and I, daughter, just got back yesterday from a great cruise. I learned many things here and used many tips to help enjoy Alaska more. We are from Memphis and mom is in her 70s and uses walker at home. We took our own transport wheelchair since I can lift it! It was the best decision. Mom would walk the wheelchair to dining room for exercise but still had the stability of holding on to something. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 24, 2017 Author #2 Share Posted May 24, 2017 I am just going over highlights and what worked for us. I have been on many cruises but this was the first w someone that could not stand for long and me pushing a wheelchair. I choose balcony 8128 since it was at the front elevator bay. We would use that one to get to the floor we needed and then went to wherever. That bay was almost always empty and rarely Did we have to pass an open elevator due to being full. We loved our balcony! We could not run from side to side to see the sights on the upper decks and mom could go inside when cold and come out when wanted. Also, it allowed me to see things without leaving mom alone. A few times I would run up to lido to see what other side but mostly I felt we saw all we wanted from our balcony. Dress : I'm hot natured and I wore a turtle neck And light jacket on ship. I was hot a bit inside. Outside I wore a rain jacket with no lining . I would take a sweatshirt to layer but never needed it. Mom wore leggings, jeans, snuggle duds top plus turtleneck plus down coat she brought or fleece lined rain jacket she bought in port. We both wore 2 pairs of socks and tennis shoes Sent from my iPhone using Forums 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 24, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted May 24, 2017 Ship: I loved the ship and thought for its age it looked good . Only had one real outlet in room but then found an extra plug where TV is plugged into. I took the bed by balcony and loved it since it was cooler by the big window and balcony. We asked for 2 blankets and used them throughout the trip. Worn fleece blankets but clean so it worked. The crew was wonderful and went Out of their way to help me with mom. Went to one comedian and he was funny but we could not stay up till 10 pm after ports and early morning The naturalist was ok but we just watched her shows on the tv. She would come over the tv for nature sightings. On lido I saw whale tales. On balcony I saw Dolphins, really small black and white, that were traveling in groups . We saw sea lions and many Blow holes of steam but nothing would breach. When I would go out on balcony The other balcony lookers would yell if they saw something to help us locate the animals and what they were seeing. We took bioniclers? And we used them but usually to see if a rock was a bear. They did have then for sale from $50 and up on ship plus they rented them but never saw that price. Mom had fun with them but we never really Found something with them. Sent from my iPhone using Forums 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Italy52 Posted May 24, 2017 #4 Share Posted May 24, 2017 Thanks for posting your Alaskan cruise with your mom; love mom and daughter moments. Looking forward to reading the rest of your review. I have never cruised with Carnival so this is a treat for me to read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach4me Posted May 24, 2017 #5 Share Posted May 24, 2017 Love the pics of you with your mom! What great memories. Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCalicoCat Posted May 25, 2017 #6 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Thanks for sharing, I hope you continue with your review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Ports of call: Juneau We arrived at 2pm. On the way into port , I saw 2 whale tails and the small Dolphins off my balcony. We did the excursion Mendenall glacier and mt Roberts tram. Our guide on the bus was Jerry and he informed us if the history of town while also pointing out eagles and nests on the way to the glacier. I had read here that photo point trail was paved at the glacier and that is what we took. We saw others in scooters and I had no trouble pushing mom. The trail was 1/3 m long. At the end a ranger was there to answer questions. Thankfully we made the walk between rain showers. We then went to the visiter center. At the center there was an elevator in the back that was very helpful. We saw a short film, had a ranger talk, and tough an 200 yr old ice from a glacier There was a wall of windows that looked at the glacier which was nice along w a gift shop. We stayed at the glacier about 2 hours which was plenty of time to us.- Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted May 25, 2017 We then were taken back into town and given a ticket to the tram. We walked around a bit and shopped. I felt that the best prices were in ketchican but we found shirts for $10 which we bought . The tram was easy to enter by wheelchair and we were up the mountain. The best views I felt were right when you got off the tram out the windows. We walked through the gift shop but thought it was overpriced and then went to find the eagle. The eagle had someone to tell about her and to make sure flash is not Used and soft voices. We then walked to the overhang for pictures We spent about 30 min at the top and it started raining which was our sign to Head back to the ship. The wheel chair got stuck getting back on the tram but thankfully some strong men jumped in and got her out. Everytime we arrived at the ship mom was pushed on thankfully as I would not have been able to push her up The plank Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #9 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Skagway We were here 7 am to 10 pm. Our excursion was the train ride that lasted 3 hour. Since it was not raining we walked into town for shopping. It basically was one street. We walked all the way but once in town we noticed the Buses and took one back for $2 a person. Some stores were not open but we went to tshirt store and called home and by that time everything was open 9am. Later after the train ride this is where we were let off. So we shopped more since it was warm and dry. Visiter center We bought popcorn at the shop and it was so good. Mom would eat on it every night. The Christmas shop was very nice we carved wood ornaments and Santas. I thought the prices were very reasonable and bought a few things. I liked that a story was provided on the item about the materials used. The train As seen the train was right by the cruise ship. We went back to the room and are room service then headed down. I wore turtle neck and jacket. Mom wore her coat. We were directed to the special needs car and a ramp was lowered for the wheelchairs. Each car had a bathroom and stove. I took off my jacket as it was hot in there. Bottled water was provided. We were told we could go out on the end outside and I stayed there the whole way up taking pictures. It is true to sit on the left side when going up. The right side was rock wall and a few waterfalls. All my pics came from the left side going up. Then I went inside and sat for the ride down to enjoy the views. Since our car was not Full we stayed on the left side. We went to the border then the engine went to the other side to pull us down the mountain. There was were all the snow was right at the train. This was moms best excursion. I asked later if she thought the 8 hr Would be something she would like and she said no that this was just right. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #10 Share Posted May 25, 2017 We were given an option in departing either in town or the ship. We choose the town and it stopped right behind the white pass store. The store had many interesting items and we bought the book$5 that had many pictures of our journey. The town This was behind the store and where We were dropped off. Sent from my iPhone using Forums 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Glacier bay What a day! I brought breakfast back from the buffet for mom everyday. I stayed at the buffet a while each morning eating w others and enjoying alone time while mom slept In. Well I was seeing such amazing sights before 8 am that I had decide we would not leave our balcony till late afternoon. We ordered room service about 10 for coffee and cookies and noon for sandwiches. We were given a map the night before from the park service and we followed it all day. The Rangers came on the ship about 8 and you could hear them thru A channel on TV . I would sit On my bed watching the jumping up to see something. Mom then would go On the balcony too. This kept her Warm and comfortable. It was not that cold but I put on the hat cause I thought I looked better in it! Mom wore Her Jacket from yesterday. It was $20 from the tshirt store. It was Lined in fleece and mom said it was warm. Margerie glacier Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
engteacher Posted May 25, 2017 #12 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Awesome review and pictures. What a wonderful time you gave your mom. How very special. We will be on the Legend July 25 and are very excited about the trip, but even more so after seeing your pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted May 25, 2017 As we started to approach margerie glacier we started passing many icebergs. Once we got to the glacier they said we would be there an hour and we slowly did a 360. It had starting misting but the decks were packed from what I saw. Our steward had told us he would clean the room and we could be on our balcony. When he arrived he took our pictures on the balcony. So nice! After the 360 we slowly made our way out the bay and then went To jaw point for 2 more glaciers. One Reid and the other I can't think of. One was really blue. The other we could not get that close to due to birthing season of seals. The ranger signed off a little before 1 pm. He gave a talk on the ship we did not attend and there were things to purchase on the deck from the ranger station. Later I saw they had a photographer taking pictures of people in front of the glaciers. I would have wanted that if I knew it was happening. I guess it was on lido deck. The pictures I saw were beautiful w people bundled up in front of margerie. The last picture was a beautiful mountain behind the glacier but the fog seems to cover it. That is the one that had the birthing seals. Leaving glacier bay I felt that the port side had the better views today. Sent from my iPhone using Forums 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Trying to get the picture to come through Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #15 Share Posted May 25, 2017 In glacier bay was the first time I saw the sea lions in the water. It took me about 10 sightings before I could identify what I was seeing. They would float by the ship and you would see something small and black. If you kept looking at it it would flip to go deep into the water and that was when you would see the body and tail. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 25, 2017 Author #16 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Ketchikan We arrived at 7 and our excursion was at 9. It was rain then mist then rain. I wanted to go To creek street for pictures and I needed a Harley shirt for my boss. I took mom to the lobby and she read while I ran to creek street. Creek street was beautiful and deserted at this early hour which was great for pictures. I would have loved to have gone back when it was bustling but there was no time. The stores in town were open this early so I went back and got mom to shop beforehand. We went to Tongass trading store w coupons. Thankfully We were the only ship there. The sales lady found every item of the coupons. Mom was happy! We then walked the street And went into the other stores . Totem park So it's raining and we get to the state park and the whole driveway is gutted with rain filled pot holes. I ask if I can push the wheelchair and am told yes but in reality no. Mom pushed the wheel chair Through the park and did not enjoy herself at all. We ended at a gift store and mom liked that the best! Warm and dry. It was very Informative but we endured it not enjoyed it. Later I brought my concerns to the excursion desk and they said it was flat so it was accessible! Another couple that I had met at breakfast went on the same tour. They started at the gift shop and never went further since it was in a scoter. After that we went back to the ship and changed our wet clothes. We left a 1pm and it rained the entire time. At Tongass trading store I felt had the best prices especially Using the coupons from a free book we picked up in Juneau that had coupons for every port! I could have shopped much longer in town that day. That morning I was on the lido deck when we passed a lighthouse on starboard side. It was a rocky island with a lighthouse. It was between 5-6. I had left my camera in the room and missed it but is was very unique and would have been a great shot. We did not retrace our entrance into town but kept going down the passage. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katfer Posted May 25, 2017 #17 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Thanks elilly..great pics..we're from Memphis!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepper0074 Posted May 25, 2017 #18 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Thank you for sharing. I love the shopping tips and I know that my Mom will appreciate them. I also need to get a Harley shirt - for my cousin. We leave in 27 days and you have made me so much more excited for our trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 26, 2017 Author #19 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Thanks for the comments. Mom had the time of her life. Moms energy leaves after about 3 hours so we did a short excursion and then we rested. I would go on the lido to walk the whole ship but mostly I stayed in the cabin with her and enjoyed the balcony. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 26, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Victoria We arrived about 730 but did not get cleared until 8 pm. We waited until the crowds cleared to leave the ship. We had nothing planned but did want to shop a bit. There was one store on the dock at the very end. Very crowded but its owned locally which I like to support. I found a small painting of A Victoria lighthouse by a local artist, the exchange rate was nice too. It was posted on the door and they do take US money . Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMRPHRN Posted May 26, 2017 #21 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Thanks so much for taking the time to post pictures and reviews. I am sailing on the Legend on May 30th with my daughter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 26, 2017 Author #22 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Food The food to me was wonderful. In the morning I would get a pizza about 5 am then would wait for the buffet to open and take mom a bowl of fruit and bacon. Fruit was available the entire cruise as were whole bananas. I would take them to the room for afternoon snack. The bacon was crispy on the buffet if you moved it around I could find the crispy ones. I also had the Danishes and they were good too. Seaday brunch was available the sea day and Victoria Day but not Glacier bay. We would go about 10 and then not eat lunch. I had eggs Benedict and the steak. Very good. Mom had pancakes and ate them all. We also went to lunch almost everyday in the dining room. Good also. One afternoon we had a cheeseburger and hot dog from the grill on lido deck. It was good but fries were a little cold. We had anytime dinning since I knew 3 nights we would be in port at night and not sure when we would want to eat. We sat in the same section and were taken care of every night . There was an Alaskan section on the menu that had salmon cooked all different ways and another fish or shrimp every night. The rest of the menu was the American menu. Mom ate flatiron steak twice, lasagna , prime rib, pork chop, roast along with a salad and either baked potato or whipped potatoes . I ordered many appetizers and main courses nightly. I almost always ordered the fish/shrimp/crab selection then fried chicken, prime rib, and lobster. We always ordered desert too! Cherry pie, bitter/blach ? , cheesecake, mouse, banana split, chocolate melting cake. We went to dinner about 530 each night and were finished about 7. When we left there was a waiting list. We ordered room service 3 times twice for lunch. Blt's and roast beef along with cookies and cheese cake. Eating in the dining room was so much easier than doing the buffet with a wheelchair. We were spoiled by the service and food all week. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 26, 2017 Author #23 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Dress Mom and I had decided that this was going to be a very casual cruise. We were flying so I limited our luggage to 2 checked pieces plus moms carry on w her medicine. We re wore almost everything. There were plenty of times pictures were taken but we didn't pose once. Real pretty backgrounds that you don't see in the southern beach cruises. Like lighthouses, train, icebergs and snow and northern nights. I wore almost everything I took: Black tshirt short sleeve Leopard jacket 2 turtlenecks black and brown Black pants 2 jeans A fleece pullover Short sleeve shirt Rain jacket not lined Swim suit Black flats and tennis shoes A leopard shirt that looks like jacket / shirt but is one piece. I wished I had brought rain pants or the sweat suit like outfit that had the rain restraint pants popular a few years ago. Mom brought many shirt/ jacket as one piece and 2 jeans and one black pants I also bought her a cuddle duds long sleeve shirt for underneath and she wore on port days. Formal nights were not that formal and the second night a couple sat night to us in jeans. I knew that it would be that way in Alaska so we took items we could wear the next day after dinner. We also saw dresses and tuxes but they were few and far between. Elegant night On lido deck in Seattle Front deck sailing into Victoria At the airport Sent from my iPhone using Forums 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 26, 2017 Author #24 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Special needs From these boards I knew to contact special needs before we boarded. A few hours later I received an email from them asking to check a form of what I needed. I asked for a shower seat in the room. When we arrived in the room there was no shower chair so I called right away and one was delivered. At the port we were seated in a special section and given zone 6. I needed a pusher for mom cause I knew I did not need to push her up the ramps to get On the ship. I did not want to hurt my back the first day! We had to until zone 8 was boarding due to the lack of pushers. I saw a total of 2! No big deal to me but if you want on the ship fast get there super early . We arrived at 11:30 and our checkin time was 11. They pushed mom to just on the ship and then I took over. So I had read here that you have to wait and wait for an elevator due to it being full and others running in front of the wheelchair. Thankfully we had the opposite! People would see us and hold the door for me and if we stopped on a floor when they saw us they didn't want to crowd us. My rule when I cruise with my husband is we always walk down the stairs and only use the elevator to go up many floors. After this cruise I am even more adamant about leaving the elevator free for those that need it. Muster drill We kept being sent from one place to another. Then on 3 we could not even get off the elevator the hall was so congested. Finally finding the place by spotting others in wheelchairs i realized I would never get mom here in an emergency! We were asked if we were in the same room and out cards were scanned. We were in a go thru hall way with seats. We always brought the wheelchair in our room except one night when we were just dropping off something. Our steward knocked on the door to tell us kids were playing with it so beware of leaving it or a scooter unattended. I did tag the wheelchair very well plus used a marker on the seat. I also put an address label taped to a bar code o the metal part. I was a little paranoid of someone accidentally taking it thinking it was theirs. We would have been up a creek without that chair. Getting off the ship , mom would be pushed down the ramp by the crew and then pushed back on ship by the crew. I talked to the excursion people about the excursions being wheelchair friendly. We only had one problem. The totem park we were taken to was packed gravel in Ketchikan and since it was raining it had puddles too many to avoid. Mom had to walk behind her wheel chair. I feel the guide should have told us this at the port while loading moms wheelchair . We would not have gone. When we arrived at the park I questioned him seeing the parking lot and he said there was no problem in the wheelchair. The first dip I hit gravel and mom about fell out so she starting walking then. I went to the excursion desk and voiced. My complaint and they guy said well it was level so it was accessible. The train ride was great. A special car was reserved with a chair lift. The person could decide to either stay in their chair or sit on the seats. At the end a person came and let Us off by the chair lift. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elililly Posted May 26, 2017 Author #25 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Overall we had the time of our lives on this cruise. I researched a lot on these boards and read last years reviews . I did also know myself and what works for us. Our balcony was so worth it. This will more than likely be moms only time in Alaska. We could not run back and forth to either side to see the wildlife or mountains on the upper decks but we did see a ton of mountains and glaciers and wildlife from our room that was warm and had a bathroom. Our excursions were short and sit down type. No great adventures in helicopters or dog sledding which I would have loved but this was moms adventure. We dressed for the weather and not to impress others . I'm hot natured so I took less layers and a rain jacket . Moms cold so she brought more layers and thick winter coat. Mom bought too many souvenirs than needed but she had fun shopping and going in the different stores. Great entertainment for her. Moms word for the week was Wow! To the snow, wind, cold, mountains and glaciers. She said many times that she never thought she would see the things she saw and go to Alaska . She thought she was too weak and old but she surprised herself on what she could do. If you can Go Spend the money on this adventure It will make you say Wow! At what you see Ask Any questions and I will try and answer Sent from my iPhone using Forums 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now