LIVE / Discovery Princess / July 30th / Alaska's Inside Passage, RT Seattle 14 Day Cruise (B2B 7 day Cruises)

[Jeter02]

3 minutes ago, cheezenip said:

No need to apologize...glad you had such a great time. I'll be especially interested in your food comments in the MDR (service speed also) and the buffet as well as music activities around the ship both day and night (I'll be going in Jan for 2 weeks and the family is concerned with enough music around the ship both day / night when we are in Mexico). Have a safe trip home!!

I can let you know the service and the main dining room has been fabulous for breakfast lunch and dinner. As always for those who have traveled recently on Princess I know some people have concerns when it comes to the reservations. I am a very early diner so I tend to always wait at the dining room like 30-20 minutes prior to opening. For dinner I always eat at 5:00 or 5:30 whichever one is the earliest. On this ship and itinerary it is 5:00 for dinner. So if you don't have a reservation or if you're traveling with a large group that's always the best time as 6:00 is always peak time with people coming in for dinner. 

[gottagoacruzn]

2 hours ago, cheezenip said:

On vacation and enjoying himself, COVID or other health problems....??? Just let us know you are ok with a status update and your thoughts of the Discovery Princess (so good that you are ignoring the cruise critic world...LOL??)

Yup, agree with you cheezenip!!!

[Steelers36]

On 8/6/2023 at 8:47 PM, startedwithamouse said:

 

Every sailing with Captain John Smith we hope for passengers who are running late in ports;  his announcements are are always a bit cheeky.

What we have seen for the most part is that people who are late have been on Princess tours whereas our private independent tours are always back on time.

[Steelers36]

On 8/2/2023 at 11:06 AM, Jeter02 said:

Prices will be as follows:

Salads $5

Pizza $8.50 

Calzones $8.50

Eggplant and Veal dishes $8.50

Dessert $4.50

We can now see from a more modern and complete Gigi's/Alfredo's that the pizzas are going to be $8.50 - the same as on grand class.  That is much more reasonable to me than the $12 we saw on the draft menus.  If the $12 was ever real, someone to PCL did the right thing.

 

[Jeter02]

1 minute ago, Steelers36 said:

We can now see from a more modern and complete Gigi's/Alfredo's that the pizzas are going to be $8.50 - the same as on grand class.  That is much more reasonable to me than the $12 we saw on the draft menus.  If the $12 was ever real, someone to PCL did the right thing.

 

Yes $8.50 for the pizzas, and For three particular specialty pizzas that have more gourmet ingredients such as burrata and truffle and so on.... those are going to be about $12

[DanielaC]

11 hours ago, Jeter02 said:

Sto benissimo e mi sto divertendo! Ho deciso che scriverò un'intera recensione giornaliera con ciascuno dei porti dopo lo sbarco di domani. Come sempre avrò tutti gli schemi inclusi, i menu, le escursioni e molte foto Ho pensato che avrò il tempo mentre aspetto che il tempo passi in aeroporto. Mi scuso per tutta la suspense e per essere stato così tranquillo qui. Questa è stata una crociera così favolosa a bordo con un gruppo di equipaggio così straordinario.

Hello, I look forward to your advice on the ports visited, I will do it at the end of September, all your advice will be very valuable to me ... good seas

[Italy52]

On 8/12/2023 at 9:53 PM, Jeter02 said:

Yes $8.50 for the pizzas, and For three particular specialty pizzas that have more gourmet ingredients such as burrata and truffle and so on.... those are going to be about $12

Thank you for taking the time to post your review, I appreciate it.  With regard to the pizza, it is still possible to split one pizza?  My husband and I used to go to the restaurant and split one pizza; we are not very big eaters.  Or, will we have to order one pizza each?

[Solara]

What was final count of passengers?  Did you feel the ship was really crowded?

[Jeter02]

On 8/14/2023 at 6:10 PM, Italy52 said:

Thank you for taking the time to post your review, I appreciate it.  With regard to the pizza, it is still possible to split one pizza?  My husband and I used to go to the restaurant and split one pizza; we are not very big eaters.  Or, will we have to order one pizza each?

Yes you are absolutely allowed to split a pizza or a split anything that you order as it will be no sharing fees. 

[Jeter02]

On 8/14/2023 at 6:25 PM, Solara said:

What was final count of passengers?  Did you feel the ship was really crowded?

Both weeks the ships were fully booked with well over 4,000 passengers. Honestly it didn't feel that bad at all with feeling crowded. Keep in mind when there's a lot of port days people are out and about as they are coming and going. On sea days, lots of activities going on around ship giving people lots of choices where people are spread all around the ship.

[cheezenip]

On 8/12/2023 at 3:48 PM, Jeter02 said:

I can let you know the service and the main dining room has been fabulous for breakfast lunch and dinner. As always for those who have traveled recently on Princess I know some people have concerns when it comes to the reservations. I am a very early diner so I tend to always wait at the dining room like 30-20 minutes prior to opening. For dinner I always eat at 5:00 or 5:30 whichever one is the earliest. On this ship and itinerary it is 5:00 for dinner. So if you don't have a reservation or if you're traveling with a large group that's always the best time as 6:00 is always peak time with people coming in for dinner. 

Is there a waiter / waitress you can recommend booking an entire cruise in the dining room (s) you ate at? We also like to eat early and want to have the old mdr experience where the mdr team knows our preferences. I know times have changed but we can still try.

[Jeter02]

Figured the best way to go about this blog to share my experiences of this wonderful B2B Alaskan cruise totaling 14 days. The itinerary remain the same each week of the cruise so I'm going to go over each port stop with things that I have done in the past to help people get ideas of some excursions as well things I did this time around. 

 

Honestly the first week on board the beautiful Discovery Princess I used as a week of complete relaxation as I did as well mostly for the second week, but through in some outdoor activities.

 

But first I have to give a big shout out and huge round of applause to all the crew on this ship as they were nothing but phenomenal and outstanding. The Discovery Princess is a gorgeous ship to begin with but I always say it comes down to management and all the crew that run rhis ship to help keep it running like a fine oiled machine. Entertainment was fantastic! Food was to die for! Service was top-notch! Furthermore what's not to love about an Alaskan itinerary.

[Jeter02]

19 minutes ago, cheezenip said:

Is there a waiter / waitress you can recommend booking an entire cruise in the dining room (s) you ate at? We also like to eat early and want to have the old mdr experience where the mdr team knows our preferences. I know times have changed but we can still try.

Honestly they are all absolutely fabulous and wonderful. For me, my personal waiters I had throughout my entire stay onboard was at the Skagway Dinning Room, table 380 which is at Center stage which is always my favorite place to eat, as it's roomy and quiet. My waiter was Ruwell and his partner Maritea. Once again I have never had a bad wait staff and all my years on princess they have all been incredibly fantastic.

 

As for breakfast and lunch I had another great duo James and Michael, however this is James last week currently onboard as he's getting ready for vacation.

[Jeter02]

I last left off on day three which is the first four to call of Ketchikan where I gave an overview of my day. But I figured I would add in some awesome excursion ideas for those looking for some tips, reviews, and suggestions. Be advised that the menus remain the same week after week, Which gives you an opportunity to try something new each week if you're on board for more than one sailing. I will be doubling up from the two weeks as the activities may have slightly changed.

 

During the first week for dinner for this day I had some delicious turkey dinner which is always one of my princess favorites every cruise. I don't know how they get their turkey tasting so good every single time. For the dessert I did try the carrot cake which was delightful. The following week it was Italian night so I of course had to do the arancini balls which are phenomenally done on this ship. Followed by my entree where I was eating like that night where I took the parmesan chicken and had them take that and place it on top a bed of Caesar salad instead of the menus option of a bed of spaghetti. I was very blessed to be sitting next to a lovely couple who had done the fishing excursion where you catch your fish and then you can have it cooked on board. So I was able to have a second round dinner and enjoy their pink salmon they had caught which was absolutely fabulous. The chef did an amazing job preparing it with some delicious vegetables and watching them filet the fish table side is always such a fun treat.

 

Some of the typical excursions people love to do in kitchen include some of the top two things which is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. I'm bored the ship they do have one of the lumberjacks on board where they do a wonderful presentation the day before we stop in Ketchikan that involve some volunteers from the audience that come up to practice some axe throwing. They go over the history of how the lumberjack shows became about which is loads of great fun for the whole family. When you book the tickets for the show there are different options where you can either have a bus take you and drop you off especially those who are ADA. It's also an easy walk to do to and from the ship as well. Highly recommend the show for families especially those with kids There's lots of fun is to be had.

 

The famous Creek Street with the beautiful wooden buildings is quite a popular place to visit. Also very easy to walk to from the ship with lots of great signage throughout town to help you navigate over. At Creek Street if it's a good day sometimes you can catch some fresh salmon swimming along the creek, which is always exciting.

 

All throughout Alaska you'll notice all the beautiful wooden totem poles all throughout the state. They do have a great totem pole park called Totem Bright Park. I've actually walked to the park in the past a little longer than typical, but absolutely doable. Great way to squeeze in that daily exercise.

 

If looking for more fancier excursions I've done in Ketchikan which I highly recommend if you're looking for something more adventurous to do which includes a seaplane. I've booked my tours with a fabulous company independently known as "Island Wings," which Michelle is an outstanding pilot and all around the wonderful woman. I did a lot of thorough research years ago and had discovered her through the cruise critic boards and she does not disappoint. (Please keep mine I did these tours about a few years ago which was pre-pandemic.) Where the ship docks you can actually see her two sea planes from the ship as it is an easy walkable distance. They do have a van that will pick up from the Ketchikan Visitor Bureau which is walkable from the ship, When you get off the ship you want to walk to the right. However where the Discovery Princess talks is just easier to walk straight directly to them. To walk to them initially all you got to do is when you get off the ship and out of the little port area you're going to go to the left and you can't miss it they have a nice big sign for Island Wings. I want to say it's a 5 to 10 minute walk.

 

Through Island Wings I've done two different excursions which includes: Bear Viewing and the Misty Fjords. My first excursion I booked with her with originally for Misty fjords but the few words were too fogged in and they gave us one of three offerings being 1) we can go to a different fjord which isn't as grand, 2) She can give us our money back for the inconvenience, 3) for no additional charge from the Misty fjord package they gave us the bear viewing package. I clearly jumped on that Bear viewing package as it was like double the price of the Misty fjords and an experience that's being handed to me on a platter. The bear viewing excursion they fly you out to the Tongass Forest, where we hike with some professionals from their team who are fully prepared for any encounters or interactions with the bears as they are equipped for those scenarios. I will say that was one of the most amazing excursions I've ever experienced Now keep in mind it's different for everyone when they go but I was very blessed to get about 5 cubs and 3 bears that day. It was awesome watching them along the salmon stream going fishing for their lunch. An absolute incredible sight.

 

On another visit with the island wings I did eventually get to do the Misty fjords flight. It was absolutely beautiful and scenic. One thing I did learn from that flight as I usually don't do well with motion in the air or in the car.... I learned when it's a beautiful sunny day that doesn't necessarily mean it is the best day for flying in seaplane. Apparently there are a lot of air pockets in the air which will then cause the turbulence. So Michelle's always said the best flight days are those that are slightly overcast and gray. You'll get some amazing photos through this flight. 

 

During this 2 week cruise I kept it simple with a hike up to Carlanna Lake, Which is roughly a 40-minute walk each way from the ship. It's a rather simple hike/walk up to the lake which was incredibly peaceful and serene as I thought it was a wonderful hidden gem. If interested in this little hike when you get off the ship you want to go to the left and take that all the way down to Jackson Street, and take the wooden stairs up. You're going to keep taking those stairs until you get to another little cross street where you're going to then take the second set of wooden stairs. Keep going straight on that road eventually you will make a left on Baranof Street. Keep walking until you hit the beginning of Trail for Carlanna Lake. The trail is maybe half a mile long until you reach the designated area. It's beautiful so if you're looking for something to do that's different from your typical Creek Street run or totem pole park highly recommend. I gave myself round trip about 2 and 1/2 hours for this little adventure. I tend to walk fast so it takes me about 30 minutes each way to walk to and from, I spent about 30 minutes up by the lake.

 

[Jeter02]

I will be posting daily, one day of the Alaskan itinerary a day, as they're a little bit lengthy of a post. If I'm able to do more than one then it's a good day. Unfortunately I'm back on duty with work, as apparently the school year calls. 

[Italy52]

1 hour ago, Jeter02 said:

Yes you are absolutely allowed to split a pizza or a split anything that you order as it will be no sharing fees. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question, I appreciate it.  We are big fans of the Discovery Princess as well as Alaska --- enjoy your cruise.

[Sarnia 432]

4 hours ago, Jeter02 said:

a hike up to Carlanna Lake

thanks for the description, we were considering this next month when we are in Ketchikan.  Looking forward to hearing what else you got up to on your trip, we enjoyed walking with you in Norway, our likes seem very similar.

[pachecos]

Are you saying the menus did rotate then - the turkey was the first week but then they switched it to Italian on the second week - I'm confused if the order is changing each week?

[Jeter02]

56 minutes ago, pachecos said:

Are you saying the menus did rotate then - the turkey was the first week but then they switched it to Italian on the second week - I'm confused if the order is changing each week?

For some of the nights yes some of the menus did rotate on the following week they may not have been on the exact order as the first week I was onboard.

[Steelers36]

@Jeter02, do you happen to be an Apple user or PC/Android?

[Jeter02]

5 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

@Jeter02, do you happen to be an Apple user or PC/Android?

Pc/Android

[Steelers36]

1 minute ago, Jeter02 said:

Pc/Android

I was wondering because I have read some posts in the past where people indicate Apple having "a mind of its own" in terms of auto-text.  I noticed one larger post above where there were some odd word choices and it looked like auto-text and not words you would choose.  Not a big deal as I could figure it out.  Anyone on a ship taking time out to post should get some leeway as it can take a lot off personal time and effort to do this.

[Jeter02]

Just now, Steelers36 said:

I was wondering because I have read some posts in the past where people indicate Apple having "a mind of its own" in terms of auto-text.  I noticed one larger post above where there were some odd word choices and it looked like auto-text and not words you would choose.  Not a big deal as I could figure it out.  Anyone on a ship taking time out to post should get some leeway as it can take a lot off personal time and effort to do this.

I appreciate the leeway. I'm going to be very honest I tend to do more voice to text and I'm just a terrible human being when it comes to double checking. When I do double check especially on a lengthy one I tend to miss things. Your understanding is very well appreciative. 

[cheezenip]

On 7/31/2023 at 8:17 AM, Jeter02 said:

Lunch on embarkation day in the main dining room started at 11:30 a.m. Some other options you do have is you do have for a bite to eat is Gigi's which opens at 11am, as well as international cafe and the buffet on the widow which is always readily available once on board. On embarkation day I always prefer to eat in the MDR where I had a lovely lunch. I had the amazing beef tenderloin which simply melted in your mouth and was so well to seasoned.

@Jeter02 We too will be doing a B2B and enjoy eating at the MDR on embarkation. With in-transit privileges, did you find you could enter the MDR earlier than 11:30am on your 2nd week or were they firm on the 11:30 am starting time? Also, did you have to do the fire drill requirements the 2nd week?

Edited August 17, 2023 by cheezenip

[Jeter02]

Just now, cheezenip said:

@Jeter02 We too will be doing a B2B and enjoy eating at the MDR on embarkation. With in-transit privileges, did you find you could enter the MDR earlier than 11:30am on your 2nd week or were they firm on the 11:30 am starting time? Also, did you have to the fire drill requirements the 2nd week?

No you don't get special privileges to enter the dining room early for lunch It is a strict 11:30 a.m. start time regardless. On the second week you do not need to redo your safety drill.