Live From Discovery Princess - Alaska w/ Glacier Bay - 7/6/24 to 7/13/24

[gvre]

On 7/4/2024 at 11:31 AM, BeforeSunsetLemonade said:

 

OUR 360 EXPERIENCE ON THE MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE
As the friends joining us for this Alaskan cruise weren’t interested in 360, we decided we would do it on our Mexican Riviera cruise. Yes, this is pricey, but it’s certainly in line with a nice land based dinner. We have done the Le Petit Chef on Celebrity, which we thought was cheesy and a bit racist, so we knew what to expect with how the meal would interact with the projection. However, we were certainly wrong. This exceeded our expectations. 

 

WELCOME

The check in for the evening is under the stairs in the main atrium. Once checked in, they take your picture and hand you a cocktail with an aquafaba foam stamped with the 360 logo. 
 

 

Once everyone was gathered, we were then escorted through Sabatini’s (now the Catch by Rudy) by a violinist while being greeted by staff. Yes, those dining in Sabatini’s were staring at us as we were paraded through the restaurant. We were told which seat was ours and were escorted to that seat. The violinist continued to serenade us as we were seated. Once seated, our host greeted us and in front of us a picture of the 360 logo with our name under it appeared. 

 

FIRST COURSE

First course had pitted olives, viscous olive oil, a tzatziki sauce, and pita bread paired with a lovely cocktail. The olive oil was incredible. If no one was watching I would have picked up that bowl and slurped it up. Since this was the first course, we didn’t take into account that the dinner is timed and they don’t wait! They give you plenty of time to enjoy, though if you’re not eating fast enough, they will take the plate once they are ready to move onto the next course. 

 

 

SECOND COURSE

The second course was the most perfectly cooked, tender, melt in your mouth octopus topped with caviar and surrounded by micro-greens. Of all the dishes in the evening, this was my favorite course. The combination of favors with the complexity of textures made this dish spectacular. This course was paired with a white wine. 
 

 

THIRD COURSE

We then were brought the third course of a caprese salad. The buffalo mozzarella was creamy, the tomatoes were just tart enough, and the basil was very fresh. 
 

 

FOURTH COURSE

The fourth course was pasta al limone. This course would be our second favorite of the evening. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, while the creamy lemon sauce provided the perfect balance of savory and tart. They do share the recipe up on the projection, so be ready to snap a picture of it to recreate the meal at home.  Additionally, they infused the room with a lemon scent enhancing the lemon flavor. Additionally, this is where the projection on the table comes into play with the lemons dancing on the plate while you eat. The experience of the sights of lemon groves and the projection of the table where it reacts to touch, the smell of the aroma, the elevated narration to explain each course, and the taste of the dish is a well balanced experience for all the senses. 
 

 

FIFTH COURSE

The fifth course was prosciutto and other cured meats, which was great, though the star of this course was the wine. The Grenache is aged underwater where sea creatures envelop the bottle. There are only a limited amount of bottles produced each year and we were honored to be able to indulge in it. 

 

 

SIXTH COURSE

With the sixth course, we were treated to a perfectly cooked tenderloin with charcoal salted butter. It is true that one cannot choose the temperature of the steak, though trust the chef, as these were exceptionally prepared. The charcoal salted butter certainly added to the steak, though the steak was perfect on its own. This was topped with a deep fried prawn, which added some texture. 

 

 

SEVENTH COURSE

The final course was inspired by a honey and lavender custard. Once again, they infused the room with a lavender scent to enhance the flavors. It was a nice dessert to end the evening. 
 

 

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

We have had many amazing culinarily experiences including dining at Michelin star restaurants, memorable prepared food at fancy establishments, and some spectacular food from unexpected eateries. In fact, my top most memorable meal was eating fresh caught uni at the old Japanese fish market in a nondescript food stall. That uni melted in my mouth, was so buttery, briny, and sweet, that I still salivate at the thought of that meal. 

 

This experience was well worth it. It is certainly a better executed event than the Le Petit Chef on Celebrity. The use of the projection was not gimmicky and instead added to the playfulness of the meal. The thoughtfulness of the narration was done to prepare the senses of what was to come. The use of aroma to fill the room enhanced the flavors of dishes. Each course was also paired really well with the alcoholic drink that went with each course. Princess certainly put something together to allow all one’s senses to be engaged throughout the experience. 

 

Would we do it again? Absolutely. Would we do it every time we’re on a ship that has this experience? Probably not. Are we doing it on this upcoming Alaskan cruise? No. Is it worth the money? Yes! At $149 per person, it’s a reasonable price to pay for the elevated service and chef (Princess) selected meal for the evening. So with that…

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

 

 

Perfect narrative of the 360-experience dinner!

We have done it twice on the Discovery and will be on the ship in October.

Debating if we will do it again

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

DAY 5 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

We ordered breakfast room service and asked for almond croissants. We had heard through other CruiseCriticers that the almond croissants are delicious and, if you specify on the breakfast tag, they’ll bring them. I certainly can confirm that these croissants will be sent if asked for and that they are delicious. Thankfully we have three more mornings to have them. 

 

At 7:45, we went down to the Vista Lounge for the Glacier Bay greeting and were glad we did. It gave us a nice overview of what we would experience for the day. Before the talk, we were also able to look at what they were selling and asked about how to get the National Passport stamp. They let us know that they don’t have the stamp where one could stamp the passport book on one’s own, possibly because of the current shipwide gastrointestinal infection or because this is just how it’s done, so instead they had pre stamped pieces of paper that one could cut and paste into one’s National Passport book. 

 

After the greeting, we saw a line form for the merchandise. We decided that we would just come back a little later in the day. In retrospect, we should have joined in the line then. Throughout the morning, we went down to the Vista Lounge to see how the line was doing. Each time, there was a consistent number of people waiting. We finally had one person stay in line, while the others were able to view the passing sites. We then rotated throughout the 45ish minute wait. It was well worth it though, as we were able to get our National Passport stamp and purchase Glacier Bay gear. Be mindful that they only bring on a limited stock of merchandise, so if one really wants something, get in line. Our group bought the last of their large t-shirts. 

 

 

 

GLACIER VIEWING 

Since we were traveling with friends, we had our choice of which balcony to use for the glacier viewing. Our friends are in a starboard side room, while we have an aft facing room. Our friends suggested we start in their room, and as the ship turns, we head to our aft room, and then go back and forth. While we did this switch once, we realized that the best view that gets the most time just looking at the glacier is from one of the side rooms as most passengers on the ship have a side facing room and the ship spends most of its time with the side facing the glacier. So, we spent the time at the glaciers in their room. We did use our room as we sailed out, as that was really the only time that our aft facing room had a consistent view of the wonderful scenery. 

 

The weather for the day was pleasant at about 55°. While it was overcast, it only had short moments of light rain, that it made it comfortable to be in sweat pants, a T-shirt, and a light rain jacket. 
 

While viewing the glaciers, we were greeted by a plethora of otters, sea gulls, and eagles in the distance. We looked for bears, but saw none. We were lucky to see and hear a huge piece of ice calve into the water. The sound and sight of this event was breathtaking. It’s inspiring how most everyone on the ship is quiet while viewing the glaciers allowing one to use all one’s senses to hear the sound of nature, feel the chilling air, smell the crisp and clean air, and see the magnificent sights. It’s simply an amazing experience. 

 

On the way out of Glacier Bay was another prime opportunity to see whales. We saw about 10 whales and had the unique opportunity to see one humpback whale wave its fin towards us repeatedly. We also were very lucky to see another humpback completely breach out of the water. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GYM

After we left the national park, we headed to the gym. It was mostly empty this early afternoon, making it peaceful to exercise while looking out in the distance. The gym is very well stocked and we were able to use the kettlebells and sandbags with ease. We also used their battle ropes, even though they were on the very light side. Overall, it was a good hour to spend in the gym. 

 

EVENING

After the gym, we showered and got ready for the evening. We stopped into the PES lounge for a drink and to listen to Elia 8 Duo who has a beautiful voice and perform adult contemporary easy listening music. We also took in the packed venue of O’Malleys to be entertained by the Rambling Rovers. These two lads put on a feet tapping, hand clapping good time. 

 

Dinner was once again in the MDR. Since we had our reserved table with our fantastic wait staff of Ossbert and Joepep, we bypassed the long line and seated ourselves at our table. The meal again was great and the stars of this dinner was the lamb chops and the sugar free coconut cake. 

 

After dinner, we headed to the casino, where I turned $20 into $25, our friend turned $20 into $100, our other friend broke even, and DH lost his $20. Still a fun 30 minutes. 
 

 

GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS UPADTE

The captain made his daily announcement to remind us that there are still people reporting to the medical center complaining of gastrointestinal issues and that we should be diligent in washing our hands. Throughout the day, we did see passengers being mindful and respectful of this, especially in the gym where many people wiped their equipment before and after use. Staff were also seen constantly wiping down high touch places, including in the casino where they wiped down the machine once the machine was abandoned. I’m impressed with their procedures of keeping us healthy. 

 

The one big announcement though that the captain made was that this would be his last night with us on this ship. He’s been on the ship for three years, launching it when it made its maiden voyage. When we get to Ketchikan, he’ll be singing off and a new captain will take the helm. 
 

 

So with that…

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

 

 

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

[QuilterGirl]

Perhaps you would be so kind as to take and post a photo of the "senior officers" board once the new captain is on it?  The board is just to the side of the photography shop on Deck 6.

[azbirdmom]

Would you mind sharing a picture of disembarkation instructions when you get them?  Just trying to check for best options to the airport. Have done taxi and the Princess transfer from the Seattle port in the past but would like to see the current disembarkation times if you don’t mind sharing.  Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

12 hours ago, QuilterGirl said:

Perhaps you would be so kind as to take and post a photo of the "senior officers" board once the new captain is on it?  The board is just to the side of the photography shop on Deck 6.

[azbirdmom]

Thank you for posting the disembarkation instructions.  It's guiding us towards doing walk-off with a taxi or Uber as our flight is a tiny bit early to take the transfer.  Also thanks for sharing the news about illness on the ship - it eliminated the surprise when we got the notice below.  Enjoy the last day of your trip!

 

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

DAY 6 - KETCHIKAN

The weather forecast for the day was a high of 60° with partly cloudy skies. It was pleasant enough to be in a t-shirt and jeans, though we did bring jackets and gloves since we were going to be on the water for our excursion. 

 

DEADLIEST CATCH CRAB FISHERMAN’S TOUR

As we’re big fans of the Deadliest Catch, this tour was a must do! So we fanboyed out and dawned on our Deadliest Catch t-shirts for this excursion. In preparation for this excursion, we rewatched Season 2 of the Deadliest Catch and we were excited just to be on a boat that was featured on the show. 

 

This excursion exceeded our expectations. The crew spent their lives fishing and crabbing in Alaska and told personal stories, some funny, some heartfelt, some heartbreaking, that made this experience come alive. They also demonstrated different types of maneuvers of how to retrieve different types of fishing gear, everything from the large crab pots, to smaller crab pots, to fish baskets. 

 

The most spectacular thing, though, was unexpected. EAGLES! The boat partners with a local tribe that allows them to fish off their tribal waters, and while there, conduct a maneuver that mimics what happens in the wild, to feed and attract wild eagles. This was spectacular! 

 

If we were to do this again, we would choose to sit on the bottom level. We had chosen the top, as we thought we could get better unobstructed pictures, which sitting on top is better for this. The bottom, however, is shielded from the wind and has heaters. While not tremendously cold, it would have been more comfortable if we sat down there. In addition, once at sea, one could get up and move around the crab boat as one wanted. So, even if we were sitting on the bottom, we could have moved up top for pictures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREEK STREET

We had just enough time after excursion to walk to Creek Street, take a picture, and get back to the ship. On the way back, we encountered a long line and started to feel at ease of having to wait in it. As we approached the end of the line, a Princess crew directed us around the line toward and gave us directions on how to board our ship. The line that we saw was for NCL as they dock about 20 minute car ride away. 

 

DINNER - CROWN BAR GRILL

Our reservations for the evening were at the Crown Bar Grill. Our friends brought with them one of our favorite wines from one of the trips we made to that winery with them. Once seated, the sommelier came over, was excited for our bottle, and offered to decant the wine for us. He taught us how to decant wine and was so amazing and engaging. 

 

 

BREAD COURSE

The bread was a garlic bread stuffed with cheese. This was so delicious that we asked for an additional round of bread. 

 

APPETIZER

To start, I had the seared jumbo scallops with salmon caviar. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the salmon caviar added the brininess to the meal. The sauce was overflowing, though delicious. 

 

SOUP COURSE

For the soup course, I had the shrimp and pancetta bisque. This was earthy, creamy, and had full sized shrimp to indulge in. 

 

MAIN COURSE

For the main courses, I had the rib eye cooked to medium with a side of asparagus and mashed potatoes. I was surprised that we weren’t offered all the sides, and instead had to order individually what we wanted. The meat was cooked just as I like it and was juicy and charred beautifully. The meal could have had more than just the four sprigs of asparagus, though. 

 

DESSERT

To end, I had the salted caramel crème brûlée cheesecake, while DH had the key lime pie bar. We don’t typically share food; it’s just not our thing, but we did share the desserts. The cheesecake was just ok. DH’s key lime pie, though, was delicious.

 

GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS UPDATE

Same update from the new captain from the day before that they are continuing to step up their cleaning procedures and reminding people to wash their hands. We do see many crew, bar servers, wait staff continuing to clean repeatedly every surface. We have felt quite comfortable with their focus on sanitizing everything constantly, over and over again. 

 

END OF EVENING

To end our evening, the sky was beautiful and there were a plethora of dolphins playing in the ships wake. So we grabbed our  Disaronno’s on the rocks, headed to our room, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. 

 

So with that…

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

3 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Thank you for posting the disembarkation instructions.  It's guiding us towards doing walk-off with a taxi or Uber as our flight is a tiny bit early to take the transfer.  Also thanks for sharing the news about illness on the ship - it eliminated the surprise when we got the notice below.  Enjoy the last day of your trip!

 

Thanks for sharing. We hope you enjoy your cruise! We’ve had a fabulous time and has helped us DISCOVER how much we have enjoyed cruising in Alaska! 

[arizonaperson]

@BeforeSunsetLemonade great live from thread.I enjoyed following along. Such beautiful eagle photos.

[OSU Buckeyes 1980]

6 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Thank you for posting the disembarkation instructions.  It's guiding us towards doing walk-off with a taxi or Uber as our flight is a tiny bit early to take the transfer.  Also thanks for sharing the news about illness on the ship - it eliminated the surprise when we got the notice below.  Enjoy the last day of your trip!

 

Interesting. Thanks for sharing as we’re on that cruise and did not receive this. Where did you get it?  Email or somewhere online or in the app?  It’s gonna be crazy there getting everyone on that quickly. 

[azbirdmom]

22 minutes ago, OSU Buckeyes 1980 said:

Interesting. Thanks for sharing as we’re on that cruise and did not receive this. Where did you get it?  Email or somewhere online or in the app?  It’s gonna be crazy there getting everyone on that quickly. 

It came via email.  I got it at 8:22 PM last night, so they were sent at 11:22 PM your time.  It also appears on the Princess website if you click on the itinerary link and scroll to the bottom.  Agree it's going to be crazy.  We are actually flying into Seattle tomorrow morning and heading right to the ship so if they are are accurate about the terminal being closed we will be standing around outside for a while!

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

DAY 7 - VICTORIA

As we didn’t arrive in Vancouver until 9:00 in the evening, this day was really a sea day. With that, this was the first morning that we actually slept in and woke up at 7:00 AM. It was nice to just sleep in and didn’t feel like we had to rush to fit it all in. 

 

SPIN CLASS

At 9:00, we went up to the gym to take the spin class. As opposed to the first day where it was full, this spin class was sparsely attended. There were seven people in the class. The sign up sheet was full, so if one was on the waitlist, they would have let them into the class. 

 

The spin class was great as always. The trainers do a great job of organizing a workout to get the heart pumping and the sweat flowing. The one interesting thing that happened during the workout is that the cruise director came on the ship-wide loudspeaker during the workout. This meant that the class had to pause while this announcement was made. The instructor told us to just pedal to keep our heart rate up and we would resume once the announcement was over. 

 

TAKE 5

We spent the rest of the morning reading in the Take 5 lounge. For the majority of the morning, we were the only people in the room. It was nice, peaceful, and relaxing. The bar was open and they played soft jazz over on the sound system adding to the ambiance. 

 

At 1:00, the live jazz band began playing and the lounge filled the room. The band does an excellent job of entertaining with great music interwoven with stories about the songs. At the end of their set, they mentioned that it’s corporate’s plan to turn the Take 5 lounge into an extended portion of the casino. The band encouraged us to let corporate know how we feel about this. I for one am in support of keeping this venue as the Take 5 lounge as it provides a very quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of all the other spaces. 
 

NATURALIST PRESENTATION 

At 2:00, Michael Modzelewski made his fourth of four naturalist presentations. As always, he is fantastic as he blends storytelling and pictures to convey how amazing and awe inspiring Alaska, Alaskan wildlife, and the native people are. We thank him for everything that he had to share. 

 

O’MALLEY’S PINT GLASSES

We love O’Malleys and the Rambling Rovers has been a fantastic band to listen to this week. Just one warning, if you order a beer from O’Malley’s they fill the glass from the bottom. Don’t be curious and push the bottom, otherwise you’ll end up like us with beer all over your pants. 

 

 

 

VICTORIA

With a 9:00 PM arrival, we had a short time to head to shore. Our main plan was to walk around the city and back. So we did an hour and a half loop from the ship into the city and back.

 

 

 

 

 

GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS UPDATE

The captain provided an update of the gastrointestinal illness. He thanked us for all that the staff and passengers are doing to be mindful of not passing along the illness. He reported that this was the first day that there was a drop in the daily number of new cases. He reminded us to continue to be diligent and wash our hands. 

 

In the rooms, they have removed the decorative pillows, the decorative bed thing, the silver tray, and all the drink glasses. We think they’re starting to get ready to disinfect all the rooms and all the stuff in them. 

 

In addition, he shared that when we get to Seattle, 46 crew members will depart and 45 new crew members will join. We are curious about what the one position that is not going to be covered in the upcoming sailing. 

 

So with that…

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

[voljeep]

17 minutes ago, BeforeSunsetLemonade said:

DAY 7 - VICTORIA

As we didn’t arrive in Vancouver until 9:00 in the evening, this day was really a sea day. With that, this was the first morning that we actually slept in and woke up at 7:00 AM. It was nice to just sleep in and didn’t feel like we had to rush to fit it all in. 

 

SPIN CLASS

At 9:00, we went up to the gym to take the spin class. As opposed to the first day where it was full, this spin class was sparsely attended. There were seven people in the class. The sign up sheet was full, so if one was on the waitlist, they would have let them into the class. 

 

The spin class was great as always. The trainers do a great job of organizing a workout to get the heart pumping and the sweat flowing. The one interesting thing that happened during the workout is that the cruise director came on the ship-wide loudspeaker during the workout. This meant that the class had to pause while this announcement was made. The instructor told us to just pedal to keep our heart rate up and we would resume once the announcement was over. 

 

TAKE 5

We spent the rest of the morning reading in the Take 5 lounge. For the majority of the morning, we were the only people in the room. It was nice, peaceful, and relaxing. The bar was open and they played soft jazz over on the sound system adding to the ambiance. 

 

At 1:00, the live jazz band began playing and the lounge filled the room. The band does an excellent job of entertaining with great music interwoven with stories about the songs. At the end of their set, they mentioned that it’s corporate’s plan to turn the Take 5 lounge into an extended portion of the casino. The band encouraged us to let corporate know how we feel about this. I for one am in support of keeping this venue as the Take 5 lounge as it provides a very quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of all the other spaces. 
 

NATURALIST PRESENTATION 

At 2:00, Michael Modzelewski made his fourth of four naturalist presentations. As always, he is fantastic as he blends storytelling and pictures to convey how amazing and awe inspiring Alaska, Alaskan wildlife, and the native people are. We thank him for everything that he had to share. 

 

O’MALLEY’S PINT GLASSES

We love O’Malleys and the Rambling Rovers has been a fantastic band to listen to this week. Just one warning, if you order a beer from O’Malley’s they fill the glass from the bottom. Don’t be curious and push the bottom, otherwise you’ll end up like us with beer all over your pants. 

 

 

 

 

VICTORIA

With a 9:00 PM arrival, we had a short time to head to shore. Our main plan was to walk around the city and back. So we did an hour and a half loop from the ship into the city and back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS UPDATE

The captain provided an update of the gastrointestinal illness. He thanked us for all that the staff and passengers are doing to be mindful of not passing along the illness. He reported that this was the first day that there was a drop in the daily number of new cases. He reminded us to continue to be diligent and wash our hands. 

 

In the rooms, they have removed the decorative pillows, the decorative bed thing, the silver tray, and all the drink glasses. We think they’re starting to get ready to disinfect all the rooms and all the stuff in them. 

 

In addition, he shared that when we get to Seattle, 46 crew members will depart and 45 new crew members will join. We are curious about what the one position that is not going to be covered in the upcoming sailing. 

 

 

So with that…

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

do you get to keep/buy the beer magnet?

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

19 minutes ago, voljeep said:

do you get to keep/buy the beer magnet?

We didn’t try to take it out; we didn’t even think of that. 

[marne-c]

Love your thread!  And here's to great wine from Paso Robles!

 

--Marne

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

8 minutes ago, marne-c said:

Love your thread!  And here's to great wine from Paso Robles!

 

--Marne

Thank you! And yes, here’s to great wine from Paso! 

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

DAY 8 - DEBARKATION 

Well, that was a breeze. As we docked in Seattle, we were welcomed with a beautiful sunrise. 

 

 

We spent the morning packing up the last minute toiletries and clothes. Got hot drinks and food from the International Cafe, and went down to Princess Live to wait for walk off group 1. 

 

Walk off group 1 was scheduled for 7:25. By 7:15 they announced that the ship has been cleared and started letting people off the ship. After scanning the medallion for one last time, we walked through the terminal where there was no immigrations or customs to go through. No face scans or showing of passports. Nothing. We were out of the terminal by 7:25. 

 

We immediately checked prices with Uber and Lyft. Lyft was considerably more expensive than Uber. We didn’t realize that the pick up spot was another five minute walk, as we would have waited a bit to order. Our Uber got to the pick up spot before us. 
 

 

By 7:33 we were in the Uber and dropped off at the airport by 8:03. Baggage check was a breeze, though we were 4 pounds over the bag limit, so we had to do a little adjusting. As we had Clear with TSA Precheck, we were through security by 8:20.

 

We’re now sitting at Brewtop Social, sadly no lounge airline lounge access, as we have two hours before our flight. This restaurant is located in SEA’s C terminal on their mezzanine level, which is above the chaos on the lower level. Plus, it gives great views of the runway. 

 

So with that…

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

Edited July 13 by BeforeSunsetLemonade

[BeforeSunsetLemonade]

FINAL THOUGHTS… 

 

ROOM

We were in cabin D731. This premium deluxe balcony was the standard room with a sofa, though the balcony was extra long. This balcony was an aft view balcony. We enjoyed sitting out here as it was protected by the wind. It was also half covered, so there was always a bit of shade to sit under or escape the rain. 

 

As it has a view of the ships wake, there is a constant noise from the churn of the water. It sounds like a consistent waterfall. It was actually quite soothing. The downside is that if one were trying to hear the naturalist provide his commentary, even with the tv on full volume, we could not hear anything from the tv. 

 

As this room only has neighbors on one side, with the other side adjacent to a hand washing station, it was very quiet. Our neighbors door was not adjacent to ours, so we never heard their door close. As we only had that one neighbor, it decreased the chances that we would have little ones on the room next door, unlike our travel friends who had a baby that they could hear cry throughout the cruise. 

 

Additionally, since this room is at the back, the back stairwells are easily accessible giving us quick access to the buffet and gym directly above us or quick access to Princess Live or the Piazza right below. The laundry room on the Dolphin level is also in the aft section of this level making it easy to use the iron when we needed to press a shirt. 

 

CREW

The crew on this ship were fantastic! We met many crew and enjoyed talking to them and hearing their stories. They were very efficient, except for the one dinner at the Catch, always had a smile on their face, and oftentimes went above and beyond, when we didn’t even know there was an above and beyond. 

 

One of our favorite things is that at the end of our dinner the first night in the MDR, our servers asked us if we wanted to sit there for the rest of the cruise. We agreed as they were fantastic, so each night when we would eat in the MDR, we did not have to get in line or stop at the host desk and instead, we just walked straight into the MDR and sat ourselves at our table. 

 

FOOD 

We found the food on this cruise to be exceptional. To the large salad selection in the buffet, to the tasty meals in the MDR, and the fantastic meals in the speciality restaurants. Some standouts:

• The almond croissants are heavenly. These were not overly sweet and the almonds added a nice texture. 
• The sugar free coconut cake that they had one night in the MDR. I have dreams of this cake; it was that good. I regret not asking for another piece. 
• The Crab Shack’s crab was sweet, briny, and fresh that there was no need to add any butter to it. 
• Camus by the glass. There’s no need to say any more about this. 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

We absolutely enjoyed the lounge acts. From the Rambling Rovers, to the Elias 8 Duo, to Guitarist Mark Vilar. They were all spectacular and elevated our experience. We found ourselves adjusting on schedule based on when they would perform. 

 

ITINERARY 

Alaska is beautiful. We had some memorable experiences in port from the beach hike in Juneau, to the Deadliest Catch boat in Ketchikan, and even to the bike ride in Skagway. It was fantastic. 

 

We were also pleasantly surprised by the plethora of animals we saw during the trip. From leaving Seattle and seeing dolphins. To otters, eagles, ravens, orcas, and humpback whales….memorable. And a sights of the lifetime, seeing a humpback breach or the calving of the glacier…breathtaking. 

 

END OF THIS LIVE

Well, that concludes our live on this adventure. We thank you for following along. And for those that saw us on the ship and said hello, thanks for coming over and spending a little time with us. 

 

We have enjoyed this trip tremendously. We will certainly be back. 

 

So with that…one final thank you for coming along. Goodbye for now. 

 

Till we wave 🌊 again.

[XBGuy]

I am very glad that you enjoyed your cruise so much, and I would be very surprised if you are "one and done" with Alaska cruises.

 

😉

[arizonaperson]

@BeforeSunsetLemonade beautiful Victoria night shots.

[tweetylori]

Wonderful review, thank you so much!

[RDJ]

Thank you for this detailed review, we are sailing this itinerary/ship next month. Do you recall any themed nights such as the white and gold party, 80’s night, country night, etc?