Back from Sawyer Glacier inside passage cruise

[lorif]

We are just back from a cruise on the Wind and thought we would give feedback and kudos on different port stops and the itinerary.

Ketchikan – fishing with Ken at Northern Lights was fantastic. My husband and son had great luck fishing and a lot of fun with Ken.

Skagway – horse back riding with Joni through Southeast tours. The ride up was good, no fog, great scenery, but not a lot of information as it wasn’t one of their regular tour guides taking us there. He was nice to chat with but I would have appreciated more info on areas we were going through. Horseback riding was a lot of fun and the scenery was great. Ride back was made much better by Brian who is a wonderful tour guide. Brian is very knowledgeable, professional and fun and I would request him if possible when booking something through Southeast.

Juneau – whale watching with Capt Larry through Orca Enterprises – there are so many positive reviews on this board already but this would be another one. People who booked through the ship watched us with envy.

Tracey Arm – Apparently, we made it the furthest they have been able to go in 3 years, and we were close but not quite at the glacier. It was beautiful scenery but some passengers were definitely disappointed.

[Imagineer]

...hi Lorif, we're going on the Wind in four weeks, hopefully we can make it fairly close to the glacier. How were things onboard? Can you give a few more details to those of us who are now counting the days before we sail?

...thanks...

 

cheers,

 

the Imagineers

upcoming NCL cruise on the Wind - Aug 27/06

upcoming Oceania cruise on the Insignia - Apr 28/07

[lorif]

Hi Imagineers, We had a great cruise. It was a third cruise for my husband and me and first cruise for our two teens. First time to Alaska or West coast. I did send in a review, but I don't know when they go up, so here are a few notes.

Food was really great if you don't have dietary restrictions, which would be most people. Portions are not large, but for us that just meant that we could have 2 appetizers if we wanted and maybe still have room for dessert. LeBistro was great, do go there if you can. If you get your breakfast in the Sports bar, you can take your food downstairs 1 level to Sun Terrace and eat there. There is coffee and tea set up there, but not juice. It is much quieter and a lovely view.

Check out the naturalist lectures they have on board, they are usually just a line item on Freestyle Daily and don't really pop out, but look for them. The emphasis is very different on an Alaska cruise with a lot of time being spent looking over the rails instead of hanging around a pool.

The teen program was excellent!

We only swam the last day (pool is saltwater but very warm) and hot tubs were nice.

The cruise staff were all great and we had a good time. Do you have any specific concerns or questions?

[lorif]

Imagineers - one thing I forgot to mention was the self-disembarkation. It would probably work really well for you being kind of local. You need to be able to handle/wheel all of your luggage yourself (staff that are there helping are not allowed to handle bags after previous problems with stevedors), but if you can do that you can be one of the first off the ship. I complimented one of the staff at the port for the efficienct and great service and she said it was that way at 8:30 but an hour later with 3 ships disembarking it would be a zoo.

[IMACRUZRNOW]

Hi Lorif!

 

Welcome home and thanks for the info. We're leaving for Vancouver on the 11th and sailing on the Wind too!

 

So happy to hear positive words about it.

 

Of course, I have a few questions for you...hope you can help...

 

1) Weather wise and ship atmosphere wise, what is appropriate to pack?

2) Dinner ressies...how far in advance.

3) Poolside bbqs. Did weather permit? What time of day?

4) Nightlife...any?

5) Teen program good...but do you know anything about the youner ones. I have 5 and 9 year old boys.

6) Do you have any tips on drink specials?

7) What cat. of cabin were you in. Know anything about the BA.

Ok...That's it for now!:D

[IMACRUZRNOW]

Oh...and I forgot to ask.

 

We've also booked sportfishing in Ketchican. How did the short time in port work for you. Were you able to get off of the ship early? How long were you out on the water? did you have to arrange your own transport to the sport fishing company. If so, who did you use and how much did you pay?

 

Thanks again!

[lorif]

1) Weather wise and ship atmosphere wise, what is appropriate to pack?

Depends on what you are used to (Florida people bundled right up in down coats, Scottish passengers were comfortable in a sweater on deck). Gloves, wind jacket and hats or ear muffs would be nice some of the time.

2) Dinner ressies...how far in advance.

LeBistro right away, Trattoria a day or two ahead.

3) Poolside bbqs. Did weather permit? What time of day?

Yes when not too windy. Usually lunch time.

4) Nightlife...any?

Shows are okay, comic was good. Magician was good. Teens were in Disco until 11pm, adults there after but not huge. We didn't use casino.

5) Teen program good...but do you know anything about the youner ones. I have 5 and 9 year old boys.

I saw them a few times on ship. All the children's program staff are Canadian and seemed really friendly. Sign your kids up the first day and let them and you meet the staff. They can attend as much or as little as you like. Children's program staff are not included in tipping pool.

6) Do you have any tips on drink specials? I don't drink, but you can get a bucket of beer (6 for price of 5) and if you buy a bottle of wine and don't finish it they will tag it and bring it at whatever bar or restaurant you want.

7) What cat. of cabin were you in. Know anything about the BA.

Cat C. Don't know about BA.

Add'l) Fishing - Husband and son went with Ken at Northern Lights and he picked them up right at the dock at 7:15 and he brought them back by 11:40. He had a sign so they could find him and he also gave my husband his cell number. In their time on his boat they caught 6 salmon which should be arriving here on Thursday. Ken's number is 907-247-8488.

Re Vancouver - We all loved the Aquarium in Stanley Park. The otters, dolphins and sea lions were amazing. If you are in Stanley park there is also other areas that looked great for younger children.

We also spent 5 hours at Science World. We were there when it opened and the kids had a blast with almost nobody else there for an hour. Lots of hands on activities and the Science Theatre and IMAX are all great. Friends in Victoria with a 7 and a 3 yr old highly recommended it to us.

[IMACRUZRNOW]

Wow! Fantastic information! Already booked fishing with Strike Zone. Didn't here about northern until it was too late :-( Strike zone has you provide your own transport at an additional cost.

 

Thanks for your time:D