Diamond Princes - Alaska 6/30 - 7/7 Picture Link too

[benchmarklearning]

One week back into civilization and our best vacation ever. Here is a short review. For those who want to skip the review and go right to the pictures, here is the link - http://picasaweb.google.com/bensid5058 Enjoy!

 

Inbound: A few flight problems (NEVER go in the day of your cruise). Ended up flying Denver to Vancouver, renting a car one-way to Seattle. Spent a few days in Seattle and flew to Anchorage, arriving very late and got little sleep.

 

Embarkation: Rode the Princess bus to Whittier - very scenic and nice ride. Literally walked onto the ship on arrival. Our first Princess cruise and we must say we loved the ship.

 

Cabin: We got a last minute inside cabin on the Lido deck at a phenomenal price. Plenty of room, well laid out, excellent service by our cabin attendant. Up one flight to the spa and a short walk to the Lido buffet. Was great being on this deck because it was only 1 flight up to the outside decks where we spent most of our time.

 

Ship: The Diamond is in excellent condition and we found it comparable to Holland America; actually more to do and a bit more fun. Skywalkers is the place to hang out during the day if it is a bit cold or rainy. Literally on the top of the ship with incredible views. Casino was fun and paying out big time - one woman we talked to won $2000 and we made a few hundred.

 

Food: Not quite up to Holland America level but very good nonetheless. We had the anytime dining and did not have to wait once. Service was good, but not exceptional. Ate one night in Sabatini's and it was great. Also ate 2 nights at Sterling Steakhouse - good steaks and good service and great views. Lido Buffet was excellent - always a great choice and few lines, only at breakfast.

 

Spa: We love the spas on ships. Diamond had some pluses and minuses. We signed up for the thermal suites and they were very nice, especially the steam rooms. But, there was no control on who entered so we ran into a lot of people who had not paid for this perk. You only had to enter the door marked "only people with cards can enter here" - well, talk about an invitation to curious cruisers. Once people realized they could get in without a "card" or payment they did so.

 

Ports: Glacier Bay was the highlight (although not a port). The National Park guides we took on were fairly worthless with minimal commentary. But, Marjorie Glacier and Johns Hopkins glaciers were fantastic. Weather was perfect. The naturalist commentary (outside the national park) by Sandy was super and I have no idea how she spotted all those whales and dolphins. She had people running from port to starboard and back when going through whale country. Skagway was nice - rented a car from Avis and drove up the mountains to Carcross. Fantastic drive and goes way beyond where the train goes. We live in the mountains of Colorado and this drive was more scenic than anything we have. Saw a couger along the road. Carcross is nothing but a good bathroom stop for the return trip. DW had to go about 15 miles outside Skagway and there wasn't anything till Carcross (not even trees for most of the way). So, it was a fast trip out, slow trip back. Juneau was wonderful for the fourth of July. Enjoyed the hometown parade. Ketchikan was too touristy for me. After one shop you've seen everything. But, they did have two very nice bookstores.

 

Post Cruise - Spent 3 wonderful days in Vancouver. Great City! I would highly recommend the Pacific Palisades Hotel - perfect location and had a wonderful 1 BR apartment on the 19th floor overlooking the harbor. Close walk to everything. Would recommend Granville Island market and the restaurants in Yaletown. Also - Stanley Park is a gem, especially with the free shuttle buses when you get tired of walking. took a ferry to Vancouver Island one afternoon, walked around and took a floatplane back that landed right next to cruise ships in the harbor.

 

All in all, best vacation ever (and we do2 or 3 a year). Let me know if you have any questions about Alaska or the Diamond!

 

:cool:

[Cruise Dreams]

Great review and photos!! We'll be spending one day in Vancouver pre-cruise in September....planning to do Stanley Park and Granville Island. We, too, will be on the Diamond.

Thanks for sharing!

[Coolmama_1]

Loved your pictures! Thanks for sharing.

[sillysailor 1955]

We are planning a July trip on Diamond this coming July. Maybe you can answer a few questions for us. We have the Balcony room port side at the very front of the ship. What can you tell us about the observation area (right in front of us) Does it get busy (as we are hoping that it doesn't get too noisy). We figure our room is either a great location or it is a nightmare. Also what can you tell us about sailing conditions on the inside passage. We are hoping not to get seasick.:eek: We appreciate any insights you may have (by the way I loved your pics)

[travelnnana]

We did the Diamond last June - my Photoshopped slide show is on

http://picasaweb.google.com/prescottgal

- but I can not upload the music to Picasa

I have been on both the Diamond and Sphhire twice - if I knew what deck your room is on perhaps I could answer

[Colo Cruiser]

We are planning a July trip on Diamond this coming July. Maybe you can answer a few questions for us. We have the Balcony room port side at the very front of the ship. What can you tell us about the observation area (right in front of us) Does it get busy (as we are hoping that it doesn't get too noisy). We figure our room is either a great location or it is a nightmare. Also what can you tell us about sailing conditions on the inside passage. We are hoping not to get seasick.:eek: We appreciate any insights you may have (by the way I loved your pics)

 

FYI this thread is from 2007. :)

[sillysailor 1955]

We did the Diamond last June - my Photoshopped slide show is on

http://picasaweb.google.com/prescottgal

- but I can not upload the music to Picasa

I have been on both the Diamond and Sphhire twice - if I knew what deck your room is on perhaps I could answer

 

 

Of course, how silly of me - our room is on the Lido Deck L200 (furtherest forward on port side)