zebra

Thank you everyone for your replies.  Really appreciate it.

We are cruising out of Seattle on the Quantum next week and would like to buy fresh flowers at Pike Place market to take onboard for our cabin.  We did this on Princess about 8 years ago and they even supplied a vase for us.  So, question - does RCCL allow us to bring fresh flowers onboard and if so would they supply a vase for us to use onboard?  Thanks.

I have read previous articles but would like recommendations of good and reliable transportation OTHER THAN the train.  We are arriving at Seatac in the evening, we are seniors and need to get to our hotel which is close to Pike Place Market.  I know recommendations change over time, but if you did this trip in the past year or are planning for this Alaska cruise season, we would appreciate all suggestions.

Has anyone stayed at this hotel before?  If so what are your reviews - the good, the bad and the ugly, please.  We like that it is fairly close to Pike Place and the property pictures look good. I would appreciate your input.

I have not been able to read all these posts but have a question for the knowledgable Seattle members. We are an older couple with "not so good knees". We have stayed in Seattle 10 years ago when much fitter but now we would like to keep the walking up and down hills to a minimum.  Like most people we would love to stay close enough to Pike Market and was wondering if you could give us an idea of which hotels to choose from that are more or less on the level, or just not a steep uphill climb to get to?

We haven't cruised on Princess for quite a while and wondered what the deposit amount is for a cruise? Is it the same amount for either standard or Plus?

Thanks for the replies.  I'm wondering if it's not showing, as suggested, because it is still in GTY status, so there is not a cabin number allocated yet.  Although the set sail pass is showing on my computer.  Strange and confusing!

3 hours ago, Another_Critic said:

Did you check-in?   Edit: Based on your 2 upcoming cruises, it's to early to check-in.

 

In the app, click the person icon at the top of your sailing, scroll done to "View SetSail Pass"

or click Check-in at the bottom, the "View SetSail Pass"

 

 

Thanks.  Yes I have checked in to both cruises - both are open for check in. I was wondering if either it was too early to show set sail pass on the App or they are having issues with the App at the moment. We have used the App many, many times and don't remember having this issue previously.  I can view the set sail pass on my laptop, but was wanting to use my phone for the digital set sail pass on my App at check in on sail day and not have to print out my set sail pass beforehand.

The website says - access your digital boarding pass on the App.  I am not finding it on my App. Any insight please.

Breakfast is smoked salmon, onion and capers and also the delicious raisin bread.

Lunch is definitely the lamb and chicken curries, fried fish & chips and also the various bread puddings and vanilla sauce.

Dinner faves are shrimp, ceviche and also the stir fry's.

4 minutes ago, cruisequeen4ever said:

If you were sailing Princess, I’d 100% say yes because they have the most experience and the greatest presence here in AK. They own their own lodges, and they’re lodges are definitely the best. Royal contracts out their land tours to a company called Premier Alaska Tours. They are a good tour company here, but they don’t own lodges, so they contract independent lodges. It’s still good, just not as seamless as Princess. As some have said, if you’re so inclined, you can simply rent a car, explore on your own, book your own hotels, and book your own activities. Denali is definitely worth seeing. If you decide to explore independently, just make sure you book early as places sell out far in advance. 

I agree!  Even though we are loyal to Royal now, we did all our Alaska cruises and the cruise tour with Princess ...... remarkable, the absolute best.  We stayed at the Denali Princess Lodge, the Kenai Princess Lodge and also the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, all amazing..... and their glass domed train with excellent & hilarious tour guides made it a cruise tour to remember forever.

For your first time I would definitely say YES!!!!  One thing to note is - the tour (like most tours) can be quite tiring, so I would say it's a MUST to do the tour BEFORE the cruise, not after. As the previous poster says you can then rest on the cruise.

We have also done 3 Alaskan cruises and the one Cruise tour.  The cruise tour gave us such a yearning to go back and explore Alaska that we took our RV, from Florida to Alaska and spent 5 months there ... it was off the charts unbelievable!!

Now I would absolutely only rent a vehicle in Alaska and do it ourselves.  It is so easy, not congested like the lower 48.  To the person who said they would be afraid to overtake a slow RV - firstly the RV's travel at the same speed as the cars, don't forget you're not doing interstate speeds.  Also it's no problem to overtake a RV because most of the time you have the road to yourselves and there isn't oncoming traffic for miles. The only busy places are Anchorage and Fairbanks. 

I would seriously doubt that he would be able to use it on the dock anywhere near the ship.  Since 9/11 there is a "security field" around every cruise ship.  That is why you don't see any type of fisherman etc on the cruise docks.  I would think if they allowed it onboard he would have to go somewhere away from the ships dock to use it...... definitely call RCCL for clarification.

On 9/8/2022 at 8:06 AM, Markanddonna said:

If you are on a tour with GTI, then they will provide your transportation and guide you to open places. Public transportation doesn't operate during Shabbat and many stores and restaurants are closed.  Read about traveling during Shabbat. I would trust Leo 100%.

I have another question please.  At the various GTI stops for Bethlehem/Jerusalem was there easy access to bathrooms?

On 9/16/2022 at 8:51 PM, CRUIS4ME said:

Just got home after staying in Rome for three days.   I’ll continue with my observations in hopes it helps others.

getting off ship…disembarking.   This was no problem, no wait, quick, easy.   We asked our driver to be there at 0900 and it only took 10 mins from time we departed the cabin until we were in front of terminal with bags.

Israel, continued.    We did not get the “paper” in our room about the tickets.  We also were not use to reading the Compass on the app.   The last thing I wanted to do….but had to learn to do to survive the ships new way….is to carry my iPhone!

Personally thought it was sad to see everyone carrying their phones and noses stuck to a screen while on vacation…but  that’s what it is now a days.  So we just missed the ticket distribution and ended up with Number 36.   By the time we were called, stood in line, and processed it was 4 o’clock.   I agree with the comment to be careful about booking a private tour too early on DAY 1 in Israel because of the time it took to clear.   Our sailing was only in Israel for 2 1/2 days where’s I know others are scheduled for the full three days which gives more time.   Regarding the pace, absolutely we were if “full go mode” from the time we got to Israel for the full days.   We were up at 6 or 6:30 am.  Windjammer was open for breakfast.   We were on tour for 10 hrs per day, walking almost the entire time, in 104 degree heat.   Talk about hot, sweaty, wet, and tired.   But we did it!   So much to absorb. I am also glad I had several pairs of walking shoes to switch into and out of from day to day.

 

Acre/Akko.   We caught a taxi after we got through immigration and went to Akko.  Went directly to the tourist office and bought a ticket to see crusader archaeological sites.   We were able to complete in two hours and return to ship via taxi.  (Albeit not inexpensive taxi cost).  

 

Cypress.   We booked a private tour.  Once again, up early to do breakfast and catch the tour.  Pace was a bit better with several stops to include a winery and small village in mountains.   However, the turmoil getting back through immigration/passport control back to the ship was like a herd of soccer hooligans let out after a game.  The ship could not control the mass confusion…Cypress process could not handle the hoards of people pushing and shoving, shouting, and fussing.   No lines….totally crowded butt to nose people all wanting to go through security.  It was a mess.   

 

Ephesus.   Yep…up early for a full day.   Took private tour which we were grateful for the small group.   Even though we have been there before, it’s been about ten years.  Tour guide had a most interesting day planned…in one entrance of Ephesus and departed through a different entrance so we saw things we had never seen before to include the terrace houses. 

 

Bodrum.   This resort type town we did on our own….walking from ship to castle,    Beach front followed where the ship was docked and encompassed the edge of the bay.  Beach front was only 10-15 feet deep, rocky, beach chairs were available but areas were full.   Restaurants and shops were on other side of the beach path/road.  I really have no idea why we were there…original port was Rhodes.

 

Santorini.    Of all the ports, this was the one I was looking forward to revisiting.  And it was the most disappointment of the cruise.   Six ships in port.  That’s a huge amount of people to wander through streets only capable to have two people side by side stroll.  Line for cable car to go back down took us 1 1/2 hrs.   We booked the Oia Tour on Your Own which got us off the ship without a tender ticket, transport to a bus, ride to Oia, bus back to Fira and cable car ticket back down to ship.    Was worth it to us.  

Crete.    We passed on to recuperate for two days to be able to do four days I. Rome after the cruise.   We enjoyed the balcony, being out of the sun, taking advantage of a nap, and actually staying up for one of the shows.    
 

If we had to do over again…..we would go later in the fall (good for y’all who are going in

October) and we would consider delving into an overnight in Jerusalem city to perhaps ease the one day hiking.    However, it was an absolute adventurous itinerary.  We worked hard to plan and get it all in.     I will go to the ports section of CC to leave port and tour info on private tours we used.   

Hi, We are doing the Jerusalem/Bethlehem tour with Guided Israel Tours which is a 10 hour tour. My question is regarding bathroom facilities at the various tourists sights and stop. Were there plenty available and easily accessible?  Does one have to pay anything to use the facilities?  Many Thanks.

22 hours ago, Bushdog said:

Hey folks, as I know this is new - and YMMV. We just boarded Oasis out of Bayonne this AM. When we were checking in, we made sure we brought our vax cards and were ready to present. Here was our experience with the process.

Royal associate: "Hi, good morning. Are you both vaccinated?"
Me: "Yep"
My Wife: "Do you need to see our cards?"

Royal associate: "Nope"

So - the vax check just like the testing, are effectively perfunctory at this point. For show, I suppose.

Will be interested if others have the same experience.

Yes, this was the exact experience at Port Canaveral a couple of weeks ago.

On 9/9/2022 at 4:03 PM, springgrl said:

It would depend how early your excursion is.  The first tenders were taken up by passengers who had booked shore excursions through RCCL.  You have to wait in line early in the morning to get a tender ticket which will have a number.  We were tender 6 and we were probably called about a half hour after the first tender.  They have quite a few tenders and they are continually going so it would depend on where your tour is meeting you.  You are dropped off close to the cable cars.

Thanks for the reply. Our tour leaves the top cable car station at 10am.  We have been to Santorini a few times before but this will be the first time on such a huge ship (many more people)  So I was trying to work out what time to aim for to leave the ship taking into account the bottleneck at the cable car and the fact that we will not be the only ship tendering that morning.

3 hours ago, CRUIS4ME said:

Part two.   
Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!   
Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.  

Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.   

We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….

 

First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.   
 

Very interested in your posts. We will be doing this next month on the Odyssey. I am very interested - did you do 3 days of tours in Israel? I'm just concerned about being "wiped out" as they sart early in the day and have a huge amoount of walking involved.  I presume the WJ opens early as there will be many needing to get off the ship by 7am.

We have a private excursion booked on Santorini and wondered how long before we should plan to tender??

Personally I would suggest just renting a car in Cape town, an easy quick drive to the wine lands. In Franschhoek (basically small boutique style town with one main street) park the car and take the Wine tram to all the wineries of your choice. Each winery has it's own restaurant as well. We do this regularly and love it!! Amazing experience.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=aaplw&ei=UTF-8&p=franschhoek+wine+tram#id=2&vid=93ae86fb525262ca4b57b7a1014b122e&action=click

See my reply on your other post.

I am an ex-South African who lived in three National Parks in Africa and we go back every 2nd year for a 1 to 2 month visit and safari. We spend a month in Kruger National Park which is South Africa's flagship park and it is off the charts amazing ..... life changing experience.  one can rent a car and self drive and it's worth every cent.  I see you are ending your cruise in Cape Town to optomize your SA trip I would suggest you fly from CT to Kruger Park, rent a car and spend a while enjoying the tremendous wildlife experience. Just a thought.  We then fly from Kruger to Johannesburg and then back home to the US.  Any questions, I would be more than happy to help.

On 9/4/2022 at 11:49 AM, Markanddonna said:

Keep in mind what day of the week you are disembarking. Israelis honoring Shabbat means Friday evening to Sunday evening is pretty limited with transportation, shops and restaurants closed, etc. 

 

Epixx is correct that you don't need a tour guide outside of Shabbat.

We are on the Odyssey of the Seas next month and using Guided Israel Tours for the 3 days in Israel. We have had tons of communication from Leo and nothing mentioned about any limitations due to Shabbat. We will be there Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

On Allure they had a different smoothie in the Windjammer every breakfast.  They also had smoothies on Independence in the WJ but didn't have any so not sure if it was same flavor each day or different.

Your MTD reservations do not guarantee you the same table anyway. They just guarantee you a spot somewhere in the main dining room. We were on the Allure and stood in line, a loooooooong line with all the others who had reservations at the same time as us.  They just fill up the dining room on a first come, first served basis.  We ate many nights at different restaurants and didn't have to notify them. In fact they are selling so many dining packages that they realize there are going to be people out on some nights.  This was OUR experience on the Allure.