Arizona Cruz Chic

OK recent Solstice Alaska cruisers.....what worked for you? Anything you wished you packed but didn't? Anything you packed but didn't need? I've got the ports covered, mainly need inside the ship feedback on hot or cold!

Our 5th cruise to Alaska, first time in middle of summer, always sailed end of season.

Trying to pack....in general do we need long sleeves or sweatshirts on the ship?

I know this is a question that will get many answers because everyone has different tolerance to heating/cooling indoor spaces.

TIA!!

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They should let you cruise standby like on an airplane. You wait at the terminal and when it is last call to board if someone has not shown up you get their cabin.

You can't get past security without showing your SET SAIL PASS, so unfortunately this would not work...but great idea!!!

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Can anyone recommend a restaurant in Ketchikan where we can meet friends from another ship while in port?

TIA!

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Very interesting posts on some states do or don't accept certain forms of ID.

Can't beleive DE would not accept a passport as proof of ID, others saying documents not matching other forms of ID. :eek:

When applying for passports, everyone needs the same forms of documentation, why can't this DL be the same? This is pure idiotic nonsense that needs to be corrected and all states come together as one and everyone one on the same page!

We have passports, AZ does have the new enhanced DL, next time our DL comes up for renewal we will do the new DL.

Good luck to everyone needing to comply, we'll all be in the same boat once the TSA and homeland security gets their act together!

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Its over.....say it ain't so!!!

I have enjoyed every picture, info and post of your cruise. Thanks for letting us tag along.

I can imagine how depressing it is tonight.....safe travels home!

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Thank you for coming along. Radiance is such a great way to see the islands.

Totally agree!

3 Hawaii cruises....Twice on Radiance and once on Serenade.

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Hi Bill and Marie...we are excited to tag along on your cruise on our beloved Radiance of the Seas. (sailed 8 times)

This cruise is on our bucket list, we've done 3 round trip from SD to Hawaii and really want to return, especially on the Radiance.

Thanks for posting a live review, hope you have a wonderful cruise!!!

it's got seat, like in a bus...but it's not a bus.....runs on a path. No rails.

 

Google labadee...lots of info, photos, etc! Used to be nothing but a beach day, but they've built it up to maximize passenger spending!!

tyvm!

We splurged and rented a beach bungalow at Columbus Cove for our 50th anniversary cruise with the family. We are not beach or sand people but want a nice place to relax and let the family come and go in between their activities.

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When you get off the ship, on the pier there will be a ferry running for you to catch a ride to Columbus beach it actually looks like one of the old tendering boats, thats how big it is and holds many people.

 

Now mind you------you can only take the ferry there.

You would have to walk or take the tram back.

The reason is that you have to go thru security to get back on the pier and the check point is on land.

The ferry docks after security on the pier.

 

When you are done for the day you would be able to catch the tram to come back to the security area.

 

I think you should look at booking a cabana at Nellies beach taking the tram both ways.

 

The distance from Columbus to the tram ride could be tiring for some.

 

To bad not one person is in a suite and you could be taxi ride by the suite golf carts and then your problems would almost be solved, I think the limit on a cabana on suite beach is 6..

 

Good luck,

Let us know what you do.

 

Safe travels.

TY...TY..TY!

I just hung up with RC and reserved a bungalow at Columbus Cove. Wish I read your post first, but since there are 10 of us, this will work better. I know not all of us will be there at the same time as they have a few excursions booked. I am not too concerned about using the tram and love the idea of having the ferry for the ride to Columbus beach.

Again thank you for all your suggestions. This is our 50th wedding anniversary with the family, we visited Labadee on our 25th anniversary so I know there are some BIG changes since then!

We will be in Labadee in July, we just reserved a beach bungalow at Columbus Cove, the furthest point from the ship. I see there is a tram.

What kind of trma is it? DH is asking about how it operates....on sand, blacktop path, or other type of tram.

What do we need to know about Labadee and all it has to offer???

Columbus Cove ???

Looking at renting a beach bungalow at Columbus Cove for our 50th anniversary with our family. I looked at the map and as others said, its the farthest away. The map shows an icon of a bus or some kind of transportation, what is it and does it start end at the pier?

Reading all the reply's here I see there is BBQ restrooms close by......I am concerned about distance with some walking disabilities.

Help!! :D

BTW...Allure July 23rd. Family of 10, JS for us while rest of family enjoys boardwalk cabins.

TIA!!!!!

Another option for shade & relaxing in a Bungalow at Columbus Cove. I forget if it's for 8 or 10 people, but only 1 person reserves it $250. It's near one of the BBQ areas (if it's open). The attendants will get drinks for you. Looking forward to our in a little over 2 weeks.

Researched them and its for Grand Suites and above. We have a JS, so unless the upgrade fairy comes by.....:D

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Another option for shade & relaxing in a Bungalow at Columbus Cove. I forget if it's for 8 or 10 people, but only 1 person reserves it $250. It's near one of the BBQ areas (if it's open). The attendants will get drinks for you. Looking forward to our in a little over 2 weeks.

We are a group of 10, so this may be an option. Thanks for the suggestion.

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Lounge chairs are free; find a shaded area not so close to the water and you will have more space as well.

This was the answer I was hoping for. TY!

Labadee will NOT be as you remember it! There are MANY different spaces to "hang out"...I would not pay for a cabana or any other "shelter", since you said you aren't "beach" people.....and those pricey things are totally on the beach! They have several "developed" areas for you to enjoy!

LOL...I kinda figured that much! I remember some huge pavilion where they served lunch, a bar and had some kind of entertainment.

Looking forward to returning to Labadee, can't wait to see the kids reaction to all of it.

Thanks

As the title says, haven't been to Labadee in 25 years! First time was our 25th anniversary on the Sovereign of the Seas.

Now we are cruising for our 50th anniversary with our family July 23 on the Allure.

I picked this ship and itinerary for our grandkids ages 10-15, with plenty for them to do.

They have reserved a few excursions already, but we have not.

We are not water/sand/beach people, so my first question is what type of options will we have for sitting and just relaxing? We don't want one of the cabana's, although that would be a great splurge.

This being a summer sailing, I know the ship will be filled with families and lots and lots of kids. I would like to hear experiences with the one hour rollercoaster excursion. The ride is just 3 min so I guess you can go as many times in that hour?

I'm sure I will have more questions as the family reserves more excursions.

TIA!

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Offer of $400 OBC for a 3 day shorter cruise is a laughable, actually insulting, start, in my opinion. Three days is worth considerably more to me, and to them too, and OBC costs them significantly less than face value. Surprised anyone here would jump on that. OP, what was final outcome?

She posted earlier that she got a cabin assignment, since we haven't heard since then, she must be on her way! :D

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Following this story....glad the OP got her cabin. I suggest arriving at the pier early and get your sea pass in hand and don't let go!!! ;p

As a former hotel manager, I hated oversold nights and having to walk people to other hotels, it was never a pleasant experience.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!!!

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I've thought about using it in the past but have not because of the unlikely possibility of my bags being lost.

There have been some horror stories on here of people having their bags lost and not having a way to track their bags because of a third party being involved.

Well, back in the day when RC offered airfare (not today's choice air) we used it whenever they had a better rate than on your own.... like $150 round trip PHX-MIA ...can you imagine getting to your departure airport and giving your luggage to the porter, with cruise tags attached and then not seeing them until they arrived in your cabin 2 days later?

So far we have used luggage valet twice, both times no problems, well that is until our airline lost one bag....it was found 4 hours later and delivered to our house the next morning.

Luggage valet is a great service!

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Of the Vision class ships, Rhapsody is our favorite!

If she does get sold could the new owner please bring her to the west coast? Would love to see her out of LA or SD, flip flopping with Alaska or coastal cruises...PLEASE!

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Welcome back! You've come to the right place for answers!

Good luck in your search.

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Best service ever!!! Love luggage valet, no hassles, no worries, nothing to lug around if you have a later flight, easy!!

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I love my selfie stick!

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Go to your local dollar store and buy rain ponchos, don't forget your umbrella.

Also insect repellant with DEET.

Enjoy Alaska, its breathtaking!

TY for sharing your story.

I thought it was great advice from the RC doctor to recommend not seeing an ophthalmologist in Rotaton but to wait to Belize. Also great service from the RC medical team and all the transportation set up in advance.

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