luv2gamble

We used Hoonah Travel Adventures and they were fantastic. We saw many whales, very close and all around the boat. Also saw orcas not too far away. Good size little boat - brand new - there was a family of 4 and me and my husband. I was floored by how close we were to the many whales we saw. Highly recommend this outfit

WOW, that sounds great! Is this available in Ketchikan?

I have often spotted whales from on board but it requires a lot of time on deck. Whale watching tours in Juneau are superior to anything you will see from the ship. It may be worth changing your plans in Juneau :)

Wow..I hear so many people saying DONT MISS THE WHALES. My friends dream is to take the helicopter and dog sledding and we booked that but we are not there long enough to do both. Any suggestions???

Are there any whale excursions in Ketchikan?

We booked other excursions in juneau and skagway so no time for the whale excursion. Only time avail is ketchikan and I dont see any whale excursions there. Will we see them through the passage or any other time? Really want to see them???? Thanks

http://www.ncl.com/search?Ntt=curling+iron&Search_submit=

 

Yes

Thank you

Does anyone know if you can bring a curling iron on ship?

Thank you all for all your help. Guess I need to schedule another trip at a later date to see it. Im going in 2 weeks, so, guess I won't look for it. Thanks

Going to Juneau, Ketchikan & skagway. Everywhere I go I get different answers. Can you see the Northern Lights from any of these ports? Some say NO, some say yes? Does anyone know or has anyone seen it?

I keep wondering why you mention Vancouver. You do not go there. Am I missing something.?

 

Anyone cruising out of Vancouver would have had the Issue with getting into Canada at a border crossing well prior to boarding if they were going to have an issue at all.

 

The Poster Lorey2007 may have an issue but not you. The only advice I can give to that poster is to Contact CBSA personally. Or perhaps the "US Direct" program is operating again this year and he/she is on a Cruise Line that offers the service.

I am not going to Vancouver. I was concerned because one of the ports is Victoria Canada. I contacted and spoke with CBSA and they said as long as I dont get off ship in Victoria I would not have a problem, only because I am getting on in Seattle. If I were getting on ship in Vancouver, I would not be able to board.

Can you please come back and post what happened? This question gets asked a lot, but very few posters who ask come back and report if they had problems or not. I think you are wise to find out now because he could have problems. Good luck!

 

Phone numbers in case you didn't find them:

 

1-204-983-3500

1-506-636-5064

Im going on cruise May 17, I will post what happens when I return. As far as what I have been told by immigration and Canada Border Serv Agency, I will have NO problem getting on ship because Im boarding in Seattle. Its Vancouver they said would be a problem. However, if the DUI is over 5 yrs old, they will let you on and in Canada just for a one time event they call a rehabilitated. If its under 5 yrs, you will have a problem entering country. I am just not getting off at the Canada Port because mine is only 2 1/2 yrs old.

We rode it last year. All of the drivers try to outdo each other to make it fun and noisy. It is great that you have coupons.

You should call and purchase tickets ahead of time. We went and there was 1 1/2 hour wait.

Thanks for the advise...I booked it like you said..ty....also, I see you are sailing on the Dawn next year. GREAT! The Dawn is my fav ship...you will love her:D

Where did you find the coupons? Been looking for some!

 

 

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Its in the Super Saver booklet in all hotels in Seattle...or, sometimes on the duck facebook the put out coupons...but for sure in the super saver..just grab one when u ck in to hotel :)

This always seems to be an issue for those that are planning a cruise. As mentioned no one ever seems to come back and tell you what happened. Likely a good reason of this.. it's not likely an issue and they don't care anymore.

 

I believe your chances are pretty good for just getting off like everyone else. They(Canada) will be aware of your record. If asked.... the important move is to "Own it"

 

As far as boarding a ship in Vancouver goes. You would already be in Canada having entered somehow. Getting on to go to Ak. is an American Immigration check and little if anything to do with Canada. All the agents are US.

 

Returning on a closed loop from Alaska you are once again subject to Canada's rules and who knows on a bad day someone might not allow you to land from the place you started. But really really unlikely.

 

DUI is a real buzz killer up here in more ways than this.

when I spoke to CBSA and US Immigration that services Canada (many locations but the NY location is the one to call that is the main location that services Canada), they both said the same thing. I will not be approached by canadian officers unless I attempt to get off the ship in Victoria. ONLY because I am boarding in Seattle and loop. They said if I got into Canada somehow and I was boarding Vancouver, I would NOT be able to board unless deemed rehabilitated or they gave me temp residence visa (TRV). If and only if I want to get off in Canada I have to apply. I'm not bothering, as long as I get on ship and see Alaska I'm not pushing the envelope. they said you only see Canadian officer when getting off ship in Canadian port. There is NO Canadian officer in Seattle, only US Customs/immigration and they will let me on ship. I have read almost every thread and post regarding this and It seems Im the only one that has spoke to anyone. All are guessing and/or just going to ship and see what happens. I'm only posting this to give people hope that they can get on. However, its totally different if boarding ship in Vancouver. Now, as long as I am told the info correct, it looks good for me right now. I still will be uneasy until i am on board.

Sorry you feel this way. Victoria is phenomenal and I do not know one person who might say otherwise. I hope one day you will be able to enjoy beautiful Victoria.

There is a show on Canadian television called Boarder Security in which Customs and Immigration (Canadian Boarder Services Agency) workers in Vancouver (and Toronto) intercept people and goods unlawfully entering our country.

 

I’ve never seen an episode where these folks visit cruise ships but there are many episodes in which air and land travelers from other countries are interviewed for admissibility. Many of these folks have priors for DUI and have been deemed inadmissible and are sent back to the US (or wherever) on the first available flight, or turned around at the land crossing. The thing about these unfortunate soles (the travelers, not the CBSA) is that they could have just as easily entered Canada were it not for the CBSA spotting a traveler that looks nervous or ‘itchy’.

 

I doubt that cruisers entering Canada either at a port of entry or is in transit is the type of traveler that would catch the attention of the CBSA. If they did, they’d do what their TV brethren do at their posts, but if you didn’t, then it’s: ‘welcome to Victoria, have a nice day’. I do know that the CBSA offers advice to those deemed inadmissible to go to their local Canadian Consulate. There is a document that you can get from them that will make your conviction go away such that it will placate the CBSA.

 

I’ve been to Victoria so many times that when we visited by ship the one time, I stayed on board and read a book. Bring your binoculars, ‘though, because you can optically explore Victoria from the high point of the ship very easily. If it’s a nice day, see if you can spot the domes of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. It was home to the largest telescope in the world (for about 6 months in 1906).

Langly..If it were not a problem, I had full intentions getting off ship and looking around Victoria. What I meant was I had no excursions planned as there was nothing I wanted to see. Im sure it is beautiful. I have been to Canada about 10 times and loved it. This cruise, my intent was to see Alaska so Im not too upset I cannot get off ship.

Astro...CBSA was the one who said I cannot get off ship unless I apply as you said. You can be deemed rehabilitated if its over 5 yrs. The DUI was over 5 yrs ago but convicted was only 2 1/2 yrs ago. They go by conviction date. I can apply for TRV Temp Resident Visa which is good for one time only. Its $200 and non-refundable and no guarantee you would be approved. I figured for a short day in port it was not worth the $200 and poss not be approved. I also didnt want to flag myself w DUI. I was told by CBSA and US Immigration to Canada I can get on ship but I have nothing in writing and dont want to chance it. As far as Vancouver, yes, if you enter the ship in Vancouver you will prob be denied boarding and have to apply for TRV and its solely up to the officer. Its just a shame. All of this because I was honest and told the cop I took ONE prescribed pain med bec I had surgery. I showed him the script bottle and even my stitches. I was still arrested. Even though I called the police myself to help me w a flat tire...unreal.....ty for advise

Usually sporting goods or outdoor sections of places like Target, K-Mart, Walmart, Academy. Even some of the larger grocery stores in my area (Midwest) have them over with bug sprays. I know Off is one brand we've used. You might even find them cheaper online. They surely beat carrying a can and it's easier to apply on face, neck and arms.

I just remember seeing the advise to take precaution against mosquitoes...that was ten years ago we went on the cruise so I don't remember anything more than seeing this over and over again. Maybe guide books. As I said' date=' I didn't get bit on that trip, but I was attacked by plenty of insect critters on my honeymoon in Kauai, and that was on top of an allergic reaction to some field (sugar?) being burned. So maybe there's a problem in the areas of Alaska where there's a lot of moisture such as Ketchikan.[/quote']

 

I really never thought of bug spray for Alaska. Figured too cold. I will be packing this also...ty

Several of the Alaska excursions enter Canada and they do check at the border .You will have to be careful so you avoid this issue .

Yes, I know what you mean. In Skagway Im going on the White Pass Scenic Rail and I was worried about that. I called the shore excursion and I looked it up. The one Im scheduled for goes to the Summit and turns around. We dont even get off. Does not require passport. The longer rail 5 1/2 hrs long you change trains in Canada and you need your passport. The rest Im all good. Ty...BTW, I spoke to the Canadian border services and also the US immigration that services Canada, both say I can go on ship w no problem because entering through USA and returning through USA. I just cannot get off ship in Victoria without getting the temp residence permit or being deemed rehabilitated. Im not even going to bother trying. Just going to stay on ship. There is nothing at all I have an interest in seeing in Victoria anyway. Only taking this cruise for Alaska. Even before I found out about this, I had no interest in Victoria anyway LOL. Will enjoy the ship while everyone is in port :D...Now, leaving from Vancouver is a different story. Lucky I just so happened to pick Seattle to leave out of :D

I was so upset....now Im so happy I can go w no problem:D:D:D:D

Columbia jacket with omni heat or omni heat vest with wind proof jacket underneath. headband (Columbia with omni heat), wind proof gloves (or better yet, mittens that you could put a disposable hand warmer into if you really feel you need it). Microfiber running shirt (1/4 zip best), Microfiber tights, jeans, smart wool socks & sneakers with good tread design (not Keds). Sunglasses, sunscreen & bug juice. Heaviest item is the jeans. That'll get me through 0+10F without a problem. Have a ball, you don't want to waddle, or drag heavy stuff thru an airport.

 

 

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I just googled omni heat, never heard of it before. They look nice and found dicks sporting goods has them. going to ck it out. ty

Don't remember bugs on glaciers :D Carried the bug wipes but really don't remember where the one place was we used one. Want to say it was further north up on the tundra. May may be early for them, anyway, but they take up no room in a jeans pocket....just a little flat foil packet. Come in a box of twelve, I think.

Another thing I always take on cruises and had forgotten about was nasal spray since sometimes the cabin air seems dry. Don't always need it. Think chapstick was mentioned.

Never heard of bug wipes, I have bug spray in can. Where do you buy them?

Where is it mostly buggy, ketchikan because of the rain forest? I dont think i need bug spray for the helicopter on the glacier

I think odds are very good you will be allowed to board. You may have to stay on the ship in Victoria, but who knows? Good luck, and please come back and post what happens.

for sure, I will let you know. As far as I can see it looks like most people are having prob flying out of Vancouver or leaving port of Vancouver. also, taking Ferry from Seattle to Victoria and not allowed off ship. I just want to make sure I can get on ship, I dont care if I miss that port. ive been searching all websites all day for the answer. Im calling the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle Monday. closed until then, guess I will not be sleeping a couple of days. Thanks so much

I've never stayed there so don't know anything about it.

I've seen it many times from the hwy as I drive by ... not the most convenient location for sightseeing, but then again, downtown Seattle is small so if you get tired of walking, a cab will be $10 or less. If you got a great deal on the place, what's a $10 cab fare.

Read enough reviews on tripadvisor, expedia, etc and you'll find the common pros/cons about the place.

Free breakfast and free shuttle downtown and center...not the the ship...but im using flatrateforhire.com they go by zip code...ship and hotel same zip..only $5 for the two of us from hotel to pier....only $29 from airport to hotel...hotel i booked 6 weeks ago for only $149 and no cancellation fee unless within 24 hrs of arrival. matter of fact, didnt have to pay until I arrive also. Just had to give credit card to hold room :D Thanks for your help

I would add sunscreen and mosquito repellant to this list. You can still get burned even if you're standing on snow. I've seen many references to a mosquito problem there' date=' even though I didn't notice any (and I tend to get bitten in the summer here in LA).[/color']

 

 

 

Is this range Fahrenheit or Celsius? Maybe someone saw 25 listed and didn't realize it was Celsius, which would make it 77 Fahrenheit.

Really, mosquitos in Alaska in May...hmm...gotta pack it lol...hate bugs too! No, they were talkn 25 fah...they were saying how much they were freezing so much..but good thought, u never know:D

really appreciate everyones help..ty all

This is true, we lived in Madison, WI for a few years, and that was during our first Alaska cruise! People in WI would put shorts on once temps hit 35 degrees! :eek:

So true! Im in ny and used to the cold but I hate the cold too lol

OP -- do consider taking sunglasses to Alaska! You may have sunny days ashore, but you may also have sunny days at sea (glare off the water) or on a glacier, esp. if you do a helicopter or dog sled excursion. But they were the one thing I've never needed in Glacier Bay (overcast & misty) but it might be different for you.

sunglasses is now added to list..ty

ty for all your advise :)

No one can tell you for sure what will happen. More info here:

 

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/index.asp

 

 

It's not the cruise line's responsibility to inform passengers about everything!

Thank you so much for that link. I went on it. If act was more than 5 yrs ago they can deem it as rehabilitated and choices are...convince the border patrol officer you are deemed rehabilitated and they let you go, or, pay $200 for a temp resident visa for the length of your stay for a one time visit, or they can deny you and mostly you are denied if you committed another crime since. this is all done at port of entry. Now, this was all to enter Canada. There was nothing on the website about entering thru usa and cruise. However, the canadian border serv agency said I can enter in seattle but cannot enter into canada. I just dnk if he is correct bec his job is to decline or let recreational boats into Canada but he did say 2x Yes I can. So, guess I will just show up for cruise and see what happens. My friend will freak out if I cannot get on. She paid for all this and saved for 10 years for this.