SETexaslady

1 hour ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

 

So I keep getting dropped after typing a bunch so I’m going to be brief

 

 

Oh no!  Not cool!  Sure was hoping they would get that Medallion Net settled before I got on. Other ships appear to be having great service with it.  Thanks so much for the info on the King crab and to ask the steward to deliver the menus. Thanks for the heads up on the port day grill. Cool!   😀

Thanks for posting the menus. I was wondering on the surf n turf.. it says "petite".  Are we (my husband) allowed to order two of a main course or is that rude?  I've read where people will order two glasses of orange juice, etc., because they're really small but can't find info on ordering a larger portion of food. My guy is a meat & potato man. 😛 Not much of a seafood lover (though I am) . 😉 

Your eggs are making me hungry, lol! 😛     Did they offer Tracy's crab shack in Juneau again today? In the MDR?  Would that be for dinner?  I think the dh & I will be eating at the Red Dog Saloon while we're there (he's not a seafood fan 😮 )... so I may end up missing King Crab all around unless they serve it for dinner. 😕   I really want to try it!! Doesn't have to be from Tracy's, either. 🦀Just give me the crab, please! 😉   When do you get the dinner menus? The night before?  I guess that's when you get the Princess Patters as well?   
You've been so gracious to share some of your trip with us and I appreciate it. Thanks!

😮Ugh!   Hopefully they are still working out a few kinks & it gets better soon.  I hope!   Did you say you were able to make phone calls easily with MedallionNet?

2 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

The photos of the northern lights are not very good. There were greens and reds along the northern horizon with flashing lights extending up into the sky. My iPhone simply can’t catch that. 

 

So cool!!!

Yes, it's devastating. 😢  

Your photos are outstanding!!  And you got to see the Northern Lights!!🤪 Awesome!  Is that viewable every night or only during certain times?  

On 5/12/2019 at 7:12 PM, HaveDogWillTravel said:

 If there’s anything else you want to know I can try and get it for you.

 

 

I would love to know if the power outlets in your cabin are really scarce. Did you bring a power strip? I'm still debating if I should or not. I've read where you can bring a non-surge protector power strip but some say they have been confiscated. 😮

You are SO having wonderful weather!!  I hope we can be as lucky!   You're right about the suitcases..  can't let lost luggage ruin your trip. 😉  I'll remember that if it happens to me. 🙂    Since you mentioned the two luggage tags on one bag mishap, I'll be watching when they tag ours. Thanks!

LOVE the nature pics!   You will be so very lucky to see the Northern lights.  That would be incredible! Fingers crossed.
You've got a great room with a view, too.  I don't know how you're making it without your luggage, but you're getting along just fine. I told my husband about the lost luggage and he suggests we split our two suitcases so if one gets lost, maybe we'll be okay with the one since it will have some of both of our clothes.  We're flying straight in to Vancouver without having to change planes, though. So really hoping that won't be an issue.    

Oh wow! That tree pollen is no joke! 😮  I do see the eagle!  

Beautiful photo! Glad you had nice weather & enjoyed the day.  🙂  Thanks for sharing the medallionNet letter..  I've already bought our packages for that. I hope it works well.     I'm impressed that they served King crab for dinner. 😮  So maybe I shouldn't eat at Tracy's for lunch that day... maybe we'll get it for dinner too! 🤩

Great photos!  I hope they were able to locate your luggage. 

Have a great day!

Looks like a beautiful day!   Enjoy the whale watching. 🙂 I've got that booked for Icy Strait as well.  Thanks for taking time to share your pics & thoughts.  🐳

Thank you both. 🙂

We'll have about $300 in purchased OBC for this upcoming cruise (gift from friend).  I know the only thing I can prepurchase and use OBC prior to cruise are the excursions.  I also know that if the OBC isn't used (purchased credit, not promo credits) then that amount will be refunded to my card when the cruise is over.  I'm curious... is it less expensive to prepurchase the unlimited drink package & coffee package, MedallionNet (offering the net for $59.99 for Island now), or would it be the same if I purchased on board using my credits?  If it tends to be the same, then I'll probably go ahead and prepurchase. Also, is it more convenient to pre-purchase than having to deal with it after we board? Is it something that can be ordered over the phone on board or would one have to go stand in line somewhere to order it?    

On 4/25/2019 at 10:23 AM, jdeanski said:

MedallionNet is great, almost like wifi at home. Wifi calling over MedallionNet works very well too.

Is wifi calling included with the unlimited MedallinNet plan?  Is it like using facebook messenger calling?  Can you receive calls as well?  (I'm hoping to avoid the $2.99 per minute that Verizon charges IF I need to make a call or receive one.)  😛

I'll be following this thread. 🙂  My husband doesn't care for seafood either.. oh..  except lobster. 😛 But that has to be next to a juicy steak.        

Thanks, fishywood.

3 hours ago, fishywood said:

I was waiting to respond until I could dig out the Patter for the evening in College Fjord. Unfortunately it did not give a detailed timeline as it did for Glacier Bay. Only arrive 6:00, depart 8:30. There definitely was regular dinner seatings, not anytime for all as there will be on late port days. To the best of my recollection I had had enough of the cold by 7:30 (I had been out on deck well before 6:00, and there was plenty to see beforehand) when my late seating opened, so I just headed down to the dining room "as is". Which pretty much everyone does on the last night of the northbound cruise considering (1) glacier viewing is taking place at that hour; (2) you have to have all your bags out in the hall quite early if either on a disembark tour or having them sent directly to ANC airport or the Egan Center; and (3) almost everyone will have a cold weather activity booked for the following morning, whether Princess excursion or private tour. Thus no one batted an eye as I dined in the MDR wearing fleece cargo pants and t-shirt with flannel shirt draped over (I did remove my hoodie before sitting down). Which is typical for non-formal nights. Though embarking at Vancouver the weather was quite mild for May so most everyone was just in their comfortable travelling clothes the first night.

 

And re the previous response: while it is true Princess generally overlooks the "no shorts at dinner" edict the first and last day of the cruise, barring an unseasonably warm day between mid July and mid August no one will be embarking or disembarking an Alaska cruise in shorts. It is correct to say that the atmosphere in the MDR on Alaska cruises is a bit less less rigid with the niceties--enjoying the experience is a far higher priority, reflected in the general dress--but not from my experience "more casual" than say a Caribbean cruise where you will find plenty of people hoping to get away with cutoffs and tank tops even in the evening.

 

That's okay. I never expect an immediate reply because there's more to life than the cruise forums. 🙂   I appreciate you taking the time to pull out the patter and respond.  I can tell you now that I won't be bringing a pair of shorts (& probably not a swimsuit for that matter). It will be cargo pants, jeans & then a few dresses for formal nights. (and nicer tops for regular nights if we're not out late in the ports). If it's less than 65 degrees and breezy.. I'm cold! 😛
I guess Glacier Bay and the Fjord will be when I want to really bundle up. Is it usually misty or light rain through those areas or you just never know until it's time? I've got a waterproof type warm coat & waterproof Timberland boots that I plan on bringing for those times..  and my sister insists I take her waterproof pants, lol, so I will probably bring those too. I don't want to be wet, cold and miserable. And I want to be able to stand outside and view it all until I can't handle it anymore. ❤️ 
Ugh... we have to have all our bags out in the hall early the last evening? Does that include our carry on as well.. or just "checked" luggage?  Wondering how the showering will go the last night if we're having to get things out early... shampoo, toothpaste, etc.   I really did take a cruise 15 years ago, but I can't recall the last night and how our luggage was handled. I only had a 2 hour drive anyway since the cruise was out of Galveston.

Did you ever write a trip review or post your patter(s) or pictures anywhere?  I would love to read it. 
Thanks so much for taking time to reply.  I know a lot of people have questions about Alaska cruising..  it's quite different than the warmer climates & there seems to be so much nature to see!  I'm so excited!!  I'm still trying to figure out excursions. Eek!

 

2 hours ago, MissP22 said:

You can wear anything to dinner in the DR on the first & last nights, including shorts if you prefer. Many people just wear the clothes they've traveled in. 

There's no need to fret about a clothing change.

Thank you.  I'm so grateful for these forums! This will be a little more relaxed of a cruise than I thought. Sounds like we'll almost only be "dressing up" on the two formal nights.

😀  Thank you for all the info!   If I or my husband have any further questions..  I'll ask. Thanks for offering. 
Enjoy your cruise in a few weeks!

1 hour ago, fishywood said:

 

OK  you have the same times as I did last year.

If it's still fresh in your mind..   What should we expect to wear the first night ... whatever we wear to board the ship or other casual type?   Also,  what about the last night through College Fjord?  We're cruising 6Pm- 8:30pm.  Does the ship work the dinner times to where we won't miss the sights or do I cancel our last night dining and just eat some place else (or room service)?  I don't care if I have to eat a sandwich or drink a mocktail... I don't want to miss the view. ❤️ (sorry for all the dining questions..  I'm just getting a feel of what clothes to pack) 🤪

6 minutes ago, memoak said:

I have never seen a formal night on a late sailing port day - no way to make that work

I'm sure the formal nights will be on Sea days. Not port days.

23 minutes ago, memoak said:

Jeans in good condition are allowed on "casual" nights on any cruise with Princess

My husband will be pleased to hear this. 🙂  I'm looking forward to the two formal nights, though. I've read those will be "sea" days. That gives us time to spiffy ourselves up. 😄