Tridhos

Many thanks to all those that replied they have been most helpful replies and I think now I am a bit nearer deciding. 

Just about to book a Princess cruise on the Grand Princess, any tips as to what mini suite and what deck would be appreciated. 

I am about to book a 14 day cruise with Princess but my partner takes his laptop with him as its almost a working holiday so he has a lot of emails to answer and action during the cruise. Are there any pre paid internet packages with Princess?

I’d strongly suggest you find out what is available in Seward for your interests. But I would never advocate for wasting the day doing nothing. ����. Www.seward.com. A week + ago the depot was was storing bags-but remember you will have NO access to them until Anchorage.

Staff are going to encourage passengers to exit the ship. So plan on by 9 am

 

The depot is walkable with no mobility issues. I always walk to/from the boat tour vendors. There is a loop shuttle bus as well.

 

The fear of taking a tour is unfounded. You can be transferred to the station or easily simply walk.

I have managed to book a Kenai Fjords National Park Tour and they assure me that the boat docks back well in time for us to catch our onward train journey. Many thanks for your advice. Not only do they have shuttle buses for this purpose but the train station is but minutes away.

I wouldn't worry too much about an excursion being late. Most vendors, like the Kenai day cruises, time their tours to coincide with the train..... they have tours that return at 5:30pm so that people can catch the evening train, and they have tours that leave at 11:30 to serve train passengers arriving on the 11am train from Anchorage. The train is a VERY popular option.

If you don't feel like doing an excursion, the harbor is a great place to hang out for a few hours. There's a free shuttle bus that takes people downtown or there's a lovely waterfront trail that leads from the harbor to downtown ( about a mile ).

Once again many thanks for that info. Do you happen to know how far the station is from the docks, I assume there must be some form of transport between the two?

The Seward train depot has been storing luggage for passengers who have tickets on their evening train. BUT things can change from yr to yr, so i would email them next Spring to verify. reservations@akrr.com

 

Also, if you take an excursion, many vendors will hold your luggage.

Very many thanks for that. Our Regent Cruise docks at 0600 so I am not sure what time that means we get ashore and what time we will have for any excursions before our train departure at 1800 hours. I am also nervous about setting off on an excursion with the need to get back in time for the train.

The train station will store the luggage. We stayed in Seward overnight and took the train the next evening so we dropped the luggage off in the morning after checking out from our hotel.

 

If you take a boat tour with Major Marine or Kenai Fjords, they will store the luggage in their office.

 

Sent from my Pixel using Forums mobile app

Many thanks for that info.

Your ship will be arriving into SEWARD, which is 125 miles from Anchorage; 4 hrs by train.

You can take the cruise-contracted train that leaves around 7:30am or if you have an extra day, take the 6pm train to Anchorage and spend the day sightseeing in Seward.

 

If you want to 'see' what the train ride is like, there is LOTS of video on youtube to view.

 

Besides the train, other options include cruise transfer, independent transfer, Park Connection Bus, Seward Buslines, and HERTZ rental car.

We are docking at 6 a.m at Seward (Anchorage) Regent SS Mariner next June but the train we are taking from Seward to Anchorage doesn't depart until 1800 hours. Any ideas what time we have to be off the ship by and is there anywhere that we can store our luggage until we need to go to the railway station?

We are docking at 6 a.m at Seward (Anchorage) Regent SS Mariner but the train we are taking from Seward to Anchorage doesn't depart until 1800 hours. Any ideas what time we have to be off the ship by and is there anywhere that we can store our luggage until we need to go to the railway station?

We have cruised to Alaska 6 times now, the latest was last month. This was the third time in late August and September, our favorite time for Alaska. The other three cruises were in May, June and July.

 

Since you mention wildlife...bears and whales, I would suggest you look at late Aug to Sept. The berries are ripe and the salmon are running which is great to see, but it also attracts lots of bears. You stand a very good chance of seeing bears and eagles along the water's edge where the salmon are running feeding on them. You will also see the bears in the open areas feeding on the ripe berries...the bears are fatting up for winter. Also we have had great whale viewing right on the ship during these months. Plus most US schools are back in session by late August so less or no children on the ship and a few less ships at the ports.

 

You will have less children in May and a few fewer ships also, but some of the Glacier viewing may be affected by the seal pups on the ice flows. It is usually July before the pups have their waterproof fur coats, so close up glacier viewing where they are will be closed as not to endanger the pups. Tracy Arm may also be blocked by ice until later in the summer. If you are eager to see the Glaciers, be sure to do your research on when the Glaciers on your cruise usually open as not to be disappointed.

 

We have also done two RV trips to Alaska in Aug and Sept. Just remember much of Alaska cruising is done in the temperate part or the state and can be wet especially during the summer months so go prepared to get out in the rain. Most tours run rain or shine. The exception are the flight seeing tours which will not run in the rain of fog.

 

Alaska is one of our favorite cruises! Enjoy!

Thanks for your very helpful suggestions. I am certainly doing Alaska in 2019 and from what I have read thus far it will be with Regent.

It’s good to read reviews and take them into consideration when choosing a cruise, and cruise line. A pinch of salt is also a good idea.

 

You are an avid Scenic cruiser. But if you read the reviews on CC you will see some scathing reviews. I read many of those reviews while planning our 2015 Danube cruise on Scenic Opal. I am so glad I disregarded those negative reviews.

 

Our all inclusive experience led to booking an Alaska cruise in June this year. Unfortunately DW slipped and fell getting onto the plane to Fairbanks and broke her leg(she likes me to add “in several places”). She’s mostly healed and now we have booked our new first cruise to Alaska for May 2018.

 

You need to make the decision you feel is best for you but bear in mind that most reviews of Regent are positive.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I agree with you about the reviews I had the same experience when booking Scenic Cruises. I was more concerned at some of the remarks about the cabins but given that the Mariner gets a refit in 2018 that shouldn't be a problem.

I hope DW recovers fully from her accident and you are both able to enjoy a wonderful Alaskan holiday in 2018

Alaska is magic! We did our first Alaska Cruise on the Norwegian Sun. It was OK, but it seemed as though we were being handed a check to sign every 5 minutes. When we took our first Alaska Cruise on Regent, the difference was like night and day. Personally, I like the intimacy of the smaller ship and it felt as though we were more "up close and personal" than on the larger ships. If your Cruise includes Tracy Arm, the excursion into the Sawyer Glaciers is a must! We are headed to Alaska again in May 2018. It will be a Regent Alaska Cruise #5 and probably won't be out last!

Thanks for the positive feedback as a river cruiser I am used to a very small ship and looking at some of those giants is very off putting so I think in view of the fact that by the time I go it will have gone through a major refit is another reason to go with Regent. I hope you will post your latest experiences with Regent, have a wonderful time on your next cruise.

Hi - just want to add that it may be helpful if you pay attention to the cruising history of posters on the Regent board. I am one of the posters that complained about the food (but not the state of the suites). My "complaints" are based on spending over a year on Regent ships and finding one cruise less than perfect. Someone new to Regent would likely not be as critical as I was. For instance, the lobster, Filet Mignon, Beef Wellington, fish, etc. in Compass Rose was perfect but the side dishes (fries, mashed potatoes) were not warm enough. Once we mentioned that to our server, it was corrected. The food in the two specialty restaurants was perfect. We did have an issue with the buffet restaurant, La Veranda. However, I am confident that when we return to the Mariner next month for a 25 night cruise, all issues will be corrected. That is how Regent is....... it is not perfect but will correct problems immediately (when they are nicely told about them).

I look forward to your comments on your upcoming cruise, hope you have a wondedrful time.

We just completed our third Alaska cruise with Regent and I would not hesitate to recommend Regent. However, Alaska sailings can be a bit different than sailings to other parts of the world. In my opinion, the best time to sail to Alaska is May - at the beginning of the season. From June - mid August the ship has a lot of families with children which is fine if you want to sail with children. During those times, the majority of guests on Regent are new to the cruise line.

 

We have not found Regent to be stuffy at all and the "benefits" afforded long time passengers are not visible to other passengers.

 

When you price out other cruise lines, be sure to take into consideration the cost of excursions (and while there are "included" excursions, Regent also has "Regent Choice" excursions that have a price associated with them), airfare, transfers to the ship, tipping and other items that are included on Regent.

 

Just thought of another reason to choose a concierge suite -- the overnight stay at a hotel that is included for passengers in concierge suites and above.

 

Hope that whatever cruise line you choose, you had a great time in Alaska!

 

That was the clincher for me choosing Regent was the inclusivity of everything which is what I get on the river cruises with Scenic. Its nice knowing there are no bills at the end and everything is paid for up front.

I suppose like many the reason to go to Alaska is the wildlife so is May going to be a good month in that respect with bears whales etc.However thanks for your reassurances on Regent.

We will be on the Mariner in May 2019 from Tokyo to Vancouver. It will be our 13th Regent cruise and 4th on the Mariner. Also, we have cruised on Celebrity from Seward to Vancouver and we have traveled extensively by land in Alaska - including the train from Anchorage to Denali. Here are some of our opinions and observations.

 

Alaska is a marvelous place! Weather during a short visit is totally unpredictable. The most important selection criteria (after your budget) should be the itinerary and what you want (must) see. As someone above posted, this requires a bit of research. I and others on Cruise Critic would be happy to respond to specific questions. For me, Denali is a "must" and the train is a nice option (to driving on the other side of the road).

 

We found the Celebrity ship much to large (about 2000 passengers) for a port-intensive 7 day cruise in Alaska. I'd look at much smaller ships; you want to get close as possible to the glaciers and also get on/off the ship easily. Where cruise ships go are popular tourist destinations for children and their parents from June through August - there will be a lot of young cruisers even on Regent no Alaskan cruise will be "stuffy".

 

Mariner in June 2019 will have been totally refurbished (due in Spring 2018). She handles rough waters very well. I don't see any advantage for a Concierge level cabin ( based upon U.S. pricing); the H,G,F,E, and D are all the same size. We try for mid-ship G cabins with shower (NO tub for us). The Mariner would be a terrific respite after a hectic day touring ashore. Yes, the cabin attendant will stock the cabin with wine and liquor as well as beer and soft drinks.

 

I'd book a pre-cruise tip to Denali through the ship you choose. It allows you to meet fellow cruisers early and assures that given any mishaps that you won't miss the ship's departure. I reviewed the Mariner's pre-cruise to Denali - pricey but a spot-on terrific itinerary for a short visit.

 

Enjoy my favorite part of the world.

Jim C.

Our intnded tour starts off in Canada as we are flying into Calgary and then spending a few days in Banff before heading for Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. We intended spending a couple of days prior to the cruise in Vancouver and Victoria. After the cruise we thought we would go from Seward to Anchorage on that train journey which I have been told is well worth it and similar to the Rocky Mountaineer scenically.

Thanks for the info about the cabins so long as the cabin has a decent shower that will suffice as I have yet to use the bath on a cruise preferring the shower every time. Even on my Scenic river cruises I was paying for a suite with a bath and found that we never used it and that the shower was a lot more convenient.

I had almost decided on the Regent Mariner but then read several very negative reviews about the food and the state of some of the cabins. However as you say with a refit in 2018 that should change, our intended dates are 2019.

Thanks for your suggestions I will take a look at Denali and see if we can add a few days there before heading back to Vancouver where we will depart from.

Many thanks for your replies, most helpful and informative.

I am still determined on an Alaskan cruise and in fact I will also be doing the Rocky Mountaineer prior to the cruise although I cannot book that for a few months. Did you book the train journey through Regent? Now I am, looking at Holland America and Norwegian.

Thanks I found several more critical reviews along with yours so I am now rethinking the whole thing. I have done river cruises until now all with the same company Scenic where you pay a little extra like Regent but the fives times I have been with Scenic I have to say have been fantastic and I would go back and do them all again.

Thanks for your reply, I have been reading through some of the reviews and of course quite a mixed bunch. I gather the ship is going for a refit in 2018 so maybe that will address some concerns. Why wasn't it your cup of tea or perhaps you have a link to your review?

I have been a river cruiser until this point but in June 2019 I intend doing an Alaskan Cruise on the Mariner probably a CONCIERGE SUITE although apart from the price I don't quite understand the difference between D and E for this category. I picked Regent Cruises for its all inclusivity which is the product I picked for my river cruises. However I am surprised that the room mini bar is only soft drinks and beer whereas on my river cruises that there was always a small bottle of white and red win in the cabin mini bar.

Can anyone recommend a quiet deck and cabin, Also as the ship is going from Vancouver to Seward is possible to request a cabin on the landward side rather that the other side when booking?

I was on the Jade in August 2014 the year the ship was launched along with her two sister ships the Crystal and Jewel and there was no vitality pool then.

The pools were introduced the following year 2015 with the later ships and I cannot see anything on their web site that says the Jade has been modified since so you might do well to check that out.

Hello Tridhos,

 

glad to have been of assistance. I had another look and found the CroisiEurope offer:

 

http://www.croisieurope.travel/en-gb/cruises/valleys-neckar-romantic-rhine-mosel-and-saar-formula-portport-without-transfer-2015

 

An interesting journey, I find. From Saarbrücken there are nice options by train to France or you can head to Cologne to take the ICE and Eurostar to London, etc.

 

I also find the Amsterdam - Basel itineraries or vice versa a great route for first time river cruisers.

 

notamermaid

That is one of my next cruises with Scenic Tours Basel to Amsterdam I have already done the Amsterdam to Budapest with them which was my first cruise and best holiday I have ever had. Now I am hooked on river cruising very relaxing with beautiful scenery and those two will definitely be on my short list. Many thanks once again.

Hello Tridhos,

 

cutting out the Rhine from a Moselle cruise is a tricky one, especially as the Moselle is a shortish river as far as navigation for river cruise boats is concerned. the big boats tend not to go further than Trier. Hre is an option that gets close to your wishes:

 

https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises/rhine-moselle/itinerary

 

CroisiEurope has an itinerary for the Moselle that includes the Saar but I think they do not offer it to their English-speaking customers.

 

notamermaid

Many thanks for that, it looks very promising and might be just what I am looking for. Anyway I have book marked it and hope I can use it soon.

You might also consider the Paris to Basel itinerary offered by a couple of cruise lines. Viking will begin it next year (2015) as the Rhine Rhapsody. Assuming that you start in Paris, you'll either bus or train to Luxembourg, and from there you'll cruise down the Moselle and then do the Rhine to Basel.

 

We think that the Moselle valley is the most beautiful stretch of river in Europe, followed by the middle Rhine where you see all the castles. Trier has great Roman ruins, and the little towns on the Moselle are very charming.

 

FuelScience

I am doing Basel to Amsterdam next year having already done Amsterdam to Budapest with Scenic. However I am now looking for a cruise line that just does the Moselle as I don't wish to repeat the Rhine part again.

I went on my first river cruise in August, Amsterdam to Budapest with Scenic and loved it so much I have already booked another two cruises with them. However having seen many of the other cruise ships during that time they all look very nice so if you are satisfied with previous cruises then I would see no need to change.