Chiefdog

We were on the Reflection last summer and inquired about the premium package because my husband likes top wines. The sommelier explained that even if we bought the premium packages, he’d still be charged something above the$17 per drink fee for the top wines. We didn’t think the package was worth it because you still were responsible for the tip and I don’t drink much. We bought our own drinks, and bottles of wine that they store for you. Our bill amounted to about $400 by the cruise end. The package would have been close to $2,000. Is that worth it to you? 

We did a Spain, France, Italy cruise on the Reflection in May-June 2023. It is a lovely ship with the most accommodating crew I have met after doing 9 cruises. The ship was very clean, but it hasn’t been revolutionized like the Summit. Even the crew had no idea when it was to be scheduled. I believe it had the best entertainment and food. We didn’t bother with any specialty restaurants, nor the Persian Garden. We were busy in ports everyday for 10 days, except for one sea day. People complained about the high cost of the excursions because they merely offered transportation. Since we did our research ahead of time and traveled independently, we were able to see just about everything we had planned. This is the smartest way of traveling because port days are short. 

Things to do in Victoria, BC in short port time. We arrive at 7:00 pm and sail at midnight.

5 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I sailed on Royal Princess in late December and purchased a cruise long Lotus Spa pass.  There are separate facilities for men and women.  Assuming the facilities for the ladies is the same for the men, there are lockers and showers.  The saunas are in the area where the hydrotherapy pool is located.

 

The pool's unusual feature is a large rain-type shower that can be activated by the guests along with two small whirpools designed for no more than two small people to share; really only room for one, but I saw a couple sharing the space once.  The stainless steel rack is at the far end of the pool and I found it very challenging to use.  It seemed to be a bit too high off the floor for me to boost myself onto the rack.  But, others seemed to be able to use the rack with no difficulty.

 

The Thermal Beds are along the side of the pool and in an alcove in the pool area.  There were two water beds as well.  

 

4 or 5 (I don't recall accurately how many) showers are in the pool area that provide a variety of different environmental conditions, i.e. tropical rain shower, an icy type shower, etc.  I think they are supposed to be aromatherapy type as well, but I did experience much "aroma" if they were.

 

One quibble on my part:  the Lotus Spa is located on a lower deck and its location is in the interior.  No natural daylight and I found it to be too dark for my taste as compared to HAL's Greenhouse Spa's Hydrotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite.  Would I book the Lotus Spa again?  Yes.  I enjoy such an amenity.

I imagine the spa on the Emerald is the same. Do you know if they have the dry Cedar sauna. I love the fragrance. 

Has anyone stayed on the celebrity Summit cabins 7099 or 7118 balconies? I heard deck 7 is very good and was wondering if they would be quiet. 

3 hours ago, katisdale said:

We flew into Anchorage where we had one night, and took the train to Talketna and stayed at the lodge there for one night; then we rode the train to Denali where we stayed 2 nights. After being at Denali (highly recommend the longer Wilderness tour) we took a bus to Copper River lodge. We also had two nights there. Then we took a boat from Valdez to Whittier where we boarded the ship for the southbound cruise. We really enjoyed our time on the tour. We did not go to Fairbanks.

Hi Katisdale. Your trip sounds exactly suited to us! I think we will do the train south because I have read the scenery is beautiful. I am not planning on Fairbanks because the trek would be too long. Save it for another time, maybe. I will look into the Wilderness tour and decide between that or renting the car. What wonderful people you are to take your grandchildren on such a spectacular adventure! Best wishes on your next trip. Linda

2 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Chiefdog, let me assure you that you will have a great experience.  Too often, people come here on Cruise Critic and ask about the "best" ship, the "best" itinerary, the "best" excursions, the "best" food" the "best" cabin, . . .

 

Do you know what FOMO is?   If not, Google it.

 

Too many Cruise Critic posters have FOMO.

 

I really think you are taking the right approach.  I like your idea of taking the round-trip out of Seattle.  Your budget is very important, and the air flight cost is a significant part of a cruise travel budget.

 

I have take four Alaska cruises.  I have cruise number five scheduled to leave, next week and cruise number six is booked for September.

 

To me, once you decide that you are going to cruise in Alaska, the itinerary is insignificant.  I cannot say that one of my previous itineraries was significantly more memorable that any of the others.  Alaska has tremendous natural beauty,  You will see amazing things regardless of the itinerary.

 

My four previous AK cruises were on three different ships.  I really do not think that our experience was influenced by the ship.  I loved every cruise.  I mentioned that we are leaving next week on our fifth AK cruise.  We will be on the Ruby Princess.  Our cruise in September will be on the Royal Princess.  I am, very much, looking forward to both of these.

 

As multiple people have indicated, you have to be ready for any kind of weather in Alaska.  The worst storm we ever encountered--and, believe me, it was a big one--was in early August.  I also have been sunburned in AK--in Ketchikan, one of the wettest spots in North America. in September.  Regardless of when you cruise, you should expect to encounter rain.  It may be while you are at sea, which is, usually, inconsequential, but if it is on a port day, you have to be prepared for it.

 

You mentioned your down coat.  My wife travels to AK with her "puffy coat." It keeps here warm.  She does not have to ask anybody's permission to wear it. 

 

A couple previous posters have reported that if you book a cabin and there is a subsequent fare decrease, you can be re-fared.  In fact, two days prior to final payment, I re-fared next week's cruise.  The thing I want to mention here is that you (or your travel agent) must take the initiative to call Princess and request a lower fare.  Princess is a for-profit company, and they are not going to give back money if you don't ask.  Also, there are varying reports about people getting any re-faring after the final payment date.  Final payment is due 75 days before the cruise date.  After final payment date, I quit checking the fares.  Also, keep in mind that any promotional "spiffs" that were a part of your original booking will, probably, be lost if you re-fare.  So, let's say that the original booking was under a promotion that included, say, pre-paid gratuities, and that promotion expired, but the current passage fare is $500 less with no promotional extras.  If you decide that the $500 decrease is better than the pre-paid gratuities, then getting re-fared makes sense.

 

As somebody has also mentioned, "change of colors" doesn't really happen in Alaska.  A vast majority of the trees are evergreen conifers.

 

If you are interested in seeing wildlife, I can, pretty much. guarantee that you will be happy, although, I can't guarantee what you will see.  Every cruise I have been on has had a naturalist on board, who provides good information on wildlife that might be near by.  Bring binoculars.  They don't have to be terribly sophisticated.  Something that is easy to pack should be fine.  As you are leaving Ketchikan, scan the tops of the (evergreen) trees.  You will see bald eagles perched on several of them.  A lot of people want to see bears.  I'm one of them.  On our very first cruise, the ship's naturalist provided a guarantee that we could see bears at any port--find the city dump.  I've never tried that approach, but I guess it makes sense.  You will, probably, see whales--humpbacks, mostly, but, also, there is a good chance of seeing greys and orcas.  If you are really interested in seeing whales I would not recommend going early in the season--April/May.  Most greys and humpbacks have not finished their migration from places like Mexico and Hawaii, that early.  That being said, we did see a few last May.  There was one very exuberant humpback about two hundred yards off our balcony as we left Ketchikan.

 

It sounds like you are already planning your second AK cruise.  That is awesome.  As you can see from many of the responses, above, one AK cruise is not enough.

 

Bon voyage.

Wow, this is a lot to take in. Thank you so much for taking so much time to respond to my questions. Actually, we have never been to Alaska, so I have been doing much research. I have never met anyone who took an Alaskan cruise who disliked it.  Everyone responds that it is the most spectacular experience. Once I make final payment I don't check the fares again. I only book what I feel is worth paying to begin with. So I guess it would be wise to book months in advance and to check the price up until final payment is due. Seems like late August and September will be fine. So I guess bring binoculars, the down coat, insect repellent, leather shoes on wet days, and rain gear. Once again thank you for this information and have 2 wonderful vacations! 😊🐳🚢

11 minutes ago, katisdale said:

We did our tour with Princess. We had our grandchildren with us and did not want to bother with schlepping our luggage and making arrangements. It was very well organized. We did the tour before the cruise and took the last sailing offered.

Did you take the beautiful train south to the port? Did you feel you had enough time in Denali and how many total days was the land tour? 

2 hours ago, franski said:

Most main stream lines include tours...  Some will have optionals available to purchase, but not all.  And, the optionals aren't necessarily "better" than the included tours.  We have travelled with most lines marketed in North America (AMA, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald, Viking & Uniworld) - and have not found a huge difference in the included tours. Occasionally you will get a tour guide who is a "dud" - but, it is rare.  One thing to look at is whether or not the tips to local guides are included in your price.

 

As for drinks, again, most included wine/beer/soft drinks - free flowing!! - at dinner, and often at lunch as well. Some lines offer sparkling wine at breakfast...  Mimosas anyone???   But, as gnome12 indicated - it might depend on where you are travelling.  Some lines have "daily specials" for drinks - and Avalon has brought in a "Happy Hour" on their Europeans ships - where all drinks are half price for an hour or so before the evening port talk.  Uniworld & Scenic have an open bar policy (except for some top shelf brands) - and Viking has the Silver Spirits package, although it may not be much of a savings depending on how much you drink outside of meal times. 

 

Fran

 

 

Thank you Fran for so much info! I will check out the various lines. What do you feel is the best month? I have read that you might have to be bused to venues if the river levels are too high or low. 

12 hours ago, katisdale said:

We went in September (on Island before the refit) and were quite pleased with out choice. There was beautiful color on the ground plants as we traveled between Denali and Copper River. We had good weather and dressed in layers so we were comfortable by adding and subtracting clothes. We saw lots of animals, and especially loved the ptarmigans. We did see the mountain while we were at Denali. I would definitely go again in September.

I hear different things about the weather. It seems to vary. I thought September was the best for color up north. I guess you just wear layers. Did you do the cruise tour with the ship or rent a car and use the trains and buses on your own?  😊 Thank you. 

2 hours ago, disneyochem said:

Any comments about the Grand in Alaska?  We are sailing on her this May out of SF.  Have cruised to Alaska numerous times.  We’re taking the Grand to see if we like her in Alaska—have a 17-cruise tour booked for June 2020.  We still have time to change ship/tour if we don’t like the Grand but I love the 17-day tour.

If the price goes down, will the cruise company also lower your fare? I know it is best to book early to get the best staterooms. 

9 minutes ago, Chiefdog said:

What month was that photo? Ok, I see May on top of pic and I see down coats, too. Really close to the glacier! What ship?

4 minutes ago, BarbinMich said:

https://www.graylinealaska.com/blog/top-spots-in-alaska-for-fall-foliage/  Just found this link; however, it doesn't mention SE Alaska (the panhandle where Juneau, Ketchikan are) at all.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you. He was up north on land tour and maybe some towns were turning colors along the way. Maybe Coral for next year when I have more time to plan car rental and train south from Denali to Seward or Whittier. Hopefully they will not cut the ship in half to add rooms! 

2 minutes ago, land lover said:

I would totally pick Ruby  cruised on her April on a Pacific Coastal and then May to Alaska last Year. April was when she tweaked her menu, May they were still tweaking...then in March of this year the menu was different again as this was after her Nov.  dry dock and we really enjoyed  the physical changes. New Carpet etc......The Salty Dog grill...love those street tacos, coffee and cones nice to get a "real" specialty coffee on deck 16.

 

This year we happened to be gng to Alaska again guess what ship I picked Coral...we cruised on her 12 years ago to the Panama canal.

Have only cruised Majestic but I must agree that class of ship does not have the viewing, however if she would have fallen into my time frame I might have picked her just for the medallion.

 

 

I am calling Princess tomorrow to inquire. I usually have my room and ship picked by then to make the booking go fast. Airfare first of course.  But now I am really confused about the month!  Would it be wise to book a Coral next summer price wise? If the fare drops, will the company give an adjustment for the drop? Thank you everyone for so much helpful info! 

12 minutes ago, land lover said:

from Ruby last May

What month was that photo? Ok, I see May on top of pic and I see down coats, too. Really close to the glacier! What ship?

18 minutes ago, BarbinMich said:

We've done Sept. in Alaska and I don't recommend it.  I don't remember fall color--most of the trees are conifers.  Glacier Bay was a big disappointment.  We have been there in May several times (before and after the Sep. cruise) and the mountains where the glaciers are were all snow covered.  In Sept. it was muddy bare rock, a rainy day and a very different visual experience.  We also had rain in Juneau.  [This was a RT out of Vancouver.]   Have been on the Royal several times and as others have said it's totally inappropriate for Alaska.  Last time we cruised to Alaska was on the Star P out of SF.  She's an older sister of the Ruby, which we've sailed on elsewhere and it was great ship for Alaska.

I guess the colors are for up by Denali with the grasses. Boy am I confused now. I guess I will look at other months. I was looking at Aug. 31 and Sept. sailings. My brother in  law went in September, several years ago, and had Indian summer weather, but Denali was shrouded in clouds. I always bring umbrellas on trips, so will just enjoy nature for what it is. Thank you for the info. 

13 minutes ago, Coral said:

The Coral has a covered pool area (Ruby does not).

 

RT Seattle - no, they are equal since it is RT. I like Deck 7 on both of these ships for viewing (as it is covered and not crowded). Allows you to go from side to side easily.

What about the down coat? Any hot tubs or should I get a spa membership? Also, is it worth taking the boat excursion in Glacier Bay?

27 minutes ago, TheRabbit said:

As the OP has ask Royal or Ruby, we did the  Ruby (Alaska with Glacier Bay) last June and viewing was outstanding (we stayed on our balcony when glaciers were on our side).

Went up to the bow were you can get great views entering and leaving Glacier Bay as far as watching for birds, sea life and bears. It was very cold though.

 

Did the Med in the Royal. Other than off your balcony, areas to take pictures can be limited by the high plexiglass rails on top. There are a few areas to get around this, but I imagine they will be crowded. My vote, Ruby, though I do like the Royal as a ship.

Seems like Coral or Ruby. I am cold all the time, so would I be crazy to bring a down coat in September? Also, if we do a Seattle to Seattle is there a better side of the ship for viewing off of a balcony? I prefer up on deck, but my husband likes the balcony. 

1 hour ago, capriccio said:

We have over 50 days on the Royal, 28 on the Coral (including 2 northbound Vancouver to Whittier) and the Island (sister ship to the Coral before it was butchered), and 27 on the Ruby (including one round trip Seattle Alaska cruise last summer). 

 

If you plan a one way cruise, definitely pick the Coral (and make sure you see the production show On the Bayou developed just for the Coral and old Island Princess).

 

If you want a round trip cruise (which we did last summer with the entire family for ease of airline flights), the Ruby was fine - and that was before her recent dry dock.

 

While we love the Royal, we wouldn't chose it for an Alaska cruise.  It is too big for the ports and, as others have mentioned, the viewing areas are better on the Coral and the Ruby.

Thank you, this is helpful. The airfare is insane from the east coast to the west coast! Since this will be our first Alaska trip, I think we will just do a Seattle round trip. After the cruise, we can rent a car to explore the Northwest coast for a week. I had my heart set on renting a car for Denali and exploring the small towns, and then doing the train to the port. But with the high airfare I guess it won't be possible for this round. What month do you prefer? I thought September for the change in color. With all of your trips, you could have purchased a home in Alaska! 

Has anyone sailed either the Royal or the Ruby to Alaska? I am debating between each. I am wondering which would be the nicest in terms of refurbishments, the spa for cold days, and the itenerary. 

24 minutes ago, Roz said:

It depends on the cruise line.  On Uniworld (which I've sailed 3 times), all my tours were included.  There were a few optional tours for purchase.  All drinks were included, unless they were top shelf.  

 

When you're comparing prices, make sure you're comparing apples to apples.  

 

Roz

Thanks Roz. I will look into UniWorld. I guess I won’t be able to see Notre Dame now. What a sad day. 

45 minutes ago, Roz said:

I've found river cruises don't fluctuate in prince to the extent that ocean cruises do.

 

Roz

Thank you. Do you know if they include tours or do you pay for them? Also, are drinks included? 

Does anyone know of a chart/website which tracks the increase and decrease of cruise prices each week?

On 3/8/2019 at 3:14 PM, Stateroom_Sailor said:

 

I can see suites going up in price, with the addition of the retreat, but what are you getting in an OV, that's worth $700 more per day?

 

Then again, in areas with hight traffic of first time cruisers, prices are still low.  The Millennium in 2014, end of Alaska shoulder season, was $650 for an inside, $1,000 OV, $1,800 veranda.  In 2020, the price hasn't gone up one penny.

Yes, what exactly are they giving you as a perk? If you calculate everything you are paying for those perks. You might come ahead by $100. I recall sailing to Bermuda when they gave you the perks, didn’t charge a penny, to get you to sail. We used the OBC to buy a spa membership and use towards some of the drinks. If you are not a big drinker, you are better off just paying for each drink. Things sure have changed! 

4 hours ago, Mike981 said:

I believe I speak for many when I say, "I'm jealous of those who can drive to their cruise port."

Yes,  if you want to do something on the spur of the moment. But after awhile the iteneraries are all the same, so you need to fly to experience something new. 

5 hours ago, iancal said:

The only cruise that we have booked in advance was our South American cruise.  We did that because Princess ran a one day special that essentially provided us with Canadian dollars at par.  And surprising it was a real sale which is probably why it only lasted for one day.  Plus, we were doing air on points, buying internal flights, etc.

 

When we first retired six/seven years ago we traveled for six months.  We did  five cruises, all late booking.  Two in Europe, a TA,  a Caribbean over Christmas, and them another Caribbean over March break/Easter

 

One of the reasons we are not doing as many is that we now spend winters traveling in SE Asia.  Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam.

We are not interested in the Singapore-HK run because the port stops either do not appeal to us.  Either too touristy, too short, or too far from the attractions.  We did try to pick up a last minute going the other way to India and the Gulf states.  At the time there was no eVisa for India.  We were not prepared to take our passports to the KL embassy and hope that they were returning in time to make a flight to Singapore and catch the ship.  Europe is better for last minutes.  Lots of choices and no matter where you are you can get to a port fairly inexpensively.  It is almost like MIA/FLL.   There always seems to be an offer.  We have probably done about five late bookings in Europe, many more in FLL/MIA, and Alaska.

 

If the deal is not on the table we walk.  They are like buses.  If you miss one, another will be along in a little while!  I think that the trick is to understand what a good price is, if you need air shop for that at the same time, and never get your heart set on taking a specific cruise on a specific ship at a specific time.

How exciting your retirement has been!  I think the best advice you gave is “never take a specific ship at a specific time.”  Thank you for all this helpful information.