Lady Slipper

Thank you for your comments Balloon Man. I totally agree that all cruise lines could have learned a great deal from Azamara's Social Media strategy. Not so much from Azamara directly, but from Bill's many accomplishments. He knew how to handle everything with tact and class, and knew exactly how to deliver the message, whether good or bad. As Bill & I frequently discussed, it's not only about the message, but it's about establishing a connection and trust with your audience. Most all cruise lines treat us like we are robots, and there's no personal connection - which Bill & myself were/are very passionate about. IMO, that's a major miscalculation by the cruise lines.

 

Azamara has recently replaced Mr Leiber with a new CBO. It's too soon to pass judgement on her, but Bill handled Azamara's CBO responsibilities with perfection, and is sorely missed - both as Azamara's CBO, and a very dear friend. IMO, Bill is irreplaceable.

 

Rest in Peace Bill.

I am so sad to hear about Bill`s passing. I was so impressed with the way he communicated and helped people on CC. Celebrity could certainly use someone like him monitoring these posts. He made you feel like a valued customer.

You will be sorely missed Bill

Great to get some insider info on shopping in Japan. I will be on Diamond Princess later this year and this info, especially with prices is really helpful.

 

I do want to buy green tea, but tacky fridge magnets will make great presents!!:D

 

Thanks, posters, keep the tips coming!

Yes thank you to everyone for the information. We don`t like to spend too much time shopping. We want to get to see as much as we can as we may never get back there. But we also like bringing some gifts back too. So hearing of what others have bought and having an idea of what they paid helps. With knowing that we can say... hmm that`s a fair price, I don`t think I`ll bother looking any further.

Thank you again :)

Depending on the design, kimono's can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. You can pick up cheaper cotton fabric clothes at most of the stops.

 

You can also get the same or similar clothes in J-Town in Los Angeles, Little Tokyo in San Francisco, or the "Japan" pavilion at Walt Disney World's EPCOT World Showcase":-)

 

 

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Thank you Duane T,

Most likely look for the cotton ones. I will see when I get there :)

If you are looking for something that is more traditional then Kyoto is the best spot to shop. It has been several years since I was there, but the more traditional was readily available in Kyoto. The best part is that it is locally made. I am still wearing the happy coat that I bought. Good quality.

What is a "happy coat"? I have read that Kimonos are quite pricey but a Kukata is quite reasonable.

We will be having a little time in Yokahama the day we are to board our cruise and then we have a day in Hakodate and a day in Sapporo. Yokahama has a Silk Museum really close to the pier, I hope to have time to check that out.

Can anyone tell me what they bought in Japan that would be nice gifts to bring home. I was especially wondering about silk scarves and what I can expect to pay for them.

I tried searching the internet and not coming up with much on pricing. There`s lots on clothes shopping but that doesn`t interest me.

Thanks :)

OK; whilst I have a bit of time in the office....This is a good (-ish) place to buy gifts and souvenirs at Muttrah Souqu (don't pay attention to the spelling. You will see the place names spelled 3 different ways on 3 signs).As you walk into the souqu from the harbour front / street side, there is a quite large shop on the right of the entrance with windows facing the street. They have a decent selection of everything "Omani". Many shops inside the market will have the same or similar things, but I find the guys at that shop easy to deal with. Less BS than at other shops. Of course - and that applies to shopping everywhere - do not walk around with your cruise line tour sticker on your shirt and leave the cruise line bag / umbrella / cap / t-shirt at home. The vendors see that from miles away. If they quote a price you find high, tell them that you are not a tourist. Say your husband works for Oman Air or some bank (HSBC is good) or at the Grand Hyatt or is a doctor at Starcare Hospital. Plenty of Canadians / Westerners at these places. And you are shopping for presents from Oman to send home....Nice things to get small ornaments / trinkets, even Christmas decorations with Arabic motives, small "silver" things, small lamps, frankincense burners and such things. A speciality and REALLY Omai are ornamental daggers (called Khanjar) that is a main part of the Omani men's National dress. Prices for these range from around OMR 5 to THOUSANDS. The daggers at the touristy places are usually welded shut and you cannot pull out the blade. In cases where they DO come apart, the knife itself is so blunt, you cannot even slice thru a strawberry. Many places also have the khanjar mounted in nice box-frames. The stuff is not heavy and it will be wrapped very well and securely. They will always tell you how "antique" things are. Don't believe them. The vast majority of other items at the market comes from India. Pakistan etc and is not really Arabic, despite the look of things. Unless you really know how to spot a REAL Pashmina - which of course is made (at least to a high percentage) from Kashmiri wool - you are likely to be ripped off. Anything that comes wrapped in those cellophane bags is a sure fake. :-)Pay no more than 5 OMR for a really nice and BIG size "pashmina". A word of caution: There is no clean Western style bathroom inside the market. Bathrooms at the small restaurants (if you find one) are OK, but also not too clean. Think of USA truck-stop toilets. Whereas Oman is very safe and it is extremely unlikely that you run into ANY sort of trouble or will be mugged, it is still better not to "flaunt" your wallet or camera etc. Dress reasonably moderate. Nothing "sexy" or tight. You are unlikely to get "in trouble", but people will stare at you or give you dirty looks.

Once again thank you so much for all your help. I have printed it out to take with me.:)

Hi, yes at the markets they do usually have all sorts of pre packed sizes / weigths or piles of loose frankincense at times. But there is normally not a lot of difference in price between say 200 grams and half a kg. And when they see a "white face" you are of course charged the tourist price. Espacially in Muttrah souqu they are very aware that a cruise ship is in town.... :-)

It is good to be prepared and with your help I will be, at least when it comes to Frankincense. I think the only other things I may look for are little silver charms of camels and silk scarves or pashminas.

Thank you again buchhalm for all your help :)

Frankincense (called Luban here) 4 to 5 Oman I rials per kg for 2nd grade quality, 8 to 10 for 1st grade ; not that us westerners can tell the difference. The lighter in color the better the stuff tends to be.

Thank you buchhalm. Does it come in smaller packages?

We went to the market in Muscat and I got some gorgeous fabric (for a skirt) and a hajib so I didn't have to rent one any place else! Prices were very reasonable! Also got some Frankincense and Myrrh for us and for gifts. Nicely appreciated by all! All this was just after you enter the market..the spices on the right and the fabrics on the first walkway to the left and in the store first on the right. people were SO friendly and helpful!

LOVED Muscat!

Sherry

Mexfolkart, thank you I was beginning to think no one was going to reply to my post.

We are going on a bus tour and they will be stopping at the Muttrah Souq. They say they expect you to bargain, Can you give me an idea of what it cost for the fabric. I read somewhere where they said you shouldn`t pay anymore than 5 OR for a silk scarf.

I have never smelt Frankincense or Myrrh, I tend to get headache with most strong fragrances. But I feel like I should be getting some just because it`s so special and Christmas is just around the corner. Can you buy just a small package of it?

Thank you again for your help.

Maybe I should have asked...What souvenir did you bring back from Oman? Don`t seem to be getting any replies on this so far. :confused:

What was that something special you found and where did you find it in Oman?

Seeing there have been no responses, you may want to post this on the Celebrity Cruise Line Board.

 

Keith

Thanks, I will do that :)

Other than maybe the first one or two persons' date=' that number will be zero. It is the number noted that is on the machine that you have already won when perhaps the 4th person goes up to pull. Maybe#1, 2 and 3 made a total of $12 and that is on the machine prior to #4's turn. So #4 goes to pull and will get 5 times at the machine. And say when #4 is done, there is now $27 on the machine. That way you can subtract and know that #4 made $15 for the group on his/her pulls . If you do not record the number prior to a person starting, you will not remember how much their 5 pulls won. at the end of the whole thing, you are going to give back the uneven change to the person who made the most $ on their turn for the group. this just helps you figure who made the most money on their pulls. I hope that is semi-clear. Not a great job explaining it however.[/size']

Thank you, that explains it perfectly. It is so kind of you to help evryone the way you have. I wish I could return the kindness that you have shown. :)

Hi to both of you. Hope you can convince someone to run as the Slot Pull as it is fun and not complicated at all.

Enjoy and let me know if you have questions. The info should be in your email boxes right now.

Thank you so much Ann. I do have a question, could you please tell me what is entered into the section "starting $ on machine" is this the amount of money everyone has put in from the start?

Thanks again for all your help it is much appreciated!:)

The informaation is on it's way to you via email. Have fun.

Some of our group are interested in doing a slot pull. I`m hoping to convince someone to take it on, your spreadsheet might just do the trick ;). tresa_888 at yahoo dot com

Thank you

Have you had any chocolate desserts on Celebrity that were to die for.

Walking around town you'll find plenty of things to do! Of course 'on the cheap' means different prices to everyone but I'll drop some options & suggestions for under $40/person.

 

Museums around town:

- The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is $5/person - this is a great place to spend time. There are lots of exhibits, a must-see movie, great bookstore, & any info you would want (it's an Alaska Information Center too). It's only a block or so away from Berth #1 & 2.

 

- Totem Heritage Center also $5/person - has authentic original totem poles rescued from abandoned villages plus exhibits of baskets, masks, etc. The photos on the walls from the villages are what I love! It's located near City Park.

 

- The Tongass Historical Museum is $2/person and is located just next to Creek Street. Their exhibits change during the year and it is always amazing to see what they are showing.

 

- The Fish Hatchery & Eagle Rehabilitation Center -$12/person (you can purchase a combo ticket with the Totem Heritage Center for $15). **Please note that this may be closed in 2013 - there has been talk lately. I will update when I hear anything definitive** A great place to go to see eagles up close and to learn about the Salmon life cycle.

 

Totem Poles & Parks:

- There are several 'free' Totem Poles located around the downtown area (approximately 7 just in the downtown area!). And several people have already mentioned going to Cape Fox Lodge to see the Totem Circle. The only thing I would add to that is to make sure and go inside Cape Fox Lodge as on the ground floor and 2nd floor there are some incredible exhibits of masks, baskets, photos, etc. The funicular is right on Creek Street or as some have mentioned, there is a staircase on both Married Man's Trail or out to the street near the Fish Ladder. Pick up a copy of the Free Walking Tour Map and you'll see all of these spots listed.

 

- Totem Bight and Potlatch Park are located side by side about 10 miles North of downtown. As everyone has mentioned, the City Bus will take you there for $1/each way. There is no admission charge, however, Totem Bight is a State Park and donations are always accepted if you feel so inclined (especially if you take one of the printed maps!) Or you could always print one yourself before you go. There are also informational signs spread throughout Totem Bight, giving you some history of the poles & Clan House. Potlatch Park has a Totem Carving Shed where you may see a carver working and their tools, an antique car museum & an antique firearm museum that even if you're not a gun enthusiast, is worth checking out the fascinating items inside.

 

- Saxman Native Village is about 3 miles South of downtown and can also be reached via City Bus (or, if it's a gorgeous sunshiny day you can always walk there, there is a gorgeous path that follows the road - perfect for viewing the surrounding islands!). There is a small fee, last year's price was $5/person. Be sure to print out the totem descriptions as there are no informational plaques here. Saxman also has a Totem Carving Shed where you may be able to see actual carvers working away.

 

 

Walking around town:

- Be sure to check out the Staircase Streets....if you dare! :-) I love the view up the staircase over the Tunnel - great for photos of the town & Cruise Ships!

- Walk by the Ketchikan Daily Newspaper building and learn about their old press.

- Dolly's House is on Creek Street and is $5/person (as of 2012). Inside is an actual (not a replica!) 'working woman's' home complete with furnishings, appliances, hidden compartments, and, um.....tools. :-) It's an interesting stop. Or you could always give Dolly's girls a small 'tip' and get a photo with one of them outside.

- Take a look at the 'liquid sunshine gauge' located by the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau building - yes, we get about 300 days of rain and it adds up!

- Depending on the timing of your visit, cruise down to the Stedman Bridge (just across the street from Creek Street) and watch the fishermen catch Salmon.

- Walk Married Man's Trail to the Fish ladder (again, in season) and watch the crazy kamikaze salmon hurtling their selves up the waterfall. Walk just down the street, just across the street from the American Legion building for the BEST viewing platform of the thousands of salmon waiting to try their luck at the waterfall.

- Look for eagles - they're everywhere, especially in the early part of the season.

- Cruise down to the marina and check out the fishing & pleasure boats. And check out the Ketchikan Yacht Club. If it's low tide, look for some starfish - if you're lucky you'll see some of the 'sunflower starfish' that can have something like 24 legs!

- Go geocaching! There are several geocaches in the downtown area!

- The Library has been moved but is still accessible by City Bus.

 

 

Go for a hike! (if you're going to do this, be SURE to pick up a 'spot' from the Visitor's Bureau so that if you get in trouble or lost you can activate the beacon and the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad can find you.

 

-The Deer Mountain trail is a GREAT hike and if you are willing to walk up the hill to the trailhead, will cost you nothing. Of course you could take a taxi up to the trailhead (my recommendation) or even catch the City Bus to the corner and walk up the hill to the trailhead. It's a tough'ish hike but the 1 mile lookout is absolutely spectacular (as is the summit!)

 

- The Rainbird trail is also a great hike and is a milder hike than Deer Mountain. It's within walking distance (though up a steep hill) or you could jockey the Bus system to get there.

 

- The Ward Creek Trail is spectacular as well but is best visited if you rent your own car, no bus service is available.

 

 

Go Shopping (or Browsing)...

 

While there are lots of jewelry stores and an adequate number of 'touristy stuff' - tchotchkes, t-shirts, hats, and the like, there are also several fascinating/local stores with very cool or unusual items! Here are some of my 'favorite' places - spots I take family & friends:

 

- Are you a quilter? Stop by the Silver Thimble Quilt shop for some amazing "Alaska" fabrics & kits. They're located in the Salmon Landing, just opposite the Lumberjack Show.

- Are you a beader/looking for yarn/craft supplies? Call for a free shuttle to The Point, located about 2 miles from downtown (next to the Safeway). Check out their amazing art from local artists - the pottery, paintings, & crafts are simply gorgeous. They also serve special soups & sandwiches daily.

- The Christmas in Alaska store is very popular for ornaments & all things Christmassy. :-)

- The SoHo Gallery is on Creek Street and has some fascinating art - folks from all around buy Ray Troll's t-shirts for his witty & colorful art.

- Also on Creek Street is the 'Ketchikan Carver on the creek" - a store for Norman Jackson's wood art

- Also on Creek Street is Sam McGee's - great for local jams & jellies (and has a free tasting station) coffees, chocolates, etc.

- Crazy Wolf Studio located just across the street from Whale Park is another great place for authentic, local art, totem poles, baskets, etc.

- Smoked Salmon? Walk up Mission Street to Salmon Etc on the right or the corner of Mission & Main Street for free samples & good prices.

- Chocolate? Be sure to walk to KetchiKandies - they have free samples of their homemade fudge and have spectacular chocolate covered Oreo cookies (my favorite is the mint/dark chocolate ones!) that are a favorite here. If you're already eating too much on the cruise, just walk by....the aroma of the fresh chocolate may just lure you in!

- I personally love the PNW native jewelry at Tom's Treasures, right beside the movie theater on Mission Street, there is tons to choose from (I own probably one of half the store! haha) and the owner is very fair & is open year round!

- I'm sure I've missed some....

- Tongass Trading Company is a large building located on the docks (with two other stores across the street) where you can find just about anything Alaska-related.

 

I'm sure I will get 'blasted' for this statement but it's my opinion. I feel that taking a tour teaches you more than just walking around a city, reading the info on the map. You won't find many tours that doesn't teach you about the surroundings, history, or information about the area. If you're not interested in that - OK, no problem.

 

If you are, there are only a few low-cost tours. One that I like a lot is the Ketchikan Duck Tour. It is 90 minutes for $40/Adult, $25/kids (if you pre-book! It $42 on the dock) and you are driven around the downtown historical part of the city where they talk about the history of the area. Then you drive into the water and cruise through the marina & Narrows. I find you get plenty of information but it's not a history lesson, they throw in humor so that it's not boring. You can get a good feel of the place during the tour and walk around afterwards to the spots you want to spend more time in.

 

I also like the Lumberjack Show! Not only do you get a show but learn a bit about the logging that was so prevalent in the area. I know someone has already commented on the price, but $35/Adult (half price for kids) for an hour show may not be too much for others.

 

I send family & friends on both of these tours regularly.

 

That's probably waaayyyy too much information but I hope the OP gets some ideas. :-)

 

Enjoy...

Rene

Rene:

Thank you so much for all this wonderful information. I am going to print it out and go over it with our friends who are cruiseing with us. And it is "never too much information":D

Is there a way of getting more people to join in a Roll Call and to sign up for Meet and Mingle. We haven`t got enough people signed up yet (our cruise is May 5th) I find our Roll call rather quiet. Has anyone else noticed that with theirs?

Our last cruise with NCL Pride of America...........I had to send back two meals (never done that before) The dish was some kind of Chicken Tai noodle I think. It tasted like sawdust, there was one other thing that got sent back but I can`t remember what it was. One morning, I ordered a Belgium Waffle with Banana sauce. I asked if they had anything other than the banana sauce and the waiter said "we got syrup" well that should have been a clue then It came and it resembled an enemic looking "Eggo" except that would have tasted better than what I got.

My poor Hubby wanted an toasted English muffin at the buffet and the girl refused him one saying they were only for people wanting Eggs Benadect! He finally got the manager to get her to give him one but after she had said no to him first as well!