txwriter

I think what we decided to do was finagle our luggage so that everything was temporarily in checked luggage except medical necessities then put cokes in our carry ons... still pondering this one.

I am in a similar situation; I’m also taking my mom to Alaska this summer. She will be 75 in July.

I think a previous poster gave a good suggestion—talk to your mom and present a couple of choices. You might be surprised.

We have had to make some choices along the way, and I am often surprised by what Mom prefers or what she’s willing to do or give up.

It really helps us both feel excited about the trip, because we are both invested in what we are going to do.

Another option some people choose to do is to separate during the day and then meet back on ship. For me, that’s not a good option. I am being greedy about my time with Mom, because I know I won’t have her forever.

Whatever the decision, have a great trip and enjoy your time together!

If you want to book through Princess, I believe they do offer a train/bus combo. I see one for my cruise in June. It is listed as: Yukon Expedition & White Pass Scenic Railway SGY-180| SKAGWAY

Experience the beauty of the legendary White Pass Trail of '98 from different perspectives on this exhilarating tour. Travel the Klondike Highway by motorcoach, over the White Pass Summit, into Canada's Yukon culminating with a thrilling ride aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. A scenic drive parallels the route used by prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush as you ascend the 3,290-foot White Pass Summit. The lush growth of the coast gives way to Canada's rugged wilderness as you travel through the glaciated area known as Tormented Valley. Enjoy a barbecue lunch at the Caribou Crossing Trading Post followed by a stroll through the Wildlife Gallery, petting farm, dog musher's village and RCMP heritage center. Stop at the Native village of Carcross, home to exceptional handi-crafts. Then, board the White Pass & Yukon Railroad vintage train cars for an epic, 27-mile journey past breathtaking waterfalls, mountains and glaciers.

I do appreciate the input, and I should know better than to expect people on the internet not to be snarky. We are doing a "cheap Caribbean cruise" this year. It'll be our first, over Christmas. My kids (two boys and a girl) are fairly seasoned travelers as we travel to Korea every few years (they were born there). They like to do a lot of non-kid type things (like museums) but with AK, you do spend a larger amount of time on the ship. While I may be content to sit and watch the scenery go by, I'm not sure the kids will be so interested in that after the first few hours of doing it. The RCI ship has such awesome things in it: rock climbing, sky diving, surfing, bumper cars, roller skates. These are all things both the kids and the adults would enjoy. I'm not looking for activities to send my kids to, I'm looking for things to do together. It's a family vacation and I prefer to spend it as a family. And, we have a 7 year old too (he'll be 9 by the time we cruise to AK) and I wouldn't send him off with his older siblings anyway, at least not for very long.

 

So, here is some more information: one way cruises, while having better itineraries, and the option of land tours, are more expensive due to flight costs. Couple that with the fact that my husband has very limited vacation time (meaning we wouldn't really be able to stay a few extra days in AK before or after the cruise) and they don't make much sense. You can get most of the same experiences on a round trip, strictly speaking of ports. The other issue is that many of those boats are quite old and outdated. This is why I've chosen a round trip cruise.

 

Of the round trip cruises, I have a need for a somewhat affordable option for 5. (cabin costs in the $7K-$8500 range). I'd prefer one cabin, but could do 2 as long as they were next to each other (for our Caribbean cruise, we have a balcony cabin with an interior cabin directly across from it). I want a modern ship with lots of activities for teens and kids (RCI has the market cornered here, for sure). I want 'good' food, but it doesn't have to be great and we likely won't eat more than 1 meal at a specialty restaurant.

 

I picked these cruises because of the ships and the fact that they were round trips. Oddly, it seems the NCL one has a different itinerary now, or I mistakenly wrote it out. It does cruise Glacier Bay. Is that the main objection everyone has to the itineraries? Was that the only one? I still prefer the RCI boat, but if NCL is going to Glacier Bay, and it's still a nice boat, that may be better.

You know what works next for your family. I personally would not want to travel with grumpy kids, so if you know your kids will be bored or grumpy on a ship without amenities, then the ship might be paramount to a happy family memory. It’s ok to do what’s best for your family.

The people on these boards are helpful, but many can be fairly dogmatic with their beliefs that this or that is “best.” They are not trying to be mean. They are trying to lay out all the information. Many have been numerous times and have seen passengers upset at spending so much for the trip but not really getting what they thought they’d get. That’s why it’s important to research.

Although there is a lot of transit time on Alaska cruise, there really isn’t much sea time. The trips are very port intensive. I’ve read several trip reports where people were so busy in port that they tended to go to bed early and rest when on the ship (and this is even from those with kids). If you haven’t, I know there are some excellent trip reviews at the top of the board.

Another thought: since you have a fairly large group, I imagine that budget is a factor. The excursions can be very pricy per person. You may get better pricing if you rent a car for the day and go your own way or if you book a private tour for the group.

Your trip is for you and your family. Enjoy it! :)

 

I am trying to figure out how many and what size suitcases we need for an 11 day cruise tour on Princess starting with the land portion. There are 4 of us - my wife and I and 2 teens who wear adult clothes. We each plan on having a travel back pack for planes and trains. I am also posting on the Alaska ports of call section.

There is detailed information about the details of the cruise tour including luggage here:

https://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/cruisetours/cruisetours_alaska.jsp

I already ordered mine, but I wonder if I will get onboard and ta-dah no water and just OBC for what i already spent. Hmmm...things to ponder before embarking.:D

 

Why oh why, do people nickel and dime themselves so much? You guys deserve the convenience. Most of you have probably worked hard all year for this vacation. Enjoy it! Now if this package were $20 a day so something like that, then maybe I too would rethink my decision, but at $8, treat yourselves guys. You deserve it!!!!!

My answer: they don’t have the soda I drink available with this package.

There is a reindeer farm in or Palmer, AK which is outside of Anchorage, not Fairbanks.https://www.reindeerfarm.com/

I believe there is an excursion from Fairbanks that includes a side trip to North Pole, AK. I think they may have 1-2 reindeer there to see/pet.

Sometimes the TA one can be turned into OBC, sometimes not.

 

Ask at the Customer Service desk. If they say "no." Seek out a supervisor.

Thank you! 😊

If you have a specialty dining credit, does the cruise line ever allow you to turn it into OTB?

We have two since our TA gifted us a meal and we booked under promo including dinner.

Might have to dump most of our normal carry on stuff into purse or checked bags and put cokes in carryons. We will figure out something. Thanks for the help.

Now, the next decision will be...

I believe you can bring your on on board. Tape the pack as you will have to wheel it with/on your carry on.

 

 

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I know I can bring some onboard, but there is a logistical issue I’m trying to figure out. We are taking a southbound Alaskan cruise, so this is not a port where we will drive up to port and drop our bags. Our bags will be checked when we get on the transfer in Anchorage. Since there is a limit on checked bags and also carryons (we already have the max without adding cokes)...trying to figure out best way to get Coke Zero onboard with minimal hassle.

I was hoping perhaps they’d added it to the soda guns so I could skip all this thinking and just get soda and more package. Guess not. 😕

It's my understanding that Princess currently offers only Diet Coke not Coke Zero Sugar.

Is there any chance of them converting before a June 2nd trip and starting to offer it?

I know more people drink Diet Coke. I used to be one of them. But I also know several people who have converted recently to the Coke Zero Sugar product which tastes much more like regular Coke. I have also noticed Coca-Cola has amped up their advertising for the product, and I'm seeing it more readily available as a selection at restaurants. I was wondering if Princess will be adding it to their lineup as well.

Jamie

Okay, in case anyone else is interested in this question, I just talked to the Alaska Railroad who seemed to be the only people with any answers.

On the railroad, there is a 2 checked bags per person plus one carryon plus one purse. IF I were traveling with a man, I suppose his "purse" could be my Cokes. Since we are two women, and we already have the max amount of luggage, they will let me pay $20 for an extra checked bag. Considering the fact that the cruiseline charges over $50 each for the unlimited soda package, and that doesn't include my particular drink of choice, it is not that bad though it is obviously not that great.

It seems if we take the bus, it is more flexible. So, now we must decide if we want to try to put Cokes in our allowable checked bags, pay extra for another bag (which presumably could just be a couple of 12 packs taped together with a bag tag on them), or take the bus.

Every since I started planning this trip, it seems that every decision I need to make has more variables than I'd prefer. I like it better when I get an eye exam and they say, "Is this one better, or this one?" And to be honest, I don't always like those either since sometimes both choices stink.

ACK!

Would still appreciate feedback.

I don't know the particulars of what Princess will or will not let you bring on board. I doubt there's a luggage count limit so long as it's not many, many bags. On our cruise out of Vancouver BC two seasons ago I wanted some diet Mt Dew and Coke Zero so I bought a 12-pack of each at the regular supermarket right across the street from our pre-cruise hotel. I had brought a small duffle bag for extra items I might buy to bring home so I used it for the Cokes and Mt Dews. It was big enough for both 12-packs and had handles. When we pulled up in our hired car it was just another bag the porters put on the trolley - I had put a name/cabin tag on the duffle. When we got to our cabin there was our soda. No problem.

 

AND! The newly updated Coke "ZERO SUGAR" is WAY better than before, there's no comparison between it and Diet Coke (yuck). It tastes the most like the regular version of any diet drink I've tried. But Diet Mt Dew is still my #1 choice. ;p I bought the new version of Coke Zero "Sugar" in Alaska this past summer...I didn't notice there being Cherry or Vanilla versions...

I like your plan, but my problem is getting to the ship in Whittier is a bit trickier than taking a car from the hotel to the ship like you did in YVR.

Not sure about ship policy, I'll let other's comment on that.

You'll find Coke Zero in most, if not all grocery stores in Anchorage. I've found Coke Zero Cherry in some of the Fred Meyer's (part of the Kroger chain), but not all.

I would get the soda in Anchorage. Whittier is incredibly limited in what they have for groceries.

And yes, Diet Coke is mule spit. Coke Zero is so much better. And they just very recently begin to offer Zero Cherry here in Alaska.

Well, since we are in Anchorage for a bit before boarding, I was definitely planning on getting cokes there. Trying to figure out how to get them to ship is my current dilemma.

I thought regular Zero would be easier to find, but I will keep my eyes peeled for the cherry ones.

I read that Diet Coke was formulated off of the disaster known as New Coke. The diet version stayed, but the new version of Coke went back to its classic formula. Coke Zero has been formulated from that classic formula as well which is why it tastes more like Coke and Diet Coke tastes nothing like it. I don’t know if it tastes like mule spit, and I’m not up to a taste test to find out.;)

I just want to state for the record that I know onboard is one word. My phone, however, apparently does not.

We are currently booked to take the Princess coach transfer from Eagan Center. I’d like to take the train, and I know I can book directly.

So, my question is about transporting sodas o drink on board. We currently drink Coke Zero/ Cherry Zero. And it’s my understanding that Princess only offers Diet Coke.

We are planning on taking 4 bags, and it looks like that’s our max to take (not planning on stuffing them all full until return when we may have souvenirs and don’t have to pay baggage overage charges).

I don’t really want to put Cokes in bag with clothes due to potential spillage. But I’m open to suggestions from those who have successfully taken sodas onboard.

Would we be able to buy some in Whittier? I know it’s not as prevalent as Diet Coke, so I wasn’t sure if available there or not.

Or would it be easier to take aboard coach transportation? Is there a baggage limit on coach?

I’m not looking for which type of transportation is better— just best way to get bubbly caffeine fix onboard. Thanks!

Jamie

When we did the Platinum studio, there was no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase anything. I do not know if that has changed.

 

The picture that we did purchase was mailed to us and we did not purchase a digital image.

 

In any event, the Platinum studio is quite different from the all inclusive photo package (which I will call AIPP).

 

AIPP: Photos taken around the ship (casual, formal, dining room, etc.) and at initial embarkation and when disembarking at each port of call.

Platinum: Photos taken inside the Platinum studio.

 

AIPP: Non-formal photos are usually 6x8. Formal photos are usually 8x10.

Platinum: Photos can be in sizes you select starting at 8x10.

 

AIPP: Normal cost of each photo ranges from about $15 to $25.

Platinum: Photos can each cost close to $200 and up, depending on size.

 

AIPP: All photos are in color.

Platinium: All photos are in black and white

 

AIPP: You leave the shop at the end of the cruise with all of your pictures.

Platinum: Any photos you purchase will be shipped to your home several weeks after the cruise.

 

AIPP: What you see is what you get. No retouching.

Platinum: Professional retouching (done on land before you receive the pictures). For example, stray hairs sticking up will be eliminated.

 

AIPP: Depending on the situation, one, two or several photos may be taken and included in the package. For example, one photo when you exit the ship at a port of call. Several poses for formal night pictures.

Platinum: The number of poses taken can be several dozen or more. You then select (from a TV screen) with the aid of the photographer which pictures you actually want to purchase.

Thank you for the excellent details. I appreciate it. 😄

Why don’t you make up your own via Apple, Snap or others . It’s more personal and your mom will be in the pictures . Also, you will spend a lot less. ! Maybe enough to buy some jewelry!

 

 

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Well, for one, we are both terrible selfie takers. 😂. And when we try, we always have one of us liking the picture the other one hates.

Also, neither of us does Snap.

That was a couple of years ago. They may have changed their pricing and policies. Ask. It was a bit of sticker shock. But we had all our kids, spouses and grandkids together (which rarely happens) and these photos were much better than those taken in the hallways. Believe me if those had been fine, we would have taken them. They weren't. It does take special skills to get good photos of six adults and three children ranging in age from 7 months to 6 six years. We decided to bite the bullet and get them.

True. And I’m sure if we had that type of group, we’d feel exactly the same way. 😄

But it is just my mother and myself. It is a special cruise which is why I considered it at all. I wonder how much the sitting fee costs of the $450. I think I may call and see if Princess can answer. It’s probably not cheaper since prices rarely seem to drop these days, but it’s worth checking.

It was a couple of years ago. We bought the CD that had 3 photos on it from Platinum Studios on the Crown. We had many, many more to choose from. The photos were of excellent quality. The price for the sitting and the three photos on CD that we later had printed at Costco was between $900 and $1000.

 

Cheers.

3 photos for $900 or about $300 per pic? 😱. And they aren’t even framed just digital? Yeah, that’s too steep for me. I was thinking the $450 would buy a little more. Too bad. I know sitting with the photographer will get better lighting and better pictures plus those might include touch ups. But based on your info, I’ll have to pass.

I appreciate the input.

Jamie

It’s $199 for the all inclusive photo package and $250 for platinum studio (with $200 extra “free” dollars for $450 value total).

I know basically what the all inclusive package includes, but what does the platinum studio package entail? Has anyone done this?

I’m taking my mom on her bucket list trip and trying to decide if photo splurge is worth it.

Thanks,

Jamie

Another difference between the HAL and Princess SB Cruises has been that HAL actually stops in Haines where Princess stops in Skagway. I haven’t double checked to see if this has changed in 2019.

You may want to research to see if you prefer one or the other.

I am so sorry for your loss. But I am very impressed that you are venturing out on your own and doing this trip. I am sure your beloved is proud of you.

Personally, I think since you are not used to traveling alone, a round trip cruise would be a great first step. And the 14 day trips always gets very good reviews. Fourteen days will allow you to settle in a bit and get used to cruising as well.

I know many cruise lines offer pre or post cruise packages. You may want to ask your travel agent about those. Many people find it less stressful to book their flights getting to the ship a day or two early so that if there are any bumps or hiccups along the way, they have time to smooth themselves out.

I think keeping it simple for your first solo trip is a great plan. There are already a lot of decisions to be made about what to do at each port. If you throw in land tours, the decisions multiply exponentially.

After my father died many years ago, my mom took my sister and me on a cruise to Canada and New England. It was her first big trip without Dad. And I think it was the one that gave her the travel bug. :D

I hope you have a great time!