AKJonesy

I don't want to take the discussion in a different direction, but I just wanted to mention another possible option for anyone that might want talk and text instead of an internet package. We have used Cellular at Sea a number of times, but most recently on our 31 day South America trip. We purchased Cellular at Sea through our mobile ATT plan. It cost $100 per month for talk, text and a tiny bit of data. We did NOT opt for data or the land portion. This has saved us a few times. But, most recently we had a major snowstorm that knocked out power for a few days, caused a lock out on our boiler (heating) and a few other problems. Friends and neighbors told us about the storm, and we were able to instruct them on turning on the generator, and fixing the boiler lockout. Also, it was nice to talk to our kids when we were out at sea. On the long transatlantic sea days we will also do this. As I said, this is just another option in case people are only interested in that type of access. Maybe there are other standard plans that people have through their mobile contracts that I'm not aware of. I just wanted to mention it.

The problem with STAYING in Girdwood at the Alyeska Hotel is going to be sticker shock. I just checked and your two day stay is $1100 and trust me, as much as I love Alyeska, it is not worth it. However, you could stay in a BnB but it is more conducive to having a car. I didn't check on prices for Bnbs, but they will be probably half the price of Alyeska. I'd give Midnight Sun and Car Rental a CALL and see what kind of prices they have on rental cars, then you can get out of town (Anchorage) and either head to the valley or down to Girdwood area. Both the valley and Girdwood would be great options and you would not be disappointed. If you do the rental car, I'd spend that last day out and about after your late check out since you have a late night flight. Then, return the rental car before you head to the airport. Also check Airbnb in Seward but look for a place close to downtown and not north of town.

This is kind of tough because you have not left yourself much time to do anything. You will have to disembark in the morning which means that you can't check in somewhere until the afternoon. I was going to suggest another place in Seward, but I don't think it's worth it with your time and you will just have to hassle the next day getting up to Anchorage. With the limited time you have, take the ship transfer up to Anchorage. At least you will have a nice drive up and see some beautiful scenery. Plus, you won't have to hassle with figuring out transportation. Find a place to stay in Anchorage (hotel, airbnb). You are going to have plenty of daylight well into late evening so you could get a vehicle and head out from Anchorage for the afternoon/evening and the next day. You really didn't mention your interests, and I could make some recommendations if I knew what you would like to do and your abilities. Whatever you choose, it's going to be expensive so you just have to accept that and budget it in. Midnight Sun Car and Rental has decent rates as compared to the National rental companies.

https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/schedules

Nieuw Amsterdam due to Tamarind restaurant. Don't spend your extra days IN Anchorage.

You said, "inside cruise" but then said you are flying into ANC. I assume you mean that you are taking a cruise from Anchorage (Whittier port) or Seward. What cruise are you looking at? It makes a difference.

Take the cruise coach transfer and then grab an Uber or cab from the airport to your hotel. Signs clearly mark where the cab stand and Uber pick up area is. The hotels are not far from the airport or the train station. If you are looking for information about the train, go to https://www.alaskarailroad.com. The least expensive will be the coach transfer with your cruise.

Try Halfacts.com as well

Look on the back of the daily program. On our voyage on some days it was BOGO 1/2 off and on other days it was BOGO.

We have been "parking" at Midnight Sun parking and car rentals for years. The people are super. You might consider a "van" rental. They have 7 and 12 passenger vans. According to their website, the 7 rent for $200 per day and 12 for $300 plus taxes. It's called Midnight sun car and van rental. They provide pick up/drop off service to ANC airport which is very close. Just a thought.

We were on the Oosterdam right before this cruise. We were one of the first to tender in to Port Stanley. I found a tour operator for Volunteer Point and they had space due to some cancellations. There were several operators going to Volunteer Point. It was pouring down sideways but we had rain jackets and pants. It was good that it was raining because we didn't have to deal with the smell.

@friendswithdave In your first post you suggested booking a small balcony room, then upgrading with Club Orange. Did you actually get to pick your (Club Orange) room, or was that chosen for you? We have never done that yet, but sounds like a good way to get an upgraded room for less.

We were on Oosterdam right before this sailing. The World Stage was packed for nearly all of the port talks. I asked about having those re-broadcast on tv and they said they don't do anymore. Not sure why, but this would solve the problem. I was sitting on the steps or standing against the wall a few times.

I give credit where credit is due, but they don't have the milkshake thing down. Sorry, but I previously came from the dairy state and anything less than premium ice cream and whole milk doesn't cut it. I got one and could not drink it...tasted like fake syrup or powder. Yuk.

Just got off 31 day SA on Oosterdam. Attire for dressy was all over the board. Our cruise director wore a short sleeved polo shirt with khaki type pants so goes to show. I saw just about everything except shorts. A few women and men were really dressed to the nines, but they were the exception. I'd say most women wore dressy tops with skirts or dress type slacks and men mostly wore dress shirts...some with ties, most without, some with suit jacket.

Mary, we are in Manta, Ecuador now on Oosterdam. We've had 2 DRESSY nights. That is how they refer to it in the program. They provided a Gala menu in MDR last night. Dress was widely varied from men with short sleeve polo shirts and Khakis to summer dresses and tennis shoes, dress shirt with and without ties, shirts with sport jackets, dressy blouses and slacks, and few going all out with sparkly outfits and dress shoes. I saw no tuxes. Hope this helps.

I mostly don't like to sit with other people at dinner because I've heard all of my husband's military and airline stories over and over and over. On HAL, they've had the military meet ups and I'm glad that he can go to these meetings and talk with other military veterans. 🤣

Due to crazy prices, I buy Coke when I'm in port if there is a store that is nearby. I don't want to lug a 12 pack or anything like that, but usually buy about 4 cans. I ALWAYS ask the security people about bringing some cans back onboard when disembarking and it's always been yes. So, that might be an option. Now, some people may automatically post that you can't do that, but yes you can do that. As I said, always ask security when leaving the ship at port.

We recently disembarked from Koningsdam and I think all of the Pinnacle Class ship have similar casinos. Not sure but here is the craps table.

There are no deck chairs outside on the Promenade Deck on the Pinnacle ships. That is because the Promenade deck is shared with the lifeboats.

I read on a FB post they were going to open Nov 1. This is great to hear because I board her on Nov 15 to South America! I will be sure to bring the book I am currently reading and put it in the exchange bin.

Yes, it will be. Totally agree with post #5. If you want low key try taking a longer cruise that is NOT a back to back.

@Mary229 I'll make a note to myself when I arrive home 12-17 to let you know what the dress situation is. We are on Oosterdam from Ft. Lauderdale Nov 15 to Santiago, then down around the horn over to Falklands then up to Buenos Aires disembarking Dec 16.

These posts do conjure up my own mixed feelings about cruising and the impact on communities. I see it for myself here in Alaska; yet I cruise. This topic is a double edged sword for sure. I do cringe somewhat when I say, "you live by the sword; you die by the sword". That is, once these communities, or their powers at be accept the cruise industry in their community, they don't just reap rewards, but they also have to deal with what many people have posted here. I am also mixed about the people that are hired to serve us and where they come from. Serving cruise passengers may be "a" way for some people to care for their families back home, but the sacrifice is big. On a recent cruise, I talked to one of my Lido servers on what they would like in their contract, and the answer was fewer months. I know they have to be tight lipped and smile all of the time. I do go out of my way asking about them and letting them know I appreciate them. Sure, I tip big, and it is greatly appreciated, but still it doesn't make me feel good that other people, due to circumstances have to make decisions that I don't. It's complicated. At times, I think that we cruisers are giving people opportunities, and then other times, I see the impact on communities. As I said, it's a double edged sword.

Stateroom location is critical. Make sure you DL the ED pdf doc which you can find by googling Holland America Staterooms and look for the pdf document. Stay away from the World Stage, kitchens and Lido. The Eurodam has a wonderful promenade deck and during the day they will put out the deck loungers along with the blankets and you can have that "verandah" there if you decide not to upgrade. Of course, there are deck loungers at the pools too, but also on the higher deck which is usually empty.