The Fun Researcher

Good question OP. I was wondering about this for our Alaska cruise in July. I booked the White Pass train excursion in Skagway for all 16 of us but wondered what would happen if the price dropped and I cancelled and tried to rebook. The price is pretty reasonable through RCCL, and not much different than third party vendors, so I'm not sure it's worth the risk. However, for things like soda packages or drink packages, or dining packages that don't sell out, there is virtually no risk to cancel and repurchase. I've done that many times. Dan

I request a table: Away from main entrance (don't like constant flow of guests past our table) Away from main waiter bussing stations (don't like the noise or look) Near a window if possible (a nice to have for ambient light but not necessary) Dan

Thanks for asking about this OP. We are sailing on the Quantum on an Alaskan cruise in July 2023. We are all family and have 16 of us on board, all early traditional seating. I'm guessing we'll be split into two tables. Looks like we'll probably be in the Grande or Chic based on the fact that we're traditional dining. The Grande probably suits our style best anyway. Have you folks had luck requesting a specific dining room with the maître d' once you board on embarkation day? Otherwise I'll probably email rccl with my dining request a couple of weeks prior to our cruise, which I've done before. Thanks, Dan

Thank you both. This is perfect. Knowing that most food and drink options are aft on this ship (and most RCCL ships) I was a little concerned about a long hike in the morning for coffee and/or breakfast. My parents are on this cruise as well and are early risers so this will be perfect for them as well. Thank you kindly, Dan

Yeah, couldn't find enough cabins together back there. Maybe next time when we have a smaller group.

Booked the Quantum for an Alaskan cruise July 2023. We're deck 11 forward, so the Solarium Bistro is just a deck a few decks overhead. Looking for the closest coffee in the morning. Thinking that the Bistro is the closest location for coffee? Is the Bistro typically open for breakfast, and if so so you enjoy breakfast there? We're typically MDR people for all of our meals. We do the Windjammer but not nearly as often. Lunch is also served correct, and complimentary? Tried searching for this info but it's fairly specific so wasn't finding good answers. Thanks in advance. Dan

Thank you all for the help. We went ahead and booked our 6 balcony cabins on the Quantum July 2023. We're deck 11 forward, and are split with 3 cabins port side and 3 starboard side. Personally I think I'll probably spend more time on the outer decks, for 360 degree views, than on my balcony. I've never been one to camp out on my balcony but then again we've never done an Alaskan cruise. 🙂 This was one of the few itineraries that fit everyone's schedules. We're all coming together from Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas and Washington state. Praying for clear weather but we'll take what we get. Dan

Yeah you're right. The more I learn about these Alaskan itineraries the more the nuances come in play. More nuanced than Caribbean sailings IMO. I do see one sailing, July 7th 2023 on the Ovation out of Seattle that does leave through the Inside Passage for some reason, but there are VERY few instances like that. Dan

Thank you so much! Really helps. Love the pictures Dan

Ok, so this is our first Alaskan cruise, and I just found a more detailed path for our itinerary. See below. Maybe it's just the way it's drawn, but for instance that first full day of cruising (up to Sitka) it looks like we're pretty far from land. Can you even see the shoreline? (same goes for the last day after Juneau) My parents sailed Celebrity one way from Vancouver to Seward about 18 years ago and they hugged the shore the whole way, and a Starboard balcony was really important to have.

Thanks for they reply. My parents will be on the cruise and plan to spend A LOT of time on their balcony taking in the sights as we cruise along. Just wondering if there are certain stretches of the itinerary where you would particularly want to be on a certain side of the ship vs not.

Getting ready to book our first Alaskan cruise summer 2023! Ready to book 6 cabins on the Quantum for summer of 2023. Which side of the ship do you recommend for balcony cabins? I was thinking Starboard? Our itinerary is below. It looks like the northernmost point is Skagway, and then I'm guessing we would turn around and head back south to get to Endicott Arm, Juneau, etc...? Is there an advantage of Port vs Starboard? Also, does the Quantum go through the Inside Passage on these itineraries? Thank you!, Dan

Fantastic review thank you! One question. Getting ready to book 6 cabins on the Quantum for summer of 2023. Which side of the ship do you recommend for a balcony cabin? I was thinking Starboard? Our itinerary is slightly different than yours. See below. It looks like the northernmost point is Skagway, and then I'm guessing we would turn around and head back south to get to Endicott Arm, Juneau, etc...? Is there an advantage of port vs Starboard? Also, does the Quantum go through the Inside Passage on these itineraries? Thanks, Dan