coolrider71

I've done Alaska twice on the Encore and twice on the Bliss. I prefer the Encore as a ship (Choir of Man, Galaxy Pavillion), but I prefer the itinerary on the Bliss.

The shuttles constantly run. They fill them up and leave and come back from town. The last shuttle from town is usually 2 hours before ship departs. So if the ship is leaving at 1 pm the last shuttle from town is 11 am.

If I have balcony cabin on the Bliss which side of the ship faces the Arch in Cabo while anchored?

I was on the Spirit last May for a 7 day. There was a different production show every night in the theater along with the game shows and comedians.

Yes, she can be your guest. Dinner for two, enjoy!

I forget, is Teppanyaki better for using platinum voucher or FAS?

I live near IAH. Its about an hour and a half from the pier in Galveston to IAH. With traffic maybe another 45 minutes to an hour. I think your fine. Just get off the ship early and no problem.

I have done quite a few of Alaska cruises. NCL has the farthest docks away from from town and the shortest port times. Those port times will allow you to go into town OR do an excursion, not both. I actually like the itinerary because Sitka and Icy Straight Point are my favorite ports. Princess and Holland America are better cruise lines for experiencing Alaska. They usually dock right in town and have between 8 and 12 hours in port. That way you can do an excursion and still see the town. Most people prefer Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan with Glacier Bay on the itinerary. We have not tried RCL yet but would love to. Princess is great. Holland America is very nice but boring. I prefer NCL for the nightlife, thermal spa, and non-smoking casino. Of those 3 I think Princess has the better food. All subjective!

I have done quite a few of Alaska cruises. NCL has the farthest docks away from from town and the shortest port times. Those port times will allow you to go into town OR do an excursion, not both. I actually like the itinerary because Sitka and Icy Straight Point are my favorite ports. Princess and Holland America are better cruise lines for experiencing Alaska. They usually dock right in town and have between 8 and 12 hours in port. That way you can do an excursion and still see the town. Most people prefer Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan with Glacier Bay on the itinerary.

No.

Last I saw on my next Prima cruise the spa pass was going to be $349.00 each. Since my my mom and I were both going to get the pass we called and basically spent the same amount to upgrade to a spa balcony.

I think the zipride includes the gondola ride up the mountain.

The last shuttle from downtown back to Ward Cove is at 11:00 a.m. So early! The last time we went we literally had 2 and half hours to walkaround downtown before having to catch one of the last shuttles.

Hi, I've done a couple of those excursions. We did the guides choice trail hike in Juneau in 2019. It was cold and a little drizzly but thats Juneau. Great hike! It was a group of about 20 people. Some folks in less shape and in better shape then me. Moderate hike, amazing scenery! Would definitely book that excursion again. We have also done the Hike and float excursion in Skagway. The hike was great and beautiful. Couple of things to say about that excursion though. The guide showed up as if he had just rolled out of bed. He wore flip flops and carried his mug of coffee. The very first part of the trail is extremely steep then flattens out a bit. For the very steep part he seemed annoyed that we were not moving as quickly as he would like. Then further on the trail he just cruised onward without ever looking back. My husband and I decided to enjoy the trail and the gorgeous scenery and they were just going to have to wait. When in reality we should have stayed as a group for safety issues. Anyway after the hike is the float. We have been white-water rafting a few times and thought the float was super Boring. Thats just us. Others may like it. Btw we were also on the Royal Princess for this particular cruise. Loved the ship! Everything was perfect!

If you have never been to Alaska, please choose a different cruise line other than NCL. NCL has the shortest port times and their docks are the furthest away. Meaning choosing between an excursion or going into town. Not both.

On the Escape, is the casino non smoking like the Bliss and Encore?

Lots of shuttles running constantly. When they fill up the next one pulls up. The pick up downtown is right where the tram to Mt. Roberts starts.

I have done many Alaska cruises with a variety of different itineraries. I really enjoy NCL, however I would never recommend them if you have not done an Alaska cruise before or even a few times under your belt. NCL charges the most for port fees yet their docks are the furthest away. Also they have the shortest port times. Usually you will have to choose between doing an excursion or going into town. Not being able to do both. Holland America is fine for Alaska. May be bored on the ships. I think Princess is most likely to suit most folks for their first Alaska cruise. Longer port times, closest docks in town, naturlist onboard during Glacier Bay day, and decent food.

I just booked a solo cruise with no extra supplement. Still got all the Free at Sea stuff.

I have been to Ward Cove 3 times so far. The pier is nice. I like the area you walk through on your way to catch the buses. Now with that being said, you need to choose between doing an excursion or going into town. There is not enough time to do both. The last time we went , on NCL, would be last May. By the time we got off the shuttle bus from Ward Cove to downtown Ketchikan, we had about 2 hours to walk around before the last shuttle back to Ward Cove. Total bummer. Thankfully I knew where I wanted to go beforehand. But if you have never been you wont get far. If you rush to get to Creek Street you will be rushing back for the last shuttle. If you want alot of time in Ketchikan don't go on NCL.

Thanks so much for the info Captain Bazz! Just booked it today! Very excited!

Wonderful piccccctures! Thanks!

We have done the zipride twice. Both times the weather was pretty nasty, cold and rainy. One of the times the freezing rain felt like needles stabbing our faces the whole way down. Still alot of fun and I would definitely do it again. I will say that because of weather they do not run on time. The scheduled times do get pushed back.

Has anyone been on the Spirit since refurbishment? I was watching a video made by a travel agent taking a tour of the refurbished ship. When he got to the casino he pointed upwards( maybe) and mentioned a smoking section. I was wondering if the redoing of the casino included a separate sort of closed off section for the smokers. I will be elated if so, but cannot seem to find out any other information.

I have booked through CAS before and have received the drink cards in the room on day 1. We always turn down the drink package because typically I usually get a couple of drinks the first couple of nights then I'm done. We just booked through CAS for next February and the agent said we will not receive the casino drink cards. Do you always get drink cards for the casino when booking through CAS?