Hsmama

well,I've never cruised before, but I plan on bringing for myself (I like to wear skirts and dresses all the time) One black easy care sundress, with a cute thin sweater and a necklace to dress it up for dress up dinner nights,and a sweater or two to wear it on regular days with fleece leggings (it's Alaska so colder ,hence the sweaters) I'm packing 2-4 pairs of easy care leggings,and a couple of black easy care skirts to toss over the leggings for just whatever (I hike in clothes like this,I like being comfortable) I layer (for casual wear) a t shirt.long sleeve combo under sweaters while traveling,depending on weather. So 2-3 tees, 2 l/s shirts to mix and match. My Teva hiking shoes,which can double as sneakers (dorky looking but super practical,I want to hike a bit at ports) and a pair of Jambu mary Jane style black shoes, which also double as regular walking shoes,but can look dressier when paired with the right clothes. (It's all about comfort for me,I don't wear heels) One pair slim teva mush flip flops for pool,etc. A bathing suit- short wool socks for everything,plus undergarments. I can fit those clothes in a packing cube easily,add a rain jacket/windbreaker ,and one fleece for extra warmth. Now I'm going to add some hand wash soap for doing any small bits of laundry I may need to.

Most of our clothes we re-wear anyway,so bringing extra just seems like a hassle to me-

Well, I watched the Minimalists on Netflix this weekend, and I'm reinspired to pack light again....I've been reading here and thinking about overpacking- We usually never pack more than our 22" bags for any trip, but we usually can do laundry if needed, I think our ship has no self laundry,so I am thinking hand wash some items if needed....best soap for this? I'm going to look up Zote....I really dislike checking luggage unless I have to

thanks for all the replies... I am going to buy some as I noted I want to put some spend on a credit card right now.... and FWIW, I always PIF all cc balances, but sometimes timing of the spend is important. (bonuses) I am still a bit confused by the purchase page where it appears I don't input any payment to get them....

what happens to any unused OBC?

Juneau - Go to Mt Roberts tram (might even be able to walk from the ship) if the weather is clear. Take public transportation to Mendenhall Glacier

Skagway - White Pass RR

Ketchikan - Creek Street, lunch on ship or at fish and chips shack, public transportation to Totem Bight

I'm interested in the walk from the dock to the tram area, how far is it? (according to the schedule it's supposed to be at Alaska steam dock- and it's easy to grab a public bus from here to Mendenhall? From another thread, they said it drops off about a mile away from the visitor center, is that an easy walk?Like, room to walk,or will we be climbing off the road to avoid traffic or whatever?

You cannot prepay HSC on line. Just call HAL ship services and ask to prepay. They will email you a confirmation. It will appear as a separate OBC on your account upon boarding.

 

You can also pre pay unlimited laundry this way as well.

 

I saved copies of email confirmation but didn't need them.

 

 

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Wait I missed this comment...... Apparently I can buy OBC right now,and it should be applied to my overall bill (including HSC) at time of cruise, right? And I can find the option online. I am getting confused however b/c when I go to cart after choosing an amount of OBC to add to my acct, it just says confirm transaction, so there's no online way to pay this right now?

in my case it has nothing to do with the bill itself, I have a credit card that I need to spend a minimum amount on in a certain time period. This will get me mostly there.:cool:

It doesn't matter. Some ships give you one list of credits and charges for all cabin occupants and some give separate ones, but in the end all that matters is the total. Most often it is one long list with everything mixed together. Hotel Service Charges will be posted daily, just like any other charges.

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So we'll get a list at the end detailing all charges, and the OBC is applied to that per cabin? I'll see 12.50 per day times 4 on my cabin,right?

Ok... so when I look at the HAL site, I can see where to purchase OBC- but it asks me which person they are for? Now, we're all in one cabin- if I choose my own name, does it matter? I am using this specifically for prepaid gratuities (at this moment) if I buy them under my name, can anyone in cabin use them?

This looks like an interesting option,depending on the weather. I have been looking at Alaska Boat and Kayak Shop, they offer rentals for DIY paddling..... anyone experience this? Where should I be looking? We aren't die hard paddlers, but I think my family might enjoy a couple of hours doing this- my question is where do you kayak? (with a rental) and are there options?

this is cool info..... what does it mean? I can see which docks we'll be at... possibly useful for numbers of visitors?

good question_ I wonder also..... It looks like the only way is a helicopter tour somewhere first.....

thanks for all the tips....

thanks for the verification-I'll check the site out and try to prepay the right amount.....

so..... Am I right in guessing the Nugget trail is 'the' best view hike here? I see a variety of trails,and if the weather permits we'd like to explore them all (or as many as possible) what are the best---least,in order of choice? as far as enjoyment,views,etc.

Its $33 for a round trip tram ticket from the base. There are no one way fares starting at the bottom. If you hike up, it’s only $10 for the ride down or if you purchase at least $10 worth in the gift shop, the ride down is free.

oh excellent! That's a good question though- when do they open for the season? we are there early May...was thinking it might be interesting ride up,then a place to hike and see views after that

sooo.... just paid my balance for cruise (:D) and TA told me that HAL doesn't do prepay of gratuities thru them..... I need to go to HAL site,and buy OBC to cover that.... is this correct info? I'd like to buy right now,and have it paid for- how much do I buy in OBC? thanks (4 people,7 day cruise) I have $50 OBC apparently already thru my TA, so I assume that will show in my account once onboard?

Can we take the tram up,and hike back down later?

There are several reasons they could be rejected. Currently waiting for my three kids' passports. They were rejected the first time because the post office didn't have the size of their heads right in the picture. Had to go back and have more pictures taken and sent back off. 27 days until we cruise. I am praying they get back to us in time.

well,I guess the one benefit to "slow Gary" aka the "Flash the dmv/PO sloth":D is he was SLOW..... but thorough,esp. with the pictures and measuring.... so here's hoping it goes through!

bringing my two in May..... we've never cruised, so I think all the food- and great viewing sights off the boat,combined with excellent hikes at the ports is gonna make for a fine vacation- I doubt they'll attend any clubs, but they may surprise me....did I mention the food options? that alone is what they'll love

Disney World Cup

 

 

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good idea- I'm gonna pack mine!

We just did ours about a week and a half ago at the PO- the overall experience was like a DMV visit.....:eek: I'm hoping we get them soon, the guy doing it made it sound like we had to 'wait and see' if the applications were accepted.....:confused: I assumed that as a US citizen they just went through.....

If I had to pick a flightseeing trip I'd choose first one from Juneau or Skagway over the Glaciers rather than Misty Fjords. In Ketchikan my choice is the flight with Michelle at Island Wings

why would you choose Juneau over Misty Fjords?

is the shuttle just there, or do we call to prearrange a pickup?

I've been searching, but it appears that no matter what it will cost us an arm and leg to park near pier 91 for our cruise.....any tips from locals about finding a better deal?