ladysheri

Thank you so much geobec!

How expensive were the video and photographs, if you remember?!?!

Thank you so much for the video and slide show links!

My husband and I are renewing our vows on the Sapphire next month; my excitement is definitely building!

💑

11! ONLY 9 until we fly to London! :D

19!!! Can hardly wait! :cool:

Advice: Take the funds that you would have normally spent on rental cars in Florida, and apply them to rental cars in Alaska.

Make the drive to cross the border and DIY venture to the Yukon...It offers one the opportunity to stop at more vistas and to take in the view(s) outside -- at one's own leisure The drive to Emerald Lake/Carcross is easy. One can see the train's route across the way for much of the trip.

Highly second this recommendation. Have done 3 cruises to Alaska and the Drive up to the Yukon was one of my favorite excursions each time. First time my husband and I did a Jeep Expedition into the Mountains near Carcross. SO Beautiful. Rented a car the other two times. The scenery, especially the waterfalls, along that drive are sensational and if you have your own car, you can stop and bask in them as long as you like.

Enjoy your Cruise!

THANK YOU so much for posting these pictures. We are on the Sapphire in 54 days; can hardly wait!

Thank you so much for the detailed review. I have thought I would enjoy a cruise to Norway; now I know it is on my list.

Not only am I counting, but may have started packing. :eek:

We booked this cruise last November for our 30th Wedding Anniversary and cannot believe it really is just around the corner. It's been 11 years since our last cruise (raising children, etc....where does that time go???!!!) and we are so excited to be back onboard our first Princess Ship. Have been enjoying the many threads on the forum--especially any from those recently on the Sapphire!

So....not only am I counting, but I have multiple Countdowns.

....77 days until we board the Ship, 73 days until Flights to London, 49 remaining Work Days.....

S

HIGHLY recommend Light Link Rail from the Airport to Downtown Seattle this weekend. Can then grab a taxi/Lyft/Uber to Hotel or Pier.

There is also a Music Festival and 3 Mariner Games in Seattle this weekend.

Thanks,

Sheri

On a cruise to Alaska on the Diamond, our family of 4 was booked in 1 minisuite and 1 inside cabin across the hall. As we were packing to head to the airport, we got a call from Princess offering us the Family Suite. It was absolutely magical. The larger balcony, the living area, and the Suite Perks. Ahhhhhh.....may have something to do with why we booked a suite for her cruise this year!

Butchart Gardens also has a tea option in one of the restaurants within the Gardens. I did it this past June with a group of ladies and it was one of the best teas I have had anywhere. Seems like it was $30 (Canadian) and included tea plus 3 "courses". Lots of different items to try. We booked a specific time ahead--online I think, arrived and toured part of the Garden, then had tea and toured the rest of the Garden. There are many ways to get to the Gardens....one of my most recommended places to visit in Victoria.

Another good resource for research is the Alaska Port of Calls board...many very knowledgeable folks there (BudgetQueen knows Alaska extremely well!!!). Also, many Alaskans post info there. You can learn a lot before June!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

We stayed in the Family Suite on the Diamond in May..it is an inside cabin and a Minisuite together with a small living area, like Umbarger describes. With our 2 daughters, we found it to be very nice for the family. I believe Princess's brochures list it as able to sleep 6 or 8; I would never get it for more than 4. I will confess that we were booked in a Minisuite and an Interior and got upgraded (at the VERY last minute) into the Family Suite and were absolutely thrilled with the upgrade. I am not sure what the difference was pricewise, but have heard that it is a little pricey.

The balcony is MUCH bigger than a mini and we had 4 other family members on the ship so it was very handy for sailaway parties. I also felt much safer with our children through a connecting door...our cruise was shortly after the fire on the Star. I will say that I thought we had a great view from the balcony on the Diamond (is it configured differently than the Golden perhaps?) because we could see what was beside us and what was ahead of us. The bridge on the Diamond is above the Family Suite and was not blocking.

Doherty1....I have failed in the past to post pictures here but am happy to share them if you are interested. You can email me at ladysheriann@hotmail.com.

Happy Sailing.

S

I have to agree that by the end of the cruise, I feel quite tired of food....however...After our last 2 cruises, I have made Macaroni & Cheese (Kraft, of course) the first night we returned. I don't even eat it very much normally, but maybe I use it to try to start getting back to reality. :confused:

And, being from Seattle, Starbucks of course!!! :D

For Alaska cruises, ya gotta have "North to Alaska" by Johnny Horton. :)