CruzeQueen2

Alfredos did not disappoint. I was able to drink very decent wines on this sailing. I'm not ultra picky, but I do rely on the recommendations of the staff for what is available, and I know what I like.. I was blessed to get to know several staff members in various bars- Crooners, Bellinis, Vines, Crown Grill/ Wheelhouse and Good spirits- even the servers at Alfredos. They all looked after my requests and wine needs with grace and care. FYI- this was my second sailing on Royal this year. 19 days sailing so far. I drink reds mostly, some whites as well. I savored the upper level wines- Jordan, Siverado and Caymus.All fantastic! I also attended the specialty wine tasting and came to enjoy the Red Shoulder Shafer Chardonnay. For the wine aficionados here, please don't judge me!I know what I like. The staff look after me well. I have only positives to tell you. I have much gratitude for the crew in every department. Every single one. From Captain Draper to those guys who assist with the wheelchairs. They are memorable and they remember me, whenever I return. Doesn't really get much better than that. Oh. Maybe the luncheon for most traveled guests. That was also a highlight and delight.

Enjoy! The staff are great. Food services have improved since May, but medallion app and even the tv use is inconsistent in what you can do with the app. Don't let it spoil your time. Go to the venues live, talk to staff live, you won't regret it!

The new guy, Colin Salter, was very good, as far as I could tell. Lots of people were around, dancing, happy, and he played many of the usual favourite last night. Sweet Caroline! Lots of Canadians on board. Party people!

Sorry if this message is a duplicate. I'm in the wheelhouse right now, listening to the most awesome pianust. Can't believe I get off tomorrow. Sad

Im in the wheelhouse at the moment. Lustening to the Wesome pianisFor enquiring minds..here's some info. Most traveled guest luncheon tomorrow in Sabatini. Alaska cruises tend to have elite members with fewer days than usual, to make the cut.. Top three guests have 648, 647 and 628 days each. I checked. 😉 See you there?

The offshoot area, beyond the casino.- port side. I checked. No signage...so I'm guessing. I'm on board with Ceilidh1

@ceilidh1Nope, nothing. I received the same as you! See you at the draw...maybe tomorrow?

Oh dear, oh dear!

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. @rheathslcEven post cruise! Great photos.

@ceilidh1Can't wait to meet you. You have given out so much useful information on CC in so many other posts. Thank you! I will stop bugging you now. Ready to pack.

Oops! Sorry. Having vision issues here! LOL

@ceilidh1 Not meaning to rain on your parade, but,....don't we dock at Juneau from 2.30 - 10.00? We have Endicott Arm in the morning, September 20th

@ceilidh1I'm curious. Were you able to take different packages this time since you are travelling with minors? Or? I'm wondering if this is possible for future bookings, for two adults. When I travel with people that do not need the beverage nor wifi package, can I book with only myself paying for the plus fare and the companion paying for the standard? Of course, they would need to pay for the gratuities, I understand that part. I've never asked about this before, but am now wondering if this is an option - given what you have reported. Thanks for posting about your experience and the outcomes. I'm sure that cc members will respond with the obvious responses - obviously, both passengers in the cabin must book with the same fare - standard, plus or premier. Please understand that my question is posted here - ONLY because of ceilidh1's story here. I hope that the cc critics don't start up with the OBVIOUS retorts! We're all here to share information...aren't we?

Congratulations! Your persistence got you to the result you were hoping for? Sounds like you are satisfied now and can relax. Thank goodness you had an agent that was able to keep working on your request to get the results you wanted. I am interested to see how the photo package works. I also have the premier photo package this time. I am not going to take any photos on my own. Let's see what happens on the ship. Having everything paid up front, pre-boarding, is the easiest way to go - I concur. See you on board!

@MarlsterSee you at Alfredos as well! Can't wait.

Yes, thanks to people here on Cruise Critic. I saw that upsells were available and worked with my agent to get one. We took an upsell from interior to balcony. Happy now! See you at Crooners and Vines. I like both bars and the bartenders there.

@ceilidh1Thanks for starting up the thread. See you onboard, very soon!

Great photos! Happy to see that the weather cleared up for you.

Twelve day cruise - start and return to Vancouver. May 2 - 14, for anyone who wants to know. Weather was absolutely fabulous. Only complaint, too much ice in Endicott Arm, did not see Dawes Glacier on that trip. Captain announced that we could not get too far into that "arm" that day. Crossing fingers for this time around, in September to see Dawes Glacier. Prepared with rain gear this time, toque and gloves as well, of course! @harryfat1

Just to show you @harryfat1 - weather in May this year, brilliant bright day! Cold, yes. Loved it!

@harryfat1Went back to check - saw your whale in one of the pictures.

Sunny, but with great clouds. Not quite brilliant blue skies. Zoom in to see the whale (sculpture)!

As I was enjoying the pictures, I was thinking - Teamwork!! Happy to work through this with you. My pleasure. In May, there was a brilliant blue sky - almost everyday on the cruise. 12 days in all.

@caribill My sailing in May had fewer than 2000 passengers on board. The experience at the "cannery" did not feel crowded. I believe there was another ship in port with us that day. There are several building and the scenic views were stunning. I didn't try riding out on the gondola nor zip line, so can't say if that felt too busy or not. We lined up to ride the shuttle into the little town, and did not have to wait too long for the next shuttle to take us there. It was a very enjoyable new port experience for me and my travel companions. I would gladly book a cruise that stops there in the future. I love the easy access to the ports and the people in AK. I have been to AK multiple times, but first time in ISP.

@harryfat1First time in ISP in May this year. I enjoyed the new port. They have a made a museum-style experience in the buildings that formerly housed the cannery. Nicely done IMO. The setting there is very scenic. There is the zip line there and a shuttle will take you into the town. Bitter wind while riding in the open air shuttle though, so dress accordingly. At least you can see the area and can chat with the locals who were very proud to share their corner of AK. The shops in the red buildings offered a variety of local artisan products as well as the standard souvenir ops. I recall that there is an outdoor food area - oysters were available. I hope you find your time there, interesting. It's a beautiful spot. I sat outside for quite awhile to just breathe in the fresh air and chill, literally!. IF you are dressed for it, it's lovely.