Jnsplace1

I ended up setting up mine with a PIN as I was traveling to EU.  A few years ago, I had to call the company to set it up.  Now a days, might be through the help chat on said company's website.

IMO, it's worth setting up just in case the "tap" doesn't work, or what have you.  I've experienced that as well.

I use the website chat.  Been able to get what my needs are resolved there.   And I can multitask at the same time.   Calling, no thank you.  But that's me.

I had a change on my cruise, and was notified by email.   I know that they had some issues with their account management system a few months back, I had to escalate mine as I was not getting notifications of my purchases.

So I guess I'm glad the notifications work, now......

I prefer to buy ahead so that I can book specialty restaurants ahead of time.   Those at sea days tend to book up.

If you care for that sort of thing.....

I've cruised with and without packages of such.   Last one I did, I cruised without and it was the best mental treat for me.  It opened up my choices, and I enjoyed my vacation of "I just want to try this".

Trying new things is my joy.  So go for it!

I did a google search and this CC thread popped up.  Perhaps browsing through this might help answer your question.   It sounds like (from page 3) it's a very small invite only group of passengers that get to experience this.

I have the same issue, I tried to get help through web chat so I can do screen shots and etc.   They put in a ticket that got escalated to IT.   It's still there, but at least now I'm getting emails from Princess.

Figure I'll try again later, perhaps after my cruise.

PS: i can log into the App on my phone.  Good enough for now.

RE: service animals.

They might...figure that the country regulations may be enough that they don't have to.  Taken from their website

Travel Documents: Entry requirements for service animals vary by port. Entry requirements for service animals at the ports you visit differ, and there are some ports where animals may not be allowed ashore. You must check in each country you visit and obtain the necessary travel documents, which may include vaccinations, medical certificates, and other travel documents.

Suddenly I'm glad that I booked a whale trip on this stop.  I have strong fond memories of walking on that glacier back I think 12 yrs ago or so.

10 years ago, I booked a one way cruise through Celebrity with my Mom.   We booked them because at the time, they had the best value for what we wanted with inside passage and cruisetour on the other end.   I've cruised through various ships from HAL, NCL, Carnival, and Princess prior to for EU, or Carb but it was my first time through AK.

We loved it.  We enjoyed the foods, the inside passage, and the service we encountered.   It wasn't cheap. In fact, we felt at the time, it was more spendy then our EU cruise but we really did  enjoy every moment, and wished we had spent more time in Denali. 

This year, hubby and I are doing AK cruise through Princess.  Initary was sole focus.   We've had 3 cruises canceled on us ranging from work, Covid to weather.  So we didn't want to fly LOL....we're trying so hard not to get excited due to our poor luck.   He's never been on a cruise, and it's a SEA to VAN route.  I wish we could go one way but time was not meant to be in this case.   I really feel that if you do one way, you should go inland.  It's so worth it.  

Frankly, i completely understand route and cost are major considerations for many. Each line has it's "feel" and how they provide you services.  Everything has a cost, the choice is up to you where you spend it.

At sea days tend to book out.  I've read elsewhere that some venues get booked up fairly quickly, particularly for those prime time spots.

if you want to try out a restaurant, suggest booking it, and the menu should hopefully have enough variety outside of steak that you have other options to choose.

I disagree, I liked my cruisetour very much.  of course I researched the heck of which one would fit time and budget.   I knew that some of the hotels may not be awesome, since it was linked to the amount I was willing to spend.  Which was fine, it's a hotel.  I was there to see the land.   

I guess, it falls into expectations.  I agree marketing material can overstate things, and it's certainly not sunny all the time in Denali area.

I find if you want wilderness, then it's going to be a rare find to be in a high level hotel.  Particularly when tourist season is short.

I was there long time ago.  Even then, I was impressed by the infrastructure they put up.  The tour I did was of the island's natural forest, and native plants and lore.  It was amazing, I had no idea of all the edible, (or not so edible) plants that were in my backyard (being a Pac NW native).

They've done a good job to support the area, and to create a playground by which people can just get off and enjoy vs navigate taxi's or warehouse lots.

 From what I hear, it's pretty easy to get out to the park where you can do as big of a walk or small, depending on what you'd like.   

I find the shuttles from the cruise ships, tend to be a tad short.  In Mexico, we were able to take a different bus back (assuming there were different times available), but had to ask.

You could take a peek at the link, this is from the National Park system, it gives you some ideas of how to get out there, and once out there, what all you can do.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=fseprd495443

You've already canceled, but I do want to state my recent experience.

I had a similar concern about a tour that departed at 730 after a "7" arrival.  in the FAQ on their website; they said that the tour times match the expected arrival times of the cruise ships on those days.    The tour would shift a little if the ship was a few minutes late, they are experienced in that.

That said, this is a tour company that has very high ratings and is experienced in the ways of cruise ships and dock times.   The only reason I went ahead and booked is that they stated it, and would stand by it.

PS: this is Alaska, so that could be all the difference.

From Vancouver airport FAQ:

I think might be reasonable if the day in question has a lot of tourist going home from weekend visits or a cruise ship or two.  Depends on how many are at port that day?

I've used the chat 3 times in the last few weeks, zero issues with it myself.  /shrug

The website is another matter.......

The timing of Harv & Marv has tours that start 730am.  4 hours is the total time of the tour.   3 hours on boat, 1 hour of transportation time.  Assuming you get on a 730am tour, you'd want to get a Salmon bake at Noon.

https://www.harvandmarvs-juneau-whale-watching.com/

And from what I understand, they book out during the peak season quickly.   Perhaps check to see if your day is still open to help you decide?   

good luck!

I cannot find anything myself.  I see that last year they didn't run all year, but nothing yet about this coming season?

Which is why I generally "Google" Thermal spa X ship before I buy.   I've immensely enjoy my time in these spas.  Great way to unwind and slow down.

I don't know where, but I read in another thread that someone did it to their room, and they were thrilled.    

Guess it doesn't hurt to try!

Generally speaking the Thermal suite is use of the Lotus Spa.  Deck 15 on the Sapphire for your deck plan review.

https://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=SA

If memory serves, you can get a day pass to use the spa.  I don't know if there are free ones to use, perhaps someone else can assist there.

I did spot this reply from Princess on a Youtube video, which may assist....

Many years ago, I did one with Celebrity.   I really enjoyed it and would use again.  I guess it depends on how much you want to do yourself.

I liked having someone cart me around, and having a meal at the end of the day waiting for me with hotel room figured out.  Was it the poshiest?  No.  Did I have to stress out about anything.  No.

Did I give myself enough time to enjoy Denali?  Wish we had picked another day.....we did 2 days in Denali, and it just wasn't enough.   

So, depends on where you want to spend your money, what you are willing to invest your time in, and what stresses you out. 

Good luck!

19 hours ago, acct1975 said:

What kind of backpack. Is a waterproof/ water resistant one really necessary?

I live in the PacNW, so it's only natural I have an Eddie Bauer daypack.  It's not waterproof though, it's just water resistant enough to protect my camera, and extra layers.   Big enough to hold it, small enough to carry around for hours.

As others said, just depends on what you are intending to do.  Go into rainforest, you'll likely get drippy.  🙂  Enjoy!

Have cruised AK 2nd half of June.   It's a roll of the dice.  The 1st half of the NB, was rainy cloudy.  Wished I had brought a thicker sweatshirt.  2nd half was sunny, and beautiful.

Things I bring in my backpack:

Windbreaker

Mosquito repellant - they are for real

Water