RSF Cruiser

We were on the Ruby in a suite in August and did not get the strawberries. We did get an array of appetizers the first night and then if we wanted them on other nights a card was left in our room. Don’t know about tea service, but I did miss the strawberries!

If you want self guided hikes there’s an outstanding multiagency trail guide for the Ketchikan area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5413489.pdf

We LOVE sitting on our aft balcony as we depart Glacier Bay. We go up on deck when entering the bay and while at the glacier. Then when we are leaving, we go back to our cabin, order room service, and sit on our aft balcony as the mountains and glaciers recede. Our favorite cabins are Royal Class aft suites. Gotta love the incredible balcony!

I did a solo on the Discovery in April. The ship was sold out. I easily found quiet and solitude when I wanted it, and activities if I felt like it. I ate by myself at a table for two, ate, read, and looked out the window. It was heavenly. I spent time in the evenings off to the side in the atrium reading my book, listening to the music, and when I wanted to, watching people dance. The back hot tubs generally were not crowded, nor was the aft swimming pool. I never ate on the Lido deck, so can’t comment about eating there. I also spent a fair amount of time on my balcony, especially during sail aways. If I wanted to interact with other passengers, I could have, but I took the trip to be by myself and totally relax. And that’s what I did! The only marginally bad experience was two days after I got home from my four day cruise, I tested positive for covid. I was 6.5 months post vaccination, so I guess my immunity had waned, and that steamy warm water in the hot tub must have inoculated me with someone’s Covid bugs. Even with getting covid, I would do the cruise again in a heartbeat!

Yes you can feel the vibrations- especially when the ship is traveling fast, dropping anchor, or “parking”. I find the vibrations rock me to sleep, so no problem for me. I love the aft cabins and wouldn’t stay anywhere else on a ship. We stayed on the Dolphin deck. 

I was just oh the Discovery and did not have a photo package. Yes, they took embarkation photos, but I didn't realize that was what was being taken. On embarkation day, there were photographers around taking pictures with a green screen. A stopped at one of the "stands", and what I got was that a pose with an image of the discovery in the background, and another photo with Princess logos on it. No photo with the date and stops on the voyage like before. I also didn't realize that the photo package is for the print and digital image. If all you want are the digital images, it's cheaper to buy them (~$15 each). It's a little more for the print and digital image. You can use the medallion app to download your purchased images. A really simple process.

There were photographers out every night with various backgrounds, just like before. You view your photos on computer screens in the photo shop, and do your purchase there. I do not think you can purchase photos on the medallion. 

You can also upload photos you have taken and have gifts made like canvas prints, memory boxes, and ceramic tiles. There are lots more options now with the medallion.

We’ve given laundry Friday morning and got it back Friday evening. I can think the room steward has to have the laundry in the laundry area before 9:00 am, so check with your steward about the time for same day service. 

Yes, the five day Discovery in April has the 360-I received an email saying I could call for a reservation, or wait for them to call me. I called them - there are two seatings every night. I think the times are 5:30 and 7:30. I didn’t even have to wait on hold to talk to someone!

I asked a Princess rep this question in anticipation of a similar situation. I was told I can switch to the lower priced cabin, but there would be no refund. 

Agreed. The small boat excursion was worth every penny. I definitely will do it again. 

Another important point is anyone at risk for serious illness from COVID should receive treatment ideally within five days, and definitely within ten days of symptoms and a positive COVID test. The CDC and our public health department recommends treatment even if symptoms are mild - you should not wait until symptoms are bad, since that might be too late. People at risk are those over the age of 65 regardless of health status, and then anyone with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. If you aren't sure how to get the treatment, or your physician says wait to see how you are doing, contact your public health department. Here in San Diego some of the physicians have been telling those with mild symptoms just to stay home, when the recommendation should be to get treatment so you don't get sicker.

I am not posting this information to create any kind of debate on treatment or no treatment. I'm posting this information to help those who may not be aware that safe and effective treatment is available for people who are COVID positive and have mild to moderate symptoms.

Thanks. We do have pre-existing condition coverage. This is the first time one of us has to cancel a cruise for a covered reason. I understand why the insurance company was vague - they want to protect themselves against false claims. I appreciate the helpful answers to my question. Now I have to decide if I want to travel solo! 

Thanks...

Just to be clear, I did talk with the insurance company and they would not answer until a claim had been filed. As I said in my original post, I’m interested in the experience others have had. Meaning what happened to you if one cancelled for a covered medical reason and the other went in the cruise. Please don’t tell me to contact the insurance company - I know that and did. Please answer only if you have experienced the situation I am asking about. 

Thanks! My plan has the single occupancy benefit. 

We have travel guard. They were non committal when I asked. I’m wondering if anyone here had trip cancellation and one party cancelled for a covered medical reason and the other went on the cruise. Did they get one fare reimbursed. 

The insurance is not with Princess - an independent company - not sure if I can name the company. 
 

i will post in the other board - thanks!

I can’t seem to get a clear answer. I wonder if my situation has happened to others and what was your experience.
 

 My husband is not feeling well and will see his doctor about getting a note to file a claim on our travel insurance so he can be reimbursed for losses from cancelling. If I still go on the cruise, do I have to pay the single supplement, or will Princess  consider the room already paid for since we have made our final payment? In other words, will he be reimbursed from the insurance company and I can go on the cruise at no additional cost?

 Thanks 

Have you considered renting a car? That's what I usually do - from Alaska Car Rental. The cost is about $100 for the day and their office is about a mile from the dock. I usually walk over, but they will pick you up after 8:00 AM. That way you have complete flexibility with your schedule. I prefer the setting and totems at Totem Bight, although both places are nice. There's a multi-agency trail book for Ketchikan (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5413489.pdf), with excellent descriptions of the trails. Some you can walk to from the dock, others you have to drive.

On 7/14/2021 at 4:25 PM, donaldsc said:

 

I know that we are not supposed to criticize the appearance of a post and your post was very interesting.  However, it would have been much easier to read and more people would read it if you used paragraphs.

 

DON

Thanks - I was being lazy... Here's the post with paragraphs ( I was too late to edit the post so I copy and pasted it) 🙂

Like the others, we've been to Alaska multiple times and have done cruise only, cruise plus land, and land only. My favorite trip was the land one, which was done after we had done a cruise-land trip and cruise only trip. We went for about 2.5 weeks, and it must have taken me at least a year to plan it. I started out thinking we'd be gone two weeks, but my research included so many "must do" things, we extended the trip for a few days. Think of a cruise - no matter what type - as an introduction to Alaska. After taking several cruises and cruise-land trips, I knew I wanted to do a land only trip so I could focus on things I couldn't on a cruise.

I searched these boards and the internet, and here's what we did:

1) flew into Juneau and stayed four or five nights. We went hiking and did dog sledding, whale watching, and a boat ride to Tracy Arm. We toured the Alaska Brewery and Mendenhall Glacier (did some short hikes at the glacier). Drove to the end of the road and spent a few hours at Shrine of St Theresa. I love Juneau.

2) from Juneau we flew into Glacier Bay National Park and stayed two nights. We took the National Parks boat ride to Glacier Bay and hiked the trails near the hotel in the park.

3) flew from Glacier Bay National Park to Anchorage, where we spent the night near the airport. We left some of our luggage at the hotel since we stopped for an overnight in Anchorage after Katmai. Then we flew to Katmai for two nights. Now that was an incredible experience. As mentioned, once the day trippers leave, you have the park to yourself. We were there mid July and the salmon (and bears) were plentiful! We also went to Land of the Thousand Smokes. Katmai was a highlight of the trip.

4) After we flew back to Anchorage we rented a car and drove to Seward, where we stayed for two nights. We stopped at Alyeska on the way and took the lift to the top of the ski slope and hiked a bit. We also stopped along the way at anything that looked interesting to us. In Seward we hiked to the Harding Icefields, visited Exit Glacier, and took the six hour boat ride where we saw magnificent calving glaciers.

5). After Seward we drove to Talkeetna where we took a plane ride to Denali. We were to land on the Ruth glacier, but due to weather that didn't happen. It was still an incredible excursion. We also visited the Talkeetna cemetery and monument to those who perished on Denali. We even got to see Denali in all her glory for about 90 minutes. On the way to Denali we stopped at the musk ox farm, Eklutna Historical Park, Hatcher Mine, and stopped at the sled dog place in Wasilla.

6) We went back to Anchorage to drop off our car and flew to Barrow for two nights. In Barrow we walked around town a lot, watched the midnight sun march across the sky (yes, we stayed up all night), and took a tour from two local men who drove us all over the area.

We had an ambitious trip, and didn't do everything we wanted to since we really didn't want to be gone longer.

The trip was for my milestone birthday, so I read everything I could and kept a spreadsheet to figure out what I wanted to do. As I found new must do's, I either extended the trip of eliminated something. No, you can not do everything in one trip - you can't do everything in multiple trips!

My interests are mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, sea life, and hiking. There are tons of resources online to help you decide what are your priorities. I read trip reports, looked at photos and videos to decide where I wanted to go. If you are adventurous, I strongly recommend doing the trip on your own and not with a tour operator. Our trip was complex, and with my planning, everything proceeded without a hitch. Hope my summary helps you. Think of going to Alaska as a multi-year plan 🙂

Like the others, we've been to Alaska multiple times and have done cruise only, cruise plus land, and land only. My favorite trip was the land one, which was done after we had done a cruise-land trip and cruise only trip. We went for about 2.5 weeks, and it must have taken me at least a year to plan it. I started out thinking we'd be gone two weeks, but my research included so many "must do" things, we extended the trip for a few days. Think of a cruise - no matter what type - as an introduction to Alaska. After taking several cruises and cruise-land trips, I knew I wanted to do a land only trip so I could focus on things I couldn't on a cruise. I searched these boards and the internet, and here's what we did: 1) flew into Juneau and stayed four or five nights. We went hiking and did dog sledding, whale watching, and a boat ride to Tracy Arm. We toured the Alaska Brewery and Mendenhall Glacier (did some short hikes at the glacier). Drove to the end of the road and spent a few hours at Shrine of St Theresa. I love Juneau. 2) from Juneau we flew into Glacier Bay National Park and stayed two nights. We took the National Parks boat ride to Glacier Bay and hiked the trails near the hotel in the park. 3) flew from Glacier Bay National Park to Anchorage, where we spent the night near the airport. We left some of our luggage at the hotel since we stopped for an overnight in Anchorage after Katmai. Then we flew to Katmai for two nights. Now that was an incredible experience. As mentioned, once the day trippers leave, you have the park to yourself. We were there mid July and the salmon (and bears) were plentiful! We also went to Land of the Thousand Smokes. Katmai was a highlight of the trip. 4) After we flew back to Anchorage we rented a car and drove to Seward, where we stayed for two nights. We stopped at Alyeska on the way and took the lift to the top of the ski slope and hiked a bit. We also stopped along the way at anything that looked interesting to us. In Seward we hiked to the Harding Icefields, visited Exit Glacier, and took the six hour boat ride where we saw magnificent calving glaciers. 5). After Seward we drove to Talkeetna where we took a plane ride to Denali. We were to land on the Ruth glacier, but due to weather that didn't happen. It was still an incredible excursion. We also visited the Talkeetna cemetery and monument to those who perished on Denali. We even got to see Denali in all her glory for about 90 minutes. On the way to Denali we stopped at the musk ox farm, Eklutna Historical Park, Hatcher Mine, and stopped at the sled dog place in Wasilla. 6) We went back to Anchorage to drop off our car and flew to Barrow for two nights. In Barrow we walked around town a lot, watched the midnight sun march across the sky (yes, we stayed up all night), and took a tour from two local men who drove us all over the area. We had an ambitious trip, and didn't do everything we wanted to since we really didn't want to be gone longer. The trip was for my milestone birthday, so I read everything I could and kept a spreadsheet to figure out what I wanted to do. As I found new must do's, I either extended the trip of eliminated something. No, you can not do everything in one trip - you can't everything in multiple trips! My interests are mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, sea life, and hiking. There are tons of resources online to help you decide what are your priorities. I read trip reports, looked at photos and videos to decide where I wanted to go. If you are adventurous, I strongly recommend doing the trip on your own and not with a tour operator. Our trip was complex, and with my planning, everything proceeded without a hitch. Hope my summary helps you. Think of going to Alaska as a multi-year plan 🙂

In addition to Alltrails, check out this guide from various government agencies: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5413489.pdf

I've also rented multiple times from Alaska Car Rental. In addition to what the other posters said about things to do with a car, I've downloaded this trail guide (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5413489.pdf) and have been working my way through the different trails that fit the ship's schedule. There's always Alltrails, but for Ketchikan, I prefer the USDA guide.