latebuyer

I thought i read somewhere you make reservations at 4. Is that correct or is it anytime?

I switched to anytime dining. I can see i am going to be irritated by being asked don't you have someone to travel with? or some such variety seven times during the cruise. It just seems less risky. It would be horrible to be alone at a 6 person table or to not like the people i'm seated with. I also wouldn't want to miss lincoln center stage and this will keep it more flexible for excursions. I believe i can eat even earlier with anytime dining too.

Thanks for the replies. Responses seem to be mixed. I think part of the problem is in canada there is less choice but i will try for more recommendations.

2 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Lots of interesting comments which is the norm whenever this topic is discussed  (quite often) on CC.  My advice to the OP is to shop around among multiple high volume reputable cruise agencies and then compare their best offerings (including amenities such as On Board Credits) with the best deal you can get directly with the cruise line.  In our own experience, having booked far more then 100 cruises with many different cruise lines, you should be able to save 7-10% (sometimes a lot more on longer cruises) by choosing the best deal from a cruise agency.  Those that claim to get as good a deal directly from a cruise line have simply not looked at the right agencies :).  We have actually challenged two cruise lines (via phone conversations) to match deals we can get from cruise agencies but the responses where simply that the cruise lines will not compete with their authorized cruise/travel agencies.

 

Hank

It sounds like early dining may be risky. I am leaning towards anytime dining now. How long does it take approximately to eat a 3 course meal?

Thanks. decisions, decisions! I am thinking i could try out the buffet too.

Thanks for the replies. I'm still debating. One advantage i see to early is i'm not having to meet 7 sets of new people on the other hand i'm not sure about making it on port days. May i ask if there is some advantage to early in terms of shows and the lincoln center stage?

Thanks for the replies. Looking forward to the christmas stores. Is the one in ketchican the best?

Thanks, are there any solo diners who have thoughts on which is a better option?

I suppose for me september worked best for vacation scheduling. I think most people know its not a prize month but have their reasons for going at that time. I have heard of the sales due to inventory sell off before. I can't recall if i posted that the bennet train/bus excursion isn't going after a certain point in september.

I am having second thoughts about the early dining I booked. I am concerned i may miss it on excursion days. Do you usually have to wait for anytime dining, if so approximately how long.

Are there any christmas stores in alaska or places that sell nice christmas ornaments in juneau, skagway or ketchican?

2 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

 

Gee, in June, we had 1), no bugs 2), some crowds, but not bad, 3) Glacier Bay is very limited on ship allowances...I believe it is either 2 or 3 ships for an entire day. Turning in front of glaciers is common practice year around. 

 

Prices in stores were shockingly cheap. Can't say if they were liquidating or not. We saw some animals. Can't compare there.

 

 

I'm not sure why you posted here. The OP is specifically interested in cruising in september. Maybe start an alaska in june thread? Thanks to everyone else that has posted, as a september cruiser i've enjoyed hearing from you. I am going to plan some rainy day activities just in case.

Found it! I was hoping it would be less busy in September but 4 in port. Good thread as my ship doesn't arrive until 1!

How do you find how many cruise ships are in port?

Thanks. What I may do is if it is raining do the museum, if it is just cloudy, do mendenhall.

I'm wondering if the cruise arrives at the final port at 7am if you have to disembark at that time if you want sleep in and eat breakfast. The final port of my cruise is vancouver and i'm from there so i won't be in any rush.

Also how long does it take to disembark at ports if you haven't booked excursions?

Thanks. Yes i don't see i'll have time if it is a long walk. I'm from vancouver so will most likely go to alaska again, i hope. I am annoyed it doesn't dock until 1. It doesn't really help its there until 10.

Is this walkable? I've been debating doing the 4 hour HAL tour that goes to mendenhall glacier, rainforest garden and state museum that is 89.00. I was thinking of doing it myself but i'm not sure if its possible. The other wrinkle is the ship doesn't arrive until 1 so may not be time to do both except on a tour.

Thanks, that definitely looks bigger then the king crab i saw in vancouver!

I just thought i'd let people know i decided to take the white pass train by chilkoot. As a canadian it would cost me 260.00 to take yukon option and with the weather iffy at end of september i decided not to do it. I discovered the days of 98 vaudeville show that sounds entertaining. Thanks for all the feedback. If i go back in spring or summer i'd consider bennet lake option.

Ok since i'm still undecided can someone who has done both speak to which they like better. I was just out in vancouver at the boathouse and someone had a ton of king crab for 60.00 so 27.00 for 1 king crab leg sounds like a lot. I wonder if they are bigger in alaska.

Crabs are flash frozen for george inlet lodge as well. I'm inclined to go to tracy's as i've never had king crab. It seems to me part of it is the experience.

No i can't decide. You only get 1 leg for 27.00? The crab feast costs 67.00 all you can eat.

I just read this on their website so not quite fresh

Our King Crab is the "Deadliest Catch" from the Bristol Bay and Norton Sound. Our  Alaskan Red King Crab is caught primarily during the months of October through January.  Each crab is immediately flash frozen and packaged by the processors to keep it fresh.  Throughout the season we have opportunities to get local (king and dungeness)  and fresh Norton Sound crab (snow and king)  from the boats.  Ask our crabby crew about our specials.

It sound like peopl e still really enjoy it though. I also emailed them to see if they'd have anything fresh end of september.

The yukon tour is 7.5 hours. I was wondering if there were any good museums or galleries i'd miss because they'd be closed when i get back.