AJSkarbo

Great review! I was on this sailing as well so it was fun to see photos of people I met on the ship. 

Did the itinerary change last minute? The first attachment shows the sea day is the last day. But the fun times show the sea day as the first day. Just wondering if I can expect a last minute change for my cruise next month. 

On 1/3/2024 at 12:16 PM, vandercapellen said:

I don't see it on my sailing? Does that mean it's sold out or they aren't doing it online for our sailing on the Sunshine in April?

Keep checking. My Radiance cruise for next month didn't show as available until yesterday. 

The traffic in and out of Galveston can be terrible. I agree that taking a ship transfer can often be a more economical option than a ride share. I wouldn't schedule a flight out of Hobby any earlier than 2PM. 

No more boarding time selection. Your app will tell you the boarding window and you show up when you like. 

Are you staying overnight in Anchorage? My friend took the shuttle in July and she said it was very easy. They went to the convention center instead of the airport and were on the ship around lunch time. we were on a cruise tour on met them on the ship about 2. 

We traveled this summer with someone who booked an interior(we had a balcony), she was always right next to us in the land portion. Same accommodations with Princess at least. 

Buying it there is $50/person. The line in July was very long. It moved quickly but it still took us a good 45 minutes to board. Same on the way back down. 

I did this cruise back in July. How are you getting to Whittier? I agree with dropping your luggage off then going to explore before embarking on the ship. We ate lunch in Anchorage and then too the princess shuttle to the ship. Didn't bother trying to see Whittier as there isn't much there. 

Thank you so much! You have been so helpful!

13 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

Best advice for your mom is to have the shuttle driver flag down a Longshore porter to collect your Mom's luggage (making sure that she has her medallion and passport in her purse - not in her luggage).  She should then use the wheelchair service to get her thru the terminal to check-in.  The reverse would work as well - getting wheelchair assistance first, and then the wheelchair attendant can call for a porter.  Do be aware that the Longshore are union members, and a regular pier-side worker can not touch any luggage, with the exception of helping a wheelchair passenger with their carry-on bags.

Weekends are busy at Pier 91 with both Holland America and Princess there. Your Mom can wait for you outside the terminal, but once she enters the building she is beginning the embarkation process.

Thank you for your response is the wheelchair assistance visible or does she look for a sign or simply find any worker and ask for a wheelchair? 

Hi all, 

Boarding the Royal Princess in a little over a week in Seattle. My mom is coming with and has some mobility issues. We are arriving at different times so I am wondering how difficult luggage drop off will be for her. She uses a walker and the only youtube video I could find showed a long line just for luggage drop. Is there a different line for people who need assistance? Is it well marked? She will be dropped off by a shuttle and have her disabled placard with her if that matters. Thank you.

If you booked your cruise prior to December 2022 then yes, you would have the old Plus package. You could upgrade to the current Plus package or pay the Ocean now activation fee. 

Yes, if you booked with a TA they will have to add it. If you booked direct, you have to call.

He can purchase a gondola only pass and ride up with you. 

The town is a decent distance. It's walk-able, just give yourself enough time. There is a shuttle, I believe it was $5 round trip per person. But the walk is lovely along the water. We had narration on the shuttle which was worth the $5 in my opinion. I would start by taking the shuttle to the town, then walking back along the water, then exploring the cannery area. There is at least 1 sit down restaurant option near the cannery and there is also a food truck option near the gondola entrance. We ate there and it was fantastic. The nature trail was very nice as well between the 2 port areas. 

6 hours ago, geepmaley said:

So do you get detergent with the $3 you pay per token or do you need to bring your own

 

Detergent is not included. It is available for purchase. But as others have mentioned, some in my group brought their own. 

3 hours ago, geepmaley said:

Anyone know about Majestic? Sailing Sep 9 but leaving a week earlier for extra days plus land tour

 

 

Just got off the Majestic July 22nd and we needed tokens. The machines were good though. I think tide was the brand of detergent they sold. 

The vodka I got on the Majestic last month was Van Gogh. I had never heard of it but it wasn't bad. Seems the brand seems to vary considerably. 

11 hours ago, Wink87 said:

First cruise with Princess is coming up on Sept 16. I have Premium Plus. When will my medallion be mailed? When can I book my specialty restaurant reservations? Ty!

You should be able to make reservations now. I am sailing on the Royal on the 16th and just made our main dining room reservations. 

My sailing on the Majestic 2 weeks ago I asked my steward to do the swaps for me. It was no problem. I plan to do the same on my September sailing on the Royal. 

So happy to read the rest of your journey! I was following closely as we boarded the Majestic July 15. Must be the ship, or the state as 6 our of 8 of my travelling party came down with a bug. 2 have tested positive for Flu A(negative for the vid). The rest of us are on the mend. Your posts have inspired me to take a great Alaskan roadtrip some time in retirement(14 years away) as I am jealous of your son's passport stamps. He has more than I do! Glad you are feeling better and you all had a wonderful time despite feeling ill. 

Thank you for these notes! Your photos have me very excited to embark next week!

Thank you for so much good information! 2 weeks until we fly to Fairbanks and it seems so close and yet, so far! 

Thank you again @Stealthdog! Your information has been so helpful. Looks like you had a wonderful trip. I appreciate you taking us along with you!