lem_100

Fantastic information, we can now relax and look forward to our trip - thanks Aussiechick7.

Hello - I’m on Spirit in February cruising from HK to Singapore and I have a query on visas that I wonder if anyone can offer advice.  Do SS manage visas like most of the mega ships do?

As a UK citizen, I can get a 15 day visa waiver for Vietnam.  However, does this waiver cover me for several days of entry to the country as we sail down the coast line?  We don’t enter any other country during this part of the trip but we are at sea for 1 day between Chan May and Ho Chi Minh City.

7 hours ago, zqtchas said:

Here we are anchored off shore at the busy port of Ketchikan with 4  big ships docked &  float planes buzzing by. Rain expected later when our tour starts.

 

 

4 big (emphasis on BIG) ships was interesting in this port.  Sooooo many people in a town that really isn’t big enough to deal with them sympathetically.  I’m sure it’s great for the local economy but, for me, it was just too crowded to enjoy exploring the place.

We went to the lumberjack show - yes, typical tourist trap but it was well produced and you had to admire the skill on show from these athletes at the top of their profession.

We then took a turn around town but quite quickly found overselves craving the peace of our floating home and got the tender boat back for late lunch.

Delicious Black Forest gateaux in the Arts cafe this afternoon - highly recommended.

We are now just leaving Wrangell and en route to Ketchikan.  Nice day for weather, no rain and warm-ish for an amble around a quaint town.

Local children were selling stones on the quayside - it seems that only the children can dig for these stones in the area without a permit.

We took a look in the museum ($7 pp entry) which was very interesting and we also had a tour of the gift shops and stores.  Some lovely gardens, plants and wall murals to appreciate in the very near few streets.  Otherwise, ours was a lazy day - which are often the best.

What a difference a day makes.......from cloud, mist, rain and zero visibility at Hubbard yesterday to glorious sun, blue skies and people swimming in the pool in Sitka today.

We had a great day, did DIY tour of the raptor centre (highly recommended) and a walk around the park with totem poles and got some glorious photos of our floating home.

48 hours until we are on the way to join you!

How’s the weather out there?

6 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

YES!!  As nicely summarized above by Unibok and from Mahogany, getting a "rail fix" by  riding on the train can be fun.  In addition to our rail ride going south from Denali, we will have two days on the Rocky Mountaineer riding from Jasper National Park to Vancouver.  That will be before we do the sailing from Vancouver in going up, UP into Alaska on the Silver Muse. Below are a couple of visuals for the Rocky Mountaineer rail equipment. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Here is a visual as a Rocky Mountaineer train goes through these super scenic parts of western Canada.  The second picture shows one of the double-decked "Gold Leaf" observation cars on which we will be riding.  These cars have dining areas on the lower level and also an open, observation area.  That will make getting great photographs easier.  Look like fun?:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

We did Rocky Mountaineer Gold a few years ago - it’s a truly breathtaking trip and I’m sure you will enjoy every moment.  Just be aware of ‘train legs’ when you get off, we found it had more of an effect on us than being onboard a ship!

20 hours ago, Unibok said:

Reviving this thread with an update:

 

SS is now telling me they have not chartered a train car for this sailing (maybe all Muse Alaska sailings?), and that the SS transfer is by motor coach. Can anyone else confirm whether this is true, or is my new guy just not talking to the right person?

 

Regardless, we do have seats on the motor coach so at least we'll meet the ship. Although I am disappointed about the train, I'm not so disappointed that I'm willing to pay an extra $400 to book it independently. (Yes, the train still runs, and there are seats available that morning.)

 

What are the rest of you south-bound Alaska travelers hearing or being told?

 

 

We were only ever given the coach option and I did check that directly with SS so I’m guessing your TA is giving you the correct info.

What time were you told to be at the hotel to check in with SS rep?

Hi all,

Countdown to our Alaska trip is getting closer *excited* 😀

I’m wondering what is the best way to ask SS if they stock particular drink brands?  We’re very fond of a specific Australian ale and wondered if they might have it on board.  Should I just mail SS direct or is there a ‘contact us’ on MySilversea pages that I’ve missed?

2 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

We will be spending one night at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, as a part of our Silversea program after our cruise and in going up to Denali.   This Captain Cook Hotel is fairly large (20-story, 546-room hotel) and is used by a number of cruise lines in Anchorage.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Yes, it’s the Captain Cook Hotel.

Fully understand the need for a back-up plan, I’m a nervous wreck until I actually get on-board!

15 hours ago, Unibok said:

 

Hi lem_100, Terry, and all,

 

Following up on the OP's initial question, I have a bit more information now. The scenic train does appear to be part of the package for (some of) those using the SS air option, and my new rep confirmed that we do have seats on it. He tells me it leaves Anchorage around noon, arriving in Seward around 5, so toward the end of the embarkation period. Because we arrive in Anchorage quite late the night before, I'm actually grateful for the slow morning to explore a bit, but it feels odd to arrive to the ship so late -- I'm usually one of the first onboard.

Thanks Unibok.

It seems SS are using multiple transport options as I had documentation through yesterday confirming our transfers by coach and saying to check in with the SS rep at the Anchorage hotel in the morning.  I’m sure it’ll all become clear once we get there.

Thanks for the responses and the welcome to a first time poster (long time lurker).

I confirmed with SS today that the transfer is included.  Apparently, they organise coaches from Anchorage to Seward.

Looking forward to meeting anyone travelling on 27th May.

We’re travelling to Alaska and flying out a few days early to do an independent tour of the Anchorage area before we join Muse.

Does Silversea include a transfer to Seward on the first cruise day, if you have not booked flights with them, or would we need to book this independently?

Thanks for any info.