libtrek

45 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

I learned a lesson on this trip and am never cruising without Buckley’s again. Not only did I buy groceries today I also bought this for my travel bag

 

In addition I pack antihistamines (I get seasonal allergies) and now anti seasick pills and some Advil. I’m pretty much a traveling pharmacy.

 

Does anyone have any “must haves” in the take care of yourself department that you pack?

Too funny, I always take a pack of dayqil-night quil. Also small bottle cough syrup, anti-poop pills, bandaids, aspirin, allergy pills, seasick pills. I put each in snack size ziplock, label, and dosage ie: 2/12. The whole bunch will fit in a pencil bag. Finally well enough to see my new great grand. Mary Lou

15 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek Happy Birthday to you yesterday!!!!!

 

How are you feeling?

 

Did you do your private tour in Ketchikan and how was it? Do you think I should book with him in August?

Thanks for the birthday wishes. Now that I’m on the slippery side of 70, I may stop counting. Don’t know if our private tour would suit you. You and your dad are far more active than Rich. Ours was basically a drive around to see his favorite (off the beaten path) sights. Cruin has a web site and a thick Scots accent. Ketchikantours dot biz. He was so kind and considerate of Rich. He will take you where you want. Mary Lou ps feeling a bit more human, Rich too

Just now, ihate2cruise said:

May I Ask what Cabin #? We board on Monday and are staying in a Club Balcony.

11528. Close to midship. No noise. Bigger shower and room. Just more comfortable.

6 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

Some ratings on a scale of zero life rings 🛟 to five life rings

 

overall shipboard experience 🛟🛟

cabin 🛟🛟🛟

embarking and disembarking in Vancouver

🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

entertainment offered 🛟

quality of evening shows 🛟🛟

cruise director🛟

cruise director’s staff🛟

food in free restaurants 🛟🛟

food in specialty restaurants 🛟🛟

concierge 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

bartenders and drinks 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

overall Alaskan experience 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Thermal spa pass 🛟🛟 (noisy, dirty, often no cups)

massage 🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Crew interacting with passengers 🛟🛟🛟🛟

waitstaff 🛟

Latitudes parties🛟

Cruise Next manager 🛟

 

We are booked on the Jewel again in August and have already passed final payment. If we could cancel, we would. Neither of us want to go on the Jewel again, especially without Rumi and Armando. Tomorrow I will be canceling the trip we had booked on the Jewel for the Christmas sailing.

There were so many wonderful moments, but far too many poor quality meals and the lack of entertainment both during the day and in the evenings is a deciding factor.

 

When I reflect on the ratings above, what we liked most were the drinks and spending time with Rumi. Both Rumi and Armando made a huge difference on this cruise for us.

I am switching to Princess this summer and have 5 weeks booked with them. I am likely to try both Celebrity and Virgin in the next few years. NCL’s lack of entertainment, decline in food and decline in overall shipboard experience drove me to another line.
 

My dad is done with cruising and our cruise in August will be his last. He kept saying over and over again that he didn’t want to cruise anymore. The music in the lounges was so loud we were not able to spend one evening there listening to music. We used to love this on NCL. 
 

The post-cruise survey doesn’t have space for any comments like these. 

I totally agree with your assessment. There is just something lacking. Like your dad, this is probably our last cruise. Week one, our Stewart was great. Week two, we got a last minute upgrade to club balcony. It seemed like the ship didn’t know that. Got excursion tickets on day of tour with room number changed in ink. Stewart not even close to week one’s. LeBistro was our biggest bummer. My steak, $10 upcharge, was like shoe leather. Mary 
ou

We’ve been sick with creeping nose/cough stuff all week. Not Covid. A few thoughts (some petty). Only one treat in Club Balcony, used to be 2. Fellow cruisers and staff very friendly. One night very rough, closet doors kept sliding and light would come on. Finally fixed by stuffing and wedging throw pillows (Dad would have been stuck). Then balcony door kept opening, lock did not work. Think food choices are fewer. Several nights I did not feel like anything. Alaska made up for all shortcomings, though. Mary Lou (Libtrek)

1 hour ago, YVRteacher said:

Note: I did a Covid test and it was negative. It felt like I had a cold that turned into a cough. I had a doctor’s appointment for something else yesterday and the doctor said he is seeing a lot of this right now.

Same here. Good description of the gurgle. My Covid test was -. I have dr. visit tomorrow. My complaint with NCL is that we get one bill on a B2B. But when I rented the wheelchair for Rich, they made me pay 2 one-week rentals. On the price list, I would have saved $80 on a 14-day rental. Mary 
Lou

32 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

I wondered about that. Rich didn’t look too well on day one and I’m sure the whole cruise experience and the flights and hotels were overwhelming for him. He looked happy that first night when I saw you in Moderno, so I hope you enjoyed some lovely meals together.

 

How was disembarkation and your travel day?

 

I’m sending you a virtual hug! Thinking of you, my friend.

We did have many good moments and spent some quality time with New Jersey Joe and Susan. He was totally wiped by disembarkation and travel. Thanks for the hug and back at you!

Hi Yvonne. Unfortunately Rich did not do well on the cruise. His back and legs were much worse than I thought. Ended up renting wheel chair for the two weeks. It helped but he was still overwhelmed. We cancelled Bering tour, he wouldn’t have handled it well. I’m sad to say spending so much time in public made me realize how advanced his dementia has become. Probably no more cruises for us but we do have many happy memories. Mary Lou

15 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek

Soho Coho is permanently closed

 

 

 

 

How was your travel day? Are you all cozy in your hotel room on this drizzly grey evening?

 

16 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek

Soho Coho is permanently closed

 

 

 

 

How was your travel day? Are you all cozy in your hotel room on this drizzly grey evening?

 

well, bummer.wonder if that will make our troll shirts collector items? Travel day interesting starting with Detroit airport where cops tasered a guy trying to slit his own throat near us. Then R falling in the plane aisle, no damage. Now in beautiful 1-bedroom suite in Sutton Place. Going to borrow hotel wheelchair for falling-down boy to tour Granville, rain or shine.

15 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek

Soho Coho is permanently closed

 

Well, bummer… will ask Cruin what happened. We are cozied up in our beautiful one-bedroom Sutton suite.

1 hour ago, YVRteacher said:

 

 

Favourite Locally-Owned Businesses in Alaska

 

 

 

Ketchikan

 

Fish Creek Company (this is a store, not a restaurant) on Creek Street. This is where to buy the wooden jigsaw puzzles.

https://fishcreekalaska.com

 

Sam McGee’s

https://sammcgeesalaska.com

 

Asylum Bar

https://www.theasylumbar.com

 

Jellyfish Donuts

https://www.instagram.com/jellyfishdonutss/?hl=en

 

Tongass Trading Company (go upstairs!)

https://www.tongasstrading.com

 

I also like the Salvation Army thrift shop in Ketchikan

305 Stedman Street

 

 

Juneau

 

Caribou Crossings

https://www.cariboucrossings.com

 

If you have been to Aruba or Bonaire and purchased the Harper and Ari bath salts and body scrubs and (like me) were so sad when the products ran out, you can buy them at Caribou Crossings!

 

My number one favourite is the little wooden hut in Juneau that sells glacier silt soap.

https://glaciersmoothie.com/products

 A bar of soap costs the same amount as the sandwich I bought at LAX on the way home from New Orleans. It’s vacation spending so buy the soap and don’t even look at your credit card bill. Even if you don’t like soap (who doesn’t like soap???) check out their website for the names of their products. Please note that I have never purchased one of their items with the word “fluff” in it.

 

They sell ducks too. 

 

The Alaskan Fudge Company is a must. Trust me.

https://alaskanfudge.com

 

If you are doing whale watching on your Alaskan cruise, my number one recommendation is Jayleen’s Alaska for a top-notch experience.

https://jayleensalaska.com

 

Skagway

I mentioned in an earlier post that I love Klondike Brewing Company

 

https://www.klondikebeer.com/beer

 

I also enjoy the gift shops at the White Pass and Yukon Railroad and the Red Onion Saloon.

I don’t think I’ve bought many items in Skagway. I did buy a little container of Devil’s Club Salve but it was stinky and useless.

 

Icy Strait Point

 

Lil’ Gen’s Donuts

 

The Cannery Museum and Shops (I like the shops that face the ocean because they display glass items on the windowsills and the light is beautiful for photography.)

 

Seward

 

Alaska Sea Life Center

 

https://www.alaskasealife.org

 

If you aren’t doing a boat trip into Kenai Fjord or a hike to Exit Glacier or a run up Mount Marathon go to the Alaska Sea Life Center. The gift shop supports local artists, there is a cafe, it is a humane facility based on rescue work and is stop number #10 on the free Seward Shuttle.

 

Want a treat in Seward?

Sweet Darlings is the place for you!

 

https://sweetdarlings.com

 

For handmade art and locally made products, don’t miss Starbird Studio. If you are walking from the Alaska Sea Life Center back to the ship it is on the right hand side of the street.

221 4th Avenue

 

If you have favourite shops, cafes, breweries and businesses in Alaska please feel free to add them. 

29 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

We will check out Seward Brewing Company! Thank you!

 

This is now a Post-It Note on my calendar.

SoHo coho on Creek Street. My family loves the humor of Ray Trolls art  on shirts, etc. hoping to meet him this week when we’re with our favorite local guide, Cruin.

33 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

So...you're a huckleberry hound?

 

Sorry if this was is way before your time and it went over your head. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is as old as I am...

Hey, you and me must be of an age. I knew exactly what you meant. Clarabelle ring any bells. Mary Lou

Well, we are at stop 1 for the cruise, Detroit airport hotel before flying to Vancouver in the am. My R is very grouchy and was mumbling loudly in bathroom. Went to help him as he slid sideways into bathtub. I grabbed him so no injuries, but now he’s sideways in tub with feet hanging over side. Managed to get him up finally. This cruise may be a real adventure. Sigh. Mary Lou

2 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Dad story #2

 

After lunch I said to my dad, “should we walk back to your place and work on your phone some more?”

 

He asked, “oh, did we walk here?”💔

 

(the phone company had installed the phone incorrectly and it took the maintenance guy two hours this afternoon to fix it. I tried my best but just couldn’t do it. The whole building switched to a new phone company. My dad had a perfectly good phone and an answering machine he knew how to use. The phone company took away the old phone and his answering machine which belonged to my dad. I met with the front desk guy later this afternoon to explain that seniors need support when technology is changed and that they shouldn’t have taken away something he knew how to use without teaching him how to use the new system AND ensuring the new system actually worked. I used all my educational inclusion and success language. The front desk guy said they have been having a lot of problems with the new phones and many residents are upset. I have also set up a meeting with the General Manager, the Director of Care and the Resident Engagement Manager to discuss my dad’s needs.)

 

I came home and had a chocolate.

9 hours ago, NillaB said:

I've noted it down - so looking forward to meeting you all 🙂

Made a sticky note. I’ll be there with my grumpy guy. I told them they’ll have beer (shhh, NA).

8 hours ago, MohrPfun said:

Right?  Maggie and her Mermaid sisters agree (they arrived today!!!)

 

Love the strategic clamshells. Never found one, but would enjoy getting one for the grands. What’s wrong with a bit of fun in life?

I did. Had to click on the link to satisfy my curiosity.

6 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

@libtrek I have an idea! We could register my dad and your husband for adult Splash Academy. They could watch Grumpy Old Men and Benny Hill skits, eat soup and pudding, play 1950s records and have nap time.

 

I just packed a stack of Post-It Notes so I can do errands and go get ice cream and my dad will know where I am and not forget and panic.

 

I do realize the stuff that comes out of the ice cream machine isn’t real ice cream. I know this because I have to be careful with dairy and that stuff is just fine.

 

Speaking of ice cream, the parents at my school got together and paid off the ice cream man to stop driving by every day at 3:04pm (school gets out at 3:03pm.)

Yes, yes! BTW, I actually found little books of post-it notes. I shall bring you a few. R has been a bit mellower lately, hope it continues. I think ice cream in all varieties is a useful bribe. R cannot have booze with his Alzheimer drugs. So, I will be quietly ordering n/a beer, mock Long Island Ice Tea, etc. I just noticed that R has hidden the bolero tie he has been wearing under his shirt for months. Maybe it can stay lost? C U soon. Maltings bar at 4:30 on Monday?

On 4/20/2024 at 12:52 PM, MtnSeaGirl said:

I had not considered Princess until this thread.  Beginnig to look at them and Holland Amer also.  These boards are priceless to keep us from making mistakes.  Thank you !

We’ve done Alaska on both Princess and Holland. Liked Princess way better. Found Holland to be kind of stuffy.

Yay, I’ve been waiting for your live review to start. I am a retired librarian (Mary Lou or Libtrek) from Michigan’s Thumb area. I have connected with Yvonne through CC and besides sharing the librarian profession, we each have a crabby man with dementia. My hubs is R, a year older than Dad, and he is, I think, Dad’s brother from another mother. We will be on the same B2B to Alaska. We will be using a Rollator for the first time since Rs back is whacked. Any advice would be appreciated. ML

6 hours ago, Gsel said:

libtrek, I traveled with DH a couple of times after he was diagnosed with ALZ. He loved Alaska and the ship tours were easier for him. His doctor gave me lots of hints on how to keep him safe and enjoying the trip. We cruised Alaska ten times! My prayers are with you!

Thank you, thank you for the encouragement. Many of my family and friends are saying are you nuts? My guy loves Alaska too and for the most part we are taking ship tours. I have an Apple Watch on him that allows me to track wherever he is. I also put a Christmas ornament with jingle bells on the door that rings like crazy whenever the door is open, we are actually doing a B2B cruise so he can settle in better. Again, thank you for the kind thoughts. 

1 hour ago, afn10305 said:

Mary Lou,

I would be interested to hear more about your upcoming NCL Jewel plans for the end of April and May. We just hit Sapphire for the Latitudes program and are open to any cruise line really that fits our time frame and itinerary, but have more CruiseNext deposits available.

Well, we leave in about a week and a half. Because hubs has Alzheimer’s it makes our cruise different than most. I try to simplify everything. The itinerary the Jewell follows is great scenery most of the way, so if we don’t move around much, we still have something to look at. We too are Sapphire so enjoy the extra fancy dinners and free laundry. I can pack less which makes things easier. Any specific questions? Mary Lou

13 minutes ago, sunluvr62 said:

What is your cruise line prefrence?

Good question. I would eliminate Carnival, we’ve outgrown them plus they go from Seattle. I would go with Princess or NCL. We tried Celebrity and meh. Lately we’ve done NCL Jewell. Smaller ship, good port times, does inside passage. I like their drink package (included). You do have to pay the tips but if you have a Bloody Mary in the morning, a few drinks during the day, wine with dinner, and a nightcap, you’re ahead. Staff is excellent and the ship was refurbished just pre Covid. Mary Lou

Just a couple thoughts from someone who has done a lot of Alaska cruises both land and sea. 1. You have a bit of time. Suggest you read through a lot of reviews about DIY trips. You might be better to rent a car and pick a specific area to explore. Then get on your cruise. 2. I would suggest you think about a one-way cruise, like Vancouver to Anchorage or something similar. We have found that most round-trip cruises from Seattle have shorter times in port and more open ocean time. 3. You might even want to think about a smaller ship as they do spend longer in port, do the inside passage, and things like that. 4. Pro and con about cruise tours. They are very structured, you will often have to have your bags out early in the morning and then take a long bus ride. On the other hand, if you have never been to Alaska before it might be a good orientation. We started with cruise tours, but then did a DIY. Must say the DIY, even with car rental, was cheaper and we enjoyed doing things on our own pace. 5. You might consider this cruise a one and done. From personal experience, going on our seventh Alaska cruise soon, you might find you just have to go back. L O L. Mary

 Bless you Martincath, always a huge help. We are arriving at Vancouver airport and going to Sutton Place Hotel. Was thinking about the train but wonder if it would be too much for 2 seniors, 1big suitcase, 1 carryon, and 1 of us using a rolling walker. Alternative would be a taxi. No rush since we don’t criuse for 2 days.

Been cruising for over 30 years. Tried all the lines but in our senior years, find we prefer NCL. My only dilemma is that I love features on the new ships like Food Republic, Ocean Blue and Onda. But, for Alaska I must admit the smaller Jewell works better for port times. The crew is so nice and the refurbished space is lovely. Looking forward to our May trip and the whales, glaciers, ship food, drink package, and ………… (fill in the blank).