libtrek

Specifically on the Jewel, what is the difference between club and regular?

Thanks for the shout out! I have never met a library I didn’t love. We are doing this from NCL. I was uncertain about booking it, but glad we did. Been to Skagway before but took the trip with Dyea Dave and his top hat. RIP. My DH loves baseball hats so we will be getting the special. I have a quick question for you. In Vancouver for the night before we leave June 12. I booked the Atrium. Some have said it’s by skid row, etc. we will taxi there from bus station (took cheaper flight to Seattle) and will take hotel shuttle to pier. Are we ok, or should I try to cancel? I trust a fellow Librarian, after all we know everything, or so says my DH when he’s cranky. Mary Lou PS the hair switch would have resulted in a hard hair pull from my crank.

You know what, I think I’m an old softie. I love that your grand wants a princess moment. How about you other ladies wear a fancy top with your plain pants and let her shine. One fancy will fit in the luggage. I’m sure other passengers will compliment her, I would, who doesn’t like smiles? Mary Lou

My DH is a year older than your dad and showing dementia signs. I have to laugh at your dads comments, I hear the same every day. I am trying to copy your patience. We are going on Jewel in June, crossing my fingers and thumbs that DH will do well. Retired librarian Mary Lou

My new thing is just turning to idiots and saying bless your heart with a smile. This Michigan girl loves the way the south makes their thoughts known.

I was thinking about this too. My DH has some dementia and can be unsteady on his feet. But, for the most part he looks “normal” (whatever that is when you’re 80). We are platinum so that might help too. Things sure were simpler when we were 40.

It appears some people did NOT learn what they needed to know in kindergarten. Bless her heart.

Yikes, I am thinking we need to ditch this reservation pronto. Thanks Martincath for your candor. The hotel looks so nice on their website. We are taking a FLIX bus from Seattle arriving in Vancouver late afternoon at the pacific central station. We need a hotel close enough to taxi or walk to. After breakfast next morning. We will head to the ship. Not much time to play tourist, just dinner. Any suggestions? Mary Lou

Thanks. I remember fondly a time when I could have walked 3 miles with a suitcase. Alas, that time, along with the glorious 60s music, has passed. LOL

We are going in June. Staying at the Atrium the night before. Free breakfast and shuttle to Canada Place.

This retired librarian loves reading books set in my destination. I drive my DH crazy saying things like “oh that street corner was in my book.” Of course, I felt like I’d been in Skagway before remembering that Sandra Bullock movie, The Engagement.

Last fall from Seattle we got off the ship early self debark, got to the airport quickly. Then, boom the security line! Barely made an 11:30 am flight. Won’t chance it again. This year we are doing Vancouver-Seward. Have an ending flight at 1 am in Anchorage. Don’t anticipate any problems making it, LOL.

Good plan, you would be very disappointed with the short Denali tour. We’ve done tours and DIY. A couple thoughts. If you rent a car, don’t count on distance/ time calculations. It will take longer than you think. You will see roads on the map that will turn out to be very rough. Read your rental car agreement, they usually don’t cover you on rough roads. Wrangle Elias area is gorgeous.

Thanks for the info. I’m flexible so we’ll just grab our suitcase each, look at the map app on my phone, and either walk to the hotel or call Uber. Still trying to keep those suitcases as light as possible for our trekking around. We just aren’t as young as we used to be. L O L.

We did this excursion on a previous trip. You will enjoy. The wildlife sanctuary is very interesting.

We’ve booked this train excursion for June 2023 on the Jewel. Our information says we will be taken to the hospitality station in Anchorage. Our luggage will be there and I guess we will be shuttled to the airport. Since we’re spending the night in Anchorage, I assume we can collect our bags and go to our hotel instead of the airport. Can anyone verify?

OMG, I’m stealing it too except it’s DH storage. Even though they get cranky and more than a little fuzzy at times, we love ‘em. I love your reviews, they are real. I think we can be “soul sisters” since I’m a retired librarian. ML

We too had decided to take June Vanc-Seward trip. Sent coupons to our TA and ended up with a lovely price. On top of it, we had airline credits/FF miles, so got airfare for about $100 for two. It was meant to be.

Thank you both so much. Just the information I needed. I am determined to pack light for this trip so lugging luggage won’t be a problem.

Just a thought. There are several Tongass stores in Ketchikan. Good source for sweatshirts, souvenirs, etc. They offer a service for ~$25 where they take all your shopping goodies, pack them up for you and ship to your home. Great for bulky items so you don’t have to fit them in your luggage.

We are flying from Detroit to Seattle for our June cruise to Alaska leaving from Vancouver. We are taking FLIX to pacific central station in Vancouver, then to a hotel for the night before boarding. My question: what’s the best way to get to FLIX station, 622 S Lane St., from SEATAC. It looks to me like the FLIX station is in Chinatown. We’re older and somewhat decrepit so public transpo not the best for us. Also, what’s the neighborhood like? We will probably have some time before boarding so we’re thinking lunch. Thank you for help.

Well, I put a small refrig magnet on our door to help my slightly fuzzy DH. Of course, I do try to keep him in sight at all times.

We were on Bliss in February (3rd time) and definitely noticed that staff appeared to be overwhelmed. Service was slow at meals and we encountered more than one unpleasant staff member. We did not remove tips but did not tip extra either. We are trying Jewel-Alaska in mid June. We shall see if things are better on a smaller ship. ML

Just FYI. Rocks, stones, even gravel. My DH is obsessed. He has gotten away with a few in pockets or backpack. Last fall, in Alaska, he stuffed his backpack. There was a war with security. My DH (dementia onset) was determined to keep them. At last (when I quietly explained situation) security let him keep a few of the best. A few tense moments for me.

We were on Bliss and it was Tracy Arm. This time we will be in June, smaller ship, and Hubbard and Glacier Bay.