Dollshoe

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said:

 

I wouldn't believe everything the vacation planner (aka salesman) says, as they probably haven't read the Fleet Regulations. Making a pax cabin announcement at 02:00 was a guarantee of a flight home from the next port, which was highly detrimental to career prospects, as you didn't get another ship.

 

When you work on the Bridge of a ship, the Deck Officer's follow the direction of the Captain & Fleet Regs, not somebody in an office. Prior to spending almost 30 yrs as a Captain, I worked as a Princess Deck Officer for 7 years and we NEVER made P/A announcements in pax areas at night, unless an emergency. Our son also worked for Princess for 10 years as a Deck Officer and will tell you the same.

 

Not saying it wouldn't happen, but from experience it is highly unlikely. Whales on the Stbd bow. by day - yes, but mostly on the outer decks/public spaces.

 

 

 

 

Oh wow, guess you can’t trust anybody

On 11/13/2020 at 4:43 PM, VermeulT said:

I am a train enthusiast and totally want to take a train trip in Skagway.

I'm overwhelmed with the choices and would like some input from those that have taken the different options on pros/cons...

If it matters - this would be late May 2021 (hopefully) Thank you.

 

1. White Pass Rail & Yukon Expedition - 8.5 hours -  motor coach to the top of the White Pass. A stop at Caribou Crossing Trading Post is an opportunity to satisfy your wilderness appetite with a delicious chicken barbecue lunch complete with Grandma's all-you-can-eat homemade donuts. Tour Yukon's most extensive Wildlife Museum. At the Dog Musher's Village, visit with Iditarod dog mushers and take pictures with sled dogs and husky puppies; or, for an extra fee, join them for a dog-cart ride with actual Iditarod and Yukon Quest dogs. Back at Fraser, British Columbia, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a truly unforgettable ride down this historic and breathtaking narrow-gauge track.

 

2.  White Pass Rail, Summit, Gold Panning & Barbecue Lunch - 5.75 hours - Follow the route from Skagway to the Klondike gold fields aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad beyond the summit of White Pass to Fraser, British Columbia.  At Fraser, board a motorcoach and journey down the west side of the White Pass Canyon. Your driver-guide shares tales of stampeders who traveled the pass in search of their fortune. Time Permitting, a stop at Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls provides picturesque valley views.  Your destination is Dredge Town, where you will enjoy an authentic barbecue lunch including ribs, chicken and various side-dishes. Experience a glimpse of the life of a prospector when you join a colorful cast of characters to learn the art of gold panning. Tour the 'living museum' to learn the fascinating history of the gold-rush days before the picturesque drive back to the port.

 

3. White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad - 2.75 hours -Take an unforgettable round trip journey aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Ride in a comfortable, restored or replica vintage rail car to the summit of the White Pass, through two tunnels, over sky-high trestles, and remote valleys. Pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch as your guide announces all points of interest and tells the story of the Klondike Gold Rush.

At the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet, the train makes a loop and heads back down the pass, allowing everyone to experience the excellent views during this round trip rail journey.

 

3. White Pass Rail, Klondike Highway & Liarsville Gold Camp - 5 hours - Experience an unforgettable journey along the eastern side of White Pass aboard the world-famous narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, built more than 100 years ago. You'll pass through some of the North's most rugged terrain on board a comfortable, narrow-gauge rail car as you retrace the original route through breathtaking scenery beyond the summit of White Pass at 2,865 feet.

Upon reaching Fraser, British Columbia, board a motor coach for the journey down the west side of White Pass Canyon. Stop at historic Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp nestled beside a waterfall at the foot of White Pass. Browse the authentic camp exhibits, including antiques and garments left behind by the prospectors and those who profited from them. A cast of 'sourdoughs' and dance hall girls will entertain you with a hilarious melodrama and a poem by Robert Service, the Bard of the North. You'll also have a chance to try your hand at the art of gold panning in the Liarsville gold fields

 

Add to Wish List White Pass Rail, Summit, Gold Panning & Barbecue LunWhile I am a train enthusiast... I want to get the most of of my time in port.  Do you get more from taking a bus one way?  Is it better to take the bus up vs back? Is the gold camp totally cheesy tourist trap stuff?

 

I think I'm leaning towards 1 or 3....

Any input/feedback would be most appreciated!

Thank you.

 

We did #5 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The train ride was beautiful and the salmon BBQ and show in Liarsville was a great end to our day. I did not care for the tour of the Red Onion Saloon which was the last stop on our excursion after Liarsville. 

On 12/5/2020 at 12:42 PM, Heidi13 said:

In May, you are so close to the Solstice that it doesn't get dark enough, even on the 12 - 4 watch. However, I have seen them later in the season by late August and September, but clear skies are required.

 

During my multiple Alaska seasons, I have only seen them a couple of times and that was spending 4 hrs every night on the Bridge.

 

We certainly didn't make P/A announcements through the cabins at night and I highly doubt any ship would make them, even if the lights were visible.

I am told by my Princess vacation planner if the aurora appears an announcement will be made on the ship or at the lodge, even if it is two in the morning!

On 1/12/2021 at 5:04 PM, HenanSan said:

We are planning on taking a b2b cruise to Alaska in June of 2022.  Would there be an issue with an ocean view cabin vs a balcony?  We usually do balcony but with our plan to do a b2b on the Alaska cruise and there is over a $2,000 dollar difference in cabin selection.  I can put that towards another cruise.  BUT, if OV is terrible, I may just bite the bullet.  I know on the Miracle you can be on Lido since its closed but what are your Thoughts on cabin choices for an Alaskan cruise???

Balcony!

On 3/6/2021 at 12:00 PM, voljeep said:

enforce the dress 'code' to the MAX in the Traditional fixed time dining rooms

 

leave anytime dining alone even on 'picture night(s)'

I agree. This is a great solution and should be something everyone could be happy with. Formal night isn’t just about dressing up, there are different menu items, baked Alaska for one! I don’t feel comfortable in an evening gown/cocktail dress but I also wouldn’t wear jeans and a t-shirt. if all who shared the love of the formal wear experience could dine together in a designated area of the dining room they wouldn’t have to see what I am wearing and let it distract them from their experience 

Just now, skynight said:

Ditto others. No problem with D501

Thank you

25 minutes ago, jennybenny said:

Our experience has been similar to Sea Hag. Haven’t stayed in that exact cabin you are asking about, but have stayed in one similar on the Ruby Princess (by stairs) and on Crown Princess (by stairs and next cabin over from elevator). The stair or elevator noise was never a problem. I’d book that area again, if I wanted to be midship. 

Thank you. 

30 minutes ago, Sea Hag said:

I haven't stayed in that cabin, but I have stayed in cabins with pretty much the same location, just off the lobby area for panoramic lifts and stairwells. We never heard a thing from the lifts or stairwells. You'd have cabins above and below you, so no worries there. I'd be comfortable booking that cabin, but of course you could always have noisy neighbors. No help for that.

Thank you so much for your response. I feel so much better now!

This cabin is club class but very near the stairs. I am concerned there will be a lot of noise in that location and am hoping a cabin further from the stairs becomes available before my cruise in 2022. I would really appreciate any feedback from anyone else who has stayed in this cabin in regards to the noise. Thank you