karatemom2

We are not “teetotalers” nor do we drink very much. I enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner some nights, not all. And we enjoy a few cocktails over the course of the cruise, generally in the Elite Lounge. We have no use for the Plus/Premier package with our 1/2 price WiFi benefit, no interest in juice/coffee or “desserts” and minimal alcohol consumption, especially when we can relax before dinner in the nice Elite lounge, with our $8 cocktail, nice hors d oeuvres and live music. It’s lovely. We generally get at least two complimentary meals in the specialty restaurants, chocolates and chocolate covered strawberries, and bottle of champagne from our Casino host, plus our Elite mini bar which we switch out for soda and water. So with all that we are well set without a package. So you see, the Elite benefits do sometimes have a bearing on the decision not to buy into the packages, as well as Casino perks. And it isn’t just for “teetotalers” as you seem to presume.

The Shorex team still could have connected the dots when a group of passengers was missing - they would have all been on the manifest for that tour. Seems like common sense they would then be reaching out to the tour operator to ask about the NINE missing people. But that requires a level of attention and service that apparently some here thinks is not at all the responsibility of NCL who is pocketing money for a shore excursion that supposed to include return transport to the ship. How terribly naive of these people to think they would get what they paid for.

Wandered where? There is basically no place to wander at the Ward Cove port - it is fully self contained and just has some shops and amenities at the port entrance where no one is getting lost from the ship. The tour operator appeared to know full well that they had a group of people they were leaving behind in Ketchikan. That should have been shared with the Shorex team who has a roster with a list of passengers on each tour. It wouldn’t have been hard to figure out all these missing passengers were on the same tour and for the Shorex team to connect with the operator to ask where they were. Clearly no one really gave a damn about these people except the port authority who apparently tried to rescue them and get them back to the ship as it was sailing away. Not a great look for NCL or a way to create confidence in their shore excursions. I think private vendors with their reputation at stake would try harder to get people back on time.

Wow. Maybe I will remain primarily a Princess loyalist. We have enjoyed several NCL cruises and had thought we might plan more, but if what is being shared here is the NCL Shorex approach to customer service or general attitude - I think I’ll pass. I definitely wouldn’t pay the extra dollars expecting any support or consideration now based on these comments. By contrast, we have been on a few Princess shore excursions that ran over for one reason or another. In fact, we just got back from a Norway cruise where our tour group ended up sharing a last tender with the wrap up crew because it had been slightly delayed. There was never a question or concern. We were assured the entire time the Shorex team was aware and on top of it and we would be fine with the late return. In other instances when tours didn’t deliver as promised, the Princess Shorex team has investigated, apologized, and issued partial refunds. They are very service oriented and regularly have members of their team do secret guest tours with passengers to make sure operators are meeting expectations. This is what I expect if I’m paying top dollar to book through the ship and they are pocketing a profit from these tours. From what is being shared here, sounds like the NCL Shore Excursion team couldn’t care less and service is severely lacking. Good to know.

We were so glad we did our research and went this year before things started changing. We just got back from our Princess cruise that included Geiranger, Flåm, and Olden. I feel so fortunate we made all three. As I look at next year’s options those places look very hard to find. I’m assuming it’s due to the new requirements going into place on emissions and sizes of ships in the fjords. If you can find a cruise that includes at least two, especially Geiranger, I would jump on it.

My husband has worked very hard to get his A1C under 7 - last test was 6.3 so he is doing well. He has done it through diet and is on the very lowest dose of Metformin. We love to cruise, so he has really changed his pattern of eating on our trips. Thankfully Princess offers plenty of good options. Some things he does - avoid breads completely. He loves the pizza, so he will get a slice and just eat the cheese and toppings - no crust. At the grill he will enjoy a hot dog or burger bun free, or with lettuce wrap. If getting food in the buffet he loads up on salads, veggies, and meats from the carving station. He will also make a meat and cheese platter - like a charcuterie. In the MDR, they are very accommodating about substituting a double order of vegetables when the meal has rice or potatoes. For entrees he sticks to things like shrimp cocktail, veggie and antipasto entrees, soups, salads. He fully avoids pasta, potatoes, rice, and most fruits. And, he doesn’t completely deny himself desserts. He does generally stick to sugar free options with little or no flour component - things like ice creams, custards, puddings, mousse etc. if there is a crust like with a tart or pie, he simply does not eat that part of the dessert. Given how active we are and how careful he is for the most part, he also allows an occasional fully loaded treat. We aren’t drinkers, so alcohol really isn’t an issue for him. He will usually allow a couple of cocktails during our trip, but other than that he drinks water or Diet Coke. He manages to enjoy and eats a lot of meats and seafood too. He keeps it real and doesn’t go off the rails, but also lets himself have a little bit of the “good” stuff within strict moderation. it is totally doable and you can still have wonderful meals.

As a matter of fact, if you read my earlier post you would note I have in fact been to Ward Cove twice. It’s a full nightmare. I have also been on many ship excursions, including to the lumberjack show. So I am speaking from experience and the shuttle situation for Ward Cove is ridiculous and chaotic - no question about it. However, when you are on a ship sponsored excursion you should expect dedicated transport for your group. Generally you have a number and color with corresponding bus - for example on one of our recent Princess tours we were group Blue 7 - our bus had a sign in the front window - Blue 7. Only people with the corresponding ticket or sticker were on this bus. This is where, somehow, the system failed here. And it is very likely because of the chaotic mess created by the whole Ward Cove transit issue. But that does not alleviate the responsibility of the tour operators to monitor who is getting on the bus and it doesn’t alleviate the responsibility of NCL to live up to their promises to people who book ship excursions and do their part to attempt to return on their designated transportation that they are guaranteed return to the ship. I'm glad for the family that NCL seems to be really doing their best to make it right and hopefully they can enjoy a future cruise with the compensation being offered.

But you could! It’s ok. As a frequent Princess cruiser I can assure you that people complain there all the time. We love Princess, but many of your points about the Discovery are absolutely valid and I agree. It is definitely not our favorite Princess ship - in general we prefer the older Grand Class ships. But the right cabin on the Royal Class ships helps, and we love the forward facing balconies for scenic cruises. We also really like NCL - we have had great cruises. We enjoy the food and particularly the entertainment. However, for Alaska, itinerary is 100 percent our priority and NCL itineraries and port times are just not up to par. We are looking at other options with NCL and look forward to cruising with them again - maybe in Europe or East Coast. We would even do Mexican Riviera with NCL again. Just not Alaska.

These are the facts reported; Family booked an NCL ship excursion to lumberjack show. Tour operator had dedicated transport for this group of NCL passengers ON THIS TOUR. Passengers who were not a part of this paid NCL excursion made their way onto the return tour bus dedicated to the lumberjack tour group. Family with paid NCL shore excursion was prohibited from getting on their reserved tour bus because people who were not part of the tour were mistakenly allowed to board, taking their seats. Tour operator indicated another bus would be taking them back to the ship which did not materialize in timely fashion and they missed boarding time, even though they were on a ship sponsored tour. NCL has acknowledged responsibility and is covering all costs and offering future cruise compensation as well because they are attempting as best as possible to make things right for this family that had a pretty big ordeal because mistakes were made. Your comments about Regent being in port have literally zero to do any of this and it doesn’t take any detective work to figure it out because NCL has basically acknowledged exactly what happened!

We just returned from a wonderful cruise to Norway and the fjords there. It was spectacular - just beautiful. We loved it. We have cruised in Alaska numerous times. I will say without hesitation it is equally as beautiful. The glaciers are much larger and more impressive, the wildlife is abundant, the towns are charming and full of history. It is a destination not to be missed which is why we keep returning and my son actually just moved there to work as an attorney in Anchorage. Out kids grew up cruising Princess. They have a good program for youth and wonderful Alaska itineraries. You and your daughter will love it. Just a few of the thousands of photos from our many trips.

I am not arguing NCL’s reasons for establishing Ward Cove. Clearly they had challenges that made it a preferred option for the cruise line. My observation is that for passengers, especially those who may be unfamiliar or inexperienced, it is very limiting and challenging, and NCL has not figured out how to run it well or efficiently - especially with the limited port hours they offer. This was a situation just waiting to happen and it was due in large part to the confusing and inadequate setup they have established for transporting people. It is an aspect of choosing a cruise line and itinerary for an Alaska cruise that people need to understand and consider. NCL is not the best option and Ward Cove is less than optimal for anyone who truly wants to have any meaningful time or experience in Ketchikan. I would imagine after this NCL Shore Excursions department will implement some improvements in the shuttle situation and with their partner tour companies in monitoring who is getting on their buses to hopefully avoid a repeat of leaving customers on an NCL excursion behind.

How many of you commenting here have actually been to the absolute joke that is the NCL Ward Cove port? I have - twice. And let me tell you I would NEVER cruise with NCL in Alaska again. The Ketchikan port stop is a complete cluster with the short port times and crazy shuttle bus situation. By the time people are trying to return via these shuttles from town, it is literally every man for themself. We had the good sense the second time we were there to arrange private transportation because we knew what a complete mess it is based on actual experience. I feel for those who venture into this uninformed thinking that they will have a fun port day in Ketchikan. it’s pretty clear what happened here. This family booked an NCL excursion which should have been reliable and provided them peace of mind and protection. But in the mob scene of people pushing and shoving their way on any bus they can plant themselves on as the day gets short, the tour operator made the error of allowing non tour passengers on a bus dedicated to the lumberjack tour excursion participants, thus leaving this family out in the cold with the promise another bus would be coming for them. This is completely on NCL and the tour operator - they know it which is why they are being so upfront about reimbursement and trying to make things right. But the even bigger issue is the whole Ward Cove failure and how dismal it is to navigate as opposed to being on a ship that actually docks in Ketchikan.

I guess that depends on each individual. This is my opinion - you have yours. I understand that the new way of doing this excursion picks passengers up directly from the cruise ship which reduces the overall time which might make it easier to do two small boat excursions in one port day, but it would still be a rush and a lot of stress IMO. And yes, tiring, running from one to the other. When we did these excursions via a private vendor they departed from Juneau. It was a good solid 8 hour excursion - so yes, wonderful but tiring for those like us standing at the rail binoculars in hand almost the entire time. I guess if you just sit passively it may be less tiring, but that’s not how we roll. By the time we got back to Juneau, which is a long ride, we were tired and famished as the food served on the tour amounts to a snack. So we were ready for a break from being on a small boat and a nice meal in town. That’s my perspective. I would have not wanted to be rushed and running to jump on yet another small boat excursion. Others might - I was offering my thoughts based on my experiences. if you are prepared to run from one boat tour to another with little time to spare in order to catch a second trip, miss exploring town entirely, and hold off on an enjoying an evening meal. then by all means, go for it. The OP was asking for opinions and I provided mine.

We just got back from our cruise on the Sky Princess and booked the Blue Puffin tour for Honningsvag. It was excellent - definitely book with them and do it earlier rather than later because they do book up.

Even if you could make it work, you probably won't want to hop right back on another small boat excursion. The Tracy Arm Fjord small boat excursion is amazing - but it is a long excursion and you will be tired and ready to maybe spend some time in town and get a bite to eat after a very full day. Going back out on another boat in search of whales (which hopefully you will see on your Tracy Arm excursion) would just be really a lot to try to take on at that point.

You can do a lot in a port in 7 hours. Things stay open to well into the evening when ships are in town and tours operate in the evening as well. One of the most beautiful whale watching trips we ever did in Juneau was an evening excursion. You can eat dinner in town - heck, even enjoy the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. It's fun and good food in a beautiful setting. You will have plenty of options - the town stays active pretty much until the last ship leaves port.

You don't say when you are traveling but if it is the next several weeks, it will still be light well into the evening. We actually had our best bear watching experience on any Alaska trip in Haines on an evening wildlife tour to Chilkat Lake there. We saw a Mama Brown bear and her cubs feeding on salmon, and another juvenile brown bear as well. It was pretty remarkable and around 8:30 p.m. at the very beginning of twilight on an August trip. So there will be wildlife options as well as probably things still open in town since the stores might stay open late to accommodate the ship's schedule.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful live review. We just returned from the 6/15 cruise and loved everything about our experience and the beauty of Norway. We are regular Alaska cruisers as well and our son lives in Anchorage, so I quite love Alaska as well and find it equally as beautiful in different ways. Both places are amazing and choosing between them would be like picking a favorite child - impossible! I will enjoy following along as you continue on the Baltic segment as we are considering that itinerary for next year!

We just did this on the Sky a couple of weeks ago and it was a wonderful experience. I had pre booked it for my husband’s birthday. When we arrived in our stateroom there was a certificate there with the “card” I had written. Within the first couple of hours of arriving in our room, we got a call from room service confirming our date and time. We scheduled for 5:30 pm which was the earliest time offered. They also confirmed our preferences - surf and turf, or all surf or all turf. Also how we wanted our filet cooked. They confirmed we had no food allergies and also what our preference was for our included cocktails. On the date of our dinner our wait team arrived right on time, served our cocktails, and set up our table and seated us. A photographer was there who took several photos. They weren’t included but we opted to purchase one. The food and champagne were wonderful and service was attentive and flowed smoothly. It was fabulous. We would absolutely recommend it and do it again. A very special evening!

Agree. We don’t really love the Royal class ships as much as others, although we have come to like the Sky, mostly due to its Southampton base, great itineraries, wonderful food and service, and the forward balcony cabins. There are still enough traditional Princess aspects to keep us at least feeling like we are “home”. However, the Grand class ships are and will always be our favorites - the best designs and sizes. After our last 4 consecutive trips being on Royal class ships, we are so thrilled to be on the Ruby in a couple of months and I think we are going to choose the Emerald over the Sky for our Southampton cruise next summer. We have absolutely zero interest in the Sun or Star.

We don’t get the packages, and are very light drinkers so we actually quite appreciate the Elite lounge for light bites and the very few cocktails we drink during our cruise. It’s a nice welcoming space to enjoy some pre dinner relaxation.

We gifted our daughter and her new husband champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, Balcony Dinner, and flowers in their cabin for their honeymoon. We had their booking number which made it pretty easy to complete the request. It was all there waiting for them when they arrived to their cabin.

Good luck!! There are plenty of trivia options - so no doubt you will find one that plays to your strengths!

Sure! They are cute and quite handy. I keep one in my purse to use when I need to make old school notes.

It's awesome!