Mbcruiser704

Is there any discount for the over 55 crowd with NCL?

Sky train you will be fine with tap, but if you are making a larger purchase, PIN may be required.

Looking forward to seeing these!

If one buys an NCL excursion in Ketchikan, do you get transportation from Ward Cove or do you have to take the shuttle into town to meet?

Do these ships dock in Juneau or normally tender?   I see NCL Bliss and Encore have Juneau marked as a tender port.

Do all of the cruise lines dock outside of town requiring a shuttle in?

43 minutes ago, Wlcreations said:

Thank you so much @jeromep for such a great indepth review of Princess! This really makes a difference.

 

Sorry, I have a side question, we like the "freestyle" dining at NCL where we don't have arranged seating with others. But I heard that that is not unique to NCL and that it works the same way with other cruise lines too. How does dining work at Princess, Holland America or other cruises you've experenced? Is it you can go whenever with whoever you want (unless the resturant is booked and if so there is a wait) or is there a set schedule that needs to be followed with assigned seating?

This is definitely available on Princess and Holland America, as well as other lines like Carnival.  Sometimes, the name differs but these all have a “dine at your time” option.  I’ve done both assigned and dine your time and never sat with strangers.  Not my thing, thanks (though I appreciate others may enjoy that).

If ones changes status from bronze to silver halfway through a cruise, do the benefits kick in on the day you turn over to new level or do you have to wait till the next cruise?

Which would you choose and why?  Mostly interested in beautiful scenery and possibly wildlife, as well as a view of the glacier.

Is this maybe USA only?  I can’t see this on the site.  When does this offer end? 

I just booked my dad and his wife on Zaandam May 8 and the two options were Main Dining and a Your time dining but when I selected Main Dining, it didn’t give a time slot?  Does anyone know?  On other lines, I’ve had early/late etc.

Can anyone comment on the availability of public viewing areas?  We are also looking at foregoing a balcony.  And why are some saying they prefer Spirit?  

Anyone been on Luminosa?   Also seeking opinions on Carnival options - particularly ships with good viewing areas since we are not doing a balcony.

Does Luminosa have many venues onboard where one can sit and watch scenery go by?  Thinking outdoor seating facing the ocean or indoor large glass walled areas?

1 minute ago, CruiserBruce said:

Bigger ship, more entertainment and dining choices. HAL has a pretty good thing going with the BB King Lounge and The Rolling Stone Lounge. Should be fine for your nights on a 7 day cruise.

Are those on Eurodam?  I only saw a Billboard Music venue on the website.

1 minute ago, CruiserBruce said:

I would do Eurodam over Westerdam....but if you are seeking highly active entertainment...

 

Cruising Alaska is about Alaska. I hope you can find a way to enjoy yourselves.

What do you prefer about Eurodam?  We are more just seeking a balance between  days enjoying the scenery and a few hours of entertainment after dinner.

Hello!  We (early 50’s) like to cruise NCL for the entertainment - we love watching live contemporary rock and country music, seeing comedians, etc. We find the food has always been decent, but the service, I agree isn’t the best and I haven’t been super happy with it. We are considering Eurodam (or Westerdam) for Alaska for June 2025.   My only concern is that we will be bored in the evenings (not that we go to bed super early but midnight on vacation we will do some nights!) as I’ve heard HAL is a pretty sedate line.  I don’t need an all night party, but I do like some nightly entertainment in the form of contemporary music, comedy, a good magician…

Following

I’ve read that often this route is cancelled due to weather and the ship goes to Endicott Arm.  Would going in July make it more likely to cruise Tracy?  Or should we assume we are going to Endicott?

I’m looking at an Alaska June 2025 cruise - how far in advance can one book excursions?  I hear some sell out.  I haven’t booked the cruise yet but was wondering if there was some benefit to booking early in order to access excursions early.

On 12/3/2023 at 7:12 AM, EllieinNJ said:

We are looking at the Aloft or Fairfield Inn in El Segundo because they have free shuttles from LAX and there seems to be plenty of fast food places nearby and also a Ralphs where we can pick up soda.  Is it safe to walk around this area?

During the day, I felt fine walking in the area alone as an older white female.  Just try to avoid secluded areas - the usual.  I don’t think I’d venture out alone after dark just to be on the safe side.

I’ve recently sailed both and both have their pros and cons depending what you are looking for.  My upcoming cruise with my 24 year old son?  Carnival for the better nightlife/party atmosphere.  A cruise with older kids?  Carnival for the water parks, etc.  Want a quieter cruise?  Princess. Younger kids would be ok on a newer Princess ship with a splash pad.  Princess.  I loved the medallion and tbh thought the service on Princess was better IF you go with plus or premium (room service, food delivery to your location, alcohol included in room service).  But I did find the overall vibe to be slightly older with less of a night life.

24 minutes ago, Steff79 said:

what ship are you looking for?

Thinking of Armonia?  Haven’t really decided yet, though…

I was planning on using Uber to go from our LAX hotel to Carnival port Monday late morning. Stories of LA traffic have me scared though!  I’m worried about missing the ship!  Is that something I should be considering when choosing between Carnival’s transfer and Uber?

When I searched the website, I only saw two cruise options - 6 day and 8 day - out of LA in April 2026.  Will more be added?  Looking for a 4 day…