Aquahound

Ok. The answer to that question is simple supply and demand. Did you ever follow the pricing on your cruise? I'm sure it fluctuated a lot from the time it was released until the time it was canceled. I'm booked on Quantum in a little over 2 months for 7 nights. When I first looked, a year ago, balconies were $1300 per person. I waited until they dropped to $650 and I booked. Meanwhile, twin sister ship Ovation, sailing the same week, is still at over $1000 per person. Unfortunately, that is the world of cruise pricing.

I am just trying to imagine the size of the freezer that would have to hold all those bags of ice. 😁

Your whole cruise was canceled, not ports, so I don't understand this question. 🤷‍♂️

It moves down to Seattle after Vancouver and starts AK cruises out of Seattle on May 6.

In my experience, this isn't even close. Definitely Celebrity in both MDR and specialty.

Agree with both of the above. Also, drive by the Governor's mansion, and then out Basin Rd to the end where you can hike a little and check out the mining museum. Drive down Skaters Cabin Rd and stop by the cabin that overlooks Mendenhall Lake. Maybe hike a little bit of West Glacier Trail. If you like craft beers, stop by Forbidden Peak Brewery in Auk Bay.

I kinda understand the HAL issue. That bench seat that runs the length of the window, facing away from the window is a good test of people's sense of community. If folks are sitting in the chairs facing out, it's kinda rude to plop down in front of them. Then again, it's empty seating. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

I guess I don't really understand the need or expectation to move. There are prime viewing locations all over the ship and if a spot isn't prime, just be patient and as the ship moves, it will soon become prime. If a person gets a good spot on the railing, just like if they grab a great lounger, it is theirs until they want to vacate it. And I think slidergirl nailed it. In areas like Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm, we just hang out on the balcony. We see one side going in and the other side going out. And yes, we do get hot chocolate served. Well, at least, my wife does because I'm the one going and getting it. 😁

I highly recommend these 2 ideas. The glacier hike is flat and easy, and the boat ride to the glacier, I thought, was excellent.

Are you willing to do a hike? I highly recommend the Dewey Lake hike, at least to Lower Dewey Lake, and taking the trail around the lake.

We, too, regularly cruise Royal Caribbean. It's been a while since we cruised Celebrity, but we have Edge booked later this year. We've cruise Solstice Class a few times, including Eclipse, and we loved it! The Solstice Class ships are beautiful and to this day, remain some of our favorite ships on which we have cruised. I typically recommend RCI for families, and Celebrity for couples. Like leaveitallbehind said, the two lines are very different, but great in their own regard. Never cruised MSC so can't comment. Can't really comment on Carnival either since I still have not yet wanted to venture back after one cruise with them.

As the others said, Stephens Passage is the primary route when northbound into or southbound out of Juneau. I've never seen a cruise line highlight it as part of the itinerary. It's a wide pass. I've seen whale spouts numerous times through there, but rarely close to the ships. They're usually close to the shoreline.

This is kinda contradictory because some of the largest mega-ships sailing Alaska are Princess ships. To the Op, my recommendation is Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships. In in my opinion, they are the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. They're not the mega RCI ships with ziplines, but they do offer a lot of fun activities and great nightly entertainment. Radiance and Brilliance sail out of Vancouver and, I think, Serenade is sailing out of Seattle. Pick an itinerary that visits Hubbard Glacier.

My most sincere apologies. I regret responding to that poster. Hopefully going forward, everyone can be adults and not attack one another for differences in opinion. Happy cruising, and good luck with whichever option you choose. I'm sure you'll have a great time. 🥹

I agree with AKJonesy. I don't recommend Anchorage as a destination. Girdwood & Alyeska is a great destination but if you want more of a scenic road trip, I recommend heading in the other direction toward Seward, or maybe out to Hope. There are so many spots to stop the car and take in the beauty. I also think 6:30 is cutting it a little close. Remember, it's not a regular port call. You're on a back-to-back, so they might want you there earlier. I would try to be back around 5 or 5:30.

Thank you! It only seems to get worse and worse as time goes on, doesn't it? 🤷‍♂️🙄

Nope. That's not what I said. I said nothing about ports. But hey, keep making stuff up to justify yourself.

No, your problem is you can't follow context or any other opinion contrary to yours. My post was a snide response to those who seem to have such a terrible time understanding why others like to have good entertainment on board. But hey, if you didn't get it then, I don't expect you to get it now. See ya.

I have not cruised Silversea but if that is a solid option, I say go for it! A good friend of mine cruised Silver Muse last year and still raves about it. I think Nova is sailing from Vancouver, which looks like a really nice ship.

For those folks, I'm surprised the Alaska Marine Highway System and/or the small expeditionary cruise lines aren't mentioned more. Personally, if my ONLY interest was watching the scenery 24/7 and never attending shows or going to a dining room, I wouldn't even look at the large, modern cruise ships.

Yep, and I've got it booked. I cannot wait to see that ship!

Or the sudden increase in fighter pilots when Top Gun came out. 😁 Don't even get me started on the posers.

I love on board entertainment and will always consider the ship as a high priority, second to the itinerary. Hard for some to understand, apparently, but oh well. 🤷‍♂️

I know because I work in the industry. 😉

Do Tracy Arm and then when in Whittier, do the Portage Glacier cruise.