cardamon

MGT is a long time shuttle vendor, who also runs a very good Mendenhall Glacier TOUR, which includes commentary, and drive by of Juneau sights. They pick up at the Tram for their shuttle service.

Tis may be our only time in Alaska. Which do you recommend: the MG tour or the shuttle?

My husband and another couple are planning 4 days of sightseeing in Seattle. The guys are microbrew snobs, so we need to plan visits to the best breweries into our touring schedule. We would like to visit many of the top attractions. Which breweries should be on our "must visit for great beers" list?

Are they near any of the top attractions, and are they accessible by the HoHo trolley or easy public transportation?

would you recommend buying a City Pass (we are making reservations for lunch at the Space Needle)?

[quote name=martincath

Perhaps some of the grownups would like to sample our local brews? There are a few brewpubs in the heart of downtown (easily HOHO route accessible) - Yaletown, Steamworks, or the Vancouver Urban Winery for by-the-glass samples of BC wines. The last one of these is actually an official stop on the Trolley HOHO route now! There's also a slightly-out-of-the-downtown-core passel of breweries recently-opened thanks to relaxed liquor licensing laws allowing on-site tasting rooms - Brassneck, 33 Acres, Main Street, and if they ever get around to actually opening this summer like they were meant to, Red Truck, all conveniently within a few minutes stagger of each other;-)

Martincath, it is time for me to get serious about planning our one day in Vancouver after returning from our Alaska cruise in September!! You gave me advise previously about brew pubs. My husband wants to visit them all, but I would also like to see as much of your beautiful city as possible.

If we take the HoHo trolley, what can we realistically see, and what brew pubs (including the 4 out of the way breweries) can we visit? What should be our priorities? Which are the best breweries (my husband is a microbrew snob). Please help me plan so I can see the city and make him happy with the breweries!!

Thanks in advance!!

Someone mentioned MGT. is this another alternate transport? We are leaning toward shuttle, but want to explore all options for 2 people.

I was one of those individuals who relied heavily on the comments and advice from CC members.

 

Here is what we finally booked:

 

Cruise Portion:

 

Ketchikan - Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

Juneau - Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery

(if any time or energy left Mt. Roberts Tramway)

Skagway - Red Onion Saloon Breakfast Tour & White Pass & Yukon Railroad

 

Land Portion:

 

Whitter / Talkeetna (Arrival Day) Evening Three Rivers Tour

Talkeetna (Full Day) - TAT Grand Denali Flightseeing w/ Glacier Landing

Talkeetna / Denali (Arrival Day) Evening Denali Jeep Backcountry Safari

Denali - (Full Day) Kantishna Experience

Denali / Fairbanks (Arrival Day) Alaskan Salmon Bake & Palace Theater Show

Fairbanks (Full Day) AM Gold Dredge 8 & Afternoon Riverboat Cruise

Fairbanks (Departure Day) Transfer to FAI

 

We know this is extensive but we also know we are unlikely to every be able to return.

Is it better to book the White Pass & Yukon RR through the cruise or can you walk off the cruise ship and easily buy a RR ticket without a reservation?

I really need help planning our exit from the cruise ship to our hotel in Vancouver. We will have 2 suitcases each, plus carry ons, having traveled 1 week in the Seattle area prior to our 8/29/2014 RC cruise to Alaska. Any recommendations on an easy way to get to our Hampton Inn Airport Hotel from the pier?

Second question: we have just one day in Vancouver before our flight back to PA the next day. What should we do after showing our bags at the hotel?

Thank you!!!

I'm trying all ways possible to drum up members for our Roll Call and thread on Rhapsody OS cuise to Alaska. Our thread is very slow, very few contribtors. I've learned through one of the cruisers, mr walker, that quite a few cruisers may be from this area. Please check out the thread and join our conversations. The more writes, more interesting voyage!!

I am Cardamon (Linda) from Rehoboth Beach, DE, making my first cruise to Alaska, looking forard to meeting you! Cheerleader by mature- just want to add to the cruise.:)

Interesting that they worked up some truly old-school recipes too. My old home-brew supplier back in my student days was the guy who started the modern trend of replicating ancient brews - Bruce Williams with Fraoch 'Heather Ale.' Chatting about that with my paleobotany prof lead to me writing a small treatise on the history of herbs used in brewing which may still be kicking around Glasgow Uni somewhere (although there's a good chance it died in the fire that burnt down the Botany building). They ship Fraoch over here to Canada, not sure about US availability. Used to usually ship in a pack of 'historic Scottish brews' including a pine ale, seaweed ale, and something else I cannot recall for the life of me.

Sounds like you and Sam could definitely talk Extreme Brewing! DFH's Midas Touch was based on scrapings from a vessel from in an Egyptian tomb, in collaboration with a prof from Univ. of PA. If you ever get to DE, come to the DFH brewery. They always have interesting brews, not always bottled or distributed.

Thank you for the advise. I'm sure I will have more questions between now and 9/5/2014!! My DH really enjoyed the brew chats.

I think all the local posters would agree with me that if it's within your budget stay downtown. Blue Horizon gets a lot of love here, and is one of the best-located hotels for someone planning to use the Trolley as there's a stop right outside the hotel.

 

The Hampton would have a slight edge for me personally as it's much closer to where most of the interesting restaurants are - not that you would struggle to find somewhere good to eat near Blue Horizon, but the Hampton sits nicely between Yaletown, Gastown and Chinatown and that's where most of the new kitchens are.

 

Both hotels are almost exactly the same time and distance from YVR, c.14km/22min - cab or Skytrain early in the morning will take less than half-an-hour.

 

Back to the beer thing - I neglected Granville Island! While the HOHO stop is a little away from the island itself (you have to walk a few minutes) there are two breweries and a Sake maker. Granville Island Brewing now makes 99% of their stuff at a macro-brewery elsewhere, but the beer you sample at their original site is still brewed in-house. Also, the GI Hotel has an on-site brewery with all their beers available at the hotel bar. The sake maker is rather unique - unless you visited Japan already of course;-)

Added Granville Island to the list. Can we get to Steamworks, Gastown Brewery, Granville Island, and the GI Hotel, all in one day?? And see Vancouver from the trolley?? If you had to rate these 4, 1 to 4, your rating? My hubbie hates to travel, so I plan our vacations around the brew pubs. By the way, ever had Dogfish Head beer? Owner is a friend of ours and hubbie has his seat at the bar!!

We made our reservation at the Hampton Airport. Hubbie wants to drop off the luggage ( I pack too much!) before we get started. I know it will take time but they do run a shuttle from the cruise terminal to the hotel, and we have an early flight the next day.

Thank you again for all your information.

I am from Delaware, sailing with you on the Rhapsody OS, August 29, 2014. I'd like to encourage everyone to sign up for the Meet & Mingle, and frequently check the Roll Call for our cruise. Looking forward to "talking to you" and meeting you on the cruise! I have so much to learn about Australia

Your beer advise is exactly what I needed! Our,time is so limited- I realize we will not do Vancouver justice . The day in Vancouver's best beer places is for my DH. I'm hoping to ride the Trolley to see the highlights.

I have stil not made reservations overnight- torn between staying near the airport or downtown. We could board the Trolley quicker if we stayed on Robson and took a taxi next AM to the airport. However, our flight is early. What do you advise? I'm looking at the Hampton Airport or Blue Horizon downtown because it is on the Trolley route.

Thank you so much!! Been so helpful!!

Ian so impressed with the wealth of info here- been on this thread for 2 hours catching up. We arrive in Vancouver by cruise ship on 9/5 and only have that day and overnight in town. We want to stay near the airport because of an early flight 9/6. We want to do as much as possible in our short time.

Questions:

1. Can you recommend a moderate priced airport hotel with SkyTrain access?

2. Would you encourage checking our luggage at Priority Baggage services (Canada Place, correct?) so we can begin our tour of the city ASAP on the Trolley? ( as opposed to going to our airport hotel, then taking SkyTrain back downtown?)

3. My husband is a home brewer, loves his beer. I read good reviews for Gastown Brewery. Any other recommendations for p,aces we can reach easily from the Trolley line?

Thank you for the help. This trip. Has been the most difficult for me to plan because we have never been to Vancouver or Seattle.:confused:

Could be a few things;

 

A) Lots of seniors on your cruise who don't know what a computer is

B) People on your cruise haven't heard of CC (yes, there are many)

C)Your fellow cruisers are active outdoorsy people who don't want to sit in front of a computer and visit message boards.

D) It's still pretty early

 

Be patient and have a great cruise! We did Rhapsody out of Seattle in 2011 and it was a blast! It did rain every day but we went in September and it is a rain forest after all.

 

I highly, HIGHLY recommend the White Pass train.

Thank you for the encouraging comments! I am considering the White Pass RR. Did you book it yourself or through the cruise line?

Royal Caribbean bottle prices are close to double what they are at restaurants around where I live.

 

 

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My favorite wines- those made by my husband. No company makes a better one. So we carry on 2 bottles of his wine to enjoy on our balcony. Up until last cruise, we bought the wine packages. They are now out of controller in price. I realize this is where they make their money- but why not make a reasonable profit instead and make your cruisers happy?

I've never been on a cruise when the Roll Call thread started so slowly!! We sail August 29 from Seattle and we only have about 4 regular responders with 10 total responders! How can we get this going? I have never been to Seattle or Alaska, and the Rhapsody is a new ship for me. Help!!

The CDC has placed Labadee, Haiti, RC"s private beach, on their malaria alert list. I just returned from cruising was rejected from donating blood because of this alert. I donate regularly every 8 weeks. Now I have to wait for 1 year before I can donate again. It would have been good to know prior to cruising: I would probably have stayed on the ship. It is my fault, never thought to check the CDC list prior to cruising, but RC could alert passengers of this change. Please be aware this is not the choice of the donor center. This is a CDC regulation used by all donor sites.

Indiana: I have not been on this thread for a long time, and it is good to see that you are still contributing to a "fun to read" topic. You have really inspired me in my packing for our Bermuda trip. If you remember me(?-April, EOS), I am going to Bermuda with my girlfriends this Sat.- 5 nights again on the EOS. I've done the spread sheet for all clothes and jewelry-I think it really did help me to cut down on packing! Did have to put in a few extra tops in case it is cooler than expected in Bermuda this time of year. My friend Trudy is also trying the spread sheet- what a challenge for her! She is packing her jewelry in snack bags, marked by days. She said it really helped her to organize! I learned that tip here.

Pantyhose: hate it. So I will not be wearing it on our cruise. I'm hoping since it will be too cool for outside activities, I will be inside most nights. I am also taking cruise wear, just like I would for the Caribbean, even though our sailing days will be cool (or cold). Is this the right idea? Anyone else done a fall cruise in cool weather?

Just confirmed our reservation with Duke for Nov. 14. He called me to confirm- I liked that! I also appreciate the idea of ending in Hamilton and taking the ferry back to the Dockyards so we can see the island from the water! Really looking forward to our tour. The only guide I contacted that was already booked for that day was Colin.

Question: Is Nov. 14 a holiday in Bermuda? How long are the shops open in the Dockyards? Is there any place to go in the Dockyards after diner for a drink with local flavor- and safe for 4 women alone?

Just booked with Duke for Nov. 14 tour. Looking forward to it. I think we made a good decision- considering the bus problems, the congestion, waits for the bus or ferry, crowding when the ship arrives. It sounds like we will see what we want to see and can also take Duke's suggestions to make our quick trip complete. We are only in port from 11AM Mon. to 1PM Tues! Tues we plan to stay in the Dockyards, where we are docked.

Just found this thread- enjoyed reading all your comments! I agree- this season has not been enough about true design. Maybe they should try a challenge to design a wearable wardrobe for cruise fashionistas - any volunteers?

I like Anya's designs, but think her sewing skills should have eliminated her long ago- isn't it the total package? Bert has class- but do they want class? Heidi is always sating- "I would wear that". I like those challenges better than what can you make out of flypaper.

Keep watching. Money on anyone?

Could you please add an email address for Nevis Barbosa? We need to book a taxi for 11/12. Thanks!

Hi Indiana: hope you had a great time in Las Vegas! Never been there, but hope to in the future. Maybe they need to put it on the cruise route?

To all: thanks for the suggestions for our girlfriends" crise in Nov. to Bermuda from Baltimore. I do plan in lots of layers. Buying a few basics on a new color (aquamarine) for me lets me add a few new things while incorporating the old standards- black, tan, old jewelry. I will take one bathing suit- for the solarium, with a coverup. What to wear sailing out of B-more is a problem- I'd not like to take a heavy coat, but I love to be on deck for the sail under the bridge! any suggestions?

Also, what do you wear ith your formal clothes on cool nights on the ship?

Indiana- You look great in your outfits! thanks for the Bermuda advise. I will take capris (or crop pants) with tanks and T's for Bermuda. We will be inside for most evenings, plan on eating in the MDR, and will have fun "dressing up". Nice thing about going with the girls- we can dress for fun. I have a Jones NY black cocktail dress for formal night. I have the same dress (it fit so well!) in Red- not sure which one to take? I love red, but will not have much of a tan in Nov.

Chicos makes it so easy to coordinate (I find bargains in stores all over and then don't know what to wear them with!) I may not shop anywhere else! with their discounts and Passport, and no tax on clothing in Delaware, I think I can save. Of course, there is the occasional trip to Filene's Basement in Baltimore before the cruise.

Have fun in Vegas- one of my cruise partners is here now, and took a lotof what we bough in Chicos.

Indiana: did not know you had a place in Rehoboth. We do too and we are moving there permanently in June, 2012. Here is my email address (know I should not do this, but I thought we might be able to get together)

lsancrab@aol.com

Hi Indiana! and all other Fashionistas!

We are cruising on the Enchantment, from Baltimore, leaving 11/12, 5 nights, and I'm not sure what type of day wear we will need for Bermuda this time of year. Has anyone cruised during this time of year? Will I need a bathing suit for Bermuda or on board? Capris or shorts for touring in Bermuda? Lots of layers, sweaters, sweatshirts? Still OK to wear summer clothes even in Nov?

I have one cocktail dress packed for our one formal night, but plan to do "fun dressy casual" the other 4 nights. Just treated myself to a trip to Chicos- they make it so easy to buy clothes in coordinating colors! My friend picked the red-orange, which I normally love, so I went with the blue- and love the new "****take" color- kind of brown, goes with so much in the Chico pallet! I bought a blue silk shell- goes with the ****take and black pants, and multicolored sweaters, and a light weight blazer-wind breaker. The saleswoman did talk me into my first skirt I'd bought in a long time- animal print skirt with a dressy draped black shell (which I can wear with a lot!). I'm 64, but love dressing up, and looking good is still very important to me, even if I think women over 60 are invisible to most younger people.

Please give your suggestions for day wear on board and in Bermuda, and thanks for reading my little tirade on "invisible women who still like to look good without blue eye shadow".