arpie05

We did it in on the Joy in 2019. It was hard and there was one family playing who already knew the answers.

Is there anywhere recommended in Vancouver to do High Tea?

It was a lovely small port 14 years ago when we cruised there on NCL. I walked to Safeway and bought some Canadian treats to bring home. There were so many eagles flying around it was crazy. We ate along the wharf. A friend went on a Kayak excursion. They had a lots of salmon markets.

I find funny the ATM usage comments. Because I guess they're becoming more common again? I haven't used one since 1990. (And don't plan to start again...lol)

PS - I believe you're from NC - note the time difference on Alaska ports. Alaska ships tend to be quiet in the evenings because everyone is tired and off the ship early in the morning. A 7 am port maybe 10 or 11 am to you. So by 8 pm - you will be very tired because it's 11 or midnight at home.

Why do you want to cruise Alaska? What is the most important to see? With a 12 & 20 year old - ship activities might matter. I've been Alaska twice but both were out of Seattle. I've been trying to do a one way for a few years but Covid canceled them so have it booked for 2023. I haven't seen Glacier Bay so that is why I picked the ship and itinerary that we are sailing. Do I wish it was on a bigger ship - yes. But this particular trip is about where it's going so I had to pick how to get there. And pay attention that North and South sailing go to different glaciers and some different ports. I would have liked to see Sitka but that wasn't an option if going on a Glacier Bay sailing. NCL does have some 2 bedroom suites or you could do a balcony with interior across the hall for kids.

I also got very seasick on our whale watching excursion at Icy Point. I have not been that sick in a while. The boat probably had 30-50 guests as there was seating on each side (and middle I believe) as well as going up on deck. I think each row could have held 4 people if needed but it was about 2 per row.

We loved Prince Rupert. NCL used to cruise there as an alternative to Victoria. It was a quaint little fishing port when we stopped there about 14 years ago. I liked that about the town. I walked to the Safeway up a hill to buy Canadian snacks and ginger ale. There were so many eagles waiting for Salmon fishermen too. I have seen it pop back into some of the ships as a stop.

From the NCL website EMBARKATION + DISEMBARKATION Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing on Day 1 of cruise. Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on final day of cruise.

I stayed there one day before a 3 day. Wish I had had a week there. Lovely property.

If the airline changes your flight again - make them change the airport. They can do that. Good luck!

As of 3/19 list of available items on Premium Plus it states bottles are at Dinner (only)

On the Joy our Club Balcony room machine took little capsule shaped ones - little pods. Not Kcup shaped. ... Like KYLENYC said LOL

https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/premium-plus-beverage-package.pdf It says Premium Coffee included. Just have to upgrade to get which for 7 days is about $244 pp. I don't see myself spending $35 a day on coffee and sparkling water.

Thank you for the info on breakfast locations. You should write a blog. You are an excellent writer. I'm not sailing until 2023 (May 29) but was supposed to so this sailing in 2021. Have you thought about posting Vancouver tips - fav restaurants, what to see in the West Coast Departure section? I would love to know!

$20 seems like a rip off because it's right there. Also depending on your arrival port - you could be already at the Jetty/Cove and walkable. I know CCL Mardi Gras is on the west side. Right by Jetty Park.

Do you have to be a certain room level or cruise level to go the Moderno for breakfast? I can't manage a Haven room but have been thinking moving up to a Suite with the butler service (have regular balcony now).

We're booked at the Hilton Vancouver downtown but next May (2023). Using points.

I concur - what is the deal with 55+ and not 50+ I have friends in their late 40s that have grandkids which isn't unusual if you had a child in your early 20s and so did that child... I'm counting down my days to full retirement - days before 53! (ie Next year)