WisCruiser2

We have sailed on Caribbean three times since 2013 (last time in 2017) It's not my favorite ship in that class, primarily because Crooner's (the piano bar), which we like to spend part of our evenings in if the piano player is good, is in a terrible spot. But that doesn't keep us from cruising on her again, as we hope to in October for 12 days, if the itinerary is what we want. I see that it was refurbished in 2019, don't know that I'll notice any changes from six years ago 😉 A lot of the complaints I read about seem to be "first-world problems..."

While we have been on and enjoy the Caribbean and that class ship, as well as the Royal class ones, I did like the smaller, more intimate feeling of the Coral. There are plenty of open deck areas for glacier and scenery viewing. It had about the same number of passengers as the old Sun Princess, I think. I haven't been on the Sapphire, but have seen good reviews about it. If you haven't yet read any blogs by Pescado Amarillo (pescadoamarillo.blogspot.com), she just completed a back to back Alaskan cruise on the Sapphire - great reading!

I know others will chime in with their experiences and preferences, so I'll start off with mine. We did our first Alaska cruisetour in 2002, on the old Sun Princess. Started in Fairbanks (overnight), took the train in the morning to the Denali Lodge for one night, train in the afternoon to Talkeetna and the McKinley Lodge for two nights, then to the ship for the southbound itinerary. Our second time was in 2018 on the Coral Princess (my recommendation) and we did the Beyond the Beaten Path land tour, which started in Anchorage with an overnight there. There were two long bus days, but lots of beautiful scenery, and we chose this one especially for the Copper River Lodge, which we loved! We only did the train on this one from Denali to Talkeetna. The first time we went in mid-August and the second one was late May-early June. I agree with your preference to do the land portion first. We did not do "meals included" on the land tour, that way we were not locked in to specific meals, and in Fairbanks (2-night stay) had dinner at two local restaurants. Whatever you choose, I hope you have a wonderful time!

We love the Caribe balcony rooms because of the larger balcony and always book them on that class ship! We usually go with aft as the fare is lower, but midship is a good location.

If I remember correctly, they used to have slightly different times? Of course, that was when they had traditional dining, and on some ships one of the mid-ship dining rooms was also used for an early trad seating, then opened for "anytime" folks.

Hmm, back in July I checked fares for our February Enchanted booking. I just called Princess (had booked this directly with them) and was given the lower fare for the same cabin! Saved over $225pp.

There also are "Interpreters," people dressed in Colonial garb, at various places along the Trail. I believe the Park Service may do a guided tour also, but have never looked into it. Note that the Old South Meeting House and Old State House charge a fee to enter (you can buy the tickets online, special price for both). I can't remember if the Old North Meeting House does, too. Make sure to stop at Mike's Bakery in the North End! Also, if you're looking for good lobster rolls at a "non-touristy" place, try Pauli's, on Salem St, just after you cross the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Who did you book the walking tour with? TIA

The Gardner is an interesting museum to visit, not too big, but packed with a lot!

Thanks to the OP for posting the chart and menus! We are hoping to sail on Enchanted this winter and I was excited to be on a ship with the Ocean Terrace again (last time was 2019), until I saw they no longer offer the Crab Margarita... 😞 We'll still stick with the Standard Fare, I think.

We did the "Off the Beaten Path" cruisetour 5 years ago, and loved it! Haven't looked at the current offerings, but it ws 14 nights total. Started in Anchorage, went to Copper River (2 nights), Fairbanks (2 nights), Denali, and Mt. McKinley, before the Southbound cruise out of Whittier. There were two long bus days, broken up with stops, and the train from Denali to Talkeetna. Copper River was definitely our favorite lodge! We did a la carte meals, and took advantage of two local restaurants in Fairbanks. This tour also did the excursion on the Chena River (including the replica Athabaskan village) and the Gold Dredge - touristy, but enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The Natural History tour in Denali was also included. I second the recommendation to do the land portion first! Maybe, if we ever can go back to Alaska, I'd try the Rail Tour...

With no coverup, flip-flops, or anything on the chair? If a person would come and say, "That's my chair and towel," I guess I would graciously move.

Thank you! That helps tremendously 🙂

Happy Early Anniversary! I'm enjoying reading your blog again and getting excited for our (fingers crossed) Quebec City to FLL in October -- first cruise since February 2020... If you get a chance, would you please post (or snap a photo) of the current International Cafe coffee prices, and what soda and basic drinks (e.g., G&T) cost? Trying to decide if it's worth getting the Plus Package or not. Thanks! And condolences on not getting the Michigan season tix (GO BLUE!) but glad your mom is doing better.

Can anyone tell me what the current prices are for beer, basic drinks (e.g., gin & tonic), soda, and coffee (brewed and lattes) are? That's really the difference for us, as we do not drink much alcohol, but do like our morning coffee! Also, the "casual dining" change doesn't mean much for those ships that don't have Alfredo's or Ocean Terrace. Salty Dog "Gastropub" and Planks/Steamers had an upcharge the last time we were cruising (in 2020...).

Yes! Always book a Caribe (Deck 10) balcony on that class ship. Not only is the balcony bigger, we get footstools and a regular height table! As we haven't cruised since February 2020, hope that is still the case.

I think it depends on who's playing as to the interest. In 2017 we did a B2B on the Caribbean (sister ship to Crown) and got to watch the Packers two playoff games. Saw the first one on MUTS (Movies Under the Stars) with a good crowd. I think it was rainy for the second one, so watched it in one of the lounges. The Super Bowl will be on somewhere, for sure!

Someone has already mentioned Crooners, the piano bar -- one of our favorite places in the evening on the Crown! Princess has a variety of daytime activities during sea days, just may not be as rowdy as on Carnival (from what I've been told...).