cw2go

https://alaskacruisetransfer.com/schedule/

Oh sorry! I thought you mis understood me. All is good! Patty

I can't even figure out why you thought I was being negative? You seem to have a lot of points in this post that are not related to this thread? Why was I a target? You basically validated my point... 66 posts vs membership length means NOTHING! I was saying exactly what you are... Patty

And is questioning the legitimacy while only having a total of 66 posts? So what length of a CC membership or number of posts is considered qualified? 🙃

Enjoy your cruise @4-2-N-8! No need to defend how you choose to spend your money. 🤑 See you on The Beyond in August, Patty

I agree with @AKStafford lock down the cruise/stateroom and plan the land portion on your own. You admittedly are a good planner, at first Alaska seems very overwhelming but honestly once you break it down day by day it comes together very easily. The roads are super easy so no worries with driving. A side note as early as it seems to plan for 2024 now, it's NOT! I'd keep researching and plan an itinerary that suits me so that the tours/car/hotels can be booked as soon as available. Tours can sell out quickly. Also going DIY you have more options for excursions on your timeline. Make a list of your must do's and then start to fill in your day with those. Your young and active, you've got this! I've sailed Alaska many times and always add a little land trip pre or post cruise and have barely scratched the service. Happy to help, Patty

For the flight: Seawind Aviation For the boat: Celebrity cruise line. Enjoyed them both so preference is a 50/50 toss for me. Boat has a better price point and has a better guarantee regarding weather but it's a bit of time on water before hitting the actual Misty Fjords National Monument. Seaplane was a different perspective from above. Knowing me, I'd ask my DH to pick between the two. Then if it went wrong, it'd be all his fault LOL! 😁 Patty

The plot thickens 😜 I'd prefer a stop in Puerto Plata to GC but I am sure there are just as many people who wouldn't. Again... Thanks for the heads up! Patty

I've done Misty Fjords by boat and seaplane, agree it's beautiful!

Love this process! I usually lock down what I want and find the discounts as I go, Celebrity always fluctuates so much that I never know how much I'll save but in the end, I never pay more 🤑 Patty

This is in my cruise planner for my Beyond Aug sailing, maybe this is an option? Island of Santorini and Oia Village Begin your journey with a scenic drive to the top of the caldera, an active volcanic islet in Santorini Bay, and learn about the geological upheavals that have shaped the island. Arrive at the scenic village of Oia, which, from its improbable perch on a cliff, offers breathtaking views of the deep blue sea and surrounding islands. Explore the village's narrow, winding cobblestone streets and admire its gleaming white Cycladic-style buildings. Browse local shops, cafes, and art galleries, then drive to a local winery where you'll taste Santorini mezes, sample three local wines, and nibble barley rusks, cheese, olives, and tomatoes. Visit the bodega where the wine is aged. Finally, journey to the village of Fira, where you'll have about an hour to explore the cliff-top village's intriguing narrow streets before the journey to Athinios port, where tenders will transfer you to the ship. This tour is provided by an operator that has been third-party certified to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Criteria for Tour Operators.

The ABC's are typically more pricey in the Caribbean. I have one booked for Feb 2025 on Reflections and paid about $414 per night but that is for an aft balcony no perks rate. Some cruise prices are driven by ship and some by ports. In this case The ABC's are the hook. Patty

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Agree! I've done r/t Seattle (once) Much prefer North & South Bound sailings even with the extra travel variables. Vancouver and Seward embarkations ports offer much better land touring options/sites than Seattle imo. But like you said it's not for everyone, we all need to pick what suits us best. Hope the OP has a great Alaskan Adventure! Patty

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Looking forward to your thoughts 🚢 Patty

https://www.ketchikanadventurevue.com/ UTV's with the above link is awesome. I've also enjoyed the Adventure Karts and the Misty Fjord boat tour, both thru cruise line. These are "the real Alaska" feel you mention and can also fill your young at heart spirit without Hubby having to hike for 5 miles. and another vote for Totem Bite. Pretty Cool! Patty

Anchorage does add to the travel logistics! Could be a deal breaker for some. These are both good points! Been a long time since I've had to take little people into account. Patty

Any guest, regardless of stateroom category will have blankets available.

Are you flying back to The States from Barcelona? If so I'd stay an extra night and book that flight for the following day. Gives you a lot of wiggle room and Barcelona is a great city to explore. Many variables, 10 am is too tight for me. Patty

Okee Dokee then... hope your'e having a great cruise 😀 Patty

Thank you! Hope you had a great cruise 🚢

Before you finalize your plans, may I suggest you post this on the Alaska boards. Port times are of major importance in Alaska. I am not sure of your plans with young kids but just as an example. In Juneau on a r/t sailing you will not be able to do a Tracy Arm Fjord tour out of Juneau as you would with a one way sailing. Timing issues. So although you hit the same ports, the hours in port can make or break a very pricey vacation/experience. In addition with r/t you end up with a lot more sea time, that could be great or a complete bust. Only you know what you want out of Alaska. Maybe prioritize what you want to see and do in each port so that will help you decide which itinerary meets your needs. Hoping to help, Patty

Rusts Aviation and Katmai Air also do Brooks Falls trips out of Anchorage but they will be more expensive than your $850 price point out of Homer. Will add they also have other bear tour option that looks great. I haven't been to Brooks Falls but have read it's super crowded and sometimes you'll wait in line for the platform. Can be a long day! Patty

Agree! I don't believe anything is sinister but I do believe it's financially driven which is why Celebrity hasn't point blank explained the reason and why we can't find anything online. Like I said previously, I'll be sailing in two weeks, very much looking forward to my cruise but I am also grateful for this info so that I can pre pare for my sea day in GC. Patty