travelbug11

I went on this excursion a few years ago and would suggest bringing a book to read during the travel portions of the excursion. The high speed craft passes the "wilderness" area but must stay quite a distance from the shore because laws prevent the boat coming too close. You will be too far away to see any wildlife in the "wilderness." Actual time in the misty fjords is around 45 minutes with some of that time waiting at a dock for those coming/departing by plane to meet the boat.

 

The scenery in the misty fjords is amazing but the to/from travel time is a waste of time unless you bring a good book.

 

HAL has an excursion with flight over the mountains that includes all-you-can-eat crab feast that I have in the past, and will again enjoy on the Noordam this June.

 

I did notice that you will be the same cruise subsequent to mine (June 4) and will be glad to answer any questions while I am on board that may help you in your planning.

This year for the first time, RCL's Radiance of the Seas is cruising into the Misty Fjords for 4 hours before docking in Ketchikan. I am wondering how far we can go in with such a large ship.

Hi guys, wonderin if anybody knows, are there mailboxes on ships that you could mail letters, postcards from, without goin into port? Inquiring minds would like to know!! I could be wrong, but maybe Budget Queen knows, this could be right up her alley. Just jokin BQ!!:D

Budget Queen definitely knows everything about Alaska. I met her last year on the Radiance in May and she is quite a lovely person.

And, yes you can get stamps and send mail from the ship. Just go to guest relations. They will drop them off for you in the next port.

Ann:D

I tip the porter at the airport to get my bags off the trolley and take them out to AEROCAR. I tip the bellman at the hotel who takes my bags when I get out of the car. Again when they bring them to my room. And finally, when the bellman picks them up from my room to take down to the ship (Pan Pacific Hotel)

The rest of the time, I use my credit card.

Sorry for the confusion -- I was thinking of our return flight from Vancouver when I mentioned it being international.

 

 

And when you said you fly from LAX to YVR in business I believe you meant "first." Don't think they have any aircraft with business class on this route. For that matter I am not sure Alaska has any aircraft with business class.

 

This is where it gets confusing -- international business class is usually better than domestic first. Go figure! This may be part of the reason the United has recently rebranded their international business class as "Polaris" class.

 

 

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Yes, Alaska is First Class not Business......

I love international business class...much bigger seats.

I think there has been a substantial amount of confusing information posted here. Most domestic/short haul flights have two cabins -- coach or economy and first class. Sometimes they also offer enhanced economy (United calls it economy plus) which usually just means a few extra inches of leg room but not a separate class of service ( though I believe It is Delta who is looking to offer a separate class of enhanced economy on some domestic routes). On long haul or international flights many aircraft offer multiple classes -- economy, premium economy, business and first. Not all planes and routes offer all classes. Many airlines are getting rid of first class on their long haul routes and enhancing business class. In general business class on many long haul aircraft is superior to first class on domestic or short haul aircraft in terms of seating (no flat beds), meals and amenities.

 

We have booked Alaska Air first class for our July flights to Anchorag While it is technically an international flight, e. the aircraft on our two legs are configured with coach and first class. There is no business class. And the first class seats are narrower and with less recline than the seats we are used to in international business class.

 

I can suggest that anyone looking for a premium class of flight carefully review the cabin layout of each class of aircraft used on any flight you are considering on a site such as Seatguru before deciding if the additional cost is worth it to you.

 

 

Forums

I am confused where you say that your flight is an "international" flight. You are going from one US state to another US state. While I can take Air Canada from LA to Vancouver, I cannot take Air Canada home to Los Angeles because the flight cannot fly US to US.

Interesting - never seen Business Class on a domestic flight but then again I don't think Alaska Airlines has it at all. I suppose some of the coast to coast flights would. Former employer based in Australia had a policy for a while to allow Business Class on flights over 8 hours - mostly meaning US to Australia flights - but the one time I did the trip they were in cost cutting mode so it was coach for me. :loudcry:

Alaska Air definitely has Business class. Usually 3-4 rows. I always use it from LAX to YVR.

I like Annabelle's in Ketchikan... was originally recommended to me by the crew on the ship.

Harv and Marv have assured me that they will use wheelchairs for us to get down the ramp when we go in May.

Misty Fjords National Monument is not one fjord but many. My wife and I spent an entire day sailing through it on the Uncruise Safari Endeavor last May. It was spectacular.

The closest a large cruise ship can get to it is Ketchikan. From there you can take a separate sightseeing tour by small plane, small boat, or a combination of the two.

Hi Chenega,

Our cruise specifically states that RCCL's Radiance of the Seas will be cruising the Misty Fjords from 7AM - 12PM before we dock at Ketchikan... am wondering where they will be going.

thx.

Ann

Hi All,

 

I'm looking for some advice on a possible excursion.

 

Our cruise (May 2017) to Alaska has on the itinerary a half a day of Misty Fjords (cruising) before docking in Ketchikan.

 

One of the excursions in Ketchikan is a Misty Fjords boat tour.

 

My question is, does anyone have any experience with how far cruise ships can get up into Misty Fjords (we're on Royal Caribbean, if that matters)? Is it worth it to go on extra excursion on a smaller boat to Misty Fjords or will viewing Misty Fjords from the cruise ship be spectacular in and of itself?

 

I thought i remember reading someplace on here that the big cruise ships can't get that far into fjords, but the only posts i can find now are in reference to Tracy Arm Fjords, not Misty Fjords.

 

Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks! :)

We are on the same cruise as you. Please join our "Roll Call", go to roll calls and find our cruise 'Radiance 5/17/17" We have quite a large group going.

I'm disappointed to hear we will not be going into the fjord. I wonder how close we can get.

Ann

They will probably upgrade the Internet to the high speed VOOM, that shouldn't take too long. Hopefully the sewage issues will be solved.

Definitely hoping for VOOM!

I don't mind cabins near the Centrum. Am usually out and about until the music stops.

Definitely check out Chilkoot Charters.....I have used them several times.

The Fairmont Waterfront is across the street from Canada Place.

The Bellman will take your bags directly to the ship for you, so you just have to cross the street. The Pan Pacific will do the same.

Come check out our "Roll Call" and also the "Alaska" board for lots more information.

See you on the ship.

Please come join our "Roll Call" and read the "Alasksa" board for lots more information..

While the Windjammer has free water, juices, tea and coffee - you would have to get a Soda card the the others. There is a fee for Real OJ in the morning.

The soft yogurt machine is in the back of the Windjammer. They will have cones and bowls. There are different flavors and it is open in the afternoons.

Hi Ann, good to see you posting. How are you doing?

Hi Patti,

I'm doing well, thanks for asking... I've really missed cruising this year, but will make up for it next year in Alaska for the summer! I can easily handle that since my walking is very limited now.

Lost over 100+ points after the conversion, due to our taking longer cruises, and no adjustment was made for us.

I took several longer cruises too back then, but Patty you lost a lot more than I did.

For my rain pants, I went to Cabelas and got:

Frogg Toggs® Women's Pro Advantage Pants - $24.95

Very lightweight, pullups, pockets and elastic at the bottom.

They work very well for me when I need them.

Hi all...total newbie here. I have been reading a lot but I only have so much time, so I hope I could ask a few questions. We are in the process of booking an Alaska cruise on Radiance for next July.

 

1- how are the balcony rooms for a quad (two parents plus 12yo boy and 15yo girl)? My ideal is a balcony for us parents and a nearby inside for the kids but according to RC's website that is now an impossible set up (who knew people booked cruises so early!?...not me, I'm a newb as stated...) so I'm thinking I will call RCI direct or find a local agent who might have more info and be quicker about it. I had two adjoining ocean views on 24 hour hold on the 3rd deck aft (going southbound) which I thought could work but the husband really wants a balcony. And the hold is now over...boo.

 

2- cruisetours....for land, worth it? We hoped to be in Alaska for the 4th of July and the cruise in questions leaves the 8th. Husband has an independent streak and wants to go it on our own but I hear the cruise tours can be a good deal...mainly want to see Denali.

 

3-excursions...independent or on board?

 

4- DD and I are prone to sea sickness and neither of us have cruised. Husband has and insists we won't feel a thing. He's not prone though and doesn't quite understand...lol...scopolamine patches or other aids recommended for this cruise?

 

Thanks for any input and advice!

If you want to be in Alaska for the Fourth of July, you could take the Northbond cruise on July 1st. And then you could do the land tour after the cruise.

Because your children are minors you cannot get a separate cabin for them. I have heard of people getting one in the husbands name and one in the wifes. There are some connecting balcony cabins. Also, the Family Ocean View cabins are quite large with a separate bedroom for the kids.

I travel solo and book my excursions independently.

Re: Seasickness - the large ships have excellent stabilizers, but you are on the ocean and there will be some movement. I use the seabands when necessary. Scopalamine and pills make me dizzy.

I don't take a coat but wear a long hooded windbreaker over a long sleeve turtle and sweatshirt. I also take waterproof pants that i can just pull over my jeans.

Also, I do not take an umbrella as they tend to fly up.

Which ship?

 

350 points makes no difference in internet costs.

Radiance.

Thanks Bob

Can you tell me what the different internet packages are, please. And, do you know if reaching 350 pts. makes a difference.

Thanks.

Yuck...just no way to keep those shower curtains from clinging to you. I have tried everything, but still I get the "wrap" or the floor gets flooded. :(

Someone said to use wooden clothes pins but i haven't tried them.

i sure hope they are bringing in the dumpsters for those shower curtains!! ;)

ditto!!