Stokeset

...for your reply, as that was what I needed to know!

For those of you have done the above land cruise, I have 3 questions.

1. What is the ETA for Seward?

2. Since we do not leave until 8PM, is the dinner for that night open seating (as it is for most other lines I've been on) or, if one as traditional seating, is in effect that evening?

3. Is there any special event typically planned from this port for sail-away?

Thank you!

Liz

Yes, they are framed- the palm tree scene was taken while in Holetown, Barbados; the mountain range and lake was taken from the Princess rail car, somewhere in Alaska, 2006.

Liz

I'm a note writer, and like to use my photos to enhance them. Here's the ones I use most often:

There are many differing opinions & preconceptions about Princess and HAL but IMHO only one significant factual difference between them - only HAL has a Roman Catholic priest (who celebrates daily Mass) on board every one of its cruises. So if spiritual renewal is an important component of your vacation experience, HAL is the hands-down choice. Whichever you choose, I hope you enjoy the cruise!

Not to beleaguer this topic yet again, BUT, another "factual" difference that may be of significance: HAL allows smoking on balconies, Princess does not. That being said, we were in a similar quandary when we booked our HAL land/sea trip for September this year. Having done Princess and knowing what a great experience it was, we ended up choosing HAL this time because for the time of year we needed, HAL had the 3 days in Denali we wanted, Princess did not.

OP, I will be willing to post the comparison/differences we experience upon our return, if you are interested and can wait that long. We leave 9/2, return 9/13. (I AM looking forward to finding out if the mattresses on HAL are more comfortable than those of Princess.)

Liz

Thank you for the info, and I would like to ask a question. Did you book the river rafting once you got to Denali? I have tried to locate such an excursion on HAL's website for our upcoming land/sea in September, but there isn't one. I've been on-line perusing all the area white water/river rafting companies and there are several to choose from, especially depending upon what class falls and the length of time one wants. Any additional info on your experience would be appreciated. Thx! Liz

And not to upset anyone, but I've seen way too many preemies to know that plans can change 6-8 weeks before the due date, and should that be the case, it will be imperative your mother be available. I would vote for taking the cruise you really want, when you want it, and either 1-free up your mother from all responsibility while you're gone and find some one else, or 2- have a plan for a second person that can step in should your mom have to move quickly to your sister's side. We know that ship happens.. plan for the worst case scenario and everyone will breathe easier.

Good luck with whatever decision!

Liz

We are booked with AA flight 5549 leaving at 11:10AM. I am confident of our time frame.

Good luck!

Tried one in the past, but after one night with rough seas, I took it down.Too much noise as it banged against the door, and I could never find a way to stabilize it that wouldn't also mar the door.

Having also seen way too many passengers lick their fingers and then return to serving themselves in the buffet line, I carry pocket size disinfectant wipes to wrap around the serving utensils. I used to grab a paper napkin, but those are seldom to be found.

Going on our 4th Fantasy cruise in May. We really enjoy our time on this ship! Given your children’s ages, I think your family would enjoy Ardastra Gardens in Nassau; http://www.ardastra.com/ Very interesting and exotic animals, an entertaining show of marching flamingos, and very economical. It’s a good 10 minute walk from the pier; just go right when you get through the port building, keep to the road that runs parallel with the sea (there are sidewalks), and follow the signs. Allow at least 2 hours.

If your family wants to try snorkeling, may I suggest Deadman’s Reef in Freeport? Equipment is available for those that want to try, or if you just want to lie on the beach, and have a nice place to get some food and drinks, then this is a great family run place. Here’s a link that can give you more info and also has photos:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1629317&highlight=snorkeling+freeport

There is a guy named Elvis who is a really great instructor, and can point out the best places to snorkel for the time that you’re there.

You’re gonna have a great time!

After spending a week with an excessively squeaky closet door, I now make sure I carry a travel size version of WD-40. It will also remove scuff marks on shoes and sticky residue/glue.

http://www.naturaltrends.com/WD40PenHome.htm

sorry, forgot to add- my part time job is an adult night class I teach twice a month.

Thanks for starting such a good discussion post!

I make use of my credit union at work and have a designated amount going into my vacation club account that is drafted each pay period (this is in addition to my IRA). Many years ago it was a small amount, but over time, I've managed to bump up the draft amount, and since it's "gone" before I have it in hand, DH and I have not really missed it. But if I had to physically make the effort to move the money myself after I was paid, not sure I would be as consistent, i.e., I could always have a good reason for skipping or reducing the amount.

I also have a part-time job and payment comes in the form of 2 checks: One for doing the job, and the other as travel expense, which is the one designated to be saved for travel.

With the cost of traveling to a port, we tend to make use of those cruise lines that are an easy drive, so I'm always watching for cruise sales from "our" ports: Charleston, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral.

On the other hand, I am signed up for emails for all the airlines, and when there is a sale for flights to port cities, I have been known to book a cruise based on the low cost of flying. We also have 1 major credit card we use to rack up fly miles. Getting to/from west coast can be as costly to us as the cruise. Our upcoming land cruise trip to Alaska is a good example. I had my TA holding the "buy 1 get half off" Hal cruise until I could verify the flight times and cost to get there. The planets were aligned for that one and I feel we got our very best deal for the cruise and the getting there.

Hope this helps.

This may not impact any one else, but I have found Princess' mattresses to be exceptionally firm, when compared to the other cruise lines we have been on. We are going on our first HAL cruise in September and have been told that HAL has very comfortable mattresses. Has anyone whose done both Princess and HAL found this to be true?

Just wanted to thank everyone for their postings. This has been a very informative thread.

Hello, Doc E:

You're going to have a great time! I've been on this cruise several times. If you and your family are coming into Charleston the day before, may I suggest you start the pre-cruise fun with a trip the the aquarium? Pretty sure I saw some alligators the last time I was there. As for something special for your parent's celebration, why don't you consider decorating the door with some copies of their wedding pictures, tape on some streamers and ribbons, and maybe some symbolic tokens of love? (You sound like a very caring son, and I'm sure you can come up with a way to beat them to their cabin ) I've have ordered cabin decorations in the past for others, and have had them ordered by others for DH and me, and I can assure you, it is ALWAYS delightful to walk into a room to be surprised with a celebration banner, balloons, and streamers!

When you get to Nassua, please consider a visit to Ardastra Gardens. http://www.ardastra.com/ It is fun for young and old!

DH and I are big snorkelers, and I find May is still pretty cool for the water in the Bahamas. Besides, its always good to have a plan B just in case. I'm sure you'll be checking out the Bahamas board for more info. But ask away- I'll be glad to answers any questions. And I understand your excitement- I have two cruises lined up for 2015.

Liz

Instead of carrying a waterproof rain coat/jacket, you may want to consider ponchos. I travel with at least 3 packs (2 ponchos per pack), and they're light weight enough to stuff in a pocket or camera bag. I think an over-sized hoody to go over your layering is about as heavy as you need to go.

When we were there in January, DH and I walked to Ardastra, took our time looking at all the animals and watched the flamingos march- maybe 2 hours- then one of the staff (Tiffany) called a cab for us. For $8, we were were dropped off across from the pier.

May I suggest your crew visit Ardastra Gardens? http://www.ardastra.com/ We were there in January, and after multiple visits to Nassau, we were so pleased to find something that was interesting, entertaining, and economical. It’s a good 10 minute walk; just go right when you get through the port building, keep to the road that runs parallel with the sea(there are sidewalks), and follow the signs. Good value for the money. There are many exotic animals- some of which I had never seen or heard about, and may be of special interest to the young at heart in your group. I thought the beautiful peacocks and watching the Flamingos put on their marching demonstration were worth the trip alone.

I take several plastic clothes pins, the kind that come with hooks attached. Great for hanging wet suits in the shower, or over door knobs, or in the closet for scarves or belts. Here's the link for a photo. Have fun!

http://www.amazon.com/Clothes-Hooked-18-Pack-Hanger-Clothespins/dp/B0010XGKFU