empresschef

Thanks all!  We're going to pass on the "Spa" stateroom and have booked a lovely regular Verandah.

Our travel advisor was nice enough not to say "I told you so".

The Spa Stateroom is appealing based on the location -- we are fitness center and thermal suite users.  It's unclear what other benefits come with it.  

Specifically, does one receive spa discounts - especially on the thermal suite?

The Holland America site blog written several years ago mentions special spa menus for room service and some bottled water.  I spoke with a Holland America rep who was not sure that still exists.

I appreciate your replies!

In Alaska, no food or beverages (including coffee) can be taken off the ship other than pre-packaged sealed items (such as granola bars) due to Alaskan regulations.  

Good points. I understand that I will need the unlimited internet package. All of my files are cloud-based as are my software (including Word & Excel). I plan to work from 4:30 am until 8 am at the latest so there shouldn’t be too many others around.

Does Azamara have computers onboard for passenger use? Many of the cruise lines have a room with a few computers or have some in the library. I usually handle most of my work during vacation on my iPad. I may have need for a larger screen and a real keyboard to work on a proposal on my upcoming cruise. I really don't want to drag my laptop! Thx!

A post-cruise followup!!! My experience was mixed. The first night, I had a lovely table for 1 with wonderful service. On night two, I was chatting with a group of 4 women and agreed to dine with them. Service was ridiculously slow resulting in a dinner of almost 2 hours. On night three, the maitre'd gave me a very hard time about a solo table and the couple behind me asked me to join them; we ended up at a large table and left it 2 hours and 15 minutes later. On night four, the maitre'd again told me a table was unavailable and I should join a group. I declined and went to a different dining room where I was graciously whisked to a table and had a great experience. I told the maitre-'d how much I enjoyed it and he "saved" me a table for the rest of the cruise.

I agree with Mytime53. The MDR was at best adequate and service was very slow. The two nights that I did not dine solo resulted in two hour plus dinners. On a sea day, I was seated at a full group table for lunch and left after 15 minutes with two other passengers when all we had received were glasses of water and not even had a server approach to take our order. Food preferences are very subjective. I don't dine in a large ship MDR expecting memorable meals and I probably fared better in my selections because I don't eat meat. I was able to make fairly healthy choices each evening and didn't leave the table hungry. I also can't recall a single dish that was particularly good.

Is a taxi the best choice? Staying at the Sheraton. I hate taking shuttles that stop at every other hotel in town first. :):)

I really prefer to not be seated with random strangers for dinner -- have tried on previous sailings with my spouse. I'm sailing solo on Star Princess in Alaska with Anytime Dining. Has anyone with a similar request had success with introducing oneself to the Maitre'd upon embarkation and pressing American currency into his/her hand? Any other strategies to suggest?

I intend to dine in the dining room - not a buffet lover. My preference for my own table is based less on experiences with bad company (there have bee a few!) and more on not having the patience/interest in sitting through an extended dinner as my random tablemates order multiple rounds of drinks and extra courses creating a very, very long event. I'd much rather move on to another activity!

If I'm "stuck" sharing, how rude is it considered to excuse myself after everyone has finished their entree? I really don't need the dessert calories!

I have spoken to both 26 Glaciers and Alaska Rail this week and they confirm that this procedure is in place for this year. If you have a carry-on that you don't want sent to the ship, you may take it on the train with you and then store it in the 26 Glaciers office for the afternoon.