cruizinator

My wife and I are headed on our first cruise to Alaska, departing on May 7th. Our budget is limited, so we figure we can either splurge for a) the unlimited spa pass (for sauna, hot tub, etc.) or b) a balcony room.

 

Taking into account the fact that it will not yet be super-warm that time of year, we're wondering which is the better option for us. Any experienced Alaska cruisers have an opinion? Which would you choose between the two?

 

One of the cool things about the spa is that it has a lovely, warm lounging area with large picture windows...but my wife and I are also somewhat low-key and the thought of a private balcony is also appealing. Unless we'd just be too chilly to enjoy it.

 

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

We've been to Alaska in September and May...always get a balcony. We love the privacy and when the ship gets close to glaciers...we enjoy it from our balcony...and don't have to fight the mob on the open decks:eek:

We also like to bring our favorite hot chocolate and enjoy a cup or two on the balcony.. if weather is cold.

We love cruising to Alaska..its a special place!

You said your cruise is departing May 7th....is it the NCL Pearl?

Ralph

no they are from San Diego. :) I've been looking into them. The Norwegian Sun.

I've had my eye on those 11 day cruises also. I sure miss the 9 day Carnival cruises out of San Diego.

Also, been thinking about the 13 day on the Miracle next January from Long Beach.

Love, love those longer Mexican cruises!

I bailed last spring on Carnival also. I had booked a 7 day on the Miracle to Alaska....but found a 10 day on the NCL Pearl to Alaska...for $225 less than the 7 day Miracle. I'm not so loyal...that I would turn down a great deal!

I purchased my 7 day Westerdam cruise last July for $999 PP balcony and received a $250 OBC. Got free airfare for signing up for a SWA credit card. This is my first cruise to Alaska. So excited!

Sounds like you got a great deal! I love Alaska..especially Glacier Bay & Sitka. Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

May 8th of last year..we went on a 10 day Alaskan cruise on the NCL Pearl. Cruise departed Vancouver and ended in Seattle. Three months prior to cruise...cost for a 10th deck forward balcony cabin...for 2....was $4316.00. By March 5th.. price had dropped to $2326.00(when we purchased) for same category.

We all know that prices drop according to supply/demand. I've found that early(may) or late(september) Alaskan cruise prices are much more volatile. Also..if you're able to cruise at last minute...you can find some amazing deals. I check cruise prices daily....just wishin' and hopin' for a great deal!

I hope you all find a cruise..at a price...that will put a big smile on your face!

She did book ms Eurodam. She also said ms Eurodam is 5-star and Carnival Dream is a motel.:mad:

I wouldn't want to be seated at a table with her every night. I'd start thinking about using my fork & knife..... for things other than eating!

Personally, I think the service in NCL is better and friendlier. Desserts are better on Carnival, though NCL has some new ones that have come out that I haven't tried yet. I think the cabins are a bit smaller on NCL, but I've heard that the suite on NCL are way better. The shows are definitely better on NCL. Oh, and NCL does really good Meet & Greets if someone on your roll call coordinates one with them. The officers show up and talk. Which reminds me, out of all the lines I've been on, NCL's officers are way more visible than the others and they are friendly, too.

Agree with GORDONCHICK. Also, I think Carnival has much better MDR food..and NCL has a better buffet! Also..enjoyed the Bridge tour for CC members @ the Meet and Greet!

Been on 2 Carnival cruises to Glacier Bay. Loved 'em both. Fabulous scenery that has to be experienced in person.

Just go thru past posts on this forum and you'll finds tons of info about the ports you're stopping at. Planning it is half the fun. Alaska is a special place..I hope you have a memorable cruise.

April7901,

I was on the 10 day Pearl this past May and had a wonderful cruise. The itinerary is port intensive...but what a GREAT itinerary. My DW and I will be watching the fares and if we find a great price again..we will join you next May. Hope you have an amazing cruise!

We haven't booked yet, but are planning on sailing on the Pearl, May or early June 2015. I'm really looking forward to your perspective as I have cruised on Carnival and Princess before, but never on NCL.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your TR!

g35girl,

We did a 10 day on the Pearl 5/8/14..after many cruises on CCL. Really enjoyed it. Price for a 11th deck balcony cabin dropped to $939pp...2 months before cruise. Cheaper than a 7 day !!!!

We've been on the Carnival Spirit twice to Alaska, Went on our first NCL cruise this past May.....a 10 day Alaska from Vancouver on the Pearl.

The Pearl is a beautiful ship. The differences in my opinion....Carnival has larger balcony cabins, much better MDR food. NCL has better buffet food and friendlier crew.

I wouldn't hesitate to cruise on the Pearl again.

Is it likely that I will see a price drop I'm booked for May 26

 

Sent from my VS870 4G using Forums mobile app

Sure is possible.. but if cabins are selling well....maybe not. It's all about supply and demand!

And humid.[/quote/}

 

I went during Halloween a few years ago and Manzanillo, PV and Cabo ..were 98-101 degrees. In PV and Manzanillo the humidity was miserable. In Cabo it was just...HOT!!:eek:

 

My favorite time to cruise Mexico is January and February......NICE weather!

We're going on a Cabo/Puerto Vallarta/Mazatlan cruise in mid-November.

 

I'm wondering if anybody has done this before this time of the year and can tell me what the weather was like. I'm hoping for sunny beach weather (minus the day going down there and the day coming back).

 

 

Should we plan on shorts, t-shirts and beach days?? :)

I've done it twice. Weather both times was in the low 90's. :D

We are leaving on a cruise on May 12, 2015 out of Vancouver. Our first stop is Sitka on May 14. I booked this cruise because it is 10 days on a ship in my favorite area and it visited Sitka. Now I am wondering if this is too early to be in Sitka. Will there still be too much snow left.

 

Any Sitka residents out there who might know? I know we don't know what the snowfall will be this winter, but what is the norm.

 

Thank you.

Was there this past May 15th...mostly sunny and high 60's...perfect!!

In my opinion:

NCL has a way better buffet than Carnival, Carnival has slightly better dining room food, Carnival has way better desserts. That being said, I never starve on NCL and I am not a buffet fan on any line.

 

NCL has better customer service, happier crew, and you tend to see the officers out and about more than on Carnival.

 

In balcony cabins and above NCL gives you a coffee maker.

 

Carnival's cabins are a little bigger.

After my first cruise on the NCL this past May...I 100% agree with your opinion!

 

Unfortunately, no ship goes to all 4 of these places so to see them all you have to go to Alaska at least twice.

Unless...you go on the 10 day NCL Pearl in May out of Vancouver. You cruise the 4 mentioned ..plus Ketchikan. Juneau, Icy Strait and Victoria.

Marcie,

I remember your post. But..as you found out....Alaska weather can change fairly quickly! I've experienced two blue sky days in Glacier Bay..wow..words or photos can't do it justice! Sure happy for you that you had such a wonderful cruise.

I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise on the Pearl. I cruised on the Pearl this past May and agree that the staff is the best ever!

I just want to pass on a reminder to anyone that has a past DUI. My cousin tried to cross into Canada two weeks ago and was denied entry. He was convicted of a DUI in 1968..and Canada considers it a felony...so no entry!!

Here's a question that doesn't get asked often. What are the gyms like on Carnival ships? Are they mostly cardio-oriented, with treadmills and stationary bikes taking up most of the space? Or is there a good variety of weightlifting machines available? Most of the workouts I do is weightlifting.

 

I know there are freeweights, which I've seen in photos, but since I do most of my cruising solo, it'll be hard or impossible to use most of them without a spotter. Not that I'm an obsessed gym rat, but it's healthy way to fill the downtime when there aren't any activities going on. Either way, as a solo cruiser, I gotta stick to machines for the most part. Not to mention the danger of lifting a heavy barbell when the floor is rocking under you. Which raises the question: What are the machines like, and how many are there? Also, is there a difference in the machines on Fun Ships 2.0 vs. "old school" ships?

Haven't been on any 2.0 ships yet. The amount of freeweights varies from ship to ship. I use the dumbells and machines. Lots of Nautilus type machines. You will "definitely" be able to get a good workout!

Thank you for all the great information. A couple question. So for the train, did you have to check your carry ons too? Or was there room to bring those on the train with you.

 

So once in Vancouver's train station, how was going through customs? Was it quick and easy?

 

So coming home, did you just do the reverse? Was there any trouble with getting to Amtrak in time for your train back down to Seattle? Then did you stay another night in Seattle?

Cheryl,

Amtrak allows 2 carry on and 2 checked per person. Can't exceed 50lbs. each. The carry ons are in addition to a purse, laptop, backpack,etc.

We went thru customs..took 2 minutes max.

Our cruise departed Vancouver..ended in Seattle. Amtrak departs Vancouver @9:00am & 11:30am daily.

Hubby and I are thinking of an Alaska cruise next summer. We have cruised the Caribbean but not Alaska. We were thinking of flying into Seattle and wondering how far and how to get to Vancouver for the cruise. This cruise destination will be new for us and we have to start somewhere. I know we will have more questions as time goes by. :o So how far is it from Seattle to Vancouver and the best way of getting there?[/quote

 

 

Vancouver is about 165 miles from Seattle. In May..we were going on a 10 day cruise..so we took Amtrak from Seattle....departed @6:50pm..arrived Vancouver 10:50pm. Don't know the cost..DW is retired Amtrak employee so we ride for free. You might check Amtrak.com for fare.

If you have the time...spend 2-3 days in Vancouver..its a beautiful city.

Hope you enjoy Alaska ... its an amazing place!!

Bottom line: Go, be prepared, enjoy yourselves.!

The absolute best advice....for any cruise..any destination!

At the Raptor Center in Sitka...you gotta take a photo of the office mgr...Tootsie....the owl!!