DougH

In 15 or so visit to Tracy Arm by Cruise ship I have only gotten past the island where the Fjord splits to the North and South Sawyer glaciers. The one exception was on the Dawn Princess just before the ship was moved to Australia. Captain said he wanted to see the glacier and took us to North Sawyer. Next time I was on Adventure Bound I mentioned this to Captain Steve and he could not belive that the Dawn Princess made it there. Tracy Arm is still impressive but you might see South Sawyer but you will still be miles away

I usually change out my mini bar for all Diet Coke. Does Princess have any other options for diet soda in cans? Maybe Diet 7 up or Diet Ginger Ale?

Looking forward to the rest of your review. I was supposed to be on this cruise but had to cancel about 30 days out for medical issues and was disappointed I missed it.

Just saw you are sailing in 2024, I think these are only in 2023 😞

Princess has some really nice 10 or 11 day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver this year. Pick one that goes to Glacier Bay. This is the first time they have offered this route and it has nice long port days. 

I also like the Grand Princess. I would book an aft cabin on the deck just below the buffet and be only steps from the outside stern deck

As others have mentioned this year Princess has some great 10 or 11 day round-trip cruises from Vancouver.  They don't always stop at all these ports and they have great time in Port. They are a bargain but this is the first time I have seen them offered. I am doing one in May, this is my 30+ time to Alaska

If you are stopping in Skagway or Haines try a flight over Glacier Bay with Mountain Flying Service. Spectacular and a better bang for your buck

Rent a car and drive out of town. Take a flight with Mountain Flying Service over Glacier Bay. 

30+ cruises to Alaska and have never missed Glacier Bay. Don't seem to get as close as we did in the past but depends on the Captain. It is always impressive

I have sailed Alaska 30 times and only the last couple with a balcony. It is nice to be outside and move around for different views. I would always get a cabin location that had quick access to open decks. The balcony is nice to sit outside anytime if you can afford the extra cost. For your first trips I would spend extra $$ on excursions

Try Mountain Flying Service. He is based in Haines but I have done 3 flights with him out of Skagway. Not a float plane but fantastic flight over Glacier Bay

Part of the difference is you paid for the premier package and I get the benefits by being Elite. Yes they have changed and taken away some but I still enjoy the. Love the Mini bar, I always change for all diet coke. 

I would choose the train/bus with Chilkoot charters. I have no interest in the bridge, just a tourist trap IMHO

I like port. Most of the time doesn't matter but when going into Glacier Bay the glaciers come on the port side. Capt will spin the ship but port generally gets more viewing time

I have taken tours with Chilkoot many times and been happy. The train and bus option is a good choice but even just the bus trip sees most of the sights

Definitely not before 12 noon, for me 1-2 pm is the sweet spot

May for longer daylight hours. Also generally better weather, less rain. In Sept lots of stores closing for the season and they are tired of passengers.

I usually either rent a car or do the bus trip with Chillkot charters. Last June they stopped at almost the same places I would have with the car

 The car rental used to be about $120-130 but last year was twice that. Chillkot is a nice option, you might try their train/bus combo. 

12 hours ago, thesmiths said:

I booked with him for my upcoming May Cruise, just my wife & I based on your recommendation.

Looking forward to it.

 

She still has no idea of the cruise, it's our 30th Wedding Anniversary the day we leave port from SFO.

 

 

 

If you look at the video on his website that is me heading to board the plane in the blue jacket.  Just found out last year it was there. Lol. 

If I make a upgrade bid as a single do I bid as a per person price or for two? For example if the cabin upgrade is listed as$200 pp do I bid $200 or $400?

Another option in Ketchikan is the George Inlet all you can eat crab feast

Not a helicopter but an flight from Skagway over Glacier Bay by Mountain Flying is a nice option. He is based in Haines but also does flights from Skagway. Probably cheaper and with more flight time. I've gone with him several times and all were excellent.

I like to take the National Express bus to Southampton the day before. Then a taxi to the port is cheap. I usually stay at the Ibis. Much cheaper than staying in London for a night. Day trips to Portsmouth or Winchester are easy by train

Princess has some really nice 10-11 day cruises round trip from Vancouver with nice ports and long port times. I am doing this in May, early to mid June is my favorite time for the long daylight hours. Only negative is no Glacier Bay but Hubbard is impressive and you have a long enough port time in Juneau to do the Adventure Bound trip to Tracy Arm for up close Glacier viewing