shealea

Hello - I can give you my experiences booking last minute to Alaska. We've been there 5 times. We live in Seattle area and have always booked last minute.

The lowest I've seen it go for an inside was $480, but that was about 5 years ago, I think. We just did 7 days on the Amsterdam to Alaska. We paid $699 for inside guarantee. We booked one week out, but we had been watching prices for about 3 weeks, and they never went down. Stayed at $699 the entire time.

I don't understand the pricing thing. We took $699 for inside guarantee. The Ocean Views stayed super high. I'm thinking about $1,400, and they had many available. They weren't selling, yet they never did lower them. We took an upsell into one for $49 pp.

Prices this year have not dropped on any of the lines like I've seen them do in the past. This was our first time on Holland. We've always gone with NCL because their prices were always lowest. They always dropped prices low close to sailing. Not anymore. With the new 'head guy' prices on NCL are not the lowest offered anymore. We've quit using NCL because of all of their new tactics.

I had always booked at one of the huge warehouse stores that offers travel bookings. Their price to Alaska on NCL was always $30 cheaper than was offered everywhere else.

Good luck!!!

I've enjoyed reading all of the replies!! Wow ..... some of you sure book close to sailing!!!

Now that my dh will be retiring soon, I think I will be watching for super good, last minute deals. I've just always wondered just how quickly I can really pack if necessary.

We always travel really light. Each of us with a carry-on sized suitcase, and a smallish tote-sized bag. But it still does take time for me to get everything together that I want to bring.

I'm going to keep my list handy from packing for our last cruise, so at least I'll have that ready if I want to pack super quick!!

We went to the State Museum in Juneau last week. It's brand-new and very beautiful. $12 per person.

Have you already done whale watching in Alaska? We went on a wonderful excursion a few years back.

As someone else posted, you can take a shore excursion which goes up to Sawyer Glacier. I've heard it's outstanding, but it's pricey.

I can understand how disappointed you must be.

AlwaysHome - WOW is right! Sounds like we sure do have a lot in common with our cruising to Alaska!!

We were on Deck 2 ..... just like you! Ha! But we were mid-ship in cabin 2623. Right out from the elevator.

It was also our first time in an Ocean View. We were super happy with it. I felt our view was just fine, even though it was a lower deck. I always felt I could scan out to the scenery really well. And if any whales or dolphins do swim up close, you will have a better view close up. We had a pretty rocky ride the second night out. Many were sick. You will have a better ride lower down. So...... I think you will be happy with your cabin!

I also think you will enjoy Holland America. For some reason, I had always hesitated to book with them. Worried it would be too slow-paced for me, as I like to keep busy with shows and activities. It's just a bit toned down, as in comparison to NCL. But really not much.

I knew they had the culinary center, but I didn't think I would be interested in that much. But it was outstanding, so make sure you pay a visit. And I was very impressed with the computer classes. Perfect for me! Check those out!

Enjoy your cruise! Alaska is the BEST! Yes!!

I love to hear people's stories and experiences here on CC!

I'm curious .... what is the closest you have booked to sail date?

And did you get a super deal that way? Or end up paying more maybe?

And did you live at or close to the Port city? Or did you have to buy air?

We live near Seattle, so we often take advantage of the Port to sail last minute to Alaska. We've gotten some good deals this way.

The closest to sail date we have booked is one week ahead. And if I can remember correctly, the best price we have gotten was $650 for a balcony. That was for the Glacier Bay itinerary on NCL Pearl.

BTW, we just returned a few days ago from Alaska on Holland America, and we loved our trip on that line. We will definitely be sailing with them again! :)

Thanks for the nice replies!! We've cruised to Alaska five times because we live near Seattle. It makes for a nice, easy, fun vacation. My son just drops us off at the pier and picks us up when we call after arriving back!!

I will never tire of Alaska. We always find something new to do in each port. Next time I am determined to take an excursion on a plane flying over the glaciers.

We have only ever seen one bear, way off near the glacier in Glacier Bay. I would love to see more bear!

We are thinking of driving the hiway to Alaska soon and taking the ferry back down to Seattle.

Cruise: We sailed on the MS Amsterdam to Alaska from August 14 – 21. We booked 1 ½ weeks prior. This was our 5th cruise to Alaska. This was our first time ever cruising with Holland America. We had been a bit leery because of it being referred to as “the grey-haired “ cruise line. Ha! But, heck we ARE getting up there in age

(approaching 60)!

It was a lot of older folks, but also many in their 30’s or so, some families, but not many. I really did not see many in wheel chairs or using scooters, not like I was expecting at all!! Ha!

Some of my review will compare this trip to Alaska with our previous trips there on Norwegian Cruise Line.

Cabin: We booked an Inside Guarantee and were assigned our cabin right after I filled out all of our sailing information (credit card, passport info. Etc.). We were happy with our location. Sideways cabin on floor 1, first cabin around the corner of the elevator. Love sideways cabins, love being right at the elevator. We never have a noise problem at all right by the elevator.

But we did get an upsell offer via email for an ocean view. Price seemed to high, so we didn’t respond. A couple days later we got another offer. Same offer but price had gone way down. For $49 a person we upgraded to an Unobstructed Ocean View. We got to choose the exact cabin we wanted. Loved having the ocean view. Our bed was right under it. I spent much, much time sitting on the bed gazing out at the ocean. Loved it!!!!

Embarkation went very, very well! Quite a bit faster than NCL. Our rooms were ready on our arrival, so we dropped off our luggage. Our cabin was larger than we’ve had on NCL. We liked the small couch. A ton of closet and storage space. Maybe bring extra hangars if you have lots of clothing.

Hubbard Glacier: This was our 5th Alaska cruise. We have done Glacier Bay twice, the Endicott Arm with Marjorie Glacier, Sawyer Glacier and now Hubbard Glacier. This is my opinion:

Most folks suggest Glacier Bay. But for me, it’s furthest down on my list. For the cruise on the way into the glacier my top choice is Sawyer Glacier. Going through the fjords into the glacier is outstanding. You go back-and forth, back-and-forth through a narrow passage, with tall, high cliffs rising straight up on both sides. The trip into Hubbard Glacier was very pretty, but nothing like going into Sawyer Glacier. But the actual Hubbard Glacier itself was by far the most impressive glacier viewing out of all of them. We got so close, I felt so impressed. There was constant calving – thunderous clapping and super loud crashing down into the ocean. The glacier is huge, very wide. Hubbard Glacier is my favorite!!

Dining: We went to the Main Dining room for a nice, quiet embarkation lunch. We couldn’t eat there because it’s only for Mariners, and since it’s our first Holland Cruise, we didn’t qualify. Ate at the buffet. We ate at the buffet a lot. It was good, but I think I prefer the NCL buffet. NCL had many Indian dishes always, which I enjoyed.

Ice cream is served in the buffet area. Both hard scooped and soft serve. There are many, many selections for desserts to choose from. I especially liked the bread pudding with sauce. Desserts were better than NCL.

We ate at the Main Dining room 3 times. We had Anytime Dining. We never had to wait for seating for us two. We were always asked if we wanted to share a table with others, but we declined. Service was excellent!! We were able to get in and out rather quickly. Quicker than on NCL. On lobster night, we each had two lobsters. Lobster was very good. NCL no longer serves lobster. The lobster we did have with them in the past was not as good – sort of rubbery! Yikes!!

We sure took advantage of Free Room Service!! Okay menu, sort of limited, especially after 10 pm. But it was good and we enjoyed eating in our room, especially for late-night munchies! Ha! And we are NOT AT ALL HAPPY that NCL now charges $7.95 for room service. They may have lost our business because of all of their new changes!!! Irritates us!!! But we shall see. Guess it depends on cruise price!!

We liked eating at the Dive In by the Pool. You order, they give you a beeper that lights up. It’s a bit slow service, but that’s ok. It’s fun to sit and relax and people watch. I love, love watching all of the kids in the pool having a good time!! I love their happiness and excitement!! The Dive in has very good burgers. Good Portobello burger. Outstanding fries, with “secret sauce”. Various hot dogs. A large self-serve buffet for making nachos, including soft tacos. Lots to choose from. It was really popular with folks.

Dress: We changed for dinner, but nothing fancy. Me – black slacks and a pretty top. Dh: dockers and a black top with collar. Most folks were dressed like us for the anytime dining. I could see up to the 2nd floor where Set Dining folks ate. Many men in tuxes there.

Around the ship it was pretty casual dress during the day. Jeans, shorts, fleece tops, t-shirts.

Entertainment: We went to all of the main shows in the big showroom. They were good, but nothing compared to the entertainment we have experienced on The Jewel and The Pearl with NCL. Just not the same caliber or grand production.

The entertainment in the smaller venues is very good. We especially loved Jamie and the HALCats in the Crows Nest. Folks loved the music and danced.

Activities: The Amsterdam has a gorgeous Culinary Center. There are comfy seats, showroom style. And a beautiful, beautiful kitchen. There are chefs giving cooking demonstrations. Usually at least 2 a day. Also cooking classes for a fee. On a screen they show close-ups. Samples are passed out and recipes. At the end of the cruise you can join a meeting and a ship employee has a whole portfolio of recipes from around the ship that you can have access too. Way too Cool!!! If there are any items of food you had on board that you would like a recipe for, just ask.

I went to a couple of Computer Classes. They have many computer classes onboard. How to Use Your Digital Camera, How to Take Great Vacation Pictures, How To Edit Your Photos for great pictures. Also many, many classes on how to use Windows 10 features. The teacher was great, so very patient. He made the classes fun!

I went to an Art Auction. Didn’t plan on bidding, just watching. It was fun to watch and to learn about the various artists. Many pieces sold, many did not.

I went to a Jewelry Auction. It was the first one they had done as a trial. Did not go well. Not a thing sold. They had two drawings. I WON!! YIPEEE!! A very, very beautiful bracelet. Price tag said $125. I was so very excited and love my bracelet.

I went to a 60’s sing-along in the Piano Bar. They passed out papers with all of the words. It was a great time. Fun!!

I went to a tea seminar. Lots of very good information about the different types of tea and the health values. We all gave our cabin numbers and a whole packet of information was delivered to our room. All sorts of great information about different teas and the values of each. So nice!

Casino: The casino was REALLY small. Much smaller than on NCL! Before the ship left and before the casino was open, we went to check it out. One guy was in there, his eyes popping, looking all around. He said, “THIS IS IT”!! I can’t believe it! I’m used to the casino on Carnival. It was very small, and I got a little bored with not much of a choice. But it was never, ever hard to get a seat at a machine, so I guess the size works!!!

Movies: A different movie shows each day, a few times. A couple G rated, and the rest PG. They are shown in the Culinary Arts Center room. Comfy seats to kick back and enjoy a movie!!

Mass: Mass is celebrated each day in the Culinary Arts Center. When there are not cooking demonstrations, the screen door closes.

Karaoke: It was held one night, and that place was ROCKIN’ Very busy, packed full. Some very talented folks singing. It was sure a good time watching. No participation from me – horrible voice!! He,he!

We went to a Newlywed game. It was fun. The couple that was married 61 years won!! I tried to get picked to be on stage, but my husband was horrified at the thought. Me: I'm game for most anything on a cruise!!! he, he!

The Crows Nest in the front of the ship was outstanding. Beautiful huge windows for excellent viewing. We saw dolphins. We saw orcas a few times. One group put on quite a show. It was much fun watching them jump, roll, slap their fin. Playing, playing!!! If you are going soon to Alaska, watch for whales from 1 to 3 pm on your way into Victoria.

All over the ship are areas to sit and relax and enjoy quiet time. The ship never, ever felt crowded. It was never even crowded or long waits at the buffet. The ship is very well laid out.

Ports: We did not do scheduled shore activities. We enjoyed just walking around town, visiting shops, watching people, enjoying the town. I did geocaching. It wasn’t bad getting off the ships, but we always waited a bit to get off after the rush. Long lines to get back on if you wait till the very end.

My favorite port was Ketchikan. Love that place. I miss going to Skagway with NCL. The port instead on Holland is Sitka, which was just okay to me. We live near the sound and on a river, so we already see that sort of thing. It’s a lot about the salmon, which were heavily spawning. We have that right outside our door. So, most other folks would pry appreciate it more than me.

We went to the State Museum in Juneau. It’s brand new and so very beautiful! Sure enjoyed it.

I got a Christmas ornament in each port with the name of the town on it.

Photo shop: The photo shop sells a very nice scrapbooking package with all sorts of neat things. Also a nice scrapbook album, and I bought both. I also bought our embarkation photo and a ship photo. They take photos each night if you would like to get your pictures taken. We didn’t do that.

Secret Door: We followed the directions given here on CC and found the secret door leading out onto the bow. So very cool! We were out there at night in pitch dark!!! Great!

I kept busy constantly! My dh smokes and we got to know a lot of folks in the smoking area outside at the back. Lots of great folks. This ship is smaller than other ships we’ve been on. Loved that! Much more likely to get to see and visit with the same folks throughout the cruise. I love to talk and visit!! Yes!

Every night when I got my new schedule for the next day, I got out my hilighter and marked everything I wanted to do. And it was a lot. My problem was there was often two things at the same time, forcing me to choose! Such hard decisions!!!!! Ha!

Coffee shop and Library: We got coffee once. It was hot and very good. The library and internet center was always busy. You can get a copy of the news there. They have a wipe-off table with a crossword puzzle that can be worked over and over. Good selection of books. Plus a section where you can take a book and leave a book. Neat!

Service: Service was outstanding! Everywhere you go you are ALWAYS greeted with a hello. I always take care to smile and ask how the staff person is doing, how their day is going. I visit with them often, and enjoy hearing about their family etc. They work so very hard!! I appreciate each and everything they do for me. I’m not of the mind that they are put there to cater to my every whim and every demand. They are not on a luxury job on a luxury cruise, they work and work and work!

Our room steward was very nice. We are very easy. Most days we just keep our Do Not Disturb Sign on the door handle. I don’t need my bed made up or down each day. I don’t need my room cleaned each day. I don’t need a towel animal each day. I just throw the covers up, pick up my junk. I had him do up the room a couple of times, get me ice a couple of times, asked him for towels when needed. That’s about it. We gave him $20 the first day, and told him we are super easy, don’t need much of anything, and when we do, we will let him know. Works great for us!!!!

We loved this cruise and we will definitely be using Holland America Line again. We especially loved the smaller ship, and we will stick with those in the future. Now that we don’t have children going with us, we don’t need most of the offerings of the huge mega ships. If you have not been to Alaska, you surely need to go!!! It is out of this world beautiful!!!

Thank you for your answers. It looks like we will just be ordering from room service. That will be fine.

We are booked in an Alaska cruise on the MS Amsterdam. It doesn't look like there are coffee makers in the cabins. We have an Ocean View.

We always sailed on NCL In the lower category cabins that didn't have a coffee maker, we always have requested one on the first day. We've given a good tip to the room steward along with the request, and have always been given one.

Is that possible for us to do on the Amsterdam? Has anyone ever been able to get one?

Thanks!!!

For those of you scheduled to take an Alaskan cruise this summer, boy, are you in for a special treat! I've sailed there 4 times. The beauty is outstanding. I love the Jewel!

If you do a search here on CC, there was a thread about 'tips' for the Jewel. But, that was quite a while back. At least a year. But, if you are curious to get tips specifically for that ship, start another thread. I can post some tips on it, also.

My grandson was 16 when we took him on his first cruise.

He went to the first night meet-up at the Teen Center. From then on, he mainly just met up in the evenings with kids that he had met from the Teen Center. They went to the evening shows together, met at the hot tub, ate out together, etc.

He would run into kids he knew throughout the day, and would take off to hang out with them doing different things. It worked out really well.

Are you living in the county where she was born? If so, you can go to your county office building and get a certified copy right there and then. Look online to see what other i.d. you may need to show to get it.

You should have time to do that, as the county offices open early.

We've sailed twice on the Jewel to Alaska. We love that ship! It never felt crowded to us, and it was easy to find nice, quiet places to enjoy the view.

We spent a lot of time wandering around, stopping for a bit, sitting or lounging and taking in the view.

Like mentioned, the Great Outdoors is FANTASTIC!!! There is often a small buffet/snacks served at the grill area right near there. There is also a beverage station there. If you hit the big buffet, take your food and head to the Great OUtdoors.

We loved going to the Spinnaker during the day at times when no events were taking place. Often, the place was completely empty. Just us, with a few folks wandering through now and then. They have really neat big padded lounge bed things. Two can fit easily. We would lounge there, taking in the ocean passing by. So relaxing and quiet. We even took a snooze!!! ha!

We spent a lot of time one deck up from the pool deck. On the sides of the ship. Lounge chairs were easy to come by. Nice area to relax. Although, with the wind, the loungers were often stacked and not being able to use.

Also up from the pool deck at the front of the ship is an excellent viewing spot. Lots of chairs. We often sat up there, in a chair, front and center. RElaxed or reading. You are behind plexi-glass, which breaks the wind!!!!

The library is a nice, quiet place most times. Good viewing through the large windows.

Just wander around the Jewel, and you will find many, quiet, peaceful places to enjoy!!! And enjoy your cruise! You will absolutely love the Jewel!!!!

Have a wonderful cruise! Post back to let us know about your time.

I can imagine how disappointed you were with your cabins being changed. When planning a cruise many of us put so much thought and research into making it just how we want it. We try to plan the best cruise ever!!!!!!!

So when cabins would be changed, I too would be upset. I am one that gets things set in my mind on just how I want things, and when they don't happen like I plan, I get a bit "wigged out"! ha! But not for too long. Then I settle in and go with the flow.

I just know your cruise will be fantastic and things will be just fine. Have a great time!!!!! I envy you and wish I was leaving on a cruise!!!!! Yes!!!!

Like other folks have said, pack so that you can dress in layers.

I've been on 4 Alaska cruises. We have always cruised in August. Three cruises we had outstanding, warm weather. One cruise we had varying weather. Warm some, rain and cooler some.

Last summer, folks were in swimsuits on the pool deck. Lounging and soaking up the sun. One cruise, it was really cool on deck, so not many folks using the pools or hot tubs.

We always pack a couple pairs of shorts each. We generally don't wear our shorts. Dh brings jeans and a couple of Dockers for dinner wear. I bring 2 pairs of jeans, and the rest cropped/capri pants. We bring 1/2 short sleeved tops and 1/2 long sleeved tops. Then we pack a thinner zip-up hoodie and a thicker zip-up hoodie with fleece lining. We do not pack a heavy winter coat.

It works perfect, as we can layer for cooler weather.

Be sure to bring swim suits. Even if it's cool weather or raining, it's really still a good time to lounge in the hot tubs with steam rising up all around you. Heck, I was even in the pool and hot tub in the rain! It's all good!!!!!

Have a wonderful, wonderful cruise! You will love it!

I've sailed to Alaska twice on the Jewel. Most recently was last August.

Our favorite spot was the Great Outdoors at the very back of the ship. Most times, there is food/small buffet style and snacks offered there. Beverages as well. We would go to the buffet and then eat at the Great Outdoors!!!!

There are two soft-serve ice cream stations. Attendant on hand to serve. Near the buffet. One is strawberry, the other is chocolate. One station on each end area of the buffet.

By the buffet, you can always get flavored drinks. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate. The buffet does close in between each dining session.

On glacier day, they served salmon chowder in the buffet. Nice way to warm up your insides. It does get chilly as you head into the glacier.

The Spinnaker is often very quiet during the day, when no events are happening. Lovely place to relax. Really neat curved loungers to relax on or take a snooze!

Check out the Bridge Viewing Room. Neat place to observe the things going on in the Bridge. Plus many interesting things displayed for viewing.

In the earlier evening (maybe 4:30 or so??? Ask for the exact times), they serve made-to-order crepes near the buffet area. Just past the buffet as you are heading to the back of the ship. Sooooooooooooooo delicious!!!! The fillings offered change from day to day. My favorite was lemon and blueberry. You can get whipped cream on top. Also chocolate drizzled on top. We hit that place every day.

They open the very bow of the ship on glacier viewing day. Get there early if you want to be in that spot. It fills in quickly. You have to stand. We went one deck up from pool deck about an hour prior to the ship turning in to head to the glacier fjord. Perfect spot for us. Pulled up chairs and we were front and center, behind the plexi-glass. Stayed there the entire cruise in the fjord to the glacier. OUtstanding!!!!!

If you have an inside room, request a coffee maker from your room steward. We did, and got one. We did give a big $$ tip when we made our request on embarkation day. We do love our coffee!!!!!

O'Sheehans is open 24 hours. It's sit down dining, casual. It's a rather limited menu, but we thought it was good. a lot quicker than going to the main dining room if you are in a hurry. They also advertise dinner specials. Yummy offerings. There will be signs posted around the ship.

On embarkation day, skip the buffet (super crowded) and go to the main dining room (Tsar's) for a nice, quiet, relaxing lunch. I do think it closes pretty early, though. Maybe 1 or 2??? Can't remember.

Don't miss the sail-away party!!! On the pool deck. The ship's cast is there singing and dancing. Band playing. Cruisers dancing and joining in. It's fun to join in or just watch! Such a good, good time! There is also a barbecue if the weather is good.

There are often snacks served at the grill on the Pool deck.

Stroll around the ship. There are so many nice quiet places to sit by the window and watch the sea. The Jewel never really seemed overly crowded to us. Nice, quiet places on deck to relax and enjoy quiet time!!

If the weather is cruddy, we often went to the pool deck. Each side is covered. It's a good way to be outside but not in the direct weather!

If I think of anything else, I'll post!! Enjoy our cruise!! We love the Jewel and the Pearl. We've been to Alaska 4 times on those two ships!!!

I'm so sorry to hear of this tragedy. I can't begin to imagine what the family is going through.

No matter what happened with the circumstances surrounding this, this poor family will live with guilt and their lives have forever been changed. I just can't imagine having to live my life after a tragedy like this. I have said a prayer .......

The menu has many more good choices than the old one. But I still think $7.95 is too high for the service fee. Maybe 2.95 or 3.95, I think I would order. $7.95, no way!

There should be some reports coming back soon, as the first cruises to Alaska will be sailing this month! Lucky folks! ha!

And, heck, what happened to the $3.95 fee they were charging on one ship during the "Trial Phase"?

I guess they decided folks like spending $7.95 more than $3.95! ha!

Well, I guess NCL must figure that folks will pay, I guess.

I know our next cruise won't be with NCL. We are going to give Carnival a try. I'm really quite excited to try a new line. NCL shoved me over!! ha!

I've sailed to Alaska a few times. For dinner you can wear whatever you want and should be comfortable. I wore both long and short sleeve tops. I did usually wear a sweater also, mainly for the fact that we were indoors and then out quite a bit. I could go out on deck and still not freeze.

I did see many women at dinner in the main dining room with nice short-sleeved dresses on.

Thanks for the information on the type of snorkeling equipment you use. We want to go to Mexico on Carnival's Miracle this coming fall, so I will order the snorkeling stuff before we go.

I have never, ever been snorkeling. I have always wanted to do it. Any super tips for a first timer snorkeler??? I can just picture myself sputtering and choking ......... lol!!!!

Dh and I have cruised to Sawyer Glacier twice and Glacier Bay twice. We actually prefer Sawyer Glacier over Glacier Bay.

Glacier Bay is wider and you are cruising through a more open area. Sawyer Glacier cruising is in a narrow area. I was amazed! High, tall sides going about straight up. It was amazing.

If you are not going to Sitka, you are probably going to Skagway Port. I have not been to Sitka, but Skagway is my favorite port out of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

Skagway is a National Park. Lots and lots of gold rush history here. Museums. Park employees do a walking tour. I love this town.

Hi! I know you have your own snorkeling equipment that you bring with you when you cruise. I'm interested to know what kind you have and where you purchased it?

Also, does it take up much room to pack? We pack pretty light, and I'm wondering if it's worth it to buy our own even though it will take up a lot of precious suitcase space??!!!