Northern Aurora

Definitely Hanger on the Wharf.

Thanks for providing the link to the article you initially referenced. One of the answers I received in 2022 made me wonder if the owners were willing to make the investment.

While Skagway is a great port for families our OP is not going there. Google the Sitka Sound Science Center to see if that might be of interest. Would the Fortress of the Bear be a possibility? There is a playground located between the Harrigan Centennial Center and the Science Center.

Thank for posting. I wonder if that tram will ever be operational again. We were in Ketchikan twice in late September 2021 when limited cruises were allowed under the Alaska Touirism Recovery Act, and it was not running then. We were in Ketchikan twice in 2022 and again it was not operating. That year I asked two different locals about the situation and received two different answers.

Others will chime in, but we just left the Eclipse after a series of four cruises. Lobster was served on the final evening chic night on each leg, and our stateroom was serviced twice (morning and evening) each day.

We just left the Eclipse on the 29th. There was a duck in a potted plant. I just moved to to the other side of the plant so if if the person who originally placed the duck was still onboard they would know that at least one person noticed.

A 9 PM closure for an Alaskan bar is rather early. I was pretty sure that we have been there past 9. According to their website they close at 10 PM.

Since both of my late parents had significant health issues later in life we have always booked refundable travel whether it be hotels or air. Just ensure that your reservations are refundable.

Any “insight” into the current situation for the folks who are being told that their booking has been canceled by Celebrity?

Obviously you remember it too. But I would just love to hear his comments now. Maybe he could use capital letters again.

@Tarwood3: And I am so glad that you have shared what you were told. @cruisestitch and I were just on overlapping cruises on he Eclipse. We have been concerned about these Japan itineraries so we both spoke with folks from the future cruise sales office. Actually we spoke to two different persons. No mention of a possibility of overbooking. I was concerned about a full ship charter as that had happened to us before on a Japan itinerary.

I also remember some “shouty” comments made by a poster who has not, as of yet, commented on the present situation. Love to read what he thinks now.

It is very possible/probable that glasses of bubbly are sitting on bar counters, but folks are missing them. On Eclipse glasses were on the Cafe al Bacio counter with no signage. It would have been easy to assume that they were there for a server to deliver to a table.

It will be no problem to find delicious salads and soups on Celebrity. The MDR and Oceanview cafe (buffet) will have lots of options.

This situation is so annoying I am just sputtering. So far no e-mails and no messages to either I-phone. Post #25 indicates nine sailings are impacted. But only three Lift and Shift alternatives are offered. None would work for us. Has anyone been able to determine any pattern of who is being cancelled?

After posting I am now again thinking about the OP’s question. We just left the Eclipse this morning after a series of cruises which included one leg in a Celebrity Suite. If the bed closest to the wall between the living room and bedroom could be moved up against that wall I wonder if that would cause issues with the nightstands and door directly into the bedroom area. Will be interesting to read if anyone has actually done this.

While we live in Alaska we still do Alaska itineraries. My experience is that few passengers dress up for the formal/evening chic nights. This woman wears a glittery top, black slacks and heeled sandals. My husband does not bother with a suit but does take a sports coat.

Celebrity Suites have separate bedrooms. The side walls are quite close to the bed. I the bed can not be separated into two single beds as you could not get into the walk in closet.

While the Denali Princess Lodge is located near the entrances Denali National Park (so other businesses are located nearby) the McKinley Princess is located off of the George Parks Hwy with nothing located within walking distance. We have stayed at the McKinley Princess several times as it is a good property to stop at when driving between our home in Fairbanks and Seward. There are a few walking paths (I would not describe them as hiking trails). When you walk into the main lodge I am often struck by the number of people sitting around looking bored. There is a shuttle to Talkeetna which is about 45 minutes away. Some folks use the laundry facilities. All of the cruise land tours look so herded. All attractions on those land packages can be booked on your own. Seriously consider a DIY land tour.

Not “everyone basically disagreed.” We are on the March 28 and April 9 sailings and have been concerned for some time. We just overlapped with cruisestitch while on the Eclipse and we discussed the situation several times. Both of us also reached out to the future cruise sales staff. We are still on the Eclipse and no e-mails. So far …..

Really wish the OP would return to provide more information, but I suspect they will not. Hope I am wrong.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Museum of Northern British Columbia.

We have flown non-stop Anchorage to Portland in the past on Alaska Airlines. Has Alaska discontinued that flight?

I am back to try to finish my post #64. Last night the premium internet was unstable and wonky. In any event yesterday during the 9:45 am Captain’s address to the ship folks were instructed to mask in the casino and theater. More folks started wearing masks in elevators and so forth. At 4:45 pm our doorbell rang and masks were delivered. Shortly after 5 pm Captain Zisis again addressed the ship. The announcement was not only broadcast in public areas but also directly into the staterooms. He informed us that the number of covid 19 cases had increased since his morning announcement. All crew and staff are now masked. Passengers have been instructed to wear masks in all public spaces. The exception is if you are actively eating or drinking. Boxes of masks are all over the ship. The Michaels Club bartender told us that the butlers have been picking up bottles of wine since a number of passengers are ordering room service. Definitely fewer folks in Luminae and Michael’s Club last night. We certainly had test kits with instructions delivered to our suite on the three turnaround days, but at this point in our lives I wonder how many folks really need instructions as how to use the kits. We have been on the honor system to report positive test results, and that may need to be changed. There also have been sufficient number of port calls to allow someone to pick up Covid on shore.

I will be closely following since we have been on board for a b2b2B2B boarding on March 10th and leaving the day Ken is boarding. This morning during the morning address to the ship the address was made note in the public area but’s also broadcast into the staterooms. Passengers were asked to mask in the casino and theater. About 4:45 PM out doorbell ring and indivualy packaged K95 masks were delivered.