CaribbeanIsland

Crew I have spoken to often Facetime with their family from the ship. Ship's must now be giving them more affordable internet. Depending on your cell carrier -- you may have good cell coverage in ports.

I would also choose ISP. Lately I have had better whale experiences there.

For most individuals - they only travel to Alaska once. It is a trip of a lifetime experience.

Helicopter is cancelled more than plane. I haven't heard of many who have had Taku lodge cancelled but I am sure it happens. Whale watching would be my Plan B. Museum would be Plan C. Mendenhall Plan D.

There are taxis all over downtown Juneau. @wolfie11 is correct - the ships are all around the waterfront. Some are farther from downtown than others such as Franklin and AJ dock. I would do a taxi to the rental car agency.

Seaside and Cannon Beach are beautiful in Astoria. I have been a few times but have also missed the port a few times due to wind. I think that port is missed frequently.

I find Anchorage a city. If you rent a car -- I would go somewhere else than Anchorage. I would reserve the car ASAP.

I would book in May. April is too early. September can have bad weather. I recommend Glacier Bay. If you feel comfortable --- do your own cruise tour. Rent a car and drive. Allocate more than 4 nights because distances can be great. I would do 7 night on land.

I appreciate @Coral info on this board. They know more about Alaska than most which is what this forum is about. If you want to discuss entertainment on ship - go to that cruise line forum. I come here for Alaska information. So glad there are people on this board that stick to the topic.

Do the longer tour. You will not regret it. IMO - going to just the Summit isn't worth doing. The views get better past the Summit. The scenery is this part of Canada/Alaska is different than elsewhere in Alaska. The history is unique to this area as well.

This!

Enrichment programs must be hit and miss on RCL because on my Alaskan cruises, there were NONE! ZERO. And the cruises were inferior to my HAL and Princess cruises. Celebrity does have 1 very good Naturalist. He is often on the ship with the worst itinerary though.

We would not do RCL or NCL to Alaska again. Never again. If you are only sailing for the ship it would be fine. If you are sailing for Alaska - don't do these lines.

We saw moose, 1 bear, a lot of otters, sea lions and a few whales. Though we didn't stay and watch any of them for too long. We got much closer to the glaciers than the cruise ship did. It was much more up front and personal for glaciers than when being on a large ship. I would do the trip again as opposed to walking around Whittier or staying on the ship for the day.

We have done College Fjords several times via cruise ship. We found the 26 Glacier Cruise to be a highlight of our 14 day cruise. We found it exceptional. I would not rule it out. So many people have posted positive things about the tour and one person has said negative things. I would look at multiple reviews before ruling it out. We have been to Whittier several times and have also hiked around the area. I would take the glacier cruise over hiking any day.

Sorry - I meant is it still open (not oven). It appears to be still open. Thanks. I personally wish it would go away. I said I would ask. I appreciate you reporting back.

Can you check the status of the Cigar Bar (Speakeasy or Churchill's - don't remember the name) - off the lower level of the Theatre? I hate to ask, it is not for me. A relative is sailing over Christmas. Is it still oven or renovated?

Does anyone know if this is open or closed for cigars? Not a fan myself but asking for someone sailing over Christmas.

I hope you are feeling better! Sorry your vacation was cut short.

I may actually go on another Uniworld trip now. I never thought I would say this. I loved the ships under Crystal. This will be a huge step up from Uniworld's other ships. I wonder with the charter if it will be Uniworld employees or if they were able to get some of the Crystal employees back.

They used to only allow you to apply within 90 days of sailing. Though when they made you pay for excursions, they changed this. So it is intended for those who own insurance when you sail. Not sell a year earlier and still get the benefit. This is reaching pretty far IMO.

We did not see this either this year.

I agree with Coral's advice. If they take your advice, they won't see much of Alaska.

Thanks for great "live" report. When is your next trip?

I love Whistler! Thanks for the pictures. Definitely looks different in May. We usually go in June. I am surprised more people don't go to Whistler pre-cruise as it is so close to Vancouver.