Mare10

 

The above picture is from Princess' flickr site. Your cabin is the last cabin on on Emerald deck which is one of the most sought after cabins on any Grand/Crown class (also the Sapphire/Diamond) because it is totally covered and is larger than the others because of the partial wrap. If you went to Dolphin deck (one deck up) you'd have an uncovered balcony. I cannot remember which deck (Dolphin or Caribe) where the balconies are partially covered. I think it's Caribe but I'm not sure. In any case, do not take the upgrade offer. Keep what you have.....:):):)

 

Bob

Thank you Bob! You helped me pick this cabin in the first place! Sure wish you were still joining us.

Thank you all for your advice! I had heard that E728 and 729 were very popular and I agree.... We're staying put! I just wanted some input from more experienced cruisers. I love cc for help like this!

Marilyn :)

I did well with the current sale getting complimentary gratuities etc. When the TA offered an upgraded cabin I didn't know what to do!

We booked E728 on the Grand a long time ago for our Hawaii cruise. She's offering D605 or D301. I guess we're category ME but those would be a higher category.

I have heard that the aft mini is a good cabin so I'm not sure we should change.

Opinions please!!!

Aloha Kakou,

Leialoha and I have been promising that as soon as we knew our schedule for 2014-15 we would post it here. We just received our confirmed dates this morning so here they are. We thank everyone for their patience. This is how our year looks:

Note: These are all Hawaiian cruises, or have Hawai'i figuring prominently in the itinerary with the exception of the Diamond Princess. Also, they only run through the end of November 2015, after that we do not know where we will be.

 

Grand Princess

Nov 19, 2014-Jan 3, 2015 (out of LA)

Pacific Princess

Jan 7-Jan 29, 2015 (out of Papeete)

Grand Princess

Feb 2-April 21, 2015 (out of LA BUT these also include the two Vancouver-Vancouver cruises)

Star Princess

April 29-May 14, 2015 (out of San Francisco)

Diamond Princess

July 8-August 13, 2015 (out of Japan...these are dates for the Japanese season)

Dawn Princess

Sep 18-Sep 30, 2015 (out of Sydney)

Star Princess

Oct 14-Oct 29, 2015 (out of Vancouver)

Ruby Princess

Nov 15-Nov 30, 2015 (out of LA)

 

Leialoha and I are very excited about this schedule, as it shakes things up a little bit for us, and lets us cruise out of two ports that we have not done as part of the Hawai'i season. (Vancouver and San Francisco) We hope to see as many of you on board as possible. It's going to be a fantastic year, so if you are on one of our cruises, bring your ukulele, get ready to dance hula with us, come make lei with us and listen to the nahenahe sounds of Hawaiian music. A hui hou!

 

Aloha No,

Dave

(of Elua)

http://www.facebook.com/eluamusic

I'm so excited that you will be joining us on the Grand on March 4th! Our roll call has been anxiously awaiting the schedule. This will be a fantastic cruise for sure!

Marilyn. :)

I just booked Avis online for next June. It was cheap and easy.

 

What cruise are you booked on?

Interesting. I called yesterday and the guy practically laughed at me for trying to book for next June! He said the rates weren't up yet. Guess I'll book online too!

Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

After all the helpful posts here we've decided to go with Avis for a car. Is it better to book online or call? Any difference in cost? Thanks!

You will have plenty of time to see everything that is accessible by car. The previous poster has mentioned some of the highlights.

 

You can easily drive all the way out to the end of the road from Juneau in both directions, plus cross the bridge and drive around on Douglas Island.

 

Ask your rental car person for suggestions. They are always happy to provide a map and point out the highlights to see.

 

The nicest thing about going to Mendenhall Glacier with your own car is that you can leave all your stuff locked in the car and don't need to carry it around with you the way you do if you take the bus out there.

 

Also, that you can leave whenever you are ready and don't need to wait for a bus.

 

At the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center, if you make friends with a senior citizen with a senior pass or golden age pass, you can get in free.

If you have your own pass, bring it along because it is good for free entry to a number of other places in Alaska as well.

 

 

I had saved some recommendations that other people have posted previously and will post them below, as a way to pay it forward:

 

 

-Avis is in the Goldbelt Hotel. a couple blocks from the cruise docks.

 

- Mendenhall glacier. - hanging out on Steep Creek trail might get a chance to see a bear.

 

Pick up a copy of the trail maps and talk to the rangers, who will tell you if bears are around that day.

 

 

Whales - places you might get lucky.

 

- The Shrine of St. Therese- Besides the beauty and tranquility , it is also decent fishing grounds. part of an area known as "The Breadline" to fisherman (the Shrine is roughly the north end). Whales not terribly common along this stretch, but they do come through in transit to another location or to feed.

 

- Benjamin Island: interactive map @ http://mapcarta.com/23459936

The map should be centered on Sentinel Island. A bit to Southeast, you see a beige area where a river is emptying into ocean. That area is roughly Eagle Beach.

 

-farther away from city toward Echo Cove, there will be a series of pull-outs (at least there used to be.). You see three islands. small island farthest away from shore is Sentinel Island. big island is Benjamin Island and small island north of Benjamin is North Island.

 

a series of 3 or 4 pull outs t between the south and north of this group of islands. this isn't prime whale territory, but there have been seen on occasion around the islands there. If you see them, it will likely be at a distance,

 

 

Other suggestions:

 

- The Shrine of St. Therese

- DIPAC (fish hatchery) if the fish are running

- Twin Lakes Playground (if you have young children)

 

- Sandy Beach, Douglas (nice sandy beach good for walking and potentially good photos of the ship)

 

- State Museum (a lot of nice Alaskan native exhibits

- Drive (North Douglas Island and North of Juneau to Echo Cove

 

Other places

Mt. Roberts Tram (on a nice day)

Look up to see if you have a clear view of the top of the mountain before you buy your ticket. It is good for going up and down all day, as many times as you like.

There are some hiking trails up at the top.

 

Russian Orthodox church (St. Nicholas)

Bear Statue (located on Main Street between 3rd and 4th st....

Amalga Harbor, a few miles north of the Shrine of Saint Therese., i Just a mile or so off the main highway. a public boat launch. eagles everywhere and the chum salmon were jumping everywhere in the harbor.

 

Alaska Route 7 (Thane Rd./Egan Drive/Glacier Highway) is all of 40 miles long, but a lot of really nice places to stop along the way.

 

-Auke Lake. very pretty lake just off Glacier Highway. stopped at a roadside parking lot and walked around a bit, enjoying the quiet scenery and peaceful forest.

 

The whale watching tours leave from there, so you can drive out and meet your vendor there if you are going whale watching, without needing to drive back to town. But let your vendor know if you plan to do that and find out just where their boat will dock.

 

-Auke Recreation Area and Point Louisa Beach. undistinguished bit of beach, views were great -public grills and picnic shelters.

Auke Rec (gravely beach area, nice place to sit back with a cooler of beer and let the kids play and find sea shells but nothing special there)

-cross bridge over Gastineau Strait onto Douglas Island - into town of Douglas to The Island Pub. http://theislandpub.com/ The Island Pub

1102 2nd Street Douglas, AK 99824 ( 2nd st at E st -) go towards the water at fire station,

- known for fine pizza and very respectable beer list. every year they have a competition open to public to find best pizza topping recipes. put winners on their menu.

 

- headed north, making a brief stop on Douglas Highway - a nice pull-off that afforded great views of cruise ships docked across the channel. continueout along Douglas Highway to a boat ramp that had been recommended by folks at car rental.

fantastic views across Fritz Cove of Mendenhall Glacier, plus nice views of the surrounding islands.

 

- back across bridge to the Lemon Creek area of Juneau. There is the Alaskan Brewing Company. http://www.alaskanbeer.com/

not much to the public portion of the building - a small gift shop, and a room off to the side where they give a 20-minute presentation on company's history and the brewing process. You may have up to six samples of their beers (about 2 oz. pours).

Alaskan Brewing Co. 5429 Shaune Dr. Juneau, AK 99801

Tel: (907) 780-5866

 

How to find:

5 miles from downtown Juneau - 3 miles from the airport.

 

Take Egan Drive to Vanderbilt Hill Road, which becomes Glacier Highway. (There is only one direction to turn on Vanderbilt - R.)

Turn right on Anka Street (just past Wells Fargo).

Turn right on Shaune Drive (second right).

The brewery is on left at 5429 Shaune Drive.

 

 

- closest gas station to refill rental car tank - Egan Dr. and 10th Street, at Gastineau Strait Bridge.

(920 W. 10th - between Egan and F st) paid $4.35/gallon - a lot of congestion on South Franklin St in the afternoon).

 

- and for those last minute forgotten items there is always

Walmart - on the Glacier Highway between Juneau and Mendenhall Loop

 

Thank you so much for this detailed report! I will print it out for sure. We're doing a cruise in June next year. Had thought a rental car in Juneau would be a good way to do as much hiking as we want at Mendenhall. Do you think it's better to book with Avis online or call them?

I really appreciate all the input. I'm still wondering why they made the offer. It wouldn't have been a change financially. All I hear is that those 2 aft mini's on the Emerald deck are the best. Maybe there's a waiting list for them and they thought they could get us to move! I'm not moving and we're not a bit worried about a little noise from the Vista Lounge... maybe we'll be at the shows anyway!!!

Marilyn :)

I have been in both E728 and E729 and you do not get that much noise from the bandstand below in E728..E727 has a dinky balcony compared to E728 and dophin deck balconys although good sized are not wrap around and they do not have overhead, you are completely exposed to Caribe Baja and Aloha deck balconys above you..stay where you are in E728 you will not be disappointed

Thank you Michael.... I appreciate hearing from someone who has been in both E728 and E729. Sounds like we will be very happy with our cabin! I got confused when the TA offered us a different cabin but sounds like we should stay put!

Marilyn

Thanks for all the tips. I was hoping 729 was available but that was booked. 727 wouldn't have the wrap around balcony that people rave about with 728 and 729.

Decisions, decisions!

I hope this is the right place to post this question. I would appreciate advice from any of you experinced cruisers!!!

We are currently booked on the Grand in mini suite E728 for a 15 day cruise to Hawaii. First time in a mini suite and first time on the Grand. I had read that E728 and E729 were very popular cabins. I have also heard the only "downfall" to E728 is some night time noise from the Vista Lounge.

We're being offered E727. Also being offered 2 minis on the Dolphin Deck... 631 and 632.

Sure hope to get some advice ASAP so we can inform the TA.

Thank you!!!!!

I ended up booking the Mayflower Park after all my research. They have a suite that will easily sleep all 5 of us and there are 2 bathrooms. It was just a little over $300. and from what I've read it will be a great location for us since we're limited on time. We can walk to Pikes Market and it's right by the mall where you take the tram to the Space Needle. I'm relieved!

Thanks for the all the replies! We will check with Princess for sure. Don't want to take any chances as this trip is a very special one for us.

We're planning a cruise to Alaska with our DD and two grandsons.... ages 11 and 14. My DH and I have been there before and have our passports but we're wondering about the kids. Seems like I've read somewhere that birth certificates are sufficient.

Also, DD is divorced but has full custody. Does she need a letter from her Ex?

Thanks for any suggestions!

I'm really excited to read your posts. My DH and I will be on the Grand to Hawaii next March. Then in June we'll be on the Ruby to Alaska with grandkids. So... interested in the Grand and also Alaska!

Enjoy every minute. :)

Marilyn

I'm now reading alot of good reviews on Mayflower Park. Sounds like another convenient one. ?????

We always stay the the Maxwell when we come to Seattle for concerts. Great hotel. AAA has good prices for it.

Is the Maxwell a good location for Pikes Market and the Space Needle? It does sound like a real nice place.

Silver Cloud Hotels, Stadium, right next door to the 2 stadiums where the Seahawks/Mariners play.

We walked to Pike Place Market.

They also have a free shuttle to Pier 91.

Brewery Bar across the street, Krispy Kreame close by.

I've read other comments here about Silver Cloud. I love that they have a free shuttle to the pier! Is it a very long walk to the Market? Is is easy to get to the Space Needle? Thanks for all the help!

Marilyn

Any information on the Maxwell? Looks like a very convenient location with a free shuttle. So many choices!!!!

My wife and I are looking at the same type situation this year. We're cruising on 06/24 , flying in on 06/23 in the late afternoon. Here's what we decided to do to try to see both places.

 

We arrive 5:35 pm. Booked one night at Hampton Inn - downtown. Will taxi or towncar to the hotel from airport. Space Needle is approx. 10 min walk. Have a 7:45 dinner reservation at the Sky City restaurant on top of the Needle.

 

We booked room using AARP rate which includes late checkout by 2:00 pm. Next morning we'll get up early , walk the 10 mins back to Space Needle and catch the monorail to the Pikes market Area , explore for a couple or three hours and then monorail and walk back to hotel where we'll check-out and taxi/shuttle to cruise pier.

I really appreciate you sharing your plans! It's all overwhelming with so many hotels to choose from in Seattle. I'm glad I have plenty of time to figure this out. Thanks again!

Marilyn

There are hundreds of hotels in Seattle.... where to stay depends on your budget, room requirements, and mobility.

if you're on a budget, stay nr SeaTac airport. Most airport hotels provide free shuttles to/from the airport. From the airport you can ride the Light Rail into town for $3pp each way, 40 minutes.

Staying downtwon is definitely more convenient for sightseeing but hotels are pricey. Seattle has all the major hotel chains ... do you have points to use? Seattle isn't big ; if you stay nr the Seattle Center you can get downtown in 5 minutes via the monorail. Or vice versa. A taix will run about $15-$20. Or you can stay on Lake Union and ride the streetcar. ( some hotels provide free shuttles to a few major tourist destinations ie Silver Cloud).

Best to find a hotel using expedia or similar site. Find a few hotels that meet your budget and needs, then ask for feedback on your shortlist.

I'm thinking since we're only there for part of Saturday for sight seeing we will want go more for location than the budget. We know the kids will want to see the Space Needle and I'm assuming Pikes Marketplace as well. Looks like prices are better near the Space Needle but we need to easily get to the Marketplace.

I'm checking the Inn at the Marketplace etc. Or if we stay near the Space Needle... is it hard to get to the Marketplace from there? We're all mobile but will be a little short on time!

Thank you!

We will be flying in the morning before our cruise to Alaska. It will be 5 of us.... myself, DH, DD, and 2 grandsons. (11 and 14) Fortunately it's not til June of 15 but I like to plan ahead!

I'm assuming the main things we should try and see are Pikes Market and the Space Needle. Any suggestions for a hotel that would be convenient to both since we're limited on time?

Thank you.... I appreciate whatever input you may have!

Thanks for the great ideas. I'll start of list of ideas and let my daughter and her boys decide. Their first cruise will be fun no matter what they choose. I do enjoy doing the research and love doing private excursions.

We just booked our first inside cabin after always having balconies. Needed to save some money this time! This thread has been reassuring.

Does anyone know if there are sideways inside cabins on the Ruby?

We booked C520.... Caribe deck. Any opinions would be appreciated!