nini

Very nice! Maybe very late August and September are the right combo! We will be on the lookout during our September 14th twelve night cruise this year!

Innocent question: Can any other qualified people move the tugs? I realize this is Canada, bt sometimes in USA, "management" personnel will fill in.

It is true, that one should be up on deck wandering around to see the scenery. However, as has been stated by so many; it is such a treat to be able to watch and enjoy the scenery and wildlife BEFORE you have become dressed, brushed your teeth, etc. ..... or while you are getting ready to go to dinner..... On one Alaska cruise, the 7 of us gathered on our friends' balcony to enjoy the whales. (It was a corner aft). Due to a last minute reservation on one of our Alaska cruises, we had an inside and NEVER again! We were like next door to an engine room; granted not ALL insides are noisy. So, if it is in your budget, then go for it and be picky on location, balcony size and get one that is at least partially covered, because not all balconies are covered. If it is a budget breaker, then book what you think is best for you.

We saw the Northern Lights just 22 years ago this past August 28th!!! We were on a HAL ship and it was about 9:00 or 10:00 pm and we were leaving a port; sorry, I do not remember which port. I think I was basically the first to notice, then I spread the word. About 30 minutes later, the Captain announced it. So................ just be on the lookout.

We found that the guests on HAL to be of a much older group. You could nearly hear a pin drop after 8:00 pm on the HAL ship. However, this was just our experience.

there was no Pub Lunch in May. Glad you get one!

Our new cruising friends were able to do just that. They had a lovely table for 4 in the corner by a big window. They asked us to join them.

Try: www.vrbo.com However, it is very late for the season and there may not be many vacancies remaining.

We have been to Juneau 4 times. We have enjoyed whale watching, Mt. Roberts, the Alaskan Brewery tour. Our favorite was the very small group whale watching tour with Harv and Marv (a max of 6 guests plus the Captain). Mendenhall Glacier is also worthwhile.

** We will be boarding the Grand Princess in about two weeks. This is a 12 night itinerary and we booked it because we will be visiting 2 new glaciers and 3 new ports that we have not seen before. The Grand and Sapphire are older ships, however, and may depart from Vancouver, BC. We have departed from both ports. ** This will be our 5th Alaska cruise. **Viking is not the only cruise line that offers more than a 7 night Alaska itinerary. Viking also does not permit guests under age 18 (you mentioned there may be 3 or 4 in your party) ** As you have mentioned "budget" in your title, a flight over Denali is not what I would consider budget friendly. ** We have very much enjoyed the guest commentators on the Princess ships as we enter and enjoy a fjord or glacier. **VRBO in Alaska is not necessarily for the "budget minded", however, you may have already done that research. ** It appears that Denali is really important to you. May I suggest a separate/ additional trip to Alaska where you stay in a vacation rental as a home base and explore Denali and so many other beautiful places? Anchorage is a good home base.

We do not park at the official port parking. There is a lot next to it that is less expensive. They have free shuttles over to the ship.

The balcony is your own private viewing area- get room service and relax! We swore we would never book an inside or window room again.

ABSOLUTELY!!! If you are concerned about the weather (it is Alaska), then book a covered balcony room, or at least partially covered. We have spotted whales and much wildlife from our balcony! You will be bringing layers anyway, so you can bundle up. The scenery is gorgeous!

Truly, do not worry about no Traditional Dining. Many still choose their time and get it. Many "strangers" also end up dining together at the same table and time. You can create your own "TD".

We have a specific checking account with a debit card that we use only when traveling. The associated company pays for all fees when we make a withdrawal in the foreign country. This is the ONLY debit card we use, otherwise, we use credit cards. The ATM cash withdrawal is handy for the smaller things, gratuities, etc.

Great answer! Perfect.

This is a comparison of apples to celery. These are two very different cruise lines. As has been mentioned, just think of the Medallion as a small round cruise card. Use it when convenient. And, NEVER use it on shore! Yikes! We eat when we want to and really have never had to wait but maybe once with a pager. Regardless, it was usually a pleasant waiting experience as we would chat with others.

Our upcoming Alaska cruise has been on and off "Currently not available" for the last few months. It is now available, but wait a few moments..... We originally thought it was due to possibly needing to make a change regarding Skagway. About a month ago, our TA thought it had been sold out. Nope, cabins still available.

There are reviews and then there are REVIEWS/ "REPORTS"!!! Thank you for this informative and enjoyable "report". Of course, we will all be interested in what you thought of the ship and your ports.

We enjoyed and used some of the features. We were corner aft and often tired from the tours of the day. So, we would order wine to be delivered to our cabin. It was usually delivered in a quick and friendly fashion. However, DH was frustrated that he could not order an almond milk hot chocolate... so, you can order the basics. He would just call room service in those instances.

Thank you. I have been shocked by impressive parental nonchalance in many situations.

Why do you care that I care?

Ours was MORE than $25.00

We sailed on the Oosterdam in 2008 when it was about 4-5 years old. I thought it was horridly worn and still call it a "Bucket of Bolts".

We would go for an aft cabin: D728-D731 These have a loveseat too.