I booked a 2024 Southbound Alaska cruise on the Sapphire, but have a few questions on the itinerary and hoping the community may have some insights!
1. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 pm on embarkation day. That is much later than cruises I've been on in the past. Does that mean boarding times will also be later or can we plan on boarding around 11am?
2. Hubbard Glacier is the day after embarkation from 3pm-8pm. I'm guessing we won't spend a full 5 hours in front of the glacier so I'm wondering which hours are most likely going to be spent at the glacier? Also, this obviously conflicts with the most popular dining times and evening entertainment. Do most people try to book late dinner reservations (e.g. 8pm or later) for that evening? Will the showtimes for that evening be adjusted later to not conflict?
3. The final day of the cruise is the inside passage from Ketchikan back to Vancouver? However, this day is not specifically mentioned as scenic cruising. Are there any particular points or times of the day that are particularly scenic and worth planning for?