nicoleinwi

If you are wanting to see pink sand and not spend a lot of time lounging on the beach I’d recommend taxi drop you off at Warwick Long Bay and walk to Horseshoe. About a mile walk. It was beautiful and not many people.  Most of the walk is along the beach but then you walk up a hill and go through greenery, don’t worry well worn trail.  There were so many photo stops with big rock formations out on the beach.

we planned on taking taxi back to ship but the $7 shuttle was getting ready to leave so we just hopped that for the savings.  

We'll be doing R/T Seattle hitting Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan on NCL Bliss.  A lot of people will say you have to do it one ways from Seattle or Vancouver up to main part of AK (whatever port up by Anchorage) or vice versa.

These are the main reasons we choose the R/T Seattle: 

- we liked the ship; go-kart track, laser tag and other features NCL offers

- port calls were what we wanted; Glacier Bay Ketchikan to do Bearing Sea boat trip

- when we cruise to a place we haven't been before we want to explore the embark/disembark ports.  We want to do the cruise in late May. By doing the one-way starting/ending in Anchorage area we didn't feel going up to Denali would be the best weather late May.  So we would have to go back to that part of AK to see Denali at a later point anyways.  

- Cost, by adding the extra cost of the cruise from Anchorage area, extra costs of the flights we could use the extra vacation time  we would have spent in Anchorage area to plan a land based trip there for about the same cost as the additional cruise/airfare cost (plus the additional cost we would spend regardless for the extra days in that part of AK).  Plus we'd then get 2 trips vs just one.  

10 hours ago, petuniaflower said:

Thank you so much, great info!  So when you say you took the train and metro, does the train from the port not go directly to the Colosseum area?  Is it train to metro to Colosseum?

 

Is the Colosseum and the rest of your list walking distance, or Colosseum somewhere else, then to the rest of the places which are all walking distance?

  

Also, when you bought your tickets in advance, did you have to pick a specific time, no all day entry?

 

Were the rest of the things you did all extra entry tickets/fees?

 

Hope this all makes sense!

I see someone else posted great directions for the train..... 

For the other questions, we thought everything was in walking distance.  I had my Garmin GPS watch running and I just pulled up the route in my online account.  So total walking we did was 3.89miles. 

I only bought tix in advance for the Colosseum, as that was the only thing we thought we had to get tix for (since it was a guided tour).  Palentine Hill & Roman Forum were a combo ticket, that place is so large and just all outdoors that we didn't think you'd have to prebook.  Panetheon was the only other thing we had to pay for tickets to get into.  That had a little line, maybe 5 minutes. 

If you are up for the walk like we did, it was really neat to just wander the streets and see everything.  Stop into a shop here or there.  Or stop at one of the various plazas along the way.  The one I have listed, Piazza Navona, we just made a point to make sure to hit that one as it was in the movie Angels & Demons. 

8 hours ago, John Bull said:

Too late to add in an edit - perhaps nicole's timed tickets were for the Colosseum underground tour? 

Yes mine were timed entry. Had to meet at 9:40 and they escorted us everywhere.

We did this combo tour which also included a stop in Hell.  Tourist area where there are weird rock formations.  We just booked the ship tour.  

We did Xplor as well and ditto all the awesomeness about it.  The buffet was really good.  Lines weren't bad.  I mean they aren't like Disney lines where you are waiting forever.  Maybe 20 mins is the most we waited.  We thought the excursion gave us enough time to do everything we wanted.  

If you don't get a ticket you can't get inside and just see from the outside.  We did Rome on our own with the train and the stop was right outside the Colosseum, we took the main train into Rome then transferred to the Metro. 

Everything you want to do is totally doable.  This is what we did on our own in Rome; 

I can't remember the time we took the train (we were in port 6am - 7pm and I know we were off the ship right after 6am), we missed the first one we were going to take as got lost, so we had to wait a 1/2 hour.  We had Colosseum tix for 9:40 and we arrived around 9:30am incase that helps with the train time.  Did the underground tour at the Colosseum. 

After the Colosseum here is everything we did (all walking) in the order we did it

Circus Maximus

Palentine Hill

Roman Forum

Pantheon

lunch stop for pizza

Piazza Navona

Spanish Steps

After Spanish Steps we took the metro back the main terminal and train back

We did not do Trevi as it was all under construction but if it wasn't we could have easily fit it in. I would probably walk Piazza Navona to Trevi to Spanish Steps. 

We arrived back to the train station in Civitavecchia with time to stop for gelato on the way back to the ship and still were onboard around 4:30pm (departure 6pm). 

We made a google map of Rome and plunked in all the stuff we wanted to see and developed our walking plan with that.

Just be careful about pickpockets.  We ran into quite a few people who were pick pocketed and even saw someone right when we boarded the train back getting pick pocketed.   

10 hours ago, PittsburghNative said:

I do have a question about liter size. I saw the Eddie Bauer backpack was 20L. Will that be a good size for someone who is 5’2? I was also looking at the L.L. Bean, but that is 22L.

Do you have REI near you?  Might be worth going there to check them out.  The sales people are amazing and actually know what they are talking about.  I know for my backpacking backpack (I don't remember if regular backpacks offer this) is they come actually in different sizes (xs, s, m, l, lx) so you could see how it fits on you.  

I'm taller then you at 5'7 but pretty small frame.  I always buy women specific backpacks, it makes it so much more comfortable. Main thing is the straps are kinda contoured in so they are digging into your arm pit area.  Which is extremely nice if you are wearing a tank top. 

We usually end up better just buying drinks as we want them vs paying the tips on the free package, sounds like DH & I drink about as much as you.  The other thing to consider is your port times.  On our upcoming cruise, one day we are in port from 2pm - 11pm.  So we might have just one drink that day before we head out, but likely not, and none when we return so that is a "wasted" day.  We really don't drink soda and if I did it would be in substitution for alcohol.  

I find Osprey to be a lot more comfortable then North Face.  I have a traditional backpack from them when I have a lot of stuff to use.  But for instances such as excursions where I don't need a lot I love the FlapJill pack.  It's a little more slimline (and it doesn't have big expanders.  It does still have a ton of room so you could throw a jacket, souvenirs and misc in it but it's not going to bulge out.  I remove the chest strap.  

Here's the link from Osprey's site.  I have it in a greenishblue color so if you check other places you might find in different colors.

 https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/flapjill-pack-FLPJLPACK_201.html

1 hour ago, twoznuff2 said:

Hello,

DH my brother and are "taking my mom" on the Bliss May 5th. She is 75 years young. I am the planner for our group. I have a little spreadsheet that I made for our trip if you're interested in it. This will be my 3rd trip to Alaska and my first time on what's considered a mega-ship, but I think the observation lounge area will be fantastic for my mom. I think the in-laws will really enjoy the train in Skagway and depending on their mobility maybe you could do a whale watching/Mendenhall glacier tour in Juneau. Good luck. 

* Tip if you're new to NCL- don't forget to book your dinner reservations and show reservations at 120 days out. 

Thanks for the offer, I'm a big planner too and already have my spreadsheet (and book) started :)  I also think my in-laws will like the train and showed them that.  The good thing is with it being so far out we figured it's easy gifting to combine some gifts (birthday and mothers day for example) and have it be a shore excursion or other things they may need for their cruise. 

Thanks for tip on booking shows 120 days out.  Our previous cruise on NCL (last summer to Bermuda) we were on the Escape we didn't want to know anything about the ship and wanted to be surprised.  Well when we got onboard we weren't able to get tickets for two of the shows we wanted due to our lack of looking at the ship and what you have to do beforehand.  So we knew this time we'd need to be on it.  Our previous NCL cruises we didn't have to prebook.  

For dinner reservations do you book 120 days out for regular MDR dining or do you mean the speciality restaurants?  We usually just do anytime dining but figured since we likely will be doing different things each day it'd be nice to at least say we'd meet up at whatever MDR at X time.  Thanks!!!! 

Is your issue that you can't reserve seats for individual?  We ran into that issue on our cruise.  In the roll call thread one of the guys got a group together and bought group tickets.  Before we left he said he'd be at the Meet & Mingle and we should go to pay him and get our tickets.  Worked out great.  You might want to check if something like that is being done on your cruise.  It was nice to do the early one so we had time to do other stuff in Flam.  Beautiful town. 

We start adjusting our home schedule to reflect the country we are visiting sometimes up to a week beforehand.  So each day we just adjust our time by a day to reflect the destination country. Which sometimes means on one of our last nights at home we are going to bed around 6 or 7pm to reflect Europe.  

I also recommend a sunset cruise.  The one we did took you over a wreck and it had a glass bottom so you could see stuff (this was around dusk).  It was narrated so they told some stories.  Depending on how far off you are from a full moon, you might see glow worms in the water, which we did and the boat stopped and we watched for a bit.  

If you are there on a Wed night, there is Harbor Nights in Hamilton.  We did that one night too but we would have enjoyed being on the ship just as much (but it was something to do).  Shops are open a little later (as they usually close around 5).  The main street is shut down to vehicle traffic and food stands and craft vendors line the streets.  

We had 3 days when we went last summer.  While we occupied our time it seemed a lot of stuff was more simplistic then the Caribbean.  No zip lining or the various monkey parks.  No eco-parks like you do on mainland Mexico from Cozumel.  No ATV type tours. 

Went to Bermuda last summer with a balcony and we used it quite a bit.  When we are on the ship and like to relax in our room we like the quietness of a balcony.  You won't really know though if you should book port or starboard side though as ships pull in different ways each cruise to do different upkeep on the pier side. 

On 3/10/2019 at 6:42 PM, Budget Queen said:

I suggest you determine what you want to see and do in ports.    Then rank your preferences.    Problem with round trip Seattle sailings is limited port times and many times partial days,   so renting a car in Juneau may not be an option.   

 

I do not agree with the slants of "Princess and HAL"  been there the longest- sway  toward being a superior choice because of it,  -   ALL the cruise lines have been there for YEARS   and each has it positives.     I will mention-   if later booking is possible,   likely NCL will have some very attractive rates with over supply.    (since you mention budget several times).   

Thank you for the input.  Yeah some of the port times are short like Ketchikan, but the inlaws are good with that then relaxing on the ship.  DH & I if we want to go back we will. 

I guess budget wasn't a concern with the inlaws like I thought it would have been.  I guess I assume because they don't travel they would think the cruise price was very high.  But it's something they have always wanted to do so they are fine with it. 

We want to cruise in May, likely around Memorial Day.  But at least we have the option if the price drops before final payment it'll be repriced.  

I'm also recommending the Canon SX740 as well!  We have the SX720 and it rivals our Nikon DSLR.  The Nikon does get crisper shots but only when you compare the same shot next to each other.  I think for Alaska the biggest limit with your iPhone is going to be the zoom.  The Canon has an amazing zoom.  Before we upgraded our DSLR for a recent trip to Iceland, we were looking at options to upgrade our point and shoot but from the research I did the Canon was the best option to get that super zoom.  There were other options but you were looking at close to a grand for a point and shoot (which gets you a decent DSLR).  Where the 740 retails for $400 and you could get around $350 or less on sale.  

Thanks everyone for your help!  

Over the past couple months DH & I did a lot of research and narrowed the ship down to the NCL Bliss.  

I put together a great budget for my inlaws.  Total estimated cost of everything minus shore excursions; cruise, cruise tips, airfare to Seattle, hotel in Seattle, estimated spending for attractions in Seattle and airport & cruise transfers.  So I gave them the total cost for an interior, window and balcony room so there would not be any big surprises on cost.  We let them know the cost of the soda package if they wanted to add on and also let them know price range of shore excursions.  

Last night they came over and we booked our trip.  They are not far out planners like we are and they were floored to see the limited selection of cabins.  They wanted a balcony room (as did we) so we wanted ones close by.  There were no mid-ship balcony left that didn't have something with lots of late night noise directly above or below, but we we were able to get a forward balcony next to each other.  

They are very excited.  So now this summer we'll start looking at shore excursions and airfare and pre-cruise stuff.  

I have not cruised Iceland but we are doing a land based trip here soon.  I concur with the majority of Reykjavik and not being a city you must see.  We have 2 full days dedicated just to being in Reykjavik and we are struggling at things to do.  We are fine with that because we have full day tours and an overnight tour booked during our trip so we will enjoy a little relaxation. 

If you decide to stick to Reykjavik city, one of the things we are doing one day is the Hop on Hop Off Bus.  It is about $35 USD per person and there is a pickup right by the cruise dock.  I believe the tour if you don't get off is about 60 - 75 minutes.  One of the stops on the HOHO Bus is Perlan - Wonders of Iceland which is kinda like a museum plus a great observation point to see Reykjavik.  They have quite a few museums but none seem of interest to us.  

Another option is from Reykjavik they have puffin cruises as it will be puffin season.  They seem to be about an hour cruise from Reykjavik.  Not sure if you'll be seeing puffins in Norway but for us it would be neat to see them. 

We live in WI and are taking Amtrak out to Glacier National Park this summer. Our train goes through Minneapolis and ends in Seattle so a nice, but long, train ride for them.  It’s comparable cost wise for our sleeper car for 2 vs airfare for 2.  

You coukd do do a round trip out of Seattle then and put them back on the train home. 

As as for ships, I like newer ships with the fun activities.  We’re looking at Norwegian Bliss rt Seattle in summer 2020.  That ship was launched in 2018.  

I haven't been on an AK cruise yet.  However, in some ports in other areas we've cruised there really isn't anything that interests us.  We will usually get off the ship just to walk around for a bit and back on the ship.  A lot of ship attractions are closed, or they have limited hours (usually opening up a couple hours before sailaway).  

If you google the respective lines cruise itinerary guide you should be able to find the daily itinerary for the days you are thinking of staying in port and that could help you decide what is going on. 

I agree with the others though, at least get off the boat, you don't have to be up early and gangway busting the ship, get off when you want and stroll through town.  Maybe something will catch your eye and maybe it won't.  You could plan your time when you get off the ship the night before by looking at the daily and see what interests you the day in port.  

Oh if you are into the spa a lot have spa specials on port days so that might be something to do if you stay on. 

6 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

If what they see on TV is what they think of as Alaska, Glacier Bay will fulfill their dreams.  Skagway is somewhat like a frontier town that I think they would be delighted with, and the White Pass Railway spellbinding.  Ketchikan is like another frontier town.  yes, it's touristy but in frontier times, it was probably the same, just not goods made in China...  Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau would also fill in their dreams.  And if they have senior pass cards from the National Park Service they can get into the museum there free, and take you along.  So, if what they see on TV is what they want to see, they don't need any excursions except maybe the White Pass Railway.  If you should decide to do a one way from Seward or Whittier, there would be a scenic train or bus ride from Anchorage to the port.  Our bus rides had narration of the scenery.  EM

Thank you!  In looking at excursions I did see a railway cruise and that would be something they'd be interested in.  That must have been White Pass Railway.  We were looking at some many things the names got lost in my head.  Yes they have the National Parks card too.  They bought it before price went up and only $10 for the lifetime just incase they ever were near a park. 

We also thought possibly in Juneau we could rent a car and drive out to Mendenhall on our own.  That way DH and I could do some hiking (if they allow) and they would be able to stroll around at their own slower pace and we could meet back at the rental car at a certain time, and give them the keys as they might be done first and could turn on the heat.  Or possibly that was another port that was closer to the glacier?  

It will be nice visiting port towns that seems to have more authentic shops.  I really don't like the types of stores lining a lot of Caribbean ports.  

DH pulled into Ketchikan in the Navy and said how neat it was so that is the one port that I'm really excited about hitting and made sure the cruises would stop there.  I want to do the deadliest catch boat.  

Thanks everyone for all your input!  Here's some feedback on some of your comments....

The embark/disembark cities are something to consider, besides Seattle R/T.  I will look at different costs and let the in-laws decide what they want to do.  I think doing the pre or post cruise tour with the cruise line is too cost prohibitive for them though.  That is also fine with us because we have a land based trip planned to Fairbanks and Anchorage that we are doing on our own and the money we'd spend on the add on cruisetour goes a long way to this other trip.  Plus it would save us some vacation days.

What they want to experience that they see on TV is for example Wheel of Fortune will give away an Alaskan cruise, and you will see this ship (and it's a normal cruise ship not an expedition boat) in the middle of the icy mountains.  That's what they want to see. 

They will fly.  They won't fly on their own, so that is why we would be "taking" them. 

I thought of having them read some of the forums.  However, even though we've only been on 8 cruises we are pretty seasoned travels, going away about 5 weeks a year.  If my head is spinning with the AK stuff, I can't imagine what their head would be doing :)

Next step is I will look up the cruises that have different starting/ending cities and go over that with them.  I'll find some info out on the ships too.  As one said they may not like NCL with the kids.  The Bliss I believe is close to 5000 passengers where the Eurodam is right under 2000 so that is also something I'll put together for them.

Thanks again!

Hello - I feel really lost with planning an Alaskan cruise.  I have read through a lot of the forums and have narrowed it down to a cruise that does Glacier Bay.  Also narrowed down to late May to try to prevent the rainy and bug seasons.  Looking for advice if one of the cruises below really stick out as they one to do (or stay away from).  Departing May 23 or 24 from Seattle on 7 night RT. They are; NCL Bliss, Holland America Eurodam or Princess Ruby

All have one sea day and hit the following; Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria.  The Bliss and Ruby hit Skagway where Eurodam does Sitka.  The Eurodam also lists Stevens Passage before pulling into Juneau where the others do not.  

A little about our wants on this trip.....  For DH & I it isn't about what we want.  We are in early 40's.  It will be a great trip and we'll find great excursions to do.  But each year in our trip planning we don't bother looking at Alaska as other destinations we'd like to visit more for the cost.  We are taking DH's parents who are in their early 70's on their trip of a lifetime.  Well, not taking them as they are paying their own way, but taking them as they will not travel on their own.  They are not travelers (they went to Grand Canyon once and Vegas twice in the past 30 years), so this is a very big deal for them.  They want an Alaskan cruise for what they see on TV, that's their requirements.  And, they are also looking for a trip that is on the lower cost side.  Thus, why I am looking at the Seattle-Seattle.  I am scared because we are the ones incharge of planning someone's trip of a lifetime.  Where if it were DH & I if we planned it wrong, then we would go back and do what we missed.  

Parents are very simple people.  On the ship they will likely just enjoy sitting around and watching Alaska go by.  So even though DH & I want all the cool features of a cruise ship we are fine with a simple ship.  For their excursions they will not be doing anything extravagant or extreme; taking a tour of each town.  Maybe a train ride (I can't remember what port I saw that in).  A cruise seems like a good option for us traveling together as in port we will be able to each go our separate ways for excursions and meet up at night as we'd want to do something more extreme then they would.  When the itineraries state it's Glacier Bay day, do all these lines have commentary on what  you are seeing and kinda stop in the bay and rotate the ship around?  

As for rooms; DH & I like balconies.  We enjoy relaxing in our balcony during the day and it was great doing the Norwegian Fjords and being able to just sit out there and not feel crammed around people (and quick go back inside when it got cold).  That is out of their price range.  They are considering a window room.  Is it worth getting a window room over an interior for $600 more (for 2 people)?  I do not think so, but wanted to hear others thoughts.  Aren't the windows usually over the bed?  Sure, it would be nice to glance out the window when you are in the room, but I can't imagine spending a lot of time in your room to look out your window like you would in a balcony room.  They are the type that would enjoy hanging out in the common areas watching the scenery and people. 

Thank you in advance for any help you could give!