WorldTraveler11

Hi All, A member of my cruise group has asked if the Empress of the Seas has a specialty coffee shop? I have read conflicting information online. One review mentions a Café Royal in Boleros and another review mentions Latte-tudes serving specialty coffee (possible Starbucks). Who has been on the Empress recently that can confirm? Many thanks!:)

We need to embark and disembark in the same port because my husband does not fly. So for us to hit both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, we would have to do back to back cruises. And we have only have one certain week that we are able to take the cruise.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I wish we had two weeks to do back-to-back itineraries to see both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, but we don't unfortunately. We decided to do Glacier Bay on NCL in an inside room. I think we'll be happy with our selection. NCL did make some mistakes with our reservation, but that's a story for another thread! :p

Hello Fellow Cruisers,

I am really struggling with making a decision on which Alaska itinerary to choose. My husband and I are planning our first cruise to Alaska for July and we are not sure if a stop in Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier is more desirable. We live in Florida and cruise to the Caribbean often. This Alaska cruise might be my only chance to go there ever! So, I want to make sure it's a great experience. I know certain places in Alaska are better at certain points in the season (for wildlife viewing, glacier calving, etc.). The Glacier Bay itinerary is on Norwegian and the Hubbard Glacier itinerary is on Celebrity. I am not really too worried about which line we take. I am more concerned with the glacier experience. Also, please tell me if a balcony is an ABSOLUTE MUST. The price is around $2,000 more to get a balcony. Is it worth it? We are not really picky on cabins since we never really stay in the room much. But Alaska might be different. Any help you can provide is appreciated. Thank you!:D