cindyflora

Are they still in business? 

We're going Sept.2023

Thanks

On 7/13/2009 at 1:28 PM, Jimmis2001 said:

 

 

Hi Kathleen,

 

I cannot say which company is best because I only experienced one, but the tour I had with Captain Greg (owner/operator) of Weather Permitting was the highlight of our Alaskan journey. I could not imagine a better tour than the one we had with him. I am frugal and am very happy that I spent the couple extra dollars to join Captain Greg. I loved being on his boat with such a limited amount of people. I think the most he takes is 6 or so unless you have more than that in your group. Check with him to be sure.

 

Our tour started at 7am and Greg was waiting right by the exit ramp of the ship. He took us in a comforatable van to a beatiful view of mendenhall galcier at the University of Alaska campus in Juneau where he teaches some courses. Greg was very knowledgeable about the area and provided us with interesting facts along the way. (This was not taking away from our time on the water, just a little something extra.)

 

We arrived at the dock and let me say, he has a very nice boat! I thought he was just selling me when I spoke with him before booking, but his boat is cleaner than a lot of hotels I have been in! This state of the art boat was designed by Greg and is utilized by local rescue organiztions, filming crew, and photographers due to its stability in the water and I could see why.

 

Captain Greg had fresh brownies, nuts, cheese, crackers, and sodas for us. The brownies was worth every penny! He made us feel very welcome.

 

Off we went and within minutes we were view whales. We saw several humpbacks and were even lucky enough to see one breaching and having a fun time in the water! Captain Greg continued to provide interesting stories and information about the whales throughout our time on the water. He took us to several different areas and again including watching some seals play king of the mountain on a buoy, and let me remind you that he has a smooth riding boat! I could not imagine anyone getting sea sick on his boat! Last, He took us to a great view of the glacier and took our pictures.

 

After whale watching we left the marina and he took us to a nice little place for a few more pics of the Mendenhall Galcier, it is where you would put in a kayak if you chose to add that to your trip. He then dropped us off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. He is so nice, he even offered to pick us up later when he would be back in the area and return us to the ship or town if we wanted. We did not take him up on the offer, but it was a nice offer. Would have saved us $14 or so.

 

 

In summary, I would highly recommend WeatherPermitting. If you are looking for a smaller, individualized tour, with a professional, friendly, and knowledgable guide, then you cannot go wrong selecting Captain Greg! I would book him a again in a heartbeart. I have booked a lot of individual tours when cruising other places in the past and he is the best in my book!

 

PS The whales are great too!

1 hour ago, ollienbertsmum said:

We went southbound and stayed in Vancouver for three nights post cruise.  I loved that city. 

We are doing same in Sept.What did you do in Vancouver?

Thanks for any additional advice.

Just now, cindyflora said:

Thanks so much for this info. I am cruising w/o husband, and plan on doing my own tipping for this cruise. I am not sure of the amounts, but your note helped clarify. Will be on a 22 day Trans Atlantic, so want to tip my cabin steward well. 

On 4/11/2023 at 12:29 AM, complawyer said:

it also depends on how long your cruise is and who you expect to tip. $10 for sure to the baggage handler on the dock. for 3 meals a day anywhere from $5-$10 dollars per meal. We dont tip as much for breakfast as at dinner, and a little bit more if we're eating at a specialty restaurant.

$1-2 for your bartender.

 

$100+ to the butler if your'e in a suite or haven. $50 or more (again if you're in a suite or a haven) to the concierge, contingent on often you use his/her services. $20 at the beginning, another $20 at the middle and $20 or more at the end of the cruise to your cabin steward, $5-20 to anyone else on the staff who performs a service for you. if we're eating in the buffet, i usually tip $1-2 to the person making my omlet and/or the crepes.

 

that about covers it for the ship. if at all possible, we try and book cabs in many of the ports, as opposed to paying the ridiculous prices for the ncl shore excursions, so we usually factot in a tip for the driver. oddly enough, if we're on an ncl booked excursion, i dont tip either  the bus driver or the tour guide (go figure)

 

additional tips, if you're staying at a hotel before/after the cruise, to the bellcap, and maybe the person who checks you in.

 

i imagine, that i'll get a lot of flack from people who dont feel it's necessary to tip, since the dsc is rolled into your cruise fare. i've said this before in a prior post. if you wish to tip, feel free to do so, if not, then don't. it's really no one else's business.

again, if we're fortunate enough to be sailing in a suite or haven, i usually give the maitre'd a $20 oor so periodically throughout the cruise. you may not believe it, but it goes a long, long way to make your meals easier.

 

btw, sorry for the length of tis post, but i hope it helps

Just now, cindyflora said:

 

But how do you find $2 bills anymore?????

4 hours ago, Guardsy said:

We carry a pack of $2 bills on cruises for extra spiffs here and there.  Yes, after 35 years of cruising, I can say that it does make a difference, even at a crowded bar.  I don't know/care what sort of service you get, but I do know what service I get.  I will keep peeling of a $2 every 3-4 drinks.  I also use those $2 bills for room service deliveries.  Quick, easy.

On 2/15/2023 at 3:41 PM, ldubs said:

 

Agree completely.  Don't need the swim trunks on boarding day.   Why pack seasick meds if we don't get seasick.   Good risk management would say there is a time when travel insurance should be considered and a time when it shouldn't.   And, not one rule fits all.     

There's always a first time. Rather have a solution with me. Just sayin'

Thank you both so much😊. 

Not going to worry about it.

Appreciate it.

15 minutes ago, wheezedr said:

What cruise line?

Right. Norwegian Encore

Sorry

I'm a little confused. Will I get a corkage fee for each bottle just to BRING it on the ship, or only if I bring it to the dining room?

I believe it is only if it is brought to dinner.

Thanks,

Leaving early tomorrow morning!

Am new to this and a little confused. Our ship due to stop at Harvest Cay. Wanted to catch a private taxi for a tour of Belize. Will I be able to? Or will my only option be to stay on the island (Harvest Cay) for the day.

Any advice appreciated.