Just back from the first Spirit Alaska cruise of the season!!

[Bunkie103]

Attached is a picture I took at one of our dinner times during the May 2011 Alaska cruise.... thought I'd share. This was taken from our table in the main dining room. Just "some" of the scenery you will see! :)

 

I think we sat at that table on the last night! John took my pic and if he EVER uploads his pics I'll have to compare it. Back to work for you tomorrow...eh?

[sundownlow]

Okay, I'm beyond confused... I want to post pictures with my trip report but apparently need some step by step instructions. I clicked on the little postcard above which asks for a URL. I'm looking at just downloading from my FB page but when I tried a test all it did was post the URL in this message body. I log into FB secure, would that have anything to do with it?

Becky - Please help!!!!!

[Txhornfan]

Too bad we didnt get to meet on the ship with us living so close to each other!

Same here. I saw where you were from. Looks like we've got San Antonio surrounded.

 

For those getting ready to take this cruise, if you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to take along some Dramamine for the second day. We were in open waters for a part of this day and I did see some people who were not feeling well. Other than that, it was smooth sailing.

[ruskatab]

Sorry I was out of town for the weekend! Will answer the questions if they havent already !!!

[ruskatab]

Sorry I was out of town for the weekend! Will answer the questions if they havent already !!!

[ruskatab]

Okay, I'm beyond confused... I want to post pictures with my trip report but apparently need some step by step instructions. I clicked on the little postcard above which asks for a URL. I'm looking at just downloading from my FB page but when I tried a test all it did was post the URL in this message body. I log into FB secure, would that have anything to do with it?

Becky - Please help!!!!!

 

 

If your posting from FB you have to click on the actual picture not from the page where it shows the whole album and copy and then paste into your post on CC. Its a pain but you have post the pictures one at a time into the CC post. Let me know if you need more help!!!

[ruskatab]

I'm enjoying the posts here. We're cruising Aug. 9 on the Spirit (our first to Alaska) and lots of my questions have been answered. We still need to find a hotel for pre and post cruise. We're flying into Seattle and can't decide if we want to stay near the airport that first night (we don't land until 9:15 pm), then close to Pike's Market after our cruise for one night.

 

Loving the photos especially!!!!

 

We sure loved the Inn at the Market! Thes taff was so niuce and the views from the guest deck were amazing. You could walk to so many things. Check in on FB and you get a free bottle of wine. Beechers cheese was next door and there was an awesome bakery down from that!

Pikes market was across the street.

[ruskatab]

Thank you so much for posting! I have lots of questions ... we fly from Austin to Seattle for June 7 sailing. My inlaws have booked the same aft suite you were in so I can't wait to show them your review and pictures.

 

I've been curious what to pack since, as you know, we're already in shorts and flip-flops here in Central Texas. So that part of your review was particularly helpful. But we're still trying to decide what to buy in terms of binoculars, since we'll hardly ever use them again.

 

We'll have our two kids, 9 & 11, on the cruise with us. Did you see many children on the Alaska cruise?

 

Also, I've been curious where the smoking sections are on this particular ship and if you were frequently exposed to smoke -- balconies, cabins, walking through common areas, etc. My son is sensitive to smoke and just want to know what to expect.

 

We've booked the train excursion in Skagway but are still deciding on the others. My daughter is begging to see whales, so I may look into your Orca excursion. I just saw that they've now added the "Deadliest Catch" excursion in Ketchikan. Did you hear any reviews of that?

 

WE did not see that many kids on the cruise but probably because school wasnt out yet. The smoking sections were a few of the bars, a few places on deck on the right side of the ship and the casino. I would stay away from the Casino, it was the smokiest. Also in the sports bar you could smoke cigars. Smoking is not allowed in the cabins but on the balconies. We talked to some people who took the Deadliest catch excursion and they loved it. They said they brought the traps up and showed everyone how it was done just like the show. We saw the boat docked at the port. We would probably do it if we went again.

[ruskatab]

Im sorry I thinking smoking on deck was on the left side!

[ruskatab]

Hi - great review. I'm curious about what you see on this cruise depending on what time you go. Wondering when the best time to go to see the different animals, fish, scenery. From the schedule it looks like Carnival only does the inside passage on the 1st one in May and last one in September. I can't see wanting to leave my cold part of Canada to fly across the country to be even colder. What is September like? Are the summer months warm at all and do you still get to see things. What is whale season as it is usually June when we see them here on the Atlantic, but March in Hawaii. Thanks[/quot

 

i had been reading a whale watching blog for Alaska and had been reading in the couple weeks before we left that the Orcas and the Humpbacks had been coming in so I was hopeful we would see them and we did. WE did not see any salmon in Ketchikan, it was too early. I heard the end of May and June was the best time to see the most whales. Im from south Texas so it was very chilly to me but have seen reviews were the weather was in the high 70's during the summer months. Not sure about September.

[Serangel71]

I wouldn't bother with boots. I had New Balance walking shoes that I was prepared to ruin, and they were fine and not ruined. Bought a HEAVY jacket but didn't take it after all. I felt I needed waterproof and wind resistant and i was right. A sweatshirt with a hood under this was fine. We did White Pass and Yukon Railway the 7 1/2 hour tour and I took my jacket off because I was too warm! Took a wool hat and never had it on ditto for the gloves. I did take a baseball cap which I wore to Mendenhall when we had a shower to keep the rain off my camera. This is a unique cruise and you'll have a wonderful time. Note my clothing in the picture and this is at 3000 feet!

 

Bunkie -- THANK YOU --saved room in my suitcases for more shopping. :eek: Have some heavy sweatshirts/flannel shirts that I can take and will get a waterproof/wind resistant jacket of some kind. Have a rain poncho, too. Layers are me. Next - will get something waterproof for the cameras.

 

Thank you again -- Shirley, aka Colleen :D

[ruskatab]

great review and pictures... thanks!!

 

I hope your husband will be able to scan the Capers, I really want to see those. AND my sons would like to know if there is sushi on the buffet

 

 

I am going to try really hard to get the papers scanned. I searched and searched for them before our cruise and could not find them. The Sushi bar was open from 5-8 on 3 days of the cruise. Hubby enjoyed it. Not sure if it was ever on the biuffet.

[Serangel71]

I paid $23.49 for the 8x10 embarkation picture but bought an additional little hardback folder. This included both.

 

I also paid $11.99 for each 5x7.

 

Embarkation drink of the day with keepsake glasses were $17.25 for 2.

 

Cost me almost $9 to log in quickly and print off two boarding passes. Other than that I didn't get on the Internet.

 

I had a lot of OBC. Could not get it at the casino like others suggested. But was easily done at guest services whenever I needed.

 

Some of the bingos were $10.

 

Suite mini bar costs were 5.75-7.50 for the liquors like you get on a plane. Beers were 4.95 and soft drinks 1.95. These were minibar prices and add the 15% grat.

 

I know this is more than you asked but for anyone else who may have wanted to know.

 

Awesome cruise! Enjoy!!

 

Newtocruise -- no not more --thank you for stating this!! Esp pictures and the like. Last cruise was Summer of 2010 and things change so fast.

[ruskatab]

Thank you for the great review and sharing your lovely pictures. This is a cruise my family keeps talking about taking but we still have not. We have no good excuse as we live in the Seattle area. Maybe that is the problem... we are always cruising the Caribbean looking for sun.

 

We were also cruising the Caribbean, im a beach person, Half Moon Cay is one of my favorite places ever but honestly Alaska was probably in the top 3 of the prettiest places I had ever seen! I would definately go again!

[Serangel71]

TrulyTexan, Serangel71, and Sb4ever-please post about your Alaska adventure once you get home! We are sailing the Spirit to Alaska in June of 2012. I'd love to get a feel for what your weather and experience was like.

 

Will do. Might need help as this will be a new adventure to post pictures.

 

Everyone -- I AM SO EXCITED!!!! Wish we could go now instead of 13 days & a wake up. :D

[Serangel71]

Hi - great review. I'm curious about what you see on this cruise depending on what time you go. Wondering when the best time to go to see the different animals, fish, scenery. From the schedule it looks like Carnival only does the inside passage on the 1st one in May and last one in September. I can't see wanting to leave my cold part of Canada to fly across the country to be even colder. What is September like? Are the summer months warm at all and do you still get to see things. What is whale season as it is usually June when we see them here on the Atlantic, but March in Hawaii. Thanks[/quot

 

i had been reading a whale watching blog for Alaska and had been reading in the couple weeks before we left that the Orcas and the Humpbacks had been coming in so I was hopeful we would see them and we did. WE did not see any salmon in Ketchikan, it was too early. I heard the end of May and June was the best time to see the most whales. Im from south Texas so it was very chilly to me but have seen reviews were the weather was in the high 70's during the summer months. Not sure about September.

 

 

How did you find the whale watching blog? Did you just google it? Hoping to see whales and orcas. Happy to see anything tho.

[ruskatab]

 

 

How did you find the whale watching blog? Did you just google it? Hoping to see whales and orcas. Happy to see anything tho.

 

 

For the life of me I cant remember the blog. I probably googled whales in Alaska or something like that. I will look to see where I got it and post the link.

[happylady]

In previous threads, people have talked about a coupon book that they got at the Seattle airport. Did anyone see them?

[ruskatab]

In previous threads, people have talked about a coupon book that they got at the Seattle airport. Did anyone see them?

 

 

When we got on the ship after checking in we got a coupon book. We got alot of discounts and free stuff from the gift shops using the coupons. They might have them at the airport.

[ruskatab]

Bunkie -- THANK YOU --saved room in my suitcases for more shopping. :eek: Have some heavy sweatshirts/flannel shirts that I can take and will get a waterproof/wind resistant jacket of some kind. Have a rain poncho, too. Layers are me. Next - will get something waterproof for the cameras.

 

Thank you again -- Shirley, aka Colleen :D

 

Its funny, I did see alot of people with snow boots and really heavy coats. Definately take a rain coat! I took Niks and some hiking type shoes and it was perfect. We had just bought a waterproof camera and were so glad we did!

[Txhornfan]

We toured the Alaska Brewery and a rainforest in Juneau. The brewery was fun. The brochure indicated we would get a taste of each beer. The great part was each "taste" was about 8 ounces. Our tour guide encouraged us to drink what we wanted. He said the more we drank the more interesting he would become to us. He stopped his speech at least twice to let us refill our glass.

 

I personally wouldn't recommend heavy coats anymore maybe unless you planned to take a glacier tour. We had waterproof jackets and hiking shoes and this worked fine for us.

[Newtocruise2011]

Its funny, I did see alot of people with snow boots and really heavy coats. Definately take a rain coat! I took Niks and some hiking type shoes and it was perfect. We had just bought a waterproof camera and were so glad we did!

 

I took a coat but not a "heavy" one. I only used it on the balcony. I just layered to go into the ports and throughout the ship. Ruskatab - you had an aftwrap like we did.... That was the only reason I took one. But we sat out there late late at night and early mornings. I could have slept out there. :)

[LambKnuckles]

Is this a perfect thread or what!!!!!?????

 

I'm lovin' the questions... the photos... the info and tips!!!

 

I've started my packing list and I'm making a list of photos and sights I need!!!

 

GOD BLESS YOU for sharing your cruise with us!!!! And to each of you who have added tidbits and comments, too!!!!

[Frank12]

Is this a perfect thread or what!!!!!?????

 

I'm lovin' the questions... the photos... the info and tips!!!

 

I've started my packing list and I'm making a list of photos and sights I need!!!

 

GOD BLESS YOU for sharing your cruise with us!!!! And to each of you who have added tidbits and comments, too!!!!

 

I have to agree! We are fresh off the Dream and to cure the Post Cruise Blues, today we just booked the Spirit for June 2012! :D :D So much planning to do!

[ruskatab]

Is this a perfect thread or what!!!!!?????

 

I'm lovin' the questions... the photos... the info and tips!!!

 

I've started my packing list and I'm making a list of photos and sights I need!!!

 

GOD BLESS YOU for sharing your cruise with us!!!! And to each of you who have added tidbits and comments, too!!!!

 

 

Thank you so much!! Ive never really posted a review but had to being it was Alaska!! You will love it!!!