Alaska on the Star: 5/28/11-6/4/11

[Epic_Bear]

A terrific time! We flew to Seattle on 5/26, had some time to explore Seattle and had the best chowder down in the public market. There were four of us: Mom (58), brother (29), brother's girlfriend (29) and me (31). We were celebrating their graduations from law school. We're a mellow group, like a good drink, hot tub and chilling out.

 

Food:

We ate in Aqua, Versailles, Cagneys, La Cucina, Endless Summer, Blue Lagoon, the buffett, and my brother and girlfriend ate at Le Bistro. It was my first time at Cagneys, as I'm not a big meat eater, but everything was fantastic. Crabcakes, salmon, lobster bisque and a brownie sundae to die for. The other three had various forms of beef, which I heard was great. Loved the wings at Blue Lagoon, Aqua was fine and the buffet was great for breakfast. A bit disappointed at the lobster tacos at Endless Summer, I remember them being creamier. No biggie though.

 

Entertainment

We saw a couple shows. Love Second City, their rip on Amway was hilarious. I thought the dancers were a bit stripper like in Band on the Run, but Elements was fun. There seemed to be a lot of activities listed for the day, but we aren't a family of joiners.

 

Spa

Mom and I joined the spa, and went every day. Love the roller hot tub and chilling out in the loungers, looking at the ocean. It as never really crowded, and I read about four books, while watching the scenery.

 

Ports and Excursions

Ketchikan: We took a tram to the top of a mountain and wandered around Creek Street. A mellow introduction to Alaska, followed by drinks at a bar.

Juneau: We took the tram to the top of the mountain again, and the views were epic! We saw an eagles nest, hiked some trails and drank it all in. We went on the Tracy Arm Excursion and it was phenomenal! Upclose with upside down icebergs, glaciers, whales, more eagles then we knew what to do with. Best excursion I've ever been on. If you're on the Star, take it. You won't regret it.

Skagway: We thought about riding the train, but weren't really into it. We took some pictures by the railroad, did some shopping, got some drinks. Great scenery and a calm day.

Prince Rupert: We went to see Cow Bay, watched half a dozen eagles, bout a bottle of wine to dump into a water bottle.

 

Misc.

- The outdoor hot tubs were great and never crowded.

- We brought on several rum rummers and they weren't detected in carry on or checked baggage. Judge if you must, but we also bought champage or wine every night.

- Small turn outs at the Latitudes party and the Gold/Silver party. Great free drinks and I won a model ship in the raffle. It's on my desk at work.

- There were 900 people from Amway onboard....they were interesting.

- Our rooms were forward balconies, on deck eight, they seemed smaller then I remember from other ships, but plenty of storage and room.

- The ship didn't feel very crowded, except in the gift shops, around the machine in the casino where you drop the quarters in, or walking down a hallway of Amway people taking pictures of the carpet.

 

Loved the Star, Alaska and the trip. Will totally do it again!

[Amadawn1]

I loved your review wcsmells! Thanks so much for sharing, and I'm glad you had a great cruise! Do you remember where the tram was in Ketchikan? I didn't even know they had one. (Still researching for my next cruise in Sept.)

 

Absolutely agree on the Tracy Arm excursion. I only wish Princess was offering it as well. Even though ours went to Dawes Glacier due to ice, it sure was a sight to behold, and getting close to the snowmelt waterfall was a real bonus.

 

Thanks again for your review!

[AussieKathy]

Thanks for posting your review! I didn't know about either tram. Can you tell us about the trams in both ports where they are and how much?

[AussieKathy]

Just thought of another question. You mentioned you went to the Latitudes party and Silver/Gold cocktail party. Do you remember what day and time they were on?

 

thanks:)

[ladyjane]

We were on this same cruise and I agree the ship never felt very crowded. It was wonderful. Glad to hear you had a good time - we did as well.

[Amadawn1]

The tram in Ketichkan was $2 and down on Creek Street. The one in Juneau was $27, and right where you got off the shuttle into town.

 

Thanks for the tram info wcsmells. We were on Creek Street and never even saw it!

[Hikini]

Glad you had a great time - we watched your ship as you departed Seattle. :)

 

We love the Star and can't wait to get on her again in September.

 

I believe the 'tram' you speak of in Ketchikan is the funicular. A great bargain at $2.00.

[Amadawn1]

Glad you had a great time - we watched your ship as you departed Seattle. :)

 

We love the Star and can't wait to get on her again in September.

 

I believe the 'tram' you speak of in Ketchikan is the funicular. A great bargain at $2.00.

 

Thanks, Hikini! NOW I remember! We did see that. It is similar to the one they have at Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. I was trying to picture an aerial tramway! :o