Just off Spirit to Alaska- Great Trip! Long, Detailed Review with Pics!!

[dallas52]

great review, keep it up.

[amdmsk]

More! More! We are cruising the Spirit to Mexican Riviera in October...would you mind (when you get to it) being really specific about the Spirit herself since you are so good at describing? Thank you! Great review!

 

You'll love the Spirit. I thought it was a beautiful ship! Is there anything in particular you want to know? I enjoy just walking around the ship and taking pictures in each of the bars, lounges, etc, so I can probably tell you anything :D I thought that the Shanghai piano bar on deck 3 was decorated nicely- sadly I never got any pictures of it though. I also thought that the Lido restaurant was the nicest I've seen on any ship. It was very bright and colorful, but not over the top.

[boaterette]

I am enjoying your review. Seattle looked wonderful through your eyes. I love the Spirit. It is a great ship. Alaska was great too.

[amdmsk]

Day at Sea

 

Today was the first and only day at sea for the cruise as we made our way to Tracy Arm. We woke up to a not so nice day. It was very cold outside, rainy, and there were some rough seas. It got worse as the morning went on...

 

 

After breakfast on the Lido deck, I thought the ship was rocking pretty much and was getting worse. We went back to our room after breakfast, and I went out to the balcony to watch the seas. At one point, it was raining pretty hard and was very cold outside (I think I was wearing sweatpants, boots, long sleeves, and a sweatshirt). My family is also convinced that for a few minutes, there was SNOW mixed in with the rain. I tried to get a picture of it, but it didn't work out so well. THis is what I got instead...I think the captain said the waves were 7 or 8 feet, but with 20-25 mph winds, it made for a rough start to the day. A lot of the outside decks above Lido were also closed due to the winds. No problems, just a little rough. I do wear sea bands though and find that they work quite well, so I generally put them on the first night of the cruise and wear them during days at sea.

 

 

 

Went to some trivia games, tried ballroom dance class, roamed the ship a bit, braved the cold and rain out on the balcony, and before I knew it, it was time for lunch. Had lunch on Lido deck (did this every day) and noticed soon after that the skies were getting brighter and it had stopped raining. Still windy though and I am not positive, but I think the upper decks were closed the remainder of the day.

 

Shortly after lunch, we browsed the photo gallery and gift shops and by the time I got back to the room, I noticed that the weather was greatly improving. The ship was not swaying as much and the seas were much calmer. The sky had also cleared and the sun was shining!! It looked something like this. Turned into a beautiful, but still a little chilly, afternoon at sea!

 

 

Spent the afternoon on the balcony enjoying the clear skies and sun, watching the water, and relaxing. Also went to tea time in the dining room and then got ready for the captain's dinner elegant night. I always enjoy elegant nights on a cruise. Had another great dinner in the dining room and ordered a banana split for dessert! Had that a few times throughout the week, but did have chocolate melting cake at least once.

 

 

After dinner, went to the main show in the Pharoah's Palace. It was called Jazz Hot- it was okay, decent entertainment, but not the best I've ever seen. After the show, we went back outside, changed into some warmer clothes, and then saw one of the most spectacular things I saw all week, coming up in my next post!!!

 

Up next: The spectacular sight!!! If I don't get to it tonight, I'll be back in the morning...need to run some errands and not sure if I'll have time to get back on tonight. I guess I have to keep everyone waiting ;)

[happylady]

Thanks for posting your review. We were on the Spirit for the May 24 cruise and loved it...reading your review is bringing back some great memories. :D

[dingusmcduffy]

Love your review so far

[travelingchef21]

I'm loving this; it's getting me really excited about my own cruise next May!

[amdmsk]

Thanks for the comments everyone! I'll pick up again tomorrow with the spectacular sight that I mentioned before and then get on to Tracy Arm Fjord, another highlight of the trip! :D

[JaniceB]

This was something that we considered doing as well because of the time difference and not having much choice with flights...we didn't want to book anything before 12:00. But, we found a flight that left at a great time and decided not to stay the extra day and it worked out very well. I think I'm actually more tired from having to get up at 6 or 7 every day on the cruise than I am from the flight (my family likes to book things very early in the morning) lol ;)

Our flight left Seattle at 12:45 and we were off the ship by 9:30 and in the airport a little after 10:00, so there was plenty of time. We were also debarkation zone number 22, so most others were off the ship well before us. Hope this helps! :)

 

Thanks for the information on the flight and when you got off the ship.

[picomullet]

Thanks for the review!! I am really enjoying!! So do you think getting to the ship at 10:45-11:00 is a good time? We have a car reserved for 10:30...

[amdmsk]

Thanks for the review!! I am really enjoying!! So do you think getting to the ship at 10:45-11:00 is a good time? We have a car reserved for 10:30...

 

Yeah, that should be a good time. You should be there before 11 (it's only about 15 minutes or so), so you'll probably beat the big crowds but won't have to wait as long. I noticed that a lot of people starting coming in just as we were starting to board, around 11:30. You should be good! I hope you have a wonderful time :D

[amdmsk]

Back to the review- it's been a busy morning!

Last night, I mentioned that on the first sea day heading up to Tracy Arm, it started very rainy and rough on the seas, but by afternoon, it was gorgeous outside, just a little cold. Well, the weather stayed like that for the rest of the day, including at night.

After the show, it was about 9:30 and still completely light outside! That took some getting used to and it was really neat to see the sun set at 10:00 at night. Now, we are people who love watching the sunset and like to do this each night on our cruise, so tonight, we braved the cold again and went outside on the promenade on deck 3 to watch the sunset since it was still so clear and sunny.

 

This is what we saw....probably one of the most amazing sunsets I've ever seen on a cruise and a sight that made standing outside in the cold completely worth it. Enjoy the photos!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was probably 10:30 if not later until the sun actually went down and it didn't really get completely dark out until later. The last picture here was taken around 11:00.

 

Coming up in a bit: TRACY ARM!!!

[Room Service!]

Beautiful! :)

[lgerrish]

I can't wait to read more and more! We are heading out on the Spirit Aug 9 and I'm anxious to see all your photos!

 

What was the general clothing you wore during the day? Being from Maine we can stand the cold - but wondered about shorts and capris.

 

Did you notice if they sold Future Cruise Certificates on the Spirit?

 

Thanks for posting all this.

[amdmsk]

Onto Tracy Arm!

This morning, woke up to this as the ship neared the entrance to the Tracy Arm Fjord. There was a naturalist on board, and she was frequently making announcements telling everyone if there was any wildlife nearby and on which side of the ship. She also pointed out interesting scenery and told us which passages we were sailing down. Did see some whales this morning as well.

 

 

 

It was a beautiful morning in Alaska and I was really looking forward to getting into Tracy Arm especially since the sun was shining. From what I head from crew members on board, it was a rare beautiful morning. We opted to do the Tracy Arm excursion offered by the ship. We pre-booked this months before the cruise and I would recommend others pre-book as well because when Stu the cruise director (who I thought was good) did the port talk, he mentioned that this excursion was sold out for both of the times. Our tickets were delivered to our stateroom on the first day of the cruise and we had tickets for the morning tour at 10:45.

The tour left at two different times. Everyone on the morning tour left the Spirit and sailed through the fjord to the glaciers. Everyone on the afternoon tour sailed back from the glaciers to the entrance to the fjord and then got back on the Spirit. Since we were on the first tour, we got off the Spirit and began sailing into the fjord. As we kept going, the Spirit got further and further away..

 

 

 

Every now and then, we would catch a glimpse of the Spirit, but eventually, we got so far ahead of it that it wasn't visible for quite some time until we were about to get back on.

 

Tracy Arm was absolutely beautiful...one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Between the snow covered mountains, pine trees, floating and calving ice, and the glaciers themselves, I'm not sure what I enjoyed most. Everything was so spectacular and on top of all of that, it was a beautiful day. The boat tour was amazing as well and well worth the money. We got much closer to everything in the fjord, including the glaciers, and got to see and get close to a completely different glacier that the ship did not even go to. The tour lasted about 3 hours.

 

The mountains were beautiful and we got pretty close to them!

 

 

 

Lots more coming up next!

[amdmsk]

The boat that the tour takes place on is like a catamaran. It travels through the fjord at a much faster pace than the cruise ship, but also stops to allow you time to view everything and take in all the sights. Since it is so small, it gets much closer to the mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. They also gave us a map of the fjord too, which was kind of neat to follow along with where we were going. We got pretty close to this waterfall...

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1054.jpg?t=1311963504[/IMG]

Got close up to the floating ice as well. Saw a seal on the one. I couldn't believe the amount of ice floating by all day.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1089.jpg?t=1311963585[/IMG]

On the boat, there were three decks. One was completely enclosed with indoor seats and the refreshment bar (there was complimentary hot chocolate on board!). The middle deck had indoor seating in the middle and an outdoor deck in the back and on the sides. This was where we stayed the entire time. Since it was so sunny most of the day, we remained outside the entire time. Got better pics that way too. It was a bit cold though. I wore jeans, ugg boots, long sleeves, a sweatshirt, and my raincoat just because of the wind (it didn't at all look like rain today!). Also wore a scarf and gloves. With all of that, I wasn't bothered by the cold at all and was actually quite comfortable being outside the entire time.

Before we knew it, we were getting close to the glacier and I caught my first glimpse of it...THis is the Sawyer glacier...

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1107.jpg?t=1311964295[/IMG]

This excursion visited two different glaciers, the Sawyer glacier and South Sawyer glacier. The cruise ship only visited the Sawyer glacier and did not get as close as the smaller boat was able to. Here's some pics of South Sawyer, which we got much closer to and spent a considerable amount of time viewing. The boat stopped for quite some time and slowly turned a few times around so that everyone got many great views of the glacier. Saw some calving ice several times- it was amazing! The noise it made as it fell into the water was just stunning.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1125.jpg?t=1311964480[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1165.jpg?t=1311964545[/IMG]

Here's another one that I liked!

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1243.jpg?t=1311964675[/IMG]

[FloridaCouple05]

[quote name='amdmsk']Onto Tracy Arm!
There was a naturalist on board, and she was frequently making announcements telling everyone if there was any wildlife nearby and on which side of the ship. [/quote]

You had a nude guide? Is that a new Platinum perk?

What I really want to know is, do they play steel drum music on Alaska cruises?

[amdmsk]

Soon enough, we were coming around the corner from the second glacier viewing, and the Carnival Spirit was back in view and had made it up the fjord and to the glacier. So, it was time to get back on.
Here's some pictures of meeting up again with the Spirit...

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1183.jpg?t=1311965005[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1191.jpg?t=1311965099[/IMG]

The ship spent some viewing time at the glacier and made a complete turn around to move back out of the fjord. The second group also left on the excursion at this time. Soon after, the Spirit set sail back to the entrance of the glacier. Somewhere along the line, we passed the Disney Wonder going into the fjord (a ship I'd be seeing many more times as they days went on)...

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1223.jpg?t=1311965200[/IMG]

The Spirit made its way out of the fjord and onto Skagway as the afternoon went by and we were out of the fjord around 6:00.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1289.jpg?t=1311965248[/IMG]

It got sort of cloudy in the afternoon, but by evening, the sun had come out again, just in time for another neat sunset. The sun got hidden behind the mountains tonight, but it was neat watching it go behind them.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1314.jpg?t=1311965424[/IMG]

Up next: Skagway and another beautiful day!

[amdmsk]

[quote name='FloridaCouple05']You had a nude guide? Is that a new Platinum perk?

What I really want to know is, do they play steel drum music on Alaska cruises?[/QUOTE]

I didn't see any steel drum music and I don't recall seeing any being mentioned in the Fun Times either. I would have liked them to have some steel drum music, but then again, they usually play on the outside decks and I never really saw all that many people out there, even in the covered dome area.

[amdmsk]

[quote name='lgerrish'][COLOR="DarkOrange"][B][SIZE="3"]I can't wait to read more and more! We are heading out on the Spirit Aug 9 and I'm anxious to see all your photos!

What was the general clothing you wore during the day? Being from Maine we can stand the cold - but wondered about shorts and capris.

Did you notice if they sold Future Cruise Certificates on the Spirit?

Thanks for posting all this.[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I wore a sweatshirt pretty much every day. In Seattle, it was shorts with a t-shirt and sweatshirt. On the ship, I generally wore jeans or capris and a short sleeve shirt. In the ports, it varied a lot. I wore everything from jeans and a sweatshirt to shorts and t-shirts. I would say definitely bring the shorts and capris, but bring a sweatshirt and jeans too. I brought a little of everything and it worked out well. Hope that helps a little! Happy sailing!! You'll have a wonderful time! :D

[dingusmcduffy]

[quote name='lgerrish'][COLOR="DarkOrange"][B][SIZE="3"]I can't wait to read more and more! We are heading out on the Spirit Aug 9 and I'm anxious to see all your photos!

What was the general clothing you wore during the day? Being from Maine we can stand the cold - but wondered about shorts and capris.

Did you notice if they sold Future Cruise Certificates on the Spirit?

Thanks for posting all this.[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Yes, they do sell FCC's on the spirit.

[amdmsk]

[quote name='dingusmcduffy']Yes, they do sell FCC's on the spirit.[/QUOTE]

Oops, sorry, I forgot to answer that part. Yes, they sold them every day I believe up until the final night of the cruise. We actually bought two of them for our next one. The desk is right near the casino.

[madaamt]

Dh and I just started planning our cruise to Alaska. We aren't having much luck though. I guess because we are wanting to go in 2013?? IDK..I am loving your review so much. Thank you;)

[amdmsk]

Onto Skagway!

But, before I start, I'll just say that the Tracy Arm boat excursion was well worth it and if given the opportunity, we would do it again.

We had pre-booked all of our shore excursions through Carnival and in Skagway we had two things planned- one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We booked the White Pass and Yukon Railway tour for the morning. This was a 3 hour train ride through the mountains, into Canada, and back to Skagway. We were not able to get off the train, just crossed the border and turned around about 10 minutes later. The train left soon after we docked in Skagway and I thought it was really neat because the train tracks actually came right up to the pier and the train picked us up right on the pier. The train was quite big and most of the cars seemed to be full. We could go to any car we wanted, so we walked to the front where there weren't as many people and ended up in a car that was less than half full.
Just a tip: Walk to the front, the cars are much less crowded and then, sit on the left side of the train- You'll get a better view on the way up to the top instead of having to wait until the trip down for the awesome views!

It took about 1 1/2 hours to get to the top of the mountain and cross into Canada. The views were spectacular the entire time and it was just an awesome ride. At some points, the tracks are so small that when you look down, you see right to the bottom of the valley and the Skagway river. The train also travels through two tunnels, which were pretty neat. Here's a few photos from the train:

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1406.jpg?t=1311991179[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1425.jpg?t=1311991230[/IMG]

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[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1461.jpg?t=1311991364[/IMG]

When the train got to the top, the seats actually turn around and the engine of the train moves to the back so it can go back down the mountains. You see the same thing on the way down, but it was so beautiful, it was even better the second time around. When the train gets back into town, you have the option to disembark at the train depot in town or continue back to the cruise pier. We went to the pier and went back on the ship for lunch. Right after lunch, we ventured back out and into town. It was about a 10 minute walk into town and the town itself is very quaint. Did some shopping and enjoyed looking at the buildings.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1518.jpg?t=1311991432[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1643.jpg?t=1311991526[/IMG]

[amdmsk]

We walked around town for a bit, did some shopping (the Alaska t-shirt company had some really great deals), ran our souvenirs back to the ship quickly, and then met back on the pier for our second tour for the afternoon: the Dog Sledding and Mushing Camp. We got the bus right on the pier and had about a 20 minute ride to the mushing camp. We then stopped and had to walk a short distance to the actual mushing camp. This is what we saw when we got out of the bus...

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1566.jpg?t=1311991742[/IMG]

Once we got to the base of the mushing camp, we got into a Unimog (I think that's what they called it) and traveled slowly up the mountain to the actual mushing camp where the dogs and mushers were. From there, we got about a 15-20 minute ride in the dog sled being led by an experienced musher. Some of the dogs we rode with had actually been part of the Iditarod before. After the ride, we got to spend some time with the dogs and learn about them and the training.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1586.jpg?t=1311992027[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1600.jpg?t=1311992077[/IMG]

We then went back down the mountain and stopped at a scenic overlook along the way to see this spectacular view:

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1614.jpg?t=1311992200[/IMG]

Once back down at the mushing camp base, we heard a presentation about the Iditarod and then got to spend some time with the puppies.

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1626.jpg?t=1311992247[/IMG]

All in all, it was about 2 1/2 hours long and was another great experience! We headed back on the bus and back to the ship. Had another dinner in the dining room, which was really quick tonight, and then had some more time before sailaway at 10:00 (the ship docked at 7 in the morning), so we went back out and walked into town. Got back just around 9:30 when everyone had to be back on board. At 10, watched sailaway from the balcony while it was still completely light outside!

[IMG]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/sam2610/100_1675.jpg?t=1311992400[/IMG]

Up next: Juneau, Ketchikan, the big disappointment, and sadly, the end