Poll: Is The Sanctuary in Alaska worth it?

[glmpearce]

Hello,

 

My boyfriend and I are on the Sapphire in July going from Vancouver to Whittier. We are interested for ourselves and others if The Sanctuary is worth it.

 

My predication for this poll is that I am a single parent with a VERY well behaved child. However, she will not be with me this trip. I am sensitive to parents who do not take care of their children properly, but am willing to move to get away from those who offend me. With that in mind, please vote away!!! Thank you!

[caribill]

Most days it will be too cold to use the Sanctuary.

 

Viewing of the glaciers is usually better when you do not have the windows in the way that the Sancuary usually has.

[Pam in CA]

Our Alaskan cruise was in early August several years ago and it was too cold to enjoy my balcony most of the time. I wouldn't pay to use the Sanctuary in Alaska. Caribbean, Hawaii, Panama Canal... yes. Alaska... no.

[critterchick]

I think that the Sanctuary was only open one day on the Star cruise we just completed. But it was one of the first cruises of the season - you may have wonderful weather in July.

 

Although I voted take it or leave it, I would likely leave it. I didn't think it was all that attractive a space on the Star. And we only had 75 kids onboard, so they were seldom a bother. Just a couple of runners whose parents should have had more control over them, no biggie.

[Putterdude]

While I am not a fan of the Sanctuary program to begin with, if there were 10 cruises where I would book the sacutary...Alaska would be 11th.

[1025cruise]

Last week on the Star, it appeared that the Sanctuary was hardly open due to weather. A better investment might be the thermal suite in the Spa.

[FritzG]

Will you have a balcony? If so, I'd skip the Sanctuary. Another consideration is that the Alaskan cruises are pretty port intensive. Are you going ashore in every port? You wouldn't have much time to use the Sanctuary.

[Matcodixon]

We sailed on the Diamond, the sister ship, on the Inside passage and never had a thought about using it. There was so much to see, and we had a balcony cabin in the first place, it was totally unnecessary. We also never used any of the pools. We did go in early September though. there are some great viewing areas, including the promenade deck at the bow. We saw a number of whales from that position when cruising.

 

Have a great cruise! Alaska is both different and amazing.

[2little time]

Hello,

 

My boyfriend and I are on the Sapphire in July going from Vancouver to Whittier. We are interested for ourselves and others if The Sanctuary is worth it.

 

My predication for this poll is that I am a single parent with a VERY well behaved child. However, she will not be with me this trip. I am sensitive to parents who do not take care of their children properly, but am willing to move to get away from those who offend me. With that in mind, please vote away!!! Thank you!

Too cold to enjoy the sanctuary. Save your money.

[geoherb]

There are other places that are child-free zones. Plus the Alaskan itineraries don't attract as many families with children as Caribbean cruises. I think children are usually better behaved when they can't gang up with others.

[Love.II.Cruise]

Just found this poll. Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote.

[caribill]

Current Alaska temperatures at 1 PM Alaska time:

 

Whittier 56F

Glacier Bay 54F

Skagway 51F

Juneau 52F

Ketchikan 53F

 

Perfect Sanctuary weather?

[reney313]

On our first Princess cruise last summer to Alaska i learned about the Sanctuary. I went up and took a look and immediately knew it was likely not anything I would use for Alaska. Caribbean or other warm itineraries, maybe. They did try to sell me on the Glacier Bay day and I figured I'd just wait until that day to decide. We had an inside cabin so no balcony. it was rainy on that day and the glaciers were best viewed from the promenade deck. I was very happy I did not pay in advance.

 

We went up there later to see if anyone was using it and it was closed anyway....I don't think it was open any day for the cruise.

 

I also don't recall seeing many children (maybe 20 total..) so if folks use it as an "adult" only retreat, you could get that anywhere on board. There might be value in a nice, but cool day as they do wait on you and bring hot chocolate, blankets, etc.

[highheel girl]

We would never use the Sanctuary in Alaska.

 

However we are on our balcony hours and hours regardless of any adverse weather. We love watching the wildlife/sealife.

[don'tleavewithoutme]

On the Coral and Island they open it on Glacier Bay day as the act location is awesome. It cost $60, and the drinks, food, warm blankets and plenty of space at the rail for pictures made it worth it for me.

[don'tleavewithoutme]

Oops, make that the AFT location....

[glmpearce]

Thanks everyone! This is great information!

 

I think we will stick to our balcony. Hope it doesn't rain on us! :)