Need input on Vision of the Seas and ALASKA!

[Littlegoo75]

Hi everyone!! I need some input from ya'll. I have been on three cruises before. One on Sitmar when I was a kid, and the other 2 on Carnival in the last couple of years.

My boyfriend and I just booked ourselves on the July 1st sailing out of Anchorage on the Vision of the Seas. This will be his first cruise ever, and this will be my first on RCCL, and first time to Alaska.

I need to know that the main differences are between sailing in the Caribbean and sailing in Alaska - Duh....I know it will be cooler, but aside from that....

How cool does it get?

Is it still warm enough for people to use to pool?

How much daylight in Alaska in July?

Is it much of a party atmosphere?

Average age? Tons of kids?

How do people dress on an Alaskan cruise?

What special items should I pack?

How often is the casino open, are there restictions while in Alaskan waters?

 

Also, I know that the Vision is a bit older........7 years now? How well has she held up? I have only been on brand new ships, the last two being the Pride when she was a few months old, and the Valor when she was 2 months old a few months ago, do you think I will be less impressed when I walk on this ship? I know I'll have a great time regardless, but being that my BF has never cruised before, so he has nothing to compare it to, he should be fine. I have just told him how great cruising is, and I hope he ends up loving it as much as I do.

I would love to hear from anyone who has sailed this ship recently, and from anyone who has sailed the Anchorage, Junea, Icy Straight, Ketchican, Misty Fjords, and Vancouver itinerary before.

I am looking forward to trying RCCL. My BF can't wait to try out the rock wall!

[jwlane]

How cool does it get?

Is it still warm enough for people to use to pool?

How much daylight in Alaska in July?

Is it much of a party atmosphere?

Average age? Tons of kids?

How do people dress on an Alaskan cruise?

What special items should I pack?

How often is the casino open, are there restictions while in Alaskan waters?

 

 

40s to 70s

Yes

Close to 18 hours (SR @ 4am, SS @ 10pm)

No

50s, no

Layers

Hiking shoes, if you're so inclined

Usually while sailing

[Littlegoo75]

Cool! Thanks for answering my questions!

For those who have sailed this itinerary on this cruise line before, were there many couples in their early to mid 30's ?

[moneeman]

How cool does it get? This can and will vary day to day. Mornings generally in the 40's. Afternoons typically in th 60's, but sometimes 70's. One day was extra cool with highs in the low 50's. It's VERY cool (in more ways than one) when traveling in to see a glacier.

 

Is it still warm enough for people to use to pool? A few diehards used the pool, but it was empty most of the time.

 

How much daylight in Alaska in July? As previous poster said, 4:00 - 10:00, but even the dead of night isn't as dark as you are used to. Take clothespins to keep the sun from coming in through the curtains (if you have a balcony).

 

Is it much of a party atmosphere? Not really, though I think there was plenty of alcohol consumed. I think on a Caribbean cruise, the party to a great extent IS the attraction. On an Alaskan cruise, nature is the attraction and the partying takes somewhat a backseat. It truly is an incredible adventure!

 

Average age? Definitely an older population, but there were people of all ages. Our son was 12 at the time, and there were a good number of kids in his age group. There were certainly adults of every decade onboard.

 

Tons of kids? Nothing compared to a Caribbean cruise, but there were a number around.

 

How do people dress on an Alaskan cruise? Layers for the most part. Be prepared with hats and gloves, and definitely rainwear. It rains quite a bit up there in July.

 

What special items should I pack? Binoculars, Cameras, Film, More Film, clothes mentioned above, did I mention film?

 

How often is the casino open, are there restictions while in Alaskan waters? I'm not a gambler, but I noticed the casino was closed quite a bit. I think the Alaska waters restriction does keep the hours down compared to other cruises. I'm sure there is ample opportunity to lose money ;) while the ship is in open water.

 

Have a great time! I wish I was going too...

[Littlegoo75]

Cool! Thanks so much for that detailed answer....can't wait! I am sure this will be different than the other cruises I have taken, and it will be a great experience!

[RDeagazio]

Vision is holding up well. I was on her this past Christmas and having sailed her previously in her inaugural year, I was able to compare how well she's aged.

 

She does show some signs of wear and tear (which is expected) but overall she's in great shape with a wonderful crew.

 

You can read both of my reviews in the Member Reviews section of Cruise Critic.

 

Enjoy!

[chalky_bertie]

Off to Alaska on the same ship very soon - can't wait and we will be both 32 with no kids - so probably the youngest ones on it, but we go to see what Alaska has to offer not bothered about parties anyway, in fact quite relieved.

[Kaibigan]

Make sure you take a watch so you can keep an eye out for dinner time!! I went (on the Legend of the Seas) in July 2003 and it wasn't even starting to get dark even at late seating, so I'd end up going for pizza or burgers half of the nights! :)

 

Also, partying in the evenings is nothing like it is on other cruises when it's dark & you get the atmosphere from the disco lights & stuff! It's actually a little more like the daytime pool games until really late. Depending on what city you are in, it will get dark at 11 PM one night and closer to 2 AM on another! But the nature views are totally worth it!

[swish21ty]

hey i am going on the vision of the seas the week after you (july 11) i am so excited and think it will be great. be sure to let me know how it went!