What To Do on a Princess Ship in Alaska on Sea Days

[sjmbruce]

On our warm weather cruise, we mostly laid down in a lounger by the pool all day. We got up occasionaly to swim or eat, and even attended a few classes. I'm looking into a cruise to Alaska, but aren't sure what we could possibly do all day.

[Treven]

Well a lot will depend on when you go. I went to Alaska early last June, and the sea days going up and back were pleasant enough that I was able to sit outside on the Promenade Deck and read. When it got too cold, I'd take my iPad inside to the Horizon Court or down to the lobby and read. And don't forget nap time!

[MilliesMom]

We spent time out on deck, going to planned activities, relaxing, reading a book, visiting with other cruisers, eating, having fun. For us it was no different than any other cruise we've been on. We could be as busy or as non-busy as we wanted.

 

One our favorite things was a number of talks given by the naturalist/author that was on our cruise. He was amazing and also very approachable. So we were able to speak to him one on one during the cruise.

[vancouvergirl2010]

I used the steam room and sauna a lot. We also played shuffleboard on deck :)

[Pam in CA]

The CD will plan a wide range of activities throughout the day and evening, from lectures to movies to trivia to pool games, etc. There are usually 4-5 things going on at the same time. Or, you can relax in a lounger and read.

[shredie]

There are usually some card games going on (if the ship has a card room) or someone has a jigsaw puzzle going (and anyone can pitch in.) If you are so inclined, the casino will be open on sea days. You will find plenty to do!

[caribill]

a) View scenery including glaciers

 

b) attend lectures about Alaska

 

c) View glorious scenery

 

d) Enjoy the Alaska themed buffet

 

e) View fantasic scenery

 

f) Activities such as those mentioned by Pam

 

g) View whales and dolphins

[Cruiserkenn]

I agree with MilliesMom, that the naturalist presentations are spectacular. These are usually in the Princess Theater, with great pictures on the big screen, along with appropriate music. Don't miss these presentations, which will be listed in the daily Princess Patter.

 

The cruises to/from Vancouver have amazing scenery on the sea days.

The scenery is something not to miss!

 

Enjoy!

 

Bon voyage:)

[Cruiserkenn]

a) View scenery including glaciers

 

b) attend lectures about Alaska

 

c) View glorious scenery

 

d) Enjoy the Alaska themed buffet

 

e) View fantasic scenery

 

f) Activities such as those mentioned by Pam

 

g) View whales and dolphins

 

Thanks for emphasizing the scenery! You are absolutely right :)

[CaribbeanIsland]

Watch the scenery!

[zetalove08]

Thanks for posting this! I was also wondering this myself as we are preparing for our August Alaska cruise and it's our first time on Princess. Now I love to just relax, read books, nap, etc. but I also like to know all the options if I'm feeling un-lazy. ;) lol

 

I thought I read somewhere that they have a nice afternoon tea in one of the main dining rooms as well? Not sure if that is everyday (maybe someone else can pitch in on that?), but that would be fun one day!

 

I was reading in the material my travel agent sent me that they actually have one of the women who did dog sledding races comes on boards and the picture showed her and the huskies on the ship- that would be so cool! I hope they actually have that on board!

[Vanilla]

sjmbruce - I worried / wondered about the same things when we did our cruise to Alaska in August (2012). It was a different experience for sure - in the past....I have gotten up, headed to the pool/swam/pool deck activity observer from morning until late afternoon...what was I to do on an Alaska cruise???? I am not one for the casino, jigsaw puzzles, card games or to attend a lecture - just doesn't sound fun to me. I was bored at times, missing my pool time/activities. I found myself napping/spending time in the coffee cafe getting to know people/they had fruit - veggie - ice carvings to look at one sea day (that was cool)...I spent time looking at the ocean (its a different blue than the warmer waters of the caribbean). I spent time looking (and spotting) whales/eagles / glaciers /chunks of ice in the ocean/bears catching salmon using their paw as a fork. At every port we were up at dawn and constantly on the go doing every shore excursion we could pack into that day (exhausted after dinner time - went to bed early to prepare for the next day). I thought the entertainment offered after dinner was boring, and the ship (like us) seemed to sleep after 10:30pm. I did see the most amazing sights - ones you will not see from a ship that you are sun bathing on - and I loved it so much we are headed back in June - same ship/same itinerary/same cabin.... I decided boring/nap time/whale watching/reading a book in the coffee cafe - might just be my cup of tea afterall. I will head back to the caribbean on another cruise at some point - and resume my sunbathing - and when I look off into the distance - it will be a different type of beautiful scenery - and I will recall the other side of the coast and my first spotting of a whale! Life is good when you have lots of memories to pull from.

[akeasley]

We had two sea days in Alaska and they were both relaxing and fun. We attended the shopping show, played bingo, browsed the shops on board. We laid outside with our pants and jackets on and read and took naps.

[paul929207]

Remember, each person is different, so you may not like what I like. We enjoy the scenery, especially in the inside pasage. We often attend the lectures as long as they are not sales pitches. We play trivia and bridge. We read. We socialize with friends.

[DonnasMom&Dad]

And then there are all the new friends to socialize with!! :rolleyes:

Cato :)

 

 

[paul929207]

And then there are all the new friends to socialize with!! :rolleyes:

Cato :)

 

 

More every day. :)

[sassyredhat]

One of the things we enjoy doing is heading down to the IC (international cafe) with our lattes and a deck of cards.

We would play a few hands and people watch. We are easy keepers. :D

Pat

[5326jan]

There is a series of historical fiction mysteries that take place in Alaska. I read them all... in order... and it gave me a much deeper appreciation for Alaska. Each book takes a different subject and while it is a murder mystery series, they take place in different times and the history of Alaska comes to life. I was amazed at the gold rush era and the hardship that they endured, but also learning how people have to shop in the summer to prepare for months and months of isolation. I learned how they keep their homes heated and kids entertained. I also learned a lot about dog sledding! The books are written by Sue Henry and are hard to find, but any you can find are well worth your time reading. You'll want to look for the Jessie Arnold series.

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sue+henry+jessie+arnold&sprefix=sue+henry%2Caps%2C257

 

So, back to your question, I did a lot of reading, but found the naturalists fascinating and well worth the time... Not boring at all!!! We also played trivia, went to the movies, met interesting people and did a lot of people watching. The scenery is so beautiful, it's hard to take your eyes off of it. It stays light until after midnight! We had Anytime Dining, but ate in the Horizon Court for most meals so that we wouldn't miss anything. We were on the Coral, so the HC is forward and it's like being in a panaromic theater! :) Also, on the Island/Coral there is an enclosed pool.

[Cruiserkenn]

Thanks for posting this! I was also wondering this myself as we are preparing for our August Alaska cruise and it's our first time on Princess. Now I love to just relax, read books, nap, etc. but I also like to know all the options if I'm feeling un-lazy. ;) lol

 

I thought I read somewhere that they have a nice afternoon tea in one of the main dining rooms as well? Not sure if that is everyday (maybe someone else can pitch in on that?), but that would be fun one day!

 

I was reading in the material my travel agent sent me that they actually have one of the women who did dog sledding races comes on boards and the picture showed her and the huskies on the ship- that would be so cool! I hope they actually have that on board!

 

Yes, she is named Libby Riddles, and she actually won the Iditarod dog sled race (this is the famous one). She brings a few of her dogs, too. She usually comes on board in Juneau. The dogs are thin and wiry, like marathon runners, rather than big and muscular, like I was imagining. This is a fascinating thing to see. Watch the daily Princess Patter for details.

 

Enjoy!

[zetalove08]

Yes' date=' she is named Libby Riddles, and she actually won the Iditarod dog sled race (this is the famous one). She brings a few of her dogs, too. She usually comes on board in Juneau. The dogs are thin and wiry, like marathon runners, rather than big and muscular, like I was imagining. This is a fascinating thing to see. Watch the daily Princess Patter for details.

 

Enjoy![/quote']

 

Thanks so much! I am super excited for this now and will definitely watch for this!!! I have a husky mix dog so I'll have to tell mine I'm meeting some of her relatives LOL

[paul929207]

There is a series of historical fiction mysteries that take place in Alaska. I read them all... in order... and it gave me a much deeper appreciation for Alaska. Each book takes a different subject and while it is a murder mystery series, they take place in different times and the history of Alaska comes to life. I was amazed at the gold rush era and the hardship that they endured, but also learning how people have to shop in the summer to prepare for months and months of isolation. I learned how they keep their homes heated and kids entertained. I also learned a lot about dog sledding! The books are written by Sue Henry and are hard to find, but any you can find are well worth your time reading. You'll want to look for the Jessie Arnold series.

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sue+henry+jessie+arnold&sprefix=sue+henry%2Caps%2C257

 

So, back to your question, I did a lot of reading, but found the naturalists fascinating and well worth the time... Not boring at all!!! We also played trivia, went to the movies, met interesting people and did a lot of people watching. The scenery is so beautiful, it's hard to take your eyes off of it. It stays light until after midnight! We had Anytime Dining, but ate in the Horizon Court for most meals so that we wouldn't miss anything. We were on the Coral, so the HC is forward and it's like being in a panaromic theater! :) Also, on the Island/Coral there is an enclosed pool.

Thanks for the author recommendation. I will check her out.

[centralcalicruzer]

Yes' date=' she is named Libby Riddles, and she actually won the Iditarod dog sled race (this is the famous one). She brings a few of her dogs, too. She usually comes on board in Juneau. The dogs are thin and wiry, like marathon runners, rather than big and muscular, like I was imagining. This is a fascinating thing to see. Watch the daily Princess Patter for details.

 

Enjoy![/quote']

 

That sounds awesome! Surely she can't come onto every Princess ship every week? How do you find out beforehand if she will be on your ship?

[sherryf]

That sounds awesome! Surely she can't come onto every Princess ship every week? How do you find out beforehand if she will be on your ship?

 

Yes, she does. She has been on all 4 of my Alaskan cruises and I've seen her speak twice. Very interesting lady!

 

I've been lucky with pretty nice weather sailing in and out of Seattle and often do sit by the pool watching MUTS or reading a book. I got sunburned leaving Ketchikan last year because it was so warm that I dozed off by the pool. :eek:

[beg3yrs]

I didn't see anybody mention going to the gym and getting some exercise ... :eek:

[cibaygirls]

 

I thought I read somewhere that they have a nice afternoon tea in one of the main dining rooms as well? Not sure if that is everyday (maybe someone else can pitch in on that?), but that would be fun one day!

 

quote]

 

Afternoon tea is served everyday I believe (certainly most days). From what I recal it is from 3:30-4:30, though the time may vary on that itinerary. It is held in the dining room, you just show up at whatever time you want during the hour, they seat at a table with others and serve tea, finger sandwiches, cookies, pastries and most importantly fresh baked scones with cream and jam!!!!

 

Dana