Review: SB Alaska Coral P. June 3-10 (Part 1)

[New York Nana]

Let me preface this with saying I wish I could figure out how to insert photos and not just the thumbnails!

 

DIY 4 night land tour - May 30-June 2:

 

My BFF and I planned our own DIY land tour for 4 nights before boarding the Coral Princess SB on 6/3/15 in Whittier. I have been twice before (2011 with Princess 5 day landtour and 2014 with DIY 7 day land tour).

I was comfortable with renting a car and driving, so we elected to do our own thing again this time around.

 

We flew into Anchorage on Saturday, May 30, arriving approximately 2:30 pm AST (4 hours behind EST). We had no issues getting our Enterprise rental at the ANC (I had rebooked several times over the past year and ultimately saved almost $200 from the original booking price).

 

We headed one hour up the highway to a one night stop in Wasilla. I can't recommend enough the Best Western on Lake Lucille! Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, GREAT complimentary breakfast!

 

The next morning (after collapsing in bed around 7:30) we were the 1st visitors to the Headquarters of the Iditarod. A very nice, small museum and gift shop. Also for $10, you can have a ride (short) with a team of mushing dogs. The musher is the son of Joe Reddington, who restarted the Iditarod. Really cute puppies to hug and love too!

 

Then we headed back up the Parks Highway to get to Talkeetna for lunch. On the way down the Talkeetna Spur road, we turned into the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge to check out the gorgeous, clear view of Mt McKinley. They have a very nice deck in the back of the main lodge with a great view!

Then onto the Roadhouse Inn for a great lunch. My BFF had a sourdough flapjack the size of a platter! Along with birch syrup (a 'must' try!) The Roadhouse has quite the history and has a lot of 'personality'. If nothing else, try the pastries!

After walking down to the river (all the way down the road past the campground), there is a great view of Mt McKinley when it's clear out, we stopped at the cemetery on the other side of the train tracks. Several bush pilots are buried there with unique 'headstones' of propellers! There is also a memorial to all those climbers who never returned from "The Great One" and whose remains are still on the mountain.

 

We headed up the road again for about 45-50 minutes and turned off to the Princess McKinley Lodge. My DH and I stayed there our 1st time to Alaska and they have a great viewing deck of the mountain and nice gift shop. There is also free internet in the lodge. We took some pictures, grabbed some drinks and treats and headed north again up the highway.

This summer, there is a LOT of road construction - several miles of paving projects that shut down one lane at a time. We were traveling on a Sunday, so there was no stoppage, but the gravel roads made for slow going.

 

We finally reached the Denali National park entrance road, and knew we had about 10 miles left to reach the Denali Park Hotel in Healy. We passed the Princess Denali Lodge and "Glitter Gulch" along the way.

 

I can describe the Denali Park Hotel as 'adequate'. A Motel 6 level of accomodations. Rooms were clean, had small fridge and microwave, extra blankets, TV, etc. Thin walls. The price was right, however ($79), since we were only there for 2 nights. We checked in (their office is in an old Alaskan RR train car!) and headed out to

dinner which was about 3 miles up the road at the 49th State Brewery. A pretty busy place! The prices weren't exceptionally out of the norm for the Alaskan interior and they had several beers to choose from.

 

Early to bed and early to rise - we were scheduled for the 8:30 Elision Shuttle bus the next morning. 4 years ago, DH and I did the Tundra Wilderness Tour ($150ish?) The TWT tour is on a school bus style bus, with a driver/guide. It goes approximately 50 miles into the park (no private vehicles permitted). It makes wildlife viewing stops as needed and has drop down viewing screens which the driver can use a telephoto camera mounted on the roof to show up close animals in the distance.

This time around I reserved through the National park service, $35 shuttle tickets that go about 15 miles further in the park and turns around at the Eilsion Park Ranger station - with some of the most dramatic views of the mountain that I could have never imagined! Also, we were going out the 1st day that the road was opened up that far into the park. The shuttles to Wonder Lake were not opened up until the following week. Even though they had a relatively mild winter for Alaska, the park road conditions during the early spring still were not clear enough for bus travel. If that is important to you, plan your trip accordingly. I understood that the TWT was turning around at the Toklat the week before as well.

(note: if you have either the Senior National Park's pass or the disabled (Access) park pass, you will be refunded your $10 park entry fee at the ticket window. I also believe that if you purchase your tour through Princess, they will refund you the entry fee at the lodge)

 

Our shuttle driver mentioned that they are 'discouraged' to speak much on the trip, but that did not stop him! He was as good, if not BETTER than the tour guide we had 4 years earlier! We stopped several times and saw grizzly w/cubs, dall sheep, caribou, moose, red fox and, of course, the clearest view of Mt McKinley I've ever seen! While we only had about 30-40 minutes at Eilson, we had time to eat our box lunch we purchased at the Princess lodge that morning.

 

(Side note: I was surprised to find out that the Subway across the street is no longer open 24 hours as it had been before, and we didn't notice the Black Bear Cafe (a MUST stop at!), so we grabbed the sandwiches at the Princess lodge before driving down to the park's Wilderness Access Center to pick up our tickets for the shuttle.

 

You have to be there about 30 minutes prior to your time and I'd STRONGLY suggest to be there even earlier since you will want to line up for the bus and you want to be on the LEFT side of the bus for the gorgeous views. However, as my BFF pointed out - the wildlife was predominately on the right side of the bus this trip (apparently they did not pass the word around that morning!)

 

So, in retrospect, the value of the shuttle ticket vs. the TWT ticket was very much worth it!

 

After returning (it was a bit over 9 hours total), we headed to the Salmon Bake Restaurant across from the Princess lodge. If you stay at the lodge and are not taking a 'connoisseur ' land tour (which includes meals), I highly recommend the Salmon Bake. They used to be open for breakfast also, but no longer.

 

Another early night to bed (still dealing with time change!). The next morning (Tuesday, the 2nd) the weather had changed up and it was cold, rainy and windy for the 5 hour drive back south to Anchorage. No more seeing the mountain! We had breakfast at the Black Bear Cafe in Glitter Gulch - which was very reasonably priced and a great value! Once again, we stopped again at the Princess McKinley lodge and packed up some boxes to ship home (already bought quite a bit of souvenirs and wanted to lighten the weight for the luggage!) They charge a service fee, but we didn't want to spend time locating a post office along the road with the weather turning.

 

Stopped in Wasilla to grab lunch and picked up some wine, soda and water for the ship. There's Walmart, Fred Meyers and Carr's in town.

 

Arrived back to Anchorage and headed to the Fairfield Inn Mid-town, right off the Airport International Rd. We checked in and did a load of laundry, then headed to the Sourdough Mining Company for dinner. They put on a show every evening, but we were too tired to stay for it. There's the Alaskan Blueberry Gift shop across the street and they had a great selection of items.

 

The Fairfield Inn had a nice breakfast and we were only about 2 miles from the airport. We dropped off the car and checked in with the Princess rep in the baggage area by the Alaskan Airlines baggage claim area. It is 1st come, 1st serve and we were on the 1st bus leaving at noon. We hung out upstairs for the couple of hours charging our devices and using the internet before heading down to get in line for the bus. It is a 90 minute trip to the ship. We had to wait probably 10-15 minutes for the Whittier tunnel to open. If you take the bus, sit on the right side. It follows the Turnagin Arm and all the scenery is on that side. Our scenery that day, however, was very limite due to the heavy clouds and rain. In the past, when it is clearer, there are great views of the mountains and glaciers throughout the valley.

 

Once we arrived at the port, it didn't take more than 10 minutes to get our cruise cards, clear security and be on board headed to our home for the next 7 nights! C426 - mid ship balcony. This cabin is right near the mid ship elevators and stairs - no noise was ever heard from those areas. I've had a cabin in this area for all my cruises and have never experienced loud noise from passengers, crew or elevators. Alaskan cruises have passengers arriving over the course of several hours by bus, train and by boat from the Copper River resort, so it doesn't have that chaotic, crowded feeling like Port Everglades or other cruise ports.

 

We'd missed the lunch in the dining room (12-1:30), so we headed to the International Cafe to grab something to eat. It is much smaller than the versions on the Grand class or Royal class ships, but still had the soup, sandwiches and pastries available. They did NOT have the breakfast items, however (egg 'mcmuffin', quiche, etc) It is located right next to the casino on Deck 6, and I only remember smelling smoke from there a couple of times, but I mostly sat near the walkway.

 

More to follow about our first impressions of the Coral Princess! Feel free to ask any questions!

[cnd crsr]

New York Nana

 

It sounds like you had a wonderful DIY pre-cruise land tour. We will be sailing on the Coral July 1 from Whittier so I am eagerly awaiting your impressions of the ship.

[fathercop]

I look forward to your updates. I will be on the Coral for the 1st time in October. I eagerly await your review and impressions. I loved the Island Princess, but have not been on her since she has been out of dry dock.

[Pushka]

Thankyou. Doing this cruise next year starting 4th June. Look forward to the next instalment.

[New York Nana]

 

After our bite to eat at the International Cafe, we proceeded to walk around and check out the ship.

 

First impressions?

Well, she's looking great! I don't have a 'fine' discriminating eye, but I saw nothing standing out that made me say "ewww" or 'OMG - how OLD is this ship?"

I've been on her 'twin', the Island P. twice, so I was familiar with her layout. The only obvious change is the addition of the International Cafe, which cut the casino in half (that's OK - give me a pastry over a penny machine any day!)

Horizon Court seemed to move more smoothly than I recall on the Island. I don't know if they rearranged it much, but they did have a self serve beverage area and dessert bar by the front of the ship rather than in the main buffet area.

I never found the ship to feel especially crowded - it does a good job of spreading things out - BUT, theater seating was filling up very fast with 30 minutes left before the show started.

 

Dining:

After arriving onboard and having our photos taken by security, we were handed a card by a crew member giving us a time (5:15) and MDR to eat at for the 1st night only. This was different than last year on the Island when we were told to just go to one of the MDRs starting at 5:30 for unreserved seatings. I felt the format on the Coral was much better organized. It spaced everyone out between the 2 dining rooms over the course of the evening rather than everyone showing up at the same times.

 

I won't comment on meals other than to say I never had one that I was disappointed in. I don't keep a record of what I ate when and my likes and dislikes are not the same as yours, so I see no point in describing them in detail. We had 1 meal each in Sabatini's & Bayou Cafe on the Formal nights (2nd & 5th nights/Hubbard & Juneau) (I WILL say the filet mignon I had could have been cut with a dull butter knife! - one of the best I've ever had!) I also called the DINE line the 1st afternoon on board the ship to request my reservation times and had no problems. I understand that the most popular times filled early and those that waited had lesser options. I saw several pax with 'vouchers' which were most likely part of a promotion.

Breakfast in Horizon Court was easy and rarely busy (we're early risers). Omletes were made fresh as ordered, fruit was fresh. I'm not a big morning eater, but never felt deprived.

 

We had 4 dinners & 1 breakfast in the MDR. We ate all lunches either in the buffet or the International Cafe. We did the "Crab Shack" for lunch on the final sea day (Tuesday). This was held from 11:30-2:00 in the Bayou Cafe for $20pp - and well worth it! I am fussy about my seafood - but I really enjoyed the crab legs, shrimp, scallops, corn, etc! If I could have fit more in, I would have had a second helping!

 

We did the afternoon Tea once as well. I really enjoyed it, and I was surprised it wasn't more busy. There is no additional fee for this 'treat'!

 

"Alfredo's Pizzeria" was held in Sabatini's for lunch each afternoon (11:30-2::00). This is not to be compared to the Alfredo's Pizzeria on the Royal/Regal. This smaller version offers 'specialty' pizza's. There is no cost.

Crab Shack ($20pp) was available several days, but not every day on board.

 

Muster/luggage/1st night

We had muster at 7:45 (note: if you want to SIT during the muster, be sure to arrive early!). Yes, you did need to bring your life vest with you.

I noticed a train arriving around 7:30 with probably 400 pax on board - and this was probably an hour later than the last train arrived when we did this trip in 2014 & 2011 - so there may have been some issues on the track or in the tunnel.

 

Luggage - for the 1st time in all my cruises, our luggage (dropped off at 9:00 am that morning at the airport), didn't arrive until 9:00 pm! Our cabin steward was very pro-active and kept me informed as to their status. I don't know when they actually arrived on the ship, but Edgar personally brought them to our cabin that evening apologizing profusely! It seems that a)luggage is accumulated all day long at the airport and transported when a truck is full or b)there was the same problem on the road/tunnel that the last train of the night had. Never an 'official' explanation received.

 

Entertainment for the 1st night- sorry - couldn't stay awake another minute! Besides, we were enjoying watching the sail away from our balcony - even with rain, our covered balcony was usable.

 

Movies shown on board that week:

American Sniper, Big Eyes, Kingsman, McFarland, USA, The Imitation Game, The Rewrite, the 2nd Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Princess Theater:

Motor City, Dance, Impressionist Tyler Bryce; Ventriloquist Jerry Goodspead, Comedian Scott Wyler

Explorer's Lounge:

Rock N Roll Night; Liar's Club, Marriage Match gameshow, County & Western Night, Yes/No Gameshow, Ye Olde Pub Night

University Lounge:

On the Bayou (Don't Miss this!!); Klondike Entertainer Steve Hites; Iditarod Champion Libby Riddles (Juneau afternoon).

 

On Board Naturalist - Mark Harris. He has a 'dry' delivery, but has a wealth of information about all things Alaska. I went to or watched on the TV several of his presentations. He was very good in pointing out interesting things while traversing the glaciers and the inside passage

 

OK, so now about HUBBARD Glacier!

This was my 3rd Alaskan cruise - and my 2nd time in missing out on Hubbard! 1st time (2011), there was so much ice floe and bergs, a HAL ship had hull damage and the Island P. captain turned around 8 miles away for safety. 2nd time (2014), we got up to 1 mile away - very thrilling!

THIS year? Well, as it was described by the letter from the Captain that evening "an Atypical gale force storm" was in the Prince William Sound. With 80-100 winds, high seas - you get the idea. For safety's sake, we were TURNING around to find SAFE HARBOR (never sure if that meant going back to Whittier). The ship WAS bumpy. We were mid-ship, and I did wake up to the sound of the stabilizers going out and the hangers banging in the closet - BUT I never found the ship's movement to hamper easy transit through the hallways or the stairs. My BFF, who has a stomach of steel (I cheat using a Trans Scop patch and ginger), said it was beginning to affect her some. There were people who were ill.

DH and I were on the Carribean P. "Hurricane Sandy" cruise in Oct 2012 and I'd compare the ship's movement to that trip.

So, Hubbard was out and it was then announced that seas had calmed enough for us to turn around AGAIN and begin heading to Glacier Bay to arrive on schedule (we were told to expect a later arrival time earlier).

 

More to come!

[ar1950]

Great review so far. Looking forward to the rest of the trip story. :cool:

[hllwdcruiser]

Thanks for your review! You were kind enough to send me your trip report almost 2 years ago via email. I'm so glad you had another great trip. This has been such a dream for us - it is living up to way beyond our expectations! We have only been on grand class ships so are super excited to explore the Coral! Did you have the superb steak at the Bayou?

[laughing husky]

good review and good choices....The "bumpiness" that you felt also hit the other ships. It was reported in the Anchorage news that you had winds close to 100MPH.....so yes, it might well have been similar to Sandy....also said that waves were as high as 35'....

[5soccer9]

Thank you for you review. It is great.

[sharod]

Thank you for posting a review. When I get home from work I will read it more thoroughly.

 

Hubby and I are considering a land/cruise of Alaska. I have been checking out Princess's website for this type of vacation. Now you have me considering doing the land portion on my own. At least I will investigate it, not sure what would work better for us.

 

Thanks again for posting :)

[Woobstr112G]

Great review so far. Looks like you had a great pre-cruise experience. Looking forward to reading your future reports.....:):):)

 

Bob

Edited June 18, 2015 by Woobstr112G

[CrayZdoglady]

Thanks for the informative but concise report. Just the way I like it. We will be sailing on her July 15th. Hope we don't get choppy waters! I'm bringing bonine & sea-bands just in case. I got REALLY ill riding the ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island years ago and don't want a repeat, ever.

[5soccer9]

Thanks for the informative but concise report. Just the way I like it. We will be sailing on her July 15th. Hope we don't get choppy waters! I'm bringing bonine & sea-bands just in case. I got REALLY ill riding the ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island years ago and don't want a repeat, ever.

 

We will be on the same cruise leaving July 15th. YEAH!!!! Can't wait!!!!

[Colo Cruiser]

Great review! Thanks for taking the time to post. :)

[EmpressofPurple]

More please!:)

 

I have my first Alaska cruise planned for 2016, Coral northbound, with a 4-day Princess land tour afterwards... interesting to hear from someone who did it DIY (and tips on where to eat if you're not on the all-inclusive Connoisseur program)...

 

Please describe food! Even if we have different tastes, if you describe things clearly, I'll know whether I'd like it or not (or for now, just imagine tasting it while reading your review). It's like movie reviews: if the critic just says, "It's bad, don't go see it," that's not helpful. If they say, "There's a lot of gunfights and action," then people who hate that know to stay away... and people who love that know to go!! Anyway...

 

I LOVE all the detail you're providing, both for my own trip planning, and for my current "cruise by proxy" as I imagine I'm there right now. Thank you!!:D

[New York Nana]

I forgot to mention that during our sojourn past Hubbard and on the way to Glacier Bay (and the boat was a'rockin), we spent time in the covered pool area (Lotus pool). The pools and hot tubs were roped off, but the area back there stays warmer and has nice cushioned lounge chairs. (right near the ice cream stand too!) This is supposed to be an 'adult only' pool and area, but there were older children back there just sitting on the pool sides.

 

Glacier Bay-

We were scheduled to arrive to pick up the Park rangers around 9:00. The captain announced that due to a medical evacuation, we would be delayed up to an hour in that area. While the rangers came out to meet the ship, a tender left the ship to transport the passenger to the ranger station. I believe I heard that they would be further air evac'd from there.

 

One of the things I like about Princess is their conscientious attitude about making this all about the natural wonders we were experiencing. They state in the Patter that in order to fully enjoy the day in the park, they will not schedule events or activities that may distract from your attention to views or commentary. The Casino and shops are closed and there are no shipboard announcements or advertising. "Enjoy this pristine natural wonder!"

 

The naturalist, Mark Harris, began his broadcast around 7:00 as we began to cruise through Icy Straits (heard on the Promenade, Lido decks, Horizon Court and channel 41 on the in cabin TV). We headed out to the front of the Caribe deck. You walk all the way forward (on Baja deck also) and go through 2 doors that may say not to! Ha! Anyway, it's not such a 'secret' anymore as the cruise director and naturalist repeatedly mentioned them! But, even with those announcements, there still were very few people there as compared to up top!

 

There were spotting of whales (I believe one was called a 'mink' whale?). It was cloudy and at one point, I swear it was sleeting! But we had our rain gear AND layers on, so we were pretty comfortable. I can't emphasize enough having good rain gear. Even though the first part of our trip was unusually warm, I was very happy to have brought my rain gear (including my rain PANTS - the 1st time in 3 trips that I needed them!)

 

After the tender returned, we headed into the park. The Rangers set up tables in the Horizon Court and had commentaries throughout the trip. The Crab Shack was offered that day, as well as the "Taste of Alaska" buffet in Horizon Court. Sorry, we didn't head up there, so I can't speak to what was offered.

 

By the time we reached Marjorie Glacier (1:30ish), the rain had stopped but it was still cloudy. There were several small calving and then (while sitting on our balcony directly across) there was a HUGE one that caused a wave large enough to move the ship! You could hear the whole ship cheer and clap! Very impressive! The captain stays about 30 minutes on each side of the ship and moves very slowly so you have time to move to the other side to continue to listen for the roars and cracks.

 

The rangers stay onboard until about 7pm and continue to offer information and items for sale in Horizon court. When they disembark, the whole ship is waving goodbye to them. It's kinda cool!

 

That evening, the Sound of Music was played on MUTS - pretty cool. A warm blanket, popcorn, warm cookies and Julie Andrews! They also offered the "Midnight Sun Event" I didn't attend that, so I don't know what it entailed.

 

This was our 1st night dining in the Provence DR. We had early traditional (the personalizer said 5:45, but it was actually 5:15 while on board). Our table for 2 was up against a short barrier next to a table for 6. We spent the week chatting with the 4 who showed up each night.

(personal opinioin note: I'd suggest that if you select traditional dining, but then choose not to dine there/then, you should see the Maitre 'd to change to 'anytime'. Those 2 seats went vacant all week long and I thought there very well could have been people on the waitlist who would have appreciated those chairs! OK, enough venting!)

I'm sorry that I don't recall the menu or what I specifically ordered. I know that I enjoyed everything I had and don't believe I was underfed! ha!

I understand from our neighbors that the 1st night (Formal night), it took over 2 hours from soup to nuts and that one ladie's fettucine dish had the order slip left in the plate when it was served up! They said they had a lenghthy conversation with the head waiter and that subsequent service was greatly improved.

I know that our service was quick and our waiter was pro-active and efficient (our assistant waiter was probably the least personable server I've experienced - but while he was not quick with a smile or small talk, he was adequate.)

 

Next up: Skagway, Dyea Dave and BEAR!

[New York Nana]

Thanks for your review! You were kind enough to send me your trip report almost 2 years ago via email. I'm so glad you had another great trip. This has been such a dream for us - it is living up to way beyond our expectations! We have only been on grand class ships so are super excited to explore the Coral! Did you have the superb steak at the Bayou?

Oh, I am so happy I was able to help! I know you are onboard now (jealous!), so have a great time and I look forward to hearing about YOUR experiences! Every one of them is different and I love to live vicariously through them all!

[New York Nana]

good review and good choices....The "bumpiness" that you felt also hit the other ships. It was reported in the Anchorage news that you had winds close to 100MPH.....so yes, it might well have been similar to Sandy....also said that waves were as high as 35'....

Yikes! Well, I guess it was a good thing we didn't have the local news onboard! Sometimes I like living in the dark! :0

[New York Nana]

Thank you for posting a review. When I get home from work I will read it more thoroughly.

 

Hubby and I are considering a land/cruise of Alaska. I have been checking out Princess's website for this type of vacation. Now you have me considering doing the land portion on my own. At least I will investigate it, not sure what would work better for us.

 

Thanks again for posting :)

Our 1st time, we did the Princess pre-cruise tour, but I saw that it seemed 'easy' to traverse the areas we wanted to see. What I suggest is to make reservations EARLY (even if you wind up choosing to cancel). Prices go up the closer the season is to starting. I saved significantly by booking hotels and cars early. I would recheck every few weeks and rebook if prices dropped - more often than not (especially with hotels) they price went UP.

I liked being able to set our own schedule vs the tour schedule. I would also suggest getting a copy of the Milepost. You can purchase in a book store, but I downloaded a copy onto my iPad, so it was much more convenient to travel with. I have my reviews from 2011 and 2014 if you'd like to see them. One is the Princess land tour and the other is our DIY tour. Email me at beh614@gmail.com and put 'Alaska' in the subject.

[New York Nana]

Thanks for the informative but concise report. Just the way I like it. We will be sailing on her July 15th. Hope we don't get choppy waters! I'm bringing bonine & sea-bands just in case. I got REALLY ill riding the ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island years ago and don't want a repeat, ever.

I, too, get motion sick on the smaller ships/boats (a ferry to Key West was my WORSE experience!), but I found the patch to work very well for me. My DH uses the bands and bonine and has no issues. We always take a mid-ship cabin and have had no terrible experiences in that location. Our Hurricane Sandy cruise was probably the most active, but it never bothered me.

[New York Nana]

More please!:)

 

I have my first Alaska cruise planned for 2016, Coral northbound, with a 4-day Princess land tour afterwards... interesting to hear from someone who did it DIY (and tips on where to eat if you're not on the all-inclusive Connoisseur program)...

 

Please describe food! Even if we have different tastes, if you describe things clearly, I'll know whether I'd like it or not (or for now, just imagine tasting it while reading your review). It's like movie reviews: if the critic just says, "It's bad, don't go see it," that's not helpful. If they say, "There's a lot of gunfights and action," then people who hate that know to stay away... and people who love that know to go!! Anyway...

 

I LOVE all the detail you're providing, both for my own trip planning, and for my current "cruise by proxy" as I imagine I'm there right now. Thank you!!:D

Haha! OK, I'll try to include my 'eats' when I can accurately recall them!

As far as places to eat on the land tour:

Anchorage - Glacier Brewery on 5th Ave

Fairbanks-only 1 night there, but the hotel dining was fine. The stew served after the Riverboat tour was GREAT!

Talkeetna - Roadhouse Cafe

McKinley Princess - we prefered the 20,230 Resturant over the one at the lodge

Denali - Salmon Bake Restaurant across from Denali Princess & (new this year) the Black Bear Cafe.

On our DIY trip:

Talkeetna-Roadhouse Cafe (we are creatures of habit and why not go with a 'given'?)

Seward - we actually never ate in town. We stayed at the Military resort there (we are both US Army retired) and their dining facilities fit our schedule just fine.

Girdwood - The Bake Shop! Great sandwiches! WONDERFUL cinnimon buns!

We stayed in B&B's on our 1st DIY, so breakfasts were wonderful!

[caribill]

 

 

One of the things I like about Princess is their conscientious attitude about making this all about the natural wonders we were experiencing. They state in the Patter that in order to fully enjoy the day in the park, they will not schedule events or activities that may distract from your attention to views or commentary. The Casino and shops are closed and there are no shipboard announcements or advertising. "Enjoy this pristine natural wonder!"

 

 

Not entirely altruistic on Princess' part. While in Alaskan waters the Casino must remain closed.

[cruisin63]

Not entirely altruistic on Princess' part. While in Alaskan waters the Casino must remain closed.

 

Does the casino remained closed the entire 7 days of the cruise? I'm not particularly thrilled about the prospect of losing my money, but still find an occasional visit to the casino a lot of fun. Also, my sister and I are sailing on the Coral in Sept. and were wondering if the "unlimited" soda package is worth the money ($8.05 pp per day) We love our chocolate shakes and hot chocolate, but looking at the deck plans, we can see no place that serves them. Thanks in advance for your response!

Edited June 19, 2015 by cruisin63

[New York Nana]

Does the casino remained closed the entire 7 days of the cruise? I'm not particularly thrilled about the prospect of losing my money, but still find an occasional visit to the casino a lot of fun. Also, my sister and I are sailing on the Coral in Sept. and were wondering if the "unlimited" soda package is worth the money ($8.05 pp per day) We love our chocolate shakes and hot chocolate, but looking at the deck plans, we can see no place that serves them. Thanks in advance for your response!

I can assure you that the Casino was open every night! (sad, but true! ha!)

It opened about 30 minutes after leaving ports (Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan) and was open from around 9 or 10 am during sea days, EXCEPT Glacier Bay day. It opened around 7:30 that evening. Formal nights were 'no smoking' nights.

Milk shakes were available at Scoops ice cream stand located on Deck 14, aft, by the Lotus pool. Hot chocolate was available on Deck 6 at the International Cafe and probably from the buffet and MDR's.

[cruisin63]

I can assure you that the Casino was open every night! (sad, but true! ha!)

It opened about 30 minutes after leaving ports (Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan) and was open from around 9 or 10 am during sea days, EXCEPT Glacier Bay day. It opened around 7:30 that evening. Formal nights were 'no smoking' nights.

Milk shakes were available at Scoops ice cream stand located on Deck 14, aft, by the Lotus pool. Hot chocolate was available on Deck 6 at the International Cafe and probably from the buffet and MDR's.

 

Thanks so very much for your prompt reply! I really appreciate it. This is our 2nd. trip to Alaska, the first being on Carnival R/T Seattle. We couldn't wait to go back and experience Glacier Bay and Hubbard, which we didn't see the first time. We're also flying into Fairbanks a few days early and doing some side trips on our own. Then on to Anchorage/Whittier and the Coral. So excited and can't wait! Thanks again!