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

[New York Nana]

On our 1st trip to Skagway in 2011, we did a couple of tours through Princess. Last year, and again this year, we chose to privately reserve with Dyea Dave for a trip to Emerald Lake in the Yukon.

 

We're not too much 'train' people, so this van tour suited us just fine.

Dave (wearing his stove-pipe hat) met us just outside the dock area in front of the red caboose 'coffee shop'.

 

The van would hold 16 pax, but this trip there was 10 of us. Renee, our driver/guide was such great fun! She made the trip feel very personal, like we were all family or friends.

 

What I enjoy about the smaller van tours is being able to stop along the road as frequently as wanted. She knew some great locations to get beautiful pictures. We were also able to move faster than the big buses that the cruise lines use, so we could 'hit and run' along the roadway and photo spots.

 

If you are so inclined, renting a car and driving up to Carcross or further would not be difficult at all. I just like being able to look around and not have to concentrate on the road!

 

An exciting stop was when someone spotted a cinnamon colored black bear (who knew 'black' bears came in so many different colors?) This fella took his sweet time strolling back and forth across the road behind, beside and ahead of us. We must have been there 10 minutes just watching him!

 

We then headed up to Carcross. A show of hands said we all wanted to eat before heading to Emerald Lake. So, we bypassed "Caribou Crossing" and headed to Carcross and the Chilkoot Trail Sourdough Bakery. They had homemade soups and sandwiches and GREAT baked goods! A short walk across the train tracks and there is a small area with various gift shops and visitor center with restrooms.

 

Caribou Crossing (I've never been there) is where the big buses go for a meal and stuffed animal museum. I can't speak to the quality of the food there, but I'm sure there are reviews of it elsewhere on Cruise critic.

 

After our 45 minute stop in Carcross, we headed up the Emerald Lake, but stopped first at the Carcross Desert. Just a quick photo stop to show the dichotomy of a desert in the midst of snow covered peaks!

 

Then finally to Emerald Lake. It's hard to describe the stunning colors of this body of water. Truly beautiful and serene. The overcast sky muted the colors a bit compared to the sunny day last year, but it still was definitely a beautiful sight.

 

2 of our group chose to take the train back from Fraser to Skagway. We stopped at the train station and once this couple bought their tickets and were led to their car, we took off again. There were several buses pulling in dropping off passengers for the 1 way trip back.

 

There were several spots along the trip up and back where we saw the train on the opposite side of the canyons. The views offered by the train would be somewhat different than the parkway drive, but also take longer. Our drive back from the Fraser train station was about 30-40 minutes as opposed to the train which was expected to take 90 minutes.

 

Once back in town, we asked to be dropped off to walk around. For those who miss Diamonds International, DelSol, etc - have no fear, they will be readily available to you at each of the port stops this cruise!

 

The National Park Svc offers free walking tours in town and there are very colorful stories to be enjoyed.

 

We made our way back to the ship after leaving behind some 'dough'!

That evening, the production show "On the Bayou" was performed 3 times in the Universe Lounge. I have found this to be probably my favorite Princess show ever! Do NOT miss it! BUT, be sure to get there early enough to get a seat - it got crowded very quickly.

We had a great day in Skagway and would not hesitate to use Dyea Dave's tour again.

Up next: Juneau/Harv & Marv/Coast Guard & RAIN!

[New York Nana]

We had another early arrival into Juneau with a 7:20 pick up by Harv & Marv for a 4 hour whale watch. This was the 3rd trip with them.

They picked us up in a 16/20 pax van and we had a 30 minute drive out to Auke Bay. Once there, we were split up and introduced to our ship captains. I had requested Captain Liz again and was happy to see her! Harv & Marv have 6 pax boats. They also have 12 pax for larger groups. We'd see the bigger boats that held 100-125 pax on 2 decks. I like the small boat because we could shoot across the bay quickly and we had no 'heads' in the way of taking photos!

Our group of 6 walked down to our boat and were off!

The day was gray, RAINY and cool. The thing about Auke Bay, is that unlike whale watches on the east coast, you only travel 10-15 minutes before you begin to see sea life! There were hump backs in and amongst several BIG sea lions playing (or looking for the same food source).

The trip this time out provided between 6-8 whales, no 'spectacular' performances (bubble feeding or fin slapping), but an unscheduled safety inspection by the Coast Guard gave us a little excitement!

H&M passed!

If you want to see eagles - you'll have no shortage of them in Juneau! They refer to them as "Juneau Seagulls" because they are EVERY WHERE!

Our group of 6 was picked up at the docks and after a very short ride, we stopped at Mendenhall Glacier for a quick 15 minute photo stop. You are free to stay as long as you want, but you'd need to taken other transportation back to the docks. If the weather had been nicer, we may have done that.

We asked to be dropped off in town where we stopped at the Fudge shop that everyone recommends - good recommendation!

If you have the chance, don't miss Libby Riddles' presentation. Her photos and stories are fascinating to hear. She was onboard while in port @ 2:00 in the Universe lounge.

Juneau is a 4:00pm sail away and a Formal night.

We had reservations @ the Bayou Cafe and I was NOT disappointed! As I mentioned previously, the filet mignon was one of the best I've ever had. The service was outstanding.

This was "Ye Olde Pub Night" in Explorers Lounge, another fun performance.

Next up - Ketchikan and last sea day

[New York Nana]

We had a later arrival into Ketchikan - 10:00. So the morning was relaxed. After arriving, we took our time leaving the ship since we had no tours planned. We just wanted to walk around the town and do some last minute shopping.

This day was gorgeous! Warm, and mostly sunny. The town has its share of the standard gift shops and the always present diamond and jewelry stores.

We walked up to Creek Street (which with 4 ships in port, was a bit busy).

After a couple of hours, we headed back to the ship.

They had the Sound of Music sing along in the Princess Theater that afternoon.

The next day was our final day at sea.

Disembarking information was provided along with luggage tags.

I had hoped to be able to go 'direct to bus' using the Princess transfer to YVR, but, as I found out, those seats were for pax who signed up for the transfer prior to boarding. At least, that is the way it was explained to me at Passenger services.

This option allows you to bypass Canadian customs at the cruise port, get on a bus direct to the airport and pickup luggage there. My DH and I had done it that way in June 2014.

The day at sea had a Patters full of activities. Backstage tour, Culinary demonstration & galley tour, Ice carving demonstration and the "On Deck for the Cure" 5K walk around the ship.

It was also our Crab Shack lunch! As I mentioned, it was $20pp and I made the reservations with the DINE line the day we boarded. We REALLY enjoyed this lunch! There was a manhattan style chowder, and 4 entrees to choose from. We chose the crab legs, shrimp, scallops 'pot'. There was SO MUCH food! We could have had another order of it if we wanted to, but there was NO ROOM!! It was followed up with a slice of pecan pie.

The one thing I did NOT see this cruise was the Pub Lunch, which I usually enjoy attending.

The naturalist, Mark, provided another presentation. And each day they had the BOGO @ the Wheelhouse.

They were offering 15 minutes of Wifi for $8.99 for those wanting to check in for flights and get boarding passes (additional cost to have passes printed out at the Internet Cafe)

The production show that evening was Motor City.

Luggage was left outside and promptly picked up by 10:00pm.

Disembarkation and final thoughts coming up!

[New York Nana]

As I mentioned previously, instead of ‘direct to bus’ for US pax, we were assigned a time for pax with flights leaving ….(times varied based upon flight departure information provided).

 

Being eligible for the Platinum/Elite/Suite lounge, we went to there to wait for our tag color to be announced (Explorer's Lounge, Deck 6). I noticed that departures were being called later than posted and I asked the crew member in charge of the lounge about it. He confirmed that the calls were delayed based upon Canadian customs calls.

 

About 15 minutes after our posted time we were called. There was a bit of a back up as we were coming from one direction and the ‘regular’ group (Provence DR) was heading over from another – converging in front of the Deck 6 mid-ship elevators.

 

Once it got moving, it moved quickly. We were being guided throughout the terminal, but I did not see where the luggage for ‘silver’ was. I then saw I was being guided to the customs area with a sign reminding people that they ensured they had the correct luggage!

 

I backed up and asked a guide where/how do we get our luggage and THEN the line was guided to the luggage! I found ours fairly quickly (my BFF got separated from me in line and she was sent to a DIFFERENT location and was frustrated in not seeing our luggage). We eventually met up and made our way through customs and then further on to the lines for the buses to the airport for Princess transfers.

 

I will mention here that it seemed a bit chaotic. Pax were only asked when their flights were leaving (with 11:00 being ‘early’ and 12 noon being ‘later’ At this point it was probably around 8:45am.) There was no request for the tickets that Princess issued the evening before. I suppose if you knew the ‘process’ you could have gotten a ‘free ride’ to the airport since your luggage went with you in the bus.

 

It was a relatively ‘quick’ trip to the airport (about 40 minutes of traveling through the city center).

The buses have to stop off property and wait to be dispatched to the airport drop off area. Our bus had a majority of Canadian passengers, but the bus stopped first at the ‘international’ terminal “E” that US pax leave from.

 

We got our luggage and headed inside where we found many long lines waiting to check in at the airline desks. We had checked in the day before while on board (using the last few minutes of our wifi time). We had also pre-paid for our luggage and saved our boarding passes to our smart phones. We were able to bypass the longer lines (Delta) and just go to the luggage drop off line.

 

In Vancouver, (YVR) you do NOT leave your luggage at the airline counter. They only verify the weight of the bags and put the airline tags on them. You then go into another line where YOU have to place the luggage up onto the conveyer belts while showing your passport.

 

After dropping your luggage off, you continue through another line to show passports and boarding passes again (I was 'sternly' told by the security agent to turn my phone's brightness 'all the way up!')

 

Then you get in line to put your carry ons through xray. Coats, shoes, everything that you do in a US airport, you do here. No 'TSA-prechecks'.

Although I saw signs for NEXUS, I'm not sure what that gets you there.

 

After putting shoes back on, you then head into the USA Customs and Boarder patrol hall. US and Canadian passport holders are directed to one direction, all others go elsewhere. There were several kiosks to scan your passport, complete your customs declarations and receive a receipt. It also takes your photo.

 

From there, you are directed to a customs agent. Give him your receipt, answer a couple questions - "Welcome Back" and walk through the big sliding doors back 'into the United States'! Terminal E is very large with all the requisite shopping and eating establishments. We had about an hour before boarding was to begin, so we took advantage of them!

 

Overall, we had a great time! I really didn't see anything that I found an issue with and I didn't hear from others any issues either.

 

I was unable to go to the Captain's Circle cocktail hour, but I stopped by the CC desk later and asked the numbers on board - of course I've lost that slip of paper - BUT, I do recall that she said there were over 1500 1st time (Blue card) cruisers. The ship holds around 1900, so the rest was distributed with the 'most' being Gold and the 'least' being Elite (sorry, that's the best I can recall). I saw in the Most Travelled, a 'young' lady with 1100+ Princess cruises!

 

I would definitely do Crab Shack again. I really enjoyed my meals in Sabatini's and Bayou Cafe. I found the MDR service meals and service to be satisfactory to great. I will say that this was the first cruise I'd been on where the Maitre 'd was rarely seen in the MDR, nor did he ever go table to table to ask about service, food, etc.

 

Our cabin steward was right up there among the BEST I've had. The state of the cabin was clean and comfortable. I also did NOT have to request a 'egg crate'. It appeared that the mattresses were the new 'pillow top' ones and I never woke with a bad back.

 

My BFF was a 'blue' carder, but is Platinum on RCCL. She said there were several things she liked 'better' on Princess, some things she did not. She never expressed specific negatives, I guess it is just your own personal 'comfort' level from a cruise line you are familiar with.

 

She liked the layout of our balcony cabin (the closets/dressing area). She enjoyed all her meals in each of the dining areas. I believe she mentioned that the specialty dining was less cost than on RCCL.

 

She did not attend most of the evening shows, but she really liked "On the Bayou". She was one of the 'lucky' ones in the casino (so I guess you can put that in the 'like' column!)

 

I think I have finally figured out how to put pictures in my post. So, I will be finalizing those and do a separate post. Sorry it took me to the last minute to figure it out!!

 

I have all the Patters that I am scanning and will make available to anyone looking for them. Email me at beh614@gmail.com and put "Alaska Patters" in the subject. If I can figure out to add them to a post, I'll do them along with the pictures.

[New York Nana]

 

View of Lake Lucille, Wasilla

 

 

 

The "Great One" Mt McKinley!

 

 

View of the Mountain from river front in Talkeetna

[New York Nana]

 

Iditarod Headquarters, Wasilla

 

 

Dog sled ride

 

 

Downtown Talkeetna & Roadhouse Cafe

[New York Nana]

 

Rainbow over Princess Lodge to start our morning

 

 

Other end of Rainbow over the Wilderness Access Center where you load onto the shuttle buses. Natural History Tour & Tundra Wilderness tours that are reserved through Princess are picked up directly at the lodge - you do not stop here. Tours that are privately reserved ARE picked up here.

 

 

Interior of shuttle bus - not unlike the tour buses, except the tour buses have drop down video screens every 3-4 rows. There is storage space above the seats for backpacks, etc. NO meals are provided inside the park - you must carry in any food/beverages.

[New York Nana]

 

1st view of the mountain - approximately 9 miles into the park. The Natural History Tour travels about 15 miles in. The TWT goes about 50-55 miles. Shuttle buses travel 60-90 miles depending which shuttle you take.

 

 

A Red tailed fox who decided to 'escort' us up the road! We couldn't PASS him because, well, let's just say there isn't a passing lane! Also, wildlife have 'right of way' (their yard and all!). He was pretty funny. He'd stop and look back at us once in a while as if to say 'who ARE you?':rolleyes:

 

 

Caribou herd having breakfast. Our shuttle left at 0830, so we were catching the 'residents' while they were having their morning meals. We'd just missed a Grizzly and her 2 cubs. We saw them heading up the hillside, but we probably would have seen them right by the roadside if it hadn't been for that slow poke FOX! Ha!:D

[New York Nana]

 

The Ranger station at Eielson is relatively new. They had videos, demonstrations, exhibits, tables to eat at and viewing areas outside. It was explained to us that we had the choice to return to the WAC on this shuttle bus (we had about a 40 minute stop here), or we could take a later shuttle IF there were available seats. We did have a half dozen people stay, so on the return trip we were flagged down at a couple locations where hikers/campers got on board.

 

 

The Salmon Bake is located across the road from the Princess Denali Lodge. We had great meals there after we returned from our trip into the park.

 

 

 

 

The Denali Park Hotel is located about 10 miles north of the park entrance. Very easy to find off the Parks Highway. The room rates were very reasonable, but I did notice they went up the closer to 'the season' it became. We paid $79+tax - I reserved 10 months in advance.

[New York Nana]

 

Entrance to the Whittier Tunnel. The buses from Anchorage airport, convention center or Princess hotels, must be timed to enter the tunnel. It is opened on the hour and half hour depending on the direction of travel and train schedules. I would have had photos of the Turnigan Arm on the trip down, but the weather was miserable and foggy. If you're lucky enough to have decent weather, sit on the RIGHT side of the bus for the best views.

The trip through the tunnel is pretty interesting. The buses and vehicle travel on top on the RR tracks! VERY narrow! If you don't like close, dark places, listen to your ipod with your eyes closed! :eek:

 

 

The Coral Princess! We pulled up along with another Princess bus and picked up our carry on luggage and headed inside the large, heated terminal. I noticed last year in Seward, that the cruise lines there do not have a permanent structure, but instead have a large tent. Princess had several agents checking in pax and the process was fairly quick. There were MANY 'newbies' and security kept announcing that you did NOT have to remove shoes!:rolleyes:

 

 

Midship balcony cabin, Caribe 426. Located near elevators & stairs. No loud noises ever heard (of course, I was so exhausted in the evening - I wouldn't have heard an EARTHQUAKE!)

[New York Nana]

I lied - no Hubbard due to our "A"typical storm! However, Glacier Bay was beautiful!

These shots are all from our balcony.

 

 

 

[New York Nana]

Skagway is like being in the Old West (well, except I'm pretty certain that Diamonds International was known back then as "Soapy Smith's Boutique of Beauty"!

 

 

 

 

[New York Nana]

 

We saw the White Pass train several times on our drive up and back from Carcross, Yukon.

 

We also saw something, I'm pretty sure could not be seen from the train:

 

 

Emerald Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I've seen. The colors weren't as brilliant as when it is sunnier out, but still quite the sight to see!

 

[New York Nana]

Captain Liz of Harv & Marv Whale Watch. My 3rd time using them. Their boats hold 6 pax and can scoot across the bay in no time to get up and personal with the whales!

 

 

I was a bit too engrossed in whale watching to hear the word to come back inside! So that I didn't JOIN the whales in the bay - I sat down! My BFF thought it was pretty funny - ha. ha.

 

 

 

Whale tale!

 

 

 

[New York Nana]

Sometimes referred to as "Juneau Seagulls".

 

These guys were right across from the ships in the dock:

 

 

This guy was on top of the building right along the docks. There were actually so many, you'd see them in any direction!

 

[New York Nana]

The Crab Shack - King Crab legs, shrimp, scallops, corn

 

 

MUTS-Sound of Music

 

 

I am still scanning the Patters. So I may have those available this weekend.

 

For those who are traveling to Alaska this summer - I wish you safe travels, smooth waters and blue skies!

[pennst8r]

First, thanks for your review and photos...well done!

 

I will be on the Grand in July along with 11 other family members. We have not booked Princess transfers, feeling the cost for taxis would be less than the per-person cost for transfers. Now I'm a bit concerned.

 

Are taxis readily available at Canada Place? Did you see van taxis? I was also surprised that it was a 40-minute ride to the Vancouver airport. Our flight is around 12:15 p.m., should I be concerned? :eek:

 

Thanks for your help with my questions and for posting your review. I'm even more excited!

[HRPro]

Thanks for a great report and the beautiful photos. You had spectacular views of the mountain! I read your previous review to Alaska before we took our first Alaska cruise and it was so helpful. We've been back since then and your report and photos brought back some great memories. My husband and I both rank Alaska as one of our best cruises.

[New York Nana]

First, thanks for your review and photos...well done!

 

I will be on the Grand in July along with 11 other family members. We have not booked Princess transfers, feeling the cost for taxis would be less than the per-person cost for transfers. Now I'm a bit concerned.

 

Are taxis readily available at Canada Place? Did you see van taxis? I was also surprised that it was a 40-minute ride to the Vancouver airport. Our flight is around 12:15 p.m., should I be concerned? :eek:

 

Thanks for your help with my questions and for posting your review. I'm even more excited!

No worries! Yes, there are taxis/vans available. My DH and I had no problem getting one to the B&B we stayed at on our 1st trip there in 2011. Honestly, I ALMOST chose to take a cab vs. the Princess transfer and definitely WOULD have had I known we couldn't do the 'direct to bus'.

Our flight was 12:45, so your 12:15 should not be a problem. It took the bus 40 minutes, but I'm sure the taxis know a quicker route.

I checked the schedule, and if your group can all handle your own luggage off the ship, the 'self' walkoff groups started clearing the ship at 7:30. We were the 1st 'pre-purhased transfer to YVR (early flights International)" and our departure was scheduled for 7:55 and we left the ship around 8:10.

I suggest you check the forums for ports for Canada. I'm sure there are many suggestions as to the best way to transport from the cruise terminal to YVR. With your sized group, you may be able to find a private service to accomodate you all at once.

Have a great trip with your family - it will be wonderful trip of memories for you!

Barb

[New York Nana]

Thanks for a great report and the beautiful photos. You had spectacular views of the mountain! I read your previous review to Alaska before we took our first Alaska cruise and it was so helpful. We've been back since then and your report and photos brought back some great memories. My husband and I both rank Alaska as one of our best cruises.

Oh I'm so glad I was able to help you out for your 1st trip to Alaska! It calls you back again and again! Just too big and too beautiful to NOT want to experience it again!

Perhaps you'll soon be checking out future trips there again in the near future!! :)

Barb

[pennst8r]

Barb, thanks for your info. I'm feeling better about the choice to forego Princess transfers. Thanks, too, for the suggestion to check the Canada boards. Wonder why I didn't think of that?!? :confused:

 

Please tell me about the "direct to bus" thing. I've never heard of it.

 

Alaska is amazing and does call you back. This will be my fourth trip but the last one was in 2001...a long time ago! Half of our group have never been on a cruise; so, it will be even more special seeing them experience what I love so much. Of the five children in the family -- ranging in age from nine to 15 -- this will be a first cruise for three of them.

 

Since I cruise alone most of the time, having my family on this trip is so exciting. Just praying the seas will be calm so mal de mar isn't a factor. Because I'm cruise-addicted and sing its praises at any opportunity, I kinda feel responsible for everyone having a great experience. :eek: (Especially concerned about my sister who took her first -- and last -- cruise in the early '80s, got seasick and vowed she'd never cruise again!) It's taken me 30+ years to get her back on a ship!!

 

Thanks again!

 

~ Roseann

[New York Nana]

Barb, thanks for your info. I'm feeling better about the choice to forego Princess transfers. Thanks, too, for the suggestion to check the Canada boards. Wonder why I didn't think of that?!? :confused:

 

Please tell me about the "direct to bus" thing. I've never heard of it.

 

Alaska is amazing and does call you back. This will be my fourth trip but the last one was in 2001...a long time ago! Half of our group have never been on a cruise; so, it will be even more special seeing them experience what I love so much. Of the five children in the family -- ranging in age from nine to 15 -- this will be a first cruise for three of them.

 

Since I cruise alone most of the time, having my family on this trip is so exciting. Just praying the seas will be calm so mal de mar isn't a factor. Because I'm cruise-addicted and sing its praises at any opportunity, I kinda feel responsible for everyone having a great experience. :eek: (Especially concerned about my sister who took her first -- and last -- cruise in the early '80s, got seasick and vowed she'd never cruise again!) It's taken me 30+ years to get her back on a ship!!

 

Thanks again!

 

~ Roseann

Roseann,

We didn't know what 'direct to bus' was last year either. We had pre-reserved the Princess transfer from the ship to the airport. Our luggage was picked up the night before like everyone elses.

The 'direct to bus' groups were sent to a separate area (Universe Lounge) and were escorted off the ship by a separate gangway. We were walked off the ship and went 'behind' the wall not stopping at the Canadian customs area OR getting our luggage. We were brought directly to a bus and taken to the airport. Once there, our luggage was delivered to an area in the terminal for Princess (HAL had a similar area set up). We then went through the regular process of checking in, security, etc. I understand the luggage was transported by truck to the airport and not on the bus with us.

 

It eliminated the process of finding our luggage in the terminal, which I had hoped to do this year!

 

I understand about your sister's reluctance! MY sister's 1st cruise was OUR 2nd - during HURRICANE SANDY! Princess took VERY good care of us - but even with a 50% of fare FCC, my sister has not been inclined to return to sea! I didn't have that same problem! ha!

 

You will certainly have a wonderful time with such a range of ages in your family - it is always exciting to see things through young peoples' eyes!

Have a great time and I hope to read your review here on CC! It has been such a GREAT source of information for me to learn the ins and outs of cruising!

Bon voyage!

[pennst8r]

Roseann,

We didn't know what 'direct to bus' was last year either. We had pre-reserved the Princess transfer from the ship to the airport. Our luggage was picked up the night before like everyone elses.

The 'direct to bus' groups were sent to a separate area (Universe Lounge) and were escorted off the ship by a separate gangway. We were walked off the ship and went 'behind' the wall not stopping at the Canadian customs area OR getting our luggage. We were brought directly to a bus and taken to the airport. Once there, our luggage was delivered to an area in the terminal for Princess (HAL had a similar area set up). We then went through the regular process of checking in, security, etc. I understand the luggage was transported by truck to the airport and not on the bus with us.

 

It eliminated the process of finding our luggage in the terminal, which I had hoped to do this year!

 

I understand about your sister's reluctance! MY sister's 1st cruise was OUR 2nd - during HURRICANE SANDY! Princess took VERY good care of us - but even with a 50% of fare FCC, my sister has not been inclined to return to sea! I didn't have that same problem! ha!

 

You will certainly have a wonderful time with such a range of ages in your family - it is always exciting to see things through young peoples' eyes!

Have a great time and I hope to read your review here on CC! It has been such a GREAT source of information for me to learn the ins and outs of cruising!

Bon voyage!

 

Barb, thanks for the info about the bus. Do you think everything went OK for you not having those arrangements? Was going through customs at Canada Place a hassle?

 

I hope you don't mind all of my questions, especially since I thought of another one.:eek: How was your transit from Whittier to Vancouver; were the seas calm or did you have some rough day(s)? If there were some bad sea days, do you happen to remember where?

 

I would normally not be so concerned. If it was just me, I'd take each day as it came; but I'm worried for my less- or non-experienced family members. Watch, I'll be the only one who gets seasick! :D

 

I'm really hoping my sister enjoys the cruise so she and my brother-in-law want to cruise again. My preference is not to cruise alone! ;)

 

Thanks for all of you help and for the good wishes!

 

~ Roseann

[pennst8r]

Barb, I just noticed you have two cruises planned on the Regal. I've sailed on the Regal a couple of times (the Royal, too); so, if you haven't been on that ship and have any questions, I'll be more than happy to try to answer them. Heck, you've been so generous with info for me!

 

Cheers!

 

~ Roseann

[New York Nana]

Barb, thanks for the info about the bus. Do you think everything went OK for you not having those arrangements? Was going through customs at Canada Place a hassle?

 

I hope you don't mind all of my questions, especially since I thought of another one.:eek: How was your transit from Whittier to Vancouver; were the seas calm or did you have some rough day(s)? If there were some bad sea days, do you happen to remember where?

 

I would normally not be so concerned. If it was just me, I'd take each day as it came; but I'm worried for my less- or non-experienced family members. Watch, I'll be the only one who gets seasick! :D

 

I'm really hoping my sister enjoys the cruise so she and my brother-in-law want to cruise again. My preference is not to cruise alone! ;)

 

Thanks for all of you help and for the good wishes!

 

~ Roseann

Roseann, the process through Canadian Customs was relatively simple. We literally just handed them our declaration forms! Without my DH to help with the luggage, I WAS hoping not to deal with it by using the direct to bus option, but in all honesty, it really wasn't a big hassle.

As far as the conditions on the trip (and 2 others past), I never found it to be bad. I use the patch and have never cruised without it and have never had any seasickness. Our ship this past January had a LOT more movement than I've experienced in Alaska. The 1st day out in Prince William Sound (headed to Hubbard Glacier) may offer more movement, and the last day headed towards Vancouver - but the rest of the trip is slow and traveling inside the passage in protected waters.

I always select a mid-deck, mid-ship cabin, so that can make a difference. I am much more affected by small ship movement than I have ever been on a cruise ship.

I really hope your family will enjoy the experience as much as you do! We are having our son and family do a BVE this Fall to 'introduce' them to the 'feel' of the ship - hoping they will like it enough to join us on a future trip!

And you're so sweet to offer suggestions about the Regal, but we actually DID cruise her in January! I'm looking forward to being back on her again in October!

I'm happy to answer any questions - I know I like to have as much info as possible prior to traveling too! Feel free to email me directly: beh614@gmail.com

Barb