Review: Northbound on Princess Coral 9/2-9/9

[tx_jackie]

Day 5: Skagway, Part 3

We also visited Carcross and had poutine with reindeer sausage for lunch. Matt wanted to grab a soda but all the shops in town were already closed, and the restaurant we had lunch at mentioned that the following day was their last day open. The downside of September is that it is the end of the season and many places have already begun closing their doors.

 

 

 

Emerald Lake was spectacularly green, even if the high sun did make it difficult to properly capture its hues. We walked down to get a better look and ran into some local ladies picking rose hips as well as some people paddle boarding across the water’s surface.

 

 

 

[tx_jackie]

Day 5: Skagway, Part 4

We made a few stops on the way back, like the Welcome to Alaska sign and to get a closer look at some of the waterfalls, but it was a quicker drive back to Skagway. Once in town we made a stop by the Gold Rush Cemetery. It’s mostly wooden headstones now, but there’s a lot of interesting history and stories. One in particular stood out, of a man who’d gone in to rob a bank with a handgun and a stick of dynamite. The teller was frightened when he came in and she fled, and when he went to grab his gun it allegedly misfired set off the dynamite, blowing him up. The rumor is that only his head was buried. (yikes!)

 

The cemetery walk was nice, and the waterfall just a few steps away was rather spectacular.

 

 

 

After dropping off the jeep, we’d planned on doing some shopping in town for souvenirs, but only one shop was open. Matt was more impressed by the snow plow train.

 

 

 

 

Rebel!

 

Without much else to do, we went back to ship in time to change for our 7:30 dinner. Afterwards we attended the Sherlock Murder Mystery Musical Trivia. The cruise staff’s humor really shined during this, and there were a lot of laughs all around. If you like Sherlock Holmes and humor and mysteries and musical trivia or any combination of the above - this is the show for you! Then it was a stop to deposit money at the casino before finally calling it a night. I wanted to wake up extra early to enjoy Glacier Bay!

[tx_jackie]

Day 6: Glacier Bay, Part 1

Today was Glacier Bay National Park! I was so excited, I woke Matt up early and made him sit on the balcony and eat croissants with me while we watched the park rangers board. I was a bit tired, but we braved the cold. Mike and Morgan joined us outside as we started toward Margerie Glacier.

 

I’m glad they gave us a map that morning. Here’s Mike and Morgan directing the ship!

 

 

And Mat with his trusty, fancy-pants binoculars.

 

 

That he sometimes let me use!

 

 

We spotted an otter cruising by, just hanging out being cute.

 

 

Meanwhile, the naturalist was talking about the spectacular calving port side, so we rushed to the top of the ship and did the remainder of our sightseeing on the top of the boat. Unfortunately, we missed the calving, but Margerie was spectacular nevertheless.

 

 

[tx_jackie]

Day 6: Glacier Bay, Part 2

Glacier Bay is humbling to sail through. The patter is empty apart from glacier spotting, which is a nice, relaxing change of pace. I admittedly had trouble keeping track of the glaciers we saw as I went through photos. I know we got somewhat close to John Hopkins, though it started getting chillier as we sailed toward the inlet. Again, these photos don’t do its majesty justice - but I’ll post them anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Coral]

Loving your review!

[js4rq]

Loving your cruise review so far!

[tx_jackie]

Day 7: College Fjord

We met Mike and Morgan at the breakfast buffet and though the naturalist assured us it was beautiful as we approached College Fjords, it was a bit foggy in the morning. We didn’t spot a lot of wildlife, but we did enjoy the views and a movie from the hot tubs. While this was lovely and relaxing, we weren’t able to snap many photos.

 

 

Afterward we dried off and went to the British style pub lunch. Everyone got (and loved!) the fish and chips. We also ordered a kidney pie for the table. Only Matt enjoyed it, so we let him finish the pie. When we left, there was a bit of a line forming, so I’m glad we got there right at 11:30 when it opened.

 

 

We grabbed coffees and dessert from the International Cafe and took a few laps around the ship, enjoying the nice weather and the scenery.

 

 

 

However, we enjoyed most of the scenic cruising from a window in the Wheelhouse, where we played dominoes, drank and hung out. Afterwards we went to the balloon drop. I danced and everyone else just stood there (this is a trend for the four of us that is not limited to cruising) I tried my luck and gathering up balloons while Morgan snapped a photo from above. So fun!

 

 

For our last dinner Mike, Morgan and I tried the ‘famous’ fettuccine alfredo since we hadn’t ordered it yet, but Matt went with a steak and said we were crazy. Then they paraded the baked Alaska around and though it wasn’t my favorite dessert of the week, it was very fitting.

 

 

We clapped for our wait staff who’d done a fabulous job and the cooks who were, of course, spectacular. As we finished our dessert we mourned how we would have to go back to eating normally from here on out, and it was like the shiny film of vacation began to dim. I loved long dinners and chatting with friends, of having hot tea and mixed drinks brought to me, and finishing every meal with dessert. However, I had chanced stepping on the scale at the ship’s gym that day to discover that I’d gained 8 pounds so it’s probably a good thing I don’t eat like that everyday, but it’s been weeks back home and I still miss the food.

[tx_jackie]

Day 8 Anchorage, Part 1

We’d swapped our 6:20 departure time for a 7:30 one since we discovered there was also a shuttle going to the airport then. Mike and I stopped by the concierge desk the night before and they changed it for us no problem. It was only an hour, but we knew this was going to be a long day and that bit of extra sleep helped.

 

Whittier was a place I’d done a bit of reading on because I found it such a fascinating place in its role in WWII and the culture of the town being under one roof. I really wish we’d had more time there, but after stopping for breakfast and a coffee and the International Cafe it was time to meet with our group for departure. They funneled us off the boat and immediately onto a shuttle bus which took us to the Anchorage airport where our rental car was waiting.

 

The tunnel was awesome, and Matt was particularly excited about the drie through. Our bus driver had a lot of interesting commentary about the people who settle in this part of Alaska as well as everything from wildlife to tides, and Turnagain Arm was very picturesque.

 

We got our car at the airport and drove downtown. Anchorage was like any city - shops and restaurants, lots of chains, and homeless people which saddened me thinking about how frigid the winters were there.

 

We did a bit of the planet walk and stopped by the log cabin visitor center for a map, and the ladies working were friendly and very informative. We then walked down the street to Glacier Brewhouse for lunch. Our food was delicious, and we sampled some of their beers. Definitely a great spot to eat in Anchorage.

 

 

 

After lunch we took the car down to Girdwood for some hiking. It was beautiful, of course, as I still hadn’t gotten over how serene Alaska could be, especially this close to a rather sizable city. We walked a trail that was part of the Iditarod races.

 

 

 

It was very scenic, and where part of the path passes over a creek so you have to use a hand trolley to pull your way across. It was a bit of work, but if you have people on the sides to assist in the pulling it’s a big help. Plus it’s a lot of fun.

 

 

[tx_jackie]

Day 8 Anchorage, Part 2

We walked to a waterfall before making our way back across the stream, hiking back to the car. It was just a few miles but it felt great. The air in Alaska is crisp and clean.

 

 

 

 

 

We drove up and around Eagle River and made a stop at Beluga Point. We didn’t see any whales, sadly, but there was a large group of people windsurfing and that was fun to watch. I don’t think I’m adventurous enough to give it a shot, and I imagine the water is freezing!

 

 

[tx_jackie]

Day 8 Anchorage, Part 3

A local we’d met on the hiking trail told us to stop by Kincaid Park where we were ‘guaranteed’ to see moose. I don’t think sightings are guaranteed, but we had time so we drove to the park. We spotted a mom and her calf near the entrance, just as the local had promised!

 

 

 

We got out and walked around the park for a bit, saw some kids roller cross-country skiing, and spotted Pluto (the end of the planet walk!) but it was windy so we didn't stay long.

 

 

We grabbed burgers for dinner, and then it was time to head to the airport to say goodbye to each other and Alaska. We had an amazing time, and in only a few days did so much. I wish we’d had more time to stay and explore, but I can't wait to go back sometime!

 

[ladyaero]

I'm taking my son on a cruise to Alaska next summer, something I've wanted to do since I was about 12. Your blog makes me so excited to go!!! Thank you!

[RaiderCruiser]

Thanks for the review. We did this trip in May and it was fun to relive the trip and hear the details of your trip. What a great first cruise.

[300dtc]

Thank you! We did the trip at the end of May into June and loved it.. I really do miss the smell of the air..so clean

[sjmbruce]

what kind of camera do you have?

[tx_jackie]

what kind of camera do you have?

 

The only camera I brought along was my iPhone 6. It's honestly better quality than my point-and-shoot digital camera. I did borrow some of Morgan's photos (the whale tail, for example) and she has a Nikon D90.

[tx_jackie]

Thanks everyone for the comments and kind remarks! I read a lot of reviews before leaving for Alaska, and I hope this was helpful in some way. :)

[travelnut4]

Loved reading about your time in Girdwood hiking! What was the name of the trail? We will be there next summer!

[tx_jackie]

Loved reading about your time in Girdwood hiking! What was the name of the trail? We will be there next summer!

 

Thanks! It was the Winner Creek Trail. Here's a link:

 

http://www.alaska.org/detail/winner-creek-trail

[dmrrn73]

Really enjoyed your review! Thanks for sharing. We are currently researching options for an Alaska cruise next year (most likely May).

 

At this point we have been planning on a round trip one but now I am considering a North or southbound one to get to see more of it having to fly in or out of Anchorage.

 

The Shuttle to the airport, was that through Princess? Was there a cost to it?

 

Where did you stay in Vancouver?

[tx_jackie]

Really enjoyed your review! Thanks for sharing. We are currently researching options for an Alaska cruise next year (most likely May).

 

At this point we have been planning on a round trip one but now I am considering a North or southbound one to get to see more of it having to fly in or out of Anchorage.

 

The Shuttle to the airport, was that through Princess? Was there a cost to it?

 

Where did you stay in Vancouver?

 

Yes. The shuttle to the airport was booked through Princess. I believe it was $20/pp.

 

In Vancouver we stayed at the Holiday Inn Downtown because we have HI points and it was close to the ship.

 

I did enjoy sailing one way! I feel like we got to see a lot more during our limited time there, and it really wasn't that more expensive booking airfare that way.

[dmrrn73]

Yes. The shuttle to the airport was booked through Princess. I believe it was $20/pp.

 

In Vancouver we stayed at the Holiday Inn Downtown because we have HI points and it was close to the ship.

 

I did enjoy sailing one way! I feel like we got to see a lot more during our limited time there, and it really wasn't that more expensive booking airfare that way.

 

Thanks!

[cafelovercanada]

Thanks tx_Jackie for the wonderful review. Will be very helpful in my planning for our upcoming June cruise to Alaska! Great job and beautiful photos!!!

[lag9122]

Great review I just booked a Alaska cruise for 2017 looking forward to a great time

[gottagoacruzn]

Hi TxJackie, what was the name of the lake around Bove Island, outside Skagway?

 

 

Virginia

[cafelovercanada]

Tx_jackie - thank you! What a terrific account if your trip! This is helping so much with the planning of our upcoming NB cruise in June. Would you have copies of the Patters from your trip? I have access to some 2014 PP but it would be nice to have something a little more current. Again,thank you so much for providing such a detailed report of your cruise. Sounds like it was a trip you'll remember for a long time!

Edited February 19, 2016 by cafelovercanada