Alaska in May

[my kids mama]

17 minutes ago, Coral said:

I have cruised for $299 per person before with a much better itinerary. These were last minute specials out of Vancouver.

 

I am not sure we will be cruising in May. Hopefully. I think people will be hesitant to cruise when ships start sailing.

You got this price for a balcony?

 

[firefly333]

2 minutes ago, my kids mama said:

You got this price for a balcony?

 

No that's starting price pp out of vancouver, probably one way. Starting meaning inside.

 

Vancouver is usually cheaper to leave from. There is a awesome train from seattle to vancouver but it adds another day of travel.

 

Seattle costs a little more, round trip usually a little more etc.

[Coral]

16 minutes ago, my kids mama said:

You got this price for a balcony?

 

I got this price for an inside and was upgraded to a balcony. The balcony was not that much more. There are often a gluten of cabins available in May. I spend most of my time on deck which has better views so I could care less about a balcony.

[my kids mama]

Well, I pulled the trigger, and booked the Carnival Miracle on the 10 day, via San Francisco .  I know there might be better itineraries, and maybe better cruise lines, as well.  I have only cruised carnival. I have nothing to compare it to.  It all started on our first cruise, with me losing money in the casino and then winning $2400 at the last minute.  After that, they kept sending me great deals.  

 

We have gone to many ports at very reasonable prices because of the casino deals.  Of course, I always give some back.  Sometimes I win though.  My biggest win, at any casino ever,  was on the Carnaval inspiration. A little 3-4 day cruise from Long Beach. 

I do want to cruise other lines, at some point.  Every time I look at other lines, I go back to the casino deal Carnival is offering.  

 

I am sure that we will have a great time on this cruise on the Carnival Miracle.  If it's cancelled, we will just put our FCC  towards the next cruise we have booked out of Sidney, Australia. 

 

Either way, it's nice to have something to look forward to. 

 

[my kids mama]

2 minutes ago, Coral said:

I got this price for an inside and was upgraded to a balcony. The balcony was not that much more. There are often a gluten of cabins available in May. I spend most of my time on deck which has better views so I could care less about a balcony.

 

1 minute ago, my kids mama said:

Well, I pulled the trigger, and booked the Carnival Miracle on the 10 day, via San Francisco .  I know there might be better itineraries, and maybe better cruise lines, as well.  I have only cruised carnival. I have nothing to compare it to.  It all started on our first cruise, with me losing money in the casino and then winning $2400 at the last minute.  After that, they kept sending me great deals.  

 

We have gone to many ports at very reasonable prices because of the casino deals.  Of course, I always give some back.  Sometimes I win though.  My biggest win, at any casino ever,  was on the Carnaval inspiration. A little 3-4 day cruise from Long Beach. 

I do want to cruise other lines, at some point.  Every time I look at other lines, I go back to the casino deal Carnival is offering.  

 

I am sure that we will have a great time on this cruise on the Carnival Miracle.  If it's cancelled, we will just put our FCC  towards the next cruise we have booked out of Sidney, Australia. 

 

Either way, it's nice to have something to look forward to. 

 

 

3 minutes ago, Coral said:

I got this price for an inside and was upgraded to a balcony. The balcony was not that much more. There are often a gluten of cabins available in May. I spend most of my time on deck which has better views so I could care less about a balcony.

I really do care about a balcony. It has become an important part of our cruise. 

[Coral]

1 minute ago, my kids mama said:

 

 

I really do care about a balcony. It has become an important part of our cruise. 

I have cruised in everything from an inside to a suite in Alaska. I have sailed a ton there. I personally would rather go with a better itinerary in a lesser cabin than a balcony on a poor itinerary. If you want to see Alaska, I would pick a better trip.

[my kids mama]

2 minutes ago, Coral said:

I have cruised in everything from an inside to a suite in Alaska. I have sailed a ton there. I personally would rather go with a better itinerary in a lesser cabin than a balcony on a poor itinerary. If you want to see Alaska, I would pick a better trip.

Thank you, Coral.  I would actually prefer to take a Caribbean cruise, all together.  The beach is my happy place!  My husband will love this one though. 

 

[my kids mama]

On 10/7/2020 at 6:48 PM, Crew News said:

May is also the driest month of the year.  The presence of so much more sunlight offsets the lower temperatures.  It is the month with snow still on the peaks and lots of new animal babies experiencing life.  The baby humpback whales are extremely active in May.

 

I just love that picture!

[firefly333]

23 minutes ago, my kids mama said:

Thank you, Coral.  I would actually prefer to take a Caribbean cruise, all together.  The beach is my happy place!  My husband will love this one though. 

 

Plentry of time to see other things. Alaska is special.

 

I too dont care about balconies, just a big window to me but then I live alone and cruise solo. I love to cruise and be around other people so sitting up in the buffet suits me just fine. I've had balconies and either too hot or too cold. I've had 4 skin cancers removed so not supposed to sit in the sun. 

 

So yes it's important to find out what suits your cruising style. Sitting out on a balcony alone to me is boring. I like to people watch.

 

I do have a balcony end of april. Just in case, because of covid and I'll probably spend more time alone. I love to get up early and get coffee and seems same people are up you usually get to know. But with covid things will be different.

 

My sister is a slow learner and she prefers inside by the elevators. She says watching the ocean makes her a bit dizzy. She is also epileptic... so you decide. Not every cabin is best for someone else. We all love to cruise, just different. Wouldnt it be boring if we all wanted the same cabin?

 

 

[my kids mama]

Firefly, yes it would be boring, and also hard to book, if we all wanted the same cabin.  My first cruise was an interior.  We upgraded to a balcony on our next one.  One time, we had a high school reunion and the best option was an ocean view.  We missed our balcony!

 

 We love to order room service and sit outside in the morning.  Look at the sea with a cup of coffee.  That is the best! 

This being my first Alaska cruise, that will be different for me.  I am looking forward to the views, and maybe some whales.  I am thinking the hot coffee will be more important. I will just have to dress in layers. Do I even need to bring a swim suit this time?

[Crew News]

1 hour ago, my kids mama said:

I just love that picture!

 

Then you should like this one as well.  The blow hole was about 18 inches wide.  The Orca rolled onto its side and looked at me seconds after the photo was taken.  Taken right beside my excursion boat in Juneau and so big it did not fit in my camera lens:

 

Edited October 10, 2020 by Crew News

[my kids mama]

11 minutes ago, Crew News said:

 

Then you should like this one as well.  The blow hole was about 18 inches wide.  The Orca rolled onto its side and looked at me seconds after the photo was taken.  Taken right beside my excursion boat in Juneau and so big it did not fit in my camera lens:

 

Wow! that is beautiful! Just stunning!

 

[Crew News]

I cruise solo and as a photographer and many-time cruiser to Alaska, my preferred stateroom is an aft balcony.  Aft balconies have no wind while the ship is moving so you can spend lots of time there watching for whales that will be moving north from Mexico during early May.  Not having to move from side to side of the ship to see everything, is a big plus as well as having a Room Service lunch while cruising in Glacier Bay.

 

Bring binoculars, gloves, windproof pants if going on any water excursions, hand warmers, extra camera batteries (drain quickly when cold), lightweight long underwear, backpack for excursions (rain poncho, snacks, water bottle, camera stuff, and room to store removed clothing layers as temps rise), multiport AC electrical adapters, clothes pins to keep the curtains closed since sunrise is around 4:30 AM, and $1 bills to tip Room Service for starters.

[Crew News]

Some excursion tips might be helpful in your planning.

 

Skagway - train to Caribou Crossing (sit on left side going up and right side coming back or you will be looking at a rock wall) and go betweent the cars to get pictures.

 

 

Definitely whale watching in Icy Strait Point (best whale feeding):

 

 

Victoria - Butchart Gardens for amazing flowers in a formal garden setting:

 

 

 

[my kids mama]

8 hours ago, Crew News said:

Some excursion tips might be helpful in your planning.

 

Skagway - train to Caribou Crossing (sit on left side going up and right side coming back or you will be looking at a rock wall) and go betweent the cars to get pictures.

 

 

Definitely whale watching in Icy Strait Point (best whale feeding):

 

 

Victoria - Butchart Gardens for amazing flowers in a formal garden setting:

 

 

 

Wow! Beautiful!

[Coral]

13 hours ago, my kids mama said:

Thank you, Coral.  I would actually prefer to take a Caribbean cruise, all together.  The beach is my happy place!  My husband will love this one though. 

 

I liked the Caribbean until I went to Alaska. I now would go to Alaska over the Caribbean any day.

[Glaciers]

1 hour ago, Coral said:

I liked the Caribbean until I went to Alaska. I now would go to Alaska over the Caribbean any day.

I agree with you most of the time. We haven’t cruised the Caribbean in 20 years. MKM has a different cruising style and has emphasized the casino.  I would find those 4 “Fun Days at Sea” a bore fest but they may find that the highlight.  Different strokes.

[Coral]

33 minutes ago, Glaciers said:

I agree with you most of the time. We haven’t cruised the Caribbean in 20 years. MKM has a different cruising style and has emphasized the casino.  I would find those 4 “Fun Days at Sea” a bore fest but they may find that the highlight.  Different strokes.

You are right - I would find those 4 fun days a bore since I never enter a casino. For me, this is an awful itinerary for seeing Alaska and I wouldn't choose it. The time in Juneau and chances of going to Tracy Arm (first of May) are a major turn off for me.

 

Yea - I can't think of the last time I have been in the Caribbean - it has been a long time.

 

 

[AlanF65]

On 10/8/2020 at 9:18 PM, my kids mama said:

YOUR TRIP DETAILS

FAQs

Itinerary: 10 Days Alaska from San Francisco, CA

May 3, 2021 - May 13, 2021 | Mon - Thu

 

Carnival Miracle from Monday May 03, 2021 to Thursday May 13, 2021

SAVE

Your Itinerary 

 

Day 1

San Francisco

Day 2-3

Fun Day At Sea

Day 4

Juneau

Day 5

Skagway

Day 6

Icy Strait Point

Day 7

Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord

Day 8

Fun Day At Sea

Day 9

Victoria

Day 10

Fun Day At Sea

Day 11

San Francisco

 

 

Juneau, lots to do, even with the short hours

Skagway - You have time to do a train/ small bus to emerald lake with Dyea Dave or one of the other small groups and then some time in town.

Icy Strait -would go with Glacier Wind for a whale watch, bears will be not so plentiful in May but you have time to go whale watching, eat in town and do something else if you want.

Victoria,  maybe out to the gardens or just downtown.

Lots of sea Days, Balconies are nice coming into port early and southbound sea days to Victoria.

 

The reason a lot of us like leaving from Vancouver is you get more days in Alaska and fewer sea days, plus lots of ships go the inside passage.

Have fun, do some research and then book your excursions direct.

 

A-

 

 

 

[my kids mama]

23 hours ago, Crew News said:

I cruise solo and as a photographer and many-time cruiser to Alaska, my preferred stateroom is an aft balcony.  Aft balconies have no wind while the ship is moving so you can spend lots of time there watching for whales that will be moving north from Mexico during early May.  Not having to move from side to side of the ship to see everything, is a big plus as well as having a Room Service lunch while cruising in Glacier Bay.

 

Bring binoculars, gloves, windproof pants if going on any water excursions, hand warmers, extra camera batteries (drain quickly when cold), lightweight long underwear, backpack for excursions (rain poncho, snacks, water bottle, camera stuff, and room to store removed clothing layers as temps rise), multiport AC electrical adapters, clothes pins to keep the curtains closed since sunrise is around 4:30 AM, and $1 bills to tip Room Service for starters.

Those are great tips!. Thank you bunches!

[my kids mama]

8 hours ago, AlanF65 said:

 

Juneau, lots to do, even with the short hours

Skagway - You have time to do a train/ small bus to emerald lake with Dyea Dave or one of the other small groups and then some time in town.

Icy Strait -would go with Glacier Wind for a whale watch, bears will be not so plentiful in May but you have time to go whale watching, eat in town and do something else if you want.

Victoria,  maybe out to the gardens or just downtown.

Lots of sea Days, Balconies are nice coming into port early and southbound sea days to Victoria.

 

The reason a lot of us like leaving from Vancouver is you get more days in Alaska and fewer sea days, plus lots of ships go the inside passage.

Have fun, do some research and then book your excursions direct.

 

A-

 

 

 

I will do research, thank you so much!

 

[Coral]

17 hours ago, AlanF65 said:

 

Juneau, lots to do, even with the short hours

 

 

People complain about the evening hours all the time on this board. If they have 7-7 hours, they can organize 2 excursions. They can't seem to do this with 2-10 or 2-11 hours. They find lack of excursions in the evenings and don't feel comfortable renting a car on their own.

[my kids mama]

10 hours ago, Coral said:

People complain about the evening hours all the time on this board. If they have 7-7 hours, they can organize 2 excursions. They can't seem to do this with 2-10 or 2-11 hours. They find lack of excursions in the evenings and don't feel comfortable renting a car on their own.

I am sure we will find something fun to do.  I am totally ok with only doing 1 excursion per day.  Hopefully, we will have time to walk around town a bit.  We always love to do that in port.  We don't always do excursions on port days.  This time we probably will.  From what I have heard, it may be required in order to get off the ship.  We shall see. 

[Coral]

32 minutes ago, my kids mama said:

I am sure we will find something fun to do.  I am totally ok with only doing 1 excursion per day.  Hopefully, we will have time to walk around town a bit.  We always love to do that in port.  We don't always do excursions on port days.  This time we probably will.  From what I have heard, it may be required in order to get off the ship.  We shall see. 

In Alaska you will want to do excursions. The best part of Alaska is not in the port towns - it is getting out of the port towns. It is different than the Caribbean.

[my kids mama]

On 10/11/2020 at 6:23 PM, Coral said:

In Alaska you will want to do excursions. The best part of Alaska is not in the port towns - it is getting out of the port towns. It is different than the Caribbean.

Good to know.  Thank you so much!