Trying to book a solo Alaskan cruise this summer

[The Collie]

I only went on Princess once many years ago with family. Normally I travel NCL since they have always been the cheapest for me as a solo cruiser as I've always managed to meet people through the solo cruiser meets and that many are around my age (30s). In any case Princess has the best deals right now for a balcony...something I've never had before and always have wanted. 

 

I've been reading up on people who went on the Crown. That was the ship I was hoping to do due to it going to Icy Point and not Ketchikan (already did everything that I have wanted to do in Ketchikan), and being roundtrip in Seattle as the flights to/from ANC are insanely expensive (even the LAX or Burbank to SEA flights are expensive but nothing like the one leg to ANC!). 

 

Do you think they are going to cancel all the Crown cruises over the summer due to repairs? I prefer their itinerary to Discovery's tbh. 

 

Unrelated, other questions:

 

Are the fitness classes included in most fares for things like yoga and other classes (NCL charges for them)?

 

I looked at the difference between Princess Plus and Premium. Although the price difference is reasonable at only an additionally $25 a day to go to Premium, I don't want to get photos done, don't need wifi for more than 1 device, and don't need specialty dining. Better quality booze would be nice, but it's not something I really need.     That said I still am confused by Premier Prizes Play. What exactly is this?

 

In the PP/P plans it includes "crew appreciation" but does this include service fees for alcohol (if there are any fees which again NCL charges)?

 

Does the fitness center have steam rooms available or do you need to pay for this at the spa?

 

The last stop is Victoria. I'm an American. I know in advance you can request to get off at a port early. I'm thinking of spending 3 days in Victoria. Can Americans do this or are they only allowing Canadians to do it?

 

Are you supposed to wear a mask in the hot tub?

 

I know you can now order food on the app anywhere. Does this give you access to the identical food that would be on the MDR menus?

 

Thank you!

[caribill]

9 minutes ago, The Collie said:

 

 

I've been reading up on people who went on the Crown. That was the ship I was hoping to do due to it going to Icy Point and not Ketchikan (already did everything that I have wanted to do in Ketchikan), and being roundtrip in Seattle as the flights to/from ANC are insanely expensive (even the LAX or Burbank to SEA flights are expensive but nothing like the one leg to ANC!). 

 

The "live from" threads from the Crown have said that Icy Strait Point was eliminated from their itinerary.

 

You can check Princess EZAir to see if they have better prices to/from ANC than you see booking with the sirlines.

 

9 minutes ago, The Collie said:

 

Do you think they are going to cancel all the Crown cruises over the summer due to repairs?

 

Nobody knows.

 

 

9 minutes ago, The Collie said:

 

 

That said I still am confused by Premier Prizes Play. What exactly is this?

 

Not sure of all the details, but while you are at sea at times the casino is open, if an adult from your cabin unlocks your cabin door with the Medallion you get an entry. Supposedly 1 in 5 wins some sort of prize.

 

9 minutes ago, The Collie said:

 

In the PP/P plans it includes "crew appreciation" but does this include service fees for alcohol (if there are any fees which again NCL charges)?

With the PP/P plans, gratuities are included. No extra like NCL charges when you get a beverage.

 

[Coral]

If you want to see Alaska - I would avoid the Crown's itinerary. 

[Essiesmom]

2 hours ago, Coral said:

If you want to see Alaska - I would avoid the Crown's itinerary. 

The OP said she has done everything she wanted to do in Ketchikan, which means she has already been to Alaska at least once.  EM

[Coral]

9 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

The OP said she has done everything she wanted to do in Ketchikan, which means she has already been to Alaska at least once.  EM

I stand by my comments. I have a friend on it 2 weeks ago. They got into Juneau very late (after dinner), skipped Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. They did have an evening in Victoria (not Alaska) and Glacier Bay. If they only goal is Glacier Bay - then it would be fine. I would look at the one ways - they are going dirt cheap and those savings could be put towards air.

 

The timing in Juneau is awful.

 

I almost want to say any itinerary is better than this.

Edited June 5, 2022 by Coral

[Shelly97060]

10 hours ago, The Collie said:

 

The last stop is Victoria. I'm an American. I know in advance you can request to get off at a port early. I'm thinking of spending 3 days in Victoria. Can Americans do this or are they only allowing Canadians to do it?

 

 

You can request an itinerary deviation. This must be done in advance and is subject to Princess approval. 

[Coral]

Also realize that Victoria is often missed due to winds.