A Journey to the Last Frontier: Serenade of the Seas Alaskan Itinerary Review

[watcher_62]

On a side note - was the Casino open regular hours or were they restricted due to the proximity to land?

[island lady]

9 hours ago, Travel R said:

5x on the Serenade … I am jealous. If I had the money and time, the world cruise is a dream of mine. Loved the layout of the ship and how you can see outside from almost anywhere (although the windows in the MDR need to be cleared) - as mentioned above, my family enjoyed the MDR vs the WJ, but seating outdoors was nice (especially for lunch on that first warm day waiting for departure out of Vancouver). Service was  fantastic!

 

We are on the WC, but just first leg and last leg  (each of those two legs are 62 days).  Love, love the Serenade and her 3 sisters.   Happy you are enjoying your journey!  

 

Don't forget to watch for Humpback whales following the wake when you are sitting outside the WJ on the aft.  🙂 

[watcher_62]

54 minutes ago, watcher_62 said:

On a side note - was the Casino open regular hours or were they restricted due to the proximity to land?

Found these, which gives a good idea on how it operates, so no need to reply. Thanks! https://issuu.com/hochmania/docs/alaska-2022-05-08/26 

[Travel R]

2 hours ago, island lady said:

Fun place to watch wildlife, and cook up fresh caught Halibut on the deck of Catkin's cabin. 

 

That must have been some experience - and great memories. And I noticed a glass of wine in the second photo as well!!!

 

I noticed McDonalds in at least Juneau and Sitka, so there is probably also one in Ketchikan (if not in-town, within close proximity).  The only country we have ever visited that did not have a McDonalds was Iceland.

[Travel R]

2 hours ago, watcher_62 said:

On a side note - was the Casino open regular hours or were they restricted due to the proximity to land?

 

Yes, the casino had varying hours depending on when we were in port. However, I will admit that I did not spend any time relaxing in the casino during this cruise - and rarely even walked through it. So RCI did not gain any additional compensation from me during this cruise, and luckily the losses were very light from my DW and DD22.

[island lady]

3 hours ago, Travel R said:

 

That must have been some experience - and great memories. And I noticed a glass of wine in the second photo as well!!!

 

I noticed McDonalds in at least Juneau and Sitka, so there is probably also one in Ketchikan (if not in-town, within close proximity).  The only country we have ever visited that did not have a McDonalds was Iceland.

 

LOL...I thought it hilarious when we saw the McDonald's right on the ocean front in Nice France.  And they served wine!  😄 

[Travel R]

6 hours ago, island lady said:

 

We are on the WC, but just first leg and last leg  (each of those two legs are 62 days).  Love, love the Serenade and her 3 sisters.   Happy you are enjoying your journey!  

 

Don't forget to watch for Humpback whales following the wake when you are sitting outside the WJ on the aft.  🙂 

 

Wow - any one of the segments sounds like a journey of a lifetime.

 

We saw Humpbacks while on an excursion. Off the boat, I saw orca.

[island lady]

3 minutes ago, Travel R said:

 

Wow - any one of the segments sounds like a journey of a lifetime.

 

We saw Humpbacks while on an excursion. Off the boat, I saw orca.

 

Love...love those Seward to Vancouver cruises.  Inland passage on the smaller ships is definitely the way to go!  Good choice you made!!    Loved seeing the whales and the Orcas.  Lots of Eagles as well.  Jaw dropping scenery all the way down and back.  🥰

 

We adored the itinerary for first leg WC...total circle of South America, with a couple of days in Antarctica.   Another Bucket list check off.  Then we are on for last leg...finally doing the Norway Fiords, Greenland, and Iceland.  🙂 

[Travel R]

2 hours ago, island lady said:

 

Love...love those Seward to Vancouver cruises.  Inland passage on the smaller ships is definitely the way to go!  Good choice you made!!    Loved seeing the whales and the Orcas.  Lots of Eagles as well.  Jaw dropping scenery all the way down and back.  🥰

 

We adored the itinerary for first leg WC...total circle of South America, with a couple of days in Antarctica.   Another Bucket list check off.  Then we are on for last leg...finally doing the Norway Fiords, Greenland, and Iceland.  🙂 

You are going to have an amazing journey! I am hoping some post live updates - would definitely be following those - as would most of Cruise Critic.

 

I actually wrote up a bucket list about 5 years ago, and pulled it up yesterday.  I was able to strike out a few items, it was a good feeling and getting close to striking off others (e.g., Alaska was my 45th state).  Antarctica is on the list (as is the Galapagos islands), and would love to visit all of those South American countries and sites (Machu Picchu is one of the places at the top of that list).

 

One day . . . .

 

Edited July 8, 2022 by Travel R

[island lady]

16 hours ago, Travel R said:

You are going to have an amazing journey! I am hoping some post live updates - would definitely be following those - as would most of Cruise Critic.

 

I actually wrote up a bucket list about 5 years ago, and pulled it up yesterday.  I was able to strike out a few items, it was a good feeling and getting close to striking off others (e.g., Alaska was my 45th state).  Antarctica is on the list (as is the Galapagos islands), and would love to visit all of those South American countries and sites (Machu Picchu is one of the places at the top of that list).

 

One day . . . .

 

 

Sigh...we are 2-3 years late at hitting those bucket lists.   We lost our last four footed fur baby 3 years ago.  Heart broken for a long time (and still am)....we decided against getting another pet.  Wanted to start those longer trips, including plenty of international.   Then...the Demon Covid hit.  Ugghh...ruined a lot of plans and lives that thing did.  👿

 

Trying it again, and now back to many longer trips booked.  

 

I know you are having fun on your cruise.  We adore that itinerary!   Will try to book it again in the future, we have done 4 of the B2B Seward to Vancouver on twin sister Radiance...loved it!!  

[Travel R]

25 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

Sigh...we are 2-3 years late at hitting those bucket lists.   We lost our last four footed fur baby 3 years ago.  Heart broken for a long time (and still am)....we decided against getting another pet.  Wanted to start those longer trips, including plenty of international.   Then...the Demon Covid hit.  Ugghh...ruined a lot of plans and lives that thing did.  👿

Sorry for your loss. As an animal lover and owner of many fur babies over the years, I understand the loss. Although we have a good dog sitter, our dog does not like it when we are away for very long.

[Travel R]

Note: Although I have the next post written, illness has stuck, and I have not been able to download my photos.  I''ll get to it later today or tomorrow when I have more energy.

 

Although I have some COVID-like symptoms, I tested negative.  I talked to my doctor that said I may have to wait another day or two to take the test again to be sure, if not, I have a bad cold.

 

In the meantime, I am quarantining myself away from the family, and wearing a mask if/when I need to go upstairs (to the kitchen) or my family masks-up if they need to pass through this way (to the basement/laundry room).

 

It started hitting me on Wednesday night (took the test Thursday).  If I did contract it, I believe it was during the flight. Although everyone wore masks in the airplanes and terminals (except when eating) . . . [discussion on the viability of wearing masks to combat the spread has been deleted.]

 

Since I am stuck in bed (can't go outside, or cannot even exercise inside), I will watch the idiot box, do some reading, write some of the future posts for this review, and maybe even do some work (for work).

[island lady]

21 minutes ago, Travel R said:

Sorry for your loss. As an animal lover and owner of many fur babies over the years, I understand the loss. Although we have a good dog sitter, our dog does not like it when we are away for very long.

 

That's for sure!  We had an excellent cat sitter, who would spend time with the girls, clean the cat box, feed them, play with them...and then send me 3-4 email pictures a day.   Which became the highlight of my day of course.  😉  

 

Two weeks at the most was all I could do, and even that was rare.  Mostly we limited it to one week at a time.  Like you, even though they were in the best of care and comfy in our home....they would miss us, and I would miss them dearly.  

[island lady]

Did you enjoy the visit to Hubbard Glacier?  Or Hoonah (Icy Straight)?   One of our favorite things to do at Icy Straight was to walk into the town of Hoonah.  Along the waterfront walk, we would see Whales, Seals, Otters, Eagles...etc.  Was a lovely walk!  

 

Then, our favorite lunch at at little waterfront restaurant called "The Office".  Fantastic fresh Dungeness crabs, freshly steamed by owner right out front.  Yummmm!!  😋

 

We also adore the little town of Skagway.  

 

Ahhh..fond memories...as I am sure you have as well.  🙂 

Edited July 9, 2022 by island lady

[island lady]

22 minutes ago, Travel R said:

Note: Although I have the next post written, illness has stuck, and I have not been able to download my photos.  I''ll get to it later today or tomorrow when I have more energy.

 

Although I have some COVID-like symptoms, I tested negative.  I talked to my doctor that said I may have to wait another day or two to take the test again to be sure, if not, I have a bad cold.

 

In the meantime, I am quarantining myself away from the family, and wearing a mask if/when I need to go upstairs (to the kitchen) or my family masks-up if they need to pass through this way (to the basement/laundry room).

 

It started hitting me on Wednesday night (took the test Thursday).  If I did contract it, I believe it was during the flight. Although everyone wore masks in the airplanes and terminals (except when eating) . . . [discussion on the viability of wearing masks to combat the spread has been deleted.]

 

Since I am stuck in bed (can't go outside, or cannot even exercise inside), I will watch the idiot box, do some reading, write some of the future posts for this review, and maybe even do some work (for work).

 

OMG...I just caught this post right now.  

 

I am so sorry you are sick.  😞   We arrived in Maine for the summer on June 12th, and within 3 days, hubby Bucky got sick as well.   Like you...the flights and the airport we dealt with..   Could not find anywhere to get him tested up here in the northern Maine wilderness...not even over the counter home tests.  So we just isolated the first two weeks, bought him cold meds, and suffered through it.  

Of course a double dose of my homemade chicken noodle soup helps too. 😉 

 

It has now been over 3 weeks, he is feeling better...finally.  But not the way to start or end a trip. 

 

Hope you get better soon.  No fun being sick.  

[familycruzinnewbie]

I got covid along with my broken hand. Hubby too. We are now recovered but don’t know if we can test negative or else we need doctor to write recovery note - which will prob cost more as that visit isn’t covered. 

[plumie]

Oh no!  I hope you're feeling better and improve soon.  Hoping your DW and DDs remain healthy.  Looking forward to the rest of your trip report - but take time to rest and recover too.  We're so focused on COVID we forget how gnarly colds themselves can be.  My cold this season was actually worse than my bout with COVID, so take care of yourself  

[Travel R]

Sorry for the media blackout, whatever got me ill stayed around longer than I liked and hit me hard, so I have refrained from writing.

 

I did write a few things before I went down for the count (at least enough for two or three full posts), however, I have not figured out a way to download the photos from my digital camera.  The problem is that I have an old camera a new computer.  I the past I have easily taken the data card out of the camera and inserted it into my laptop.  I do not have a slot for the card in this laptop.

 

No problem - there are two possible solutions:

1) There is a slot for what may be for a data cable. I can try to find (or purchase) the correct cable and download the files in that fashion, or

2) Get out my old computer and use the old machine to post my cruise vacation chronicles.

 

[Note: the pictures I have posted so far have been photos that I have captured with my cell phone, and I used my camera to take a vast majority of the visual memories.]

 

Give me a day or two and I will have a ton of material and photos to post.

 

Another random shot (from my cell phone) - this was taken from our balcony during the side-voyage down the Tracy Arm looking through a valley that leads to another snow-capped mountain. I was very nervous whether we would see anything that morning.  When I went on top to run in the morning the cloud cover was very thick and could not see 10 feet beyond the railing of the ship. You can still see a number of stubborn clouds in this photo that remained. You can also see a number of icebergs in the water, which was another concern (an NCL ship hit an iceberg while viewing Hubbard either on that day or the following), and our captain did a good job of avoiding them - especially when the ice field began to thicken up closer to the Sawyer Glacier.

 

 

 

Edited July 11, 2022 by Travel R
clarification

[Travel R]

On 7/9/2022 at 10:57 AM, island lady said:

Did you enjoy the visit to Hubbard Glacier?  Or Hoonah (Icy Straight)?   One of our favorite things to do at Icy Straight was to walk into the town of Hoonah.  Along the waterfront walk, we would see Whales, Seals, Otters, Eagles...etc.  Was a lovely walk!  

 

Then, our favorite lunch at at little waterfront restaurant called "The Office".  Fantastic fresh Dungeness crabs, freshly steamed by owner right out front.  Yummmm!!  😋

 

We also adore the little town of Skagway.  

 

Ahhh..fond memories...as I am sure you have as well.  🙂 

 

We really enjoyed seeing Hubbard. It was an amazing view, I only wish the ship went closer (there were a ton of icebergs, so we were a ways back - see photo in prior post) - next time we sail here we will take the catamaran to see the glacier up close.

 

ISP was not on our itinerary - but did see those critters in various other locations; we also took a whale watching excursion (Juneau), which was amazing - a mother whale and her calf, seals, porpoise, brown bear, eagles among other wildlife. On the walk in Sitka, I did look out onto Sitka Bay, but did not see any whales (according to a local, they are more plentiful in that area earlier in the season). There is a Whale Bay (which people had referred to this area), but Whale Bay is about 30 miles from where we were.

 

Although I did enjoy the ports on our itinerary (Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan), Skagway is the one of two ports I really would have liked to visit. Since we were so taken by the beauty of Alaska, it is on our future queue of places to visit/revisit. Although a Southbound from Seward that stops at Glacier National Park and Seward with a few days pre-cruise to Anchorage, Denali, and maybe other points north and east. However, it may also just be a land trip beginning in Anchorage. But right now, there are other destinations in sight.

 

2023 is in the planning; I was told that I should look for somewhere warm and departs from the US, the locations being thrown around are mostly: Bermuda, Bahamas, or Western Caribbean (if it includes Mexico); I actually found and suggested a cruise with ports in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, and 2024 will be our postponed 25th Anniversary cruise from 2021 (Italy and Greece) which has now become a River Cruise (it is down to either the Danube or Rhine). We also have another 4 years of college to pay for, so Alaska will have to wait a little while until the Travel R family to return.

 

Edited July 11, 2022 by Travel R

[Travel R]

On 7/9/2022 at 11:06 AM, island lady said:

 

OMG...I just caught this post right now.  

 

I am so sorry you are sick.  😞   We arrived in Maine for the summer on June 12th, and within 3 days, hubby Bucky got sick as well.   Like you...the flights and the airport we dealt with..   Could not find anywhere to get him tested up here in the northern Maine wilderness...not even over the counter home tests.  So we just isolated the first two weeks, bought him cold meds, and suffered through it.  

Of course a double dose of my homemade chicken noodle soup helps too. 😉 

 

It has now been over 3 weeks, he is feeling better...finally.  But not the way to start or end a trip. 

 

Hope you get better soon.  No fun being sick.  

 

I've been up to Maine many times over my lifetime. I love it because it is wilderness (and hopefully you can take a drive over to Arcadia) - but when you need something, it is usually many, miles away.

 

I am still not 100% (but better) - I have taken two tests, one the day after becoming ill (Thursday) and another yesterday, and both show up as negative - so I am fighting some type of summer cold (according to my doctor).

[Travel R]

On 7/9/2022 at 3:41 PM, familycruzinnewbie said:

I got covid along with my broken hand. Hubby too. We are now recovered but don’t know if we can test negative or else we need doctor to write recovery note - which will prob cost more as that visit isn’t covered. 

Good to hear that you hand is doing well and you also feeling better (as I just posted - sick, but luckily not COVID).

 

Hopefully your doctor should be able to help you out with the recovery letter (without much additional cost). My doctor's practice had recently "partnered" with the local (large) hospital system, so every little procedure is documented and charged - for instance, a blood test as part of a sick-call is now an additional charge since the phlebotomist, which is in the same exact office is a separate department (frustratingly stupid)

Edited July 11, 2022 by Travel R

[Travel R]

While we are waiting for me to figure out a way to get my photos transferred from my camera (I was still not feeling well last night and didn't bother), I figured I would at least post a quick post summarizing our Pre-Cruise activities (a 4 paragraph summarization of the 200+ posts in the 99-Day Journey thread).

 

Also in the meantime, if anyone has any questions about the Serenade, this itinerary, or cruising to Alaska, please shout it out.

[Travel R]

I. Pre-Cruise

 

The months and days crept by slowly as the anticipation of our Alaskan adventure steadily increased like a jet plane making its way up the runway until that final second when the craft takes flight.  It was a year of turmoil, with valleys as deep as the abyss of the Grand Canyon with a few moments of unbridled joy sprinkled in to sometimes abate the chaos.  The term rollercoaster may sound all too boorishly cliché, but most accurately describes the ups and downs that had transpired. Planning for the cruise was sometimes a burden, but most often an escape from the nightmares of reality.

Before a bag could be packed, decisions were to be made to dress for fire or ice. Plans were created, checked and rechecked. And finally, the simple prodding of a cotton swap decided upon our departure into a world of adventure or a week of boredom and isolation.

 

Our excitement was almost immediately quelled by a storm that came upon us from out of nowhere. The hail came down upon us like quivers of arrows, while the thunder clapped, and the wind blew in its most horrible fury.  Our means to the distant shores had abandoned us before it even arrived. The skies were in disarray, and it seemed that there was not a bird to be flown.  The skies went alight for a brief moment and a single ray shined down upon our tormented souls. It was a ray of hope and a route to the land of Vancouver had been found – it meant rushing so we could depart from a more distant location, but we were prepared for the task and took on the challenge.

 

What was meant to be a seven-hour journey took over a full score of hours to complete, but at journey’s end, it was the Serenade that offered this group of adventurers a warm welcome.

 

A. Overview of Cruise Preparations (ArriveCan, Testing, Packing, etc.)

I have previously scribed dozens of pages regarding my pre-cruise preparations and planning in a prior thread [see https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2839026-a-99-day-journey-to-alaska-serenade-by-the-sea-with-a-teen-and-young-adult-over-21/page/11/#comment-63507778], so I will only be augmenting that with a few comments here, as it relates to the two days prior to travelling which I may have left out of that thread.

 

Testing – Once we had received our test results we were all extremely relieved.  We then knew that a cruise was in our future. In the news NCL has just announced that tests (more specifically test results) would not be needed on specific sailings. I cannot comment on which I believe is more conducive to a healthy cruise, so I’ll keep quiet. However, to get the test with the quicker results did come with a price (more side-costs to add to the total price of this vacation).

 

ArriveCAN – I will have to admit that the ArriveCAN app was very easy to use and enter our information.  The one snag came when we arrived in Canada and approaching the custom’s line where we could not figure out how to connect to the internet.  Luckily, I had taken a screen shot of the code from the ArriveCAN email and used it when entering the Security Area (and it worked without any issues).

 

Note that we had to access ArriveCA prior to boarding the ship to fill out a final health questionnaire (by that time we figured how to get Internet Access – with our AT&T plan, we had to switch the phones to allow roaming. Although it showed as roaming, we would not be charged while in Canada). [Tip: before you fill out the ArriveCAN form, gather all of the needed information. I created a sheet with all of the info (personal, passport & vax) so I had it handy. This sheet will also come in handy when entering out your check-in info for the airline (if you are flying) and when entering the check-in and health info for the Royal App).]

 

Packing – Although I had a very comprehensive Packing List (see attached), I did not know the quantities for some of the articles of clothing I would wear until three days prior to our expected departure. On Thursday evening (we were to leave on Saturday), myself and my family looked at the forecast for each of the ports (I used Wrangell, AK as my point of reference for Hubbard Glacier), and packed accordingly.  I removed a sweatshirt and two pairs of long pants and replaced them with two pairs of shorts. I also relieved my bag of a few hand and toe warmers (but not all); however, the gloves and scarf remained which laid idle throughout the entire cruise. The wool hat did come in hand on a few occasions, as had the one light jacket (hooded sweatshirt).

 

By Friday, with two days till we depart, our suitcases were packed (and some were even already locked), and we only had a few last-minute items to place into our carry-ons (food/snacks, cell phones, meds, wallets, etc.). [Tip:  Although it may not be the most aesthetic, I have always marked my luggage with tape (see attached) - the markings allows for easy identification when coming of the baggage conveyer belt (and helped us find our luggage in the vast underbelly of the Montreal Airport).]

 

Royal App - All documentation and pre-check-in info has been uploaded and entered into the Royal App. My family all has uploaded it to their own phones as well. [Tip - pay attention to what you need to upload and the suggested dates to do so.  But also note, there are people on CC that have stated they cannot or do not want to use the App, and were able to check-in "the old fashioned way" when they arrived at the terminal. However, from what I saw, it would be much quicker/easier for you if you did the check-in online.] For the most part, it has been easy to use.  I will provide a more in-depth look at the App later in this review.

 

Up Next . . . Will we be able to get to Vancouver in time to make the ship?

PACKING LIST FOR SEA N LAND.pdf

Edited July 12, 2022 by Travel R

[Ferry_Watcher]

5 minutes ago, Travel R said:

But also note, there are people on CC that have stated they cannot or do not want to use the App, and were able to check-in "the old fashioned way" when they arrived at the terminal. However, from what I saw, it would be much quicker/easier for you if you did the check-in online.] For the most part, it has been easy to use.

Thanks for the comment about how faster check-in is if you register online.  I mean, how hard is it to enter an emergency contact phone number from the comfort of your home,  rather than fumbling with your cell phone looking up the number at the check-in counter?

As Travel R observed, faster check-in process if you have completed everything prior to arriving at the pier.

[island lady]

19 hours ago, Travel R said:

 

I've been up to Maine many times over my lifetime. I love it because it is wilderness (and hopefully you can take a drive over to Arcadia) - but when you need something, it is usually many, miles away.

 

I am still not 100% (but better) - I have taken two tests, one the day after becoming ill (Thursday) and another yesterday, and both show up as negative - so I am fighting some type of summer cold (according to my doctor).

 

Hoping for your continuing mend back to full health.  Bucky had his almost 3 weeks...long...long time to have a cold.  He was miserable.  Not a great way to start our summer up here.  😞 

 

He is feeling better now, and just returned from a nice kayak around the lake we are staying on. 

 

Yes, we have been to Acadia many times.  Actually preferring the north part of Acadia (near where we stayed the first 3 weeks).  The Schoodic Penninsula loop.  It's just as beautiful, but far less crowded.  Took the ferry from Winter Harbor over to Bar Harbor to walk around a bit and a nice lunch.  

 

We were a little bit closer to the Hubbard glacier, due to going there in August...which was a warm August.  Quite a bit of calving going on as well.  Pretty dramatic. 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 12, 2022 by island lady