Alaska on the Bliss--Questions

[jcathers1]

Hi, all. We have sailed NCL multiple times in the past, but have been on other lines for about 8 years. We've never been to Alaska, so I've got some general NCL questions as well as some specific Alaska questions. We are on the 5/25 Bliss sailing. Thanks in advance!

 

1. Where is the port located in Seattle? It appears to be the Smith Cove Cruise terminal, but looking to confirm.

2. Anything to pack (or not pack) for an Alaskan cruise (other than the obvious)? We've only ever done Caribbean cruises.

3. We are in the Haven. What time should we get to the cruise port to get on the ship ASAP? Is it still "arrive anytime" for Haven guests?

4. We've sailed in the Haven before, but not for quite a few years. Any new Haven tips/tricks that we should be aware of to help us enjoy our time?

5. Any particular Bliss tips/tricks that folks have learned that would help us?

6. We are set for excursions, but also open to any recommendations for things to do/see/eat/drink in the Alaskan cruise ports. We visit Juneau, Victoria, Dawes Glacier, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

 

Thanks! 

[Asawi]

1. I'm guessing Pier 66

2. Clothes suitable for layering. It's not any extreme cold during cruise season (disclaimer: I'm Swedish so my view on cold may be different from people living in warmer places. But if you're in Ohio I suspect cold weather is nothing new to you.). Water proof/resistance shoes/boots

3. No idea

4. No idea

5. Check out the observation lounge. It is so nice! Early bird breakfast and some really nice lunch snacks when I was on Bliss April 13-20 this year. Elevators were a PIA, but with 4000 people on a ship maybe that's to be expected.

6. I loved Sitka, which was a nre place for me.! There were overall few excursions avilable for our cruise, but the Historic park was really nice. If you're doing the walk in Victoria, be warned that it is really long. Nice, but long! You could just get off the ship and stroll around on your own if you want to. It's really nice there when the houses are lit up in the dark.

 

 

Edited April 28 by Asawi

[www3traveler]

Norwegian sails from Pier 66 on Alaskan Way in downtown Seattle.  Be warned Alaskan Way is a very very busy street.  The terminal is at the bottom of Bell Street (very steep hill).

 

Since the Bliss will dock in Victoria late in the afternoon or early evening leaving about midnight, I would stay on board ship.  I usually stay on board and make sure everything is ready for disembarkation in the morning.

 

Enjoy you cruise and your stay in Seattle.

[www3traveler]

Good Morning

If you go to the Seattle Space Needle Panorama webcam, you can see the Encore currently docked at Pier 66.  The webcam gives a real good idea of how big Seattle really is.  As the camera swings to the South, you will see 2 stadiums.  The first one (the uncovered one) is the home of the Seattle Seahawks (football) and other one (covered) is the home of the Seattle Mariners (baseball).

[Jordan61]

3 hours ago, jcathers1 said:

Hi, all. We have sailed NCL multiple times in the past, but have been on other lines for about 8 years. We've never been to Alaska, so I've got some general NCL questions as well as some specific Alaska questions. We are on the 5/25 Bliss sailing. Thanks in advance!

 

1. Where is the port located in Seattle? It appears to be the Smith Cove Cruise terminal, but looking to confirm.

2. Anything to pack (or not pack) for an Alaskan cruise (other than the obvious)? We've only ever done Caribbean cruises.

3. We are in the Haven. What time should we get to the cruise port to get on the ship ASAP? Is it still "arrive anytime" for Haven guests?

4. We've sailed in the Haven before, but not for quite a few years. Any new Haven tips/tricks that we should be aware of to help us enjoy our time?

5. Any particular Bliss tips/tricks that folks have learned that would help us?

6. We are set for excursions, but also open to any recommendations for things to do/see/eat/drink in the Alaskan cruise ports. We visit Juneau, Victoria, Dawes Glacier, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

 

Thanks! 

 

We were on this cruise last year and it was amazing! The Haven observation lounge is fantastic. The weather was a lot warmer than I expected it to be, so I ended up buying a couple of lighter-weight shirts in Juneau.

 

We didn't do any excursions except whale watching in Icy Strait Point, which was a lot of fun. We have family in Sitka, and on previous visits there (not on a cruise, I mean) we have gone to The Fortress of the Bear and the raptor center. I liked both. We went to the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau (husband stopped there many times in his 25-year Coast Guard career and wanted me to see it). Victoria was an absolute madhouse. If I had to do it again I would've just stayed on the ship.

 

Mario is the best Haven bar waiter! I don't know if Jersey Boys is still the show on the Bliss, but we saw it and loved it.

 

We got to the port about 10:30-11:00 and the Haven waiting area was standing room only, which wasn't ideal. We would probably choose a later time if we went again.

 

Have a fabulous cruise!

 

 

[erisajd]

We are on this cruise in the Haven June 8-15 - see below:

 

1. Where is the port located in Seattle? It appears to be the Smith Cove Cruise terminal, but looking to confirm.

Search Google or other Map app for 'Pier 66'  

2. Anything to pack (or not pack) for an Alaskan cruise (other than the obvious)? We've only ever done Caribbean cruises.

When you go is important.  April May Sep Oct will require heavier clothing - but LAYERS and a warm waterproof jacket is key most of the year.  Its rains a lot - even in summer.  Plus, if you do a glacier expedition - its cold since the ice is cold.  

3. We are in the Haven. What time should we get to the cruise port to get on the ship ASAP? Is it still "arrive anytime" for Haven guests?

You will not get on the ship until 11am  Haven guests go first along with top elites.  So it doesn't matter when you arrive - you won't get on til 11.  And then you are escorted to the Haven lounge for a briefing and lunch - the Haven cabins are usually available by 1pm.  

4. We've sailed in the Haven before, but not for quite a few years. Any new Haven tips/tricks that we should be aware of to help us enjoy our time?

Apparently it has changed alot - no more free booze delivered to the cabins.  They don't ask you 50 days out what pillows you want - you are treated pre cruise very much like a regular pax except for you do have some priority in getting reservations for specialty dining.  

5. Any particular Bliss tips/tricks that folks have learned that would help us?

Lots of websites and threads for this. 

6. We are set for excursions, but also open to any recommendations for things to do/see/eat/drink in the Alaskan cruise ports. We visit Juneau, Victoria, Dawes Glacier, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Victoria is in Canada and we do not arrive until 8pm: most shops are closed.  There are a few Dawes Glacier excursions listed under tghe Juneau port day - everyone raves about the Dawes Glacier boat trip leaving the ship at 115p . . . I hear the Lumberjack show in Ketchikan is a must see.  OTT - sit on your balcony with the provided binocs and watch the show go by.  

[The Traveling Man]

3 hours ago, jcathers1 said:

Hi, all. We have sailed NCL multiple times in the past, but have been on other lines for about 8 years. We've never been to Alaska, so I've got some general NCL questions as well as some specific Alaska questions. We are on the 5/25 Bliss sailing. Thanks in advance!

 

1. Where is the port located in Seattle? It appears to be the Smith Cove Cruise terminal, but looking to confirm.

2. Anything to pack (or not pack) for an Alaskan cruise (other than the obvious)? We've only ever done Caribbean cruises.

3. We are in the Haven. What time should we get to the cruise port to get on the ship ASAP? Is it still "arrive anytime" for Haven guests?

4. We've sailed in the Haven before, but not for quite a few years. Any new Haven tips/tricks that we should be aware of to help us enjoy our time?

5. Any particular Bliss tips/tricks that folks have learned that would help us?

6. We are set for excursions, but also open to any recommendations for things to do/see/eat/drink in the Alaskan cruise ports. We visit Juneau, Victoria, Dawes Glacier, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

 

Thanks! 

1.  Pier 66 on Alaskan Way is just across the street from the Seattle Marriott Waterfront.  If you're arriving a day early, it's a great hotel choice.  You can walk across the street at the traffic light / pedestrian crossing to get to the cruise terminal, so no need for a taxi to the terminal.  If you don't get a rate which includes breakfast, then Cafe Opla next door to the Marriott is a wonderful option.   Anthony's Pier 66 Restaurant, next to the cruise terminal, is a nice place for dinner, but if you really want an outstanding seafood dinner, walk one kilometer (about 0.7 mile) down Alaskan Way to Ivar's Restaurant.  If you plan to spend more than just one night in Seattle before your cruise, a stop at Pike Place Market, perhaps for lunch, is always fun.  It's just a couple of blocks from the Marriott, but it is up a steep hill.

 

2.  I was going to suggest binoculars, but someone else already noted that Haven staterooms already come with them.  As for clothing, bring a variety of layers, including both a warm coat and gloves as well as a light jacket or wind breaker.  It should be fairly comfortable in town during the day, but it could get quite chilly in the evenings, especially on deck with a wind of 20 mph or more.

 

3.  The entry line can get quite long at the Seattle Cruise terminal.  Everyone, including Haven guests, first have to pass through the same line for a security check before you split into separate lines for first-timers, Latitudes members, Haven, etc.  That line sometimes snakes around the building and down the street.  One advantage of staying at the Marriott is that you can keep an eye on the line from your hotel room or from the hotel lobby and only join the line when it's a bit shorter.  Boarding usually begins about 11:30 or noon, so if you arrive much before that you'll spend some time sitting in the cruise terminal lounge.  Assuming you make it through the check-in process before boarding begins, you will be among the first on board, and your butler or concierge will escort you to the Haven Lounge.  If you check in a bit later, you still will be escorted on board, but other non-Haven guests will be boarding at the same time as you.

 

4.  Check with your concierge about priority seating at shows, priority embarkation / debarkation, etc.

 

5.  We love the Bliss forward observation lounge.  You can find snacks and drinks there at several times during the day.  They often have entertainment there at night.

 

6.  It's a shame that your cruise doesn't stop in Skagway.  The White Pass & Yukon train ride has been a highlight of many Alaskan cruises.  As others have said, the port stop at Victoria is mostly done just to comply with the PVSA (Passenger Vessel Service Act) requirements.  The scheduling for Victoria is odd.  You will have too little time to do much of anything and most shops and other places of interest will have closed their doors for the day before you arrive.  You might as well stay on board.  In Ketchikan, the lumberjack show is a real hoot.  Please note, though, that for the last couple of years NCL no longer docks near downtown Ketchikan, within easy walking distance of the lumberjack show, the quaint buildings along Creek Street, or other places of interest.  NCL now docks at Ward Cove, about a 15 minute drive (7+ miles) away from town.  Most other cruise lines do still dock near town, so their passengers can come and go at their leisure.  You will need to plan your day around the shuttle bus schedule to and from Ward Cove.  We are planning an NCL Alaskan cruise for this summer.  We likely will skip visiting the town of Ketchikan, but take a tour from Ward Cove north to Totem Bight Park.

 

Have fun and bon voyage.

[jcathers1]

Thanks for the helpful responses everyone!

[rockfsh]

Is there a production show besides Jersey Boys?

[Asawi]

5 minutes ago, rockfsh said:

Is there a production show besides Jersey Boys?

Not that I noticed a couple of weeks ago. But maybe they do Icons now? I think they were in rehearsals when I travelled.

[rockfsh]

On 5/1/2024 at 6:12 AM, Asawi said:

Not that I noticed a couple of weeks ago. But maybe they do Icons now? I think they were in rehearsals when I travelled.

Thanks

[jcathers1]

Both Jersey Boys and Icons show as being performed on our cruise, but you can't make reservations to either (but I'm not sure what that means).

[BirdTravels]

On 4/29/2024 at 8:01 AM, jcathers1 said:

Thanks for the helpful responses everyone!

For glacier day, we would spend most of it up on the sundeck. The Haven Sundeck has beautiful forward facing views. For that, we have a winter coat, hat and gloves. That, and a hot adult drink from the sundeck drink station 🙂 

 

Haven embarkation starts around 11:00 am. We get to the port between 10:15 and 10:30 to get through security and check in. Then there is time for a cup of coffee before getting the party started. 

[dmwnc1959]

4 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

For glacier day...we have a winter coat, hat and gloves. That, and a hot adult drink from the sundeck drink station 🙂 

It never ceased to amaze me that how you could be wearing shorts in Juneau, but on glacier day you're bundled up! I remember on Holland-America they served split pea soup on the bow. One of my most fondest memories. 🥰

[dmwnc1959]

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this, but the cruise ship pier for Sitka is several miles outside of the main town. In these screen grabs from Marine Traffic you can see Carnival Spirit pulling in…

 

 

Edited May 3 by dmwnc1959

[jcathers1]

On 5/3/2024 at 10:22 AM, dmwnc1959 said:

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this, but the cruise ship pier for Sitka is several miles outside of the main town. In these screen grabs from Marine Traffic you can see Carnival Spirit pulling in…

 

 

Yes, thanks for mentioning this. We have a 3rd party excursion scheduled (snorkeling), so I'm keen to be very clear on the transportation details to get us to/from the ship. Our plan is to take advantage of the priority disembarkation to get off the ship quickly, so hoping we don't encounter lines for the shuttle busses. Interested to hear if anyone has experiences with this...

[The Traveling Man]

1 hour ago, jcathers1 said:

Yes, thanks for mentioning this. We have a 3rd party excursion scheduled (snorkeling), so I'm keen to be very clear on the transportation details to get us to/from the ship.

Seriously?  Snorkeling in Alaska?  What’s the water temperature there?

[jrt.mom]

5 minutes ago, The Traveling Man said:

Seriously?  Snorkeling in Alaska?  What’s the water temperature there?

I was wondering the same thing...even if they were wearing drysuits I don't think it would be pleasant sticking your face in that water!

[rockfsh]

On 5/3/2024 at 2:54 AM, jcathers1 said:

Both Jersey Boys and Icons show as being performed on our cruise, but you can't make reservations to either (but I'm not sure what that means).

What nights are these shows? I have to plan dinners

[jcathers1]

34 minutes ago, rockfsh said:

What nights are these shows? I have to plan dinners

There were two options for both shows during our cruise, and each had an early and late seating.

[jcathers1]

14 hours ago, The Traveling Man said:

Seriously?  Snorkeling in Alaska?  What’s the water temperature there?

"Cold". Ha. They provide you with a wet suit and the reviews are really good. We love snorkeling in the Caribbean, so we are willing to give it a shot!

[jcathers1]

15 hours ago, jcathers1 said:

Yes, thanks for mentioning this. We have a 3rd party excursion scheduled (snorkeling), so I'm keen to be very clear on the transportation details to get us to/from the ship. Our plan is to take advantage of the priority disembarkation to get off the ship quickly, so hoping we don't encounter lines for the shuttle busses. Interested to hear if anyone has experiences with this...

Apologies, the snorkeling tour is actually in Ketchikan, not Sitka. 

[rockfsh]

1 hour ago, jcathers1 said:

There were two options for both shows during our cruise, and each had an early and late seating.

Do you remember which nights these were?

[jcathers1]

On 5/6/2024 at 12:42 PM, rockfsh said:

Do you remember which nights these were?

We are attending Icons on Sunday and Jersey Boys on Wednesday, but I don't recall which other options were available. 

[BirdTravels]

On 5/3/2024 at 10:09 AM, dmwnc1959 said:

It never ceased to amaze me that how you could be wearing shorts in Juneau, but on glacier day you're bundled up! I remember on Holland-America they served split pea soup on the bow. One of my most fondest memories. 🥰

NCL usually serves seafood chowder on the pool deck. 
 

On glacier day, there is hot chocolate, coffee and adult coffees on the bow

 

 

And on the Haven sundeck