[Live!] Discovery Princess to Alaska (6/29-7/6/24)

[KarmaCruisers]

Getting this party started a bit early…

Itinerary is: SeaDay, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria

Originally this was booked for me and my ex-wife (booked using a “Come-Back-Soon offer from a mid-February Mexican riviera cruise; at the time we were just separated so there was hope; but she slammed that door last week)

SO, it was to be a solo cruise, in a penthouse suite..until I talked to my cousin (we’re the only two in a family of 7 cousins, who never had/wanted kids; so we’re a lot alike) and she said “Eff yeah I wanna go!” So I switched my second passenger to her and her husband is coming along too. (He just had to pay taxes & fees of $580’ish) (he’s basically like my cousin too, they’ve been married 12 years; we’re all from the same hometown)

It will be their first princess cruise; and my first “suite” experience. (I’m platinum)

I’m Flying out of SMF on Saturday morning at 9:45 (it’s only a 90 minute flight)

Cousins are flying out of ONT (they live in San Diego) a little earlier because they’ve got a little farther to go.

We’re going to land around the same time at SEA, and catch an Uber to Port-91.

As I said earlier we’re in a Penthouse suite (right across from the Suite Lounge actually); and it was booked comped under “Come Back Soon” offer (coupled with PrincessPlus, and $2500 freeplay); we bid to upgrade to an Owners suite for $87p/p (spread over three people), but didn’t get it. (I didn’t really WANT it because it’s on the back of the boat; but the extra 100sqft would have been nice)

We don’t have any excursions planned. This is my fourth Alaska cruise since 2018 (previous three all on Carnival); and my cousins second Alaska cruise (they can’t remember when but I think it was like 2015 on RCL) so I’m going to show them all the tips and tricks a seasoned Alaska cruiser knows.

As a heads-up this report may get weird; like I said I just found out my ex slammed the door on me (got a lawyer and is coming after me for everything she can), So I’m trying to make the best of this cruise since I will most likely be on of my last for the next 54 months. (Got one three more booked/paid for this year already luckily…) So my mind may be in a bad place, but like I said, I’m going to try to enjoy it, for my cousins.

I still haven’t packed yet, haha.

this will be my first alaska cruise where its ACTUALLY cold (always go over the 4th of July, and it’s always been in the high 80’s)

I just bought a good set of binoculars from Amazon (delivery tomorrow luckily prime)

[KarmaCruisers]

I also just got a fresh haircut (haven’t shaved yet; waiting till night before cruise, so I don’t have to pack my shaver)

the lady said “let me give your hair a style”

previously I’d just shave it with a clipper no guard on the sides and a 4 on the top.

[cr8tiv1]

I enjoyed your other thread and looking forward to this one.  You have such a "tell it like it is" attitude.  Sorry about the circumstances, I know how hopeful you were after the last cruise.  But you are in a suite.  You are with family that loves you.  You will have a great time.  Enjoy yourself this week since you don't know when you will be cruising again.

[KarmaCruisers]

18 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I enjoyed your other thread and looking forward to this one.  You have such a "tell it like it is" attitude.  Sorry about the circumstances, I know how hopeful you were after the last cruise.  But you are in a suite.  You are with family that loves you.  You will have a great time.  Enjoy yourself this week since you don't know when you will be cruising again.

Thanks!

I found out I was being “played” for a while now.

Also, technically I’m sailing in balcony on the Mardi Gras over Labor Day; penthouse suite on Carribean princess to Norway last week of September; then Penthouse suite on Regal over thanksgiving.

BUUT, after THAT; probably no cruises until Christmas 2028.

[1emerald1]

During my divorce I did not cruise, could not afford to, but if I did, I would not post about it.  Would be used against me.

[NWA395]

So who gets the couch?  You or the cousins 😉?

[rwest898]

Thank you for the link. Looking forward to your review. Sorry to hear about your circumstances. 

[azbirdmom]

Enjoy your cruise, you'll have plenty of time to deal with whatever your new normal is when you get back.  And enjoy Suite happy hours across the hall.  And if you don't feel like being around others in the lounge you can always just take the drinks back to your room.  Much quicker than room service or going to a bar, for at least two hours nightly!

[KarmaCruisers]

46 minutes ago, NWA395 said:

So who gets the couch?  You or the cousins 😉?

I’m taking the couch, since it’s just me and not two people. It’s a “hide-a-bed” style so I think it’ll be ok.

[KarmaCruisers]

17 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

Enjoy your cruise, you'll have plenty of time to deal with whatever your new normal is when you get back.  And enjoy Suite happy hours across the hall.  And if you don't feel like being around others in the lounge you can always just take the drinks back to your room.  Much quicker than room service or going to a bar, for at least two hours nightly!

Yup, we intend to make use of the suite lounge and also the platinum daily happy hour. (I don’t drink, and neither does my cousins husband) but the finger foods should be good.

[Wink87]

1 hour ago, KarmaCruisers said:

Getting this party started a bit early…

Itinerary is: SeaDay, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria

Originally this was booked for me and my ex-wife (booked using a “Come-Back-Soon offer from a mid-February Mexican riviera cruise; at the time we were just separated so there was hope; but she slammed that door last week)

SO, it was to be a solo cruise, in a penthouse suite..until I talked to my cousin (we’re the only two in a family of 7 cousins, who never had/wanted kids; so we’re a lot alike) and she said “Eff yeah I wanna go!” So I switched my second passenger to her and her husband is coming along too. (He just had to pay taxes & fees of $580’ish) (he’s basically like my cousin too, they’ve been married 12 years; we’re all from the same hometown)

It will be their first princess cruise; and my first “suite” experience. (I’m platinum)

I’m Flying out of SMF on Saturday morning at 9:45 (it’s only a 90 minute flight)

Cousins are flying out of ONT (they live in San Diego) a little earlier because they’ve got a little farther to go.

We’re going to land around the same time at SEA, and catch an Uber to Port-91.

As I said earlier we’re in a Penthouse suite (right across from the Suite Lounge actually); and it was booked comped under “Come Back Soon” offer (coupled with PrincessPlus, and $2500 freeplay); we bid to upgrade to an Owners suite for $87p/p (spread over three people), but didn’t get it. (I didn’t really WANT it because it’s on the back of the boat; but the extra 100sqft would have been nice)

We don’t have any excursions planned. This is my fourth Alaska cruise since 2018 (previous three all on Carnival); and my cousins second Alaska cruise (they can’t remember when but I think it was like 2015 on RCL) so I’m going to show them all the tips and tricks a seasoned Alaska cruiser knows.

As a heads-up this report may get weird; like I said I just found out my ex slammed the door on me (got a lawyer and is coming after me for everything she can), So I’m trying to make the best of this cruise since I will most likely be on of my last for the next 54 months. (Got one three more booked/paid for this year already luckily…) So my mind may be in a bad place, but like I said, I’m going to try to enjoy it, for my cousins.

I still haven’t packed yet, haha.

this will be my first alaska cruise where its ACTUALLY cold (always go over the 4th of July, and it’s always been in the high 80’s)

I just bought a good set of binoculars from Amazon (delivery tomorrow luckily prime)

I can already tell I am going to love your review! Keep calm and carry on!

[cr8tiv1]

Don't get your expectations up regarding the munchies.  Do try out the canapés...not for me, but you might find one or two you like.  Don't fell bad about writing in/requesting anything you want.  They can say no....but you might luck out.  Cruising in a suite is really a game changer.

 

I gifted myself a cruise after my divorce.  Best gift ever!  I've also gifted myself some nice stuff after breakups.  I'm all for "me" when it is warranted.  

[KarmaCruisers]

11 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Don't get your expectations up regarding the munchies.  Do try out the canapés...not for me, but you might find one or two you like.  Don't fell bad about writing in/requesting anything you want.  They can say no....but you might luck out.  Cruising in a suite is really a game changer.

 

I gifted myself a cruise after my divorce.  Best gift ever!  I've also gifted myself some nice stuff after breakups.  I'm all for "me" when it is warranted.  

I really just want shrimp cocktails and lots of them haha

and, like I posted earlier, I’m too cheap to ever buy a suite (for a $15k price tag) but getting three comped for losing $10k in the casino..I’ll take it!

[princess76021]

Thanks for inviting us!

Hugs from Texas

[KarmaCruisers]

Hopefully I’ll get my steps in..I’m in a weight loss / getting healthy, journey since my wife left on 1/22.

I’m down 27lbs (started at 250, and saw 223.7 on the scale the other morning) so I really need to be making sure I still eat smart on the ship, as well as walk my 18 minute mile every other day. (The goal is to get to 170, but I know that’s the long game; because the optimum rate of loss for sustainability is 1lb per week)

[KarmaCruisers]

I can’t edit my original post but I’m 42 (Tim), and my cousins are 45 (Nic and Jason)

[azbirdmom]

26 minutes ago, KarmaCruisers said:

Yup, we intend to make use of the suite lounge and also the platinum daily happy hour. (I don’t drink, and neither does my cousins husband) but the finger foods should be good.

Thought I remembered you posting drink pictures earlier this year so I mentioned it.  But they have soda, a coffee machine, and bottled water (fizzy and still) available 24 X 7 if that works better.  We find all of that extremely convenient.

[arizonaperson]

@KarmaCruisers looking forward to your Live. I followed along on your last one.

[KarmaCruisers]

12 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

Thought I remembered you posting drink pictures earlier this year so I mentioned it.  But they have soda, a coffee machine, and bottled water (fizzy and still) available 24 X 7 if that works better.  We find all of that extremely convenient.

I did, on my last princess in early February. I’ve got more serious about health and booze is just empty calories.

but I may try a few from like crown grille bar or good spirits.

[KarmaCruisers]

9 minutes ago, arizonaperson said:

@KarmaCruisers looking forward to your Live. I followed along on your last one.

Thanks! 
Just tommorow to go then it’s go time!

[Serious Cruisers]

2 hours ago, 1emerald1 said:

During my divorce I did not cruise, could not afford to, but if I did, I would not post about it.  Would be used against me.

As someone who works in family law say it forget it write it regret it

[KarmaCruisers]

8 minutes ago, Serious Cruisers said:

As someone who works in family law say it forget it write it regret it

That sucks

[arizonaperson]

@KarmaCruisers hang in there,enjoy your cruises and ….. about your “ family life”

Life goes on,cruise on,enjoy life whatever that is for you.

 

[KarmaCruisers]

30 minutes ago, arizonaperson said:

@KarmaCruisers hang in there,enjoy your cruises and ….. about your “ family life”

Life goes on,cruise on,enjoy life whatever that is for you.

 

I agree..it’s only money.

If money made people happy then I (and she) wouldn’t be in the place we are now.

[KarmaCruisers]

Whew! Finally all packed!

All stuff I had put away months ago (we’re in triple digits now).

I also bought a nice flag bow thing from Walmart to put on our door on the 4th of July.

This will be the FIRST time out of 3 previous Alaska cruises..where it’s actually going to be COLD!

Also funny enough; I may see @parodeejay floating by at some point on their 28-day cruise.

 

I was talking to my cousins earlier and it was actually in 2007 when they went to Alaska..on the carnival spirit! Haha (so there in for a big surprise going from Alaska on a spirit class ship in 2007 to a Royal class ship in 2024!)