Serenade 8/18/07 Just back....Loong

[FRANKM]

Overall

This was our first time on a Radiance class ship. Previous

cruises were on Freedom class, Voyager Classes, and Sovereign class.

The ship was just gorgeous. The layout was a little different

then what we were used to but it was easy to get around and

we learned our way quickly.

Not too big but just right. We felt we were

on a ship at sea with ocean views all over. Loved the layout

of the Windjammer with its' different serving stations. Got

crowded at certain times but you could always find a table.

The centrum area was very pretty. Always music being played.

The solarium was just the best.

Indoors and very comfortable with lots of ocean views.

The temperatures throughout the ship were very comfortable.

The shops on board were well appointed and had easy access

to one another. The food was very good. Had no problem at

all in both the dining room, the Windjammer and the Seaview cafe.

We took breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer every day.

Had dinner twice in the Windjammer and it was just fine.

Dress codes were fairly relaxed.

There were some jeans in the dining room. Formal nights...just

about everyone dressed very nice. There was large cross section of

passengers. All ages. Plenty of children, but they were well behaved.

Family time in the Solarium pool area was 12 - 4 so it got pretty

crowded. But everyone had a good time.

The crew on this ship was probably the best I have ever had.

They were so efficient and very friendly. Could not do enough

for us. Entertainment each night was really good. The RCCL

dancers were the best. There was a midnight delights buffet

each night in the Windjammer. The main Midnight buffet was

on Thursday. The itineray was fabulous. Alaska is just

AWESOME!! Vancouver, Inside Passage,

Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau. A little grueling though with

all the excursions and activities.

This was not a chill out Caribbean beach break. Temperatures

ranged from the low 50's to middle 60's during the day.

It was cold at Hubbard and of course if you took a Glacier tour it was

pretty cold. Layers, layers, layers...I finally learned what that meant.

Most days were cloudy. A little shower here and there but not bad.

The suniest and warmest day was in Sitka. Fog in the morning was

really earie at some ports. Ship Fog horns going off and visibility

almost zero. But it cleared by early morning. We felt some movement

at times but not bad. Sort of a jiggle here and there. There was

a radical one during dinner the first night. Sort of a hard turn

or something. Some plates fell off the serving table. Generally a

smooth sailing.

 

 

VANCOUVER - Arrived via Continental from Newark about 11am.

Took about and hour to collect luggage and go through customs.

Lines moved quickly. Exiting the terminal was crowded with lines at the

cab stand. There was 3 of us with 4 large suitcases plus

carry ons. Most cabs were of the Toyota Corrolla variety although

there were vans available for a wait. We went to the Limojet Gold stand right

outside the terminal. In less then 5 minutes we were in

a stretch limo on our way to the Hyatt Regency. Cost $48 plus

tip. Took about 40 minutes in stop and go traffic.

The Hyatt Regency downtown was really very nice. We caught

the special we learned about on these boards...$119. Had

a room on the 21st floor overlooking..at least partially, the

harbor. Lots of construction going on.

Actually saw the Serenade come in at Ballentyne pier a

distance away. Hotel was comfortable, and the service was

very good. Would stay there again. There is an indoor

mall with access from the hotel. Lots of little shops

and eateries along with a Rexall Drugstore for last minute items.

Being up since 3am EDT and a 6 hour flight, we were really

tired but excited. We took a stroll to Canada place, only a

few blocks away and walked around the pier area. Very pretty

area with lots of photo points. Went into the Pan Pacific Hotel

to check it out. Now this is the place

to stay!!. Walked around the general area, down to Gastown

and then back to the Hyatt. Had dinner at a Chinese restaurant

in the mall named Victoria restaurant. The real Mccoy. Frequented

by lots of orientals. Menu was in Chinese with English subtitles.

Plenty of exotic choices like you see on the Travel Channel.

No combo plates like we are used to. Food was just excellent and

probably the best Chinese dinner I have had. We stuck to the

basic roast pork, spicey shrimp and sweet and sour chicken although

DW did order us a large soup when I left the table

of which I was highly suspect of the content. Waitress smiled

and said dont worry, I will like it. She was right.

 

The next morning, we took a stroll to Robeson Street, three blocks

away. Walked up and down. Had breakfast at O'Douls in the Listel

hotel. Very good. We had the Yukon breakfast, omelletts, potatoes,

three meats, toast, coffee, juice. Cost $12 per person.

Walked around a little more. Nice places although there were

some panhandlers and homeless out. Some streets were not

so nice but no more so then any big city.

Back to the hotel for check out. Very easy. Cabs readily available.

We got one of the smaller cabs. He actually packed the luggage

in the trunk and used tie downs. Only a 10 minute or so ride

to the Ballentyne pier. Cost I think was about $10. Ride was

through a somewhat depressed area where you wouldnt want to walk.

In retrospect, I wish we would have spent more time in Vancouver.

Lots of places to go. Next time, I will go in two days prior or

stay two days later.

 

 

DAY ONE - Embarkation

We arrived the pier about 11:45 am. Cab went to luggage area. Handlers

took over very swiftly. Embarkation was the easiest

I have ever had. If it took ten minutes it was long. Had set sail

pass but the terminal was nearly empty with no lines. Collected Seas pass,

went through security, immigration, photos, then on the ship.

Rooms were not available until 1pm so we walked around checking out the

ship. Had a light lunch in the Windjammer. Made reservations

for Chops. At 1pm rooms were ready. We

were in JS #1570. Room Attendant was Kendall who did a

fantastic job all week. Really nice. Love the walk-in closet

and bathtub. Balcony was a good size with two chairs and

and a table. Not a large overhang which made picture taking

from the balcony very easy. Plenty of room and

very convenient to the elevators and

deck 11. The room was clean and we had no problem with it.

The new bedding was just great. Luggage arrived at 2pm on

the dot. We unpacked right away. Muster was at 4:30pm. Our group

was indoors in Chops dining room on deck 6. I think most if not all

groups were at indoor stations. We sailed at 5pm. Sailaway was

really a good time. Small band playing, and there was dancing by the pool.

Weather was a little chilly and windy, but not uncomfortable.

Lots of picture taking especially passing Stanley Park and going

under the Lions Gate Bridge. Dinner was at 6:30pm. We had

main seating in the Reflections dining room. Waiter was Erme (Turkey),

Asst. was Michael (St. Vincent). Head waiter was Monti (India)

He actually came around every evening. Show was at 7:45pm for all guests.

The RCCL Singers and Dancers performed and the featured performers

was Los Diablos Gauchos with Juan & Eileen. Very good show.

Had some snacks at the Seaview Cafe. Really good Cuban Sandwiches.

 

DAY TWO - At Sea

We walked around the ship, spent time in the Solarium.

DW used the gym and sauna. I attended the Meet and Mingle in the

Hollywodd Odyssey lounge at 11am. Very nice turnout. It was fun to meet

some of the cruise critc people. Even met one couple who was on Freedom

with me last year at M&M....Hi Sandra! Never go by the saying

" I will never see these people again"...you just might!! LOL.

Matt Sole, the cruise director was there. Raffled off several RCCL items

including two computer mice. We received little note packets as gifts.

Very enjoyable time. This was formal night. Dinner was at 6pm.

Just as a sidenote, getting ready for dinner, the room hairdryer

went dead. We forgot to pack our extra. ON FORMAL NITE!!! DW was

frantic. We called maintenance. In 15 minutes they brought us

a brand new, real hairdryer with all attachments in a box.

One of the 1800watt things. Now that's service!!

The show featuring RCCL dancers was "From Stage to Screen". Excellent show.

 

Day Three - Sitka

We booked the morning Sea Otter and Wildlife tour through RCCL. The operator

was Allen Marine. Very good. This was a tender port but our tour

started from the ship. Large vessel with maybe 50 or so people. Wasnt

really crowded and there was ample opportunity to move about, indoors

and the viewing platform outside. We saw several Humpback whales, a whole

nest of sea otters lounging offshore. Scenery was gorgeous. Snacks

were passed around and there was hot coffee and chocolate available.

The naturalist was very good and gave lots of information throughout the tour.

We were brought back to the tender dock and from there strolled into town.

Not a big area but cute. We walked around the shops, and went to the Russian

Church. Tender back was only 15 minutes or so. Not bad at all. Took a little

nap while DW & DD went off to the Sauna.

We took dinner in the windjammer this night. Very good and no rush to get there.

The headliner show featured Glenn Smith. Hilarious. Great entertainer.

Lots of music and comedy. Really enjoyed it. Spent some time in the

Casino, no luck. Had my coffee at Latte-tudes on deck five. My favorite.

 

Day Four - Hubbard Glacier

After breakfast, we sat on the balcony while moving towards the glacier.

Started going in around 8:30 or so. Views were spectacular. We got up

close around 9:00. We went up to deck 11 and were awestruck. The

ship got to within 300 yards of the glacier and it was amazing. Lots of

calving. There was some rain in the morning but it cleared when we

got to glacier and remained cloudy...and cold. Blankets were available.

The view was so good we just cant describe it. There was

a narration being given but it was hard to make out while on deck. It was

also on channel 40. There was plenty of room to find a good spot for photos.

Everyone was moving around taking pictures.

When the ship turned, we went back to the balcony for more photos. Wasnt as

cold there and the view was again unbelievable. I lost all track of time but

I think we started moving out around 12 or so. Plenty of time was spent there.

We had lunch in the Windjammer. Spent some afternoon time in the Solarium.

We had dinner at chops. Had the most tender, juicy Veal Chop on the

planet. DW and DD had the filet mignon equally good. The service is

immaculate and well worth the visit. We saw whales from our window

table which made it even more spectacular. The show featured the

RCCL dancers doing "Vibeology". Was a history of music from the

Elvis through the Beatles, Cher and Janet Jackson. Very good show.

Still no luck in the casino. But had my favorite coffee was at Latte-tudes.

We received Crown & Anchor gifts. Got the tote bags which was very nice.

 

 

Day 5 - Skagway

We booked the morning White Pass RR through Chilkoot tours leaving at 8:30am.

Bus up and train back. There was 8 of us on the small mini bus.

The driver was Nancy and she was just the greatest,

Gave us lots of information especially on our drive through Skagway.

Unfortunately, our drive to the Summit was through fog so the views were

not quite as spectacular as we would have liked but there was a break

here and there. We transferred to the train in Fraser. Had our

own RR car reserved for Chilkoot and was not crowded. The ride down was

really good as most of the fog had cleared. The views were spectacular.

Got back to Skagway around !2:30. Went back to the ship for some

lunch and collected warmer clothing. Our next tour was the Glacier Discovery

through Temsco at 2:15pm. We met the bus at the end of the pier

and they took us to the heliport. We got orange vests and cleated ice

boots and a short safety talk. They didnt weigh us but asked us our weight.

Seating was done by that. Helicopters arrived and off we went. I think

this was the highpoint for us. The views were amazing and the pilots

narration was very infomative. We landed on Meade glacier. There were

tour guides who guided us through some short walks around the glacier.

It was soooo beautiful. The detail was amazing. It really puts things

into perspective as to what we have on this planet. (and what we are slowly

losing). We spent about an hour there and were given all sorts of information

as to glacial history. Even drank some glacier water from one of the streams.

Helicopters came to collect us and back we went across mountains, streams,

and forests. Saw some moose in one area. We were bought back to Skagway,

either downtown or to the dock. We got off downtown and walked around the

town. Very nice. Lots of shops to browse through. We went over to the

Red Onion Saloon for a look. Very crowded. Tried to get the tour of

the upstairs. Young lady at the desk told me..."come back tomorrow".

Heellloooo! I have a hat on that say Serenade of the Seas. Wont be back

tomorrow..LOL. It was late so I suppose tours had ended. Did some

more shopping. Bought some Ulu knives for gifts. Got back to the

ship about 7pm. Yep, dinner again in the Windjammer. Missed the

show which was at 7:45. Think is was a comedian named Rocky Laporte.

 

Day 6 - Juneau

We booked a 9am Whale Watching tour through Orca Enterprises. Was very good

and had no problem at all. We met at their office at 8:30am. Check in

was smooth. Pam and Glenda checked us in. They were so sweet. Were on

our way about 9am to Auke bay along with a naturalist I think named

Bently but not sure. He was very good and gave lots of info.

We met Captain Larry at the pier and boarded the Odessey. There was

maybe 40 or so people. Indoor seating, rear viewing deck and topside

viewing deck. There was no problem finding viewing space. We sped out

to sites really fast. You cant stand upstairs at that speed. Captain Larry

didnt say much spending most of the time on the radio and driving the boat.

The naturalist did alot of the talking and was pretty good. Our first

sighting was ORCAS. Several of them. We then sailed around and spotted

Humpbacks at several locations. It got to the point where they were

being sighted all around us, not too close. We just kept moving from

area to area on the boat trying to snap photos. The naturalist was with us

and kept pointing out the sightings. Saw plenty of other boats in the

area. Big and small. All exchanging information via radio and Iam sure

all having a blast. Everyone was having a good time and we saw what

we came for. Nature was with us. Passed by the usual orange buoy with the

lounging sea lions. Saw some bald eagles. Snacks were available consisting

of smoked salmon, cheese and crackers, coffee and hot chocolate. The crew

was very good and also helpful with the sightings. The trip back was enjoyable

and the views were great. All in all a very good tour. We got back

to the dock around 12:15 or so and shortly thereafter into downtown Juneau.

There were 7 ships in Juneau and the downtown area was was really crowded.

We walked around town for a while. Had some snacks at a local place

down one of the side streets. Made our way back about 2pm. There was

shuttle buses taking us back as the Serenade was docked at AJ dock.

The last one which is about a 30 minute walk from town. It started

to rain so we were thankful for the bus.

This was the second formal night. We also attended the Crown & Anchor

party for Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Plus. Very nice affair.

Was held in the Vortex Night club on Deck 13. Captain Wildung welcomed

us and gave a talk along with Matt Sole the cruise director. DW chatted

with Linda, the captains' wife. We did not know this until later on

in the conversation. She was so nice. She is spending the summer

on the ship. A very nice affair. I was glad we attended.

The show group this evening was named Horizon. Did Motown songs.

Very good group and we enjoyed it.

Hooray...DW won $50 at the slots, DD won $30. Me...nada.

This night the Midnight buffet was held. Very enjoyable.

Viewing at 11:30pm and eating at 12:30 or so.

 

Day 7 - At Sea

Leisurely day. Caught some sales at the Shops. Spent some

time in the Solarium. Started packing. There were several whale

sightings from the ship. I saw some from the balcony. No close

but visible. Also lots of dolphins passing by.

 

FORGIVE ME FOR I HAVE SINNED. I wore jeans to the dining room this night.

Dont know what possessed me. Never have I ever, ever done this.

Just too lazy to change I guess. Asked the waiter and he said it was fine.

Dont worry. There were others but I know it's no excuse. I deserve any

punishment doled out.

Went to the farewell show featuring Dan Bennett. He was hilarious. Jokes,

juggling. Too funny.

We finished packing around midnight. We were doing Express checkout so

didnt have to put bags in the hall.

 

Disembarkation

Had breakfast in the Windjammer. Collected our bags and left the

cabin at 7:30am. We had express checkout so waited on deck 5. At

8am we left the ship. Went through customs/immigration. I could never

figure out what I was going through. Always with the passports and

little forms, food questions, where do you live etc etc.

Exited the terminal and cabs were readily available.

Got a small cab again. Luggage fit with tie downs. Got to the

airport a 9am. Went to check in at Continental. Had a 1pm flight.

Could not check in until 10am - 3 hours before. So we waited until

9:30am then got on a line which had grown. Got to the checkin counters.

at 10:15. Then thru US Immigration (I think) then security. Got to the

gate at 11:30. Lines had grown really long as I looked back. Guess it paid

to start early. Have to wait somewhere. Had a little snack and walked

around. Nice airport but really crowded. Of course flight left 1/2 late.

Flight back was uneventful and fast... 4 1/2 hours.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will try my best.

 

Thanks to all cruise critic members for the excellent advice and information

we received just by asking and reading. You folks are the best.

We are also thankful for being able to take this most spectacular vacation.

 

BTW...Welcome your newest Diamond member. Made it this cruise.

 

Frank

[Sue L]

So glad to hear you had a wonderful cruise. We were on two weeks before you and loved it!!

[booze brothers]

Great review. I never thought I wanted to cruise to Alaska. Sure have me thinking now!!

[CVU]

Glad you enjoyed Vancouver!! We do have a beautiful airport and you were wise to arrive early to check in.

We are on the Serenade very soon and counting the days. Thanks so much for the great review.

[lucywestie]

Great review, we are sailing on Serenade on the 22nd Sept. You mentioned the swimming pool. I take it its a covered pool, hot tubs etc in the same area? And also, just wondering if anybody in your group used the cinema on board and how up to date the movies were

Cheers

[sha88]

Thanks for posting! I saw a show about the RAdiance on an Alaska cruise and up until then, thought that I would not do an Alaska cruise. After seeing that show, we decided to do Serenade August 08! Can't wait after reading your post.

[SMN]

Hello Frank! Great review and congrats on Diamond status. FYI to other CC friends reading this: My family and I were also on this sailing. My DH and I met Frank at a prior cruise's Meet and Mingle - and it was great to cross paths again. The Meet and Mingle was pretty well attended at this sailing. I'd really encourage folks to attend when there is one. It is a fun time.

 

We stayed the night before cruise at the Fairmont at the airport. The hotel was VERY nice. Drawback - not a lot nearby except the airport (you are RIGHT at the airport.) Also, dining at the hotel is not cheap - Continental breakfast is $25.00. However, since you are at the airport, you can walk down to one of the airport vendors for a cheaper breakfast. Since we had a large group at the hotel that night (most of us were at this location pre-cruise) the concierge got us a 10 person limo and we went sightseeing - and that was a lot of fun. The 10 person limo was actually cheaper than taking taxis.

 

My family also did a Chilkoot tour in Skagway, but in reverse from what Frank's family did. We did train up, then switch to bus at Fraser, lunch at Caribou Crossing, then bus down. We also had Nancy as our driver, and she was very good. (She drives a different group each way - and the train takes care of the other leg.) Our tour let us go through a state (Alaska), province (B.C.) and a territory (Yukon) all in 1 day. The tour was about 7 1/2 hours and was great. At Caribou Crossing we were able to hold some husky puppies. One could also take a dog sled ride for $30/pp extra there, which some folks did. It was foggy for our morning train ride, but the weather cleared and we had FANTASTIC viewing weather for the bus ride home. Nancy stopped at a lot of sites, good picture opportunities, etc.

 

As for the Serenade - we also thought it was probably the friendliest staff we've experienced. We also didn't win in the casino - but the staff was so nice, it didn't seem to hurt quite as bad.;)

 

We were a group of 17 friends and family, so we had two tables at dinner. Our wait staff were very personable and worked hard to make it a great experience. (Marvin and Freddie. Head waiter Teddy) Our bar server at dinner was incredible (Claudette - aka "Bahama Mama.") My dad wanted a grasshopper made with real ice cream, not ice cream mix and ice (Oasis machine type). She got ice cream from the kitchen and worked hard to get it just right for my 80 year old father (who is very particular about his grasshopper drink.) Also, my DH and friends with us wanted a bucket of beer - she came out with it, balancing it on her head! What a riot. :D

 

Alaska is beautiful. Words just can't do it justice. Also, the sounds made when the Hubbard glacier was calving - was like thunder. Amazing experience. The Captain got us to 900 feet of the glacier, if I recall correctly.

 

I'd also mention that getting on and off the ship was the smoothest we've experienced. Very organized, no waiting, and clear directions. I talked with some others at the airport who were also coming home from a cruise via a different cruise line, and they did not have quite the same experience. Thanks RC for being so organized and clear as to where to go/what to do.

 

Well - I have to get back to doing all that post-cruise laundry! For those who have a Serenade cruise upcoming....I'm envious. I wish I were going again.

Sandra - SMN

[SMN]

Great review, we are sailing on Serenade on the 22nd Sept. You mentioned the swimming pool. I take it its a covered pool, hot tubs etc in the same area? And also, just wondering if anybody in your group used the cinema on board and how up to date the movies were

Cheers

 

Two pools - one covered, in the Solarium, the other "regular". As I recall, hot tubs in both spots. As for movies, some of the kids with our group went to the cinema. I believe Spiderman II was one of the movies. SMN

[CruisinFinsUp]

Great review -- thanks much! I can't wait -- We are going the same itinerary in August 2008, our first time to the West coast and Alaska. Same cabin too !! Would you happen to have any pictures of the balcony that you could share please? I'm curious how the overhang actually compares to the other JS'.

 

Thanks again for the great review. The ship sounds fabulous!

[FRANKM]

Hi Sandra. Best cruise ever. We sent laundry out

twice so didnt have much to do when we got back.

Maybe we will meet again at another M&M hopefully.

They are really terrific events.

 

Lucywestie:

Movies were Superman Returns, Casino Royale,

Hollywoodland, The Guardian. Didnt go to any.

 

Crusintoddler:

The overhang on this JS is a normal one. Others, not all,

are kind of blocked IMHO by deck 11 overhangs from

the Windjammer in various spots. Not bad but it does

get in the way somewhat. If you look at deck plans, you will see where this occurs. You will love the location

of 1570. TA picked this cabin for me since I was unfamiliar

with the ship. Right next to the Owners suites. Took over

1,000 pictures so still have to go through them. Think I have some of the balcony. It's a normal sized JS balcony. Peeked next door at the Owners suite balcony. WOW!!

 

 

Anyone thinking of going to Alaska....dont think. Just

go!!! You will not be sorry.

[FRANKM]

Crusintoddler

 

Here is a quickie balcony shot.

[FRANKM]

Crusintoddler

Some more for you.

 

Here are shots of JS 1570, overhang two cabins down,

(see how it can get in the way), and Hubbard Calving.

 

Iam getting good at this resizing and attachment

business. LOL

[Honey's Gal]

Frank, congratulations on becoming Diamond.

We also love the Serenade and Alaska. We are actually on the Hawaiian cruise on the Serenade in October. Have been on her before and can't wait to sail her again. What a beautiful ship. We also loved our Alaskan cruise in 2001. We decided to go back and we are booked on the Radiance for 2008. I have to say I was skeptical about Alaska when our DH's wanted to go the first time, but my sister and I chose the upcoming one....just too fantastic to pass up.

[CruisinFinsUp]

Thanks for the pics!

 

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to wait a year!!!! :D

[cruizecat]

Sounds like you had a great time. Myself and my family just came back from an Alaskan cruise on the Serenade of the Seas. We went from Aug. 11 and returned on the 18th. The weather in Alaska that week was absolutely phenomenal. We had blue skies all week long. The temperature at our first port, which was Icy Point Strait, was 90 degrees. The local people couldn't believe how hot it was. They were telling us that it is unusual for it to be that hot. The same went for the rest of our ports (Hubbard Glacier, Skagway and Juneau. The temperature for the entire week was between 85 and 90 degrees with the most clear blue skies you could imagine. I was totally prepared for foggy and cooler weather. The crew on the ship kept commenting to us that they have never seen a week such as we had for weather. They told us that it's rare to get two or more days in a row of sunshine. Typically it rains a fair bit. We had absolutely no rain the entire week we were gone. Alaska is an cruise that everyone should take. The scenery is breathtaking. Needless to say, we had a fabulous time. My two boys were in the Adventure Ocean the entire week and had an absolute blast. The staff are so wonderful with the kids. My oldest son who is 7, is already planning our next cruise because he had such a great time. Food and service on the Serenade was awesome. Anyway, not to hijack this post, just wanted to add in our cruising experience to Alaska.

[FRANKM]

Sounds like you had a great time. Myself and my family just came back from an Alaskan cruise on the Serenade of the Seas. We went from Aug. 11 and returned on the 18th. The weather in Alaska that week was absolutely phenomenal. We had blue skies all week long. The temperature at our first port, which was Icy Point Strait, was 90 degrees. The local people couldn't believe how hot it was. They were telling us that it is unusual for it to be that hot. The same went for the rest of our ports (Hubbard Glacier, Skagway and Juneau. The temperature for the entire week was between 85 and 90 degrees with the most clear blue skies you could imagine. I was totally prepared for foggy and cooler weather. The crew on the ship kept commenting to us that they have never seen a week such as we had for weather. They told us that it's rare to get two or more days in a row of sunshine. Typically it rains a fair bit. We had absolutely no rain the entire week we were gone. Alaska is an cruise that everyone should take. The scenery is breathtaking. Needless to say, we had a fabulous time. My two boys were in the Adventure Ocean the entire week and had an absolute blast. The staff are so wonderful with the kids. My oldest son who is 7, is already planning our next cruise because he had such a great time. Food and service on the Serenade was awesome. Anyway, not to hijack this post, just wanted to add in our cruising experience to Alaska.

 

You had fabulous weather. Crewmembers told us

all about it. We made the best of what we got which

wasnt too bad. They expected bad weather on several

occasions but the day always turned out ok. Adventure

Ocean kids seemed really happy with the program.

They came on stage one night to perform a little skit.

Really hilarious.

[Jennifer31]

Hi

 

Great review. Thank you for sharing it. I will be on the Serenade in 5 days. Can't wait. Did you have any problems with being sea sick on the tour in Sitka. I booked the same one and wondering if I should load up on Draminine during breakfast. Also, what do you mean that this tour started from the ship. Do we need to tender to the dock to start this tour or does the tour ship come to the Serenade.

 

Also, who was your captain?

 

Thanks again

Jennifer

 

 

[FRANKM]

Hi

 

Great review. Thank you for sharing it. I will be on the Serenade in 5 days. Can't wait. Did you have any problems with being sea sick on the tour in Sitka. I booked the same one and wondering if I should load up on Draminine during breakfast. Also, what do you mean that this tour started from the ship. Do we need to tender to the dock to start this tour or does the tour ship come to the Serenade.

 

Also, who was your captain?

 

Thanks again

Jennifer

 

 

 

 

If you booked through RCCL, the tour boat will

pick you up at the Serenade. You meet in the Tropical Theatre

and they walk you to the boat. You dont need to tender ashore.

After the tour, you are left at the tender

dock and can either walk into town or take a tender

back to the ship.

 

I didnt get seasick but DW did. Waters were a little

rough and the boat goes really fast. She took Bonine

but only an hour before so it didnt have enough time

to kick in. Needless to say, she spent a little time

in the restroom.

During the Orca tour in Juneau, she took the Bonine

2 hours before and she was fine.

 

The Captains' name was Tom Wildung. He was retired

from RCCL but they asked him to come back and fill

in for the current captain who was on leave. Dont know

his name.

 

Have a great cruise!! Hope you tell us about it when you return

[FRANKM]

Thanks for the pics!

 

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to wait a year!!!! :D

 

Time will pass quickly. We booked in May 2006 and

now it's over. Here are few more pics to help

pass the time.

[winncove]

Thanks Frank for the detailed review. We did the same ship last Sept. but they've dropped Ketchikan & added Sitka. Too much rain in Ketchikan? I know it poured and we missed our most anticpated port for the sea plane & salmon run & Creek St. :( We did see salmon runs while @ sea tho. My DH didn't want this itinerary, saying he's seen enuf snow & ice growing up in NY state but OKd it after seeing a TAs presentation. I would love to go back also, esp. after all the memories you brought back to me! Too bad the air is about as much as the cruise! Agree you need 2 days in Vancouver, esp after a long day for the flights. [Friends who went w/us vetoed that. Now I wish I'd said cya later then!] I could go on & on but just must say everyone should go once anyway! We were there mid Sept. which was last RCCL ship & had only one other line coming in the next week & the stores, w/good sales. were getting ready to close down. Now I see trips after that. Keep in mind that the only decent car rental [Avis?] closes early..15th last yr..the day b4 we got there to take the ride into the Yukon which was highly recommended on the Alaska board. I learned so much there. Hope you've posted this review there also.

 

D.

[Costafox]

Thanks for the wonderful review - we are sailing on Serenade next May from San Francisco to Alaska and really cannot wait.

[derftegel]

Great review. Probabely convinced me to book the same cruise while on the Mariner 9-23-07. Can't decide if May 08 or Aug 08. Someone help me decide.:p

[FRANKM]

Great review. Probabely convinced me to book the same cruise while on the Mariner 9-23-07. Can't decide if May 08 or Aug 08. Someone help me decide.:p

 

Not sure which month is best. Have seen various

reviews on the best months. I know in May it's a

little difficult getting up to Hubbard due to the Ice

from what I have read. Then again, in August, there is

usually more rain in places. We had decent weather

if not perfect so I cant complain. My expectations were

to have not so perfect weather so I was pleasantly surprised.

[FRANKM]

Great review. Probabely convinced me to book the same cruise while on the Mariner 9-23-07. Can't decide if May 08 or Aug 08. Someone help me decide.:p

 

Not sure which month is best. Have seen various

reviews on the best months. I know in May it's a

little difficult getting up to Hubbard due to the Ice

from what I have read. Then again, in August, there is

usually more rain in places. We had decent weather

if not perfect so I cant complain. My expectations were

to have not so perfect weather so I was pleasantly surprised.

[FRANKM]

Thanks Frank for the detailed review. We did the same ship last Sept. but they've dropped Ketchikan & added Sitka. Too much rain in Ketchikan? I know it poured and we missed our most anticpated port for the sea plane & salmon run & Creek St. :( We did see salmon runs while @ sea tho. My DH didn't want this itinerary, saying he's seen enuf snow & ice growing up in NY state but OKd it after seeing a TAs presentation. I would love to go back also, esp. after all the memories you brought back to me! Too bad the air is about as much as the cruise! Agree you need 2 days in Vancouver, esp after a long day for the flights. [Friends who went w/us vetoed that. Now I wish I'd said cya later then!] I could go on & on but just must say everyone should go once anyway! We were there mid Sept. which was last RCCL ship & had only one other line coming in the next week & the stores, w/good sales. were getting ready to close down. Now I see trips after that. Keep in mind that the only decent car rental [Avis?] closes early..15th last yr..the day b4 we got there to take the ride into the Yukon which was highly recommended on the Alaska board. I learned so much there. Hope you've posted this review there also.

 

D.

 

Thanks for reminding me. I just posted review on the

Alaska board.

Yes, Vancouver was really nice. Time is really needed

to go through all it has to offer. I misjudged this

but wont make the same mistake next time. And there

will be a next time!!! Kind of wanted to go to Ketchikan.

Almost booked on Radiance but couldnt make the

Friday departure. Think it looks to be a

better port than Sitka.