Which ship has the best inside public viewing area?

[toledo]

We're normally Carnival cuisers, but the Spirit isn't layed out the best. I don't want to sit in the Lido deck cafe and it may be too cold to be out on deck at all times. It looks like some ships may have an enclosed area in the front of the ship, where passengers can sit and take in the scenery. What ships have this?

[rubytue]

All HAL ships have the Crows Nest, which is perfect for this. Also look at NCL ships for Spinnaker's Lounge (not sure if the name is consistant across ships like it is on HAL, but I know the Jewel, her sister ship the Pearl, and perhaps others have a lounge very similar to the Crows Nest, but beware, they play Bingo there)

[ellbelle]

We were on HAL's Volendam last year (sister to Zaandam), and this ship had several indoor areas to sit and view. As Ruby said, there is the Crowsnest, but also viewing in the library and several seating areas around the ship (mostly one floor). This ship also has a covered pool area, so you can sit in there as well and not freeze, but the windows are not the clearest to look out of. Not sure if HAL's other ships are equipped the same, but you can ask on the HAL boards. Have fun planning!

 

Cheryl

[toledo]

Thanks for the info. HAL has a very good reputation for Alaskan cruises. The only drawback is that I have 3 teenagers, so it may not be the best line for them. Anyone else have any suggestions?

[rubytue]

Thanks for the info. HAL has a very good reputation for Alaskan cruises. The only drawback is that I have 3 teenagers, so it may not be the best line for them. Anyone else have any suggestions?

As I mentioned, NCL Pearl if you don't want a naturalist. NCL may be more teenager friendly.

[mamadot]

Holland America is excellent for viewing! Out two teen age GRANDS cruised Alaska last summer on HAL and they had a great time. Especially in Alaska there is so much time off the ship to ever be bored. Also, during the summer the line has many more families.

[WeBCruisin]

RCCL has two ships cruising Alaska this summer that are perfect for Alaska - were actually built with Alaska cruising in mind. The Serenade and Radiance of the seas. Much more glass than most ships. Excellent viewing from the viking crown lounge and they don't play bingo there. Also - two glass elevators on the ship. Has a glass enclosed solarium pool area which is very comfortable. RCCL is a great family line and teens should be well entertained.

[Putterdude]

The Navigator's lounge of Celebrity's Mercury has much of what you are looking for. The Diamond and Sapphire Princess's have great viewing areas but not from the forward part of the ship.

[kenish]

My teen has been on HAL and Carnival and in his opinion HAL is far better! Their facilities and staff are really in tune to what younger and older teens want (as you know there is a world of difference between 13, 15, and 17). HAL or any other Alaska cruises have all ages during summer- families, multigenerational groups, and lucky grandkids.

 

As long as you dress in layers, Alaska is not as cold as you might think. You will see a lot more on deck than cooped up in Crow's Nest (a smoking area by the way). On Zaandam there are a lot of deck areas with wind protection.

 

You will have a great time no matter what you choose!

[Budget Queen]

NCL Star and Pearl have excellent inside viewing, the Sun has good inside viewing, but the most convenient outside as well. :) Princess is good, RCI etc

 

 

BUT, you do need to be well aware these are PRIME spots during your glacier sailing day, and it will require you to camp out for and at the spot.

[sunsetbeachgal]

The Coral Princess has lovely areas in the front of the ship in the buffet area that you can just sit and enjoy the views. Especially nice to have a meal or snack with a view! However, it is best to be out on the Promenade deck for glacier viewing and we did not find it unbearably cold at any time.

[toledo]

HAL allows smoking inside the Crow's Nest, an enclosed area?:eek: That's disgusting! I would only expect smoking in the casino area on ships. Do other ships allow smoking in the indoor common areas? All your tips have been so helpful.

[kenish]

The details are fuzzy but as far as I can recall the casino, Crow's Nest, cabins, and open decks were the only smoking areas on our HAL ship. I did suggest they make Crow's Nest non-smoking during Glacier Bay cruising. The naturalists and Native had displays and answered questions in there. Non-smokers and kids had to put up with the smoke if they wanted to see and participate.