Just Off the Star

[wrmiles]

Had a great time to Alaska May 23-30. A few observations:

 

Weather: Mostly cloudy, some rain and wind, but goes with the lower rates in May.

 

Cabin: Booked a BE guarantee at a good rate, ended up with a Deck 10 BA. Good deal, but was a bit spoiled from the greagt AC upsell on the previous cruise.

 

Embarkation: Checked a suitcase with water, soda and champagne. Expected to go to the naughty room, but it was delivered to the room with no quetions asked. No issue with overweight luggage. No issue with a DUI many years ago (nor in Prince Rupert). Was not asked for paperwork for Veterans Discount booked. BTW, appears from NCL website that they have cut back on this discount.

 

Food and Service: Food ranged from Ok to excellent. Cagney's and Le Bistro both excellent. Cagney's does tend to undercook steaks, so consider adjusting your request. Service good to excellent. Great cabin steward, Julius.

 

Kechican: Did the Misty Fiords Seaplane. Outstanding but expensive.

 

Juneau: Just walked around since this was a shortish early stop.

 

Skagway: Did the White Pass railroad. Stopped and returned about 3/4 of the way to the summit due to a rock slide ahead. Still enjoyable and received a full refund.

 

Sawyer Glacier: Tracy Arm had too much ice so cruised Endicott Arm and and saw Dawes glacier instead. OK.

 

Prince Rupert: Sort of a bust. Walked around in the rain for a while, didn't see much interesting and returned to the ship.

 

Looking forward to the Panama Canal aboard the Star in November. Splurged on an aft AE.