Pre-Cruise We arrived in Seattle two days early, on a Saturday, rented a car, drove down to Mt St Helens and stayed at a B and B. It was a great way to see another site in the Seattle area (we had already visited the three National Parks that surround Seattle) and adjust to the three hour time difference. We were able to drop the rental car off downtown even though we rented it from the airport. This enabled us to drop off the luggage at the port (which by the way if you GPS doesn’t get you there if you use the street address) then my husband went back downtown to drop the car off. He then took a cab back to the port sans luggage. Since this was a 700 passenger ship and there were no other ships leaving from the pier that morning, it was extremely easy to board.
Day at Sea Unlike our previous two cruises, the weather was relatively nice our first day at sea. We attended our Cruise Critic roll call meet and greet in the afternoon. It was great being able to see some of the people we had been "speaking" with for several months prior to the cruise. In fact we took several tours with our fellow Cruise Critics and made some wonderful friends. I would encourage all of my readers to join your roll call for future cruises.
Ketchikan Kayak adventure (independent tour). My husband was very reluctant since he had never kayaked before but our guide was patient and kayaking isn’t difficult. They were only two other people on our trip and it was great to experience Alaskan waters close-up. They had a salmon snack on board our “mother ship” when we returned and even my non-fish eating husband enjoyed the meal after all the fresh air. We made a quick stop to the Bernard Passman Gallery and made a purchase at this fine jewelry store (not owned by the cruise ship company but was recently sold to the Dart Companies conglomerate after Mr. Passman died)
Juneau Marv and Harv’s Whale watch was great. The wildlife was very active during this whole cruise. Humpbacks, orcas, eagles, etc. Sean was informative and funny and we enjoyed this excursion with four of our Cruise Critic fellow passengers. We also took a trip out to Mendenhall by bus. Previously we had helicoptered onto the glacier. If your pocketbook can afford it, that is really the best way to experience the glacier. (The longer version is much better)
Icy Straight Point Small port. We went on a wonderful bear watch with native Alaskan Keith (again with the other couples from our roll call) He was quite a character but he found us five bears including on huge grizzly that we almost could touch. It was one of the highlights of the trip. After the exciting adventure we went to a classic Hoonah restaurant and had king crab in a place that looked like it was right out of Northern Exposure
Glacier Bay was wonderful. The glaciers were pretty active calving every couple of minutes. The blue color was amazing and the ranger commentary was an added bonus.
Seward We opted for the ship’s 6 ½ tour down to the Kenai National Park. Again the wildlife was very active, so much the ship’s captain was audibly excited at what we were seeing. We were able to get up close to the glacier and it was a more personal experience than either Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm. Caution: I took my Bonine but I still wasn’t feeling that great. If you a prone to motion sickness, I would advise you to sit downstairs toward the back of the ship. We were in the front but a kind family from Michigan allowed me to join them when the seas got rough. It was still worth it.
Kodiak We rented a car in Kodiak to see the sights. We drove down to the south to explore the island. Kodiak is famous for their bears but from what I understand you need to fly to get to them. We opted for a quieter day after our many adventures during the previous week.
Skagway Since we had already taken the train and rented a car on our previous trips to Skagway, we opted for a hike and float trip through an independent tour company. There were six others on the trip, one from each of the ships in port. The hike was moderate (they described it as semi-strenuous), half mile up, a half mile down (which was more difficult) and one mile flat. We were rewarded with a float down the river on a raft. It was a glorious day in Skagway. We paid another trip to the NPS Historic site to see a ranger who was the daughter of one of my husband’s colleagues. We took some Salmon with us (prepackaged) and have been enjoying it the last several days for lunch. One negative note.(I know it is a little petty) We were refused 5 pair of socks for $10 because we didn’t have the ships coupon. I tried to see if she would accommodate us but she was pretty nasty about it. When we returned to the ship to find the coupon, it turned out it wasn’t a coupon after all, just a sales offer. The name of the place is Skagway Outlet and is one of the last stores in town. You would think that would have accommodated me since I was buying 4 pairs of socks. Tracy Arm Another great weather day. We saw more ice than on previous trips and took advantage of the champagne breakfast that Princess offers. Victoria Disembarkation It was a breeze since it was a small ship and no other ships in port. We had private transfers through Seattle Transfers. They were waiting for us even thought the port employees didn’t know there was a Q parking space.
Victoria It was a special day in the lovely Canadian city. The annual Victoria Splash, an almost free concert performed by the Victoria Orchestra was the highlight. The city was packed on this beautiful day. We went to the BC Museum (very nice), had tea at the Empress and stayed to hear some of the music. We had visited the Butchart Gardens on our previous trip.
Ship We loved the smaller Royal. Great captain, accommodating crew and an elegant ship. Many people asked us which we preferred, small or large and I answered both. Each has their advantages.
Small Ship -More personal -Easier to get around (we didn’t take the elevator once) -got to know more passengers because there were fewer public spaces -got to know the crew, cruise director, etc for the same reason -elegant design -ability to visit different ports
Large Ship (Emerald, Diamond) -better food -more varied entertainment -larger casino (no craps on the Royal which is my favorite table game) -larger spa and walking promenade
Weather People forget that Alaska is a rain forest. Be prepared. It rained several days, and was cloudy a couple of others. The experience far outweighed the sketchy weather.
Day at Sea Unlike our previous two cruises, the weather was relatively nice our first day at sea. We attended our Cruise Critic roll call meet and greet in the afternoon. It was great being able to see some of the people we had been "speaking" with for several months prior to the cruise. In fact we took several tours with our fellow Cruise Critics and made some wonderful friends. I would encourage all of my readers to join your roll call for future cruises.
Ketchikan Kayak adventure (independent tour). My husband was very reluctant since he had never kayaked before but our guide was patient and kayaking isn’t difficult. They were only two other people on our trip and it was great to experience Alaskan waters close-up. They had a salmon snack on board our “mother ship” when we returned and even my non-fish eating husband enjoyed the meal after all the fresh air. We made a quick stop to the Bernard Passman Gallery and made a purchase at this fine jewelry store (not owned by the cruise ship company but was recently sold to the Dart Companies conglomerate after Mr. Passman died)
Juneau Marv and Harv’s Whale watch was great. The wildlife was very active during this whole cruise. Humpbacks, orcas, eagles, etc. Sean was informative and funny and we enjoyed this excursion with four of our Cruise Critic fellow passengers. We also took a trip out to Mendenhall by bus. Previously we had helicoptered onto the glacier. If your pocketbook can afford it, that is really the best way to experience the glacier. (The longer version is much better)
Icy Straight Point Small port. We went on a wonderful bear watch with native Alaskan Keith (again with the other couples from our roll call) He was quite a character but he found us five bears including on huge grizzly that we almost could touch. It was one of the highlights of the trip. After the exciting adventure we went to a classic Hoonah restaurant and had king crab in a place that looked like it was right out of Northern Exposure
Glacier Bay was wonderful. The glaciers were pretty active calving every couple of minutes. The blue color was amazing and the ranger commentary was an added bonus.
Seward We opted for the ship’s 6 ½ tour down to the Kenai National Park. Again the wildlife was very active, so much the ship’s captain was audibly excited at what we were seeing. We were able to get up close to the glacier and it was a more personal experience than either Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm. Caution: I took my Bonine but I still wasn’t feeling that great. If you a prone to motion sickness, I would advise you to sit downstairs toward the back of the ship. We were in the front but a kind family from Michigan allowed me to join them when the seas got rough. It was still worth it.
Kodiak We rented a car in Kodiak to see the sights. We drove down to the south to explore the island. Kodiak is famous for their bears but from what I understand you need to fly to get to them. We opted for a quieter day after our many adventures during the previous week.
Skagway Since we had already taken the train and rented a car on our previous trips to Skagway, we opted for a hike and float trip through an independent tour company. There were six others on the trip, one from each of the ships in port. The hike was moderate (they described it as semi-strenuous), half mile up, a half mile down (which was more difficult) and one mile flat. We were rewarded with a float down the river on a raft. It was a glorious day in Skagway. We paid another trip to the NPS Historic site to see a ranger who was the daughter of one of my husband’s colleagues. We took some Salmon with us (prepackaged) and have been enjoying it the last several days for lunch. One negative note.(I know it is a little petty) We were refused 5 pair of socks for $10 because we didn’t have the ships coupon. I tried to see if she would accommodate us but she was pretty nasty about it. When we returned to the ship to find the coupon, it turned out it wasn’t a coupon after all, just a sales offer. The name of the place is Skagway Outlet and is one of the last stores in town. You would think that would have accommodated me since I was buying 4 pairs of socks. Tracy Arm Another great weather day. We saw more ice than on previous trips and took advantage of the champagne breakfast that Princess offers. Victoria Disembarkation It was a breeze since it was a small ship and no other ships in port. We had private transfers through Seattle Transfers. They were waiting for us even thought the port employees didn’t know there was a Q parking space.
Victoria It was a special day in the lovely Canadian city. The annual Victoria Splash, an almost free concert performed by the Victoria Orchestra was the highlight. The city was packed on this beautiful day. We went to the BC Museum (very nice), had tea at the Empress and stayed to hear some of the music. We had visited the Butchart Gardens on our previous trip.
Ship We loved the smaller Royal. Great captain, accommodating crew and an elegant ship. Many people asked us which we preferred, small or large and I answered both. Each has their advantages.
Small Ship -More personal -Easier to get around (we didn’t take the elevator once) -got to know more passengers because there were fewer public spaces -got to know the crew, cruise director, etc for the same reason -elegant design -ability to visit different ports
Large Ship (Emerald, Diamond) -better food -more varied entertainment -larger casino (no craps on the Royal which is my favorite table game) -larger spa and walking promenade
Weather People forget that Alaska is a rain forest. Be prepared. It rained several days, and was cloudy a couple of others. The experience far outweighed the sketchy weather.
