Alaska - Gulf of Alaska Cruise Reviews

The ship was clean and attractive; the scenery (constantly) was beautiful; the ports of call were excellent (though warmer than we expected); our excursions were interesting. However, we did have a few disappointments: * As soon as we got on the ship, we were accosted by people pushing extra amenities - specialty restaurants, photos, drink specials, etc. This was unprofessional and unacceptable. It made a poor first impression. After paying a great deal for the cruise, it was insulting to be pushed to spend even more on "extras." * The food on the ship was only mediocre. From previous experience, we expected the buffet to be only mediocre, but expected the dining room food to be exceptional. However, it was not. There were less choices on the menu than in the past, and the quality of the food was not what we had experienced in the past. I have a theory about it - with the addition of specialty restaurants (at an additional charge), the quality of the dining room and buffet have diminished. Why would someone pay extra if they were already getting excellence? After paying for a cruise (where unlimited food is provided), I refuse to pay extra for food. * The entertainment on this cruise was also mediocre. The first show by the singers and dancers was very poor. It was hard to tell if the problem was poor performance or poor choreography. It was certainly poor song choices - it was as if they didn't want to pay for royalties for songs we recognized. The show later in the week ("Piano Man") was excellent, however. And the comedian and magician/acrobat were excellent as well. * Some of the games ("Love and Marriage," "The Quest") need to be retired. These same games have been on every ship I've been on for the last three years. It's truly time for something new. Overall, we really enjoyed the cruise. We were amazed at the scenery and the late night sunlight. I don't know if the disappointments were exclusive to Royal Caribbean or if they are industry-wide. I will probably sail another cruise line next time to find out.

Embarkation with smiles. Joselyn kept our room clean and was very attentive. Food delicious. We enjoy food at the 14th floor as well as in the restaurant assign to us. The experience breathtaking , the places we visit. I feel very comfortable going by myself at any time. The staff make you feel at home away from home. The logistic was the best . disembarkation. Well I felt like a princess in my own castle. Yeah. Congratulations.

Alaskan Cruise out of Vancouver and ended in Seward. I would recommend the train to take you to the airport in Seward you really get to see a lot. The towns we visited were very commercialized from the cruise ships which was disappointing ( if you have been on any cruises you know what I mean diamonds international and tanzanite international to name a few) but the excursions were good. I expected more seafood than what we received but the food was good.

Alaska is magnificent scenery. On the ship you go to places you would not be able to see any other way.

I again want to bring up the dinner staff (Paulus, Mark Dig, Yohan), our stewards (Paul and Nicky), and Billboard On-board entertainment (Andy and Polina) for making our experience one that our family will never forget. We needed a great experience after the recent loss of my father and this is exactly what we were hoping for so thank you Holland America.

We had a fantastic trip! All of the staff were wonderful and helpful. The ports were outstanding and we enjoyed our days at sea and glacier viewing. The only issue we had was that we never received train tickets for our trip to Denali. I found out from other guests we were missing them. The front desk helped me take care of the problem promptly and quickly.

Cruise was great. Princes took care of us. Was very impressed at the reception we received in Anchorage waiting on a late flight. Unfortunately I was not aware of what Princess would provide and wasted a lot of time planing my own logistics for the trip.

This trip was one that memories are made of. Unbelievable experience. The natural beauty of the Last Frontier mixed with the best of service, excellent communication from the captain and crew every morning, exceptional docking and views of the Hubbard glacier - the captain took extra care to ensure everyone on board had multiple views of this beautiful wonder, up close and personal. The cabin service was top notch, and so very expedient. We weren't left wanting for anything, except wanting more. Everyone on the ship was there for one reason, to serve their guests with a smile and accommodation. Anyone would be lucky to have this experience, on this ship, and with this crew. Thank you.

Best vacation ever! Fun, active, great accommodations and delicious food. Staff was outstanding!

Ever went really well on the ship. Anytime there was entertainment it was way too loud. We couldn’t find a quite bar to go to unless outside and it was too cold. Service was great though. All staff was very friendly. We did all our tours independently and worked out great.

Alaska was amazing! We would cruise on Norwegian again, but hopefully would receive better food and service.

An Alaska cruise is something we would encourage everyone to experience.

It was a very pleasant voyage and will do again.all staff with smile .

It was AMAZING. So much information. The entire crew was helpful, entertaining, funny. The captain was a hoot. I will recommend this cruise on Star Princess to everyone I know. I just can't say enough. I already placed a deposit for another cruise and hope to take my son and daughter-in-law and I cant wait. So much fun.

The only true down side to our land-cruise was being in McKinley Lodge. Rafting Excursion was not clear on transportation to the town and to the site. My mother could not handle that far of a walk and it was never explained to us how far it would be or even where to go. The staff were horrible communicators. Heather, bus driver, would not shut up about her life and her history. Talk about Alaska, not yourself. We found that quite a bit w the bus drivers. BE BRIEF ABOUT HOW YOU CAME TO WORK IN ALASKA. If people sitting near you want to carry on talking about you for an hour, turn off your mic. Everywhere else, we had amazing experiences, helpful staff, and a great time. Denali Lodge was spectacular in the setting and people. The Black Diamond ATV was a fantastic trip. On the ship, all of the staff worked hard and were professional. Bar tenders who remembered our names, dining room waiters who we looked forward to speaking with every night, steward who was perfection. My group bought high end jewelry, art from the auctions, and lots of souvenirs on the boat. Good job appealing to a wide variety of shopping tastes. Our balcony was the perfect way to enjoy the abundant wildlife sightings.

We went with the expectations that the Celebrity line was an above average cruise line. I guess our expectations were too high. Didn't feel it was anything better than the others we have taken (Carnival, Royal Caribbean). Food was average and "staff" entertainment was not up to what we have seen on other ships.

It was a great cruise. Alaska a must on bucket list wont go wrong

The overall places in Alaska are beautiful, although we could have skipped some ports like Skagway [for sure we didnt do the dog sledding at $300 per person which could have been fun]. It should be on every person's bucket list; however if you decide to do it budget an extra $1000 per person and do it right. And better to do it without kids; we took ours with kids hearing other traveler reviews, but its hit or miss.

This was our first cruise. Based on our experience we will cruise again. Loved Alaska

THE SHIP WAS GREAT AND HAVE SAILED THIS SHIP BEFORE. HOWEVER WE WERE IN THE DARK BECAUSE OUR TRAVEL AGENT FROM NEVER GOT BACK TO US AND NEVER CORRESPONDENT WITH US FOR THIS CRUISE. ONCE HE GOT THE BOOKING HE GAVE US NO THANK YOU OF ANY KIND. DANIEL HAMMERS IS HIS NAME. OTHER TRAVELERS ON THR CRUISE HAD RECEIVED MANY EMENITIES AND DISCOUNTS ON THE SHIP. NEVER GO WITH .