Fun cruise, makes you realize how big Alaska is. Worth getting the balcony for.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Getting onboard was quick and easy. They are very organized. If you are driving, stay on the US side of the border as Vancouver is crazy expensive. Avoid Canadian Inn in Surrey at all costs. You can park at YVR airport longterm parking, or purchase a monthly parking pass for less than the cruise terminal parking. There is a subway(called Skytrain ironically) that goes just from YVR airport to two blocks away from the cruise terminal. Super easy, clean, safe and affordable way to get to the terminal. You can just tap your credit card to get on, you don't even have to purchase tickets.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Windjammer food was always great. Dining room was also great. I think Carnival has a better quality of food options, but that's a matter of preference as I'm sure there are some that would disagree.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
I had a 5 & 3yr old with me. There was not much at all to do on board for them. Even rock climbing was 6yrs+. The kids water park is only open a short time each day, which is very frustrating. There is a kids daycare area, but it closes twice a day at meal times. There is no playground on board so there's really no where for the kids to just run around and get their energy out. Most of the ports had some awesome playgrounds, so if you have time or are just exploring try to hit them up. Also, beware, the movie channel Then & Now shows rated R movies with frequency, so just be aware if you give the remote to the kids.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We only made it to one show and it was great. There is dancing every night in the main prominade and we loved it, although it is late at night usually after bedtime.
Children's Programs
2 out of 5
I am very glad they had the programs, but by the end of the cruise, my 3 & 5 yr old didn't want to go back as there are limited things to do and no running around or ways to release energy.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone is great!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
No problems here. You will be pleased!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Wonderful cabin. Balcony makes all the difference when there isn't much to do on board.
Ship tip
Book your shore excursions on shore. Most are willing to negotiate and you can score a great deal. Also, plan on needing to entertain your kids if they are small as most activities are for older kids.
Pretty port. We booked a shuttle for $20per adult, kids free to see the bear refuge and raptor refuge. The bear place is an old water treatment plant. There are three enclosures with 8 bears total. It was a little underwhelming. But you do get to see them up close and person. Raptor place is better, plus there are some trails you can walk around. If you choose to walk from downtown to the raptor place, no problem. Very very long walk to bear world, wouldn't recommend that. Also, the shuttle didn't come to the visitors center at the end of the walk from downtown. It was another 15 minutes to Centennial Hall where they were at. there is an awesome playground a coupe of minute off the port though for the kids.
When you get off the boat, take the shuttle to downtown and you will find booths all lined up for shore excursions. This is where you want to book your shore excursion. I would recommend Nick at Whale Watchers. He gave us a great deal and it was an awesome glacier/whale watching experience. Also, a third the price of the cruise ship.
This is my favorite port. The cruise company didn't own any shops here, so no jewlery stores, or perfume etc.. It was all authentic and small town. There are some electric scooters you can rent, but we just walked into town, bought some local fudge and walked back. Not much to do, short stop, but scenic and authentic.
This is a sail-by. It was at 6am that we went by, no announcement we were there and to boot it was foggy. If you want to see it, be prepared to wake up early with no heads up. Plan ahead.
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