I have made some negative comments, but we loved the cruise as a whole. The info may help with expectations as you take this ship. Alaska is outstanding!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We had 10:30 to 11 and were on board by 11. Very smooth but announcements were impossible to hear.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We enjoyed the early seating in the MDR and our table companions on Table 302. Always great to meet new friends! The food was fine, and were waited on by a great set of FUN guys! We really found the LIDO Buffet confusing and very hard to get through. Drinks, Desserts, and Salad Bar were open to the narrow walkway and impeded people trying to get through. Really hard to find what you wanted to eat and get to a table with all of the traffic. The crew worked really hard to keep service bars filled but it was a monumental chore with the ridiculous layout. Also the ice machines were mostly not working which slowed the process as ice was found in only one ice bucket at each drink station. Food was OK when you could find what you wanted to have. Not much variety on the LIDO.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We only participated when watching the sea for whales, seals, and icebergs (never saw the glacier in the fjord) on deck. We enjoyed the decks but really needed announcements OUTSIDE when the naturalist saw things of interest. The cruise director said they aren't allowed to do that but I guess it's OK to have zillion decibel music on an open LIDO deck... most ships don't have a cover!!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The music was often so loud that one area drowned out another. The musicians were great but it would have been nice to hear them individually. The theater was nice and we enjoyed the shows. Don't miss the comedian preview in the theater on the first sea day! Hilarious!!
Children's Programs
No children sailed with us.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our Room Steward Sam was outstanding!! Always smiling, made sure we had a clean cabin every day, helped with a couple of issues and always explaining when we has a question. His assistant Santi was always working hard and was really friendly. A couple of the best we have had!! Our waiters were really fun and the service was excellent. Guest Services were really helpful as were the Excursions desk. Great crew all around!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cleanliness was excellent throughout the ship. The layout of the ship was fine except for the LIDO Buffet. See comments under Food & Drink.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Exactly as expected for a balcony on a Spirit-Size ship. Nice layout, storage, bedding... All good! One issue -the fat dress-suit hangers don't allow as many items to be hung. I bring my own travel hangers and had to remove some of the fat ones to get my clothes hung. OK but could be better. Still loved our cabin!
Ship tip
Take the train in Skagway!! We have done both short and long trips and it is always a new adventure!
Just flew in late, overnight at a hotel, then on board. We LOVED the valet service where we set out our luggage the night before debarkation, then picked it up when we got off our flight home!! Amazing service and it is free!!
We were on the 8 day itinerary and got to Sitka! We took the city tour and had a great guide who loves Alaska. So much to see in the short time. We need to get back. Lovely city and lovely people.
This is the capitol and we had a walking tour planned to the museums. Unfortunately we forgot we would be there on a Sunday and all but one was closed. Really nice place to visit.
Walked downtown on the Fourth of July. It was a short stay at the port so we didn't see all of the parade but such a warm, homey, small town feel to the celebration! A whole day is needed here!!
We were in port from 8pm to 11. We did the walking (rushing) tour as it was getting dark. The guide stayed out front of the group and had a running commentary, but only a couple of people could hear it unless he stopped for a minute. Not a good idea that late as the sidewalks were dark halfway through the tour. Should not be offered except earlier in the day.
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