Cruise was awesome…Alaska is beautiful. Going back back home to reality after an amazing vacation is always bittersweet. Cruise was worth it even though I now have to ride out this COVID infection.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth. Took an early flight (Southwest) from Ontario to Seattle with a stopover in Sacramento. Didn’t have to switch planes but did have to sit there for about 45 minutes or so. Once in Seattle, took the transfer bus over to the pier. Security at the port was smooth. VeriFLY and ArriveCan was all completed. Just showed our passports, boarding passes and approved VeriFLY passes and then off to the ship. Was bummed that we missed the embarkation photo…we always purchase them from every cruise as the main souvenir. I guess we checked in too late…2pm??? Overall it was “smooth sailing”.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment
3 out of 5
I wasn’t too interested in the lineup this time. Checked out the comedians as I always do in every cruise and didn’t find them very funny. Stage shows were the same shows we had seen on prior Carnival cruises. Still I enjoyed the Epic Rock and 80’s Pop show. The others were meh. Entertainment around the ship was meh as well. Maybe it’s still because of staff shortage??? Either way, there was enough to do and not to many sea days so I didn’t get too bored.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Oldest son loved the program. He made friends on the ship and was able to exercise some independence. We gave him a midnight curfew. Aside from excursions, meals and occasional shows, he would be looking forward to hanging out with his cruise friends in the later afternoon and evenings.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Kept with the same server team in the MDR. Watson and his crew were the best!!! He provided exceptional service…kept the drinks coming and was not shy about giving us extras of food items. My whole family (party of 7) got so many extra lobsters on formal night!!! Great job Watson!!!
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
A/C didn’t work and neither did the fridge. Luckily, we just propped open the balcony door to allow cool air to enter. Couldn’t do anything about the fridge. Bathroom had an amazing exhaust fan so it never smelled bad like I experienced on prior cruises on older ships. Otherwise, room was cozy and clean.
We also had room 6250 (rooms had an adjoining door). Same condition, fridge didn’t work but at leas the A/C did.
Sad we couldn’t open the balcony door like we did on other past cruises but it wasn’t a deal breaker.
Ship tip
Be aware of the very real risk of contracting COVID during a cruise. Wife and I both tested positive the next day after getting home. We are both vaxxed and boosted. I’m writing this as I sit in my room for my 5-10 day isolation. There were so many people coughing towards the end of the cruise and on the transfer bus back to the airport versus during the beginning of the cruise. Cruising is awesome and I had such a great time seeing Alaska for the first time. Catching COVID just has to be factored in when choosing to go cruising. There’s simply too many holes in the protocol to keep COVID off the ship.
Weather was light rain/drizzle. Did the helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier. It was amazing…and very cold up on the glacier. Wife said it’s like being on a giant ice cube. Water and glacier ice is so blue. Drank melting glacier water…that was an experience. Next time we want to do dog sledding or hiking on the glacier.
Wasn’t too excited for this port. Seems like a bunch of souvenir shops and jewelry stores. In fact, lots of Alaskan ports seemed very similar. Walked around for about an hour or so. Took some pictures and fought the temptation to buy things I probably won’t use or wear.
Rode the train up to the top of White Pass. Scenery was awesome. Kids got bored. I took so many pictures. Alaska is beautiful!!!
Went back on the ship after the tour…I wasn’t too interested in the other areas.
Great time even though it was cold and rainy. We actually got to see Endicott Fjord instead of Tracy Arm. Went on a smaller boat and was able to get up to the actual glacier. Scenery was awesome…Too bad I didn’t see any whales or other animals. Check this off my bucket list!
No much to do. Paid for Gondola rides but didn’t think it was worth doing the single zip line for $150. Actually paying for the Mountaintop Gondola (Red) may not have been worth it either. Also, lots of bugs and mosquitoes. Weather was hot…in the 80’s and sunny.
Simple and easy process especially when bringing your own luggage. Simply waited in line when the deck was called. Scanned the card and off you go to customs and eventually the airport to head back home.
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