Wonderful cruise with two other couples. We all had a grand time- so much so that we've already booked another cruise for 2023!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Porters at the embarkation port do not accept tips and were very helpful and friendly. Long lines to check in, but went quickly- they were very efficient, except... when we got to the front, they said we had the wrong COVID-19 test. :-( They moved us to the side where we waited about 10 minutes before someone came and herded a group of us down to one of the convention center meeting rooms where COVID-19 testing was being conducted. We took the test, got the certificate with our results and went back up to the check in area. Didn't have to wait in line again and this time we breezed on through.
For all the aggravation about the COVID-19 testing, the staff there were incredibly friendly and efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
No complaints about the food - it was delicious! We had dinner in the steak house the first night, and oh boy was that good! The service was fantastic.
Main dining room meals were very good as well. Early on, I told our waiter that I was between two desserts and which would he recommend? His response was "Madame, you should have both!" And so I did. And so started a tradition at our table of getting multiple desserts. :-)
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The fitness center has plenty of machines, but I found the stationary bikes and treadmills were placed at an angle so I felt a little queasy/motion sick. Like riding backwards in a car.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Staff were meticulous about cleaning in the common areas. They did a good job of minimizing contact by having a crew member hand out silverware wrapped in a napkin and many of the buffet stations were manned. I can't speak to the layout as I have a lousy sense of direction and am lost the first three days no matter which ship I am on...
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Beautiful cabin with an obstructed view (which was not all that obstructed). Bed was comfortable and the room felt roomy. Lots of storage space (compared to other cruises I've been on)
Ship tip
Be sure to check out the Hollywood Pool Club on the 17th deck forward. Once you walk past the indoor pool and hot tubs, at the very front are cubbies/cabanas and huge windows that give you great views. We were able to watch dolphins and humpback whales from the primo spots in front. Lovely place to relax with a book and a cocktail.
Loved visiting Vancouver prior to our embarkation. Stanley Park is beautiful - we visited the Totem poles, the lighthouse, and saw sea otters in the quay.
We did the excursion to the Kroschel Wildlife Refuge at this Port. Now, I will say this excursion was kind of expensive, but turns out it was worth EVERY PENNY. Includes the ferry ride to Haines (we saw a whale on the way there!), and bus to the Refuge.
Once there, we were taken on a tour of the Refuge and got to see so many animals - grey wolves, owls, porcupines, caribou, bear, and many, many more. The owner was hilarious and very entertaining- this Refuge is a passion project for him.
All of us in our group loved the excursion!
In Juneau, my husband took the tramway up to Mount Roberts where he went birdwatching and saw mountain goats. I stayed on the ship for a leisurely breakfast on deck. Our entire party met up after lunch to take the bus out to Mendenhall Glacier. Definitely go through the visitor center first, then head on down to take pictures of the Glacier. We were blessed with a bear sighting (rangers were there to ensure neither bear nor human was injured), then hiked out to Nugget Falls. This whole area is incredibly beautiful- highly recommend a visit!
We sailed through Glacier Bay with the on-board naturalist narrating. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and we saw humpback whales breaching, sea otters, and several sea birds. The National Park Service rangers even came on board to give out stamps for our National Parks passports.
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