We enjoyed our first Alaskan cruise and would definitely like to come back again. This sailing was late in the season. If we were earlier in August or early September we would have hit the salmon runs and seen more bears and eagles which would have been nice. We also didn't get to Glacier Bay due to a medical emergency on board. It was very foggy that day and we might not have seen much anyway. So I definitely would like to see that. The ship and staff were first class. The entertainment also was terrific. Would sail aboard this ship anyday!
Embarkation
1 out of 5
HAL had 2 ships embarking at the same time so this may have partly been the problem but it took us almost 2 hours to get on board. Long, long line up to check-in then another line-up for securitiy and again for customs. If you weren't from Canada or the US the customs line would have been much worse. Haven't seen a wait like this for a cruise ship in a very long time
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
great variety and presentation of food at the Vista Dining room. Very good quality and the food was awesome. The buffet was also well-stocked and a good variety. Enjoyed the filipino bread by the miso soup bar for breakfast. It was like a very fresh donut with a buttery spread on top. Had one every morning!
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
There wasn't a lot to do on this ship during the day. The mornings at sea lacked activities - the odd presentation, mainly sales. We usually like to take part in the games on board ships and there were few to be found. They did have trivia sometimes in the afternoon but we always went to the evening one after the show. The hot tubs were barely lukewarm which is disappointing, they were not much warmer than the pool.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Comedian and magician were very funny. We really enjoyed the show. Dancers and singers were fine, pretty much similar to any ship. Costumes and set designs were current and in good repair. Very fun. Really, really enjoyed the band and dancing at BB Kings Blues. The band was phenomenal. The music live and energetic, loved the brass instruments which really made the room come alive. The singers were amazing. Dawn's rendition of a Whitney Houston classic was outstanding and the male singer could sing the pages of a dictionary and be entertaining. Music was not just blues (which almost kept us away until we walked past one night early on) but everything from classic rock to current pop idol Bruno Mars.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Shout out to our waiter, Bagus, whose personality was as wonderful as his service. He was very personable and always had a fun sense of humour, but always professional.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
classicly decorated as opposed to fun and whimsical, but clean everywhere and always being maintained
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
good space, well-appointed - window large, sofa and table included as well as a desk. Lots of closet and shelf space. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, shower cap included
Ship tip
There are loungers on the promenade deck on the walking track. Very nice quiet place to read, relax, and enjoy the scenery while looking for whales and seals.
Taking a shuttle to the Mendenhaul Glacier was really worth it. Walk alongside the creek from the parking lot to see bears. Glacier was beautiful. Also walked to the waterfalls. Nice easy half hour trek (if that). Had a beer at the Red Dog Saloon which is an opportunity to feel like you are back in a saloon in the gold rush days. Lots of fun - waitresses dressed in era costumes, keyboard playing lively era tunes, sawdust on the floor - great fun
We walked along the creek and discovered you can hike up a nearby mountain to a lake (Dewey Lakes). We hiked up to the lower lake. The trail is well-maintained and clear. It is quite steep but it took us about an hour. Very nice forest, lake, and views of ship and town. We also took the Smart bus to the Historical cemetery. There is a mile or longer hike out to the cemetery from where the bus drops you off, but it is very worth the walk. There is a signboard with background information on some of the people buried there which is very interesting. A very short walk behind the cemetery is a beautiful waterfall. We walked back to the ship from the cemetery which took about an hour or so.
As difficult and lengthy the process of embarkation was, disembarkation was extremely smooth. We just walked off the ship picked up our bags and left for our transportation. Very easy
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