We had a great time regardless of any of my negative reviews. We loved having the beverage package and the food was great and Alaska was a fun and exciting place to go. I've never been anywhere like it and so different from the typical Carribean vacation. Great time.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The lines went quickly and once you are at the desk, just hand in your cruise documents which were done previously and your card is printed and you're ready to go. Much improved from cruises back in the day.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
All the food was excellent and especially in Ocean Blue. But excellent also at the complimentary Savor, Taste and Manhattan. The buffet room was very crowded and sometimes hard to find a table. The food is good but I'd rather be served.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Obviously in September there was not too much pool time but I did go down the tube slides several times. They were fun but I can only imagine the crowds during the summer months. And again, in September the pools are not at all crowded but the pool sizes looked awfully small and with only 2 of them, I can't imagine all 4,000 guests being accommodated. I thought a covered pool with a retractable roof and another pool in a different area would be needed. Also, the hottubs were very tiny unless you used the one on the 18th deck, aft or the one on the 17th deck, forward. There should be more available and I don't think children should be allowed in them at all, even with supervision. With the few kids that were on this particular cruise, they still took up a lot of room in the hot tubs because it was too cold to swim. There should be one hot tub for kids only. The fitness center was nice with great equipment and a lot of it. I think $20 per spin class is very expensive... I only did one of those classes and it was a good class. The laser tag was fun but after only 2 short 5 minute sessions when you finally get the hang of it, it's over. I think you should have like a 3 minute warm/trial up and then have a 10 minute session. We had to cancel the race cars due to a conflict in plans.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Jersey Boys was excellent. The comedians, especially Kristen Keys, were excellent as well. We were only able to go to one other comedy show due to them being sold out early. The venues for these shows are way to small to accommodate a lot of people - I wish they were at the theater to include more people. Also, we never got to see the Beatles because it was always too crowded.There should be a nightly comedy act that accommodates a lot more people. We didn't see 6 because the time was too late on the night we had reservations and we went to bed.
Children's Programs
We had no children with us
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward was great as were most of the waiters and servers especially at Ocean Blue but at all restaurants they were great. Some of the personnel were not too helpful when we wanted more chairs for the atrium on a very crowded, unexpected day at sea which was raining. We h ad to alternate kneeling or sitting on the floor and when they finally brought out chairs, a bunch of other guests ran and grabbed them because they would have no way of knowing I was the one who asked for them. The Atrium also did not accommodate enough people
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Most of the ship was totally clean and sparkling. Our room was immaculate. Once there was lipstick on a brand new wine glass and some of the chairs in the Atrium were pretty dirty. I think the atrium was a little boring and not at all "grand" like on all other ships I was on. I also think a piano bar should be added where passengers can request some songs or like dueling piano players for a night or two.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I loved my cabin. Although small, there was plenty of storage space. It was always clean and the bed was very comfortable. The steward kept it very very clean. The first two nights, there was a loud creaking sound but it stopped after that.
Ship tip
Research the internet plans and find out how to access a texting plan and how to use it if you want to keep in touch with your party. Or call your wireless provider (Verizon, ATT, etc.) and find out a reasonable at Sea texting/talking plan (probably around $100 which will be
It was nice, very crowded at the market but still fun. We went to Anthony's restaurant which was very good. The glass museum and Ferris wheel were fun. Pike Market place was very crowded and expensive but a fun place to visit.
It was a beautiful day and we did the Juneau Tour and Mellenhall Glacier tour and it was great. The shops were also fun and 50% off because we were late in the season.
Excellent day and again beautiful and the Rangers were great. A great picture opportunity and you can stay on your own balcony as the ship will turn in all angels or join others on the observations deck or outside on deck 8. Beautiful.
We stopped from 8 PM to 12 PM. Only visited a couple nearby gift shops. What can you possibly do during this time frame? It was already dark. I can only say I was in Victoria and that's all. Nothing exciting at all.
The port valet was great... Loved my luggage going to the airport directly. Getting off was again fast lines and easy. The only problem was the explanation of the Port Valet. It was very confusing and they kept sending luggage tags in different colors and 2 sets of Port Valet sticks which were different and no one seemed to be able to explain this fully. Although it all worked out in the end. The shuttles took a bit long but again we were still early at the airport.
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