Overall the trip was great, with many disappointments - mostly due to the weather, but also the stops along the way. Was very disappointing when we were told we could not cancel an excursion we had booked and get a refund. We ended up having to swallow over $400 when we realized there was not enough time in Ketchikan to do the excursion and see the town or anything else for that matter. I would not do this itinerary again, although I do plan to see Alaska again, it will NOT be by cruise boat.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
This was smoother than ever
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
There was so many options available. The food was not bland or repetative.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The race track was a blast, it was rainy and cold so swimming was out, but could tell the water was warm by the steam coming from it. The games were a blast, and shopping fun as always
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Sigio the band was AMAZING and Fun
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward was wonderful! He was attentive and kind, and responsive.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This ship is so clean and well kept
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The room was a little small for a balcony room. The bed was less than comfortable, but clean
We were not able to get into town until very late. There was a storm or high winds, then a rockslide that cause a power outage in town. We were there for about 2hrs and very limit things to do as most things were already closed or closed due to the rockslide. On board you are PUSHED to do all of your shopping here(the shops are all affiliated with the cruise line), in reality the best port on this trip to shop at is in Ketchikan. There is such a bigger variety and the shop owners are so much nicer and willing to negotiate prices as they are all locally owned and operated.
This was the most disappointing. The town is nonexistent, there is nothing to do unless you book an excursion. We did, however, do a Whale watch here, that was the best part of the day. But by the time we did that and then walked to the center of town, to discover there was not even a restaurant to eat at, we walked back to the port to find the restaurants there were closed, the zip line, closed, the gondola closed, with 4 more hours in port, we sat on the boat.
What a stunning view!! The scenery and commentary from the ranger, was absolutly amazing. Would have loved to get off the boat and explored, but understandably a very protected area.
I have to say I don't rate the port poorly, just the amount of time there. The people here are SOOOO nice. There is a ton to do. However, we had exactly 2.5 hours in town!!! We docked at 7am(by the time everyone on the boat got to board a shuttle it was 8:30 for us), had to take a 30 min shuttle to town, then be back to the shuttle back to the boat by 11 am for another 30 minute ride back. We left port by 12:30. This port deserves a full day visit! The shops, the hiking, the fishing, the history, SO MUCH TO SEE not nearly enough time. We had booked an excursion, but had to eat the cost when we realized we did not have enough time in port to do it and see the town. We had to choose between the 2.
Another port with so much to do, yet no time! You are not given much information for this one either. We were shocked to find when we got to the port that you had to walk 30 mins to get downtown. There was no warning that if you choose a shuttle, you have to pay $13pp to use it. Most shops were already closed, but still many open. It was 8pm by the time we could get off the boat, walk 30 min downtown through residential neighborhoods, You can't see everything 1. there is not enough time, and 2. its dark out. You have to then walk 30 mins back to the boat and be on board by 11:30pm. This is fine for the younger people, not so much for the older groups.
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