Overall it was an excellent first cruise and we plan on cruising to Alaska again, only next time we'll make sure we have longer times in ports.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
We arrived at a good time, between 10:00 and 10:30, because there was not a long line and things flowed relatively smoothly. Security went well but the QUICK QUICK NOW NOW HURRY HURRY barking of instructions to rush people through could confuse some people and even be overwhelming to others. Once we got to the large waiting area things got a little more relaxed and it didn't seem like it was very long before we began boarding.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We had no problems with the food. We are super casual diners and on day one we found a favorite outside seating area at the buffet and had almost all our meals there. Other than a breakfast one day at the local (great for smaller appetites), and a great lunch at the American diner when you can catch them open, we didn't go to any of the other restaurants.
Garden Café
5 out of 5
We are fine with buffet style food, and while there are some foods available every day (looking at you fondly, pizza) there were other selections that changed every day, usually at the carvery.
The Local Bar & Grill
4 out of 5
We like the food here but as mentioned before it is for smaller appetites, like my wife who doesn't eat a whole lot. My English breakfast was on the lighter side.
American Diner
5 out of 5
Good food when you can catch them open. We got them at lunch time one day and it was a short wait before we were seated. The meal was excellent.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We did not partake of any activities though there were plenty if you're into that sort of thing. The rating is basically because they were there if you wanted them.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We saw a performance of Jersey boys which was excellent. Another favorite spot of ours was the observation lounge, both during the day when you can watch the beautiful scenery go by, and also at night when you can sit and relax and listen to the piano player/singer. My idea of being on a cruise.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff was excellent and very friendly. These people seemed to be engaged and enjoying what they were doing. Though I know they are supposed to be, and are always encouraged to be friendly, you can usually tell when someone wishes they were somewhere else. Benjamin our room steward was always smiling and very helpful if we needed something. In the buffet and observation lounge there were always people coming by for drink orders, and if I needed something quicker than that I would go to the bar for it myself and never seemed to have a long wait. Drinks were good and not skimpy on the alcohol.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Common areas were clean and well maintained. There were many times when we saw the staff cleaning areas, especially if there was no traffic there at the time. From our spot near the outside entrance to the buffet we saw many people pass the door while trying to go in at the dead end spot where the bus carts etc are kept, suggesting a less than intuitive design. My guess is the reasoning is the same as it is for the windbreaks on the upper decks where you can walk around. The waterfront area etc. A few other spots were confusing to us at first but hey it's our first time on a cruise ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Our first ever cruise cabin was a mostly positive experience, the main exception being the toilet in the bathroom. Yes I had to go there. I'm not a small nor a really big guy, but let's just say there was no maneuverability if you get my meaning. The sink and shower was adequate for our needs, we have a small bathroom at home and they were very similar size wise. We did have a night where the toilet stopped flushing, but a quick stop at guest services on the way to see Jersey boys meant the problem was corrected by the time we got back to the cabin.
Ship tip
Plan your port stops well even if it means wandering on your own, as in most of the ports we visited Norwegian docks miles out of town and shuttles people in and out and that time must be factored in to already shorter port times. Even when the ship docked in Juneau the port was a mile and a half out of town and luckily we were early enough to catch one of the first shuttles in and walked back to port at the end of our visit.
Another very walkable town with lots of shops and things to see. Again we got off the ship as soon as they let us I'm wound up being the only two people on the first shuttle bus to town. The shuttle driver was a very nice lady and was very informative about the town. After more shops and sightseeing we decided to head back to the ship a little earlier than normal. We never wandered down Creek Street but that gives us something to do on our next trip to Alaska.
A rainy day, the only one we had on our trip. After checking out the shops around the cruise port we walked into Hoonah, 3 miles round trip. Or you could pay five bucks for a shuttle to and from if you like. We like to get our steps if you haven't guessed. Hoonah had a few shops and some native folks carving a totem pole, which was awesome. They had a nice conversation with the folks that were watching them about their craft, and we felt very welcome in the town. There's also the gondolas and the zipline at the cruise port itself if you like that sort of thing. Pricey though be prepared to part with some moolah.
With only 4 hours in Victoria at night we got off long enough to go to the gift shop and walk around right at the cruise port to be able to say that we have set foot in Canada. Then we headed back on the ship and were in bed when we sailed away at midnight.
Get off the ship early, time is money and you'll catch one of the early shuttles to town. Some shops were already open and we made our way to the transit center where the city bus will take you to a stop where we then walked to the Mendenhall glacier. A mile and a half walk to the visitor center and a mile and a half back and the trip cost us a total of four bucks a piece instead of 180 for a dedicated tour bus. With an unusual 12-hour stop in Juneau we were not rushed and got back to town in time for more shopping and sightseeing before heading back to the ship. A lot of walking but a wonderful day.
A nice walkable city but we had to cut it short because our excursion left from the cruise port and not the center of town where the shuttle brings you. It was scheduled for the middle of our visit so we had to spend a couple hours in town and then shuttle back to the cruise dock to catch another bus to our excursion, The Fortress of the Bears. They did give us the choice of dropping us off in town or taking us back to the cruise port which we did.
Everything went smoothly to us, we used Port valet for our big luggage and walked out with nothing but our backpacks so no dealing with luggage claim in the port. The excitement of the first day was replaced with a little sadness that it was over, but happy to be heading back home. A sign of a great vacation experience.
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