Cruise was a bucket list item for me and I am glad that I went. Would recommend.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Ship departed at 9:00 pm on time. Some confusion as to where we had to go to review safety procedures. Security was handled well and luggage delivered timely and accurately. Welcome documentation was good.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food was mediocre in most freestyle restaurants and you had to watch the times when the restaurants were open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Buffets were less than expected, main dining room was good but not great. Did not try the specialty pay restaurants. Chin Chin and Irish restaurants were really bad. Grills were weather dependent on if they were serving.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
There were many onboard activities but most seemed to be running some sort of pay activities not covered by your cruise fee. Raffles, bingo cards, scratch offs, etc. were every day events. Pool and hot tubs were outdoors so weather dependent with rain and cooler temps in Alaska. Played blackjack tournament, played Deal or No Deal, played Bingo, used library when it was open.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Saw ship performers and comedian, they were good. Acrobats were good as well.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Overall service and staff were great. Some language issues but very attentive team.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
A little tricky with the elevators figuring out how to get to sections of the ship but very clean overall.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Surprisingly well laid out overall. Small shower and tight space around toilet but to be expected in this small space. Steward kept the room clean. Small refrigerator stocked. Small flat screen TV that was hard to see from the bed. Bathroom has soap, body wash, and shampoo so you would not have to bring them. Delighted was turndown service with towel animals each night.
Ship tip
Be prepared for mediocre food, many folks trying to sell you things, and I would recommend a balcony room if you are in any way clostrofobic.
Toured the cannery and the town. Did not do an excursion. Could have completed everything there in 2 hours and had more time in the bigger ports instead of spending 8 hours there. Town is tiny.
Juneau was a very nice port but we only had 6 hours there. Did whale watching excursion which was great! No time to explore the town after the excursion though.
Skagway was a really cool port and town. Did the extended White Pass Train excursion that had the salmon bake and show after. Train ride was fun and scenery breathtaking. Salmon bake was good, show after was awful. Due to the extended excursion had little time to explore Skagway town but did have 8 hours there.
Best port of the actual cruise. Went salmon fishing for the excursion there...fishing was tough but got to see two humpback whales traveling together, bald eagles, and sea lions plus got a private tour to see thousands of salmon in the creeks. Short time to see the town, got to tour an old brothel, and shop a bit.
We stayed an extra day in Vancouver before heading back home and by far this was the best decision of the trip. Did the hop on hop off bus tour of the city and could have stayed for several more days there enjoying the sights.
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