Overall, it was a good experience. Great relaxation trip. Wish the weather had been nicer to make it up Endicott Arm, but 50s and 60s in early May is hard to beat for Alaska.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
The first 4 steps were easy, peasy...the boarding process, however, was a complete disaster. There was no organization. No line, no boarding time despite the reiterating of boarding times. Waited 3 hours to board after clearing customs only because of speaking up to the 1 gentleman who was processing all guests from the first sitting area to the second. Complete nightmare.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food was good and filling. Jamie's Italian, as always, didn't disappoint. 5 stars for our waiter (both nights) who provided some magic during our meal. Pizza at Sorrentos, less than great. Harp and Horn was definitely worth the extra money for a mid-afternoon lunch. The burgers are huge! Chops was just ok. Service was great, and food was not as good as I've experienced in the past.
The main dining room was extremely busy for breakfast with long wait times (30 minutes a few of the days despite arrival time).
Some drinks could only be found at certain bars despite being on bar menus for all bars. Bartenders using well liquors for those with deluxe package unless specifically requested by passenger.
Jamie's Italian
5 out of 5
Absolutely wonderful. Service, food, everything about it. Dined twice for dinner. This is always a must in my opinion. Well worth the price.
Schooner Bar
5 out of 5
Best bartenders on the ship. Same-same could be heard from each of them when any guest who had previously ordered any type of drink walked up. Never a wait, very fast and efficient and worked hard to ensure everyone was happy with their selections. Always ensuring bottled waters were handed out to those drinking alcohol to keep them hydrated and not a drunk mess.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Tons of outdoor activities. Booked North Star but was canceled due to weather, unfortunately.
Too much trivia in my opinion. All public lounges had trivia all day (when sailing) which made it difficult to find a place to cozy up with a book.
Vitality at Sea Spa
5 out of 5
Amazing staff. 2 massages and a facial later I can say this was by far one of the best spas on sea. Very friendly crew and helpful in booking appointments. Spa therapist was the best of the best!
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Main theater shows were ok. Comedian and hypnotist were not the best in the opinion of the group I was with. Musicians in the bars were all excellent.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff was wonderful. All very welcoming, friendly, and willing to go above and beyond.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Layout of ship was easily accessible. Definitely could use a 3rd set of stairs as both are more mid-ship, but it is what it is.
Common areas are clean for the most part. However, women's restrooms always needed to be attended to, specifically the stalls. Toilet paper on the floor, no toilet paper on the rolls, etc. One of the cleanest buffet areas across all lines and ships. Lots of glasses piled on top of garbage cans and around ship on tables or stuffed in corners.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Clean, perfect size for 2. Lots of storage space for clothes.
Ship tip
Book a spa treatment, eat at Jamie's Italian at least once, and enjoy your time onboard.
Arrived 2 days prior to cruise. This was always a "must visit" place. Didn't care for the city itself. Found it to be dirty. Make sure to watch where you walk/step. Overabundance of homelessness on and high drug use (not just marijuana). Was mostly comfortable walking around in daylight hours with our group. Wouldn't have ventured out in the dark.
Unfortunately due to weather from the night before it was extremely foggy and there were a large number of icebergs that prevented us from getting up the arm to Dawes glacier. Got to witness the beauty 4 years ago and so grateful I had the opportunity.
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