As a younger couple the actual in cruise activities lacked for though the Royal Caribbean aims to promote an experience for all ages many guest were of the older age groups so the daily compass activities ended around 10:30p. We also found that the "24hr solarium pool and exterior pool/jacuzzi" also closed for cleaning at 11p for up to 5 hrs at night which was very disappointing. The best part of the whole cruise was the port of calls scheduled for each day allowed us to really explore different areas of Alaska to the max. This is in comparison to other cruise lines with just two or three stops or that do round trip departure/destination voyages. Having been on other Royal Caribbean cruises before this one fell a bit short for the inside cruising experience. Though I can attest to this not being a norm cruising experience for the others trips have been top notch.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
On this voyage to Alaska, there was no entertainment other than arcade and casino past 11p. Though not typical with this cruise line.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
On this voyage to Alaska, there was no entertainment other than arcade and casino past 11p. Though not typical with this cruise line.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
If you are upgrading or wanting to pay the extra money and book a large ocean view stateroom, make sure you don't choose or get assigned to deck 2. For customer service will insist it falls under the description provided online for a "large ocean view stateroom" however, it will instead be a small port hole window view. If this does not bother you than disregard, otherwise try to make arrangements prior to departure to have ocean view room in a deck other than deck 2. Having not known this prior, when we addressed the issue on embarkment it was too late to do anything about it for the rooms were all already occupied.
Ship tip
Though it may take up a bit more of your time, the Cascade Dining, offers far superior food for breakfast, lunch (on non-port days) and diner than the repetitive menu of the Windjammer.
Free Yellow School Bus Shuttle with stops around town and they also take your luggage as well. Picked us up at the train station. We used this to get around during our brief stay. Give tip many of them are veterans. Also the Sea life Center is a great stop. Souvenirs here are higher priced than the other stops.
The tram is a must. I bought the Alaska Toursaver book online and it has 2 for 1 coupons to use in almost every port well worth the money to have it mailed to you prior to departure. Many of the stores right next to the port are owned by the cruise lines so if you want a more authentic local experience venture into the town further. For more variety of items, budget friendly and local vendors Ketchikan is the place to shop.
Small town not much to do unless you have an excursion. Did the salmon bake at Liarsville here with the 2 for 1 Alaska tour saver voucher book. Definitely worth the money, delicious sockeye salmon.
Small port many did the 90 seconds of pure adrenaline zip line or the overhaul crab charter/feast tour. Which were all well recommended and boasted about. This out of all the spots was best to see whales (humpback, orcas and sea lions) hands down. Many went in Juneau which does have sighting but not quite the same experience since its usually raining in Juneau. Whale watching a must do for sure in Icy Strait Point.
This is the it place to get your shopping done. Great variety, budget friendly selections and genuine local vendors. This differs a lot from the other ports which are bombarded by jewelers and pricier vendors owned by the cruise lines. There is also a free white school bus that shuttles you around town. 20min waiting intervals near the cruise tram.
Breathtaking passage. Dress in layers or get a cozy seat near a clean window camera and binoculars in hand for a day filled with natural beauty and whale sitings.
Stayed one day hear post cruise. Did a highlights of vancouver tour after the cruise dock in between checking in to our hotel. It was nice for we did not have to worry about our luggage or transportation to our hotel and got to learn a lot about Vancouver. Living near NYC, there wasn't nothing to extraordinary about the city except for a few things here and there. Like Stanley park totem poles and the lions gate bridge. Had we stayed a couple of days we would have ventured to victoria island and the suspension bridge for we heard great things about it.
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