Taking this adventure with friends and family made this trip extra special. I've been on several cruises with large groups and having just the 6 of us I really enjoyed quality time with them. I would recommend always traveling with 1 to 2 couples, I don't think I would enjoy this kind of adventure as much if others were not along to share with. Our stateroom attendant, Cristian did a fabulous job and took care of our needs, we really appreciate him. Franc and Elmer our My Time Dining table service team were fun, efficient, excellent service. We hated to say goodbye would have loved to stay in contact with these two guys they were great! Our excursion stops were breath taking, the terrain of Alaska . . . I had no idea of the beauty, I thought Tennessee was beautiful but when flying back home opening the plane window was shocking of the environment change. When planning my trip I generally purchase the alcohol package but I thought the price that Royal Caribbean charged was excessive and now having a soft drink package too, when does the charges stop? I would like to see less push of sales of items, i.e. Diamonds International, it was a bit of overkill. All and all our trip was fantastic and I don't think I would change a thing about Royal Caribbean stay.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Franc and Elmer did a fantastic job in the Cascade Dining Room. Ferrot (sp) was very attentive in the Cascades and Windjammer. He made sure we were accommodated and helped with seating in Windjammer.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Jonathan Clark was fantastic, loved his act. The juggler, don't remember his name, but he was wonderful, I would see him again. The Cruise Director was up beat and kept us informed of all the activities on board.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Franc and Elmer from Cascade Dining room, they made our dining experience very great, all their suggestions were right on and they brought extra things for us to share at the table to try, we loved it! Cristian our stateroom attendant was great and Ferrot the head waiter was very good at his job.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Bathrooms or at least the shower very small, would have taken a loveseat verses a couch to have a bigger bathroom. Glass surround verses the shower curtain would have been better. Very comfortable bed, had plenty of storage and all of our luggage fit under the bed. A night light would be something to consider.
Ship tip
Plan well in advance. There are a lot of things you must do before you cruise. Your travel agent should help you but you still have to take time and have everything well planned out. Travel with another couple or two. We met nice people but the memories you will share for a lifetime.
We stayed at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, convenient to walk around downtown. You will take a cab to port. I would recommend a day early, which we did but it rained. I think the Hop on Hop off bus is the way to go to see the city.
Our first stop, the views were amazing. Our cabin was on the port side of boat and that's where we anchored so the city was open to our cabin, loved it. The rain forest was interesting and our tour guide was very enthusiastic and did a great job!
This is where we learned about the local culture. I had no idea and respect them even more. We saw eagles, bears and ravens. I understand the whale watch here was a good one.
We saw the Mendenhall Glacier beautiful, would have loved more time here but we spent a lot of time on the whale watch. We saw a couple of whales but the time it took was a loss to spend elsewhere. We also took the Mounts Roberts Tramway, beautiful and great pictures from this location. The nature trail was gorgeous.
A MUST take the train as your excursion! White Pass Scenic Railway and have time to each lunch downtown and shop. Very charming city. Best excursion of the trip.
It says Anchorage but the airport by bus is 2 1/2 hours away and the bus per person is $85. We had plenty of time to see Anchorage, 8 hour wait for our flight. To do this again I would have taken the train but I was initially told it was a 6 hour ride but it's only 4 1/2 hours and I'm sure the views were amazing. You have to book train early.
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