We had a really great time! Still had sea legs when we got home and still missing the rocking of the ship at night to lull us to sleep! I would do this again.
Thank you.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The last time I cruised, I hadn't experienced the high level of security that's now in place. I applaud the people who are staffed to make things move along efficiently for the boarding process.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Buffet/s were good, especially if you're looking for something quick and we stopped in late afternoon for cheese/crackers to bring back to our cabin for a quick pick me up. We appreciate the greeters at the door with the Purell to avoid germs - great idea!!!
Since continental breakfast free, we took advantage of the opportunity to have coffee on our balcony a lite breakfast that was enough to start our day as we ventured out.
Dinners in the Chops Grill, Giovanni's and Samba Grill were so delicious, it's truly hard to not be tempted to go for more.
My Time dining was wonderful and would've dined a couple more times had I understood that you needed to make a reservation but they were very accommodating.
All the wait staff in all capacities from delivery of our Continental breakfasts, buffet, My Time dining to select restaurants greeted guests with a warm friendly hospitality, helpful with selections, outstanding service and personable.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We liked walking and exploring the ship, checking out the impressive fitness centers(I brought clothes to work but never a chance to use the facility). We did follow the foot path around the ship and play miniature golf made more fun when the ship was rocking!
Used both the pool and hot tub (outside and in the Solarium). Plenty of deck chairs to use on the sunny days.
Walking the ship each day allowed for lots of exercise and enjoyed finding the helipad to really feel the fresh air!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Didn't really catch the stage shows but listed to the musicians/DJ's from the landings and they were so talented and entertaining.
Children's Programs
No kids with us.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward Clayton was so welcoming upon arrival in our cabin. He wanted to make sure that we were comfortable and we loved the different animal in the room each evening. Clayton would ask how our day was when we'd see him in the hallway or as we passed him in another cabin.
All the staff are so welcoming from the time you step aboard ship until you leave. They greet you with a smile and a hello. The waiters, of course want you to come back to dine in their restaurant, it's so hard to say "no".
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Once you get the lay of the ship, it's not hard to figure out so you're not getting lost!
Everywhere we explored on the ship was clean.
It's hard to maintain a clean up with so many people on board but the crew does a great job to keep the ship looking in tip top shape.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was the perfect size. The bed was great & loved the pillows! We slept with our balcony window open slightly to allow the air to come in and hear the wave/s to lull us to
sleep. The little sofa is a great touch, especially after finally boarding ship, getting to our cabin and settling in, I sat down and feel asleep.
Our room was made up each day after we stepped, although there was really much to do, Clayton remade the bed and checked our towels, just some light straightening up.
Ship tip
Read up on the ship for info regarding all the amenties and your options for dining and what the ship has to offer on board as far as entertainment.
We flew in from San Jose, CA, had time to get our bags for transfer to the ship, grab a quick bite at the airport and catch our transfer to the port but the bus allowed us a chance to see downtown Vancouver.
I have visited Ketchikan 30 years ago and it's changed so much, it grew!
We did an electric bike and eco-hike and had an AWESOME time. You couldn't ask for better weather. Afterwards, we walked around and found a little place to have lunch and walked to Creek Street. So many shops.
This is a really cool place to be able to walk and stretch your legs. We walked the 1.5 mi into the town and rode the $3.00 shuttle back to the visitor's center. There's a history center, a museum where canning was done. We saw eagles and whales/s and a raven who frequents the fish restaurant where we had lunch and is waiting for handouts and a definite photo opt, he's quite handsome.
Icy Strait Point is home to the tallest zip line, which sound like a jet plane taking off as they fly down the mountain at 60 mph!!
Lot's of people were on the beach walking around while the tide was out.
Again, I've visited the Juneau on the same trip that included Ketchikan previously, 30 years ago and this city has grown to include a huge pier to greet the massive ships that come in. There was no visitor center and it wasn't a problem to get into the Red Dog Saloon.
We did the Whale watch tour and salmon bake. We saw a humpback and baby and Orca/s and it was awesome. The naturalist and boat captain were great and we got some pictures of the whales. The salmon bake which was part of the excursion is very well done, with picnic tables under a canopy of trees, plenty of food and then you can take a short scenic walk behind the gift shop to walk off your lunch to take pictures of the waterfall.
After we got back into town we walked around to pick up a couple gifts.
The port is right within walking distance of shopping and restaurants.
The weather was beautiful!!
Skagway was port before we got to Seward and we did the ZipLine excursion. This is an interesting little town with a lot of history which we got on the coach ride to catch another ride to the zipline. The ride up to where we reach the zipline launch was equally great on a MOOG - a Mercedes humvi on steroids. We get to the zipline and the people that fit you with harnesses and show you how and what do make it as fun and make you feel as reassured as possible. Instead of 1 trip, you zip to 11 platforms, I'd definitely do this again if given the opportunity.
The town itself has a railroad line and still looks like something out of the 1800's although there're some modern stores and businesses but mostly geared towards tourist trade. The little neighborhoods we saw are quaint and when the ships stop coming, not a big population.
The weather was cooler as we got further north but by the time we got to zipline, the sun was out.
No port stop, the captain took us into the glacier as far as he could, there was a lot of ice in the water and we actually witnessed a glacial calving (breaking off). Arrived in the glacier early, so, bundled up and stood on the deck to witness the magnificence. Since we couldn't further into the bay, this was our last cruise day, weather very brisk, walked the ship and spent time in the solarium.
The was our port of debarkation. We boarded a train, which was our transfer to Anchorage was the best idea that our agent recommended!! This train excursion had full windows in a dining/bar car so we could order food, coffee, cocktails. Best of all the porter/tour guide/waiter provided us with history, markers, points of interest and the wildlife to see along the route, even saw a glacier. This made for an amazing last look of this beautiful wilderness before getting to big city and a bonus point is the train actually pulled right up to airport!
Being from the Seattle area I never considered an Alaska cruise, but after reading all of the great reviews it is now on our shortlist after Europe, and for once we won't have to fly many hours to do so. I will consider a last minute cruise to save even more. Cheers...
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