This was our first cruise. We had never been especially interested in a cruise: however, going on a small ship to a place like Alaska was great. It was nice to have a home base, and not pack and unpack all the time. Lori Cordes, from Delta Skymiles vacations, helped with all the details (very patiently, I might add).
Embarkation
3 out of 5
There was a great deal of confusion about downloading the Arrive Canada app and whether or not it had to be cometed immediately. I believe this was on the part of the port staff, not the Oceania staff. It was very annoying and disorganized.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The buffet was good. We liked the ability to also have cooked to order food there. Waves was very good. Polo was very good- food was fresh and well done. Service was always well done everywhere. Room service was horrible. We tried once, was a disaster. Got the wrong food, was not even warm, took a long time to get the right food there. Didnt really try again.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was enough to keep busy during sail days. It was very cold, so we didnt do many deck activities. Fitness center was good, BUT, it was quite hot and didnt have good air circulation. Spa was nice. Went to one lecture by the biologist, that was interesting, but the Regatta lounge was hot and stuffy. That, combined with the fact that seas were rough then, made it hard to sit there.they had a lot of organized activities, but that is not something we are typically interested in. The library was lovely, and some of the Alaska books helped us plan what to do on shore.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The musicians, especially the jazz musicians at Happy Hour at the Horizons, were excellent. Top notch.
Children's Programs
We did not bring children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward, Jose, was WONDERFUL. So nice, attentive and professional. Most other personnel were friendly and professional.
Julian at the Horizons bar (bartender) was great! Very friendly and engaging.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Everything appeared to be clean. There were plenty of areas to relax, and no area ever seemed crowded. That was a big plus for us, as we have never been on a cruise and were imagining people everywhere all the time.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The size was fine. Bathroom tiny, but functional. Balcony good size- we were out there all the time. We couldn't use as much as we wanted, as it was cold some of the time. Cabin was very clean. Bed comfortable, towels very nice. It took a day or 2 to get the turn down service going completely.
We felt that we had plenty of room.
Ship tip
Do a complete "tour" upon boarding so you are at least familiar with what is there.
We had been staying here for a couple of weeks, as we have family in the area. We are quite familiar with Seatlle. This port is located in an ideal area for a quick tour of places such as Pikes Market.
We did the fishing (husband) and the canoe/nature trail. Both were very good. The Captain on my husbands boat was very informative about the area. HOWEVER, we did not know that it was still catch and release for King Salmon...that would have changed the day when fishing was chosen, as it ended 2 days later. This should have been disclosed. For the canoe trip, everything well organized, tour company staff very friendly. Food provided (chowder and salmon spread) were excellent. Staff very knowledgeable about flora and fauna.
Went whale watching. It was fantastic. Saw many whales, including mom and calves. Some were right at the side of the boat. It was amazing.
The port area was nice. All activities and businesses owned and operated by the people who live there (Tlinget?). Talked with several folks at these establishments about this.
Stopped at the bar/ restaurant located at the small tram that took is from the ship across to the cannery area. Beautiful building with a huge fireplace (thank god, as it was freezing and windy that day!). After whale watching, went back and had halibut sandwiches. SO delicious! Cannery area was nice, albeit touristy. Very nice local jewelry and art. Nice display about the history of the area. Never got in to town, not enough time with whale watching. Everyone very friendly.
Did not go on any excursions. Wanted to just walk around and explore. Cool little city, wish we had more time. Some time taken up by having to use the small boats to get to shore, but that was efficient.
Wandered around, including in to the Russian Orthodox church, which was beautiful. Asked where we should eat- went to Beak, which is in back of their small radio station, which looks like an old house. Excellent food. Great atmosphere.
Visitor center has nice displays of the history of the area.
We did not do an excursion. We were supposed to go to Butchart Gardens, but didnt feel like sitting in busses, etc.
Walked around- it was a beautiful, warm day and the sun actually came out. Walked from ship to downtown. We had been here before, but not for a long time. Found a great Irish Pub for a late lunch (Irish Times), where we encountered friendly staff and great food.
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