Worth the "Investment"!
Sail Date: September 04, 2016
Reviewed: 8 months ago
Traveled As: Couple
Room Type: Suite
After 36 years together, we decided to do something fun, just for us. This cruise was perfect. Although we splurged on a suite, we both feel it was the best investment we made to pamper ourselves and to enjoy an experience with the least amount of stress. Alaska is beautiful and the perfect environment to rejuvenate from the impacts of a hectic and busy lifestyle.
Category Ratings
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| Cabin / Stateroom | Our cabin was the highlight of our trip. We were pleasantly surprised to how spacious it was. We were grateful for the 180-degree view of Alaska's sights. Loved the spacious balcony with lounge chairs and a small table/chairs for relaxing. | |
| Embarkation and Disembarkation | Embarkation was very smooth but disembarkation at the Seattle port was chaos -- not Princess' fault, but moreso the scheduling of the customs and immigration staff. Be prepared to stand in long lines and to search for your baggage on your own by walking up and down aisles in a designated baggage color area that's assigned to you. | |
| Ship Quality | The ship was immaculate. We felt very safe and comfortable. | |
| Destinations and Excursions | We chose excursions "off the beaten path" and didn't have one regret. Annette Island in Ketchikan was memorable because we had a chance to experience the culture & perspectives of an indigenous tribe. Enjoyed the highlights tour at Juneau and especially our naturalist guide, Josh. In Skagway, we had way too much fun with the glass blowing experience at Jewell Gardens. Such a pleasant and fun activity. Loved our artisan Travis, who kept us engaged and entertained. | |
| Onboard Activities | Didn't think that the formal nights were necessary as most passengers chose to just dress resort-casual. We spent $$ to rent a tux and pack formal wear. We were uncomfortable when we realized that we were way overdressed at the restaurants. | |
| Entertainment | We didn't attend any shows but very much enjoyed the musical performances of a pianist, jazz group and violinist in the Piazza. | |
| Service and Staff | Eldrid B. was a fantastic steward. So thoughtful and intuitive. Ever smiling. Carmela was a waitress we looked forward to seeing at the Crown Grill breakfast. So embracing and welcoming! | |
| Food and Dining | Appreciated the many dining venues available on board and also the choice to have anytime dining. Food was quite good. Didn't think that the premium charge of $39 pp at Share Restaurant was worth the money or value. |
Port Ratings
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Click table then swipe to view all columns.
| Seattle, Washington | Make it a point to visit the Boeing factory. So impressive! The Chihuly glass garden near the Space Needle was also a good visit. |
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| Ketchikan, Alaska | |||
| Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska | If you're not in to small boat rides, stay onboard and head to Juneau instead. We couldn't get close to Tracy Arm because of ice berg cloggs. Just as well. | ||
| Juneau, Alaska | |||
| Skagway, Alaska | |||
| Victoria, British Columbia | Princess doesn't really do this city justice by arriving in the early evening with only a few hours to see the sights. We toured at night and missed so many view-stops because it was so dark. The city is clean and appealing, though. |
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