Northern Aurora

We love reindeer sausage. It will be easy to find.

We have used the Seattle light rail many times through the years, and have always felt comfortable.

If you are willing to rent a vehicle for the day and the weather is nice definitely consider Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine State Historical Site. Also research Matanuska Glacier to determine if that might be of interest.

I am glad that there was no sentimental value. But I suspect that a housekeeping staff member had no idea that it was some sort of marker for a kiddo.

We also use the dry cleaning frequently. Never had a problem.

We have done two land trips and one cruise to Iceland, and still have more to see. In addition the ideas already mentioned consider the Settlement Exhibition. Due to the sagas historians think they know which of the original families built this house. And we also like the area around Vik and have stayed at the Icelandair hotel at Vik for several nights.

We have been on over 70 Celebrity cruises, so it was very interesting to read your perspective as a first timer on X. And I also suspect that your magnet was not stolen by a passenger but was removed by a housekeeping staff person. While some folks feel the need to decorate their doors I have never seen a magnet in a hallway. If you had dropped by Guest Relations (lost and found) they probably had it.

I also remember the bags of popcorn in Celebrity theaters, but have not seen that in many years. Also wonder if the practice was stopped due to the mess left on floors,

In September be prepared for rain. Dress in layers with a waterproof (not water resistant) outer layer. Layers are also the key in Alaska. Folks on Alaska itineraries tend to dress more casually than on a number of other itineraries.

Goggle maps seem to be highly inaccurate in Alaska. Your taxi ride from the Anchorage airport to the Captain Cook will be around twenty minutes. uber is now legal in Alaska. There was an issue with our wage and hours laws which had to be modified so Uber could legally operate. Taxis will also be available outside of baggage claim.

We are also Zenith Captains Club members and use the free laundry perk continually. We are presently on a ship and sent out laundry yesterday. Items included a pair of my jeans, a pair of my 6 ft. husbands pants, two long sleeved shirts, several sets of underwear and socks. Easily could have fit more items in the bag.

You will want to be onboard two hours before embarkation when first boarding. Remember that you will need to watch the safety video and report to your muster station. All passengers need to do this before the ship will depart Seward. The Seward cruise terminal is a warehouse type of structure. It will be rather empty of passengers until the ship chartered Alaska Railroad train from Anchorage arrives about 5pm. That transfer is very popular. If you arrive before the rail transfer there will be no lines. And the checkin procedure Celebrity developed after Covid is incredibly smooth — virtually no lines no matter where you embark. If you arrive before the train you will essentially walk on board, deliver your carry on bags to your stateroom and start to explore the ship.

Anytime dining certainly is available on Celebrity and Silverseas. While there may be some cruise line which still only offers traditional fixed seating I do not know which one that would be.

Every one, and I really mean literally everyone, sitting in the Retreat Lounge, heard the complaint. She is very upset. Just hope she can accept the situation. These concierges have such difficult jobs. And they cannot move her as the suites are full. And from what we have heard the ship is sailing at capacity. But I am not sure that an inside cabin would make her happy either. The height of a bathroom sink is what it is.

@DaKahuna: On this B2B the dedicated butlers have not returned. But the “head butler” is doing a nicer job than the “head butler” we had for 40 nights on the Edge last fall. Much nicer job. We find Japan itineraries so different than itineraries in places where local folks are indifferent to cruise ship visits. Folks in Japan (including shops and restaurants) clearly appreciate the business. And the friendliness and hospitality of the Japanese people is truly amazing. We were in Japan in 2018 and my husband has been to Japan several times on business. Fellow passengers who have not been to this wonderful country are amazed. This B2B we have been treated to fireworks, local performances from high school bands and as we left Osaka tonight a local Taiko band (not the group which has performed in the theater) performed on pier. Even local folks waving flags when we either depart or arrive. Again on this leg we have at least one Japanese tour company on board. Two tables for their hosts/coordinators on deck 3. There is no dedicated section on the Oceanview for Japanese cuisine, but there is some on board. Just have to search. A number of Japanese beers are stocked. Even though we have some needy folks in the Retreat Lounge on this leg, the ship has a pleasant feel to it.