wolfie11

I would not trust NCL on this. Bait and switch seems to be their modus operandi. I will book Sapphire Princess, which I know has a great naturalist on board who does Alaska in the summers, and which also has scientists get on and lecture.

I have many fond memories of Dave and Nancy from when I lived in Skagway in the 90’s and subsequent years working on ships. I’m glad you’re starting up the business again and I wish you the best of luck.

The new ore dock is complete. Things should be back to the (new) normal by mid-May.

True. If you sail in Arctic waters, especially in the presence of sea ice, such as around the Pribiloffs or off Utkiavik, foggy conditions are prevalent and persistent. However, Southeast Alaska is in the temperate zone with both sea and land temperatures well above those found further north. The glaciers are on land and only touch the ocean so the environmental conditions are different. Weather in Southeast Alaska is variable with unstable atmospheric conditions and frequent low pressure systems.

The friendly cruise consultant is lying to you.

Big ships can get as close as it is safe to do so. They can’t land passengers.

Dutch Harbor is the #1 most cancelled cruise stop followed by the Falkland Islands. It’s a great place but not at all touristy. As we say in Alaska it’s a quaint little drinking town with a fishing problem.

Actually it’s the opposite. Cold air holds less moisture so often as you come up to a glacier the rain is much less or stops altogether and the clouds and fog lift.

Aw c’mon, nothing says Alaska like a 10K diamond ring from Effy!

I go grocery shopping in port and bring food on all the time. The only thing they want to know is if any of it is alcohol.

These places are all located along the dock on the walk to the Swiftwater Cafe. There are no customs or immigration to clear in Whittier. You can get on and off the ship all day. I also really like the shorter boat tour offered to Blackstone Bay. There’s a small museum in Begich Tower, which is where 95% of the residents live and a dive bar in the old hotel. In the old days they used to let the crew off at around 2am to go party at the bar, but I don’t think they do that anymore.

Expensive. Stops for coffee, ice cream, home made fudge, local gifts, and a really cool hardware, marine supply, and souvenir store.

No idea. Probably late 2024?

Love Whittier! I have been on the 26 Glacier cruise many times. I’ve also spent a lot of time in Seward, and done most of the tours as well as spending quite a bit of time in both places on private and research boats. I much prefer Whittier. It’s great on a turnaround day. I can do laundry, wander through town, eat at the Swiftwater Cafe, go for a hike, or just sit somewhere and enjoy the day.