ccqueenanne

I've had about half of my Ubers drop at the ride share area, half drop right at front. There is more traffic for them dropping at front (lost time/$), but the offer of extra tip should help, if you need the closer drop off due to disability.

If you do end up doing two Ubers TO the port, some drivers will say they can't go up to the building for drop off (probably b/c they don't want to get stuck in the traffic). With a disabled person, the walk from Uber drop off is too long, but I've had success telling the driver we need to be dropped off in front and will tip accordingly. The walk to the Ubers at the end of the cruise will be too long, and your person might also have trouble getting up onto the shuttle, depending on their mobility. It could be easiest just to take two cabs back to the airport, as the taxi line is right in front of the building. Or, as suggested above, arrange for a private transfer. My guess, though, is that the private transfer may cost more than 2 taxis.

Port Valet is GREAT. To be clear - it's a free transfer for your luggage, not yourselves. But if your airline participates and your flight is within the time parameters for Port Valet, it's fab and totally recommended. It'll also allow 4 adults to fit into any Uber/cab. If you don't/can't use Port Valet, you'll need to ensure you order an Uber big enough to hold all of your luggage. Or join the cab line and wait for a cab with more luggage space. With four people, I'd pick an Uber/cab vs paying for 4 transfers on the coach.

And you were able to do so when both teens were under 16? If so, that's a relief to hear.

I'm wondering if proximity (adjoining cabins) would negate the age requirement.

From what I read, if we want two cabins (one for parents, one for 2 15 year-olds), we'll need to book one teen and one parent per room. I understand that when we board, we should be able to get medallions coded to swap one parent and one teen (or give all 4 access to both rooms), right? Does anyone have experience requesting an official swap, so that the parents can purchase Plus, without having to buy it for the teens as well? (Yes, I agree that it would be nice for them to have Plus, but budget is going towards them getting their own cabin instead of sharing with us.)

Yes - I see people with bouquets boarding the Alaska cruises every summer.

They fit just fine and stay secure - even in the pool.

I got this 3-pack on Amazon and they even fit my husband's big boned wrist.I've used them multiple times already.

Our stop had a similar port time. We didn't rush right off the ship - probably left 9:30am-ish. We spent at least an hour at the Musher Camp. We stopped in Carcross for probably 15 minutes, maybe 20-30 minutes at Emerald Lake, stops for photos along the way whenever we wanted. We could have taken even more time, but my husband is one who frets about missing the ship. With stopping to fill up before parking back at the dock, we were back at least 1.5 hours early. You will absolutely have time for Emerald Lake. If you save the Gold Rush Cemetery/Reid Falls for the end, you can cut it if you feel short on time.

AH - it's CC (think RN Reunion for clue). Happy to answer any Celebrity questions for you - we do at least one Alaska each summer. Very curious how you'll like it compared to NCL. We did the extra key thing last year on a family trip. Super easy to get the extra key at guest services - just make sure you bring a sharpie to write on the keys, so she knows which one is which.

It's absolutely worth renting a car in Skagway IF the kids are up for the scenic ride into the Yukon (passports needed, as noted above). It's a fantastic drive with lots of scenic spots to stop, plus you could stop at the Sled Dog Musher's Camp on that route. We did the drive, stopping to visit the pups on the way to the Yukon, went as far as Emerald Lake before turning around. Otherwise, there's a tourist shuttle bus in Skagway that you could take out towards the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls, which has some nice walking/hiking and neat history. (You could also visit this if you rent a car - I'd hit it on the way back to the ship.) I can't imagine needing bear spray for this Skagway stop.

We rented from Affordable Car Rental Skagway, as it was cheaper than the other options and had good reviews. They offered (for extra charge) a super convenient drop off service where they had the car waiting at the dock for us. They also offer bagged lunch (for extra charge). We didn't do that, so I don't know if it would just be waiting in your car, but it's something to consider if you want to get on the road ASAP.

Also, Grand Princess seems to be unlucky with technical issues with the ship. I'd pick Koningsdam.

Gave cash for deliveries to our room, but generally didn't tip extra for drinks ordered when out and about.