New cruiser

[ellie825]

HI everyone have booked our first cruise so July 1st we set sail to Alaska on the Norwegian Pearl. Anyone else on this cruise.
What are the besst excursions and should we book through the cruise line.
Any other advice would be great too. Not sure what to take and how to pack I'm guessing warmer clothes and boots?????

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by ellie825

HI everyone have booked our first cruise so July 1st we set sail to Alaska on the Norwegian Pearl. Anyone else on this cruise.
What are the besst excursions and should we book through the cruise line.
Any other advice would be great too. Not sure what to take and how to pack I'm guessing warmer clothes and boots?????

Since this is your first cruise, you might be more comfortable booking through the cruise line...

although most of the Alaska ports are right close to the ship..so you can just get off and roam on your own.

Here's where you can set up a "roll call" for your cruise (you asked, "anyone else on this cruise", and I don't find a roll call there yet.

You don't need boots necessarily, but water repellant non-slip shoes would be good, and lots of layers. It can be quite cool on the ship, and if you go on excursions on the ocean or trampling on glaciers, and then be warmer in towns. Be prepared to take clothes on/off..sweatshirts, sweaters, anything that can be easily removed/put back on. Gloves and a hat are good for whale and glacier watching on board.

Have a great time!

[lamchops]

Originally Posted by ellie825

HI everyone have booked our first cruise so July 1st we set sail to Alaska on the Norwegian Pearl. Anyone else on this cruise.
What are the besst excursions and should we book through the cruise line.
Any other advice would be great too. Not sure what to take and how to pack I'm guessing warmer clothes and boots?????

Weather can be a mixed bag so be prepared to dress in layers.

If you have or can borrow some, bring a pair of binoculars. They will come in handy if you spot whales or any other wildlife as well as cruising near the glaciers.

The Pearl is a great ship for the 1st timer, make use of the bowling alley and rock wall!

PSST! Here's the best tip I can give:
When getting your morning coffee at the buffet, go to the coffee machine closest to the kid's seating area.(near the back patio) This is the only machine that grinds and brews at the same time. (single serve) The others are batch brewed 30 cups at a time though they look similar.

[bbwex]

As far as excursions are concerned, you can either use the ship's tours or book your own. Even though it's a first cruise, you can easily set up your own, though some of the better operators might already be booked. I spent a good bit on time on the Alaska board in the Ports of Call section, got the drift of the various conversations and was easily able to figure out who the better companies are. I then made my own arrangements. It is a little cheaper, and you can set up your day to your liking and not have to deal with the ship's tour schedule. For instance, in Juneau, we were able to do both a whale watch and a glacier trek. Both companies knew I was doing both, and they worked with me to make sure it all worked out well. It's not all that hard to do it yourself if you choose to do so.

The weather is unpredictable. We had lots of clouds and some rain along the cruise, and in late June it was pretty chilly. It could have been quite warm too. Have lots of layers -- the weather changes quickly -- so you are prepared. I agree that unless you are expecting to do some hiking on your own, boots are unnecessary.