luv2gamble

wow, glad I started this thread. Learned a lot. thank you all so much. I have to hit this market for sure :). Does anyone know how far this is from the hotel I booked called the Spring Hill Suites Downtown Seattle. Also, going to the Space Needle. Hope these are not far. Hotel said its about a 10 minute walk but how knows. I later found out that is could be a big walk because its Hilly around there?? Still have no clue who is right or wrong. My friend is disabled so was curious how much walking involved. Thanks all!

I also live in Suffolk county on Long Island and have done the train to Penn and a cab to the ship twice with no problems at all. When you get off the train look for the elevator much easier then the escalator with your luggage. Have a great time.

Thanks, live in Islip terrace, both in the same boat. Thanks for elevator advise :)

Thanks all. Guess my original plan is best. :)

Hi there,

we have been to the Port of Orlando several times while cruising on NCL. I have found a nice little beach that we go to -- Jetty State Park. Get off the ship walk out to where the cabs are and ask the price to go to Jetty State Park Park (cost listed on the window is $2.50 a person) you may have to negoiate the price - they ususally charge $5.00 a person and tell the guy getting the cabs that yes that is really where you want to go.

 

There is no cost for the beach. There is a consession stand, bathrooms, changing rooms, soveriner shop, playground, fishing gear for rental, beach chairs for rent, a fishig pier. We have seen dolphins, manatee, sea turtles, osprey while there. The beach is level so it is great for kids -- the waves are a nice size for bodyboarding or just playing in.

 

Off season the consession stand and fishing place close early.

 

For under $50.00 (less if we do not rent chairs) my DH and I have a great day. NCL pulls in at noon so we have breakfast and then a nice luch while everyone is scrambling to get off the ship. Get to the beach about 1-1:30 spend a couple of hours and head back in time to get ready for dinner.

 

Sometimes we are lucky to have a balcony room that overlooks the dock. A "fun" thing for us is to sit on the balcony and watch the bedragled passangers return from the theme parks as we are relaxed on our balcony. I am sure they had a great time but man a lot of them look like something the cat dragged in when they get back to the ship.

 

This actually works great for us because my DH is not a big beach person and he is now on meds that say to stay out of the sun. I get mine time at the beach without the crowds. When you are in the water you can look down the beach and about a mile or so away you can see a packed beach area -- I believe it is CoCo Beach.

 

I have read on line that Port Canaveral will be building up a market area with vendors along the way to Jetty Park so that will soon be another nice stop.

 

Of course you can follow the crew and go to Wal-Mart!

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for your help. Sounds like a nice plan. Not really much of a beach person like your DH. So, a few hours there is perfect. :)

Hi everyone. One of the ports is Orlando. I have been there several times so Im just looking for something to do around the port. Is there anything there to do? Dont want to book excursion, been there, done that?

Hi All, I live on long Island and was thinking about taking train to penn then a cab to port. Is this is best way? Any suggestions?

You don't get crampons with this "tour". There is walking involves and standing around, you will have to get in/out of the basket. Contact the vendor direct TEMSCO for more details. With your health descriptions I would think this isn't a tour for you?

Thanks, I will take your advise :)

Actually, I'm a local who has lived here for 42 years. I teach geography at one of the local colleges and have traveled extensively throughout Alaska. My wife and I have made multiple trips into Southeast Alaska to see the glaciers and the wildlife; in fact, we are taking an "Uncruise" for eight days this summer from Juneau that spends extensive time in Glacier Bay. I've also done tons of field trips with my students into both Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords since both are a days drive from Anchorage.

 

We also worked as shipboard naturalists for several cruise lines until we realized that the ships really aren't interested in promoting knowledge about Alaska. They'd rather sell pricey excursions or worry about port shopping than offer an educational opportunity. That's why we like the smaller boat cruises that hold less than 100 passengers.

 

My wife currently works during the summer for one of the water taxi operators out of Whittier into Prince William Sound and has also worked for one of the small tour boat operators in Seward.

 

We love Alaska and sharing information about this place. These CruiseCritic boards are one way to do it. :)

ty for all your help. Sounds like you lead an fun life :)

I would move away from that stairwell. The teen and kids club is on the port side of 12 (check the deck plan) near that stairway and there always seemed to be lots of loud traffic. I think you'd be safe with 11062 and forward (that's the area we were in), or aft of 11078. You won't be under the teen dance club (that would be murder), but you might want to move away from the stairway area a bit further

Hi SDMIKE, I went over the deck plans as you said. I am calln NCL tomorrow and changing the room for sure. Your 100% correct, ALL the kid activities was directly over my room. The room you suggested 11062 is avail and so is the room you were in 11034. Looks like 11062 is closer to elevator and I was going to take that one. Unless, you think the room you had is better for some reason? Your the pro and I will go by what you say. I did request for 2 twin beds rather than one queen. Would you happen to know which way I would have more floor space for getting around? Undecided, NCL said they put the two twins together for form an extra large queen or I can have 2 twins? Going by pics it looks like 2 twins there is more walking area unless thats because I see more carpet in the pic, lol? Thanks again for your help :)

I booked this excursion with NCL and it's listed as Level #2 difficulty. I asked them how difficult is it and could not get a straight answer. I want to make sure I am capable of doing this. I have RSD which is a nerve disease because a 1000 pound filing cabinet fell on my foot and crushed it as well as the nerves. Therefore, I cannot walk with great balance. I'm 50 and not in the best shape (nice way of saying overweight: lol). If I'm on my feet long or walk too much they swell up w/pain. So, if anyone knows, is this hard to do. They give you some kind of spikes to put around your boots to help avoid slipping. Just how much would I be walking and is it that slippery with those spikes? Is it hard to get on & off sled? does the sled go fast? Ladies, is there a bathroom LOL? Any info would be helpful. Sorry so many questions but I have a lot o deal with. Thanks for the patience everyone :)

What is so special about this market? I did a search on it and it just looks like an outdoor market to me with fruits, veggies, and fish. Why does it get so crowded? I don't see why everyone goes there and whats the thrill. I read that by noon it is packed and can hardly walk?? Am I missing something? Why is this a mark on the map as a must see or thing to do?

also, someone wrote that Seattle does fireworks daily? Is this true? If so, where & when? Thanks all

Sorry but calving won't be happening where you land with the helicopter. Visible calving occurs primarily at the face/terminus of the glacier; these are tidewater glaciers that exist along fjords or the coastline. Mendenhall emptier into a lake; it will calve usually the pieces of ice are relatively small.

 

If you could get into Sawyer Glacier on a small boat you'd have a chance in Tracy Arm but, as others said, you may not get in in May due to ice conditions.

There can be good calving at the glaciers of Glacier Bay but those glaciers are but a shadow of what they used to be ten years ago.

 

Probably your best chance for spectacular calving is either the massive and very active Hubbard Glacier near Yakutat or small boat trips into Prince William Sound (from Whittier) or Kenai Fjords National Park (from Seward). Great places to witness the so-called "White Thunder" which you want to see.

Thank you so much for your post. Sounds like another trip all together. Well, I am sure it will still be beautiful anyway. You responded quickly with such accurate info, did you do this itinerary recently? Thanks for the info

First of all, the plane always carries all types of beverages to serve the passengers. So, I guess the won't burst. 2nd, I would not bother bringing anything. Just drink the FREE ice tea if you want to save. If its because you like to carry around a water bottle for convenience, then bring an empty bottle and keep filling it up w ice tea or even the water on board. For 1 week, it won't kill you. Besides, the water they serve at the dining room seems to taste good. If you want to bring something worth your trouble, bring wine LOL

Became a member recently and noticed that there was an option to search a thread and now its gone? i have several questions that Im sure have been asked before but now there is no way to search besides scrolling down every post. Maybe Im wrong, I am new to site. Does anyone know how I can search threads? Thanks all

If there's nowhere local, I'd suggest buying online before the cruise. Zappos has a huge selection and is great about returns if they don't fit properly or if she just doesn't like them when she tries them on. May isn't really the season for boot shopping in Seattle - like the rest of the country, stores here will have switched to summer clothing by then.

 

In addition, getting them beforehand allows time for breaking them in and getting used to them. I would never want to rely on brand new shoes on vacation, blisters can make me miserable.

 

I don't know what activities you plan to engage in, but unless you plan on hiking, ordinary shoes are all you need. She could get some ski-weight socks for extra warmth, and that would be less expensive than boots she would probably never need elsewhere. Just a suggestion. :)

Ski-weight socks? Never heard of them but sounds good. You have a very good point about breaking them in. Only time I think we would need boots is the Helicopter dogsled in Juneau. However, I hear they provide boots for you. I have to call to find out if they provide boots or just the spikes that go under the boots. I will check out Zappos. Great ideas. Thanks

Looking at this hotel for our 2-day post cruise stay without car in September as it seems to be very central.

Any experiences ? Also recommendable for 60 plus ? We´d like clean rooms, comfortable beds.

I just booked SpringHill Suites by the Marriot for the night b4 my cruise. I did a lot of research looking for best price, downtown close to port. I have not stayed there before but it looked really nice. Its $149 and Free Hot/cold breakfast. 1/2 mile from space needle and only 1 mile from port. They also provide a free shuttle that will pick you up at the rail. The light rail is only $2.75 from the airport to West Lake. West Lake is where the shuttle picks you up to take you to the hotel and that is about 1 mile from hotel. All is walking distance and no need for car. My second choice was going to be Holiday Inn Express but this was closer to the space needle and pikes market and I heard its much cleaner :). Hope this helps you.

JDinWa, I hope so. but I read someone said if you cruise in May, most likely the ship will not be able to get through to Sawyer, ice is too dangerous that time of year. Who knows but it would be nice. My luck the glacier will calve where Im landing with the helicopter lol...I will tell pilot to pick a nice chunk to land on and hold the calving :)

The first week of June our ports are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Which would be better to see glacier calving? And any recommendations for a tour operator for it.

WOW, I have the same itinerary as you. Someone said Glacier Bay calves. I originally picked the NCL Pearl that was going to Glacier Bay. NCL didnt hold the room for me and the next day the price was $500 more so I went with NCL Jewel. I thought all glaciers calve. What a shame. Im going in May so my chances are getting very slim according to this thread. However, I am doing to Helicopter dog sled by Mendenahll in Juneau and maybe I can see calving on the flight. I was hoping to hear that thunderous roar but looks like NOT! I really should have done much more research before I booked this cruise. Lesson learned! Im sure its going to be beautiful anyway :)

Hi everyone! My friend that is coming on the cruise with me has poor circulation in her feet and she wants to buy boots that are very warm and completely waterproof. Maybe w/goats hair or similar. Where would I be better off buying it for a good price as well as a better selection. Need them for cruise so we would have to get them in either Seattle or our 1st port Ketchikan. Its not really a popular Item in Florida LOL. Thanks all!

I booked springHill downtown the day b4 the cruise. According to the map its 1/2 mile from the Spaceneedle and 1 mile from port. Just wondering if anyone has any remarks about the hotel. I have not seen any thread or comments about this hotel and was wondering if I made the right choice. It was only $149 w/Free breakfast. I was told a taxi to the port the next day is a flat fee $10. Pics looked nice w/small living room ....thanks all

Baggage claim is downstairs from the gates, so depending on what gate you arrive at will depend the walk...if you are at the end, say D9-11, that is about a 5 min walk (I walk fast) down to Baggage claim....if your arrival is at D1, that is only a couple of minutes to Baggage claim.

 

For me, I always seem to arrive at the very end gate..LOL

 

The 8-10 min walk to train is from baggage claim.

Thanks for the info. That does not seem to long of a walk for her. If it was long, I was just going to get a taxi or shuttle instead of the rail. Its quite a savings taking the rail but if it was too much of a walk I wouldnt take it. ty

SdMIKE,...Once again ty for info. Im expecting the weather to be cold because we are going May17th. I figure 30-50 degrees but who knows. I hear the glacier area is approx 20 degrees colder. Where is a good place to buy those light rain coats, I like them? Do you recall how much you paid for the fleece on ship?

Thanks again

I would not worry about warm as much as waterproof. I find that if I keep my core warm my hands and feet also stay warm- however YMMV:D. From the sounds of things you plan on doing a glacier landing with a short hike - usually the outfitter will provide you with spiked boots for this outing. Unless you really plan on doing lots of trail hiking I would not worry too much about boots. I usually go with good running shoes that have been waterproofed. My favorite AK shoes were a pair of New Balance 748 - which I replaced several years ago with some real hiking boots (also New Balance). New Balance makes several replacements for the 748 like the 759, 956 and 959.

 

I have heard of people finding lots of winter clothes at Goodwill etc. They get them from people who have moved to FL from colder climes and got rid of them. Otherwise you can actually wait until Ketchikan (your first port) - there are some reasonable places to buy clothes at - my favorite is the Tongass Trading Company - there are at least three stores right around the cruise ship docks.

 

Make sure that you dress in layers so you can either peel or put on as needed. I am used to cool wet weather so I dress for AK much like home. The only difference is when you get around glaciers and melt water things get real cold real quick. I usually have some sort of lightweight waterproof outer shell, some sort of fleece under that, a long sleeved shirt and tee or under shirt under that - this combo allows me to retain a waterproof exterior while adjusting the inner heat retention layers as needed - you can't do that with a single heavy jacket :).

 

One nice thing about NCL is that you don't have to worry about dressing up for dinner - also I found that your cabin can be adjusted to keep it as warm as needed. They also keep the interior public spaces nice and warm too.

Thanks for the layering info. I thought they just give you some kind of spikes to put over your boots. I didnt know they give you boots to use. That changes things, thank you

Thanks..My friend is disabled and just trying to figure out how far it is from concourse D to carousel # 12 baggage claim ..planing on taking light train from there....would you or anyone know the distance...someone said 8 minute walk but dnk if they meant from the concourse or from baggage area....thanks

Just follow the signs to the Light Rail station ....From the luggage carousel you take an elevator or escalator up to the 4th floor, walk across the pedestrian overpass, then follow the signs thru the garage to the station. Basically you're walking thru the parking garage structure so it's under cover and lighted. It takes me 8 minutes to walk it.

Info on the Light Rail web site:

http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedules/Central-Link-light-rail

Thanks, that link was helpful. I see you cannot buy tickets on train, only at a vending machine. I assume I should be able to find a machine somewhere around the train, right? Would you happen to know how far it is from concourse D to the luggage pickup area? Is there only one luggage area or multiple areas? Thanks for your help