Riverton Quilter

Took my first cruise to alaska in mid Sept. I wish I had taken a small cross body purse for the ship. Needed a spot for cruise card, lipstick, tissue etc.

We self disembarked our Holland Cruise ship in mid September 2014. Arranged a rental car in Vancouver canada place. Avis met us at the counter after we got through customs and took us to their location. All of this was very easy and short in time. We wanted to get the 11 am ferry, since we only had the one day at Victoria we flew home from Victoria. We enjoyed having the car our only regret is that we didn't spend another day in Victoria, the gardens were great.

If you rent car check times for ferries, we did this on a Sunday, and the ferry was full once on its way. We enjoyed the freedom of having a car. Any other questions?

Thanks for all the great feedback. We were aware of the ferry to Victoria, not cost. Thanks for that heads up. We feel so much better about the whole trip because of cc. Will post a reviewwhen we get back.

I've been reading and taking notes on all the good information you have all shared. I want to post what we are doing on our HAL 12 Day Triple Denali cruise aboard the Statendam. Husband and I are celebrating our 35th Anniversary. I have several questions still and want any and all feedback or input. Husband and I want to make the most of our trip and our dollars. We want to do, see all that we can.

Flying in to Anchorage on 9/10/14. Will take taxi to Westmark Anchorage Hotel. We plan to check in and explore on our own. Dinner recommendations (we are non-drinkers)?

9/11 on the McKinley Explorer train to Denali. We plan on taking only one suitcase each so we won't be leaving anything with HAL to catch up with us on the Statendam. Good idea???

9/12 Tundra wilderness Tour

9/13 Denali National Park - Not sure what we will do, want to see the area more any hiking, etc. suggestions

9/14 Motorcoach from Denali to Seward. We've been told this is a 10 hours ride? Anyone done this? Do's Don'ts suggestions to make it nicer, easier, etc.? The ships departs at 8:00 pm. Will we have time after boarding to see or do anything in Seward and if we have time what do you recommend. We are up to museums, wildlife, picture taking, shopping, etc.

9/15 At Sea - couple of questions, do we have access to a gym? Is this an extra cost? We are doing open seating for meals, usually want to eat before 6:00 pm. Do I have this right LIDO is the Buffet, MDR is the main dining room and the dive in are all places to eat included in our cruise cost?

9/16 Glacier Bay - we plan to head for the Crow's Nest early and spend the day. Should we move around the ship for other views? We want to hear the rangers, etc. Will we get info on this?

9/17 Haines - we are taking an excursion to the Eagle Preserve, then plan on doing our own walking site seeing. I think I've read this is where we want to get behind the main street to see the more authentic town, I'm I right or confused? What recommendations do you have for sites to see and how to get about?

9/18 Juneau - Doing whale watching with Harv & Marv Whale Watching tour, they will then drop us off at Mendenhall, we will walk to Nugget Falls, find our way back to dock (how???) and eat at Tracy's Crab Shack.

9/19 Ketchikan - taking with Misty Fjords Air a trip around the fjords. After not sure where and what we are going to do? Recommendations? We will not have a car as our $ went to the air trip (husbands bucket list item) we will have the afternoon free. Open to suggestions please!

9/20 Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage - do we want to plan on being on deck for the day?

9/21 Vancouver - we are going to self disembark, want off early to get our rental car (Avis will pick us up) and drive to Victoria to see the gardens (my bucket list item). Stay in Victoria and fly home on the 22nd.

I've gotten Bonine, SeaBands and Ginger pills for seasickness (we have no clue if we will get sick)

We plan on layers, Denali's high is in the mid 40's so we might have to rethink what type of layers. We have good water proof shoes, rain gear, gloves, etc. We also have bug stuff.

Husband will have his backpack with camera gear, I'll have a day pack to carry layers, snacks (we have to eat or we both get very cranky)

Have cash ready for tips, power strip, alarm clock, over door organizer for bathroom, and duct tape. Miss anything?

So folks, I'm not OCD really but we want to cover our bases and know we did all we could to prepare for this long dreamed about trip. Yes, we keep talking that we will get up for a sunrise, stay up for a sunset and have fun no matter what.

Thanks for sharing your reviews of excursions, cruises, etc. I'm not sure I will stop reading after we get home. You all sound like a fun group of people.

Lets hear your suggestions and ideas and I'm happy to say I'm going crusing too!!!

First time cruisers, we are on HAL Statenman. Couple of questions, hope this forum can advise.

We arrive at 7:00 am in Vancouver and want to get off quickly and head for Victoria to spead time at Butchaard Gardens. We are flying home from Victoria.

Should we do self disembark ?

I've tried to find a car rental, but having trouble (Sunday, a lot of car rentals aren't open on Sunday or not till noon). Suggestions on cars or other way of getting to and around Victoria? Going by air too expensive and would rather enjoy the ride.

Since we will be in Victoria the one day (flying out on Monday am) recommendations on hotel.

This is our first time in Alaska, and cruising celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. Excited and trying not to anxious about unknowns. Cruise critic has helped a lot.

Husband and I are doing land/cruise going to Denali then boarding the Statenman in Anchorage. Have found any info on splitting our luggage or limits on train. Has anyone done this cruise and have info. We are first time cruisers.

We leave for our first cruise on the Statenman in mid Sept. Glad to read review.