gregmarty

I’ve used both the NCL transfer and Shuttle Express.  I much prefer the NCL transfer, it is just easier to get to.  Yes, the line can be long, but you should have plenty of time.  Princess leaves from a different pier and from there Shuttle Express is probably my choice.

So I have a silly question.  Why would you need to go through customs traveling from one Canadian airport to another?  

Also, thank you for the fantastic review.  I’ll be on the Jewel on the same route in a few weeks.

I would definitely agree that Glacier Bay is far superior to Dawes Glacier.  The ships are nearly identical from a layout and amenity standpoint.

Thank you for sharing your trip.  What did you think of the ship overall?  Cleanliness, staff, public spaces, entertainment?  Just curious since it is an older, smaller ship.

On 4/12/2023 at 8:50 PM, natefish95 said:

Wellllllllll, I think that about covers most things. If you have any questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer! 

 

Really looking forward to my Alaska cruise on the Jewel in September! My favorite bartender Evangeline will still be on board then too! 

What a great review, thank you for sharing your experience!  I’ll be on the Jewel in late September and was glad to see a recent review.  Last year on the Bliss, the whiskey bar was my favorite hangout spot!  And Cagney’s is always my favorite meal of the week.

On 3/30/2023 at 7:23 PM, ClaireyBear said:

I heard that there’s a place called “Alaskan Fudge Co.” in Juneau, it’s on my list of places to visit when we’re on our cruise in June. 

This place is the best!  Their fudge is great and they sea otter paws are my favorite.  Last year the Skagway location was closed but they had two shops in Juneau.  

Does anyone know if they have made the change on Pride of America?  Will be on that ship next month.  Never been a fan of Pepsi, so this change is a plus for me.

Thank you for the great review!  I’m very seriously considering booking this cruise for January and your review has me eager to go.

We’ve been on the Bliss twice this year and ate at Ocean Blue both times with the FAS dining package.  The 2nd time I had the filet and it was fantastic.  I think the food and service at Ocean Blue is exceptional.

On 7/27/2022 at 7:07 PM, BirdTravels said:

How horrible. Let's hope that NCL never removes pre-cruise testing. 

I agree.  What is wrong with making sure you aren’t sick before you travel with thousands of others?  

Where is this information coming from?  Did a quick google search and nothing pops up?  Anyone on board now?  Going to be on the Bliss in 8 days.

My last 2 cruises have been booked with FCC and the shareholder benefit was received without issue.

9 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

The tax is brutal - pretty much every day on this itinerary! There’s also no way to actually know if it’s the correct charge as it’s not broken down on the bill. Every one has been between 3-4 dollars so I’m guessing that’s between 8-10% of the cost of my drinks!

Last month I was charged $1.35 per margarita while in port in Los Angeles.  

4 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Tip: the Bliss has great cookies.  If you go to the buffet at 9:00pm-11:00pm and ask for a plate they will give them to you.  They don’t put them out.  You can also contact chef Godfrey and ask him to send cookies to your room and he will.

I was on 3 weeks ago and went to the buffet every night after 9:30 and they never had cookies.  We asked for them and were told multiple times they were coming.  They never showed up.  Very frustrating, just put the cookies out, it’s what the people want.  I’ll be on again next month, so I guess I’ll contact the chef if there aren’t any.

Most likely you’ll be fine.  Make sure you keep your bags and haul them off yourself.  The first group usually disembarks by 7:30.  Grab a taxi, you’ll be at the airport shortly after 8.  As long as you’re willing to be in the first group off and handle your own luggage I don’t see a problem with a 10:45 flight.

Last September the shuttle to Ketchikan was free.  I doubt that will be the case this year, but we shall see. The shuttle from AJ Dock in Juneau was also free as it has been each time I’ve been to Juneau.  As far as Victoria, I believe there is always a charge for shuttle to town.  It’s a nice walk though.

I am a big fan of the perfect margarita.  They do vary from bar to bar though.  Last year on the Encore, the Atrium bar made the best ones!  Also the Woodford Old Fashioned is fantastic.

We did this in 2013 and booked direct through Chilkoot Charters I think it was called.  It was a great trip, a mini bus from Skagway to Carcross I believe.  The driver was great and stopped multiple times for pictures.  The train back stopped along the way for lunch and then continued back down to Skagway.  I would not hesitate to do this again.  

Fantastic review so far.  Taking this cruise in March so really enjoying it.  Thank you for taking the time to share!

How do you use it to pay for shore excursions?  Do you have to call NCL?  I tried booking through the app, but FCC was not a payment choice.

Have a great trip!  Looking forward to your review.  I'll be getting on board next Saturday

It’s probably a typo, I bet arrival in Victoria is 7PM

I would venture to guess that some of the kinks will be worked out by the time the Encore docks again on Thursday.  These long lines were from the first cruise of the season.  It will certainly get better.  But in reality it does stink that you can't just walk off the ship into downtown.  

Nice!  I'm on the 8/28.  Look forward to your review.

Out of curiosity, when are you sailing?  I’ll be on the Encore next month and looking for things to do.  Did they happen to communicate the meeting place?  Since the Encore will not be docking downtown, but in Ward Cove.