jsn55

Oh what a great story! I would love to be able to find an artist that moves me like this. You are SO RIGHT ... buy it now and enjoy it for decades. I hope you do get to meet her.

Seems like a good idea. There will be 4 or 5 big ships in Juneau when I'm there in August. I'll take a ship's shore ex, but probably not even go looking around the town. Therefore, I will not be spending any money to support Juneau's small businesses. I'm not cruising Alaska to stand in endless lines and walk through crowds everywhere.

It's a shame you're dropping this clever idea. Why not limit the 'huggers' to maybe 5 on different days? Don't let the sourpusses sway you from delighting your son.

While the medallion system can be a horror, I had no trouble onboard getting things delivered to my cabin. It was great fun to order champagne and chocolate cake!

If the above advice doesn't calm her, find a hotel near the parking area and make a stop there first. Knowing positively that she won't have an issue, nor will she have to wait, might make her just that more comfortable.

Victoria is a lovely walking town. About half an hour from port to the Empress which is kinda the area's highlight. Pedi-cabs available on either end if walk is too much.

Other than outerwear, I wouldn't wear anything more than twice without washing it. Checking a bag for a cruise is so simple ... you arrive at the port, someone takes your bag away and it appears in your cabin. With the incredibly variable Alaska weather, I'd definitely check a bag.

My standard 'formal uniform' is a nice scarf and pretty earrings with a black silk tunic top & pants. Men don't need to pack anything more than a collared shirt and a belt. But people who do enjoy dressing up are always welcome, so us peasants can admire them.

weather dot com is your friend.

I've taken several Avalon cruises and don't even look at other companies. Friends who know me well are taking their ninth Avalon cruise later this month; they knew I'd love Avalon. Avalon just has a way about them that makes me feel that I can ask for anything at all and they'll gladly deliver it. But I rarely have to ask; it's all just there. I'm picky, very picky ... I hate tacky stuff, scrounging, things not done as well as they could be. I just finished Avalon's Grand France and for two weeks the only negative I came up with was that they had the same kind of (delicious) cookies out in the coffee lounge every day. Double chocolate, what's not to love? That lounge has a cold water dispenser; six flavors, sparkling or still. Huge coffee machine that will make you anything your heart desires ... and I like my coffee just so. The reading lights on each side of the bed are a perfect example. Attached to the wall, they rotate 360 degrees so you can focus light right on your book. The shower is huge for a river ship, with plenty of hot water. Cabins have tons of storage space. Avalon just doesn't miss a beat. I do agree with several others, a spreadsheet with elements that are important to you is a real help.

I don't think the people who run parking lots or garages care much about individual customers. I cruise out of San Francisco occasionally, and I just book an airport hotel that includes parking for the night before. Just take a cab up to the port. The last thing I want is to have issues with parking my truck in SF, I'd much rather have a nice late breakfast at the hotel before boarding.

Oh, I can't wait to read this! The concept of living on a cruiseship is insane, but it's always really interested me. Thanks for posting this.

Alaska in June several years ago, it was HOT. We had to buy t-shirts. Bring layers, always a good packing scheme for any trip anyway.

Lots of good advice. Don't think travellers can imagine how awful it is to have a serious emergency connected with a trip. Once you're 'been there', you understand! The top Chase Sapphire card might be tough to get, but it offers benefits that far outweigh the eye-watering annual fee.

I've lived in California too long! I don't recall ever seeing a pair of waterproof pants. Where would I go to find some online?