Cruisemungus

I don't remember exactly how long the tour was but I do remember they were very conscious of the time and made sure they got us back on time. With that said, it was probably 4-5 hours. We put our belongs on the bus they transported us on. We felt our things were safe and secure. They depend on good reviews to keep their business running so they ensure you are well taken care of. Hope you have a great time!

Wife and I did the cave tubing with Butt's Up but not the zip line. Big John, the tour guide and another younger guy, met us at the cruise port exit and escorted us to a waiting bus. The bus ride through the country took about 45 minutes. There was about a 30 minute hike to get to the put in point where we had to cross a stream/streams twice so hard sneakers, crocks, or water shoes with a harder sole are best (not flip flops or water socks/shoes). We didn't have to carry our tubes on the hike, which was nice. They were waiting for us at the river, along with life vests (not that you really need them).They provided a place to change with rest rooms and lunch afterwards. They took great care of us and provided a fun and wonderful experience. They watch the time and make sure you get back on time to catch a tender. We would recommend them.

Traveltime3400,

We were in Juneau June 8th and rented a van from Dwight at Juneau Car Rental Company. It depends on which dock your ship uses as to how far of a walk it might be. What day are you in Juneau and what ship? Juneau Car Rental Company is just across the parking lot from the AJ dock, a walk of 50 yards or so. We were on the Holland America Zaandam which was docked at the Steam Ship dock kind of between the Tongass Store and the Visitor Information Center. It was to be quite a hike (with a little uphill rise) to get to Juneau Car Rental Company. My original plan was to hire a taxi to take me there (there were several taxis available near the Visitor Information Center). Fortunately, since there was a cruise ship docked at the AJ dock (the southern most dock) there was a free shuttle bus running between the Visitor Information Center and the AJ dock so we hopped on it and it dropped us off just across the parking lot from the Juneau Car Rental Company. Juneau Car Rental Company is just a small building (hut) but Dwight was there waiting for us and had everything ready to go. He was good about giving us information and directions and the van we rented worked just fine. One note, when I returned the van I rented later that afternoon (5:00ish), the cruise ship was gone from the AJ dock so no shuttle bus service. I was about to make the hike back to the Zaandam but struck up a conversation with a local in the parking lot, who was waiting for his friend to land from paragliding off Mt. Roberts, and he offered me a ride back to my ship. It was my lucky day.

Thank you Roger. We like baked potatoes with our steaks. Thank you for taking time to inquire and send me an answer. I really enjoy following your posts and your website is wonderful. Thanks for what you do. We leave three weeks from today and can hardly wait. Smooth sailing.

Thank you RuthC for the answer about the baked potatoes.

Hey Crew News, are baked potatoes generally available at dinner in the MDR or are the a special request (time to cook them). I looked at the menus on your site but don't recall seeing them listed. Thought I read on a thread somewhere that they were available. Thanks.

Here is a link to a thread that has ClubHAL kids activities listed. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2351809

Langley Cruisers, thanks for the response. 40 minutes sounds like a reasonable amount of time and be just about right for our plans. Of course, I realize anything could happen and things could change the timing. We were just trying to get an idea on the time for the ship to leave and get to the bridge. As you say, we will be on deck enjoying sail-away and passing under the bridge anyway...not to be missed! I checked with on Cruisetimetables.com and it only shows Celebrity Infinity and HAL Zaandam in port that afternoon (June 5). the Infinity is scheduled to leave at 4:30p and the Zaandam is scheduled to leave at 5:00p. Maybe there won't be a traffic jam. Thanks again.

Lol, thank you for your feedback. Putterdude, you crack me up! Since we will most probably be in the MDR when we pass you, I will request a window table on the starboard side of the dining room. We will watch for you and the RCMP! Wow, dinner and a show...who knew?

xlxo, DW likes to dine early so that was the reason for the question. I thought it would be possible to make both of us happy. We can enjoy Sail-away, passing under the Lion's Gate Bridge, (after the Mustard Drill...do they serve hot dogs with that, wink, wink) and make it to dinner early enough to suit the DW. Now, we'll just have to reserve that table on the starboard side. Thank you very much for your responses. Smooth sailings.

Approximately how long does it take for a cruise ship to get to Lion's Gate Bridge after departing Canada Place? The stated departure time is 5:00pm on HAL Zaandam. I would like to be on deck as we pass under the bridge. Just trying to plan when to tell the rest of our party to meet at the MDR for dinner. We have Open Seating dining but I thought I read where you can (but don't necessarily have to) make reservations. We would like a table by a window. Is that correct? Thanks.

Hi BeeJay,

I found this Upper Dining Room Layout on Halfacts.com. Hope it helps.

http://halfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/VODM.pdf

There are some totum poles downtown close to the cruise ship dock. Here is a link: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/things-to-do-in-alaska.html

We did a similar family group trip several years ago on Holland America Westerdam roundtrip out of Seattle middle of June. It was DW & I, kids (8 & 11), wife's sister and & her husband, wife's parents, and two sets of wife's Aunts and husbands. We all had our own cabins and did our own thing during the days and on excursions but came together every evening for dinner in the MDR. Occasionally some of us would have breakfast or lunch together or meet up for one reason or another but we weren't together all the time. Made for a fun cruise, doing our own things and then coming together in the evenings and sharing our adventures. We did spend time together pre-cruise sight seeing in Seattle, taking in a Mariners baseball game, the Museum of Flight, and touring the Boeing plant. The kids were never bored and have asked to go back so we are doing 7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound Vancouver to Seward on HAL Zaandam this summer as a graduation trip for our son. We can hardly wait. Good luck with your selection. Any of them will be great!