aheisl

1 hour ago, Northern Aurora said:

 

Actually I was left with the impression from your post #3 that you are opposed to taking a fee based shuttle into Valdez.  

 

Your complaint needs to be made directly to your cruise line.  Believe me -- as someone who lives in Alaska -- the "powers that be" in Valdez will not be quaking in their boots because a NCL cruiser says they will not take the shuttle into Valdez but remain on the ship.  Valdez has a number of solid non cruise ship based jobs and the "powers that be" are not interested in folks who will leave the ship to purchase made overseas shot glasses.

I apologize for giving you the impression that it was the "powers that be" in Valdez that were the cause of my frustration.  It was directed at NCL. 

From your comments, it sounds like the people of Valdez have similar opinions as those in Oslo (from what we were told).  They would rather not have cruise ships in their town.

No worries about me buying any shot glasses (made locally or overseas).

I hope I haven't given the impression that I'm opposed to taking the shuttle in to town.  What I oppose is NCL charging for it when in other ports that are in industrial/commercial areas, NCL has not charged (ie Aarhus Denmark).  I definitely understand that 2000 people should not be wandering through the container port.

@quack2 see comment #22 about the Kelsey Dock

On my Northern Europe cruise last September, we were offered shuttles in three ports: Hamburg, Gothenburg, and Aarhus.  NCL charged for the shuttles in Hamburg and Gothenburg, but we were able to take public transportation for a fraction of the cost.  In Aarhus, the dock was also a container port and walking through it was prohibited.  Therefore, NCL offered the shuttle for free.  Why couldn't this be the case here, too?

Here is what was posted on the NCL Spirit roll call yesterday:

The Norwegian Spirit is in Valdez today. Here is a notice from the Freestyle Daily:

PORT SAFETY ADVISORY AND SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

Due to port restrictions, the local authorities of Valdez have advised us that walking from the pier to town is not safe therefore not allowed. Only guests taking part in one of the NCL organized excursions or using the shuttle bus service will be allowed off the ship. Shuttle bus tickets are available at the Shore Excursions desk from 7:30a-9:30a and at the Guest Service Desk throughout the day. Cost $15 adult $10 child - roundtrip.

So, it looks like the only way you are allowed to leave the ship is by paying one way or another.  That is unfortunate for those passengers who are taking independent excursions since now they need to pay more than they originally planned.

@Northern Aurora thank you for the additional insights.

4 minutes ago, Northern Aurora said:

Valdez does not have many cruise ship calls.  The downtown area near the small boat harbor would not be suitable for a cruise ship.  I believe the container terminal is the "normal" area for cruise ships to dock.  Depending on the closeness to the Valdez Marine Terminal simply walking into town may not be allowed.

That is a bummer.  As there is not much to do in Valdez, I would be more inclined to not go into town.  This would be unfortunate for the businesses in town that may rely on the cruise ship passengers.  Too bad there isn't a complimentary shuttle service.  Thanks for your insight.

The following was posted on a NCL Spirit Roll Call.  Does anyone know if this is the normal area the ships dock in Valdez and that a shuttle is required to get into town?  

@GTJ You sound like quite the train buff as was my dad.  He would have been thoroughly disappointed as well.  He and my mom were able to take a trans-Canadian train ride, with stops along the way, before his passing.

1 hour ago, Kathscof said:

 

*selfishly hoping it will be resolved next week as I am on that train next Wednesday* 

Also hoping it is resolved soon as I am on the train from Seward to Anchorage on 5/31

My transportation with NCL from Seward to Anchorage drops me off at the "Hospitality Center" in downtown.  Can someone who has used this option verify that this is the same thing as the Egan Civic and Convention Center?  

I believe it is a 2-in-1 "conditioning shampoo".  I prefer real conditioner so i bring my own shampoo and conditioner.

On 4/23/2023 at 9:45 AM, fredkelk said:

That looks like a good tour. Thank you for the info. My canoe tour starts at 11 for 2-3 hours so I would not be able to do that tour.

Is your canoe tour through NCL or an independent company?

Yes, I was on the Star in September.  It has a Starbucks in the atrium.  I don't drink coffee so I can't give you any further information on what all they offer.