Leigha7

Thank you for your detailed explanation!!

10 hours ago, knittinggirl said:

Is that $600 per person?    

 

We got diverted to Dawes Glacier when Tracy Arm Fjord was full of ice flow.    We got to get closer to the glacier, and took the boat all the way to Juneau.   Definitely worth it!

10 hours ago, knittinggirl said:

Is that $600 per person?    

 

We got diverted to Dawes Glacier when Tracy Arm Fjord was full of ice flow.    We got to get closer to the glacier, and took the boat all the way to Juneau.   Definitely worth it!

No, it’s a little under $600 for TWO people. I appreciate everyone’s comments!!

5 hours ago, Moriah said:

Yes, absolutely worth it - Glacier Bay is awesome of course, but going into Tracy Arm is an experience of a lifetime!  We saw HUNDREDS (no, I'm not exaggerating, really) of Orcas - and that was just the beginning.  The scenery in the "arm" is just breathtaking. Would do it again in a heartbeat.  It is pricey, but absolutely worth it.  If I had to, I would make it the only excursion for that cruise.

11 hours ago, oakridger said:

Hello and welcome to Cruise Critic @Leigha7!  I have been to Glacier Bay 5 times and also the Tracey Arm excursion from the Nieuw Amsterdam.  The Tracy Arm is a different experience because it's in a much smaller boat so the perspective up by the glacier is wonderful!  That excursion has been the one I enjoyed the most of any HAL excursion so far.  If you are comfortable with the price, I highly recommend it!  If it means skipping another different type of excursion than for your first Alaska cruise I would go on the other excursion instead. (Whale watching, Skagway train etc.)  Since I have been to Alaska a few times I would choose the Tracy Arm again!

 

Have fun,

~Nancy

We are going to limit it two excursions for our first trip, because I’m sure we’ll be back!  We are planning to do the White Pass train, and one other, so I’m thinking, based on this great feedback, it has to be Tracy Arm! Thank you!

4 hours ago, Moriah said:

Yes, absolutely worth it - Glacier Bay is awesome of course, but going into Tracy Arm is an experience of a lifetime!  We saw HUNDREDS (no, I'm not exaggerating, really) of Orcas - and that was just the beginning.  The scenery in the "arm" is just breathtaking. Would do it again in a heartbeat.  It is pricey, but absolutely worth it.  If I had to, I would make it the only excursion for that cruise.

Thank you! It’s really great to get everyone’s input!  I don’t mind paying if it’s an incredible experience, but if I felt like I had wasted my money, after seeing Glacier Bay, I would be disappointed I had spent my money there.

We are planning on doing the White Pass train, and one other, so based on these great reviews, Tracey Arm it will be!!

10 hours ago, cruisin'mama said:

Tracy Arm is one of my favorite places. The small boat tour makes all the difference! 

Wow ~ Alaska seems to be one that people return to again and again!! 😍

Is the Tracey arm excursion at around $600 US for two people worth it if I am traveling on HAL and also going to Glacier Bay, or is it just more of the same? I believe it would definitely be worth it if I was traveling on a line that doesn’t go into Glacier Bay… interested in hearing from people who have done both Tracy Arm Excursion and  Glacier Bay….Just wondering if my $600 would be better spent on a different excursion?

5 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

Sure doesn't sound like it. All we've heard about the changes in the entertainment is what's going away. What's replacing it is unclear. If Lincoln Center is going to be on World Stage as a group that travels form ship to ship, with my luck, they won't be on any cruise I'm taking. I still haven't seen Cantare. All I ever see is Step One. 

4 hours ago, Cruise Suzy said:

In the Pinnacle Grill, a second starter/appetizer is $7 and a second main/entree is $15. There are also some supplement/upcharge selections. In Tamarind, there is a $10 charge for a second main/entree.

 

See the menus at https://rogerjett-photography.com/   The charges for additional items are in the fine print on the relevant pages,

Thank you!  This is exactly what we need to know! 👍

2 hours ago, Banditswife said:

I find it odd that the Pinnacle charges for an extra appetizer, yet you can order as many sides as you wish.  Kind of silly IMO.  I can understand an upcharge for an extra main entree.  

IIRC there was no charge for an extra appetizer in Tamarind or the MDR.  

 

Although not new in 2023, but since the restart- the muster drill is now a simple check in at muster station & a safety briefing on the TV in your stateroom.  Time to check in to your muster station is not pre set, you just need to do that before sail away.  We just go there soon after boarding, get checked in & we are on vacation.

 

 

 

Thank you for the info!

3 hours ago, mcrcruiser said:

Try the  Pinnacle Restaurant  for lunch on sea days only , Charges are dar less than dinners ,like $15 pp . Imo Canaletto is the best of all 3  special restaurants & the least un price

We don’t have a problem with the dinner price, I just don’t want my SIL to deal with having to tell the boys to only have  one item per course in front of everyone. It is better for her to be aware and let them know  beforehand. One course apiece is more than plenty for a normal person, but her boys eat an inordinate amount of food (and don’t waste).  However, IMO they should only order what’s permitted and then go fill up in the Lido buffet later if they’re still hungry.  

Are there any significant changes on HOL in 2023?

We will be traveling on the Koningsdam with a group of 20 family members. We are all dining at Tamarind one evening, and some of us at Pinnacle Grill on another evening. My sister-in-law is bringing her teenage boys who eat quite a bit and generally order multiple items in the main dining room. Is this permitted free of charge at the Pinnacle and Tamarind?   If it’s not, I would like to save her some embarrassment and give her a heads-up, and a warning that she will be charged extra.  Thank you.