Aquahound

Those links aren't working so without further info on the ships, I'll generally recommend HAL.  

If the Princess ship is Royal Class, they do not cruise the Inside Passage.  

20 hours ago, Kristelle said:

 

M y comment was just pointing out the fact that in a system where there is a set wage and no tips - like countries other than America  - then it does not matter to the wage earner whether the place is busy or not

Yet, everywhere I travel in the world, including Australia, they always seem to have their hand out for tips, whether it's on receipts, tip jars, etc.  So yes, it would seem that it does matter how busy the place is.    

16 minutes ago, 0penWater said:

 

Symptoms include: 

• The inability to view oneself as anything other than the main character of one’s own life.

 

I say this lightheartedly and totally not to argue, but how are we not the main characters in our own lives? 

Plastic crabs?  Huh?

Well.....yeah....of course.  

This is more of an after-cruise thing but......post a bunch of selfies on Cruise Critic so we all are stuck seeing them to the right ---------------->

I think the better question is....what cruise lines do have programs that expire.  I wasn't aware of any.  If Costa does, they're certainly in the minority.

You'll need to take about a 20-minute taxi ride to Auck Bay, but Forbidden Peak is my favorite craft brewery in Juneau.  They serve food, are kid friendly, and have a great view.  It's more of a locals brewery, which means less crowds.  It's very spacious.  

If you want to stay in town, Devil's Club is walkable from the ship.  The beer is good but due to location, it gets pretty full with ship tourists.    

2 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

The OP is doing a round trip; I'd say the side of the ship doesn't much matter and I don't expect you'd advocate starboard side Nbound and port side Sbound.

You are correct, and that was an oversight on my reading.  Whoops.  😉  For some reason, I read it and was thinking one-way.  

1 hour ago, Aquahound said:

I'll disagree slightly.  On a northbound cruise, I generally recommend a starboard balcony.  

For the OP, let me explain further.  Princess Royal Class ships do not cruise the Inside Passage, so you'll be cruising outside of Vancouver Island.  Also, once north of Glacier Bay, all the way until you enter Prince William Sound, all the land will be off starboard, including amazing sights of Mt St Elias, and other huge peaks and coastal glaciers.

Sure, all this can be seen on top decks but since you asked the question, I'll maintain that starboard is best for your route.  

I'll disagree slightly.  On a northbound cruise, I generally recommend a starboard balcony.  

There is a large rock called ship rock that is in danger of falling, and which has the size to cause catastrophic damage to the pier and a ship.  It is why ships can only dock at the end of the rail dock and must use tenders.  This means only 1 large ship can dock at a time.  Smaller ships can use the other docks.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships have junior suites that connect with interior rooms.  

I recommend the Phillips 26 glacier cruise.  It was amazing.  

If not, and if you want to save a little dough, drive out of Whittier and take the Portage Glacier cruise.  It's only an hour, and it's the only way to actually see the glacier.....well, short of a strenuous hike.    

There's much more to do in Seward. 

You won't be able to get around the high prices.  It's the most popular attraction there and they know they will sell out, so much so that unless you're on an early ride, you're almost certain to be delayed from your scheduled ride upwards of an hour.  Last time I rode it, my ride time was about 45 minutes after my scheduled time.  

Part of the expense is the gondola ride, which is an unlimited pass.  You can go back and ride it up and down as much as you like.  It's a pretty amazing ride because of the scenery.  

I have sailed Quantum Class ships 4 times to Alaska in balcony rooms.  No problem.  They have blackout curtains, so you'll have no problem darkening the room.  

I actually think May is a well-kept secret. 😉 It's one of the driest months in Alaska so while it might be colder, you're less likely to see rain.  

Definitely Sitka.  Like someone else said, it's an Alaskan cruise, so I would choose Sitka over Victoria any day.  

Not having their admin assistants in the office will not prevent exempted personnel such as CBP and TSA from doing their jobs.  😉  In other words, CruiserBruce is correct.  CBP will still be on the job.  Go and enjoy your cruise.  

1 hour ago, jsn55 said:

This kinda reinforces my opinion that the whole hysteria about smoking is just that ... so many other awful things in life, but everybody just screams about the smokers.  People don't realize that they're being brainwashed by the media.  

I'm not being brainwashed by anyone.  I can't stand the stench.  Period.  Why is that so hard to comprehend?

On 4/5/2023 at 6:03 AM, Suzieanna said:

I've never bought an overpriced handbag or piece of jewelry or box of advil.  🙂   

 

But I do enjoy standing back and watching the insanity that occurs around the $10 "sale" table for a bunch of $5 crap.  😁

The growing trend to ban or restrict cruise ships usually has more to do with environmental impact or strained infrastructure than it does the passengers.  That said, I do know that many cruise ship passengers have a tendency to think they are more valuable to a cruise port than what they really are, so sometimes that attitude can cause everyone to be painted with the same brush.  

Royal Caribbean Oasis class, hands down.  

On 10/13/2023 at 7:51 AM, The Sunset Glow said:

 

BTW To me, you still hold the award for "Best thread on Cruise Critic"  with your tale about the lost camera. Especially loved the part about the turtle😂 Great detective work on your part👍

Wow, you remember that, huh?  Thanks!  🙂

To answer your other question, I've sailed relatively recently on HAL.  Their entertainment cannot touch RCI's, so I don't recommend for you anything older than Koningsdam.  It's been longer since I sailed Celebrity but I have a cruise booked on Edge next year based on recommendations from a good friend of mine who cruised that ship and was blown away.  I've always thought Celebrity and HAL had better food.  Celebrity is my favorite for specialty restaurants.  

FWIW, that same friend also recommends Viking Ocean if you decide to go premium+.  She's got me almost talked into a cruise with them.  

7 hours ago, The Sunset Glow said:

 

What are your experiences with different lines and do you have any suggestions on what might be a good fit for us? I appreaciate any and all feedback☺️

 

I know you said you tried other lines early on, but a lot has changed.  I highly recommend you try Celebrity or HAL again, and on their new ships.  Plus, on Celebrity, they will match your RCI status.  The ships are beautiful, and it'll be a nice break from the same-ole, same-ole.  

I'll go against a couple of the recommendations, suggesting trying the more luxury or more premium lines. I don't totally know you, but I'm basing that on hubby's love for the Flowrider.  😉