Bubba54

Really good responses and advice already. My 2 cents. We just returned and did the two day grand tour with Alla-Tours. They were fantastic. I do know they offer private tours. 

No

Wow, just awesome photography. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your responses.

Hey all experienced cruisers. I have a question regarding Russian Visas . I know there is the 72 hour cruise  ship Tavel visa waiver. I know you need a visa if you plan on staying in Russia.

 Here my question, if you debark the ship in St Petersburg  and take the ships transfer straight to the airport. Do you need to obtain a visa or would you fall into the 72 hour waiver.

any help opinions will be appreciated. 

Disembarkation will probably be from 6 AM until about 10 AM, so expect to be off the ship at the latest soon after 9:30 AM.

 

But you will be asked to be out of your cabin by 8 AM so it can be prepared for the next occupants.

Great information just off the Golden, latest group for independent arrangements was 9:30. Enjoy your cruise.

Does anyone know if there is a cost for the Golden Ship Tour and is it worth it?

Last time I did the ultimate ship tour the cost was $150. As to weather its worth it is a subjective question. In my opinion yes it is worth it. I enjoyed seeing the behind the scene places. We saw behind the stage, a short talk by the executive Chef in the galley and of course the Bridge and several other areas.

A ships photographer follows the group and take picture. We received a plush bath robe, an apron, pictures from the tour and a few other things.

I enjoyed the tour and thought it was worth the price. To be fair the last one I took was two years ago and things might have changed.

Our favorite is the one we are currently on or about to sail on. There are no bad ones.

Agreed!

I agree that tattoos are now commonplace, on Princess ships and elsewhere. Don't even think about it. Enjoy your vacation.

Agreed

We have used Avis in Long Beach. It is about a $20 cab ride from the port. I think they have started winter hours and close at noon. I would call them to make sure.

Tahitianbigkahuna, what a great review. Fantastic photographs. As I have read your review I started taking notes for our next trip. We have sailed to Tahiti three times and you have pointed out so much we have not seen. Thank you!

Have you given eBay a look.

No, not cost effective.

How about just asking the question before booking? You can't blame Carnival for something that wasn't asked.

I disagree, if you are on the phone making a booking, you should be advised if it is non refundable. I believe it is fair and just good business.

Did it REALLY bother you that the OP mentioned his/her DIAMOND status? :confused: So many more important things to fret about, like shorts in the MDR, pepper grinders, decorations on one's door, or wearing lanyards (of course, to show off one's status ;p). What I find it strange is how so many people are offended by so many things on this forum. Sorry, but I just had to hit "submit" on this tongue-in-cheek response. Have a nice day (oops, did I offend anyone who doesn't want to have a nice day???)[/quote

Did not offend me! I think you said it beautifully!:cool:

Just remember that priority tendering means you can go to the tender area and get in line without getting a ticket first - it does not mean you walk to the front of that line. Those in line already are either other elite or those with tickets that have been called.

 

Also there is not tender benefit when returning to the ship.

Yes please, pay attention to this.

Very rarely have we got towel animals on Princess. Usually on Holland and NCL. We tell our room stewards to not bother. I do like the monkeys though!

Hi Bubba-when you say the eagle show is unbelievable you mean they come close to the boat because of the catch aboard? Or is there a banjo-playing eagle among the crew? (I'm a sucker for the happy sound of the banjo)

 

If so you have just got Carol's attention and it will be added to the excursion list for our next Alaskan cruise, whenever that might be.

 

We only have one cruise booked at the minute-on Celebrity Reflection in January and beyond that our only long range commitment is a week in San Francisco in June 2018 to see Wagner's Ring Cycle (4 linked operas). We bought the tickets today, almost two years out as it will sell out.

 

We've done 3 Alaskan cruises in 5 years so we are likely to be back before too long.

 

Thanks for such a ringing endorsement of the A.B.

 

I'm a big Deadliest Catch fan since Day One and the Northwestern is my favorite boat/crew.

 

Norris

I have tried to post a pic but i guess I'm just not smart enough. Without ruining the surprise as to how they do it. We have seen as many as 35 to 50 Eagles around the boat. We seen this many in May/June. At one point i just put the camera away and watch. I was on the upper deck taking pictures on one trip and one came over and i swear it almost took my hat off.:eek:

I just got of the Jewel, yes they have Chicken parm, I order it almost everytime. My wife gets oso buco. I do not remember all the pasta dishes. My favorite is Carbonara.

Oh, I've been looking at that tour for years now and it will happen!

 

The Aleutian Ballad crab boat is in my docking shots and I have watched every episode of Deadliest Catch since day one.

 

Good for eagle spotting? It shall be done!

 

Book it! Dano.

 

Norris

Facebook whats that?

Norris, we have been on the Aleutian Ballad 6 times, will go every year I sail to Alaska. Great people, the eagle show is unbelievable. It is best to go in May or June for the best eagle show. When the salmon start running the go inland. You will still see them in July, August and September. May and June are best. Say hi to Capt. Terry for me!

Hi Norris,

Just found your review. Just wanted to say very enjoyable read, absolutely stunning photography. Thanks for sharing.

Not giving up on NCL, but it has lost it's "preferred status" with us. From now on, it's price and itinerary with no consideration given to how great NCL is/was. We are, for the first time in 4 years, actively looking at trying other lines.

I agree, My three favorites are Princess, NCL, and Holland. I have reached the highest loyalty levels on all three lines. I currently have two cruises booked with NCL.

With that said NCL was always my first choice, but in the last 5 cruises it isn't what it once was only my opinion. Where they have lost me is their customer service. We have had a couple of issues and will now call them customer no service.

lengthy I know but if the intinerary and price is right I will sail them again. But for know it is at least number three on the list.

We have sailed Alaska on Princess, NCL and Holland. NCL in my opinion is in the middle between Carnival and Princess. NCL's 10 day cruise is nice, we did once this year and we are going again on Saturday on the Jewel.

Another option for you is Holland America offers a 14 day cruise that includes Anchorage and Kodiak, we loved that cruise. Just need to know it is an older crowd on Holland but we enjoy the line.

August and September the Salmon should be running, so when you reach Ketchikan take a walk up creek street then up to the river it is an amazing thing to see.

When you go to Alaska remember layers, one day it can be 80 degrees the next day and port it will be 40 degrees. Enjoy.

I will have tod disagree with the Beverage package is free on NCL. The last cruise I booked with NCL the cabin I picked did not come with any of the perks. I could upgrade to a cabin that gave me the UBP. Worked ou to roughly $100 a day. So it's not really free.

Constant petty carping is as annoying as constant unthinking cheerleading. However, if someone feels things are not right, why not point it out? If a service provider is not made aware of perceived flaws in the service offered, there will be no incentive to improve.

 

A number of posters would like to sail NCL for a number of reasons: ports of embarkation not well served by other lines, particular itineraries, on board experience, etc. are all factors. But if they see certain negatives as limiting the desirability -- why not point them out?

I couldn't agree more. Well said.