JoRoy218

I wouldn’t stress over the “formal” dress, the only time it comes into play is on formal night. There are many other choices besides the MDR. Don’t change your plan, sounds just fine! As mentioned a few times above, the crowd on Alaskan cruises is definitely more relaxed and casual than other destinations. Just go and enjoy!

So sad…our first two AK cruises were on the Coral. Absolutely loved that ship. I don’t think any other ship has the beautiful Promenade deck Coral has. 😢

Thanks for your input. I did check Long Beach, flights with very long layover to East Coast. Would be total 13 hrs door to door. And yes, we’ve had TSA Pre-check for about 5 yrs now, noticed in some airports, line longer than regular line. 🙄

Yes, I realize we can’t get off shortly after docking, been on quite a few cruises just not out of San Pedro. Okay you guys have convinced me…really appreciate your thoughts. Not gonna do it! 😎

Will start out by saying we’ve become happy Princess cruisers after sampling a few other lines. The clincher for us was our first Princess Alaska land and cruise tour. Your description sounds very much like our cruising “attitude.” We may dress up one night, but not formal. We do like to try all the eateries on board and not stick to just MDR or Buffet. As an example, on a recent Regal cruise, we visited MDR, buffet, Ocean Terrace (great sushi), International Cafe (light snacks, lunch), Alfredo’s pizza (yum), grill by pool. Since you mentioned suites, on Embarkation Day, you can eat in a Specialty restaurant (for suites only) and daily for bfast. Of course order in room service and enjoy a meal on your balcony. We love to start the day like this! After dinner, we may enjoy a show in the Theater, or trying a bar area we haven’t visited and gravitate to where we enjoy the music most. There’s plenty to do in the evenings, ranging from production shows in theater, comedy, interactive events, lovely walks at night out on deck, drink in hand, romantic quiet time. Go for it! Also, I heartily agree with JimmyVWine, itinerary trumps everything! It’s the main reason we stick with Princess. And I believe nobody does Alaska better than Princess!

Hey gang, looking for feedback. We’re doing a cruise out of SanPedro, am looking at various flights. There is a good flight out of LAX but leaves at 1015. Wondering if it’s too risky to reserve that? Ship itinerary says they arrive at 0615. We’d like to walk off ship ourselves w luggage and grab a cab or Uber. It’s Saturday so fortunately no rush hour traffic. Thoughts? Thanks!

Have never had a problem with Delta domestic or international, have had issues with AA domestic, had to wait until last minute for seats on Air France.

Yes! Same here, using Delta directly instead of EZAir, more flights offered, tickets approx. $150-200pp cheaper for June cruises out of LA.

We’ve dined at both Sabatini’s and Crown Grill on several ships. As mentioned above, CG was good but not outstanding. DH is a perfectionist when grilling beef at home, so since we can’t duplicate the delicious Italian menu from Sabatini’s, we love dining there. We enjoy the food, service, ambiance and look forward to returning. Might be best for you to think about which menu would make you happier. Really can’t go wrong, just a matter of personal preference. Enjoy!

Follow up to above post, before debarkation Princess gave us a letter stating FCC to be returned to our account based on 5 days of hubby’s isolation. This was credited exactly 30 days after final cruise day. We did submit medical charges from on board to our insurance (Humana PPO) and declined to pay since we were out of the country. 😕 So, proceeded to file with AON (1/30). As of today I see it has not progressed past “assigned.” Guess I need to be more patient. I appreciate everyone’s input, thanks!

Yes, agree totally! I would contact EZAir directly and be prepared to spend some time on the phone. Recently we had an Alaskan cruise planned and booked with EZAir. United made multiple changes in the flights, last straw was delaying the initial flight so severely that had we taken it, we would’ve totally missed our connection. As soon as it was discovered I got on the line with EZAir and after speaking to three different people and well over an hour on the phone they agreed to the flights that I found on United with no change in fare. Good luck, stand your ground.

Thank you…going now!

Which roll call, pls and thanks!

Debating about booking one of the above. Appreciate feedback from anyone who has stayed in one. Read a review stating “beware of vent between these two suites, emitting noise and odors.” Comments? Thanks!

As mentioned above, the smoking area is on the very corner, aft starboard. Tucked away nicely!

I got so many great hints here on CC, helped to know what to expect, fewer surprises. Wishing you an awesome trip!

We took this exact itinerary in ‘18. Honestly wasn’t impressed with Fairbanks Princess Lodge, our plane landed late, along with many others. They have a very small restaurant and after arriving late, we were all very hungry. After check in (very basic rooms) we attempted to eat dinner. We were told there was at least a 2 hr wait and restaurant closed at 8, which was earlier than expected. It was suggested to go to a local place, about a mile down the road, we did go, was ok. River tour was pretty good, informative, relaxing. Anyway…the train ride to Denali and then onto McKinley was breathtaking and comfortable, they had a dining car which was lovely. Yes, upgrade your Denali tour, will go deeper into park. McKinley was my favorite spot. There is a huge deck off the main lobby where everyone hangs out waiting for Denali to appear. We were fortunate in that we experienced it both days and got awesome pictures. if you feel like exploring in your Jeep there is a cool little town south of McKinley Lodge, Talkeetna, maybe about 12 miles away. Might check Google maps. It’s eccentric, funky, fun…might enjoy it.

We were told the luggage would travel via truck to Whittier, as they also did between lodges on the land tour. As far as “space under your seat” it’s similar in size to a plane (if sitting in the comfy padded seats). Don’t know what type of cars being used currently, either the comfy padded seats that recline slightly or the “four to a table” type with very minimal room at your feet. Bottom line, try to avoid any large bags to be carried on the train. Another thought, a great idea by Princess, you will get luggage tags marked to travel with you on land tour and you can also send other luggage straight to the ship. One less bag to keep up with.

Yes, second level dome, was perfect!

We had the train from McKinley to Whittier and we were looking forward to it. However, the seating was cramped and instead of nice comfy seats, we were put at a four-table (like in a diner), very tight , with people we didn’t know. There was a very small dome car to have a snack but because of all the people standing in the aisles, we took forever to get through. Train had stopped several times for whatever reason, people were impatient, uncomfortable and ready to get off. We had a nice more pleasant train ride from Fairbanks to Denali (second cruise). A small piece of advice, when you arrive at terminal try to get on the cars as quickly as possible to find a seat you like. Some are very comfy others are torture for the approx 8-9 hrs ride.

The buses were fairly comfortable, well padded, I don’t remember generous legroom. Our bus wasn’t completely full, perhaps you can spread out a bit.

Same, we too take along our own soap, shampoo and conditioner from home. On our cruise a few weeks ago refillable large bottle of hand soap and lotion on sink (as mentioned above). The lotion is not as nice as the Lotus Spa lotion they formerly provided, in smaller tubes. Miss that!

We’ve done the land tour/cruise twice. First time landed in Anchorage, then North to Denali and McKinley lodges by rail. Then by rail to Whittier to get on Coral Princes. Second time, started in Fairbanks, then to McKinley, and Kenai, then onto Whittier again for the Coral. Our personal preference, we enjoyed landing in Anchorage, exploring in Denali lodge area, river rafting, then McKinkey, to park. Was hectic, having luggage outside lodge door by 6am, hop on bus/train/van to next stop. Liked having cruise to relax after land tour. Did week’s worth of laundry shortly after we got on ship. Enjoy, it’s a wonderful itinerary whichever you choose.

Thanks! Very encouraging news.

Similar scenario here, hubby tested + on our cruise (disembarked 1/3), did the required 5 days isolation. Fortunately I remained negative. Treated very well, lots of staff checking on him. Lots of confusion who was responsible for removing used dishes and garbage. Overworked cabin steward took responsibility. Re: FCC, we were told same, should take 30 days. Filed with our private health insurance for Dr. Charge and meds given. (May not cover any since we were out of country.) AON will review after our health insurance responds. I can see a long process here. One major complaint, we are both medical, packed “just in case” meds and home tests, when medical evaluated hubby they said they'd supply Tylenol and cough drops. He said “we don’t need those.” They appeared with meds, including above. The charge for the cough drops alone was $10.00 for basic cough drops. Can see how complicated this will be.