cruiselvr04

Just off Radiance in Alaska. Balcony cabin. It appeared our steward had the whole hall. He was very good though. I asked to keep us stocked with 4 towels, 4 hand towels and 4 wash clothes and he did. I asked for evening service and he did. We asked twice for the trash to be emptied when we saw him in the hall during the day as it was overflowing and he did. We got lots of towel animals. Although I don’t like making the bed, it’s easy and quick in the a.m. In the end it was fine because he was attentive otherwise. We got our daily compass because we asked. In fact day 1 was waiting in the room. We always leave the room tidy so there’s little to do in our room. He did seem to have long hours as the cart was almost always in the hall. My issue with trash is we usually get Starbucks in the morning and have water bottles. After that, there’s no room for anything else. Royal needs bigger trash cans.

One thing I didn’t mention is we were in 2 groups. Ours was 47 people plus our guide. This was manageable and we stayed in our group on all the trains and buses. Everyone was very good about being on time everywhere.

We were offered several flight seeing tours and several of our group went on one. I know of at least one that was cancelled due to weather. We don’t like small planes or helicopters so we stayed on the ground. But they reported it was wonderful!

Friday bags had to out by 7 a.m. We walked to a breakfast place nearby and got a roll for breakfast. We left for the Alaska Native Heritage Center around 8:30. By now everyone just wanted to get to the ship. Instead we were dropped off downtown to get lunch on our own and finally at 1 pm we headed to Seward. I feel they do this on purpose to stagger people getting on the ship but we didn’t get there until 4 p.m. For us this is late and it was a rush to muster and make some dinner reservations. Our bags arrived right after we did but there was no time to unpack before dinner. We didn’t get fully unpacked until the next morning so it made the cruise feel a bit shorter. We are still happy we did the land portion. There was wasted time but it was also very busy at times and I wouldn’t want to do the land portion after a cruise. The shuttle times for the lodging to Denali and into Talkeetna are few and non existing in the evening so the lodges can hold you captive for meals. They handled all our bags which makes moving from place to place so much easier. We had a great cruise after our land tour and then stayed in Victoria a couple of nights after. It was a great trip! I hope this trip report helps others plan for their land tour. We went into it pretty blind as Royal doesn’t give you much information.

Wednesday we were able to sleep in a little as our bags didn’t have to be out until 9 a.m. We left to catch the next train ride from Denali to Talkeetna again stopping for about an hour at the strip of shopping across from the Princess lodge. Lunch on the train was great and this was probably the most scenic part of our train rides. This is the highest elevation that the train gets to. We loved traveling by train rather than the bus. You’re able to get up, stretch your legs, use the restroom etc. That evening we stayed at the Talkeetna Lodge. This was much nicer lodging, newer rooms, good lighting, good window coverage for sleeping, and while we still had to walk outside to get to the main building it was closer and paved all the way. Town was about a mile and half away and some walked into town for dinner. We grabbed a burger in the lodge as it was raining. On a clear day you can see Denali but we weren’t lucky this time. We did see a moose and her baby on the grounds though. The next morning bags didn’t have to out until 11:00. At that time we took a jet boat tour on the river there. It was interesting but we were disappointed we couldn’t do the one that went into the gorge. After that we stayed in town and shopped until it was time to walk to the train station where we met up with our group again. Lunch was snacks again and fireweed ice cream ( which is yummy but the way). We had dinner on the train on our way to Anchorage. This train ride was less scenic but dinner was lovely as we shared a bottle of wine with table mates. By the time we got to the Marriott most things were closed. Our room was lovely with a view of the bay.

Tuesday was Denali! We had to be on the bus at 5:30 a.m. to go to the park. I think everyone was grumbling a bit over this but in the end I think this was great as we saw more in the early part of the day. We transferred onto the old buses for our ride into the park. A box of snacks and water bottles were provided. It had been too early for breakfast. Our ride was about 5 hours and honestly it went so fast. We are part of the 30% who see Denali! It literally was stunning. I’m not adding pictures to this review but just wow! By the time we left the park it was clouding over so later groups that day wouldn’t see the mountain. We also saw caribou and from far away a mama bear with 3 cubs! The park system has also installed equipment on the bus for the driver, if they see an animal far away they can zoom in on it and you see it on small screens on the bus. Most people in our group went back to the hotel complex after this but we chose to stay in Denali. We felt that’s what we had come for. We watched a couple of short films, went to the parks free dog sled show and got a burger in the park. Be very mindful of shuttle time! There are very few and there are no Ubers or taxis here! That evening we went to the optional salmon bake and show at the Denali park village. The food wasn’t as good as Fairbanks but the show was much better. Since you have to eat anyway you might as well be entertained. We ended the evening with a drink on the lodge deck swatting those huge mosquitoes away.

Monday morning we took the domed train from Fairbanks to Denali. The scenery started to change and it was lovely. Breakfast was on the train. You could bring your own food on the train but we highly suggest eating your meals on the train. They do an excellent job and the food is really quite good. They also have a bar. Drinks run about $12 and meals from $18 for breakfast, $24 for lunch and $34 for dinner. It was a white tablecloth experience and worth it to us. We got off the train, onto a bus and headed into Denali. At some point we also went to the area where the Princess Lodge is. They’re a strip of stores there and a convenience store where you can buy snacks and drinks. Our biggest shocker was $4 bottles of water. So bringing your own refillable bottle is a good idea. We were given only a brief time that day at the visitor center but would return. We then headed to the Denali park village. Denali park village has very limited shuttles running back and forth to the park. This means you’re basically captive there. It’s several miles from the park. Food is expensive so if you’re like us you packed some snacks. We had more than one meal of peanut butter crackers and a mini bag of cookies. Or we’d share a burger as we’re not big eaters anyway. That evening we did another optional tour which was an ATV. It was actually more like a dune buggy, 2 seater. We had a blast and made several stops to view the scenery. I do not advise if you have a bad back or neck as we flew over rocky, bumpy paths and splashed through a couple of big puddles. Our clothes were very dirty so I did another quick load of wash and hung them to dry in the room. Take a gaiter and sunglasses to cover your eyes! Denali park village was the worst room we encountered. It was more like a 1 star. Not even a picture on the wall. Poor blinds over the windows that didn’t keep the light out. Poor lighting in the room. One small mirror over the sink. We were also a walk from the main lobby. The grounds were nice with fire pits and a place for small meals other than the main lodge. The lobby was nice with big comfortable seating. Some in our group were put into cabins that they said were even worse.

Our first cruise tour day we headed out before 8:30 and went to the UAFs museum of the north. Some things were time fillers like driving around downtown Fairbanks. Lunch was on our own as all meals were. We were offered advice on several options but not given much time. The afternoon was the Riverboat discovery which was fun and informative. It had been cloudy and when the sun came out we got some slight face sunburn. It was also our first encounter with swarms of mosquitoes. We learned to put sunscreen on our faces each morning and bring the bug spray. The mosquitoes weren’t really a problem on the ship excursions but on the land portion they were everywhere. In the evening we had chosen the optional salmon bake and show. Do this. The food was very good and your other options are hotel food. The revue show was cheesy but entertaining and we were back to the hotel by about 9:30. Our bags had to be out by 6 a.m, the next morning although we didn’t leave the hotel until about 7:20. This was to be a common theme. Bags had to be out early as they were counted and loaded on a truck, not the train. It’s efficient and our bags were always waiting in our room at the next stop. But it does mean early mornings. Only backpacks or large purses are allowed on the trains and buses. I only found this out pre trip through a lot of searching. We each had a small packable backpack that we filled each day with electronics, medications, eyeglasses, bug spray, valuables, snacks, passports etc. This has to be kept on your lap or at your feet. The buses are tight while the trains had a little more room at your feet.

We just got back from our Royal cruise tour to Alaska. I had many questions before we went and it was hard to find answers. I’m hoping this review will help others. Many on these boards said not to go with Royal. There could be some truth to this, however as we are Diamond plus with Royal it seemed more familiar to use them. Some people said to do it on your own. This could be true if you’re a great planner and have the time to do so. Some said to use an outside agency to book the details for them. We are an almost retired couple that felt overwhelmed at driving and planning. Now that we’re home, I’m glad we did a cruise tour even though there were some rough patches. We flew Alaska airlines from DFW to Fairbanks a day early. The time change was a bigger deal for us then we had thought about. By the time we got to our hotel it was 4 a.m. Dallas time. We booked Sophie Station as that’s were our cruise tour started. I had put in the comments when booking that we were part of the cruise tour starting the next day. While not fancy, think 2 or 3 star, Sophie station was clean and we had a 2 room suite with full kitchen. Our stay was seamless. We rented a car at the airport so we could use the first day wisely. The sunset around midnight was stunning and it never really got too dark. After a few hours of sleep we forced ourselves to get up. We used the car to visit a grocery store and buy a few snacks, water and pre mixed alcoholic drinks. There is a grocery store walkable to Sophie station also. We then drove out to Chena Hot Springs. We spent several hours soaking in the springs and hot tub and laying out on the deck area. I was amazed at how warm the sun felt. Honestly this was the warmest day of our trip! We drove back, about an hour and 15 minutes each way and the jet lag hit us again. I had trouble keeping the DH awake to drive! We checked in with our tour leader and this is when things got chaotic. One person trying to tell you what you needed to know as people came and went. Here are your tour options but no you can’t do that one, it’s sold out, etc. Premier travel runs Royals cruise tours. While some lines may let you book extra tours before your cruise tour, Royal does not. So many things were not offered or were sold out. We did get to do everything we wanted to do except a 5 hour jet boat ride and we couldn’t choose our times for most things. DH and I went to dinner and then he returned the car while I did a quick load of laundry. I knew our swimsuits needed washing after the hot springs and it gave me a chance to wash our travel clothes so we could use them again. There are a couple of walkable restaurants to eat at near Sophie Station but most people seemed to eat at the restaurant in the hotel. Our actual tour started the next morning so we made it an early night.

I’ve been known to grab a towel off the cart in the hall, I confess.

I’m hopeful but doubt it will come back. It’s a money saver. We are in a hotel this weekend for 3 nights and the website already states no service except after 4 nights. I’m hoping for no push back when I ask for extra towels at the desk. At over $300 a night I find no service ridiculous.

I’m sad to see this in the news again. I wish the parents could find peace. Royal shouldn’t settle.

Our DD and grands are until the first week of August. Then we get another set. We are leaving for Alaska this weekend so they can be as messy as they like while we are gone. I’m keeping the packing to our room or I’d really be in overload. We love them all but not the clutter or the noise. Did our kids fight that much? Probably with four, I just blocked it out of my memory. Thankfully we have a playroom to corral the toys. I know these times will end so I try to enjoy the chaos. But yes it will be nice in mid August when we get our quiet back too.

I think we’ve decided to try taking the public bus. Much less expensive although longer. We have the day until 5 p.m. so can stay as long as we want. I’ve written down the bus schedule and we’ll try it out.

If you’re staying at Riverside and go to the Boat house and enjoy the happy hour too much you just walk across the street to your room. Great way to start a cruise! The Hilton Marina is super close to the port and in the tower rooms you can see the cruise ships in the morning. There’s places to eat and shop that are walkable. The walls are thin there though. The bathroom doors in some of the rooms are kind of a plexiglass so if you’re with others there’s no privacy. The water taxi is right there too. Not a bad place if the price is right.

We’ve stayed at most of the Hilton properties in FLL but our favorite right now is Riverside. It’s not on the beach but on las olas Blvd with lots of shops and restaurants close by. The hotel has a great happy hour, I think it’s called the boat house? Riverside is usually less expensive than ocean view hotels. We try to stay in the newer tower instead of the tiny older rooms. Riverside is also on one of the water taxi routes if I remember right. There’s a walkable Publix for wine and water too. It’s now our favorite unless we just have to see the ocean. We can still and watch the big boats go up and down the river.

We want to try Celebrity but the prices are holding us back. They use to be just a little more than Royal but now - ouch. Every cruise has gone up though.

It was briefly available for our Radiance cruise but quickly either sold or they took it off. It was over $400 pp and we didn’t book it.

In hindsight we could have gone with Viking 10 night plus add on land 6 night for less then 4K more. It might have been worth it. We actually had one booked and backed out with a $200 penalty. We got no info until about 3 weeks prior which was buried in our cruise docs in the cruise planner. In there it includes a rough outline of what we do everyday. I found the optional excursions buried on the website and book marked them months ago. I did get emails multiple times with offers to back out as they were overbooked on the land portion. Our airfare is non refundable so that wasn’t an option. We are committed now of course and I’m sure it will all work out. I haven’t heard of any terrible trip reports. As a planner though the lack of information has been hard. We had considered DIY to save money but at the time we were both working full time and just didn’t have the time and energy to put into planning. DIY pretty much has to be done a year in advance.

They give a rough outline as to what you’re doing each day and how long the tour lasts but no more of a timeline than that. No time to meet. No details. We get that all upon arrival in Alaska. Extra excursions are purchased on arrival but I did find what they offer so we could decide before. We don’t know ahead of time what we’ll be near for meals although we purchase those as we go. I have figured out on my own the train times as there is only one and it has it own website. We are hoping to catch the Denali free shuttle to do the dogs and maybe the 2 mile hike on our own but it depends on when Royal gets us there and leaves. I understand Princess is a well oiled machine. We’ve done trips with Viking and they have also provided a lot of detail before hand. Transfers from Fairbanks airport is included but since we are flying in a day ahead that doesn’t include us. We had the same issue with Viking though for that. They will get us to the ship. I’m not really complaining but more pre trip communication would have been helpful. I had to search for what I’ve found as we booked on our own., no TA. A detailed email would have been nice. We leave in a week. I appreciate the packing advice from this thread and this has altered what we were planning to take for daytime.

Prayers as you go down this road. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer during the pandemic. It was hard but I’ve learned you can do hard things. For me the worst part was going by myself to my appointments and into the hospital for surgery by myself. MD Anderson wouldn’t allow my DH to be with me. So it took courage just to go in each time. I still get teary when I think about it. You can do this! Take one appointment, one treatment at a time. Let others care for you. Rest, pray, read encouraging things. Look forward to your cruise!

Yes, well Royal doesn’t seem to give that information. It only says at “each destination we will ensure your luggage is delivered to your hotel room”. It also states there will be luggage storage available for a bag to go directly to the ship. I have searched everywhere and it doesn’t say a word about our day trip/train travel. It gives tipping information though! But since we have 3 trains rides and a bus it’s helpful from the rest of you to know how to plan. Otherwise we would have expected to keep our wheeled under the seat bag with us which according to those of you with experience won’t work. Princess even limits you to one bag on land. Royal doesn’t state anything like that. It really does make it difficult to plan. I’m still unsure about what to take. We have waterproof hiking shoes/boots that take a lot of room. I can’t see wearing them on a 14 hour trip through airports in the summer, even with tsa pre check.

Even though we’re not on HA this information is helpful. I had forgotten about the CPAP machine which we really can’t check either. I guess we can carry our crossbody pac safe bags for the valuable stuff, then use the cheap back packs for jackets, raincoats and umbrellas. I don’t want to look like a pack mule but this is helpful information.

If you’ve been on a cruise tour I have a question about what you can keep with you during the day on the tour part. We’ve really been given very little info except we may check a bag at the start that will be stored until we get to the ship. We will do a bag with dress clothes that way. Otherwise we will have one or two ( packing now, so not sure) 25 inch suitcases, two 22 inch carry on size suitcases, and two under the airplane seat size bags. I have 2 packable very lightweight, thin back packs to take. These fold down into a pocket to give you an idea what they are like. We will have iPads, kindle, prescription meds, other valuables in a small amount to carry around plus of course raincoats and maybe a jacket. Will we be able to keep the under the seat size suitcase with us on the bus and the train? Or do I need a more substantial back pack for the day?

On Oasis in Park 150 ( nicest dining on the ship) we were sat by 2, 20 something’s who came in basketball shorts, t shirts and slides on their feet. We were dressed up, jacket for DH, nice dress for me. It didn’t ruin my dinner….until they started shoving food in their mouths, talking loudly with their mouths open, reaching over and stabbing food off each others plates. Honestly their manners were disgusting. Maybe appropriate for eating in a frat house but no where else. We finished as quickly as we could and got out. A table mate relayed their experience on another ship. He had wanted it to be a special romantic dinner for his wife complete with champagne. 2 who were sat beside them ( you know how close those tables are to each other) had their phone on to a ball game loudly, no earbuds or headphones. He complained to the manger quietly but nothing was done. They left. The next day the manager tried to make it up to them but it was too little too late. I don’t care what you wear. I care more about your actions and behavior in a place that’s supposed to be “special”. A speciality restaurant on board should feel that way, not like the Golden Corral.