cw2go

NCL in Hawaii is not like the typical NCL line. I'd suggest posting on the Hawaii or NCL forum so they can better advise you. I travel Hawaii by land but seeing that you're out of The UK I am assuming driving might concern you. Patty

Having been to Hawaii multiple times can I ask why August? Any possible way you could celebrate in May? That is a humid month in Maui, wet month in Kauai and Hot month in Honolulu. Patty

Was there anything in particular that you wanted in Anchorage? A fantastic way to spend your day is The 26 Glacier Cruise w/Philips Patty

I say YES! Go! The seating is assigned at time of booking, I was front row and it was great but there is plenty of room and many people came up front near us to get better views, many people moved about the boat. I've always been very lucky with weather, we return this July we shall see if my luck holds out! 🤞 Pics of my beautiful day! Patty

Went back to my pics to be sure I remembered correctly, this is my Tracy Arm/Sawyer Glacier Sailing. At the time I had no idea what to expect and from what I've learned since, I believe I did get super lucky. I still want to get back on a smaller boat, I loved our day there! Old camera, very little zoom ~ Sailed June 2010 Patty

I didn't find Tracy Arm by cruise ship to be awful... I did both via cruise ship and I still preferred Tracy Arm. So... In my personal experience they're more like comparing red apples to green apples. 😁 Patty

I was on Beyond this past Feb. Had dinner one night in Eden, lobster was not on the menu/available. I specifically wanted it and ultimately ended up having lobster at Fine Cut. Patty

I highly recommend taking the tour if still available. Tracy Arm is gorgeous, many rave about Glacier Bay and it is special but I personally preferred Tracy Arm. Patty

I've done both. Car ride was absolutely beautiful and we were able to stop as we chose. I recommend Murrays guide (Google) for the "must see stops" it's a great guide and you'll save big bucks. Now for the train, I think the scenery was better but if cost is an issue go with a car rental. Just be sure to watch the clock so that you can clear the customs station on your return without issue. Patty

Hey there 👋

I was one of those "someones" seriously I've seen Ozzy in concert so I'm not afraid of volume, for me this was just loud for no reason. Didn't add/help the experience imo. Patty

So excited to follow your AMS travels! Going next Aug on Apex Patty

100% Agree! Ships Food vs Alaska Adventure, no contest! Patty

As others have posted, I'd use a strap to keep from losing it but for me part of the fun was reaching my arms out and enjoying the ride. Personally using/focusing on a camera would take away from the experience. Patty

From my research there is no other option. Those port times will not work. Patty

The zip rider will absolutely have set times. The gondola will not. Some ride the gondola for the views and take it back down. Patty

I believe you'll get better answers if you post this on the Alaska or Vancouver board.

If you really believe this is a one and done... I said that too and got addicted! 😜 I'd suggest looking at one way sailings with the most amount of port time. Princess has great itineraries but doesn't mean best depending on what you want out of your time in Alaska. You'll also have to pick your glacier sailings. Glacier Bar, Hubbard as ex. As for ISP, It's a super fun port stop but if you're not into adventurous tours or whale watching, you'll be limited. I'll also mention tours are very pricey but for me they are what makes the vacation to Alaska so special. I spent big bucks getting OUT of port! I cruise interior staterooms because for me top deck is where I spend my time. This is heavily debated, up to you. Try not to focus on the ship, they are all pretty equal in Alaska. The vibe is far more sedate and casual than in Europe to the Caribbean. Once you nail down the itinerary and share what your desires are, I'll be able to help with the must have tours. Ages or mobility issues? Any children? Is budget a concern? Word of caution, you'll never see it all and need to be flexible as weather can turn on a dime. Happy to help, Patty

Exactly as Mark_T posted. This is why I choose to pay a tad more, I prefer to have my plans set prior to boarding and I'm particular about my dining times, I also plan around my day plans/excursions so I wouldn't like to be limited once on board. Some are more flexible so the packages work for them. Patty

What's you stateroom number and I can look for you. I am sure others will explain better than me but if the bump in the room on the diagram is towards the end by IV that's where the beds are placed. Since you want them near the bathrooms you'll want the opposite. patty

Fabulous Post! I've sailed Celebrity many times with my sons and they both loved it! Just as you described it suited their personalities. I wouldn't say Celebrity is a great fir for all kids, no more than I would suggest that RCCL or NCL is. No one size fits all. Patty

Glad it worked out! You will have a blast, just accept Alaska weather as part of the adventure! Another tour that you may find fun is the ocean raft, I've done it in Skagway and have it booked for this year in ISP. They will gear you up so no worries of being too cold. Patty

Thanks for your help, I actually called them a few weeks ago. No luck. I sailed through Tracy Arm years ago so this time I am just going with the Taku is all new to us approach. Like you I get out of port as much as possible. I have a cruise booked for July 2024 with a Juneau port time 7-9:30 ~ I'll eventually make it work 😊 Patty

Usually in my experience it's been about 6months to a year in advance. Some sailings sooner, some later. No real rhyme or reason. Patty

That is very odd. Celebrity usually has multiple times throughout the day during port stops. I have 2 available in my cruise planner for July 18th 7:30 and 12:30 Make sure you're looking for zip rider and gondola combo? In years past there were many more options so maybe it's a staffing issue since you port later? Patty