JanetAlice

Carrington's has an awesome little museum, especially if you like ivory. I second Dough Boy, but stay out of the quilt shop unless you are independently wealthy or won a large jackpot on the ship. Alaska Geographic is across the street from the Park Visitors Center. Try the spruce tip beer at the brewery and fudge from Alaska Fudge. Tee shirts from the Harley shop.... check out the hardware store to see where Alaska bush people shop...

 

Don't go to the library to try to get on wifi. Skagway is a small town of around 800 people, slow wifi, and bad cell service. When there are up to 15,000 people in town the internet pipes get clogged. If you have to get online, go to the crew internet center on 3rd ( or maybe its 2nd) and pay for it.

A question about the quilt shop. Are they selling finished quilts or quilting fabrics? Thanks

We also just booked a cruise on Princess for June 9, 2018. Aft balcony - $5100.00 OUCH!!!! didn't even do airfare or excursions. I'm hoping this goes on sale !!!

Anyone recommend a hotel in Seattle for one night - originally was going to stay a few nights but this trip is just too expensive for a more days in Seattle.

Thank

Alaska is very expensive these days because so many people are not going to Europe. I would Princeline a hotel near SeaTac-very favorable rates.

Thermal spa was nice on the Gem, it was the only quiet place on the ship. The spa on the Breakaway was gorgeous but not quiet. People just don't respect the fact that many people go to this area as a get away.

Barclay may have fixed their problem. I was waiting to get to 50,000 points to redeem for a $1,000 statement credit (2%). When I logged on to their website today, it allowed the redemption with no issues. Everything worked easily with no problems.

 

I had decided I would probably cancel after redeeming my 50,000 points if it were a hassle to redeem them. Now that the problem looks fixed, I will probably keep the card.

 

On my last redemption (in July 2016 under the old system), I received $1,250 for 100,000 points (1.25%). Now I receive 2% as long as I have a Princess purchase for $4,001 or more within the last 180 days (and I always have a Princess cruise purchase of at least that amount within the last 180 days.:) This is a substantial improvement. This means I receive 4% cash back on Princess purchases and 2% cash back on all other purchases.

 

I recommend anyone who has had problems in the past try their website again and see if the problem is fixed for you.

Do you don't double points for onboard credit or only statement credit?

We did a fabulous bear watch there but I am not sure if he I still in business. He was a local character and we saw 5 or 6 bears

Everyone has different standards for their kids, but the show Rock of Ages has adult themes. I think 13 is fine but you may not. We are not into production shows but we loved 2nd City and went twice. There is also a singer the last night of the cruise. Excellent rendition of Broadway classics.

We are 70 days out for epic sailing. Those of you who have won your bids how soon before sailing were your bids accepted

I revived my notice 3 days prior to departure. I know I overpaid but the aft Haven suite was amazing and worth every penny. (Though I was depressed slightly when the bill came last week.) at least I received triple points on my NCL card.

We had an Haven aft suite last cruise. Absolutely loved it and had great service from our butler. We were on the10th Floor and walked to the forward elevators and then up. I liked having to walk the length of the ship. I felt less guilty having the butler supply peanut M and Ms every day. I walked between 4 and 6 thousands steps everyday.

My TA sucks and I won't be using her again. I called her and told her that and she said that she had already called NCL and they told her that I don't qualify. She did some other stuff too.. just wasn't very good.

That's too bad. The TA I used for this cruise for awful as well. I book with this particular agency because I get free transportation to the port. I don't care anymore. I will pay for the transfer next year so I can deal with my usual TA. Have you cruised with NCL before? What type of room were/are you in? We were originally in a regular aft balcony before we upgraded to the aft Haven suite.

I can upgrade by doing the bidding, but I cannot call NCL directly and ask to have a cabin in a different class. Maybe that is called an upsell instead of an upgrade (?).

I called my travel agent, mytravel agent called NCL and they sent me the email directly.

I may have misled you... not $900 more total to get into the Haven but $900 more than I am currently bidding. Total would be about $3770 more!

 

So, I am currently paying X for my balcony room. I am bidding $1440 p/p for the Haven Fwd Penthouse (H7). If I paid $900 (X + 2880 + 900) it would be like booking it outright (paying the current rate).

 

Does that change things?

 

I was also told that because I booked with a TA, I would have to cancel my current booking (and pay a penalty) and rebook.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I am not sure I understand. I booked with TA and successfully bid on an upgrade. The upgrade transaction with between me and NCL, the TA wasn't involved. No penalty was incurred.

We are looking to do a guided hike on Matanuska Glacier. There are a couple of companies to choose from and I was looking for personal experiences from people on this board. We are in are early 60s and relatively active. We hiked down into Bryce Canyon last year but don't think I could handle a ice climb.

We went with Nova Charters on Matanuska, they were wonderful and only 4 of us on our hike. They have different levels of endurance. Our level I would say is moderate... you have to dig your feet firmly into the ice every step. I was definitely tired and done at the end of the day. We made this our first stop leaving Anchorage and headed to Talkeenta for the night.

 

I suffer from SEVERE motion sickness and I definitely wore a motion sickness patch for the bus ride and was happy I did... I would never miss that day, it was worth the anxiety... for a portion of the ride. No, it is not all that bad, but that footage makes better video ;p

 

We did Anan Creek Bears out of Ketchikan with Island Wings Charters... Michelle, Shona and Tim are the best.

 

 

Enjoy the land portion of your trip, I look forward to returning one day to simply drive the state in an RV, pulling over, opening a bottle of wine and taking in all that is Alaska!

Thanks for all the additional info. I will definite take my Bonine before the trip into Denali.

I laughed when I saw where you stayed at Denali and Talkeetna. (I read your blog after posting this). We too are staying at small family run cabins, trying to avoid the cruisetour groups and enjoy the peace and quiet of Alaska.

We have flown with Michelle twice before and you are correct, she is wonderful. We have her booked again for this year for Misty Fjords and for extended glacier viewing. Even though it's a repeat for us (at least the Misty Fjords portion ) we are introducing our best friends to Alaska so we wanted to show them this spectacular area.

My husband teaches video production so I thought you might enjoy this travelogue. Thanks again for being so generous with your info. Alaska is the best.

Very nice. Your weather was amazing.

We are headed to Alaska for our fifth trip. I needed to wait till I retired to have enough time for the Alaska land portion. On our previous cruises we did round trip out of Seattle. Our land portion prior to cruise was Washington and Oregon. I too have planned our own land portion of the trip. It was a bit challenging but I believe it will be worth it in the end. A couple of questions if you don't mind.

At Matanuska Glacier were you on a guided tour? If so who? Was it difficult? I have hiked into Bryce Canyon and the Narrows at Zion but I am a little nervous about hiking on ice. I am about 20 years older than you Did you stay overnight at Matanuska Lodge?

The bus into Denali looked "difficult" is parts. Is it like like most of the trip? Dramamine worthy?

We are going to Katmai prior to our cruise which is out of Whittier. I see you opted for Wrangell and it looks like you did that post cruise. How did you get there?

Thanks in advance.

I would take Princess over NCL any day and I've cruised both. Atmosphere is completely different. The food is very mediocre and way too salty on NCL. That being said Glacier Bay is wonderful. I would look into the Haven if you choose NCL. It's a special experience .

Can you tell me about hiring a porter. We are not in the Haven. I am curious about what services a porter provides and the cost. Thank you!

The porter often gets you to the head of the line st immigration.

We did carry our own luggage. Sorry, I don't know if they put the Haven luggage in a separate area. Perhaps someone else will chime in and tell us.

We too were in the Haven on this cruise. Yes, the Haven luggage is in a separate area. Though they try, the terminal is too small for the Breakaway. We had a transfer bus back to Albany and had to wait till noon for people to get through the lines at immigration.

I notice that too so I'm guessing I wouldnt be getting one ugh🙁...

 

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I would still bid. Our cruise was sold out and I bid on three Haven categories. People have to cancel at the last minutes. Nothing to loose.

More smaller sized ships with lovely amenities. Don't like the mega ships at all!!!

I agree but they will never go back. Loved when the Gem/Jewel did the 7 day Florida Bahamas run. Much prefer over the huge Breakaway.

One request larger balconies and a quiet area of the ship for adults.

Ah now I get why I spent so much for April 9th. It's my first cruise so I thought it was a great price till I ready this and compared other weeks. I hope the crowd and people make this peek week worth the extra $$& 😆

Do you have the option of another date? These cruises usually have between 1200-1500 kids.

When we did Harv and Marv's, they stopped at Mendenhall on the way back to the ship for about 15 mins. You could then leave to go back or stay and find your own way back on the shuttle or taxi.

 

 

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Was that recently? Easy to take the shuttle bus back but it would be nice to be dropped off at Mendenhall.

We have used both vendors. At one time Harv and Marv would drop you off at Mendenhall but I don't believe that is the case anymore. We have flown twice with Island Wings. We absolutely loved everything about the experience. Everyone is different. Nature in all its glory is important to me and worth the expense of this type of excursion. We are flying with her again this summer though we have booked the extended flight that includes her glacier tour.

After months of planning and research (and help from BudgetQueen and others on this board) here is our final itinerary. I have reservations at all the hotels, booked flightseeing, shuttle into Denali, train to Whittier and dinner reservations at 7 Glacier. Yes, I had to sell my first born to pay for this trip.

Arrive Anchorage stay overnight

Day one - drive to Matanuska Glacier, hike on glacier and stay overnight

Day two- drive to Denali. Overnight in Denali

Day three - Denali . Booked 8 hour shuttle bus tour to Eielsen

Day four - Drive to Talkeetna. Flight over Denali with glacier landing. Overnight in Talkeetna

Day five- drive to Girdwood and enjoy the sights along the way. Explore the area. Dine at 7 Glaciers at the

Alyeska Resort, which includes a free ride up the tram. Overnight in Girdwood (not at the Alyeska lol)

Day six - drive to Seward. Exit Glacier. Museum if time. Overnight in Seward

Day seven - Kenai Cruise 6 hour if the seas aren't too rough. (we did this before and I was nauseous most of the trip even after taking 1/2 Bonine.) Drive back to Anchorage

Day eight - Round trip flight to Katmai National Park, Overnight in Anchorage

Day nine- train to Whittier. If we have time and the weather is good 26 Glacier cruse. Leave on the Coral Princess

Day ten and eleven - rest up during scenic cruising.

Day twelve - car rental at Skagway

Day thirteen - Harv and Marv, Mendenhall, tram if the weather is good

Day fourteen - Island Wings Misty Fjords and Glacier flight

Day fifteen - more scenic cruising on the way to Vancouver

Day sixteen - overnight in Vancouver

Day seventeen - overnight in Vancouver

Day eighteen - Home sweet home!

We are on the same cruise. Come on over to our roll call.

I didn't know there wouldn't be port stores. We will definitely be walking downtown and after dinner we will probably stay on the ship.

I am so used to port stores at all the Caribbean ports we have been to.

Victoria is also a major retirement city for Canadians. Don't think of it as a port catering to tourists. You will find an Alaska cruise completely different than the Caribbean. I won't suggest using it as a point of reference. Happy planning.