luv2gonow

Looking to book an Alaskan cruise for summer 2018 and looking for advise on cruise line. My wife and I have been on one cruise together (Caribbean on NCL Jade) and I have cruised alone prior (Bahamas on NCL Sky). Open to NCL again, as we liked the casual environment and dining options. Was not a fan of the long waits at the bars and restaurants (though that may be common on all cruises?) I did feel the second NCL cruise felt repetitive (same feel, restaurants, etc), so interested in trying another cruise line also. Can anyone make recommendations on which lines to look at, where we do not have to dress up to set specific times for dining, and overall fun feel (thought the less kids and crowds the better).

 

We are looking for a 7+ day cruise, preferably one way to maximize number of ports. Also considering the cruisetour options, though they seem quite expensive. Might do a few days on our own in Settle or Vancouver and in Alaksa on either end of the trip. I have miles on British Airways, and want to make all the flights with miles, and I think it gives me good options for flights.

 

Trying to keep it cost down, hopefully under $2500 total (2 people, fees, taxes, tips, etc), to save money for excursions. As much as we would like a balcony room, understand that likely wont happen.

 

Any recommendations are appreciated!

If you are looking to increase your budget to include that land tour. The one I am booked on next year is the

12 day Denali Alyeska Southbound on the NCL Jewel. The land portion is already sold out for my cruise tour of 7/26/18.:eek:

Cruise before looks like inside cabin is $2498(plus tax). It looks amazing though.

Happy planning

Kerri

Kerri

Thanks for your honest review!

Having had the same situation happem to me on POA with the bottled water I was equally disgusted!! If I am buying overpriced water on NCL for an excursion and then dont drink it, I think it is pathetic I cannot bring back onboard. Put a stupid sticker on It or something. That is the nickel and diming thatvis obnoxious IMO

Thanks

Kerri

We are doing something similar next May. We are also DVC members, so are doing 4 nights Aulani then the cruise. We are renting a car. Why did you go to Marriott? We are going to drive from Aulani to the port and dropping off the car there. Do you know how long/far the drive will be?Thanks

Thanks for following everyone:-)

We stayed in Waikiki the night before the cruise before because it was included with the NCL promo. In Hawaii they only give you one promo and they don't have the beverage package there. So we picked the hotel it included a shuttle to port. Waikiki is close to port.

From Aulani to Waikiki was about 40 min no traffic but it could be a lot of traffic so do not go during rush hour. We took a taxi, he gave us rate of $95 meter was more. Aulani is closer to airport than cruise port so a little further.

I will be doing the next installment soon I apologize for taking so long!!

Kerri

I used Romeinlimo they were awesome. we arrived a day earlier so we did an Etruscan tour on way to port hotel.

Happy planning

Kerri

Just a few words about ship 1st. Not a fan of some decks that are not walk thru's but no biggie lots of ships have that. I love the promenade deck goes all the way around. I think having more loungers on the deck would have been nice. Nice bar on back of ship but being that we were in port so much it was kind of hot there with not much moving air. I loved that the shops were always open in port. I did not miss the casino as lately I have been using that money in the spa.

Ok Maui....Just realized didnt' tell you our crew. Myself, my husband, mom and daughter 15 was on this trip.

My mom and I booked the Haleakala sunset tour. My husband and daughter booked the Segway tour. They loved the Segway tour and my husband wants to build one LOL. I was worried about the crater tour because I am not a fan of winding roads in the dark. This tour was in a full size tour bus which was kind of scary when you see these roads. We stopped at the visitors center on the way up which was closed. Apparently not enough people to run it or not enough money. This was basically a 20 min bathroom and photo stop.

We then proceed to top. Well about 9,600 feet. Bus can't go to tippy top which is another half mile? uphill

Guide says starting January they will not let the big tour buses in any more and they will switch to the smaller buses. This is bad for the companies many will lose jobs. But it will provide a better experience for guests.

Now my problem with tours is I am always paranoid about bathroom breaks. So when we stopped at the "visitors center" he kept saying that at the top of the mountain there are only 5 port o potties. I asked if we are stopping on the way back and he says no it will be dark . So now I am in a panic that we have many hours left in this tour with no bathroom break. Turns out there was a very nice bathroom and the port o potties must have been at tippy top that you had to hike to. So that was very unnecessary stress for myself and mom.

Ok so tour picks up at ship at like 3:30, we must have been on top by 5:15-5;30. Sunset is 7:10.

I was not hiking up to top so this was way to much time for me to be there.

Don't get me wrong it was beautiful and we had perfect weather. Not to cold or windy and the sunset was spectacular. But.....when cars started skidding in 20 min before sunset I was like yes that is how you do it!!!

Ride down pretty terrifying and you are happy there is a line of cars going slow.

We got back to ship just in time to skid into the show. Which was the best one all week. The "aloha" show with Polynesian dancers and such. It was very good and I really enjoyed seeing the different dances. I was starving after show it was like 10 so I ran to Cadillac diner for a snack. Tomato soup and chicken wings...Not bad!!

Then I went to buffet to grab a cup of tea and noticed they had snacks. lil sandwiches, one hot dish and dessert. Which I thought was great to have a late night snack option.

Enjoyed my tea on balcony and called it a night. I must say I love staying overnight in the port for more time but I don't like not sailing at night if that makes any sense:confused:

Next up day 2 Maui

Keri

Happy to hear the seas are smooth for you!!

I am posting a review of my POA trip, I think you mentioned you are sailing her next year. It is a great itinerary and I had a great cruise.

Kerri

Hi,

Can't believe home over 2 weeks from an amazing vacation. This trip consisted of a 3 night DL stop (Grand Californian, 5 nights Aulani (Disney resort), 1 night Waikiki followed by the cruise. We are DVC members so stopping at California from East Coast and then relaxing at Aulani was amazing. Any questions from that part of trip just ask.

Ok I booked the NCL package that included 1 night at the Marriot Waikiki and transfers to airport. No beverage package in Hawaii:( We flew Jet blue to California, then Hawaiian Airlines from LAX to HNL, then direct from HNL to JFK. Flights were fine but my big gripe on Hawaiian is that they do NOT have the individual air nozzle above each seat. Now folks I know some people are grossed out by that germ air but for this claustrophobic can't sit still hate flying kinda girl, that air is priceless!. Not to mention I am always hot.

On Friday noon time we checked into the Marriot Waikiki. We had 2 rooms booked and they were both ready:hearteyes:

I had tried to call and upgrade to an Oceanview room, much to my chagrin they would not. So I was very pleasantly surprised to have a very good partial ocean view. My mom had a corner room which was even better. Room was spacious and very comfy bed. AC worked very well. Location is across from beach. It was a great location I thought. Right there was nice shaded benches by beach to watch surfers. Also there was a pier that jutted out which gave great view of coast. We were all hungry so set out for the road along beach to find a restaurant to have lunch. To the right we stopped at 1st big open air place. I think the name had burger in it. (cheeseburger paradise?) Open air beautiful view of beach. I am only mentioning it because I had he best Ahi tuna oriental salad EVER!! OMG it was so good.

Just want to mention that checkin was very easy they gave us NCL luggage tags that were the peel kind so no stapler needed. They said our pickup time was I think 10:45 next morning for ship.

After lunch we walked the strip, there is so much expensive shopping on this strip the further you walk down.

We just walked around, hung out on beach and just enjoyed the area. Waikiki is very busy, I was surprised how narrow the beach is also. So cool to just watch the surfers. The area reminded me slightly of Ft. Lauderdale beach vibe but it was much better.

Next morning we were all packed up and ready to start our cruise. No breakfast as we want to be hungry for our 1st lunch after boarding. I was a little nervous about our bags. They had us leave the bags inside rooms and they would come and collect them. I was like INSIDE and they looked at me like I'm crazy and said yea someone might steal them. I was asking because in Italy on a NCL land tour before med cruise they had us leave bags outside our rooms for pickup. Anyway very well organized met in lobby area, checked in and told them how many bags we left and off to the bus we were.

Check in at port was super quick and easy. I was in boarding group 2. They had a little aloha show in terminal with the ships performers which was awesome. Very quickly we were boarding and off to the buffet.

Being we were boarding so early and I figured most people would board later, I wore my bathing suit under clothes. Hubby wasn't hungry yet so I sent him to find a shady spot by pool.

Buffet area is different on this ship. I am used to the buffet having a line on port and starboard side mostly repeated. This buffet is set in the middle only. It seemed smaller maybe because it was so condensed but I didn't seem to be missing anything so I was happy with it. Food I thought was very good and the temps seemed to be spot on. Before I forget I think on day 2 don't remember lunch or dinner they had a tomato salad. Now I am picky about my tomato salads but this was amazing. Perfect tomatoes that had been soakin in the vinegar just the right amount of time with thin purple onions. So good just like my Italian aunt used to make and I have been disappointed since. I was hoping this was a daily thing but no....they didn't appear till day 6 again and I think it was same batch because it was super vinegary.

Anyway we enjoyed our lunch and headed over to the pool to relax till rooms were ready. This was the 1st time I ever hung at pool specifically on boarding day and I have to say I loved it. They had music playing pool was pretty empty and it was heaven. Was rocking out to the music doing water aerobics:cool: in between cocktails.

Oh that brings me to the next conundrum, no beverage package:loudcry:

Now I drink absolute baybreezes, the juice is just for color folks. I like em strong. So my bartender makes me a double and at 25 bucks I'm like this is not gonna work all week. So I say that to bartender ,he says.....well you tip me cash and I take care of you. Well folks. Its old school, yes tip your bartender well in cash on this ship and you will do just fine with the beverages...enough on that:-) I pretty much used same bartender all week.

Cabin. They announce by floors. We were on deck 9 and decks 11 and 9 were 1st I believe. We had a standard balcony and an inside, room was fine. Shower seemed to be smaller than usual but Ok. I like my room cold and AC never was cold enough for me. Maintenance came and blah blah, cold as can get blah blah. Last 2 trips we had 1 balcony and 1 inside. Inside room always colder and I am almost ready to switch back because of that. I keep blinds closed so I;m thinking whats the point LOL. Steward was fine didn't see him much, which was fine...we didn't need much.

Muster was your standard muster drill and everyone happy to have that over with.

I think we had dinner at the buffet that night. Walked around ship, had some drinks, watched some of the Welcome show and wrapped the night up.

Next up Maui

Kerri

I hope you have an amazing cruise! That itinerary looks fantastic!!

I see ship is rocking from the wind, Is it still like that. Also during your research for this cruise Is it usually a rocky cruise to Norway.

I am interested in the sea crossing to Iceland, wondering how rough the ride is.

Thanks

Kerri

I agree no problem at all.

Happy cruising:-)

Kerri

Just off POA few weeks ago.

Best snorkeling excursion I have ever been on was in Kona. The big island snorkel tour booked thru NCL.

they use the boat bodygove directly next to tender dock simply amazing. I actually started a thread on these boards I loved it so much.

Need to write review for POA:-)

Kerri

luv2gonow

thank you for the review..

I see it says it has 2 1/2 hours of water time, but how long is the entire boat ride and excursion?

How was the snorkeling?

Do they take a secluded area, or is there a bunch of other operators with boatful's of people to..

I think it was like 4/1/2 to 5hrs. Left at 8, we got on about 7:30

Like PP said about an hour ride there but it was great along the coast very scenic, and we saw dolphins.

Spot was perfect along a Cliffside. Crystal clear water and it was quiet. The zodiac boat came whizzing around a little but it was truly perfect!

Of course you can't anticipate the weather.

Kerri

No it is not worth it. I am a Disney nut and a Dvc owner.

IMO the stops at port canaveral is a complete waste stop. Stay onboard enjoy ship quiet.

I would love to sail ncl out of ny if they had any imagination on the itineraries

Kerri

Wow I didn't realize different rules for different booking countries!

Is usa have a better or worse cancellation policy? Just curious.

I booked a land sea tour departing July 26, 2018 to Alaska and my dates for land are already sold out!

Apparently hotels are booked. I always stalk price and it would not let me book my trip( ncl website)

I call and sure enough the hotel portion is booked already!

Wow that is totally not the norm though.

But if your picky with room location and you can get deposit back no reason not to book early.

Happy planning

Kerri

I am not a swimmer at all. Is there flotation devices like tubes or rafts to hang out on? How many people are on the boat?

My husband would love this.

Yes they have" more noodles than the olive garden". One of the crews jokes.

Seriously a ton of noodles. Big comfy tubes and a large floating mat. These are tied to boat with long string so you wont float away. Also paddle boards. I think 2 that they rotate to give many peeps a chance if they want.

Not sure how many but there must have been 50 ish. Get there early if need be and you will have your pick of booths downstairs with full shade. We shared with another family and it worked perfect. Mom sat there and got up walked around and watched us snorkeling, jumping off boat etc. She really enjoyed it.

Kerri

What are new rules and when did they pass? I flew to Rome and bAck in April and it seemed similiar to summer 2015.

Thanks

Kerri

I am on the cruise right now and the sail by was spectacular!

I was surprised how visible it was, seemed to hit the ocean with a fiery splash.

Starboard side 9:35 be in spot because you can see it for a lil while before announcement.

Go to a deck without any wind blockage glass like the pool deck has.

Kerri

OP here,

I'm not sure if I broke guidelines.

I thought u can post if you have been on tour, didn't realize I cannot start a thread in my excitement.:o

Kerri

Aloha,

I am on the POA right now and loving Hawaii!!

My best excursion hands down was in Kona. I booked thru NCL but they use the boat bodyglove which is next to tender dock. yiu can book on your own but it seems to be only $3 cheaper that way.

Either way amazing day!!

This catamaran is huge with a fully shaded lower deck with booths on each side. 3 bathrooms , upper deck has some shade as well. and they serve continental bkfst and a yummy burger lunch. Cash bar. My mom came and does not swim and had a great day.

Spinner dolphins followed our boat at some point to an amazing snorkel location . Did I mention they also have a slide, jumping platforms, paddle Boards, tubes, noodles.

Get there early for best spot if u want shade and a booth but I'm telling you boat is very roomy.

I have been on a lot of snorkel excursions and this was by far best boat with a great crew!!!

Kerri

Aloha,I am on POA right now and it is amazing. We have some ncl excursions and I know u didn't want that but I just have to tell u about an amazing one.

In Kona today we did the big island snorkel. The boat is called bodyglove and it is the best snorkel boat I have been on.

Large stable boat, 1st floor full shade mostly, tables, 3 bathrooms, cash bar. Bkfst and good burger lunch served grilled on boat.

2nd floor some covered seating a slide and jump off platforms.

Plenty of tubes to float and more noodles than the olive garden(their joke lol)

Great crew!!!

Oh and did I mention crystal clear water and great snorkeling!!

Happy planning

Kerri

Aloha,

I am on POA now and it is amazing.

It is very strange to have phone service so often. I have Verizon and I have used my phone daily. I spoke to worker onboard who says you even can have service at sea which is spotty depending on how close to island.

Considering how much port time IMO crazy to buy internet plan.

Unless of course you don't have an American phone plan lol

Kerri

Hey Kerri

 

Thanks for your reply.... I hope you are having a blast.. So, they have an "Early Bird" Excursion? Where would I find that information?

 

Mahalo

Aloha

I think I just answered ur thread over on NCL board as well lol.

Definitely having a blast!! relaxing in the pedicure chair right now:-)

I found the excursion on the NCL website of U don't see it call.

Btw I was on the big island snorkel(NCL) in kona today it was amazing. Boat was called bodyglove and it was best snorkeling boat I have ever been on. Roomy lower deck, tables full shade 3 bathrooms upper deck with some shade. Includes bkfst and burger BBQ lunch which was good and a cash bar! AND they had a slide jumping platform , tubes to float, paddle boards. Really just a great day!! My mom dosemt swim but really enjoyed it. Saw a pod of dolphins as well!

And one of the cheaper excursions!!!!

Happy planning

Kerri

I have the early bird Pearl Harbor excursion with airport drop off. (NCL)

My flight is 3pm but it is for flights after 2pm I believe.

On cruise now.... meet time 7:45 supposed to get to airport 12

Kerri

We have the early bird Pearl Harbor excursion. Which worked out great for us. Only excursion with after 2pm flight. We have a 3pm so happy to be able to use this time wisely!

Btw. I am on this cruise right now sailing from Hilo to kona and it is amazing!

Kerri

Went to Haleakala sunset tour today. My guide said area is opening 8/5 to visitors.

Kerri

Just boarded POA today. We had the 1 night precruise Waikiki hotel promo. Included bus to port.

Bus was 10:30. No line we got zone B. On board having lunch by 11:45.

We were at Aulani for 5 nights and did some sightseeing so this was our relaxing ship pool day. Busy touring everyday.

Embarkation was very quick with Hawaiian dancers and music to keep us occupied for the 15 min wait.

Enjoying some live music at the pool with a cocktail .... oh yea this cruise has officially started:-)

Kerri