wilsonz6

As others have stated the whale watching is second to none. I would also recommend Hoonah Whale Tours. They are also top notch and will not disappoint. Smaller boat which ensures personal service. 

On 2/28/2022 at 1:47 PM, DonnaMarieNJ said:

I am going on a cruise to Greenland in September 2023.  I came here looking for info.  Thank you everyone for posting....  any bit of information helps.

 

 

Us too....  Can't wait !!

Here is the link regarding the announcement on March 7, 2022. I believe it will be a positive announcement as we are also cruising out of Vancouver on April 29.  

https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2022/03/federal-minister-of-transport-to-make-an-important-announcement-on-the-return-of-cruise-ships-in-canada-and-on-trade-funding-at-the-port-of-halifax.html

Our favourite port is Icy Straight Point (Hoonah).  Absolutely love the place and I would recommend Hoonah Whale Tours for some of the best whale watching anywhere (And many bears, eagles, seals, sea lions, etc.) Young family run business and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.  And very personalized as there is a max of 6 people on their boat.  Tell them Todd sent you !!! LOL

Enjoy !!

Our (4) kids absolutely loved whale watching.  Not sure if you are going to Icy Strait Point, but it is our fave stop.  We book privately with Hoonah Whale Tours and its amazing and personal for the kids.  The Lumberjack show was decent and fun for kids also in Ketchikan.

Just wondering,

  We have been to Alaska a few times now  on Radiance but have not tried using VOOM.  Just wondering of peoples experiences and thoughts on how the service is and the value on Radiance. I understand it will not be "as good" as in the Caribbean but does it even work well enough to justify cost?  Thank you in advance.

1 hour ago, crbonfiber said:

Yup but now its filled with all trailer trash drunks.

 

That is a ridiculous statement. Filled?  I am certain I am not trailer trash and enjoy some time in this lounge once and a while with my family.  Clearly you are from the upper echelons of society to make these judgements and I guess it is safe to assume that you have no use for children on a ship also? Especially in the Diamond lounge....  Unnecessary statement looking to cause trouble. That is all and have a nice day.

This is our favourite port of any in Alaska and have been multiple times. It is the BEST place for whale watching. Book a private tour so it is more intimate. Although a bit more money, keep in mind everything is expensive in Alaska. I would recommend Hoonah Whale Tours but if they are booked there are other quality operators also. 
 

Also we have seen bears everytime also on shore !!!

We are doing Ovation this coming May 2, 2019 Honolulu to Vancouver. We are flying from Toronto which is similar in distance to you. We got United for $700 pp (Canadian Dollars) in Business Class !! Long flight so why not and I’m not exactly tiny. Economy is currently around $400 canadian. Flights home from Vancouver are reasonable to Toronto and I expect the same would hold true for you. Buffalo? We are taking two (16/11 yrs) of the four kids and they are excited to try this class of ship. We have done all the other classes so we will see... I can’t wait.

I am having flashbacks from your picture !!!  Us and 4 kids off to Florida from Ontario in the van. We have had the same style room several times in the past and I am confident in saying you will enjoy it !!!  Safe travels...

9 hours ago, matj2000 said:

Does he really need to go to the organized programs?

 

Most kids start to migrate away from that stuff around that age or younger and do their own thing instead.

 

Not fact... Clearly you don’t have kids or not social ones! My four have made friendships over the years that continue today many years later from all corners of the earth. Yes some may be shy or not enjoy certain events which is the beauty of having choices with the teen club.

I notice you are always negative... So much wasted energy!

My advice is to send your child if they want to try it. They will quickly let you know their thoughts on the program and comfort level.

Just priced out a soda package for 2 on a 11 night. $366 Canadian !!! Thats alot of soda. I realize that 30% of that is due to exchange rate, but....

Thats my rant on that, next I have a question. Does Ovation Of The Seas have freestyle machines?

Thanks in advance.

Just a shot in the dark... Is there any Luaus that offer the show portion without food?  We want to go to a luau but struggling with the cost for teen picky eaters that probably wont eat a bite. Specically thinking around Lahaina. Not going to miss one due to this but if you don’t ask....

This is a huge violation, not allowed and subject to fines.

 

Think- about the losses in California from med fly as example.

Fruit & Cold cut gate!!! :'):'):')

Hoonah Whale Tours. They are a pleasure to deal with and come highly recommended. We will be on their boat in 2 weeks.

Heading out on Radiance again in a couple weeks. Our kids are in the stateroom beside us. Although they arent really young, can my wife and I have the ability to access both rooms with our cards? I would assume it may be a guest services thing once onboard?

Thanks in advance...

Icy Strait Point book a private whale watching tour. You wont be disappointed. We have used FISHES in the past but they are now retired. We booked with Hoonah Whale Tours under a recommendation. Will be doing the tour in 3 weeks and can let you know. Private tours only take 6 people so makes for a great day.

In the past we have had family staterooms which slept 6 with a room with bunkbeds. This time we have gone with connecting superior balcony staterooms because I wont do Alaska without a balcony. But thats just me... We spend alot of time just sitting and taking it all in. With connecting rooms they do not require 18 yrs old. Although you can still just book one adult in each room. The kids sail free promotions do come up for ages 12 and under. Got that for a southern caribbean in December👍.

I agree with above and Royal Caribbean. We are about to do our second trip to Alaska with all 4 kids ages 19, 17, 15, 10 on Radiance of the seas Southbound. Last time was four years ago to Alaska and my 10 yr old says it has been his favourite cruise to date and he loves ves the caribbean also. They love these ships! Although Alaska is much different atmosphere and not the party type thing. They will still go for a swim and hit the kids clubs sometimes but they stay busy watching for whales and anything else they can see. For us the big thing on this route is Icy Strait Point(Hoonah) to go whale watching and of course glaciers.

We are also using HiltonHonors points for our stay in Alaska next June. Because of the size of our family (6) we usually stay at Embassy Suites and have reserved Embassy Suites. I talked to them in addition to some research and they have a complimentary shuttle that goes to the airport, downtown and a few other areas. Plus a great breakfast everyday which helps with 4 growing kids!! Hope that helps...

A bit delayed but... How long is the drive / trip to Emerald Lake? I understand there will be stops but I am considering doing the same. We will also be sailing Radiance again in the future. Last time we did round trip from Vancouver and Skagway was not a stop.

If you don't mind me asking... Was your stateroom port or starboard? And what was your thoughts about your rooms view? Thanks

Could not agree more about F.I.S.H.E.S !!! Captain Floyd and his wife Marjorie will treat you excellent. Value with them compared to a ships excursion is not even close. We are using them again and the most they take are 6 people so it is very good.

Once upon a time I thought I read that Voom works best in the Caribbean regions due to satellite positions. Wondering how Voom Surf & Stream works in Alaska?

Experiences? Sailing Radiance in particular....

Just a quick question if I may...

We have done Alaska before on Radiance and I am just wondering if you sailed the inside passage going southbound also heading to Victoria or went out into open ocean? Alaska is my personal favorite to date !! Glad you enjoyed...