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1 hour ago, John99 said:

The book I have on Alaska is titled:

The Alaska Cruise Companion – a Mile by Mile guide

Complete Book and Map Set

Author – Joe Upton

2008 Edition – 287 pages

I bought the 2008 edition from the Princess gift shop several years ago.

 

A 2012 edition is available on Amazon if Cruise Critic members are interested at a vey nominal price.

 

The author has spent over 20+ years exploring Alaska and the Northwest coast, catching fish, making maps, taking photos, and collecting his award-winning stories.  The book “The Alaska Cruise Companion” was originally published in 1997 for Princess Cruises (only) and then later came The Alaska Cruise Handbook, available in bookstores and aboard most Alaska cruise ships.  I believe these are very similar books.  Just the title changed.  The “Companion” book covers routes, Alaska cruise ports, walks around the ports, shore excursions, and much more. But the enduring quality of Joe’s book is (in addition to being a fully informational Alaska cruise guide) that it’s filled with Upton’s wonderful Alaska stories.

 

Side note:  I understand Upton has a new paperback edition for approximately $32.00.  I believe the map insert is still included.  The book was published in June of 2012.  Joe Upton worked with film maker Dan Kowalski to produce over 20 videos highlighting places along your cruise route, sharing his deep knowledge of the land.  I have not viewed the videos.  If interested in the latest book checkout Amazon.

 

The “Alaska Cruise Companion” is an excellent book in my humble opinion.  I must admit I did blow past some sections that were not on our last trip!  But it’s a very good read since it reminded me of things I needed to follow-up on for our 2023 Alaskan trip.  Love, love the maps!  Very detailed.

 

When we stated to plan our 3rd Alaskan cruise/tour for 2023 I remembered that I had the book and dug it out for research and/or references.  It's fascinating!  Full of tidbits of information, beautiful pictures of wildlife and scenery coupled with lots of history of the cities and locations the cruise visits.  I sure wish I had the book for our 1st Alaskan cruise many years ago.

John 

 

This is great, thank you.  On Amazon I can order Joe Upton's version on Kindle for $9.99. 🙂
Amazon.com: The Alaska Cruise Handbook: A Mile-By-Mile Guide eBook : Upton, Joe: Kindle Store

16 hours ago, COTINGEY said:

Rachel Cartwright wrote "The Alaska Cruise Companion: A Naturalist's Guide to Alaska's Inside Passage".  Joe Upton wrote The Alaska Cruise Companion: a Mile By Mile Guide OR The Alaska Cruise Companion, complete book and map set.  Both come with a map when new.  Be careful buying used as most do not include the map. Learned that by experience, sadly.

I learned the same thing too.  I got a 2012 version, no map.  I have still learned a lot but hoping they have a more updated copy when we get on board.

19 hours ago, Italy52 said:

I just looked to see if pre-ordering of the book was an option and it doesn't look like it --- I saw nothing about the book in the gifts section for my July 2023 cruise.

 

We purchased our book two years ago once we got on the ship.  Inside the book it shows 2018 as the date for printing.  I don't know if your book is older than mine or not. 

The one I got on Amazon is from 2012.  Buying them used you never know the year you will get.  I hope they have an updated copy on board.

To prepare for my July Alaska cruise I purchased a used copy of "The Alaska Cruise Companion" by Rachel Cartwright.  I had heard that thy possibly sell them once you get on board but that you couldn't purchase them ahead of time.  Can someone verify if this is true?  Will I be able to purchase a more updated book/map once on board?  Thank you.

2 hours ago, bassmaster150 said:

I call it more "freedoms" because we don't have mask mandates, etc.  I guess you could say "fewer laws"...either way, life is more fun in Texas for us...but note that my wife and I tend to keep to ourselves and keep our distance when possible.

We have the same “freedoms” or “fewer laws” in Alabama.  I must agree, Texas can be more fun. It was especially more fun this past weekend for our university. 🙂

3 hours ago, kylenyc said:

I couldn't find where you're sailing from. I think your departure port makes a difference.

 

I sailed out of New York over Christmas holiday right after NCL changed to a masked policy. Mask compliance is very high. 95% of passengers wore a mask where required. However, the quality of the masks is poor. 95% of these same passengers do not wear a KN95/N95 quality mask. They wore cloth masks or surgical masks.

 

In general, the more crowded a venue is and more crew to enforce the policy, the more likely crew will enforce the mask policy at the venue.

 

If you are concerned about bringing COVID home to someone who's not vaccinated or vulnerable, wear a KN95/N95 mask, isolate and test yourself when you get back, or don't go.

 

*Disclaimer, this may have all changed since.

 

Indoors

• Dining in a restaurant - The policy is that masks are required except while eating. However, crew did not ask passengers to wear a mask when seated at the table, whether you are actively eating, drinking, or not. When you enter or exit, go the buffet or restroom etc., you are expected to wear a mask.
• Drinking at a bar - The policy is that masks are required except while actively drinking. However, depending on the bar, the crew may ask you to wear a mask even if you are actively drinking (waiting to order, holding your drink in your hand, talking to other passengers). I presume because you are in closer long term proximity to the bartenders.
• If you are not seated at a restaurant or bar, walking the ship, etc. and crew spot you, you will be asked to wear a mask.
• Everywhere else indoors, if you are spotted by crew not wearing a mask, you will be asked to wear one.
• You don't have to wear a mask inside your own cabin or balcony.

Outdoors

• You will only be asked to wear a mask where social distancing is not possible. Poolside including inside hot tubs, no one was asked to wear a mask except when there was a party where it starts to get crowded and "social distancing is not possible", then crew will announce or ask passengers to wear a mask e.g. pool party, sexy legs contest, etc.
• Some crew may not be clear about the outdoor rule. A quick challenge "I'll confirm with the GM" and they will get it right.

 

 

Thank you, this is wonderful information.  It’s a hard decision.  I understand why they require the mask and would do as they require but just don’t want to wear one while on vacation, especially at the pool or the “sexy legs contest” if it gets too crowded lol.  I really do appreciate you taking the time to get this to me.  This truly helped my family make up our minds.  Oh and thank you for not assuming I would defy the mask mandate by not wearing one as others did.  🙂 Thanks again!

1 hour ago, Dreamcruiser2 said:

We were on the Encore on Christmas week.  We followed the rules and masked up as required.  I would say close to 50% either did not wear a mask or wore it incorrectly (aka the chinstrap).  We never saw any crew members enforce it.

 

Wearing masks did not bother us in the least.  We still had a great time. We are used to it and would have worn masks inside anyway.

 

If you aren't willing to follow the rules, please stay home.

I always follow the rules so I guess I would get to go and not have to stay home. Sounds like they don't enforce it.  I'm mostly curious if they make you wear it outside on deck walking around or by the pool, at a bar where people go to socialize, etc.

12 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

 It's best to be respectful and follow the rules the cruiseline has in place. I would just plan on having a mask rule in place for your sail date. If that isn't something you can or want to follow, just cancel 🙂

Thank you.  I have and always will be respectful of other passengers as well as the cruise line and I have never even thought of not following a mask rule put in place no matter where I am.  Just wanted to know how strict they were per locations on the ship and wanted to hear from people that would be sailing with them within the next few months to see how it goes. 🙂

1 minute ago, bassmaster150 said:

So I will chime in here as we get ready to debark from the Escape after an 11 day cruise.  We chose NCL because of vax policy as well as no masks required.  One week prior to sailing the mask mandate was added so we were totally bummed….but made the decision to go anyways.  Did wearing a mask inside ruin our cruise or make it less fun??  Honestly…it did not.  As a matter of fact we had an amazing time.  Sailing on a ship at like 60% capacity is really nice because there are always seats and it is easy to get into the shows and stuff.  Yes, when you leave your room you put your mask on.  When you get to the bar or restaurant, you take it off for the duration of your time there.  If you go to the outside decks, you take it off for the duration that you are out there.  On excursions, you have to wear them in port…but if your excursion has a boat ride, or you are outside the bus, you can take them off.  Is it a little different experience?  Yes.  Did we have an awesome time?  Yes.  We’re we initially bummed that we had to wear masks?  Yes.  Did it ruin our cruise?  Absolutely not.  

 

Each individual has to make their own decision…but would we cruise again even if we have to wear a mask?  Absolutely yes we would…

 

oh, and on a side note, we are from Texas where we have more freedoms on wearing or not wearing masks, and yes we absolutely hate wearing masks…but we wanted to cruise so we simply followed the policy.

THANK YOU!!!  This is exactly what I was looking for and you answered the questions I was wondering about.  I appreciate it. :-)

2 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

We had a March Haven cruise scheduled to celebrate our 30th.  We cancelled since we did not wan to wear a mask.  No one can predict the NCL masking policy will be in place or how strict the enforcement.  We did not want to gamble, we cancelled.  

We do have another cruise on the books for March 2023.  

I understand, that's why I was asking before we even booked.  I know why the cruise lines do it but hate it at the same time as we are all vaccinated anyway.  I'll be glad when cruising gets back to normal. 🙂

6 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

We have a cruise booked for July but will cancel that because most likely masks will still be required then. The money we have paid, around $1500, will be lost but it's still better than paying for an experience we won't enjoy.

Agree, that's why I was asking. We were thinking about a March cruise.  I know they put the mask policy in place but was trying to find out how strict they were before we booked.  Some cruises require all the time, even outside.  I don't blame you but hate you may loose your money.  I understand why the cruise lines do it, just hate it at the same time. :-)

8 hours ago, Tralfie said:

The fact that you're asking "are they strict?" says to me that you should NOT be cruising right now. Even if they are not strict today, that could change tomorrow. This situation is evolving week by week. Asking "are they strict" also very strongly implies that you will be one of the folks who doesn't follow the rule unless forced. 

 

Simply put: If you don't want to wear a mask, you should NOT be cruising until this crisis is over. Don't cruise for your own sake if you think you will be uncomfortable, and for the love of heaven, don't cruise for the sake of everyone else on board if you're going to try and skirt the rules unless they're strict and "force" you to comply. 

You assumed incorrectly.  I actually follow ALL mask rules put in place anywhere I go and always have!  What I mean by "are they strict" was if they would require them all over the ship, inside and out, only at dinner, etc.  I was asking people who would be cruising within the next few months to see how it goes.  The other reason I was asking is because we just got off a 11 night Celebrity cruise where mask are optional.

Simply put:  I was just asking a question to fellow cruises, no need for you to assume what kind of person I am.  We were just trying to find out more information as we were thinking of booking a cruise this March and want to be prepared.

4 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Assume they will be strict and you will be fine. Think about the safety of our beloved crew members and fellow passengers ❤️  Happy Cruising! 

True, just don't want to wear a mask. 🙂  The best part about a cruise is that it's the only place you can go to vacation where 100% of the people are vaccinated. Heck, it's safer than going to Wal-Mart but I do understand what you are saying.

We were thinking of booking a spring cruise but don't to wear a mask.  The current policy reads that a mask is required through Jan 31, 2022.  Has anyone been on a cruise lately and are they strict about the mask policy?  Thanks.

Thank you all for your help!!

After the cruise we will be spending two days in Venice and then taking a train to Rome to spend two extra days there before we leave back to the US.

We will be taking the people mover when we get off the ship in Venice and have already planned a great itinerary.

Thank you all for your help. Below is our itinerary. I'm not sure if Monaco is part of the EU or not. If it is not, would we still have to go through customs in Venice and would we be charged VAT tax on the ship?

Depart Barcelona Spain - EU

Monaco - ??? Not sure if EU

Pisa Italy - EU

Rome Italy - EU

Naples Italy - EU

Santarini Greece - EU

Athens Greece - EU

Croatia - EU

Venice Italy - EU

My family will be traveling on the Norwegian star to Europe next June. The cruise originates in Barcelona Spain and ends and Venice Italy.

Does anyone know if we will need to go through customs in Venice Italy after departing the ship or anything else special we need to know? We will be carrying off our own luggage.

We are trying to figure out how long it will take for us to obtain entry into the city once docked.

We are US citizens

Thanks!

My privacy curtain idea was just posted by Cruise Tips TV. :-)

On the S-class ships there is no pull across clothes line in the shower like on the M-class. We solve this by using 2 strong magnets in the shower and tie a piece of twine between them, then hang our wet bathing suits in the shower when we're done, also use it to hang hand washables. Also you can inflate a balloon (or use the umbrella) as a drying rack. Easy to pack and you can leave them behind when your cruise is over. We also use a 5 hub USB charger to charge all our devices at once. It's the size of a deck of cards and made by Lumsing and available on Amazon. Those colorful plastic towel clips are useful as clothespins in the cabin as well.

We use the Mini USB/Surge Protector pictured below. It's perfect because there are only 3 of us. Pictured below is also what the plug area looks like on the Silhouette. We plugged ours into the first plug so it wouldn't block the light switch for the vanity or the plug for the hair dryer.

We got this Mini Travel Surge Protector from Amazon for only $17.50

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATZJ5YS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just so I'm clear....the walls of the cabins are metal so magnets can be used pretty much anywhere? Great ideas!

The ceilings, walls, and the door is magnetic.

One more thing. The hamper fits flat in the inside zipper of my large suitcase BUT if you think that's too big it also folds down to look like this. :-)

May I add a tip that I find very useful? I struggled for many cruises where to put the worn clothing. I did not want to mix them with the clean ones. I bought a collapsible hamper...At the dollar store. It fits nicely in my suitcase and tucks away so soiled clothing is out of site. A fabric softener sheet keeps it fresh smelling till it reaches the washer

 

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We think just alike!! :-) I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of mine in the room. It fit perfectly between the closet and the wooden frame around the bed. We were still able to get into the closet with no problem. Here is a picture of what mine looks like and where we put it. I got mine from Wal-Mart.

How is that show organizer staying on the wall? What is it hooked to?

 

 

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The shower caddy has a hook which we used on this cruise to go around the shower head, however; sometimes we have to take the hook off and just use the other part to put around the shower head. Here is what it looks like up close.

Mrs Dawg loves your idea. And we don't even travel with our kids anymore.:confused:

 

She wants to know where she can find one of those shower cutains that is also sound proof.

 

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

LOL, my daughter sure wishes it was sound proof!