HandC4Me

Thank you YVRteacher, thank you so much for this info! It's exactly what I was wondering about (who operates the NCL excursion). And I really appreciate the tip about getting the seasick tablets from guest services also. You've been very helpful and I'm grateful; thanks again!

Thanks, all, for the many replies! Now we are considering doing our whale-watching tour via an NCL excursion (found out we had more excursion credit than we were aware of). If so, the size of the boat is out of my hands, so I think we'll just have to load up on seabands, Bonine, and green apples and hope for the best! (If anyone has info on NCL's whale-watching excursions, I'd love to hear it!)

Trying to decide on a whale-watching excursion in ISP next week. I've read some great recommendations for independent tour operators, but I also just noticed that the NCL excursion is right at about the same price point. In the past, we've always used independent operators for tours as we felt we got a much better value. In this case, we do have some Excursion credit dollars to play with, so I'm considering the NCL tour. But of course I don't want to book it if it's known for being shoddy, using an inferior tour operator, etc. There are so many knowledgeable people on this Forum; if anyone can share their input/experience with the NCL tour, I'd really appreciate it!

Sunkey1, thank you so much for posting your review! We will be on the Jewel July 4-11, Seward to Vancouver, so I really appreciate reading all you had to say.

We're hoping to book a whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point, and I've seen some great posts comparing the different size boats in terms of how many they hold, and if there's enough room at the rail for viewing, etc. The one point I haven't seen yet is if the smaller boats have significantly more "movement" to them? We have a few people in our party prone to seasickness and I'm wondering if boat size would have an impact on that? We have the sea bands but not sure if they would help in a situation like that? Any input on seasickness and whale watching is appreciated!

Thanks, all, for the great ideas! My kids really enjoy the Bingo and Deal or No Deal games, so we may put some towards that. Starbucks drinks/cards and gift items also great suggestions. Someone mentioned using OBC in the casino -- so, that is an option? For some reason, I was under the impression you couldn't use your OBC there but I don't know where/when I heard that.

In the past, we've used onboard credit for the usual things like NCL excursions, shopping, "extra" drinks or dining, photos, etc. What are some other options? It's been awhile since our last cruise; I'm trying to think of some fun things to do with our OBC. It can't be used in the casino or for Bingo games, right? Or am I wrong about that? Please weigh in with your favorite OBC purchases.

Great input - thanks so much, all! I'm very grateful. Looks like ISP it is!

If you had to pick one port to do a whale watching excursion, would you pick Icy Strait Point or Juneau, and why? I've read great reviews of different operators in each place. I'm wondering if there are other points to consider besides tour operators, ie, is one place more "known" for good whale spotting over another? We will be traveling July 4 - 11th. Many thanks in advance for any input!

We'll be on the Jewel for our Seward to Vancouver Alaskan cruise July 4 - 11. Departure time is 9:00pm that Monday. We've never sailed with such a late departure time before. Trying to plan our time in Seward that day. Any estimates on how early we'll be able to board? Thanks in advance for any input!