DRS/NC

I've cruised w/Princess for years; they offer wheelchair escort from the curb (car drop-off) thru embarkation. I've rented a scooter for my last 5-6 cruises; the scooter is delivered to my cabin. I often travel solo, so I'm dealing w/my carry-on, a medical device & (often) my rollator (for use w/tenders). My best tip: don't be afraid to ask for HELP. I usually end up w/2 ship's stewards helping me to my cabin -- one pushing the wheelchair & one pushing my rollator w/my carry-ons on it. Don't hesitate to ask. They'd much rather help than pick you up when you fall trying to DIY. ENJOY!

I was not aware of any vibrations in my cabin area. I was in the front of the aft area (if that makes sense). I was in an aft suite on the Emerald in 2016; lots of vibration there! However, the vibrations & motion of the sea lulls me to sleep, so.....

I was on the May 26 - June 13 TA this year, in cabin PR703. That is a handicapped accessible cabin on Promenade, aft of the piazza, shops, etc on Deck 7 (quite convenient). Except for the aft suite I accidentally got on the Emerald in 2016, it's the best cabin I've ever had: large, w/a balcony to match & an excellent HA bathroom. The balcony was the width of the old PR deck, including the wood flooring. The length was half again that of any balcony I've had ('cept the suite). Fewer eating venues? Well, there was no Alfedo's or IC (I did miss both) but there was a Sabatini's, Bayou Steakhouse (I had a bigger, high quality filet like Crown Grill), 2 MDRs (both very good) & the buffet (fair to good; good desserts). Yes, the wifi was lousy -- as it tends to be in the far northern areas on the globe -- but as long as I could get a message out to my DD each day, I didn't care. [DD worries about her Solo elderly mom.] Everyone got a full refund of our wifi purchase. The Island was my 10th (of 15 current) Princess ships. I've also been on 3 or 4 PCL ships no longer w/us. [35+ PCL cruises.] Except for the constant threat/discussion of Covid (I tested positive 3 days after getting home), it was a very pleasant cruise. I spent most of the 18 days on my large, covered balcony w/ my Kindle & coffee cup. I had delightful socialization at dinner w/all the Solo/Singles I met. If the itinerary is something you really want, don't avoid the slightly older Island Princess.

Do you want to visit (cruise in) Glacier Bay? Most Princess 7-day cruises go to GB. HAL has the 2nd most GB permits. If the kids are expecting RCL water slides, etc., they'll probably disappointed -- too cool in Alaska. Which ships have Kids' Clubs w/evening hours? Hopefully, the kids & adults will be busy seeing the beauty of outdoor Alaska in the daytime. Please don't expect/plan to do all activities TOGETHER every time, every day! 15-20 people trying to move as one won't fit many places! There is a PAGE on Cruise Critic devoted to Family Cruises. The first of my 5 cruises to Alaska was 40 years ago with my small family. ENJOY!