Just returned from Serenade of Seas Alaska June12-19

[donato]

I was on that same cruise and it was great.

RCI is amazing to be able to organize that whole thing.

Mommabean are you that good looking brunette I saw going into stateroom 1548 and sitting at table 202?

 

Donato

[sonadom]

jstducky:

 

Yes, unfortunately the sailing into Misty Fjords coincided with early dinner seating (6 p.m.). I think the Fjords sailing started around 4:45. We weren't ready for dinner at 6 but we did go to dining room. Our room to the side (it was the door between the restrooms and the main entrance to the Reflections dining room - port side) offered us a partial view out the window as we cruised in. The Canadian couple at the table next to us had the window seat but were gracious enough to let us look out.

 

Don't know about a go-box for the lobster but I bet you could arrange it. Buylent (our waiter) insisted we take go-plates for my niece the 2 nights she missed dinner (catching up on her sleep so she could stay up late) and we hadn't even asked about it.

 

On the other hand, you could always skip dinner in the dining room that night and go up to Windjammer later -- the lobster wasn't all that great. From a previous RCCL cruise (Panama Canal) when several in our party were sick for several days, they called room service and were able to order dinner menu and have it delivered via room service. You could always try that if you had a balcony room and wanted to stay in but still have the lobster.

 

One evening (maybe Monday) there was lamb shank ("pretty good" according to the 3 at our table who got it). The next night there was rack of lamb (it was very good).

 

In addition to the chef's recommendation and the 3 entrees, there's also "additional selections" at the upper right of the menu - always a strip steak, some kind of fish, caesar salad).

 

Oh, and on lobster night, they had baked potato with a different menu offering, but they let me get the lobster with the baked potato. Wasn't a problem.

 

The ship personnel were very accommodating to us. We were amazed that we were able to get switched from late to early dinner - given that there were 7 of us. The ship was completely booked. I don't remember how many, but I thought they said 3500. That may include crew though.

[jstducky]

Sonadom:

 

thanks so much for helping me out. that was very informative. i guess i'll wait to see where our table is located before i decide on anything. and i guess i'll talk to our waiter.

 

you said you started sailing through misty fjords around 4:45? I thought the schedule says 6-8?

 

did you see a bunch of waterfalls? any wildlife, like bears?

[BS_Outwest]

We'll be on the same cruise in August. I have a question...Do you remember which side of the ship viewed Hubbard Glacier first? I plan to view Hubbard from my Starboard side balcony when it is on that side and from up on deck when the glacier is on the port side. Just trying to plan where to be when we first get to Hubbard.

 

Thanks.

 

-Steven

 

I think its the outside........:D

[sonadom]

Sonadom:

 

 

you said you started sailing through misty fjords around 4:45? I thought the schedule says 6-8?

 

did you see a bunch of waterfalls? any wildlife, like bears?

 

Actually it could have been 5:45. Let's see, we left Ketchikan between 2:30 and 3 I think. We were outside on the balcony, then laying on beds looking out. Dozed for a second, then heard the captain and then Alan talking about the Misty Fjords. I know we started in earlier than 6. Mommabean or the others may remember. However, we definitely did most of the Misty Fjords while we were at dinner. I'll have to look at my Cruise Compass when I get home tonight.

 

Saw waterfalls from the dining room window. So that must have been toward the end. I didn't see any bears the entire trip. The captain had said they saw a brown bear the week before.

[sonadom]

other things while I'm thinking about it:

 

- the coffee bar - latte-tudes -- at different times (with different crew) the coffee we got was not very good. My cafe mocha - the first 2/3 of the drink was bland weak coffee. Then I hit the chocolate syrup stuck at the bottom. I know he mixed up the drink. Something similar happened with a different beverage, so maybe their mixing machine was messed up. Needless to say, didn't try it again during cruise.

 

- limited beverage service during the shows in the theatre -- VERY NICE since on past cruises we've gotten annoyed with waiters hawking drinks throughout the performances, standing in front of people while giving others drinks and taking down sea pass #s, etc. In seafarer grille where they had the Karoke Idol competition, etc. waiters were constantly back and forth with drinks and audience was carrying on conversations with them, etc. A little annoying to those around them and more than a little rude to the competitors.

 

- our mixed drinks and frozen beverages from the schooner bar were very good. note that the tip is added in.

 

- theatre had the best views - only a few columns that partially blocked view (not bad at all). Other ships I've been on - had huge columns in front of prime seating. Oh - first night there was only one show (we didn't go). One other night this was also the case. Most nights they had the usual early show (for those with the second dinner seating) and the later show (for those with main seating). Shows were all full - get there early. Later show was usually 9 p.m.

 

- casino was ok. more people were hovered around those machines that have the quarters/dollar bills "just waiting to fall" than anything else.

[mommabean]

jstducky,

 

Mistyfjords cruising began at about 5:45 and we were really done with it at about 7:30. Our seat was right by the window so we didn't miss anything. No bears - yes waterfalls. If you have a window seat you can put your camera up to the glass and take any photos of interest.

 

We had done the misty fjords float plane that morning. I saw more from my dining room window since I had to keep my eyes closed for most of the plane excursion. I held my sick sack nearly the entire time but fortunately for those around me I didn't use it. :)

 

sonadom,

 

I asked my room steward about that knob by the bathroom and he said it wasn't for the announcements. If you wanted to hear the captain or Alan, you needed to turn your TV to channel 32. That was the one that showed the map of our current location along with the cruise cam facing forward. The station made no sound except during their announcements so leaving it one while in the room was no problem. I can't even remember what that bathroom knob was for....emergency announcements maybe. I did know. But forgot. duh....:D

 

Oh and I had one cappucino from latte tudes. It was 9/10ths foam. No kidding. I used my 25% off C&A coupon. It should have given me 90% off considering it was far short on coffee. I liked the regular free coffee just fine. But then I also like Maxwell House instant coffee - probably better than real coffee.

[jstducky]

Thanks Mommabean for answering my questions. I appreciate it.

[sonadom]

mommabean:

 

Yes we did finally figure that out about channel 32 - although we had to turn the volume up loud to hear anything on that channel.

 

jstducky: cruise compass for Ketchikan/Misty Fjords (Day 6) says windjammer was open from 6:30 - 9 for dinner. Portofino (italian) and chops grille (steak) were open from 6-9:30 that evening ($20 per person plus make reservations and says allow 2 1/2 hours for dining experience).

 

also, we'd booked our own airfare (although cruise booked thru travel agency). From Vancouver airport to hotel (Fairmont Waterfront right across from the Pan Pacific) the 7 of us and our many pieces of luggage got 2 limos at the airport $39 canadian each limo I believe) We figured at that late hour it was worth it. Travel agent booked hotel for us (nice enough but very high priced). SoS is NOT within walking distance of the dockside hotels. Other ships (NCL and Rydam) were. We had our luggage gathered up by 9:30 that a.m. and taken to ship for us. And at 11:30 RCCL had someone meet us in the hotel lobby, get us to a bus, and take us to the ship. Checking in was a breeze. Very well organized and no line at that time. Customs was quick also. As someone else mentioned, you cannot get to the room until 1 so head to the Windjammer for lunch. You will be carting your carryon luggage with you so try to find a table near the window to stow it all.

 

Debarking -- if you booked your own airfare, you will be given the opportunity to do 2 things.

You will get a "Vancouver Departure Form". It needs to go back to Guest Relations (Deck 4) by 7 on Monday night. We got it Sunday. It wants to know for each person how they are getting back home. It offers you - for $20 per person to vancouver for flights after 11:30 or $50 per person to Seattle for flights after 2:30) an airport transfer. Well worth it for us. We got off the ship and thru Canada customs, onto a bus, to airport, thru US customs and into airport.

 

You will get an offer from Royal Carrib. for "air and luggage" valet - to have your luggage (2 pieces per person) taken to the airport for you directly from the ship. This includes customs screening, luggage tags, security screening, etc. As usually bags outside the door by the night before. It also included our boarding passes and luggage claim checks for the trip home. This cost $15. Again, well worth it.

 

We 'could' have made that 12:15 flight to Dallas (the cruise line told us not to book a flight home before 12:30 so we were there until 3:30. We got to airport before 11:30. But, I guess you never know.

 

Vancouver airport personnel were very accommodating. Prepare for long lines at Starbucks and at Tim Horton's in the airport. Didn't have to take off shoes thru security there, but did have to take out camcorder. Interesting.

 

You are offered the option of adding gratuities for cabin steward, waiter, etc. to your sea pass. For our balcony cabins, this came to $68.25 per cruiser for the week.

[jstducky]

sonadom:

 

thanks for the info. that is very helpful knowing the other dining options i have available. I am thinking of doing Chops on Italian Night (Tuesday) and then we'll see from there.

 

When I took Jewel in September, I absolutely loved Chops.

 

And as for air transfer, that sounds like a great plan but I won't be able to take advantage of it. I am flying in the day of the cruise, since its only a 3 hour flight from Los Angeles and on the back end my flight doesn't leave until 7:30 at night, so I'm renting a car and driving around the city.

 

I had heard of the $15 per person charge regarding the luggage being taken directly from the ship. I'll think about doing that. It might be better than carrying my luggage around, but then again I have a rental car, so the luggage might not be a big factor.

 

Anyhow, glad to see you had a wonderful time. I can't wait to go back to Alaska again..

[Polish Falcon]

They also offer express disembarkation.

You do NOT set your lugguge out @ night.

You carry all of your lugguge off the ship and can be off as early 7:30AM!

 

PS - Beware of labor disputes in both Toronto and Montreal airports! Strikers are causing major delays and the Canadian government is allowing them to set up road blocks which virtually stops all traffic into and out of the airports. It is also impossible to move from one terminal to another!

 

PSS - We finally got our lugguage last night @ 10PM!

Very weird - it was delivered by a Limo??????!!!!!!......

[Polish Falcon]

Mommabean - The ship ahead of us @ Hubbard Glacier was the Holland America Veendamm - Veendamm means "Floating Nursing Home" in Dutch:) :)

 

BEWARE - Be back to the bus on time if you do the Mendenhall Glacier/Whale Watch Tour...Our driver left 11 people @ the glacier!

[buzzandjulie]

We found eating at Chops the perfect answer for seeing the Fjord. We made reservations the first day, the hostess reminded us that Friday was Lobster night to be sure we knew. I really did not care about having lobster on the ship seeing I come from New England and the Maine lobster is soooooo much better than what is served on the ship. Anyway we made our reservatins for 8pm were able to see Fjord from our balcony and then have dinner. Chops only had about 5 tables filled when we arrived and possibly 2 more by leaving, it was very good and well worth the extra $$$.

[RDeagazio]

We were on the Serenade to Alaska last July and I agree it one of the best cruises I've taken. I've been on the Serenade 3 times and she is by far my favorite ship.

 

As for taking lobster "to go" from the dining room, this shouldn't be a problem especially if you arrange it with your waiter prior to lobster night.

 

We had a slight problem on our cruise in that the staff in Chops and Portofino made an error in the day we requested reservaitons. Immediately after boarding in Vancouver, I went to both restaurants and made reservations for all 20 in my group. We requested Portofino for the night the main dining room was serving an Italian theme and at the suggestion of a waitress friend onboard we wanted Chops for American night. The guy in Portofino messed up the day for our reservations and instead had us booked there on lobster night-- as I didn't want our group to miss lobster, I asked if it would be possible for them to bring lobster from the main dining room to those in our group who might want it. The immediate reply was "no, as it would not be possible for them to bring it for everyone else in the restaurant" which was understandable and perfectly acceptable. Once we got to Portofino and after we had order our meals-- surprise a platter of lobster tails was presented to our tables. Anyway- my point is, if you are wanting to take lobster away for consumption in cabin or elsewhere on the ship it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Either way you will LOVE this ship, crew, food and scenery. With any luck you'll also be onboard with Capt. Antalis who is very visiable and personable, not to mention funny. He usually visits the Concierge Lounge around 530pm.

[mommabean]

Polish Falcon,

 

I figured out which ship we really saw at Hubbard Glacier after I got my pictures back. That is so funny about the meaning of that ship's name. I had told my husband that I wish I knew what those funny HAL ship names meant. And that one is TOO funny. Is that really true? Or did I not get the joke. At this point I believe you. If you made that up, tell me.

 

I'll go see if I can find that at an on line translator if any of them have Dutch translations.

[mommabean]

OK so I fell for it. :D Veendamm doesn't mean floating nursing home. It actually means "Peat bog dam" - or at least according to the translator I used. Still sort of weird.

[RDeagazio]

"Dam" is the Dutch word for river... the ships are names for rivers in Holland.

Thus Zuiderdam is named after the Zuider River.

 

But I like the translation that they mean floating nursing home better :-)

[Polish Falcon]

Every cruise line has some sort of "rep" or stereotype...

Even though they are mass market - Hal & Celebrity seems to attract an older crowd who consider these lines more prestiges. (please extend pinky while drinking tea, don't you know)

Did you notice most on HAL did not wave back as we passed @ the glacier?

 

Take a minute and go to the HAL boards, there are some hilarious complaints and the people from the Carnival thread keep coming over and making fun of their pompous attitudes...its a hoot!

[mommabean]

PF,

 

I did notice that they didn't wave to us very much. But be careful with the pinky thing while drinking tea. :D I always have my pinky out while I drink. I can't help it. My pinkies are crooked - curving inward - inherited from my father. People, including my daughters have asked me why I hold my pinkies out when I hold a handle on tea or coffee. Let this be a lesson to you...never make fun of us pinkie extenders...it may be a disability. LOL We aren't all just plain snobby.

[Polish Falcon]

I will endeaver to be more sensitive to the Pinky Challenged community!:)

[PETRA4U]

My husband and I along with a lot friends from a company we work with

sent over 90 of us on a free cruise. We work with Petra Fashions.

Currently getting ready to leave on Splendour of the seas.

 

On the Serandade of the Seas, We sailed out of Vancouver.

 

when you go to hubbard glacier, we were on the balcony with our friends,

however we missed all the great stuff up on deck. Native Eskimos were brought in, had all sorts of great stuff up on deck. Don't miss it. anyone with kids will especially love it.

 

 

Skagway, AM: we did the Train. I loved the views and stood out on the

train's platform, hanging over taking beautiful pictures. My husband thought it was okay but I loved it.

 

In Skagway, in the afternoon, we did the Haines Bald Ealge preserve through the ship. it was well worth it. Speed boats through the Preserve, saw Bull moose, Eagles, birds, wild life. No bears. However some of our friends did the Kayak trip

and saw a mother bear and 2 cubs fishing on the shore. you could smell them before you saw them. Keep in mind we were there in the first week of August and the bears were coming down out of the mountains and starting to scare wildlife away.

 

in Juneau we did a whale watch tour frist thing in the am.

We saw whales, and also orcas on our trip. It was awesome.

In the afternoon we did the Mendhal glacier and Chapel by the Lake

with a private tour company. You can find them right on the docks at the beginning of town. Or check them out on the internet.

 

Also in ketchikan there is a tour you can get right in the port. It is a "hummer tour" very good price. They take you out to a lake, wild life, lots of eagles.

our friends did that with their 2 children they brought along and all of them raved about it. My husband really wanted to do the "cheesy" lumberjack show so i did what he wanted. It was hoaky but fun. But then he had to take me gem shopping so guess who made out better ! 

 

the misty fjords was absolutely breathtaking and watching how the captain

manuvered the boat was great.

 

We had a great time and it was worth going. would do it again in a flash!

 

Our new countdown is Splendour of the seas - Western Med Cruise.

Leave 7/13 for Barcelona and sail on 7/16 to Marsielle, Villefrance, Livornio (florence/Pisa), Rome and Naples. Have 90 of us going for free.

 

Splendour is our 4th cruise with RCCL

Feb was a Carnival Cruise to Central America

and 3 yrs ago was NCL with a Hawaiian Island Cruise

 

Enjoy the cruise. You and your family/friends will have an awesome time

 

:D

[Randy and Laura]

I will endeaver to be more sensitive to the Pinky Challenged community!:)

 

Okay, now I can go to bed.. This, for some reason, just got me going.. ROTFL.. Pinky Challenged.. You made my day! :) :D :) :D

 

 

Thank you!

[slh2412]

Sona....Great review... as well as the others that I've read. We will be crusising to Alaska in August aboard the Radiance. I am very interested in going on the Eagle, Totem & Lighthouse tour in Ketchum, but can't find any info on the internet or on the RCCL site for shore excursions. Can anyone provide additional inforrmation on how I would go about making reservations for this tour....as well as cost, length of tour, etc....Thanks...

 

 

Have really enjoyed reading the Alaska Forums......Thanks to everyone for

all the great info..........

[jstducky]

Go to the royal caribbean website.

 

at the top there is an option called "Before you Board"... in the pull down menu, click on "shore & land excursions"

 

once on that page, you will see a link titled "Check out shore and land excursions now," click on it.

 

you'll get a pop up menu with the shore excursions.

 

click on "purchase"

 

it will ask you to enter your booking number, sailing date, ship name, and language you want your shore excursions.

 

you're itinerary will appear, assuming you've entered the information properly.

 

from there click on ketchikan and you will see the Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles tour.

 

Then you can purchase from there...

 

Hope that helps.

[slh2412]

Thanks jstducky.............I booked the Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles tour with no problem! Must have overlooked it last night.......