Back From Alaska 0 7/10-17

[ReturnCruiser]

Just returned from our Serenade of the Seas cruise.

 

We flew into Seattle and drove to Vancouver. The border crossing into Canada took about 15 minutes in a line and the total drive was about three hours, including a stop for food. We arrived at the dock around 1:15pm and were able to enter without any prolonged delay.

 

We were on deck 8, starboard, with a balcony unit. The balcony was fine - but we found that we used the balcony more on previous warm weather cruises.

 

Only a few sunny days, but it was not very cold. The stop at Hubbard Glacier was cold largely due to somewhat high winds.

 

The cruise was terrific, plenty of food and entertainment. We skipped one formal night (held Tues and Thurs) and ate at Portofinos. Great food and service. A seaplane ride over the Misty Fjords was our favorite excursion.

 

Lots of shopping opportunities - particularly if you're looking for jewelry.

 

We were able to depart the Serenade at 9am, 7/17. After retreiving a rental car from downtown Hertz, we were in downtown Seattle around 1:30pm, including a stop for food. The sign at the border indicated a 60 minute wait, we probably were in the vehicle line for about 20 minutes before being cleared to enter the US.

[trish22]

Thank you so much for writing about your Seattle to Vancouver drive -- and your experiences with Customs.

 

We'll do the same drive at the end of August and have been curious as to how long getting through Customs could take, especially given recent events.

 

Thanks again --

 

~ trish

[49holding]

Thanks for the review...we will also be in a starboard balcony cabin on deck 8...was there much to see after passing vancouver island. According to the itinerary route map in the brochure it seems that northbound the serenade sails out in the open water but hugs the coast on the southbound return route.... How cold is not terribly cold???? we were planning on bringing windbreakers and a sweater/sweatshirt for hubbard glacier, and hoping to wear mostly shorts/capris the rest of the time....will this suffice???

[MaryG]

Hi, We also booked with Hertz for Seattle to Vancouver, but had problems with the booking. They are going to honor the Seattle to Vancouver...but not the Vancouver to Seattle. So we need to find transportation from Vancouver back to Seattle on Sept 4. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,

Mary

[lmmn]

Thanks for the review...we will also be in a starboard balcony cabin on deck 8...was there much to see after passing vancouver island. According to the itinerary route map in the brochure it seems that northbound the serenade sails out in the open water but hugs the coast on the southbound return route.... How cold is not terribly cold???? we were planning on bringing windbreakers and a sweater/sweatshirt for hubbard glacier, and hoping to wear mostly shorts/capris the rest of the time....will this suffice???

We could see nothing but fog last week the day after leaving Vancouver. Very scenic and beautiful weather southbound. We were very comfortable in jeans, hooded sweatshirt and windbreaker or lightweight raincoat at port or on balcony. I also wore a long sleeve t-shirt underneath, since I tend to get cold. The temps were in the 50s/60s. Our last day at sea was quite warm. Definitely shorts weather that day.