Island Princess Alaska Sail away question

[1153rsmith]

We are sailing the Island Princess from Alaska in September. This will be our first Princess cruise. On other lines they have done a sail away party on deck. Does Princess do something similar?

 

So far we have sailed Carnival, Royal, and Disney. I'm curious to see how Princess compares. We have 2 teenagers going with us so I hope there is a good mix of age groups and activities on the cruise.

[dorisis]

There will be lots of passengers on the upper decks for sail away and since school is out there should be other children and teens.

[sherryf]

There will be lots of passengers on the upper decks for sail away and since school is out there should be other children and teens.

 

The OP states that they are sailing in SEPTEMBER. Most kids are in school then. I would guess that there would be very few teens on board.

[Pam in CA]

So far we have sailed Carnival, Royal, and Disney. I'm curious to see how Princess compares. We have 2 teenagers going with us so I hope there is a good mix of age groups and activities on the cruise.

No matter what cruise line you book in September, even Royal Caribbean, there won't be many kids onboard as they will most likely be in school. Please keep an open mind that that would be the case on any ship in September.

[1153rsmith]

We are sailing the week of Labor Day.

 

Do you know if Princess heats the pools in Alaska? Are any of the pool areas enclosed? My teens love to swim, so being able to do that comfortably would certainly be a plus.

 

Is there mini-golf or a sports deck onboard?

[RickEk]

We are sailing the week of Labor Day.

 

Do you know if Princess heats the pools in Alaska? Are any of the pool areas enclosed? My teens love to swim, so being able to do that comfortably would certainly be a plus.

 

Is there mini-golf or a sports deck onboard?

 

Island Princess has a covered pool. At least one pool will be heated. On my cruise on Star Princess last week, at least three pools were heated. Island Princess does have a basketball/paddle tennis court and a putting green.

[reney313]

I've cruised other lines and I think for the most part, they all offer an excellent experience and compare favorably to each other. I enjoy the differences equally.

 

That said, a cruise in Alaska is definitely much different than a cruise in the Caribbean or somewhere warm. I'm not sure if you have cruised to Alaska before ore not? I absolutely LOVE Alaska and am going back on the Island next month :)

 

The activities are much different, it is cooler so there aren't the same "pool deck" parties and other similar activities you would expect in warmer climates. I don't think that is line specific, but due to the nature of the weather.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Also, sailaway may be more subdued than for any other cruises... Not sure if Vancouver even allows loud blaring music. I know Seattle doesn't.

[New York Nana]

We are sailing the Island Princess from Alaska in September. This will be our first Princess cruise. On other lines they have done a sail away party on deck. Does Princess do something similar?

 

So far we have sailed Carnival, Royal, and Disney. I'm curious to see how Princess compares. We have 2 teenagers going with us so I hope there is a good mix of age groups and activities on the cruise.

With the late departure at 8:30, and passengers arriving all afternoon and early evening from various land tours or airport on trains and buses, as well as a 7:45 Muster drill, the Island Princess did not have a traditional 'sail away' party the first night. They held a "Welcome Aboard" show in the theater at 9:30. There were many activities scheduled for that first evening, but nothing I would consider a 'sail away'. People will be all over the ship and the scenery as you sail out in the PW bay is thrilling enough! I can't speak for any NB trip, as that appears to sail at an earlier time than the SB trip.

[cruisequeen4ever]

Sailaway on Alaska cruises is a much more quiet affair than say Caribbean cruises. It'll still be fun, though. It'll likely be in the Piazza. The band may play. They'll introduce the cruise staff. If you enter the treasure hunt, they'll probably do the drawing for that. The late sailaway also makes it less of an event. Rest assured though, you'll have a fantastic cruise!

 

 

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