Alaskan 7 day Itinerary -- Overnight ??

[FrugalMother99]

2 adults & teen looking @ Alaskan Cruise next summer out of Seattle.

 

Norwegian offers 2 cruises either on the Jewel or Pearl. What does it mean by "overnight" on the Jewel's itinerary?

 

Norwegian Jewel's 7-Day Sawyer Glacier, Round trip Seattle

Sat, Jul 01, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 7:00 am 1:30 pm

--- Overnight

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 5:30 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 2:30 pm 9:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

 

Is this a "better" itinerary because it sails Glacier Bay & only has 1 sea day?

 

Norwegian Pearl's 7-Day Glacier Bay, Round trip Seattle

 

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 2:00 pm 10:00 pm

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:15 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 Cruise Glacier Bay --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:00 am 1:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 6:00 pm 11:59 pm

Sun, Jul 09, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am ---

[Kaptivate]

We took the pearl last year for the Alaskan cruise, same itinerary. Glacier bay way truly amazing. Make sure you get a balcony room, it really made a difference for us. I can't think of any negatives about our cruise and it was the reason we booked another cruise with NCL already.

 

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[triptolemus]

On the Jewel itinerary, after Juneau, the ship goes to Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier for Tuesday afternoon, then heads north to Skagway. The "overnight" is not really accurate -- kind of odd, actually. It used to say "Cruise Sawyer Glacier" or something like that.

 

The choice between Jewel or Pearl comes down to Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier versus Glacier Bay.

 

Most folks will tell you that Glacier Bay trumps Tracy Arm. I've been to both twice. Glacier Bay is a must see, but if you choose Tracy Arm, you will not be disappointed.

[WeBeCruisers?]

We took the Pearl in August, same itinerary you'll love it. No need for a balcony. Plenty of deck space inside and out save your money for something else.

[triptolemus]

No need for a balcony.

 

Strongly disagree. The landscape surrounds the ship constantly. Budget for a balcony.

 

 

 

[FrugalMother99]

On the Jewel itinerary, after Juneau, the ship goes to Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier for Tuesday afternoon, then heads north to Skagway. The "overnight" is not really accurate -- kind of odd, actually. It used to say "Cruise Sawyer Glacier" or something like that.

 

The choice between Jewel or Pearl comes down to Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier versus Glacier Bay.

 

Most folks will tell you that Glacier Bay trumps Tracy Arm. I've been to both twice. Glacier Bay is a must see, but if you choose Tracy Arm, you will not be disappointed.

 

THANKS!

Tomorrow I'll research the ports & glaciers. I like the timing in Juneau on the Pearl, but prefer the timing in Victoria on the Jewel.

We were planning to get a balcony -- loved our balcony on our Mediterranean Cruise!

Edited October 19, 2016 by FrugalMother99

[triptolemus]

More to help you decide...

 

Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier in 12 Minutes:

 

[YOUTUBE]7OBNlm7FeoM[/YOUTUBE]

 

Sorry about the music... keep meaning to change it.

 

[Kaptivate]

I know some people do not see the benefit in the balcony. However, having your own personal space to sit back and take in the beautiful world around you is priceless. You don't have to worry about the noise and not hearing something, you can really take in the wildlife that swims all around the ship. Then again, maybe I just don't like being surrounded by a ton of people because I am short and always get stuck somewhere without a view. Everyone has their own opinions, hopefully hearing so many will help you to make the best decision for you and the people you are traveling with.

 

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[MarleyMar86]

2 adults & teen looking @ Alaskan Cruise next summer out of Seattle.

 

Norwegian offers 2 cruises either on the Jewel or Pearl. What does it mean by "overnight" on the Jewel's itinerary?

 

Norwegian Jewel's 7-Day Sawyer Glacier, Round trip Seattle

Sat, Jul 01, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 7:00 am 1:30 pm

--- Overnight

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 5:30 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 2:30 pm 9:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

 

Is this a "better" itinerary because it sails Glacier Bay & only has 1 sea day?

 

Norwegian Pearl's 7-Day Glacier Bay, Round trip Seattle

 

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 2:00 pm 10:00 pm

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:15 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 Cruise Glacier Bay --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:00 am 1:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 6:00 pm 11:59 pm

Sun, Jul 09, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am ---

 

 

 

Thats super odd it wouldnt just say sailing tracy arm or something.

 

I was on the pearl this past september and omg Glacier Bay is a must see. Make sure to see it from the front of the ship. They open up the bow for you to view the glaciers from and its truly phenonomal!! Best day on the ship by far!

[FrugalMother99]

@triptolemus -- great video!

@Kaptivate -- we were planning to get a balcony.

 

We've only sailed one other time, so we splurged on a balcony & loved it. But, I can see how the cost difference could deter some travelers.

 

July appears to be the better month for us to travel. Is there an advantage for cruising Alaska in June or August?

[triptolemus]

July is a great month for many people to travel. Consequently, there is no discernible advantage or disadvantage ... other than fares. July would be peak season.

[DisneyDatknee]

Glacier Bay is a "sea day", and a must do. It was an amazing sight to see on our balcony. Depending on the price difference, I would definitely go on the Pearl.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited October 19, 2016 by DisneyDatknee

[CindyLouWho2]

I did the Jewel this summer, amazing experience. However I would choose the Pearl itinerary if I was making the choice now. The jewel takes a route on the outside of Vancouver Island, Pearl travels in between the island and mainland. Also, the length of time in the cities in Alaska is better on the Pearl. Also, everything I have read since then is that Glavier Bay is even more spectacular than Sawyer. Our family picked Seattle embarkation due to cheaper flight prices but now even if we were taking Pearl and leaving from Victoria I would fly to Seattle and take one of the many, quick transportation options from Seattle to BC. Didn't know about that option before. Good choice on getting a balcony too. The best part was the incredible sunrises early in the morning...the best I have ever seen, and who wants to go up on deck to see it at 4:30 in the morning? I was up to see it, stayed in my jammies and went back to sleep. Enjoy your trip!

[BirdTravels]

We took the Pearl in August, same itinerary you'll love it. No need for a balcony. Plenty of deck space inside and out save your money for something else.

 

Totally disagree. Sitting on your balcony each night watching the whales and dolphins is magical. The best room, for a lot more money is an SE forward facing balcony. Picture below are from the Jewel.

 

 

[Sungold]

I'll be cruising Alaska for the first time next spring, May 26-June 2. I chose an oceanview cabin, because I thought it would be too cold to enjoy a balcony. I live in Florida, and I'm very sensitive to cold weather. I'm already stressing about what clothes, outerwear, etc. to bring. Am I wrong about being cold on a balcony at that time of year? Thank you!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Blondie008]

I'll be cruising Alaska for the first time next spring, May 26-June 2. I chose an oceanview cabin, because I thought it would be too cold to enjoy a balcony. I live in Florida, and I'm very sensitive to cold weather. I'm already stressing about what clothes, outerwear, etc. to bring. Am I wrong about being cold on a balcony at that time of year? Thank you!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

We did Celebrity Solstice to Alaska this year for our wedding anniversary - sail date was May 27 - so right at your time of year.

I packed Woolley hats, scarves, fleeces, gloves etc - needed them all - We took the catamaran excursion (which is amazing) up the Fjord on the morning of Juneau as it takes you right in close to the glacier whereas the ship can only go so far in. That for sure requires your woolleys!

The balcony isn't as cold as being "outside". But you will feel it more than we do - we are Scots and hardy to it. I am sure Norwegian do as Celebrity does and provides warm blankets for the balcony viewing?

For sure no sunbathing the entire trip. We did the zipwire in Skagway and that was the warmest day.

If you are "cold sensitive" - urm - wrong time of year its gonna be chilly!!

(and wet - bring your rain jacket).

Loved every single glorious moment and wouldn't have swapped it for the world! (aside from the zipwire - the story of which is in my review)

If you hunt down my review there are pics along the way - it was sunny - but brrrrrrrrr .... as we say in Scotland "nae taps aff!":D

Edited October 19, 2016 by Blondie008

[caseykees]

IThe jewel takes a route on the outside of Vancouver Island, Pearl travels in between the island and mainland. Also, the length of time in the cities in Alaska is better on the Pearl. Also, everything I have read since then is that Glavier Bay is even more spectacular than Sawyer. Our family picked Seattle embarkation due to cheaper flight prices but now even if we were taking Pearl and leaving from Victoria I would fly to Seattle and take one of the many, quick transportation options from Seattle to BC. Enjoy your trip!

 

The Pearl also departs from Seattle and goes on the outside of Vancouver Island.

[zqvol]

2 adults & teen looking @ Alaskan Cruise next summer out of Seattle.

 

Norwegian offers 2 cruises either on the Jewel or Pearl. What does it mean by "overnight" on the Jewel's itinerary?

 

Norwegian Jewel's 7-Day Sawyer Glacier, Round trip Seattle

Sat, Jul 01, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 3:00 pm

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 7:00 am 1:30 pm

--- Overnight

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 5:30 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 2:30 pm 9:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am

 

Is this a "better" itinerary because it sails Glacier Bay & only has 1 sea day?

 

Norwegian Pearl's 7-Day Glacier Bay, Round trip Seattle

 

Sun, Jul 02, 2017 Seattle, Washington (EMBARK) --- 4:00 pm

Mon, Jul 03, 2017 At Sea --- ---

Tue, Jul 04, 2017 Juneau, Alaska 2:00 pm 10:00 pm

Wed, Jul 05, 2017 Skagway, Alaska 7:00 am 8:15 pm

Thu, Jul 06, 2017 Cruise Glacier Bay --- ---

Fri, Jul 07, 2017 Ketchikan, Alaska 6:00 am 1:30 pm

Sat, Jul 08, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia 6:00 pm 11:59 pm

Sun, Jul 09, 2017 Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK) 8:00 am ---

 

Not sure what the overnight refers to, it could be that the departure time is really 1:30 a.m. on July 5th. Keep in mind that both of these itineraries really have a sea day each way. With the very late docking in Victoria on July 8, that needs to be considered a sea day.

 

The real issue is do you want to spend a day in glacier bay. A lot of people like it, I personally think that it is at best considered OK, but we have done many other glacier cruises on small boats that are much more interesting and get you much closer than you can get in glacier bay.

[triptolemus]

Not sure what the overnight refers to, it could be that the departure time is really 1:30 a.m. on July 5th.

 

No.

 

As stated, the departure time is 13:30, followed by Tracy Arm / Sawyer Glacier Tuesday afternoon. By dusk, the ship will exit Tracy Arm and head north for Skagway.

 

It's really very simple. No need to guess.

[Laszlo]

Here is a 20 minute video of our cruise on the Jewel from last month. In the video is a time lapse of Endicott Arm. If you can afford it get a balcony, however you don't really need it. My wife and I were on deck the entire time we were going to see the glacier. We entered about 7am and left about 11am

 

 

Happy viewing.......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysr0U02jDi0&t=6s

 

The video has glaciers, waterfalls and whales!

 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited October 19, 2016 by Laszlo

[Laszlo]

Try and stay at the Edgewater Hotel. You can walk to the Space Needle and glass museum in the morning, come back, check out and walk a block to board the ship

[FrugalMother99]

Thanks everyone!

 

The Jewel is approximately $500 less than the Pearl (July w/3 people in balcony stateroom).

 

Pearl's itinerary seems "better":

Docks in Juneau later in the day from 2-10 pm vs earlier 7a-1:30p & also stops in Glacier Bay. But I like Jewel's Victoria stop from 2:30-9:30 pm vs 6pm-midnight (we will have a teen with us, so what is there to do -- go to dinner?)

 

The Jewel map shows it sailing E of Vancouver Island northbound & W southbound vs the Pearl which sails W of Vancouver Island N & S. I wonder if this is an error or seasonal??

 

(Sorry didn't know how to only capture the map)

 

https://www.ncl.com/vacations/compare?state=-1&itinerary1=PEARL7SEAJNUSGYKTNVICSEA&itinerary2=JEWEL7SEAKTNJNUSGYVICSEA&destinations=4294961386&sailmonths=4294953391+4294953394+4294953393&embarkationport=4294953396&cruise=1&cruiseTour=1&cruiseHotel=1&cruiseHotelAir=1&numberOfGuests=4294953449&pageSize=10&currentPage=1&sortBy=Featured&Ntt=SEA&autoPopulate=f&from=resultPage

[FrugalMother99]

Any Alaskan cruisers sailed w/18-20 year old passengers? Our child will be too old for a teen/kids club but too young for casino & bars. Our Mediterranean cruise kept us off the ship most of the day & too exhausted to do much of anything else at night so not much down time to get bored on ship.

[triptolemus]

Both the Jewel and the Pearl sail west of Vancouver Island. The map on NCLs website is not accurate.

 

I have heard of some sailings from Vancouver taking the eastern route, but I have never been on one. All the Seattle departures take the western route.

[jimsig]

Sailed on the Pearl this past summer. IMO the time of the later stop on the Pearl in Victoria is no big deal time wise as compared the Jewel as it will be so light out for so late anyway. We had a balcony and again IMO would not do Alaska without one.

 

I did a trip report with pictures and the link is in my signature below if you want to check it out.

 

Be sure to check out the Alaska Board for specific ports and there is a sticky with other trip reports as well.