NA RT Vancouver - what's on your must-do list?

[EeyoreFan1967]

Hi, all!! We are new to HAL, and this will be our first ever trip to Alaska and our first Canadian city as a family! I have been doing research for almost a year and feel that with the help of CCers, we have put together the perfect itinerary for our family, so a big THANK YOU to everyone!!

 

I would like to start a discussion specifically about the NA...what should we NOT miss about her while aboard? What insider tips can you offer to help us maximize our enjoyment of the ship and the sailing? Please suggest any of your favorite activities, from shows not to miss, favorite dishes to order in the MDR, and where to sit or stand for sail-away, to small things like please point us to especially cozy chairs for reading in a quiet nook... I know everyone has different tastes and priorities, and this being our first time, we don't really know what to expect. We welcome all suggestions (and will pick and choose the ones that are most appealing to us).

 

We already have excursions selected (and mostly paid for) but have a little time in port after each excursion ends. We would welcome little tips about things not to miss in ports that are close to the ship and not too time-consuming. Vancouver, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

 

Thanks!! Can't wait to read your suggestions! :D

[DaveOKC]

Hi, all!! We are new to HAL, and this will be our first ever trip to Alaska and our first Canadian city as a family! I have been doing research for almost a year and feel that with the help of CCers, we have put together the perfect itinerary for our family, so a big THANK YOU to everyone!!

 

I would like to start a discussion specifically about the NA...what should we NOT miss about her while aboard? What insider tips can you offer to help us maximize our enjoyment of the ship and the sailing? Please suggest any of your favorite activities, from shows not to miss, favorite dishes to order in the MDR, and where to sit or stand for sail-away, to small things like please point us to especially cozy chairs for reading in a quiet nook... I know everyone has different tastes and priorities, and this being our first time, we don't really know what to expect. We welcome all suggestions (and will pick and choose the ones that are most appealing to us).

 

We already have excursions selected (and mostly paid for) but have a little time in port after each excursion ends. We would welcome little tips about things not to miss in ports that are close to the ship and not too time-consuming. Vancouver, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

 

Thanks!! Can't wait to read your suggestions! :D

 

First, be sure to dine at least one night at the Tamarind restaurant (deck 11 midship as I recall). Price is reasonable ($20 I think) but the service, food and surroundings are great!

 

Skagway - be sure to walk the small town, especially the train station (I hope you are doing the Whitepass Railroad but even this does not stop at the station).

 

Ketchikan - walk about three blocks to the small river which has many small, old shops on the deck. Depending on the time of year, the river can be absolutely teeming with fish (if so, go see the fish ladder). Take the funicular up to a lodging/dining area.

 

Juneau - lots of shopping near the pier. Also, the library is near the pier (or on it) and has plenty of computers with free internet. I think there is a Mt Roberts ride nearby which gets you to the top of the mountain for some great views (be sure it is not overcast before you buy your tickets).

 

Vancouver - LOTS of things to see and do, but if time is limited, just walk about 10 minutes to Gastown and see the Steam Clock (and the interesting buildings).

 

Hope this helps.

[cayman09]

I echo the prior post, Tamarind is a must! The BB King Club for some great nightly music, a 7 piece band plus 2 singers. A range from Aritha to Earth Wind & Fire, they're great. The Crow 's Nest for a quiet place to read plus a wonderful view. The Gallery Bar is next to the casino and is another quiet spot during the day.

 

Have a great trip.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have to agree -- dine at the Tamarind -- have drinks across the hall -- We know it as the Silk Den -- great for cocktails. Some refer to it now as the Tamarind Bar. It has been a couple of years since we were on this ship. Views from the Bar and restaurant are great.

Skagway is great -- there are several options for the train. One is to stay on the train up and back down. Be on the left side of the train as it goes up. There is also the train and bus back down or the bus up and train back down. Walk the town -- it has changed over the years but still a great port.

Juneau -- you can take the Blue Bus out to Mendenhal Glacier and spend as much time there as you want. The bus actually stops right across from the Visitors Center compared to the City Bus. There is no food available here -- buy something in town. It costs about $10 per person each way. Mt Roberts Tramway -- if it a clear day -- well worth the trip up and down. This is a great port for Helicopter rides and Float planes and Whale watching -- can be done by booking with vendors ashore.

Ketchikan -- Saxman Village, Totem Bight -- both great places to visit -- vendors at the pier -- cheaper than the ship. You can easily walk to Creek Street -- lots of totems to see along the way. Shops here and in town as well. Don't know if you have any children in your group, but if you do, they may like the Lumberjack Show.

Vancouver -- don;t know how much time you have here -- but Butchard Gardens is great. Don't fall for the Tea at the Empress Hotel -- way over priced.

[TheCruisingAccountant]

The port terminal in Vancouver is right down town, ten minute walks from main higher end shopping along/near Granville and Robson St, Stanley Park to the west and Gastown to the east. A very walkable seawall with amenities stretches to Stanley Park. Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park. The seawall is about 15km long in total and will take you around about 3/4 of the downtown before you have to circle back to the port (or leave downtown core). The park itself, about a fifiteen minute walk.

 

You can visit the Harbour Tower on the way to Gastown, about a 25 story observation deck overlooking dowtown, harbour, North Shore.

 

The Empress Hotel and Butchart Gardens are actually in Victoria, 75km across the water, so easily avoidable as you will not find them in Vancouver. Common mix up if you are not from here.

[VennDiagram]

I would like to start a discussion specifically about the NA...what should we NOT miss about her while aboard? What insider tips can you offer to help us maximize our enjoyment of the ship and the sailing?

 

Lunch in the Pinnacle Grill (upcharge) on your first or last sea day. As others mentioned, the Tamarind. BBKings Blues Club. Do laps on the Promenade Deck, watch the ocean, keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins.

 

We already have excursions selected (and mostly paid for) but have a little time in port after each excursion ends. We would welcome little tips about things not to miss in ports that are close to the ship and not too time-consuming.

 

Can you be more specific about a "little time" (2 hours? 1/2 hour?) and what you consider "close to the ship?

[EeyoreFan1967]

First, be sure to dine at least one night at the Tamarind restaurant (deck 11 midship as I recall). Price is reasonable ($20 I think) but the service, food and surroundings are great!

 

Skagway - be sure to walk the small town, especially the train station (I hope you are doing the Whitepass Railroad but even this does not stop at the station).

 

Ketchikan - walk about three blocks to the small river which has many small, old shops on the deck. Depending on the time of year, the river can be absolutely teeming with fish (if so, go see the fish ladder). Take the funicular up to a lodging/dining area.

 

Juneau - lots of shopping near the pier. Also, the library is near the pier (or on it) and has plenty of computers with free internet. I think there is a Mt Roberts ride nearby which gets you to the top of the mountain for some great views (be sure it is not overcast before you buy your tickets).

 

Vancouver - LOTS of things to see and do, but if time is limited, just walk about 10 minutes to Gastown and see the Steam Clock (and the interesting buildings).

 

Hope this helps.

 

Yes, Tamarind, absolutely!! I was thinking about waiting until boarding to see if discounts for first night are offered. Maybe I should have a plan B and book a different night in advance (like last night) in case it's not available on boarding.

 

I have done lots of research, but this is the first I am reading about the train station in Skagway NOT being accessed by the train! We are doing the Chilkoot tour bus up to Emerald Lake with lunch at the musher camp and return by train. Should have enough time to check out downtown, especially the train station, after the tour. Thanks for this tip!!

 

Ketchikan in late May...not expecting many fish at the fish ladder, at least not salmon. Are there other fish there in May?

 

In Juneau we are doing a hike/canoe adventure on the glacier, should have enough time to do the tram when we get back, if it's clear.

 

We have 2 1/2 days in Vancouver, and I have posted a question about this on the ports - Canada/Pacific board, but gastown/steam clock absolutely on list! Thanks for your response!!:D

 

I echo the prior post, Tamarind is a must! The BB King Club for some great nightly music, a 7 piece band plus 2 singers. A range from Aritha to Earth Wind & Fire, they're great. The Crow 's Nest for a quiet place to read plus a wonderful view. The Gallery Bar is next to the casino and is another quiet spot during the day.

 

Have a great trip.

 

Absolutely Tamarind, BB King and Crow's Nest are on the list. Thanks for the tip about the gallery bar during the day. Will check it out...not sure if it was removed after the recent dry dock, something around the casino was reconfigured IIRC. Will check it out for sure! Thanks for the tips!! :D

[EeyoreFan1967]

Have to agree -- dine at the Tamarind -- have drinks across the hall -- We know it as the Silk Den -- great for cocktails. Some refer to it now as the Tamarind Bar. It has been a couple of years since we were on this ship. Views from the Bar and restaurant are great.

Skagway is great -- there are several options for the train. One is to stay on the train up and back down. Be on the left side of the train as it goes up. There is also the train and bus back down or the bus up and train back down. Walk the town -- it has changed over the years but still a great port.

Juneau -- you can take the Blue Bus out to Mendenhal Glacier and spend as much time there as you want. The bus actually stops right across from the Visitors Center compared to the City Bus. There is no food available here -- buy something in town. It costs about $10 per person each way. Mt Roberts Tramway -- if it a clear day -- well worth the trip up and down. This is a great port for Helicopter rides and Float planes and Whale watching -- can be done by booking with vendors ashore.

Ketchikan -- Saxman Village, Totem Bight -- both great places to visit -- vendors at the pier -- cheaper than the ship. You can easily walk to Creek Street -- lots of totems to see along the way. Shops here and in town as well. Don't know if you have any children in your group, but if you do, they may like the Lumberjack Show.

Vancouver -- don;t know how much time you have here -- but Butchard Gardens is great. Don't fall for the Tea at the Empress Hotel -- way over priced.

 

Thanks so much for your tips! :D

 

Totally sold on Tamarind, that is so happening! The bar adjacent to it, whatever it's called, for pre dinner cocktails, maybe even on the evenings we are not dining there. For the view and the cocktails!

 

In Skagway we have a tour booked that involves a bus and a train Our tour runs about 8 hours, but we are in port for more than 12, so should have a little extra time to walk the town. Isn't there a saloon there? Red Onion, is it?

 

In Juneau we are doing a 5 hour tour involving the glacier some canoes and crampons. We should have about 3 hours on return. Hope to walk the town or do the tram if weather is good and time allows.

 

No kids in the group, but we are interested in the totems. Taking a 2 hour float plane to Misty Fjords, will have another 3-4 hours to explore.

 

Vancouver 2.5 days. Just actually starting to consider booking a guided full day tour over to Victoria. I think I might regret NOT doing that, even though initially I was thinking it would be a hassle and rushed.

 

The port terminal in Vancouver is right down town, ten minute walks from main higher end shopping along/near Granville and Robson St, Stanley Park to the west and Gastown to the east. A very walkable seawall with amenities stretches to Stanley Park. Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park. The seawall is about 15km long in total and will take you around about 3/4 of the downtown before you have to circle back to the port (or leave downtown core). The park itself, about a fifiteen minute walk.

 

You can visit the Harbour Tower on the way to Gastown, about a 25 story observation deck overlooking dowtown, harbour, North Shore.

 

The Empress Hotel and Butchart Gardens are actually in Victoria, 75km across the water, so easily avoidable as you will not find them in Vancouver. Common mix up if you are not from here.

 

We have around 2.5 days for Vancouver,,,Thursday afternoon/evening and Friday full day before our Saturday departure, and a full day the following Saturday upon return from cruise (we fly out in the am). I started a thread on the Canada/Pacific ports board about this subject because Vancouver is a whole complicated topic on its own to me. As I mentioned above, I hadn't been considering going to Victoria because it seemed like kind of a hassle to get over there, but now I am openiong my mind to the idea of booking a full day excursion that includes pick up at the hotel and round trip transport plus admission to the gardens and a little breeze through guided portion around the downtown Victoria. This would cost about $160 pp and we would do it that Friday before the cruise.

 

So, I'm thinking Thursday afternoon/evening Granville Island (maybe Harbour Tower on arrival), Friday Victoria, and then the Saturday we return either HOHO or rent bikes with bulk of the day exploring Stanley Park.

 

I really appreciate your input!! :D

[EeyoreFan1967]

Lunch in the Pinnacle Grill (upcharge) on your first or last sea day. As others mentioned, the Tamarind. BBKings Blues Club. Do laps on the Promenade Deck, watch the ocean, keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins.

 

 

 

Can you be more specific about a "little time" (2 hours? 1/2 hour?) and what you consider "close to the ship?

 

So you recommend lunch over dinner in the Pinnacle? Is the menu pretty much the same? Is the up-charge reduced for lunch? I was considering booking Tamarind for the last night and waiting to see if there's a discount offered for Pinnacle the first night...but you think lunch is the better way to go?

 

We will absolutely go to every performance venue, my daughter is a comedian and my son is a musician, (his favorite genre is Jazz), and the hubby and I love to walk, we are so excited this ship has a promenade deck! Can't wait to look out for whales (and dolphins? I didn't know they swim that far north). I didn't book any whale watching excursions so I sure hope we see some from the ship.

 

Yeah what do I mean by "a little time?" Good question. We have excursions booked in each port but thanks to the beautiful NA itinerary, we have many hours docked in each port so will have a few hours (2-3) per port to putter around. And I mean walkable distance, which for us would mean like within 2 miles from the dock, which would give us time to walk there and back without having to rush.

 

Thanks for the response!:D

[VennDiagram]

Skagway -- a walk to Yakutania Point or further on to Smugglers Cove? Or to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls?

 

https://www.alaska.org/assets/content/maps/Trail%20Maps/skagway-trail-guide.pdf

 

Ketchikan -- Creek Street and then walk up the Married Man's Trail to Cape Fox Lodge imho. Or get a Walking Tour map from the Visitor's Center and decide what you want to see -- there are both public and private totem poles around Ketchikan, well worth seeing. Also some lovely shops around town (get OFF the street by the dock, those shops are pretty much "souvenir" shops ;) )

 

Juneau -- I think someone suggested the Tram ... that's a decent use of your time. The shops around the dock are mostly tourist/souvenir shops, jmho not worth spending time in them. Or walk up to the Alaskan Hotel, they have live music most days late afternoon

 

http://www.thealaskanhotel.com/

 

Pinnacle lunch menu is different from the dinner menu. Last time we were there it was $10/person for lunch.

[*Miss G*]

If you are thinking of doing Victoria, you absolutely MUST book a Butchart Gardens tour with Harbour Air! An amazing experience and you even have time to visit The Empress for a signature cocktail! Or head on over to Nautical Nellies for some excellent seafood. Or hop on the water taxi! So much to do; so little time. You're going to have a great trip!

[DaveOKC]

Yes, Tamarind, absolutely!! I was thinking about waiting until boarding to see if discounts for first night are offered. Maybe I should have a plan B and book a different night in advance (like last night) in case it's not available on boarding.

 

I have done lots of research, but this is the first I am reading about the train station in Skagway NOT being accessed by the train! We are doing the Chilkoot tour bus up to Emerald Lake with lunch at the musher camp and return by train. Should have enough time to check out downtown, especially the train station, after the tour. Thanks for this tip!!

 

We have 2 1/2 days in Vancouver, and I have posted a question about this on the ports - Canada/Pacific board, but gastown/steam clock absolutely on list! Thanks for your response!!:D

:D

 

I did not see any first night discount on the N.A. in Oct. for the Tamarind

 

As to the train, it starts right on the pier, just a short walk from the ship (but since you are going with Chilkoot, this does not apply to you - just cruiseline tours). Since you are RETURNING by train, you should go to the station, but I am not certain. Be sure to ask on the Alaska board which side of the train to sit on for coming into town (I know that is was the left side for going out (up the mountain). We also used Chilkoot and they did a great job for us!

[EeyoreFan1967]

Skagway -- a walk to Yakutania Point or further on to Smugglers Cove? Or to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls?

 

https://www.alaska.org/assets/content/maps/Trail%20Maps/skagway-trail-guide.pdf

 

Ketchikan -- Creek Street and then walk up the Married Man's Trail to Cape Fox Lodge imho. Or get a Walking Tour map from the Visitor's Center and decide what you want to see -- there are both public and private totem poles around Ketchikan, well worth seeing. Also some lovely shops around town (get OFF the street by the dock, those shops are pretty much "souvenir" shops ;) )

 

Juneau -- I think someone suggested the Tram ... that's a decent use of your time. The shops around the dock are mostly tourist/souvenir shops, jmho not worth spending time in them. Or walk up to the Alaskan Hotel, they have live music most days late afternoon

 

http://www.thealaskanhotel.com/

 

Pinnacle lunch menu is different from the dinner menu. Last time we were there it was $10/person for lunch.

 

Thanks again for your suggestions! Noted!

 

Will check out Pinnacle lunch menu now and maybe make reservations! :hearteyes:

 

If you are thinking of doing Victoria, you absolutely MUST book a Butchart Gardens tour with Harbour Air! An amazing experience and you even have time to visit The Empress for a signature cocktail! Or head on over to Nautical Nellies for some excellent seafood. Or hop on the water taxi! So much to do; so little time. You're going to have a great trip!

 

I sought info on this tour and it looks great but doesn't seem to start until June 15. Our full days in Vancouver are May 25 and June 2. I'm leaning more (again) toward skipping Victoria and sticking to Vancouver proper and maybe North Vancouver.

 

Thanks again for your tip! :D

[EeyoreFan1967]

I did not see any first night discount on the N.A. in Oct. for the Tamarind

 

As to the train, it starts right on the pier, just a short walk from the ship (but since you are going with Chilkoot, this does not apply to you - just cruiseline tours). Since you are RETURNING by train, you should go to the station, but I am not certain. Be sure to ask on the Alaska board which side of the train to sit on for coming into town (I know that is was the left side for going out (up the mountain). We also used Chilkoot and they did a great job for us!

 

Yeah I'm gathering that the first night discount for specialty dining is very much dependent upon availability. Hit or miss! Will book something at Tamarind in advance to make certain we have options.

 

Will dig further into the train as we get closer to the trip. Thanks again for your help!! :D