LIVE ALASKA NCL BLISS 04-22-2023 to 04-29-2023 Review

[www3traveler]

53 minutes ago, MAMA "B" said:

Glad you had a great time on the Bliss.  We will be on her in August 2023.  Wondering how difficult was it getting off the ship in Seattle and getting to the airport? Did you do walk off?  What time did you get to Sea-Tac?  Also did you use Uber, a shuttle or a taxi?  Any information is appreciated.

It is not that hard to disembark in Seattle.  I always (as one passenger) use the transfer to the airport.

SeaTac can be a nightmare all by itself.  The Port of Seattle has a Valet Program that works really well.  Depending on your flight schedule and airline, you may be able to send your luggage from the ship to your airline and you pick it up at your home airport.  You will find more information on the Port of Seattle website and on board the ship.

Welcome to Seattle, The Bliss and most importantly enjoy your cruise.

[Panhandle Couple]

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I'm not @graphicguy, but was on the same sailing.  I've got the Seattle disembark down to a science.  Here's what we did:

a) after exiting terminal, walk about 20 feet south to the two elevators

b) take an elevator to the top (5th?) level

c) walk about 500 feet across top of pedestrian overpass to Elliott street

d) call Uber/Lyft

 

There were about four other groups there waiting for rides (i.e. no crowds).  A nice Lyft guy in a brand new Tesla picked us up in less than five minutes.  I think it took around thirty minutes to get to SeaTac.  He showed us some of the nifty features of his Tesla which was good entertainment.  Cost was $68 plus tip.  This was a Lyft XL, which is roomier than the base price rides.  I have no idea what NCL charges for their transfers, and likely will never use one again in Seattle.

 

Next time, I'm going to Uber/Lyft to Elliott street and reverse the sequence for embarkation.  No fighting the crowded traffic on Alaskan Way and no problems with the trains blocking the street (which happens a lot).  This time I was on a B2B and the April 15 embarkation drop off was a breeze because there were no disembarking passengers.  I've never see Alaskan way so calm and may never again.  Have fun!

Is the never ending construction on (and around) Alaskan Way done?

 

Is the overpass new, or did I just miss it before?

[ChiefMateJRK]

25 minutes ago, Panhandle Couple said:

Is the never ending construction on (and around) Alaskan Way done?

 

Is the overpass new, or did I just miss it before?

I think the construction is still going on South of Pier 66.  IIRC, that pedestrian overpass has been there for years.  Some have reported here that "you need to drag your luggage for blocks to catch an Uber," but it simply is not true.  I discovered the Elliott Ave secret a few cruises ago and will use it exclusively for both arrival and departure on all future AK cruises.

[quack2]

56 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I think the construction is still going on South of Pier 66.  IIRC, that pedestrian overpass has been there for years.  Some have reported here that "you need to drag your luggage for blocks to catch an Uber," but it simply is not true.  I discovered the Elliott Ave secret a few cruises ago and will use it exclusively for both arrival and departure on all future AK cruises.

Very useful tip.  Thanks.

[Panhandle Couple]

11 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I think the construction is still going on South of Pier 66.  IIRC, that pedestrian overpass has been there for years.  Some have reported here that "you need to drag your luggage for blocks to catch an Uber," but it simply is not true.  I discovered the Elliott Ave secret a few cruises ago and will use it exclusively for both arrival and departure on all future AK cruises.

Thanks!

[graphicguy]

Chief’s recommendations are very worthwhile.  

 

Answer some of the other questions…

 

I do self disembark.  That’s usually because I have a flight just before, or just after noon.  So, I try to be at the airport by 9:00-10:00 ish.  I know some want to tarry around the ship.  But, with the mad dash to get one more breakfast, or coffee, or many still having issues that require a trip to Customer Service, I want to avoid all of that.  The last breakfast simply isn’t something that is worth the throngs with the same idea.  Coffee?  Different story.  That’s not an option I can do without.   😉 That’s why I like having a coffee maker in the cabin. 

 

I’m out of the cabin by 7:30-ish.  Mentioned on this trip, even though the line to disembark was pretty long, it moved quickly.  If there are bottlenecks, it’s usually because the immigration facial recognition camera isn’t working well.  Most of the time, that’s not an issue.  Sometimes….well….it’s a government agency.  “Nuff said”!  

 

Another reason I pack lite, I DON’T want to drag around big bags…wheeled or not.  The pathway to disembark is usually narrow and winds through the casino.  All those folks that packed a 5 room house into their luggage are miserable hauling it on and off the ship.  Plus, I don’t want the possibility of searching/losing luggage in the terminal to be a possibility.  It’s not.  It’s with me all the time.  Frankly, I don’t think anyone dressed better or worse than me, even though I had way fwer outfits to fit in my rollaboard.

 

I was out of my cabin, through immigration (facial recognition), off the ship going down the gangway in about 15 minutes.

 

I used Shuttle Express (shuttleexpress.com) to and from the airport.  I think it was $25 each way (plus $1 for each checked bag).  Their shuttle was right there outside of the terminal upon disembarkation.  I think they have a shuttle running every 15 mins from/to the airport.  Prompt, professional, clean, good value.

 

’It takes about 40 minutes to get to/from the airport to/from the pier.  Construction?  Yes!  I’m not driving, so I don’t really care.

 

About 2-3 days into the cruise, you should have a note in your cabin about using the “FREE” luggage service, where you can have the cruise line transfer your bag to SEATAC, who will load it on your flight, for no charge (except you have to pay the checked bag fees of your individual airline).  They’ll deliver special luggage tags, and boarding passes to your cabin, all checked in and ready to go, the day before departure. Word of caution…if your flight leaves before noon… even 11:59 a.m., they can’t offer the service.  I know.  I tried with a flight that was departing at 11:57 a.m.  No go!!!!!

 

Hope this helps.

Edited May 2, 2023 by graphicguy

[MAMA "B"]

14 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I'm not @graphicguy, but was on the same sailing.  I've got the Seattle disembark down to a science.  Here's what we did:

a) after exiting terminal, walk about 20 feet south to the two elevators

b) take an elevator to the top (5th?) level

c) walk about 500 feet across top of pedestrian overpass to Elliott street

d) call Uber/Lyft

 

There were about four other groups there waiting for rides (i.e. no crowds).  A nice Lyft guy in a brand new Tesla picked us up in less than five minutes.  I think it took around thirty minutes to get to SeaTac.  He showed us some of the nifty features of his Tesla which was good entertainment.  Cost was $68 plus tip.  This was a Lyft XL, which is roomier than the base price rides.  I have no idea what NCL charges for their transfers, and likely will never use one again in Seattle.

 

Next time, I'm going to Uber/Lyft to Elliott street and reverse the sequence for embarkation.  No fighting the crowded traffic on Alaskan Way and no problems with the trains blocking the street (which happens a lot).  This time I was on a B2B and the April 15 embarkation drop off was a breeze because there were no disembarking passengers.  I've never see Alaskan way so calm and may never again.  Have fun!

Thank you for the great information.  We (8 of us)  will definitely go to Elliott Street upon disembarking.  Unfortunately, we cannot use the valet service since our flight leaves at 11:30.

[MAMA "B"]

9 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Chief’s recommendations are very worthwhile.  

 

Answer some of the other questions…

 

I do self disembark.  That’s usually because I have a flight just before, or just after noon.  So, I try to be at the airport by 9:00-10:00 ish.  I know some want to tarry around the ship.  But, with the mad dash to get one more breakfast, or coffee, or many still having issues that require a trip to Customer Service, I want to avoid all of that.  The last breakfast simply isn’t something that is worth the throngs with the same idea.  Coffee?  Different story.  That’s not an option I can do without.   😉 That’s why I like having a coffee maker in the cabin. 

 

I’m out of the cabin by 7:30-ish.  Mentioned on this trip, even though the line to disembark was pretty long, it moved quickly.  If there are bottlenecks, it’s usually because the immigration facial recognition camera isn’t working well.  Most of the time, that’s not an issue.  Sometimes….well….it’s a government agency.  “Nuff said”!  

 

Another reason I pack lite, I DON’T want to drag around big bags…wheeled or not.  The pathway to disembark is usually narrow and winds through the casino.  All those folks that packed a 5 room house into their luggage are miserable hauling it on and off the ship.  Plus, I don’t want the possibility of searching/losing luggage in the terminal to be a possibility.  It’s not.  It’s with me all the time.  Frankly, I don’t think anyone dressed better or worse than me, even though I had way fwer outfits to fit in my rollaboard.

 

I was out of my cabin, through immigration (facial recognition), off the ship going down the gangway in about 15 minutes.

 

I used Shuttle Express (shuttleexpress.com) to and from the airport.  I think it was $25 each way (plus $1 for each checked bag).  Their shuttle was right there outside of the terminal upon disembarkation.  I think they have a shuttle running every 15 mins from/to the airport.  Prompt, professional, clean, good value.

 

’It takes about 40 minutes to get to/from the airport to/from the pier.  Construction?  Yes!  I’m not driving, so I don’t really care.

 

About 2-3 days into the cruise, you should have a note in your cabin about using the “FREE” luggage service, where you can have the cruise line transfer your bag to SEATAC, who will load it on your flight, for no charge (except you have to pay the checked bag fees of your individual airline).  They’ll deliver special luggage tags, and boarding passes to your cabin, all checked in and ready to go, the day before departure. Word of caution…if your flight leaves before noon… even 11:59 a.m., they can’t offer the service.  I know.  I tried with a flight that was departing at 11:57 a.m.  No go!!!!!

 

Hope this helps.

All this information definitely helps.  Thank you for taking the time to answer.  Our flight (unfortunately) is at 11:32 so no chance for luggage service.

[MAMA "B"]

14 hours ago, www3traveler said:

It is not that hard to disembark in Seattle.  I always (as one passenger) use the transfer to the airport.

SeaTac can be a nightmare all by itself.  The Port of Seattle has a Valet Program that works really well.  Depending on your flight schedule and airline, you may be able to send your luggage from the ship to your airline and you pick it up at your home airport.  You will find more information on the Port of Seattle website and on board the ship.

Welcome to Seattle, The Bliss and most importantly enjoy your cruise.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions.

[eileeshb]

12 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I think the construction is still going on South of Pier 66.  IIRC, that pedestrian overpass has been there for years.  Some have reported here that "you need to drag your luggage for blocks to catch an Uber," but it simply is not true.  I discovered the Elliott Ave secret a few cruises ago and will use it exclusively for both arrival and departure on all future AK cruises.

I spotted that pedestrian bridge when I was booking my pre-cruise hotel, I'll be at the Belltown inn so it's a straight shot downhill all the way from the hotel to the ship. The bridge is at the junction of Bell Street and Elliot Avenue.  It is listed in google as a 9 minute walk from that hotel to Pier 66.

[Jordan61]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

I used Shuttle Express (shuttleexpress.com) to and from the airport.  I think it was $25 each way (plus $1 for each checked bag).  Their shuttle was right there outside of the terminal upon disembarkation.  I think they have a shuttle running every 15 mins from/to the airport.  Prompt, professional, clean, good value.

 

Is this something you have to book in advance or can you just pay and hop on? Thanks!

[ChiefMateJRK]

3 hours ago, MAMA "B" said:

All this information definitely helps.  Thank you for taking the time to answer.  Our flight (unfortunately) is at 11:32 so no chance for luggage service.

You're welcome.  Just a point of clarification, do NOT cross the street to take the elevator on the East side of Alaskan Way.  That one takes you only to the lower level of the pedestrian overpass, which will take you to the parking garage.  You can still get to Elliott Ave from there, but it is a bit more walking.  The two elevators I suggested are on the West (Pier 66) side of Alaskan Way.  One is behind some glass doors and the other is open to the sidewalk.

[ChiefMateJRK]

3 hours ago, graphicguy said:

But, with the mad dash to get one more breakfast, or coffee, or many still having issues that require a trip to Customer Service, I want to avoid all of that.  The last breakfast simply isn’t something that is worth the throngs with the same idea.

Yep.  The Buffet is usually at max chaos on disembarkation day.  We were in no hurry, so decided to go to Savor/Taste (one was open, I don't remember which).  We went at around 7:00.  Ironically, it was very calm and no waiting.  We had a nice relaxing breakfast.  Our flight wasn't until 2:25, so we just hung out until they booted us off the ship at around 9:45.  We had to sit in the atrium and watch that massive line of people on deck 7 snake around until finally entering the Local to reach the forward exit point.  That put us at SeaTac about 10:45, which meant we were under the 4 hour limit and could check our bags.  I usually use the airport down time to check up on everything on the internet that I missed during the cruise.  SeaTac has good free WiFi and charging ports at the gates which works out well.

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, Jordan61 said:

 

Is this something you have to book in advance or can you just pay and hop on? Thanks!

I think you have to book in advance.  All who were on our shuttles had reservations.  Now, if they had space on a given bus?  Who knows?  I don’t know that they’re set up for cash/credit fare collecting, though.

 

If memory serves, you can cancel within 72 hours for no charge.

[graphicguy]

44 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Yep.  The Buffet is usually at max chaos on disembarkation day.  We were in no hurry, so decided to go to Savor/Taste (one was open, I don't remember which).  We went at around 7:00.  Ironically, it was very calm and no waiting.  We had a nice relaxing breakfast.  Our flight wasn't until 2:25, so we just hung out until they booted us off the ship at around 9:45.  We had to sit in the atrium and watch that massive line of people on deck 7 snake around until finally entering the Local to reach the forward exit point.  That put us at SeaTac about 10:45, which meant we were under the 4 hour limit and could check our bags.  I usually use the airport down time to check up on everything on the internet that I missed during the cruise.  SeaTac has good free WiFi and charging ports at the gates which works out well.

That sounds like a great way to disembark.  It was either take the 11:57 flight, or take a red-eye.  I chose the former.

 

Don’t know if you noticed, they had a small manned pedestal right after you checked out with your key card.  It said “Financial Service”. Saw a couple of people escorted to the pedestal when checking out.  Wondering what that was all about?

[ChiefMateJRK]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Don’t know if you noticed, they had a small manned pedestal right after you checked out with your key card.  It said “Financial Service”. Saw a couple of people escorted to the pedestal when checking out.  Wondering what that was all about?

I didn't notice, but am guessing it was to provide cash payments to the few people who had positive balances on their accounts at cruise end.

[graphicguy]

11 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I didn't notice, but am guessing it was to provide cash payments to the few people who had positive balances on their accounts at cruise end.

Never thought of that.  Whenever NCL owed me money at the end of the cruise, they sent a check.  But, now that I think about it, cashing pay out has to be much less expensive for NCL to do than to wind through the paperwork to cut a check.

[fmrlkr]

Well, the good news is that I did not get covid, the bad news is that I got a viral infection.  I had a previously scheduled doctors appointment this morning where he confirmed it.  What a great time!  I'm planning on doing it again next year, just not the viral infection!

[Cruisercl]

14 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I didn't notice, but am guessing it was to provide cash payments to the few people who had positive balances on their accounts at cruise end.

That is exactly what it is. When I was on the Bliss last August, I had a positive OBC balance and was paid out before I left the ship at a little table on the side. Never had that happen before. They sent me to the table when I showed my card to leave the ship. 

Edited May 3, 2023 by Cruisercl

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, Cruisercl said:

That is exactly what it is. When I was on the Bliss last August, I had a positive OBC balance and was paid out before I left the ship at a little table on the side. Never had that happen before. They sent me to the table when I showed my card to leave the ship. 

Learn something new everyday!

[JIMESOPUS]

4 hours ago, Cruisercl said:

That is exactly what it is. When I was on the Bliss last August, I had a positive OBC balance and was paid out before I left the ship at a little table on the side. Never had that happen before. They sent me to the table when I showed my card to leave the ship. 

Noticed this on the Escape last week, NCL gave us $20 pp for port fees but we never missed a port. There were several tables set up in the Manhattan room and they were directing folks over after they swiped out. Once that was done they had to get back in line for another swipe, delaying and adding confusion to the whole process for us who were just standing there, watching and wondering what the hell is going on.

[bbqbears]

We are headed to Alaska on the Encore in a month.  I am taking my son's, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren.  I think my 16 yo granddaughter has the idea of taking a long gown and high heals.  But we have such limited space in suitcases and for that matter-the car to get to the airport that I am encouraging them all to pack light.   Can anyone who has been to Alaska recently comment on the "dress code" at night.  My recollection is that this itinerary tends to be much less formal-or even dressy.   

 

Kathy

[Kathscof]

2 hours ago, bbqbears said:

We are headed to Alaska on the Encore in a month.  I am taking my son's, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren.  I think my 16 yo granddaughter has the idea of taking a long gown and high heals.  But we have such limited space in suitcases and for that matter-the car to get to the airport that I am encouraging them all to pack light.   Can anyone who has been to Alaska recently comment on the "dress code" at night.  My recollection is that this itinerary tends to be much less formal-or even dressy.   

 

Kathy

WAY LESS FORMAL.....but there might be one or two chances to wear a...casual dress? I don't know how to describe it, I think I wore two old navy dresses with different sleeve lengths this last time in Alaska, the other times it was normal nice"er" tops with jeans, or straight from excursions with windblown cheeks and hat hair 🙂

[libtrek]

4 hours ago, bbqbears said:

We are headed to Alaska on the Encore in a month.  I am taking my son's, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren.  I think my 16 yo granddaughter has the idea of taking a long gown and high heals.  But we have such limited space in suitcases and for that matter-the car to

 

4 hours ago, bbqbears said:

You know what, I think I’m an old softie. I love that your grand wants a princess moment. How about you other ladies wear a fancy top with your plain pants and let her shine. One fancy will fit in the luggage. I’m sure other passengers will compliment her, I would, who doesn’t like smiles? Mary Lou

[bbqbears]

Just re-read my post-dang punctuation!  LOL!  Apparently, Mary Lou and Kathscof-you got my intention, despite "son's"  (sons).   My granddaughter is quite the fashion plate-and I will leave it up to her. Thanks to both of you for taking the time to respond.   

 

Edited May 6, 2023 by bbqbears