Odyssey Alaska 5/19 sailing

[robertmartha]

To all those who read and provide such great insight and advise...I am paying it forward!

 

We will be flying out later this evening from the NY area to Seattle and then on to Juneau were we are scheduled to land at approx 11pm Alaska time.

A quick cab to the Sheraton for a good nights sleep. Check out is 11am. 

We were planning on going to the port but our check in time is 1:20pm and we have received countless emails and notifications not to arrive before our assigned check-in time otherwise we will be asked to return at our assigned time...so I will advise on how that all works out 😉 IF we leave right after check out.

Was thinking we will ask the hotel to hold our bags and we will do stroll around Juneau and then cab over for our assigned time - have to think since this is the first sailing out of Juneau for the season ... it may be a bit chaotic at the port so don't want to add any stress to the port agents or us at the start of the trip!

 

This is our second Seabourn sailing - sailing with my dear wife, our two adult daughters with their significant others...so this is a true "family" trip - the first vacation together in years ... so it will be interesting😂 - looking forward to spending time with our "kids" .....seriously what could be better then on a Seabourn sailing right?!?!

 

Promise to post as I can (I will be online checking in with work each day - can't get away really anymore!) so any questions ...ask away.

 

Till tomorrow !

[Mr Luxury]

32 minutes ago, robertmartha said:

To all those who read and provide such great insight and advise...I am paying it forward!

 

We will be flying out later this evening from the NY area to Seattle and then on to Juneau were we are scheduled to land at approx 11pm Alaska time.

A quick cab to the Sheraton for a good nights sleep. Check out is 11am. 

We were planning on going to the port but our check in time is 1:20pm and we have received countless emails and notifications not to arrive before our assigned check-in time otherwise we will be asked to return at our assigned time...so I will advise on how that all works out 😉 IF we leave right after check out.

Was thinking we will ask the hotel to hold our bags and we will do stroll around Juneau and then cab over for our assigned time - have to think since this is the first sailing out of Juneau for the season ... it may be a bit chaotic at the port so don't want to add any stress to the port agents or us at the start of the trip!

 

This is our second Seabourn sailing - sailing with my dear wife, our two adult daughters with their significant others...so this is a true "family" trip - the first vacation together in years ... so it will be interesting😂 - looking forward to spending time with our "kids" .....seriously what could be better then on a Seabourn sailing right?!?!

 

Promise to post as I can (I will be online checking in with work each day - can't get away really anymore!) so any questions ...ask away.

 

Till tomorrow !

Sounds great,

Have a fantastic time.

[nancygp]

Have a wonderful time and safe travels.  I’m looking forward to following along as I’m sailing later in the season.  I’ve been to Alaska several times on another lux line and looking forward to sailing on seabourn.

 

nancy

[galeforce9]

Looking forward to another live report.  We need more!!

[TX Flower Girl]

Looking forward to hearing how it goes. We are on the same itinerary two weeks behind you. It will be our first Seabourn cruise. Thanks for the updates!

[MBP&O2/O]

It will be interesting to see if Vancouver port has improved, USA staff wise 😵‍💫 good luck and enjoy.

[robertmartha]

Good Morning from Juneau!

 

Happy to say uneventful flights from the NYC area thru Seattle and to Juneau last night.

No delays - PACKED planes (even to Juneau).

Alaska Airlines have the most pleasant flight attendants - make these flights bearable as does prem class (just for the leg room and early boarding and far forward behind 1st)

If anyone needs a cab when they fly in - cabs readily available outside of baggage claim (even at 11:30pm!) Great cab driver - spends the summers in Juneau for the "season".

Asked if the 4 of us were joining the ship as staff because of all our luggage 🤣. Yea - we don't pack light!

Sheraton - BASIC

 

Heading out to a local spot for breakfast and much needed COFFEE.

Going on 3 hrs of sleep - got to check those work emails you know ...and of course check in here !😂

[melissab723]

So excited to follow along since I'll be sailing on the Odyssey in July for my very first Seabourn cruise and my very first time to Alaska! We're flying Alaska Airlines into Seattle and then over to Vancouver since that's where we're heading out of, but we end in Juneau since we're doing the Alaska Inside Passage. I'm guessing your doing the Canadian Inside Passage?

[jondfk]

Happy to follow your experience, we're onboard for 14 days in August and always enjoy a first hand account.  Especially eager to hear the names of any exceptional crew.

 

Happy sailing.

[robertmartha]

Melissa - yes Juneau to Vancouver - inside passage

 

jondfk - absolutely - will call out the best of the best...because all of the Seabourn staff are the best.

 

Can only speak to our first cruise (this will be our second on Seabourn)...but have 13+ prior on Premiere Big Red Boat (dating ourselves w/ little ones!), Carnival, HAL, RC, Celebrity and AMA (river cruise).

 

Had breakfast at a local spot walking distance from the Sheraton - Rookery Cafe (great spot!)

 

Bob from NY

[RJ2002]

Welcome aboard.  I was told this morning in Colonnade that there are about 200 disembarking, and about the same number embarking.   Odyssey is in fine shape, IMO.  Glad you are joining us.  

Edited May 19, 2023 by RJ2002

[2ws]

Also currently on back to backs on Odyssey. Our first and second SB cruises. Lots of new faces so the 200 turn over looks right.  We like the blue jackets. Others vocally preferred black. Currently in the small ports, a dozen eggs are USD 20. A gallon of Milk is USD 15. If you are tipping the 3rd party guides, go big. Its expensive up here. Be aware, when they are sailing in the fog at night, the fog horn sounds about every 2 minutes and it is loud. It penetrates even silicon ear plugs with a white noise machine on medium high. If you haven't yet, check out happywhale.com. I now have 4 whales I have helped identify on this trip alone. The grandchildren have picked a name, so we will name one. 

 

[SLSD]

1 hour ago, 2ws said:

Also currently on back to backs on Odyssey. Our first and second SB cruises. Lots of new faces so the 200 turn over looks right.  We like the blue jackets. Others vocally preferred black. Currently in the small ports, a dozen eggs are USD 20. A gallon of Milk is USD 15. If you are tipping the 3rd party guides, go big. Its expensive up here. Be aware, when they are sailing in the fog at night, the fog horn sounds about every 2 minutes and it is loud. It penetrates even silicon ear plugs with a white noise machine on medium high. If you haven't yet, check out happywhale.com. I now have 4 whales I have helped identify on this trip alone. The grandchildren have picked a name, so we will name one. 

 

Thanks for this.  It brings back fond memories of our SB cruise in Alaska.  I remember the song of the fog horns--I loved it.  It is not something we hear in Texas.  

 

And yes, the turquoise blue SB jackets are a big garish.  They are GOOD jackets, but a bit loud in terms of color. Black might be better, but I would prefer navy blue--if anyone asks. 

 

And also yes, tip tour guides generously in light of inflation when it comes to food prices.

[LMB01]

Don’t worry about your check in time.  We have done 5 cruises since Covid and received the same threatening emails - no one checks your check in time!  We did a 14 day Vancouver to Vancouver last August where 200 some odd passengers disembarked and another 200 some odd passengers embarked.  Juneau is not like other ports where you may be used to a nice facility for boarding.  Trust me, no one will care about your boarding time.  If you do want to kill some time, go to the Red Dog Saloon!

[LMB01]

52 minutes ago, SLSD said:

Thanks for this.  It brings back fond memories of our SB cruise in Alaska.  I remember the song of the fog horns--I loved it.  It is not something we hear in Texas.  

 

And yes, the turquoise blue SB jackets are a big garish.  They are GOOD jackets, but a bit loud in terms of color. Black might be better, but I would prefer navy blue--if anyone asks. 

 

And also yes, tip tour guides generously in light of inflation when it comes to food prices.

I remember your posts of that cruise.  We boarded in Vancouver as you disembarked - it was our first Seabourn cruise and I learned a lot from your posts.

Of course, it turned out to be our only Seabourn cruise prior to Covid.  We have since sailed 5 times and things are definitely different.  We sail Norway in July for 2 weeks and are looking forward to that.  We have only on cruise booked after that which is similar to what I think you did pre Covid,  Kobe to Vancouver.

[SLSD]

31 minutes ago, LMB01 said:

I remember your posts of that cruise.  We boarded in Vancouver as you disembarked - it was our first Seabourn cruise and I learned a lot from your posts.

Of course, it turned out to be our only Seabourn cruise prior to Covid.  We have since sailed 5 times and things are definitely different.  We sail Norway in July for 2 weeks and are looking forward to that.  We have only on cruise booked after that which is similar to what I think you did pre Covid,  Kobe to Vancouver.

You are so kind to remember my posts from our Kobe to Vancouver cruise. We had a great time.

[robertmartha]

Good Morning everyone - Its Monday morning - and the SUN is shining !

Yesterday in Wrangell - overcast and rain...but this is Alaska!

 

Sorry for only checking in again today - but that tells you that we have been busy since embarkation.

 

Our first Seabourn sailing was on Odyssey in Jan 2020. Happy to report she looks the same inside and out - meaning little to no wear and tear that I can see. Our deck chairs are rust stained (odd) but other then that cabin spotless as is everywhere around the ship (it does not look like 3+ years have passed)

 

Zodiacs and guide so far - amazing!

Staff - amazing and attentive.

 

One funny issue so far - my daughters boyfriend asked for cream cheese yesterday morning in the Colonade for his bagel and lox (yes we are NY's!) - it caused a meeting and frantic search of the ship only to be told no cream cheese😂 on the entire ship but my other daughter who had room service had 3 servings 😂.

 

One thing I will comment on (as I have read other posting) is the wait staff in the dining room is not what it was 3 years ago.

First night - quick efficient service - upon leaving overheard the ladies at the front desk podium that tables and servers cannot be requested for future nights.

Second night - new table - new servers - absolutely fabulous. Upon leaving ladies at the front asked us how everything was - I mentioned the fabulous service - she asked if I liked the table (said I did) and she said she would note it for the future nights that we could sit there (I stated we come down about 8 each night)😉 and there are 6 of us - no problem!

Third night - last night. Arrive at 8:05. Seated in different section (no problem) but right next to the noisy wait station. I asked if another 6 top (two table up and over) is available and if we could switch. No problem. We are seated. 20 minutes later no one has come over. Finally I catch the eye of the Restaurant Manager - he sees we are sitting there - no water, bread, wine, etc.

 

Water served - bread served - I tell the server I am GF - no problem (no butter on table so we ask and wait)

Wine served.

Sit

Restaurant Manager comes back - takes order.

My GF bread arrives - two pieces of white TOAST (not kidding)

8:45 apps arrive

Restaurant Manager stops by -  I tell him half jokingly about the GF bread. He is not happy.

9:05 dinner served

9:25 we leave for the comedian (no dessert coffee)

 

We are fine with a leisurely dinner - but we obviously had no waiter assigned to our table and throughout the dinner no one came by with water again, bread, wine - nothing. It was if we were invisible. It was really horrible service - made even worse by comparison to the fabulous service we had the prior night.

The weird part was that all the other tables around us were being served by other wait staff.

Absolutely convinced no wait team was assigned to the table.

 

Otherwise staff in the bars, around the grill, colonade, housekeeping all the same as 2020.

 

Will chalk last night up as a fluke / off-night.

 

Will see what tonight brings!

 

Any questions - ask away.

 

Bob from NY

 

(running joke now in the family is if I want toast with that!

 

[Mr Luxury]

41 minutes ago, robertmartha said:

Good Morning everyone - Its Monday morning - and the SUN is shining !

Yesterday in Wrangell - overcast and rain...but this is Alaska!

 

Sorry for only checking in again today - but that tells you that we have been busy since embarkation.

 

Our first Seabourn sailing was on Odyssey in Jan 2020. Happy to report she looks the same inside and out - meaning little to no wear and tear that I can see. Our deck chairs are rust stained (odd) but other then that cabin spotless as is everywhere around the ship (it does not look like 3+ years have passed)

 

Zodiacs and guide so far - amazing!

Staff - amazing and attentive.

 

One funny issue so far - my daughters boyfriend asked for cream cheese yesterday morning in the Colonade for his bagel and lox (yes we are NY's!) - it caused a meeting and frantic search of the ship only to be told no cream cheese😂 on the entire ship but my other daughter who had room service had 3 servings 😂.

 

One thing I will comment on (as I have read other posting) is the wait staff in the dining room is not what it was 3 years ago.

First night - quick efficient service - upon leaving overheard the ladies at the front desk podium that tables and servers cannot be requested for future nights.

Second night - new table - new servers - absolutely fabulous. Upon leaving ladies at the front asked us how everything was - I mentioned the fabulous service - she asked if I liked the table (said I did) and she said she would note it for the future nights that we could sit there (I stated we come down about 8 each night)😉 and there are 6 of us - no problem!

Third night - last night. Arrive at 8:05. Seated in different section (no problem) but right next to the noisy wait station. I asked if another 6 top (two table up and over) is available and if we could switch. No problem. We are seated. 20 minutes later no one has come over. Finally I catch the eye of the Restaurant Manager - he sees we are sitting there - no water, bread, wine, etc.

 

Water served - bread served - I tell the server I am GF - no problem (no butter on table so we ask and wait)

Wine served.

Sit

Restaurant Manager comes back - takes order.

My GF bread arrives - two pieces of white TOAST (not kidding)

8:45 apps arrive

Restaurant Manager stops by -  I tell him half jokingly about the GF bread. He is not happy.

9:05 dinner served

9:25 we leave for the comedian (no dessert coffee)

 

We are fine with a leisurely dinner - but we obviously had no waiter assigned to our table and throughout the dinner no one came by with water again, bread, wine - nothing. It was if we were invisible. It was really horrible service - made even worse by comparison to the fabulous service we had the prior night.

The weird part was that all the other tables around us were being served by other wait staff.

Absolutely convinced no wait team was assigned to the table.

 

Otherwise staff in the bars, around the grill, colonade, housekeeping all the same as 2020.

 

Will chalk last night up as a fluke / off-night.

 

Will see what tonight brings!

 

Any questions - ask away.

 

Bob from NY

 

(running joke now in the family is if I want toast with that!

 

Oh,I thought you saw the comedian at 8.25pm

[robertmartha]

Good Morning everyone -

 

Checking in - its Wednesday our only sea day. Weather has been beautiful since Wrangel. Sunny skies and high 50's-low 60's. 

 

Happy to report the dining glitch the other night was an isolated incident -Monday night we sat in Christos' section again - excellent service and last night we dined in TK.

 

Ship is almost full - would not know it. Great passenger make-up...everyone is so friendly quite honestly.

 

Any questions from future southbound sailors - just ask away - happy to answer.

 

Bob from NY

[CalmSea]

Regarding jackets,  In a previous post, @2ws wrote: " We like the blue jackets. Others vocally preferred black." Was there an option for you to choose a different jacket, and did you see any black ones?

[johng75370]

Thanks for your posts Bob!  How's the internet onboard?

[EagleRocker]

We are on this cruise and have the streaming internet version. For the most part, it has worked pretty well, but then, our usage has not been heavy duty (no work stuff).

The ship seems remarkably uncrowded. People are friendly and, for the most part, pretty quiet and respectful of others. It is so nice to sit outside and enjoy all the gorgeous scenery without too much noise from others.

We have had very good meal service each time.

[RJ2002]

6 hours ago, CalmSea said:

Regarding jackets,  In a previous post, @2ws wrote: " We like the blue jackets. Others vocally preferred black." Was there an option for you to choose a different jacket, and did you see any black ones?

We’ve been onboard since Vancouver.  During our jacket distribution for the Vancouver-Juneau segment, only the blue versions were offered.   They are nice, and appreciated.  

[robertmartha]

Good Morning all !

Just pulled in to Alert Bay.

Jacket option as stated was just the blue one. They really are terrific - now I understand what all the posts / fuss was about when they were discontinued last year.

 

Using the included internet and have been checking in with work two to three times a day while in port and in the passage. For the most part very good - I think any slowness was because of the programs at work I was logging in to. We are sailing the Med in the fall and already decided I will upgrade the internet for that trip just to safe 😉

 

Have to agree with EagleRocker - even though the ship is almost full (according to Robert the CD) - feels VERY uncrowded. EVERYONE is so friendly -have to say again what a great group of fellow sailors! Out on the Kayak's today at noon!

 

and the weather has been fantastic - !

[CalmSea]

Would SB serve Alaskan King Crabs on their Alaskan cruises?