When you go to Sitka, there is a main street down from the Orthodox Church in the roundabout. The shops along there are AMAZING. I got a silver handmade ring in a local artists' consignment shop, and the most gorgeous hand spun and dyed purple yarn from a very unassuming, tiny craft store. I am from Florida, and I wanna go back and do another Alaska cruise!
I definitely overpacked my first trip to Alaska. I wore about half of my clothing and gear. We utilized the laundry service midway through and then again on the last day because we spent a few extra days exploring Seattle. My advice: pack layers, but only bring the comfy stuff.
From Florida, and expecting 30's and raining. Got 50's and sunny! And I highly overestimated my aversion to the cold. Walking also helped to keep layers to a minimum
@Royal Caribbean, I do enjoy your videos and tips. I know it takes more time but i would be extremely helpful to key the videos. Creating jump to links for each tip. I feel it will add a quick overview and where to jump to when sharing these videos.
We prefer the Buffet as opposed to the Dining Room, however, the rare time we do go to the Dining Room its always a table for ourselves. The Buffet works best for us...no rushing after a port day, instant food available -no waiting huge selection available for unique diets (vegan), eat when we want-no timing issues or schedules to keep.
You are 100 & 10 % Right about Alaska Cruise , We are going for Our 6th Cruise and it's a Back-to-Back instead of the Land-Sea- Cruise on PRINCESS. Always TRAVEL INSURANCE ,don't leave Home without it ..
I went during Fall and it was the salmon Spawning season. In ketchikan alaska, I watched as the salmon was spawning up stream in the middle of the town. it was even cooler seeing seals also swimming up stream enjoying all that salmon as well. 2 big tips I can give is this. 1. Bring a Back Pack when you go off the ship. I found multiple days where I would have it cold in the morning, then it warmed up. So I would take off a layer and put it in my backpack instead of carrying it around. I also put my souvenirs in it as well instead of carrying it around everywhere. 2. Vacuum Bags! I saw a tip and used them. AND THEY HELPED SOO MUCH! Winter clothes are big and bulky. I saved soo much room in my bag using just 1. I can't stop using them for cruises.
Food and drink to try that I have come across over the years: Juneau - Devil's Club Brewery. Great local beers and some really good food. Take a walk to the end of the piers and there are some amazing Filipino food trucks. With so many ship's crew from the Philippines there is a demand for food that reminds them of home and their families. Be willing to try something different and yummy. Icy Strait Point - The Fisherman's Daughter. It is well towards the far end of town but so worth the walk. The chance to eat fresh Alaskan fish (and not just salmon) is something not to pass up. I tried the Southern Fried Yellow Eye sandwich and will be getting it again in a few weeks. Yes, it is thst good.
I'll acknowledge that its a bit touristy... but every time we visit Ketchikan we enjoy the "fish & chips trio" at The Alaska Fish House on the southern tip of the cruise port.
Just signed up for back to back cruises, reposition from LA to Vancouver, then right on to alaska on royal caribbean. Our third cruise and second alaskan cruise and cant wait until next may!.
Was waiting and #50 was what I learned on previous cruise, bring mostly basics (socks/ underwear/jacket) but buy when you get there. You won't be tempted to get too much.
100% agree about arriving 1 day early, 2 days if you can if you a tight connecting flight as there's a high probability of your checked in baggage will not arrive with you. If that happens, you're in a pickle. Don't ask me how I know😂
It did not rain on our first Alaskan cruise. Everyone at every stop said how unusual the weather was that week. We have two more booked. We will see what happens.
Matt thanks for all of the great videos. I loved this one. Would you be willing to make a video for the Canada cruises? Are they basically similar? or have you already made one?
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Thanks for the lightning fast reply. That was super helpful. I am going on a 9 night Canada and New England Cruise in early September can't wait (as usual).
Could you do a video on cruising in Northern Europe (Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark). Also traveling to England from the states, could you go over on travel tips to and from and also getting to Southampton.
You could start by reading Rick Steve's Guide to Northern European Cruises. It's been out a few years, but he does discuss how to get to the major cruise ports. He also has a guide to Mediterranean Cruising. You will have to check to see what's changed recently. This is where a good travel agent comes in handy.
Curious if any questions you may to visiting either country? From Scotland but quite often go all over Europe (mainly city breaks as can get cheap flight deals)
There are quite a few strong mall food courts around me in Southern California--there were JUST TOO MANY MALLS plain and simple -the weak ones died, the strong ones survived
Great video once again! We're going on Ovation, Aug 2 this summer, then Radiance in May 2025 with our 3 older teens. Can't wait to use all of these tips!!! I've heard that Alaska cruises are WAY less formal for dress your best nights in the MDR. Is that true?
Our rooms were not cold and we used the balcony a lot. We cruised on the Ovation of the Seas but our next Alaska cruise will be on Serenade of the Seas.
We also went on the ovation (this past August). It was 50s and 60s each day. Little chilly at times but we didn't pack winter coats or anything too extreme. We just had layers. The room temperature worked fine so whatever temperature you want.
I've cruised Alaska four times now, each time with a different cruise line and always in a balcony. Only once was it cold outside (this one was in late May, on the Majestic Princess) and we simply brought blankets out to the balcony or went to the heated Hollywood Conservatory. Often deck space is a premium, especially in Glacier Bay... and we didn't like standing in one spot, in the cold, for long periods. I would absolutely recommend a balcony cabin, preferably on the starboard side for northward sailings.
My husband I used our balcony a lot in Alaska! It was so beautiful looking at the glacier sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine (we always bring a bottle in our carry-on).
When you go to Sitka, there is a main street down from the Orthodox Church in the roundabout. The shops along there are AMAZING. I got a silver handmade ring in a local artists' consignment shop, and the most gorgeous hand spun and dyed purple yarn from a very unassuming, tiny craft store. I am from Florida, and I wanna go back and do another Alaska cruise!
Great suggestion!
I’m from Florida too and my cruise is at the end of August and it will be my second time going to Alaska.
I definitely overpacked my first trip to Alaska. I wore about half of my clothing and gear. We utilized the laundry service midway through and then again on the last day because we spent a few extra days exploring Seattle. My advice: pack layers, but only bring the comfy stuff.
So did we but now know to pack less.
From Florida, and expecting 30's and raining. Got 50's and sunny! And I highly overestimated my aversion to the cold. Walking also helped to keep layers to a minimum
@Royal Caribbean, I do enjoy your videos and tips. I know it takes more time but i would be extremely helpful to key the videos. Creating jump to links for each tip. I feel it will add a quick overview and where to jump to when sharing these videos.
I agree once that feature came out I realized how helpful it could be and now I feel like most videos need time-slot keys/timestamps with description
We prefer the Buffet as opposed to the Dining Room, however, the rare time we do go to the Dining Room its always a table for ourselves. The Buffet works best for us...no rushing after a port day, instant food available -no waiting huge selection available for unique diets (vegan), eat when we want-no timing issues or schedules to keep.
You are 100 & 10 % Right about Alaska Cruise , We are going for Our
6th Cruise and it's a Back-to-Back instead of the Land-Sea- Cruise on
PRINCESS. Always TRAVEL INSURANCE ,don't leave Home without it ..
I went during Fall and it was the salmon Spawning season. In ketchikan alaska, I watched as the salmon was spawning up stream in the middle of the town. it was even cooler seeing seals also swimming up stream enjoying all that salmon as well.
2 big tips I can give is this.
1. Bring a Back Pack when you go off the ship. I found multiple days where I would have it cold in the morning, then it warmed up. So I would take off a layer and put it in my backpack instead of carrying it around. I also put my souvenirs in it as well instead of carrying it around everywhere.
2. Vacuum Bags! I saw a tip and used them. AND THEY HELPED SOO MUCH! Winter clothes are big and bulky. I saved soo much room in my bag using just 1. I can't stop using them for cruises.
Matt!!!! I just told my wife that our next cruise was going to be an Alaskan cruise!! Perfect timing!!
@carlosescobar2170 @carlosescobar2170 Hi, husband! When are we going?
I love cruises and have always wanted to try an Alaska cruise! It looks amazing!❤
Food and drink to try that I have come across over the years:
Juneau - Devil's Club Brewery. Great local beers and some really good food.
Take a walk to the end of the piers and there are some amazing Filipino food trucks. With so many ship's crew from the Philippines there is a demand for food that reminds them of home and their families. Be willing to try something different and yummy.
Icy Strait Point - The Fisherman's Daughter. It is well towards the far end of town but so worth the walk. The chance to eat fresh Alaskan fish (and not just salmon) is something not to pass up. I tried the Southern Fried Yellow Eye sandwich and will be getting it again in a few weeks. Yes, it is thst good.
I'll acknowledge that its a bit touristy... but every time we visit Ketchikan we enjoy the "fish & chips trio" at The Alaska Fish House on the southern tip of the cruise port.
Just signed up for back to back cruises, reposition from LA to Vancouver, then right on to alaska on royal caribbean. Our third cruise and second alaskan cruise and cant wait until next may!.
Was waiting and #50 was what I learned on previous cruise, bring mostly basics (socks/ underwear/jacket) but buy when you get there. You won't be tempted to get too much.
100% agree about arriving 1 day early, 2 days if you can if you a tight connecting flight as there's a high probability of your checked in baggage will not arrive with you. If that happens, you're in a pickle. Don't ask me how I know😂
Thanks for all the wonderful tips! 😊
You are so welcome!
It did not rain on our first Alaskan cruise. Everyone at every stop said how unusual the weather was that week. We have two more booked. We will see what happens.
Thank you! Board Quantum in about 2 weeks to enjoy the chilly Alaska coast.
120 days until we board Quantum. Super excited.
How was it?
Thanks for the heads up. First time cruiser. Going in June
Hope you enjoy it!
how'd you like your cruise?
Matt thanks for all of the great videos. I loved this one. Would you be willing to make a video for the Canada cruises? Are they basically similar? or have you already made one?
ua-cam.com/video/02kHrcJb5aQ/v-deo.html
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Thanks for the lightning fast reply. That was super helpful. I am going on a 9 night Canada and New England Cruise in early September can't wait (as usual).
Just booked land and sea 13 night on Radiance in 2 bedroom owner suite. Can't wait
Wow that sounds like an epic sailing!
Thanks Matt for all you do! 🛳💕
I don't need to buy any extra clothes. I live in Illinois. It gets cold here.
Do the helicopter tour...the greatest excursion ever!
How much did this cost you? Thank you! Going in June of 2025. Looking for all the tips I can get. 😁
great video! thank you
Could you do a video on cruising in Northern Europe (Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark). Also traveling to England from the states, could you go over on travel tips to and from and also getting to Southampton.
You could start by reading Rick Steve's Guide to Northern European Cruises. It's been out a few years, but he does discuss how to get to the major cruise ports. He also has a guide to Mediterranean Cruising.
You will have to check to see what's changed recently. This is where a good travel agent comes in handy.
Curious if any questions you may to visiting either country?
From Scotland but quite often go all over Europe (mainly city breaks as can get cheap flight deals)
There are quite a few strong mall food courts around me in Southern California--there were JUST TOO MANY MALLS plain and simple -the weak ones died, the strong ones survived
Great video once again! We're going on Ovation, Aug 2 this summer, then Radiance in May 2025 with our 3 older teens. Can't wait to use all of these tips!!! I've heard that Alaska cruises are WAY less formal for dress your best nights in the MDR. Is that true?
Sounds great!
Question about balcony rooms. Are the rooms cold? How often did you use the balcony?
Our rooms were not cold and we used the balcony a lot. We cruised on the Ovation of the Seas but our next Alaska cruise will be on Serenade of the Seas.
We also went on the ovation (this past August). It was 50s and 60s each day. Little chilly at times but we didn't pack winter coats or anything too extreme. We just had layers. The room temperature worked fine so whatever temperature you want.
I've cruised Alaska four times now, each time with a different cruise line and always in a balcony. Only once was it cold outside (this one was in late May, on the Majestic Princess) and we simply brought blankets out to the balcony or went to the heated Hollywood Conservatory. Often deck space is a premium, especially in Glacier Bay... and we didn't like standing in one spot, in the cold, for long periods. I would absolutely recommend a balcony cabin, preferably on the starboard side for northward sailings.
My husband I used our balcony a lot in Alaska! It was so beautiful looking at the glacier sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine (we always bring a bottle in our carry-on).
Been on alaskan cruise and if it is within your budget definitely get a balcony.
also try Temu for clothing and gear.
We prefer the Dining Room every night, but the buffet for breakfast.
does the insurance purchased from the company? OK? Does it cover cancel for any reason, injury, evacuation, lost luggage?
Apparently he likes pain…but, he didn’t experience the pain for 18 long hours..or the nausea that goes with it. But I am impressed….
Looking at the itineraries for Alsaka, do you have any idea why RC does not go to Glacier Bay National Park?
Royal Caribbean does not have a permit to enter. That's why I'm doing princess in August
I actually live in Alaska
How about wifi? How does that work? And data? is signal going to be sketchy?
I've heard it is sketchy and not cheap.
Does Royal go to Glacier Bay?
No, they do not have a permit to enter
Arriving a day ahead is just common sense. We did that for our first cruise without being told. Why risk missing the ship?
Excellent Tips!! We can’t wait to do an Alaskan cruise!