What I Wish I Knew Before Taking our First Alaska Cruise
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2024
- Planning an Alaska cruise isn't easy, and in retrospect, there are a few things I wish someone told me before I tried it out!
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Make sure you pack sunglasses! If you wear glasses, try a hat or transitions! The ice is bright in the sun, and the sun is ALWAYS out in the middle of June. Your eyes will thank u❤
I agree that you don’t need as many clothes on an Alaskan cruise. I took multiple sweaters & pants, but in reality I only needed two warm sweaters. In the morning I wore a heavy coat but next time I’ll wear a down coat which will weigh less. I’ve since learned about ski pants/leggings & they’re soooo comfortable. So I’ll take 2pairs of them too. Nowadays you can order some really warm, thin thermals that you can’t tell the difference between them & a shirt, so I’d take 2 thermal shirts. Around lunch time you can take off the coat & sweater & wear a T shirt/lightweight shirt. Around late afternoon you will need to add a layer for warmth. At night I wear a long sleeved shirt & pants. I don’t carry a regular purse, I take a lightweight cloth bag to keep my jacket folded up in until I walk outside the ship & need a jacket. You can order knee socks with hidden zippered pockets to keep your cash while shopping along with the zippered wrist band with hidden pockets. Winter clothes are heavy so when you’re shopping inside a store you don’t need to carry heavy purses.
To me, it would be worth every penny to have a balcony. So I’d rather save longer so I can go on excursions & have a balcony.
I mildly disagree with one of your suggestions, although I get the reasoning behind it. Saving money on an interior or cheaper room so that you can do more of the excursions. That is ,or could, be true. However, on our Alaskan cruises, I have sought out balconies with the absolute best views. I am a little bit of an amateur photographer, and some of my favorite photos that I have ever taken have come from the balconies of the ship, I was cruising on. I know you can leave your room and get photos from anywhere or any angle on the ship. What I am saying is the very first thing I would do when I would wake up in the morning would be to go outside on my balcony and look and see what we were passing, when I came to our cabin for using the restroom or changing clothes I would always be looking out to make sure I wasn’t missing the view. I have some amazing photos from our balconies that I might have missed otherwise because I wouldn’t have know what we were cruising by if I were in an interior room.
Agreed. Having a balcony is a huge priority for me.
Just completed our first cruise, Alaska, and I agree, balcony! I loved seeing mountains from bed, and I got to see the sun start to rise at 3:15 a.m. one night when I couldn't sleep.
We got hugely lucky, every day was sunny and cloudless!
I agree about the balcony. Love having one!
We booked balcony room as well.
I agree. We're on Brilliance in June. When my TA advised they reduced the prices, I kinda went the other way and upgraded us to a grand suite.
My best Alaska tip is to get a heated vest, it made dressing for any weather so much easier. The battery lasts about 8 hrs on low.
Didn’t even know they existed. Good idea
Thx from my stepmom on a future cruise!
I've booked my 3rd Alaskan cruise for July 2024. My last two were end of August/early September, so I'm looking to much longer daylight and (maybe) better temps? Ha Ha, just kidding! From our first Alaskan cruise in 2013 to now, shore excursions prices have, at a minimum, doubled. I've still recovering from the sticker shock. But, there are ways to save on excursions, as you said. In Juneau, you can take a public city bus to Mendenhall glacier for just a few dollars, and admission was $5.00 when I was there last. You can hike around on the trails there, as you said. And it's much cheaper than a tour from Royal (although I did that the first time). You could rent a car too. We did that in Ketchikan and drove to some sites we had heard about. We later stumbled upon a small park near the water, which had a small creek tumbling down. And we watch a lot of salmon trying to make their way up the river back to spawning grounds. And it was FREE!!! And a unique surprise. Pack in layers. And the time change is real. Dealing with the time change going to Europe is no sweat compared to the time change going to Alaska. And I'm in Central Time Zone.
Been to Alaska three times. Your video is great cause it covers many things people need to know. We did learn that the extra expense of a cruise sponsored excursion is worth it for us because the cruise will take responsibility if your excursion is late getting back to ship. If you book independently, you are on your own if your excursion does not make it back on time before ship leaves.
This is great advice because I've seen passengers left behind.
My husband I cruised last August on Serenade of the Seas to Alaska. The thing that surprised me and I am glad we did, was to attend the enrichment seminars offered by Royal on sea days. There were talks on the RCMP, Glaciers, flora and fauna, etc. It was really interesting and informative.
Balcony all the way, my god I wouldn’t go unless I can have a balcony. It’s so worth the money. Royal is hands down the best cruise line.
The one thing I wished I knew before cruising to Alaska was how important the port times meant. We traveled with a different cruise line and the port times were a lot shorter than RC. My next Alaska cruise will be booked with RC.
If having alaskan king crab is on your bucket list, be prepared for the exorbitant prices. Its easy to spend $100 on this type of lunch.
$150 for two of us at Tracy's
We went for the first time last summer. I booked our flight for the morning after getting off the cruise and stayed at a hotel near the airport that offered transportation to the airport. It worked out well for us.
Packed light in a carry on with no jeans ( lighter weight pants) because they take up so much room. I expanded it and had to check it on the way home because of purchases. Packed an extra empty bag that folds flat that I could carry on. That way you can always buy warmer stuff if you need it.
If you're from the East, for sure get there a day early. When I went in 2010, we got there the morning of and while that worked out fine, I was in bed way early. Last year, we got there a day ahead and it was much better. Going to bed early in the hotel is better than missing out on stuff on the ship the first night.
I have been to Alaska four times, once on a ferry and three times via cruise ship. I would also add to check your itinerary closely if you want specific attractions. For instance, many ship’s cannot get into Glacier Bay because of forest service restrictions. Holland America and Princess ships most often go there, since they have been cruising to Alaska the longest.
Make sure you take a lot of cold weather gear..even stocking caps and gloves..useful for glacier walking or viewing from open deck. Coming from Florida we ended up buying a lot of gear.
A good camera helps capturing the beauty. Whale watching is a must!
Port Valat luggage to Airport service is something many don't know about 🙂
Thank you for the tips! Enjoy your videos Matt!
I took a public bus to Mendenhall Glacier $6 round trip. The cruise line wanted $125 for the same trip.
How long was the bus ride to the glacier and was the bus close to the dock?
My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was cancelled so we are planning on going by bus also. Sounds like it's a bit longer due to stops, but will get us there eventually.
It took about 20 minutes. You need to transfer. Go to the tourist information bureau. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the pier @@jonathanluck9234
We are thinking about taking an Alaska cruise next summer and live in the Seattle area, so many of these tips will not apply, but for out-of-town guests (love you!) the information seems excellent. We hope to learn more about the history of each area/community by visiting local museums and enjoying the food at a local restaurant or two. So happy there is something for everyone.
Headed to Alaska Thursday. We are so excited 😀
We are going to Alaska on the 13th of June and information like yours is invaluable, thanks!
Thanks for sharing this. We leave on our first Alaska cruise on Ovation in August!
Excellent timing, Matt! We’re leaving five weeks from tomorrow on ovation! Enjoy your Norway cruise!
We are going for the first time this summer. Can't wait!
Me to ovation of the seas, late July
We went to Alaska last September. It was awesome. Id go again.
Great info here! We take Alaska cruise this summer from here in Seattle! Thanks!!!
My lesson: book a 1 way cruise between Seward and Vancouver. Yes, the ship is less exciting. Yes, the flights are more complicated. Yes, getting between Seward and Anchorage is a bit of a challenge.
But! You get much more of Alaska. Isn't that why you're going? Further, Seward and the Alaska railroad between Seward and Anchorage are my favorite part of the trip.
Do yourself a favor and try a one way cruise instead of round trip Seattle.
Steve I have booked a one way to Alaska from Vancouver in September. Royal Carribean has buses from the port to Anchorage Airport. How long does the train take from Seward to Anchorage?
@@joanneday1969 Heading out next week- our train itinerary is about 4 hours. Get your tickets early, they sold out weeks before the cruise left. It was $100 per person in May
@@lieslarnell3843 Thank you. Have a fantastic trip.
I suggest to remember to look at the weather forecast at your departure and return destinations as well as your port of calls to be best prepared. I always bring at least one outfit for hot temps and/or one warmer outfit. Just in case.
Thank you very much for the much needed video I'm going on my Alaskan cruise in a little over 2 weeks! I'm super excited!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Matt, as always great Video and information. Thanks for the tip on the packing. I will definitely rethink my packing now. This year I am going to Alaska. And probably each year for a few years, as my son is in BC now. Which makes going there a why not idea! Yes, the Glacier. I booked that. Thank goodness. I did it on a gut feeling and go glad I did now. And the binoculars are already in my bag. I purchased a pair last year, knowing I was going to Alaska. Yes, you definitely can see so much more. My pair are good ones. Thanks again. Your tips were most helpful.
I booked a excursion ride back to the airport. It included the space needle ticket and the public market in seatlle then the airport so my flight was much later in the day. I will be going again. best vacation ever
Very Well Done! I am a new Travel Agent working from home. Not my first time and I love booking travel and I love traveling. This was an excellent video! 👍👍👍. Thank You!!!🎉
On all Our Cruises We take Binoculars, But take Our GOOD set.
on Alaska Cruises, Its a MUST HAVE .!! Matt, you talked about
Weather We have had Hot, Cold , Rain all in the same Day ..
Great Tips for any Cruise ESPECIALLY Alaska ...
Going on my first cruise ever and it’s to Alaska on Holland America in September. So excited, thanks for the tips!
Have done 5 HA cruises, most to Alaska! Enjoy!
Great tips, thanks for sharing.
Going to Alaska in September 1st. Booked 3 Excursions From Viator. They do excursions all over the place. But you can have some in Seattle. This Has been on my bucket list for a while..😊
Going on quantum of the seas July 2024. Thanks for great advice.
The other thing to not-miss in Juneau is to make sure to eat at Tracy's Crab Shack... Right where the cruise ships park..
Go to all the museums. Local, state, and Forest Service tours. 5-10$. Use the local transportation busses. Do not pay $250 to go to a Glacier when a local bus will take you for $3. I've been to Alaska 2 times in the past year. Same exact cruise. And still haven't seen it all.
I just got back from a Princess Cruise trip to Alaska on the Grand Princess and enjoyed it immensely! We also did the land tour also. Absolutely breathtaking scenery and great culture! Your video is very helpful and informative. One area of confusion for me was the gratuities. I thought you had to sign up to pre-pay gratuities, it turns out they take 18% automatically whether you sign up or not. You don't get to decide how to tip. I had a massage at the spa and tipped her in cash. When I saw the receipt and realized it had already been taken out, I went to the receptionist, and she credited me. We also asked the concierge to credit all the gratuities so we could give what we thought was fair to the cleaning staff, waiters/waitresses, bus drivers, etc. They were cooperative. Definitely a trip I would do again.
Lots of great info.
Going this August, thanks for the info.
This was a very good video. My wife and I have booked an Alaskan cruise this September. We are going on Princess because I believe the food will be much better.
Let me know what you think and how the weather was in September. Am wanting to go next September for my birthday.
Hey Matt. I literally just found out I won another 14 day Alaska Cruise and I'm going back up there in September XD At the same time, my parents are going to go up as well on another. So I'm going to show them this video.
As for a Tip, I say this to everyone. When you go to shore, Bring a bag with you. It was a little nippy at a few stops I went to, and I found myself taking my coat off a couple times. I put it in my backpack so I would have to carry it around with other stuff I bought as well. Helped me enjoy the sights
Backpack. I hadn't thought of that! Genius! Many people bring one on a flight and then the Cruise stuffed with electronics, meds, and other things that could be lost in luggage. Cleaning that out for the excursions is a Great idea. Thanks!
@@jameswilson5165 No problem. Yeah, I used mine to carry that and a spare change of cloths when traveling to the ship. And when I got to the ports. I can put stuff I get (shirts, souvenirs, maps, ect.) as well as suntan lotion, towels, and stuff when I go to the beaches.
Here's another tip that I do with my backpack. I have a water jug that has those snap hooks that you can clip them onto something, like pants or a bag. I put them through the 2 zipper holes. Kind of a makeshift lock. That way it would be difficult for someone to come by, open the back, and try to take something from it.
My first cruise to Alaska was aboard a 378 ft US Coast Guard Cutter. We saw a lot of the Alaskan coast.
Scale of 1-10 how bad did the seas get?
I was stationed on the USCG Cutter Morganthau, also a 378ft sip. We did a number of trips through the inland passage up to the Bering sea.
Going 1st time middle of June on Holland America!! Of course packing for the weather!! I have rain jacket, jeans & sweatshirts. I just don't like to be cold ha!! I'm taking some t-shirts also!! I just don't want to over pack!!
Going to Alaska in mid-August. My biggest fear is packing!!! But so excited for all of the excursions!
We are going on the 26 of August!! First timers. Worried about overpacking
Matt! I wish there was more information out there about the land portion. We want to do the Mountain Valley Explored (3A).
I'll be cruising to Alaska in September. No tours. Grab A souvenir or two.
About the soda and water, you can bring aboard. RC allows a couple of regular six-packs of soda or water, But The Airlines Do Not. Check with the airline you will use on their policy BEFORE you pack. Usually, it's a blanket FAA or Homeland No No concern about liquids.
#1: If your excursion tells you the Chilkoot Trail hike is only "moderately strenuous", do not believe them.
Wow! That sounded like, 'The Voice of Experience!' talking! Yep, those trails are long and not flat.
If you get a chance to visit the George Inlet Lodge in Ketchican, the dungeness crab is excellent.
Great video ❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much. This was so informative. My fiance & I will be going on Ovation of the Seas in a couple of days & this cruise has me all over the place. What to pack what not to pack should I should I not I feel crazy. This video was perfect for me.
May 11th? I think I'm on your cruise.
I was in that cruise. We overpacked for sure- the weather was awesome
@@BillPerweiler yes we had amazing weather! Only day was in Sitka with some rain and clouds in the morning but then it cleared up.
9:49 - i want to ride THAT bus! First Alaskan cruise is happening in July!
Just booked our first trip to Alaska on Radiance of Sea June 2024, for my 60th Birthday with my husband. Super excited and have lots to plan, so this was very helpful. Seward to Vancouver. Would love to hear any tips
we are also going to Alaska on the Radiance in June 7-14 2024
We’re going in early May. Im concerned about the weather. Hopefully it will be OK, but here in Denver we can still get snow on Mothers Day.
5 days till Ovation of the Seas, thanks for posting Matt! It's our first time, but I think my wife and I may have figured out how and what we are going to pack. We also have most of our excursions booked, and all this hopefully planned properly after months of research and videos thanks to you and your team. As for flying, we are so relieved to be flying out of Los Angeles our home city. Love the Caribbean, but those East Coast flights are starting to take its toll on us. Amazing how we booked this cruise (through MEI thanks to you) back in mid Sept 2022 which seemed like an eternity then...and here we are, 5 days away!!
I am going on a vacation June 9.
I’m 15 days from mine, I also booked September of last year! It’s been a loooong wait but I’m so ready! I think I’ve watched just about every UA-cam video on cruises to alaska lol I hope you enjoy your trip!
@@BoredPanda66 thanks you too!
A couple weeks ago, it was in the 80s in Alaska!! Loved the cruise
how was it??
Going to AK on the Ovation on June 9th.
My main concern is packing light while still having cute and color coordinated outfits for my daughter and I 😂🤷🏾♀️
Going to Alaska also June 9. Marie and Charles
Thank you for this! As a solo, Royal is out of my budget since they never waive the solo supplements sadly but I am booked on the NCL Sun in October to Alaska! I am doing exactly what you suggested and foregoing a balcony so I can do the $500 helicopter ride ❤ I’m so excited, but also tempering my expectations in case it gets cancelled due to weather. I’m so excited and can’t wait!
We booked a balcony on the Sun (11 day cruise starting 5/22) and were glad we did since we couldn't get the room cool enough to sleep and had to leave the balcony door open to cool the room. Also, the buffets were tiny and the food mediocre, even in the dining room. The lady going solo with us had her shower shut off for over 15 minutes while she was soaped up. Scenery was beautiful, but I would never sail on the Sun again. Twice bartenders didn't know how to make mojitos (on their drink menu) in the sports bar. Two of the smaller ports only had AT&T service, no Verizon available.
@@AlexandraPasoFinos thank you for letting me know!
We've done lots of Caribbean cruises and have packing down pat. We'll be on our first Alaskan cruise, 8 nights on Radiance of the Seas, May 11th. I know we're probably overpacked. It's hard to anticipate what we might need since the weather is so unpredictable.
We will be on this cruise too.
@@stevemorris6790 we plan to enjoy every second of it! Happy cruising!
I'm cruising to Alaska in August should I carry a rain coat or poncho?
Hi Matt! Researching cruise itineraries and wondering about the one’s that have a pre or post land tour?
Thanks for the tips! We have elderly family members traveling with us, will they be able to use the restroom in the line at the Vancouver port? Or once you’re in the long line you can’t leave?
I bought that cruise approved power connector you keep recommending. RC confiscated it. That was a waste of $18.
I tend to be the over packer ( love options) lol. But reading the comments I think I will be safe wearing some pieces twice.....is that the suggestions of most?
En agenda presente reservación Royal Carribean
I heard something in this or another RC Blog by Matt that said if you're looking for the scenic cruise (which we are, including Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, and maybe some wildlife like bears, Bald Eagles, whales, Mendenhall Glacier Park sounds amazing too) . . . For Scenic Cruising, definitely do the Northern cruise not the Southern one? Is that just skipping Seattle, WA (which is of course South of Canada and Alaska) and either starting at Anchorage, AK or Vancouver, BC in Canada? Is Matt still talking about taking the Inner Passageway or is there an even more Northern cruise than the Inner Passageway? I thought Seattle cruises went to the Inner Passageway (maybe they also stop at a more Southern Last Stop, and Don't reach Anchorage/Whittier)? --- Landlocked and Clueless in Oklahoma, USA
Headed to Alaska in mid August with NCL arranging flights. Trying to request coming in a day early to try to get adjusted a bit . We are doing the North to South trip from Seward to Vancouver. I can't believe how expensive the hotels are combined with overall not so great reviews. Then trying to figure out all these logistics without knowing our travel fly times until well after the deadline for requesting a day early arrival is a concern.
The same rooms that cost hundreds of dollars in the summer can be had for under $100 in the winter. It’s crazy the difference in price between the two seasons.
I wanna go on an Alaskan cruise.
I’m going on my 1st Alaska cruise in 2 weeks! I wish I knew about day pass hotels. I booked our flight last year and the only flight out of Seattle that I could afford was at 10:59pm. The excursions for Alaska are very expensive but I ended up booking what I felt would be enjoyable for the money. So we are going on hikes and venturing out to Capilano suspension bridge in Victoria. Overall I hope its cold. If I’m going to Alaska I want it to be cold!
The capilano Suspension Bridge is in the City of Vancouver!!! Change your excursion to Butchart Gardens or???
@@55Cyndi Yes I am aware. There is actually a shuttle that takes you from Canada place to Capilano. It’s actually a pretty popular excursion that a lot of people from the cruise ship will do.
@@takedownspecialist1767 you said the Capilano bridge is in Victoria. Victoria and Vancouver are 2 different cities. Victoria is on the Island where Vancouver is on the mainland of British Columbia.
@@takedownspecialist1767 I hope now you know that the City of Victoria is on Vancouver Island. The City of Vancouver is on Mainland BC. That is where Capilano Suspension bridge is located. What city is your cruise ship docking at?
Just started binging your channel as we have an Alaskan cruise on RC in '24.
They are canceling some Skagway itineraries this year due to the port issues - I'd be curious what your take is on how long that might continue, if there will be a solution by '24, etc.
Yep. I just got my notice in an email. (My Cruise is June 5th this year,) Landslides damaged the pier where the ships docked, so they only had room for one ship instead of two. Mine, Quantum, lost out. They replaced Skagway with Icy Point Strait. I had never heard of this place, but ooooh, K. Sounds like a BurrrRRRrrrrr! 🥶On the bright side, it's a place that maybe most people don't see, so it's an unexpected adventure.
@@jameswilson5165 Great way of looking at it. Lots of people are quite irate, which I understand, but these things happen. Sorry you were affected.
Apparently, Carnival has the lease on the big dock until next year - I'm curious what RC's plans are for the next season.
Hey Matt! We are going on our first Alaskan cruise in April. Any tips for going that time of the year?
Prep for colder than normal weather properly. But enjoy the non existent crowds!
My husband and I are going to Alaska in July! Have you ever been on Holland America? What is one of the best excursions in Alaska?
www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/alaska-cruise-excursions
I haven’t actually gone yet, I’m going in 2 weeks, but I will say the excursion I’m most excited for that I have booked is a helicopter glacier walkabout. It takes you hiking on a glacier! You get to drink glacier water and the photos are INCREDIBLE! I suggest checking that out as tickets book up pretty fast. My cruise is end of may and I booked beginning of April and got the last ticket for that day! It’s in Juneau
Going on my first Alaska cruise in 3 weeks. Do I need to bring bear spray? I’m going self-guided mountain biking in Juneau and am concerned with encountering bears on the trails. Also, best solution to mosquitos? Or is it just bug spray?
Our 3 shore excursions for 2 people cost more than our cabin.
Are cruises from Florida to the Caribbean typically less crowded in January? Not as many children due to just coming off of Christmas break?
Picking the cruise line will have more impact on kids than timing in my experience but I have cruised in November, December and January to the Caribbean. If you want a quiet cruise with not a lot of kids go after they go back to school and go on Holland America.
As all cruises seem to be full capacity again they're all "crowded". I've found the biggest factor determining the number of children is directly related to the length of cruise. 5-night cruises have many children (this February 1000 of the 4000 guests were children), 7- nights have lots of families/children, but every night you add after 7 nights (8-14) have fewer and fewer kids. The general age of guests also increases with length of cruise... makes sense as older people tend to have more time/money to spend on vacation (doesn't always apply, obviously) .
Hello! First, I love the channel! My family (2 adults 2 children under 12) and I are going on our first Alaska cruise/bucket list cruise in 30 days!!! Do you happen to see a lot of kids on Alaska cruises? And another random question, do they have flavored coffee creamers in the windjammer? I am not a fancy coffee drinker but I do like a little flavor! I am just so excited about the cruise! 5 year cancer survivor! 10 year wedding anniversary! First cruise as a family! A lot of reasons to celebrate!
Tiny Bring a bottle of vanilla extract in your suitcase. They have cinnamon to add to coffee by the oatmeal in the morning.
I hope you had fun. Definitely a great vacation for a family.
Our cruise to Alaska is next week. We were the ones getting emails about our port change. I think general tips would help since this is the first postcovid season. Feels like all prior videos are no longer relevant
Actually, the experience for planning is pretty much the same as pre Covid. While Skagway may not be relevant, you can find all out info at www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/alaska-cruises
We'll be going on our first Alaskan cruise May 11th (Radiance of the Seas). We haven't received any port change notices yet.
So is 10:30 to late for me? If we embark at 6
How are the balconies on an Alaskan cruise? I imaging with bad weather or wind, it might get cold inside the cabin.
The doors seal up really well so temperature control is not a problem.
Honest truth, this is the one itinerary I would only do in a balcony. the views are spectacular :)
Going in September on our first Alaskan cruise. Want to know which ports we should just visit the town (Ketchikan) and which ports to do an excursion. Any advice would be appreciated.
We've been twice and going again in 3 weeks. I REALLY enjoyed the train is Skagway and Mendenhall glacier in Juneau
We have cruised to Alaska 5 times. Simply our favorite destination. Ketchikan is a great city to walk in and usually your least amount of time will be allowed in port here. Check out Creek Street, Salmon ladders, Totem and Raptor museum. Juneau has Mendenhall Glacier which is a must visit. Don't forget to peek in to the Red Dog Saloon. Skagway - take the train all the way to Carcross and bus back down or take the Jeep tour to Carcross. We have done both and they were fantastic. We loved Sitka and have done a 4x4 trip at the Volcano but also just a walk about town. Enjoy and have fun!
Great tips. What is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise?
July and August. Those are the warmest months in Alaska and you’ll have a better chance to see some wildlife.
www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/12/16/the-best-time-take-alaska-cruise
First cruise to Alaska is in 38 days. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Excursions are the most important part in Europe and most places. Do not miss the bird sanctuary in Alaska. The whale watching was wonderful too because of the time I was there and the whales had just arrived from Hawaii. They are bigger than the boat so you really only see their giant tails. A giant boat means you cannot see those bears on shore so you definitely need binoculars/camera with lens to see a great distance, or realize the boat is not a tour boat and go on an excursion. In Seattle just wait 5 minutes or move a short distance to change the weather. We do not use umbrellas or sunglasses much since it is a waste of time. We also ignore the weather reports for that reason. The coast of Alaska/Canada has the same crazy weather. We can tell if you are a tourist because of your silly clothes, silly shoes and you are actually using an umbrella. Pretend you are going hiking up Mt. Rainier. You need waterproof sealed shoes, layers of clothing that will not get soaked through if it actually rains instead of drizzles (our normal weather isn't exactly rain like most people understand it), be prepared for a 20 degree change, and your hat, umbrella, and everything else not tied down will blow away. I never wore sandals until I went to California where they laugh at the shoes visitors wear coming from up North. Sorry we don't look sexy or wear silk dresses. Seattle has a train that goes to the Airport quickly. Research the stops and avoid the traffic which is worse than anything in LA because the lakes and steep hills prevent normal roads like other cities. It is now not working normally for 2 weeks due to a mess someone made but if you ever want to go around Seattle avoid driving if you can. The city is weird because it is so expensive here, international, and you get the result of homelessness, crime and drugs. So we don't go downtown unless forced to by work, but you might want to visit and take pictures before it is destroyed by an earthquake someday. That is not a joke. Also remember Alaska has the same issue with earthquakes and volcanoes on top of it. We would know if Rainier was going to erupt because it is closely monitored, but Alaska is more likely to have problems with flying due to ash and that is how many commute there because no roads due to the crazy terrain. I love how everyone on the West coast pretends everything is fine, no worries. For some reason LA has earthquakes once a month you cannot hide from but Seattle/Vancouver only has a sharp reminder once in a while that it sits on a slip and slide. Do not ask me why they build high rises. I am confused. The most recent scary earthquake was in Alaska and mostly damaged roads but I keep an earthquake kit in the trunk of my car because LA taught me to be prepared and fasten everything down. Remember drinking water will be an issue until the pipes are inspected for breaks, and most likely getting gas, bank machines, etc could be out of order if it is nasty. So you might want to google a few things and surprise it is the gas fires after which are the biggest threat. Not trying to scare tourists but if you go somewhere with hurricanes, blizzards or tornadoes do you ignore that? Those are a very unlikely event here by the way. I was shocked to see a small twister in downtown LA that took out a corner of my parking garage. So I guess you should get trip insurance if we are unlucky on this coast.
Is it still as enjoyable cruising to a cold climate?
Absolutely!
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Lifelong FL resident..... getting out of the heat come June 1st for the June 2nd sailing in Alaska! Our first trip was not that cold and we actually were sweating when we went to Nugget Falls. It was cold while over the water cruising near the glaciers, but you couldn't stay outside long. So, it wasn't cold.
There is nothing to do while on the ship. Can’t enjoy the pool as a Caribbean cruise. We went to the auction. Seriously.
how will you be able to see a glacier?
Every sailing will attempt to see a glacier on one of the days, but there’s also glaciers you can see in port. Mendenhall glacier In Juneau is my favorite!
Don't forget your bug spray.
I made a few of these mistakes
Anyone know why I have two different check-in days? It says the 8th on The website and it says the 7th on the app.
Maybe it’s like airlines where they want you to check in a day early?
I’ve been looking at the Disney ship bc I have 2 small children. We are from orlando, FL & looking for something different than the Caribbean & Mexico (we have been there done that many times). Did you see any small children on the Alaskan cruise ? I’m not sure if I should wait until they are older.
My first cruise to Alaska I took my 7 month old baby girl. But we arrived 3 days early and didn't do a land tour. Second Alaskan cruise, baby girl was now 18 and her siblings were 13 and 8. We did the pre-cruise land tour. We loved the cruise part as the kids thought the land tour got long for them. We were able to get off and on at the ports both times depending on nap time for the first cruise and my 8 year old wanting to go back to camp on the second. We were on the Radiance and if we go again, it will be to try a larger ship.
@@kaydickey9239 thank you for the information. How did your daughter do at 7 months? I have a 4 month old & a 3 year (he just turned 3 in last month). We are going on a 5 day Disney cruise (the wish) in sept but thinking maybe Alaska or something different in 2024. I just don’t know if I should wait until they are older (worried about time change too)
@@coles5243 Actually really well. She slept well and I don't think it took long for her to adjust to the local time zone. In those days they didn't have daycare for babies that were not potty trained and the we could get on and off the ship easily with her. She wanted to return to Alaska because of course she didn't remember being there. That's the only downfall to taking them at such a young age.
@@kaydickey9239 thank you for the information, it was helpful! :)) we are looking at the Disney Alaska cruise for them/us
@@coles5243 You are welcome. You will have to tell me about the Disney cruise. We have never done one. I have heard good and bad about them. Have a wonderful time!
People who actually want to experience Juneau, just fly here. Go on the trails and stay out of downtown. Mendenhall is overrated and has shrunk so much.
I just got back 2 days ago. I have to say Holland America goes to a lot of places in Alaska but their entertainment options on the Eurodam were pretty boring. The same band every night.... it gets pretty old. Also, the night before the cruise ended, my wallet was stolen out of my room. Guess services didn't give one care. The staff treat you like gold though. I just wish I knew who took my wallet.
Holland America need to improve entertainment in the theater.
Never forget about God. He hasn’t forgotten about you. Let him in.❤Please enjoy the Sabbath day the way the Bible instructs.
Inside cabin? How embarrassing.
fakiu yo boi pa lajka me caguen dio
Boring boring boring leave the boat and drive the road in winter , thats Alaska.
Follow the rules.
If the rules change in their favor so be it.
It’s exhausting dealing with everyone’s entitlements.
If you want military benefits seek a cruise on a navy ship. Oh, there aren’t any. Right.
People are people on cruise ships.
You pay for what you get.
Pro tip, don’t stay in Seattle any longer than you have to.
already thought of that one beforehand 💀
We stayed in Seattle a few days after cruise and enjoyed it very much.
I can say the same thing for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Port Canaveral.
What the heck is wrong with Seattle?? It’s a very nice place to spend an extra day or two!
😏 Gotcha.
Audio quality sucks… please change your microphone 🎤 🙏
very unpleasant voice
Hey, let’s not be critical. I like his voice and find engaging.