ALASKA : never cruised before so when do I need to book?
Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:00 PM
#21
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Sitka is still on the schedule but the frequency of ships that stops there is reduced for 2010. As an example, Celebrity stop there every week this summer but will only make 2 stops next summer.
On a separate note, Disney will have a ship sailing inside passage from Vancouver starting 2011.
On a separate note, Disney will have a ship sailing inside passage from Vancouver starting 2011.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:15 PM
#22
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Just a quick note - seeing this is your first cruise - if you book shore excusions thru the ship --if they are late in coming back to the ship they will hold the ship for you -- some people have recommneding booking shore excusions after you get off the ship. While these may be a few dollars cheaper -- if they are running late - they will NOT necessarily hold the ship for you. Hope this helps.
Sep 23rd, 2009, 05:40 AM
#23
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"Just a quick note - seeing this is your first cruise - if you book shore excusions thru the ship --if they are late in coming back to the ship they will hold the ship for you -- some people have recommneding booking shore excusions after you get off the ship. While these may be a few dollars cheaper -- if they are running late - they will NOT necessarily hold the ship for you. Hope this helps"
This is not an issue, with Alaska tours. I have been traveling there 15 years, trip 26 this year, and I have yet to hear of one independent vendor, being the cause of someone missing their ship. It is always the passenger's fault for poor planning. I never recommend, as you are stating, to just exit a ship then find "something". I only recommend that plans and reservations be in place before you leave. Last minute booking is extremely limited and wastes valuable port time.
It sounds like you have no experience with independent touring here?? It is an excellent option for anyone.
This is not an issue, with Alaska tours. I have been traveling there 15 years, trip 26 this year, and I have yet to hear of one independent vendor, being the cause of someone missing their ship. It is always the passenger's fault for poor planning. I never recommend, as you are stating, to just exit a ship then find "something". I only recommend that plans and reservations be in place before you leave. Last minute booking is extremely limited and wastes valuable port time.
It sounds like you have no experience with independent touring here?? It is an excellent option for anyone.
Sep 23rd, 2009, 07:24 PM
#24
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You can check cruisecritic.com and vacationstogo.com for ship ratings, like I did. I checked on the dress code in our documents for HAL's Amsterdam and found that they encouraged passengers to respect others in the dining room by following their "recommendations" for 2 formal and 5 smart casual nights in the dining room. They didn't specify no jeans or flip flops in the dining room, just no shorts, tank tops, or beach wear. Alaska seems to be an exception to evening dress standards. We've cruised a few times a year for 10 years on various cruise lines (on the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Transatlantic) and haven't seen jeans, flip flops, or sneakers accepted in a
dining room, and men have been required to wear jackets on formal nights. Guests no complying have been directed to the buffet.
dining room, and men have been required to wear jackets on formal nights. Guests no complying have been directed to the buffet.
