Welcome the the forum! A cruise is a great way for a family to get together, and how nice that it is for your grandmother's birthday.
We'll have to meet on the ship for a drink. No large group for us - just me, my wife, and our son. Although we've been on 25 cruises, this is the first time we've done the Alaska itinerary.
Where are you staying prior to the cruise? We are at the Doubletree near the airport. They have a cruise special which gives complimentary shuttle service to the ship on embarkation day.
Right now...I have no idea where we are staying. We are flying in on Thursday, flight arrives @ 3am.,..so somewhere close! We are told we can board at 1pm... is that correct (if you know)?
You can board earlier than 1pm. I plan to arrive at the pier around 11am. The sooner you board, the sooner your cruise starts! Where are you flying from to arrive at 3am?
We fly from Columbus, OH 8:45 pm, to Vegas to Seattle. We had the most unattractive flight schedules--UGH! good to know about the times! im super excited to start my cruise! We should meet for a drink- it would be FUN!
My family is doing the Railroad. Grandma is super xcited... anyways.. hotel is finally booked! thank goodness.. it was really annoying finding one! All set to go, and I cannot wait!
Out of curiousity, how old is your son? We have a range from ages 11-80 in our group.
You really need to do that. It actually is almost a mandatory thing, although not quite. Once you do that, all you need to do is then print out your Set Sail pass. You present the Set Sail pass, your IDs, and credit card at the pier and that is all you need. No fumbling around with big ticket booklets and all that. Just one piece of paper per booking. You will be checked-in and gone from the desk in a minute or so.
EWWWWWWWWWW! Im so excited! I got my cruise pack over the Holiday weekend, Im all online-checked in!!! I just cannot wait!! What floor are you on? We are on 7. I was told the higher the better?
are you looking forward to the cruise? im really excited, maybe its b/c its my 1st cruise. I guess Im looking forward to time with my husband, alone, no kids.....
First rule for ships - they are decks, not floors. We are on deck 8. I went whole hog this time and booked an owners suite. The first and perhaps last time I'll do that. We are usually quite content with a standard balcony cabin or junior suite.
As for higher decks being better - that is subjective. Lower decks often ride better in choppy seas - hence one reason older ships had the dining rooms on lower decks. Higher decks appeal to us because I like to be near the pool deck - even though that won't be a factor on this cruise. Higher decks also put you closer to the buffet restaurant - I like to go there early to get coffee and a donut or danish and linger on deck. By then my wife and son are up and we can then go to the dining room for breakfast. Do try the dining room for breakfast and lunch and don't become Windjammer slaves. Some people eat all their meals at the buffet and miss out on the dining room experience.
Dave Beers Administrator Cruise Commodore Picture of Dave Beers
Posted June 07, 2008 05:55 PM Hide Post Lucky for you that one of the world's foremost cruise experts will be aboard to help you and your husband! <just kidding> Razz
Dave
thats very true! if it werent for you and the internet, i would be LOST!
Are you packing "warm" clothes? I have checked the weather, and its only been in the 50's. Whats are the ships like? Do they keep it warm? im thinking of skipping shorts and sandals....
Are you packing "warm" clothes? I have checked the weather, and its only been in the 50's. Whats are the ships like? Do they keep it warm? im thinking of skipping shorts and sandals....
Alaska is a mixed bag when it comes to weather. It could easily be in the 60's or even 70's when our cruise is there. Or it could be in the 50's. Rain is probable here and there.
I plan to have one pair of shorts, one pair of sandals, a windbreaker, at least one sweater, an umbrella, and a light jacket. It won't be so cold as to require 'warm' clothes, but having the windbreaker, sweaters, etc., will allow layering that can be removed or added to as the conditions dictate.
My experience has been that the inside of cruise ships are usually cool. I like it that way. My wife doesn't. There is that sweater thing again,
We are on deck 8. I went whole hog this time and booked an owners suite. The first and perhaps last time I'll do that. We are usually quite content with a standard balcony cabin or junior suite.
