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We’ve got you covered, from must-see ports like Juneau and Skagway to the best shore excursions and experiences to onboard amenities and dining. And while there’s a ton to do for those not content to relax and eat for 168 hours straight (me), it’s not ideal for anyone looking for a more serene experience. I also hesitate in recommending it for the 7-day Alaska itinerary from Seattle (even though I’ve done it twice myself), especially for those who haven’t cruised to Alaska before. Also, popular ship activities will be very crowded on your two sea days.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Alaska Cruises
You will be asked to attach a credit card or debit card before boarding the ship. There is also the option to upgrade to the Premium Plus Drink Package which includes many higher-end liquors and wines for an additional $29 per day. If you are not going through the Free At Sea promotion, then the unlimited drink package costs $109 per day + Gratuity.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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The Norwegian Cruise App allows you to pre-book dining reservations, book shore excursions, see the schedule of entertainment on board, or to chat or call members on board. But with the wifi being poor, it was hard to use the app successfully aboard, so I found the app was basically useless. Again 2 are family-friendly, and two are located in the adult-only area (ages 18+). You also get unlimited still & sparkling bottled water, plus all Starbucks® coffee & specialty drinks included in the premium drink package. Which could be beneficial if you plan to get specialty coffees and bottled water daily aboard.
Is The Drink Package On The Norwegian Jewel Worth It?
The staff were friendly and always willing to help, making our journey even more enjoyable. All in all, we found it to be excellent value for money, adding to the overall comfort of our vacation. In summary, Victoria serves as a fitting finale to an Alaskan cruise, offering a mix of natural wonders and historical landmarks.
Norwegian Cruises Alaska Ships
It did feel like our Norwegian Cruise Ship had the least priority for docking locations (other cruise lines got to dock right in town). But with third parties like Viator or Get Your Guide, they can likely find cruise-specific tours and often have all the necessary details for getting you to and from your cruise port dock. We were pleased to find lots of great restaurants and breweries (our personal favorite) in each town. We were hoping that local seafood would be really affordable, but were a little disappointed to find out it was still very expensive. There is the guest services desk in the main atrium (deck 7- middle of the ship) where you can discuss any billing issues on board. We only got to try out 1 of the specialty dining restaurants (Cagney’s Steakhouse).
Day 3 Breakfast in the MDR
Explore Alaska as the mountain climbers do with an overnight stay in the quaint community of Talkeetna. Located 60 miles from the base of Mt. Denali, this tour gives you the best possible opportunity to see the largest mountain in North America from two distinctly different views. Discover the magnificent beauty and vibrant spirit of Seattle on our comprehensive full-day (six-hour) driving and walking tour, where you'll unravel the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking panoramas. With thrilling water slides that shoot you out over the open ocean, laser tag, and Go-Karts, the Bliss is two parts ship and one part amusement park. Note that any outside activity is weather dependent and will be closed if it’s too cold and/or rainy.
I stayed in a $2,554 studio cabin on NCL Epic, and it was one of the best sailing experiences I ever had
We're Agnes and Chris, your go-to guides for all things Alaska. We bring you not just authentic Alaska itineraries and insider tips but also a treasure trove of our own photos and first-hand experiences from the places we've explored and activities we've relished. However, it’s worth noting that our ship docked at Ward Cove, Alaska’s newest cruise port, located 7 miles from downtown Ketchikan. While a free shuttle service was provided, the distance added a layer of inconvenience to our day. For entertainment, the Stardust Theater hosts live shows, and there are numerous bars and lounges where you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music. It’s a day to explore the ship’s offerings and find your favorite spots for the days ahead.
Day 6 Breakfast Cupcakes
For the size of the gym versus the size of the ship, it really should be been open 24/7 to have a prayer at accommodating everyone weird enough to exercise on vacation. Whoever said, “there’s nothing 6 gallons of ice cream can’t fix” has clearly never had to disembark a cruise ship, but I did my best to enjoy my giant sundae from Coco’s anyway. I noted that prices have gone up at Coco’s since I cruised last. I hope I don’t exceed my onboard spending budget of zero dollars.
From the fine products we use, to our handcrafted cooking process and enticing presentations, you can taste our passion on every plate. Only Norwegian offers incredible culinary experiences with this much freedom and flexibility on a fleet of ships specially built with restaurants from bow to stern. Norwegian's innovative ships have taken onboard activities to new heights. Get in the fast lane on a thrilling race track, which only Norwegian offers, or hang on the largest ropes course at sea. Then slow it down, way down, with a hot stone massage at Mandara Spa. Whether you're setting sail with friends, enjoying a romantic retreat or bringing the whole family along, the smiles come in all sizes with incredible experiences for all ages.
Most Norwegian ships have up to 27 wheelchair accessible staterooms on board. These include grab bars throughout the bathrooms, raised beds, adjustable hanging rods, and extra-wide doors for easy wheelchair or scooter access. Many theaters onboard have pre-determined wheelchair positions; if not, wheelchair seating can always be arranged.
When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered. At onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services. Experience an unforgettable family vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line.
While our review is based on a 10-day cruise, the insights we share can also help you choose a 7-day itinerary. We’ll tell you which ports are must-visits and what experiences you shouldn’t miss, ensuring you make the most of your time in Alaska. There's a reason why the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian – we've got something for every type of traveler.
In Sitka, the milder climate enveloped us in lush greenery, while the fog added an air of mystery. In summary, Skagway is a treasure trove of experiences, from its rich history to its modern-day charm. In summary, this review is your compass if you want to navigate the complexities of planning an Alaska cruise. We’re committed to sharing our hard-earned knowledge to help you embark on the adventure you’ve been dreaming of. Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay.
So make sure you only use your phone when docked at ports, otherwise you might have a hefty phone bill for roaming out at sea. I ran into connection issues many times, especially when trying to log out of my wifi package. Therefore, many minutes were lost not even using the internet, just simply trying to log out.
