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Two additional choices include some scheduled activities along with some free time, but no meals. Both lines have lower prices in May and September, but Princess typically drops shoulder season fares more drastically than HAL. And let’s not forget the short Alaska Sampler cruises offered only at the beginning and end of the season by Princess. Discovery Princess is the newest ship on our list of the most popular cruise ships in Alaska, which makes it a tough competitor in the region.
Iconic Alaska Cruise Ports & Destinations
Tamarind ($29) and Nami Sushi (a la carte pricing) are two eateries in the same complex with perhaps the best views for any meal experience on Eurodam. Additional appetizers cost $7 each, and you can add a second main selection for $15. It would have been nice to get a salad or soup selection included as a course for this meal.
Dining Highlights on Celebrity Solstice:
Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends. Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards.
America’s coolest state offers the warmest welcome.
Radiance of the Seas offers Royal Caribbean's best in a more modest size, without sacrificing the variety of dining venues, great kids' programs and adrenaline-pumping activities the line is known for. The 2,112-passenger ship features the line's much-loved Giovanni's Table and Izumi, a 200-square-foot outdoor movie screen, rock climbing wall and a nursery for babies and toddlers. There was definitely a time in my life when I was all about taking small ships, cargo ferries, and local buses, and avoiding experiences like cruises. However, now with a young child, it ended up being such an easy, beautiful way to take a vacation.
Sixteen-dog teams were hitched to 6-passenger wheeled vehicles that enable dogs to train year-round for winter dog mushing, Alaska’s favorite sport. Once each cruise the Pinnacle transforms into the legendary Le Cirque of New York City ranked among the world’s best restaurants. We had jumbo shrimp cocktails, lobster bisque and delectable chateaubriand for two followed by a signature pineapple dessert at our Le Cirque dinner. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Lunch is also available at Pinnacle Grill for a $15 cover charge, and it offers a completely different menu from dinner.
Coolest Things to Do In Alaska on Radiance of the Seas
There’s so much to see and do on Koningsdam, the first of the cruise ships in our Pinnacle Class. If you choose, continue the journey into the Yukon on your Alaska cruisetour. From the depths of the icy waters to the tops of snow-capped summits and everything in between, combine land and sea for unforgettable moments.
Holland America's 'Have It All' package worth it for couple, review - Business Insider
Holland America's 'Have It All' package worth it for couple, review.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The town of 13,000 has a thriving arts community and is a sport fishing haven with five salmon species. As another hot summer dragged on, husband Rob and I decided the best place to cool off was America’s last frontier. Lastly, my cabin was a balcony cabin, No. 8002, port side right behind the bridge at the very front of the ship.
Dining Highlights on Oceania Regatta
On a previous port call, we toured Butchart Gardens, rode one of the cute ferries and did a CVS hop on/hop off tour. Small friendly portsFriendly Alaska port towns exude a warm welcome for cruise guests. All are walkable, safe and offer a plethora of activities and shopping. Simply dress in removable layers, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring rain gear. The fitness center is a fairly compact space that was steadily busy throughout the day. It has a small group-class floor space and all the cardio and weight-training equipment that you would expect to need, so it is adequate for the ship size.
Both also offer seven-night one-way routes between Vancouver and Whittier, which is within a few hours' driving distance to Anchorage (the closest airport). Transfers are available or you can take train rides that are offered by both lines between the airport and the port. Whittier is primarily used to get on and off the ship, and the train for the cruise tours stops right there. Holland America Line is bringing six different ships to Alaska in 2023, offering a range of itineraries that will include two exclusive 14-night sailings.
This full half-acre of real grass on the top deck offers some of the best views onboard in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The space includes a hands-on glass blowing studio, games like bocce and mini-golf, lounge chairs and even rentable Alcoves. Celebrity typically attracts sophisticated young adults and middle-aged couples, though you'll notice more families during the summer holiday. As I understand is common on cruise ships, there are some extras, like internet and drinks, that you can opt to pay for as a package. The Quench package included espresso drinks, smoothies, and water cans.
He aims to help people find a way to enjoy cruise and travel in uniques and active ways away from the crowds. The bathroom offers a bath/shower combo, which is a treat for those who enjoy a bath. You can’t always get a cruise ship cabin with a bath tub these days. This venue also offers appetizers (a la carte), such as Chinese five-spice baby back ribs and a satay sampler. I enjoyed the sushi sampler plate with my cocktail before my dinner at Tamarind, where I dove into a satay sampler, the tom aha kai sweet and sour chicken soup with coconut milk and red curry coconut chicken with jasmine rice. The menu also offers creations like Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, crispy duck with ginger-chili glaze and wok-seared lobster.
Canaletto is a restaurant space located within the Lido Market buffet. It’s part of the buffet during the day for breakfast and lunch but then converted in the evening to a quaint Italian eatery, complete with Italian music playing to set the proper mood. Holland America has been a leader with its culinary program for years. The variety of food options is excellent, and the menus have been enhanced since the creation of the line’s Culinary Council led by Chef Rudi Sodamin. I joined a couple dozen other cruisers from Eurodam and the other ships in port to go out on a kayaking excursion to Fritz Cove on nearby Douglas Island. After Juneau, we had a day of scenic cruising, including a visit to Hubbard Glacier.
It was a great spot to get some exercise and take Felix for his beloved stroller walks with the ever-changing scenery. Do yourself a favor and book at least one scenic flight during your cruise, whether it’s in Juneau or elsewhere. This is the highest-end restaurant onboard, with the smallest capacity — and also, of course, my favorite. Those in the dining room made a particularly great impression, remembering my son and always saying hi to him and bringing his fruit right away.
Holland America's cruise tours can run anywhere from 9 to 18 nights, while Princess' tours are 10 to 15 nights long. Land transportation for both lines is a combination of trains and motorcoaches. All Alaska cruises offer beautiful scenery, including stunning and ever more frequently calving glaciers, as well as a chance to see wildlife and learn about native cultures. Additionally, Holland America Line and Princess both try to put the state's history into context and bring Alaska to life for passengers through a variety of onboard activities.
A festive ambiance greeted us during our Friday evening port call. After sunset, 3,300 lights lit up Parliament buildings, sidewalk musicians played lively tunes and attractions stayed open late. We toured the Royal BC Museum and strolled flower bedecked Inner Harbor walkways.
