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Will the cruise ship wait on you?

4/16/2014

 
Note: Includes A Photo Gallery Of Some Late Passengers At Bottom!
Late Passengers Getting Back on the Carnival Triumph
     Will the cruise ship wait on passengers?  This question has been asked by many people and the exact answer depends on many different circumstances.  Cruise ships are on tight schedules that even the smallest amount of time delay can mean losing time at a later port of call or getting back to the ship's homeport for disembarkation.  
       People that take ship sponsored shore excursions have less to worry about because cruise ships will usually wait on passengers that took a ship sponsored excursion.  Cruise ships will usually wait for these passengers because otherwise the cruise line would have to pay for transportation and compensate the guests for leaving them.
        People that are getting off the ship for non-ship sponsored excursions and for personal plans will get left by the cruise ship much sooner than a ship sponsored excursion guest.  If you are traveling on personal excursions or doing your personal plans the ship will not know where you are or when you are getting back.  
           The cruise ship will probably wait as long as possible before deciding to leave a person, but the decision of how to long to wait, if any, is up to the captain and his officer's in the bridge. If they decide to leave the gangway out for a short or long amount of time, that is their decision.  Typically, once the ship leaves the ship would not turn around for any passengers, unless the navigational bridge staff have a specific reason for turning around. 
            Always have an emergency contact number for your ship with you when you get off in a port of call.  Many cruise lines provide a number to contact if you find yourself running late.  
             The easiest way to ensure that you sail away on the ship is to make sure you are on before the designated time. You are not guaranteed that the ship will wait on you and you should not purposefully be delayed to see if the ship will wait on you.  Make sure you stay on a ship's time, know what time to be back onboard, and keep track of time during your day in your port of call.  You are responsible for your timeliness. Enjoy your cruise and day in port!

Some Photos Of My Cruise Ship Waiting On The Masses of People That Were Late...
       Here are some pictures from Carnival Triumph 2013 cruise of people still waiting to get on the cruise ship at approximately 4:30PM. This was 30 minutes after scheduled sail time and a full hour after the required be back onboard time. There were many people that were waiting in line for a long time, but there were other people that entered the Puerta Maya pier area around 4:30PM to get back onboard. 

People Waiting To Reboard Cruise Ship
A large amount of late people waiting in line to get back on the Carnival Triumph.
People Waiting To Reboard Cruise Ship
The large amount of people organized into two lines for two gangways.
People Walking Down Pier To Get On Cruise Ship
People still walking down the pier 30 minutes after scheduled departure to get back on.
Lines Dwindling To Get Back Onboard
The lines are almost non-existent compared to what they were.
Carnival Triumph Gangway
Carnival Triumph's gangway
Carnival Triumph Departing Cozumel
The ship has finally departed!

Alaska Cruises: Should I do a shore excursion in a port?

1/19/2014

 
Norwegian Sun Leaving SkagwayNorwegian Sun Departing Skagway, Alaska
      Are you trying to decide whether or not you should do a shore excursion in your port of call on your Alaska cruise?  A shore excursion is a typically guided tour or activity in a port of call that you pay extra for.  You can book shore excursions through your cruise line or through private independent tour operators.  If you are deciding whether or not to go on a shore excursion during your Alaska cruise you should ask yourself a few questions and keep a few important factors in mind.  Your decision, whether you choose yes or no, will have an impact on your port of call day and how you spend your day. 

#1  What excursions are offered in this port of call?
You should research all of the excursions offered in your port of call.  If you are going to be booking your shore excursion through your cruise line find our what shore excursions that you can choose from.  If you are going to book through an independent company make sure the operator is reliable and trustworthy. Many cruise lines recommend you book through their shore excursions department because of conveince and help if your excursion is delayed or cancelled. When you are looking through the list of excursions in a port of call keep track of what you are interested in. If you are not interested in any of the excursions a shore excursion in this particular port of call than a shore excursion may not be for you in this particular port.  Use tourism websites to learn about other attractions in ports of call that are places and things you can do without being on a shore excursion.  Keep track of those attraction's prices and proximity to the ship.  If you see an activity or attraction that interests you and it is not a shore excursion you could do that activity/attraction instead.  If you don't see anything that you would like to do or see in a port of call you could either get off the ship and walk around the shops or stay onboard the ship of the entire day.

#2  What is the price of the excursions? 
       Keep in mind that shore excursions will cost you additional money.  Make sure the shore excursions you want to do will fit into your cruise budget.  If shore excursions do not fit into your budget or you do not want to pay extra for a shore excursion then you should consider not doing one.  If you really want to do a shore excursion but it does not fit into your budget you could consider not doing a shore excursion in another port of call to make up for  adding amount to your budget.  Also keep in mind that you may only get to experience Alaska once and this could be your only chance to do this particular activity. 

#3  How much time will the excursion take up?
       Shore excursions typically take up a chunk of your time in a port of call. Research how long the shore excursion will take and how much time you will have left after the excursion to shop or look around.  If you find yourself with little time left in the port or your excursion's end time is too close to the "get back onboard time" you should consider not doing the shore excursion because you do not want to jeopardize your chance of getting back on the ship.  Each shore excursion will last a different amount of time which means you can probably find one that will fit into your plans for the day. Cruise line offered shore excursions typically are set up to where you will have plenty of time to get back to the ship after your shore excursion ends.

#4  What does the excursion involve?
       Research what you will get to experience and see on the shore excursion. If you see that a shore excursion will take you to many attractions that you would like to see you may enjoy the shore excursion. If a shore excursion does not go to attractions that you would enjoy the particular shore excursion may not be for you. Since everybody has different interest shore excursions offered will often visit different places and do different things.  Some excursions also require more walking and physical movement than others. If you are a person who has difficulty moving around you might want to make sure that a particular shore excursion does not involve intense physical activity.

      Whether or not you choose to do a shore excursion on your Alaska cruise vacation keep in mind that you can always walk around and browse shops in the port of call. Always keep track of the time in your port of call, make sure you stay on the ship's time, and get back to the ship at the proper time!

Check out our Alaska cruise section of the website.  Click Here To View



Alaska Cruises: What could I see?

12/27/2013

 
Mountains in Tracy Arm Fjord
   If you have never cruised or been to Alaska before you may be wondering what you have the potential to see.  What you have the potential to see on your Alaska cruise or land tour is dependent on your itinerary and the time of the season that you are cruising. The places you go to in Alaska will have an impact on what you may get to see.  There is a common misconception that all you will see in Alaska is snow, ice, and glaciers.  This is not true because there are trees & grass and a variety of different landforms in Alaska.
   This article will take a look at some of the natural landforms and features that you will have a chance to see in Alaska. Please keep in mind you may see some of these or none of these because what you see depends on where you go and when you go.

Sawyer Glacier
Glaciers, Ice, & Snow
   As I mentioned earlier many people think that all Alaska contains is glaciers, ice, and snow. This is a common misconception that is not true.  I believed this until I went to Alaska for the first time.  On your Alaskan cruise or land tour you will have a great potential to see a glacier, some ice, and snow.  You are most likely to see a glacier if you cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord, Glacier Bay, or visit the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.  There are many other glaciers that I am not mentioning that you have the potential to see depending on your itinerary. Depending on the time of year you are cruising will determine the amount of snow and ice you get to see.  When I went in June 2013 there was snow  & ice on the mountain peaks of Juneau and Skagway, but not on the ground.  In Ketchikan, Alaska, there was a minimal amount of snow on the mountain peaks, but this was the southernmost port of my cruise itinerary. If you cruise at the very start or end of the season you would have a greater chance of seeing some snow or ice. 


Eagle in Juneau
Wildlife
   While you are in Alaska you have a chance of seeing a variety of different wildlife. Alaska is home to many different types of animals so make sure you are on the watch for wildlife. You may see animals such as birds, bears, and/or fish. Bring a pair of binoculars if you are interested in spotting wildlife while on a tour or from your ship.  Use caution if any wildlife (such as a bear) approaches you while on land and do not scare any wildlife. Use common sense when spotting wildlife or if you are close to wildlife.


Skagway Mountains
Mountains
   While you are in Alaska you will most likely have a chance of getting to see a mountain or a bunch of mountains.  The mountains you that you might see will vary in size and could have some snow on the peaks. If you are flying to an Alaska cruise departure port you may get to see some mountain peaks from your airplane so make sure you have a camera!

Sunset in Alaska
Sunrise/Sunsets
   If you get a chance to see a sunrise or sunset in Alaska you should take advantage of your chance! If the weather is clear and nice you will hopefully get to see an orange or red sunrise/sunset.  The sunrise/sunset you see will be dependent on the weather so be on the lookout for the sunrise/sunset. Have a camera with you if you want to take a picture! 

Tracy Arm Fjord Waterfall
Waterfalls
    If you are lucky you will get to see a waterfall in Alaska! When snow is melting on mountains or hills sometimes the melting snow/ice will turn into water and form a path.  This causes a waterfall to be formed.  You could see a waterfall anywhere in Alaska so keep your eyes open for them! 

In Alaska during your cruise or land tour you never know what you might get to see!  Also be on the lookout for wildlife, natural landforms, and anything else.  Have your camera ready to take a picture at all times because something you see could be visible one minute and not the next. 

New York City Pre And Post Cruise Attractions

12/26/2013

 
Visiting NYC before or after a cruise or just for fun? Looking for things to do or see?  This page will give some attraction ideas that you should consider visiting.  There are many attractions in New York City that are not listed here so in addition to reading about these attractions I recommend doing more research than just using this page.
New York City Times Square
Times Square
 
When many people think of New York City one of the first things they may think about is Times Square. Times Square is a typically busy area of New York City that has a variety of shops and places to eat.  Times Square usually has many visitors at all hours of the day and is very crowded and full of people. Going to Times Square during the daylight and nighttime is a completely different experience.  During the daytime you will get a good look at what the area looks like, but at night you can enjoy the nightlife and bright lights from the multiple billboards. If you are a person that enjoys watching the famous New Year's ball drop you will recognize many of the places that you see on the television and internet. Times Square is a place you should consider visiting while in New York City if you are interested in seeing a bustling area of the city. 
Caution:  There are large crowds in Times Square almost always.  Be careful because pickpocketing can occur here (or actually anywhere) and you could have the potential to be robbed. If you are uncomfortable in large crowds you may not want to visit Times Square.

For more information about Times Square please Click Here.  The webpage will open in a new window away from my website. 

Times Square New York, City
Times Square New York City
Times Square New York City
M&M's World Entrance in New York City
M&M's  World
 
M&M's world is a neat place to visit while you are in New York City! Located close to Times Square, M&M's World is a M&M's Logo item gift shop where you can find all types of souvenirs and M&M candies.  It is free to get inside the store, but if you are like most people you will be tempted to buy some chocolate M&M candies! I recommend visiting this store if you are in the area!

For more information please Click Here to visit the M&M's World website. The webpage will open in a new window session.

New York City M&M's
Statue of Liberty M&M's
Big Red M&M
Hershey's Chocolate World in New York City
Hershey's Chocolate World
   Similar to M&M's World, is the Hersey's Chocolate World which sells Hershey's chocolate and logo items.  This place is also worth visiting and checking out! The store smells like chocolate and you will probably be tempted into buying some of the delicious smelling Hershey's Chocolate. 
   It is free to get inside the store and inside the store is a gift shop with lots of candy and logo items.

For more information please Click Here to visit the Hershey's Chocolate World's (New York) website. The webpage will open in a new window session.


Hershey's Kiss
Inside Hershey's Chocolate World
Hershey's Chocolate
Ferris Wheel in Toys R Us
Toys R Us - Times Square
 
You may be familiar with a regular Toys R Us store, but have you ever experienced a multi story Toys R Us store with an indoor ferris wheel? If you are in the Times Square area this is a toy store that you need to consider visiting. There are more toys in this store than a typical Toys R Us store.  When visiting this place you will also find a lot of neat displays to advertise the toys.  I have a few pictures from when I visited posted below. 
  If you are in NYC you should consider visiting this Toy Store. The store has an indoor ferris wheel that you can pay to ride on.  It looked like both kids and adults alike were enjoying a ride on this Toys R Us ferris wheel.

For more information about this attraction please Click Here to visit Toys R Us' website. This webpage will open in a new window session.

Peeps in Toys R Us
Angry Birds Display in Toys R Us
Statue of Liberty in Toys R Us
NBC Studio Logo Statue
NBC Studio Tour
 
This tour was one of my favorites in NYC! The NBC Studio Tour will take you through some various parts of the NBC Studios and you will see studios that you may recognize from TV.  The studios that you get to see will be dependent on what studios are open and not being used for broadcasting. If you are thinking about taking this tour you should consider getting your tickets in advance because this tour may fill up quickly depending on when you want to go. 

  For more information please click here.  This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.


Due to not being allowed to take photos during the tour I do not have more photos of this attraction to share.

Radio City New York City
Radio City  Music Hall Tour
 
What is the first thing you think of when you hear "Radio City"? Many people think of the Rockettes and their peformances, but Radio City is also used for a wide variety of events throughout the year. The Radio City Music Hall Tour is a good tour that will take you through various places in Radio City.  You may get to see behind the scene areas, the stage, and the auditorium area. If you have a good tour guide you will get to learn about the history of the building and how "modern" the building was during the time period it was built.

  This is a great tour to consider doing while in NYC. For more information please Click Here.  This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.


Radio City Music Hall Stage
Panoramic of Stage
Radio City Music Hall Lobby
Statue of Liberty in New York City
Statue of Liberty
 
Perhaps one of the most well known attractions in NYC is the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is an attraction that I did not get to go in, but I did get to ride by it in a harbor tour. If you have a chance you should visit the Statue of Liberty or at least try to get a picture of it!
  For some more information about the Statue of Liberty please Click Here.  This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.


Circle Line Sightseeing Tour Ship
Circle Line Sightseeing Tour
 
If you want to get a look at the New York Skyline and harbor area then this is a tour that you should consider taking! Circle Line offers a variety of different tour options that include things such as a semi-circle tour and a full circle tour.  On your tour you will have a chance to see the Statue of Liberty and some of New York's famous bridges. What you see depends on the tour you choose!
  I really enjoyed this tour and wish I could have done the full circle tour of New York City. My tour guide did a great job and was very informational.  This is a tour you should consider taking if the weather is good and the seas are calm. If you get queasy or easily get sea-sick you might not want to do this tour if the seas are not calm.

For more information about Circle Line please Click Here. This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.

New York City Skyline
New York City Bridge
New York
Intrepid Museum in New York City
Intrepid Museum
 
Looking for something historical to visit while in New York City? The Intrepid is an old military aircraft carrier that is now a museum that you can tour! If you are interested in aircraft carriers or military history this an attraction for you. 
  For more information about the Intrepid you can
Click Here.  This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.

Aircraft in Museum
Side of Ship
Side of the Ship
Top of the Rock View of New York Skyline
Top of the Rock
 
Want to get a good view of the skyline of New York City? Top of the Rock is the observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Plaza.  When the weather is clear you can see miles away.  On a typical day you should be able to see many of New York City's bridges, buildings, the Empire State Building, and some of the ships on the harbor.
  This attraction is something you should do on a clear day with no fog, rain, and minimal clouds.  Don't forget to bring a camera!

For more information please Click Here. This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.


Statue of Liberty With Cruise Ship in Background
Central Park in New York City
A Look Below
Empire State Building
Empire State Building Observation Deck
 
The Empire State Building's Observation Deck is an attraction that you should do if the weather is clear. The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City attraction that many visitors take time to go to. From the Empire State Building you can get a good view of most of New York City and the surrounding harbor.  The view is different from Top of the Rock and both observation decks offer a different perspective of New York City.  
   When I visited the Empire State Building I was at the observation deck when the Carnival Splendor departed from New York. I was able to take some pictures of the ship's departure from New York City.
    This is also an attraction that you should consider doing if the weather is nice with no rain/fog and minimal clouds. Don't forget to bring a camera!

For more information please Click Here.  This webpage will open in a new window away from my website.

A look at NYC Below
Carnival Splendor Departing NYC
Skyline
Reflection Pond
9-11 Memorial
  Although a little sad to reflect upon, the 9-11 Memorial is an attraction that you should consider visiting. The memorial is in honor of the people who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States in the Twin Towers. There is a pond (like the one on the right) for each of the Twin Towers. 
  If you have a chance you should consider visiting the 9-11 memorial during your New York City vacation.

For more information please Click Here. The webpage will open in a new window away from my website.

New Building Getting Built
Reflection Pond
The Memorial Has a Lot of Grass

Ketchikan, Alaska Highlights and Information

10/27/2013

 
Ketchikan, Alaska
    Are you cruising to Ketchikan, Alaska? Ketchikan is one of my favorite cruise ports and a cruise port that many cruise lines and ships dock at.   This blog post is going to share information about ways to plan your day in Ketchikan, Alaska, give some information about attractions that you can visit or things you can do, and some general tips for this port of call. 

Pre-Cruise:  Things to Do Before Your Cruise To Plan Your Day in Ketchikan, Alaska
    1.  Pack For Alaska  -   In many of my previous posts about Alaska I emphasized that the weather can be warm in Alaska and also cold.  Check the weather forecast every few days before you leave for your cruise to
see what the temperature is expected to be for the day.  Use different weather websites because some websites are probably more accurate than others.  If the temperature is going to be cold you will probably want clothes that will keep you warm.  However, you will also want to have some clothes you would wear in warm weather in case the temperature changes in the opposite direction.  Having the wrong type of clothes could result in
discomfort or you may have to buy a t-shirt or a jacket from one of the local shops.
    2.  Order A Visitor's Guide From the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau -    Before my Carnival Miracle 2013 cruise I ordered brochures from each Alaskan port of call that offers to mail brochures for free.   I ordered the Ketchikan Visitor's Guide and it was very informational.   This is the Ketchikan, Alaska, Visitor's Bureau's website: 
Click Here To Visit The Website -  opens in a new window 
    3.  Be Mindful of the Weather -   Check the weather multiple times before you cruise and have a plan for rain.  Make sure you know if your excursions are rain or shine, and refundable if it rains.   Hopefully the weather remains nice and remember that the weather forecasts are subject to change. 

    
Attractions:   Things For You To Consider Doing While Docked in Ketchikan, Alaska
Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
Creek Street
    Creek Street is a free tourist attraction that you can walk to.  Creek Street is sort of like a boardwalk that you can walk along and there are shops that you can browse.  Depending on the time of year that you visit Alaska will determine what you see.  During some times of the year you may see salmon moving in the water.  There are many great photo opportunities at Creek Street so make sure you bring your camera and some extra batteries.

Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
Salmon in Ketchikan, Alaska
Buildings at Creek Street
Married Man's Trial in Ketchikan, Alaska
Married Man's Trail
    Married Man's Trail is a walkway that is located close to Creek Street.  Basically Married Man's Trail is a walkway that goes up a slope through trees.  During my visit to Ketchikan I learned some history of the trail, but I am not going to get into the history on my website.  This trail is not for people who have difficulty walking because of the slope and an occasional tree root in the ground.

Married Mans Trial in Ketchikan, Alaska
On Trial Looking Towards Creek Street
Eagle Totem Pole in Ketchikan
Totem Poles in Ketchikan
    You will see many totem poles in different places in Ketchikan.  Many of the totem poles are on street corners and they make a thing to take a picture with!  There is also a Totem Heritage Museum, which charges an admission to enter.   Ketchikan has many totem poles for you to enjoy!

    Enjoy two more pictures of some totem poles below:



Three Totem Poles in Ketchikan, Alaska
Big Totem Pole in Ketchikan Alaska
Tips:  
Ketchikan Alaska Sign
1. Stop at one of the Visitor's Centers when you get off the cruise ship.  There are some brochures and the staff is very helpful in giving suggestions on things to do.
2.  Just like I mentioned in the Skagway tips section don't walk in the middle of a street.  There are sidewalks in most places for people to use.
3.   Use common sense while in port.
4.   Keep track of the time and know when you have to be back onboard the cruise ship.  Make sure you stay on ship's time!

The attractions on this page are not advertisements and are included because my family members or I have experienced these attractions.  This information is subject to change any time.  Please check out and do research yourself before making any decisions regarding excursions or attractions. 

Skagway, Alaska Highlights and Information

10/27/2013

 
Grand Princess Docked in Skagway
    Are you cruising to Skagway, Alaska?  Many cruise lines have ships that include Skagway as a part of their itinerary.  Are you wondering what to do while your ship is docked in Skagway? This blog post will cover some things for you to consider doing during your day in Skagway,  provide links for further research, and provide some general tips to remember while you are enjoying your day in Skagway, Alaska.  
    

Pre-Cruise:  Things to Do Before Your Cruise To Plan For Your Day in Skagway
    1.  Pack For Alaska  -   In many of my previous posts about Alaska I emphasized that the weather can be warm in Alaska and also cold.  Check the weather forecast every few days before you leave for your cruise to see what the temperature is expected to be for the day.  Use different weather websites because some websites are probably more accurate than others.  If the temperature is going to be cold you will probably want clothes that will keep you warm.  However, you will also want to have some clothes you would wear in warm weather in case the temperature changes in the opposite direction.  Having the wrong type of clothes could result in discomfort or you may have to buy a t-shirt or a jacket from one of the local shops.
    2.  Weather -   I just mentioned above that you should check the weather for temperatures.  You also need to know the chance of rain for the day.  If there is a chance of rain you might want to have a backup plan or purchase refundable excursions.  Make sure you know the limitations on your excursions and what happens if there is rain. Check the weather constantly, use different websites to look up information, and be prepared for rain or shine!  My port days during my Carnival Miracle cruise had a large chance of rain and it ended up not raining at all at any of my ports of call! Hopefully you will be lucky and have a nice port day in Skagway! 
    3.  Order A Skagway Brochure From The Visitor's Bureau  -  Before I cruised I ordered a brochure from the Skagway Visitor's Bureau.  The brochure I received helped me better plan my day in Skagway.  For information on ordering the brochure please visit this website:  Click Here   The link will open in a new window.  The Visitor's Bureau website also has some other helpful information.  
    4.   See What Shore Excursions Your Cruise Line Offers -   If you are thinking about taking an excursion look at your cruise line's website to see what Skagway excursions they offer. 
Attractions:   Things To Consider Doing During Your Day in Skagway, Alaska
Train in Skagway
Ride Aboard The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
    
A popular shore excursion in Skagway is taking a train ride aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.  Many cruise lines offer shore excursions that include a ride one of this railroad's trains.  For more information about this attraction/excursion please visit the railroad company's website:  Click Here
    I  was not able to go on this excursion during my Carnival Miracle Alaska cruise in June 2013.  I heard that many passengers enjoyed this excursion and the scenery that they saw from the train.  Since my cruise I have used the railroad company's website to research their routes.  The pictures that I have below are from some of my family members who have been on this train ride excursion during their Coral Princess Alaska cruise. 
Here are some pictures:

Train on Side of Mountain in Skagway
Skagway Waterfall
Train
Downtown Skagway
Shop in the Local Shops
    Skagway, Alaska, contains many shops that are only a short walk from your cruise ship.  I am not going to mention any particular shops in the port because there are many.  You will find a variety of t-shirt shops and shops that contain things that say "Skagway" or "Alaska".  
Cautionary Tip Regarding Shopping:   Some items are identical across multiple shops!  Some stores will charge differently for the same item.  Be careful to make sure you are not paying more!

Rock Art in Skagway
Look At Rock Art AKA "Graffiti" 
    Besides walking around Skagway this is one of my favorite things to see in the town.  If you dock on the Railroad Dock in Skagway you will docked right next to this.  If you dock at the other dock you probably won't get to see this.  There are many drawings on the rocks that represent many of the ships and cruise lines that have docked in Skagway, Alaska.  All of the art on the rocks is different and it is neat to see how far back some of the years go .  If your camera has a zoom you can try to get some good pictures of the art on the rocks. 
Please note that when a train is in on the Railroad Dock your view of this will be limited.  For good pictures you might want to time  getting on or off the ship when a train is not in.   Here are some more pictures:

Lots of Rock Art in Skagway
More Rock Art
Lots and Lots of Rock art
Skagway, Alaska Tips:   Keep These Things in Mind During Your Day in Skagway
1.  Don't walk on the railroad tracks. 
2.  Don't walk in the middle of the street.  There are some cars and buses that need to use the road.
3.  As I mentioned earlier some shops will carry identical items.  The prices may not be identical.  Make sure you are not paying a higher price than another store.  Maybe look in many shops before buying any items.
4.  Have a tote bag to carry items in.  You might buy multiple items and need to put them in something to carry them around.
5.  Keep track of your ship's schedule and stay on ship's time.  Make sure you are onboard the ship before the designated "Be Back Onboard By" time.

Enjoy Skagway, Alaska!
Click To Go To RyG's Guide to Alaska [Still on This Website]

The attractions on this page are not advertisements and are included because my family members or I have experienced these attractions.  This information is subject to change any time.  Please check out and do research yourself before making any decisions regarding excursions or attractions. 

 Seattle, Washington: Pre or Post Cruise Attractions & Information

10/27/2013

 
Seattle Skyline
Seattle, Washington
Ideas For Pre & Post Cruise Attractions
This blog post covers attractions that you should consider trying before or after your cruise that starts or ends in Seattle, WA.

Looking Up at the Space Needle
Space Needle
    
If you are looking at the Seattle skyline you will most likely notice the Space Needle.  Visitors can pay to go up to the top of the Space Needle and look around at Seattle and the general area.  This is something that you should consider doing during your visit to Seattle and you will probably get some good pictures on a clear day!  
    Bring a camera!  You never know what kind of pictures you may get of the view! 
    Tip:  If the weather is predicted to be not clear don't do the Space Needle because your view will not be as nice.  Save your visit to the Space Needle for a later time during your vacation when the weather is nicer. 

    For more information about the attraction, ticket prices, and information please visit the Space Needle's Website:
http://www.spaceneedle.com/  - will open in new window

Look Down At Seattle
Space Needle
Underground Seattle Tour
Underground Seattle Tour
    Underground Seattle Tour is a great way to see some of the historic part of Seattle, but underground.  If you are looking for something interesting and historic at the same time this tour is for you.   For more information please visit the tour's website:
http://www.undergroundtour.com/  

    For some more photos:

   

Underground Seattle Building
Underground Seattle Building and Windows

Flying Into Seattle?

If you are going to be landing at SEA-TAC you might get to see some mountains as you approach the airport on your trip.  What you see will depend on the side of the plane that you sit on.   Here are some pictures that I want to share that I took as the plane started to prepare for descent:
Looking Below From Airplane
A Mountain As we Approach Seattle
Last Updated:    10/27/2013

Go To Our Alaska Information Center

Please note that all attractions listed on this page are not advertisements and are included because either I have experienced that attraction or some family members have experienced the attraction.  Information included about each attraction is subject to change at any time and may not be updated here quickly.  Please alert me of any changes regarding any attractions.   These attractions do not represent all attractions to do.  Any links on this page may take you away from my website and I am not responsible for any content that you get from those links.
 Please take some time and research the attractions on your own before making a decision.

Alaska Scenic Cruise Days - Tips & Suggestions

10/20/2013

 
Tracy Arm Fjord - Front of the Ship
    If your Alaska cruise vacation has a scenic cruise day in the itinerary you are lucky!  To me a scenic cruise day in a fjord or bay in Alaska is better than a regular sea day or port of call.
    Many cruise lines that sail Alaska have at least one scenic cruise day in the itinerary, but not all do.  Cruise lines have choices about what scenic cruise path they decide to take so not all cruise lines and ships use the same scenic route.  Before booking your Alaska cruise research your itinerary's scenic cruise day, if your itinerary has a scenic cruise day.  
    The goal of this blog post is to give you some tips and suggestions for your scenic cruise day. 

1.  Do Some Research Before You Cruise
    Before you cruise you should take some time to research the cruise's itinerary.  This includes researching your scenic cruise days.  Look for reviews of the particular place that you will be cruising through and try to look for information about what you might see during your cruise through a scenic cruise spot.  Doing your research can help you know what to look for and what to expect. 

2.   Where do you plan on watching the scenery?
    If you have a balcony stateroom or a stateroom with a window view you might watch the view from your stateroom.  If don't have a balcony or a stateroom that has a window you might want to consider going to the outside decks to watch the scenery.  
    If you are going to watch from your stateroom or balcony keep in mind (depending on your stateroom's location) you may only get to see one side of the scenery.  Some cruise ships will turn 360 degrees at glaciers and some other highpoints of the trip during the scenic cruise days.  However, not all cruise ships will do this. If your cruise ship does not do this you may miss the other side's scenery.  Some cruise ships will sail into the scenic area and will turn around at the end or a certain point to leave, which allows the other side to see what they missed earlier.  
    Many people choose to watch the scenery and view go by from the outside decks of the cruise ship, even if they have a balcony.  Choosing a place on the outside decks is important to many and some people will guard a spot hours before the ship arrives to the entrance of the scenic cruising spot.  I recommend choosing a spot on the outside decks a day in advance and then arriving early to get the spot you want.  I also recommend choosing a spot at the front because you will get a better view of both sides instead of one.  Finally,  keep in mind that if you leave your spot on the outside deck your spot may not be waiting for you when you come back.  I noticed on my Carnival Miracle Alaska cruise in Tracy Arm Fjord that people would quickly take a spot the second a person moved.  Use the restroom before going to the outside decks to view the scenery.  

3.  Dress Right For The Outdoors
    If you are planning on watching the scenery on the outside decks or from your balcony this is for you!  Make sure you dress comfortably so you don't have to miss scenery to change in your stateroom. The temperature in Alaska is not always cold, so make sure you are also prepared for warm weather. 

4.   Be On the Lookout For Wildlife
    You may be able to spot some wildlife from the ship.  On my Alaska cruise I saw many different birds from the ship in Tracy Arm Fjord.  Bring a pair of binoculars if you are interested in looking for wildlife from the ship. 

5.   Be Quiet, Don't Talk Loud!
    Being quiet on your balcony or on the outside decks is appreciated by most.  Some people on my Alaska cruise were annoyed when people were loud because they wanted to enjoy the scenery in its natural state.  On your balcony keep in mind that the people on the balcony next to yours can hear your voice and what you are saying.  Remember that some people have paid a large amount of money for the cruise and airfare to see Alaska and this may be their only time to enjoy Alaska.  Please don't spoil the experience for them.

Check out more Alaska cruise tips and suggestions here. 

Should I get a balcony stateroom for my Alaska cruise vacation?

8/17/2013

 
Tracy Arm Fjord - Appraoching Sawyer Glacier
    Are you planning an Alaska cruise vacation? Or are you trying to decide on a type of stateroom for your Alaska cruise? Having a balcony in Alaska is completely different than having a balcony in the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Mexico.  This is not because of the balcony itself, but in Alaska the view from the ship is different from a Caribbean, Bahamas, or Mexico cruise vacation.  Alaska is full of nature and many people cruise to Alaska to see scenery (mountains, glaciers, etc.) and wildlife. 
    A balcony is a  semi-private place to be able to watch the views go by.  You won't have to fight for space on the public open decks to be able to see the view.  You will be able to step out from your room onto a space that is considered only yours & your cabin-mates to see to the views of Alaska. 
    Many cruise lines and ships that sail to Alaska have at least one scenic cruising day built into an itinerary.  Some cruise lines go to Glacier Bay National Park while others go through Tracy Arm Fjord. On scenic cruise days the outside decks crowd very quickly because railing space is limited, especially at the front of the ship. If you have a balcony you can sit or stand on your balcony and not have to worry about finding a spot to get some great pictures. 
    Are you worried that because your balcony is on one side you won't get to see the other?  Cruise ships typically will turn 360 degrees at  glaciers or big landmarks to allow both sides to see the view. Other times cruise ships will enter a fjord and cruise to a certain point and then turn around to come out.  One side gets the view on the trip up and the other side gets the view coming back.  Before booking check with your cruise line to find out what their procedure is with this matter.  
    What will I see from my balcony?   You will get to see the view and you will also have a chance of seeing wildlife from the ship.  On my recent trip to Alaska I got to see a pod of whales, seals, and many different types of birds from my balcony. 
    Are you worried about children and a balcony stateroom?  Worrying about your children on a balcony is a valid concern of many parents.   Many cruise ships have bolts or locks on balcony doors that are high up to prevent small children from unlocking them.  If this is a concern of yours contact your cruise line to find out about balcony locks on your ship.  Another concern of yours may be the railing.  Railing heights may vary by ship so you will probably want to find out details about the railing from your cruise line.  If your children listen to your directions you could tell them that they are not allowed on the balcony without a trusted adult and that they are not allowed to climb the rail, furniture or sit on the rail.  Don't let your children be unsupervised on the balcony!  If you don't think your children are old enough to be on a balcony (supervised or unsupervised) you should consider sticking with an interior or a stateroom with a window.
    Getting a balcony stateroom is a great way to see Alaska and I recommend a balcony to anyone who is planning a trip to Alaska.  You are probably already paying a large amount on money to go to Alaska, so why not pay a little more to be able to enjoy the view from the comfort of your own stateroom?

  

Highlighting Juneau, Alaska:  Attractions, Things To Do & See

7/27/2013

0 Comments

 

Mt. Roberts Tramway

Tram Going Up Mountain
Overview:  
    The Mt. Roberts Tramway will take passengers up and then back down Mt. Roberts.  Tram tickets are usually valid for the entire day and are for unlimited rides.  The ground entrance to the tramway is located near the cruise ship docks and it is easy to find.  The ride up and down takes about 5 minutes each way.  At the top there is a nature center, gift shop, refreshment shop, walking trails, and a rescued bald eagle.  The views going up and down the tram are amazing!  This is a great time to get pictures of your cruise ship as well as Juneau, Alaska.  Also at the top there is wooden decking to allow for observation of the mountainside, ships, and town below.  This was my favorite Juneau attraction and I would enjoy to go back to Juneau and ride this tram to the top again.  
    For information about the 2014 season and what is included with admission please visit the Mt. Robert's Tramway website: 
http://mountrobertstramway.com/ You can also find more information that listed here on my website. 
Don't Forget To Bring These Things:
  • Camera -  The views going up and down on the tram are amazing and the view from the top is also amazing!  When going up or down this is the perfect chance to get a picture of your cruise ship from above.
  • Binoculars -  You may want to zoom in and look at something below.  Don't forget these!
  • Light Coat -   The temperatures at the top can be slightly cooler than on the ground.  You may already be dressed for cold weather, but if you are dressed for warm weather you might want to bring a light coat in case you get cold at the top.
  • Good Walking Shoes -  You may decide to do the walking trails.  The walking trails are very private and have many uneven surfaces to walk on.
Caution:
   Be very careful on the walking trails.  The surfaces are uneven and in some places there are no railings.  If you get hurt you may not be heard or get immediate help.  Travel in a group.  Remember that you will probably encounter wildlife, maybe even a bear. You should probably bring water, take a map,  and use caution!  Check out this page on the tramway's website about hiking information and safety tips.
  Click Here to Visit. 

    If you are worried about mobility or accessibility on the tramway or mountaintop experience call or email the Mt. Robert's Tramway company and ask questions.  Don't buy your ticket and then realize that you won't be able to see anything.  I think for the most part that the mobility for wheelchairs is fine, but you probably want to make sure for yourself. 

    If the weather is not favorable you might not want to do this attraction due to the chance of not seeing anything below.  The tram ride may be expensive to some so you want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money!

Want to get a taste of the tramway now? 
    I enjoyed the ride so much that I filmed the entire ride going down and posted it on You-Tube.
Click Here To View the Video

Carnival Miracle Below
Tram Car
View of River Below
View of Juneau Below
Eagle
Tram Car Going Down

Whale Watching Tours 

Whale
Overview:
     Taking a whale watching tour is great for people who enjoy seeing whales or natural wildlife.  Although there are times when you can see whales from the cruise ship, if you really want to get close to the whales, it may be worth the money for you to go on a whale watching boat that takes you to the whales.  There are two ways for you to purchase a whale watching tour.  The first option is to purchase the tour on your cruise ship.  Booking an excursion or tour from the cruise ship is usually more expensive because the cruise line makes a profit from all sales.  The second option is to book through a tour operator in the city.  This option is usually cheaper than the first, but keep in mind that the ship will probably not wait if you get delayed because of the tour.  
    Many cruise line sponsored excursions and some independent excursions offer a full refund guarantee if not a single whale is spotted.  The chances of this are highly unlikely.  
    There are a variety of excursions and tours that relate to whale watching.  Some tours are longer and some tours are shorter than others.  Research the tour you plan on taking.  Prices for whale watching tours will vary and can be expensive depending on the tour you take.
Don't  Forget To Bring These Things to Your Whale Watching Tour
  • Camera  -  You will probably want to take lots of whale pictures to remember your experience.  Also consider bringing an extra pair of batteries incase your batteries die in your camera. 
  • Binoculars -  You may want to get a close up view of a whale or a bunch of whales! 
Dressing For Your Whale Watching Tour 
    Some whale watching tour boats have inside/outside viewing areas, only inside areas, and only outside areas.  You need to make sure you are dressed for any type of weather condition.  For rainy days you might want to wear a poncho. For cold temperatures you might want to wear a heavy coat and dress using warm clothes.  For warm temperatures you might want to wear a t-shirt and some light clothing.  Research the weather before your day in Juneau to help yourself prepare for temperatures and weather conditions.


Whale Tail
Wildlife on Buoy
Buildings on Shoreline

Alaska State Capitol Tour

Inside State Capitol
Overview:
    Are you looking for something fun, free, and educational to do while your cruise ship is docked in Juneau?  A tour that I took and recommend to anyone interested is the Alaska State Capitol tour. According to the Alaska State Legislature's website free guided tours are offered May 14-September 18 on all week days (different hours on certain days).  Tours typically last about 30 minutes in duration, so this tour can fit into a tight port of call day activity schedule. 


More Information About This Tour:
To learn more about this tour you will have to click this link and leave my website:
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/misc/capitol.php 
To view the Capitol Tour Brochure you will have to click this link and leave my website:
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/docs/pdf/capitol_tour.pdf
Words of Caution: 
    The Alaska State Capitol does not have a dome like many other state capitols.  The building looks like a regular building and can blend in.  Before leaving home you might want to get an address, phone number, and a map of how to get to the capitol building.  If you are going to walk to the capitol make sure you prepare your walking path and if you are going to get transported to the capitol make sure you choose a reliable company, driver, and source of transportation.

Large Desk With Microphones
Hallway
Front of Meeting Area

Mendenhall Glacier/Nugget Falls

Mendenhall Glacier
Overview:
    This is a great attraction for people who enjoy nature, scenery, and glaciers.  There are two main ways that you can get to this attraction. The first way is that you can book an excursion onboard the cruise ship.  The second way to book this attraction is to book a tour off the ship in Juneau.  If you walk off the ship and into the town you should see places where you can get tickets to ride the shuttle bus.  The cost of the shuttle may vary by tour operator.    The shuttle will drop people off at the visitor's center which is about 1.5 miles away from the glacier. Make sure you learn how often your shuttle runs and what time the last shuttle departs for you to get back on the ship on time.  The drive time to and from the glacier will vary, but if traffic is light the ride should only last about 15-20 minutes. 
I got some of this information from the USDA Forest Service website.  Here is their website link:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5401451 
Don't Forget To Bring These Things:
  • Camera  -  You will probably want to take many pictures of the glacier and the surrounding area.  These pictures could make a good desktop background image or a good screensaver. 
  • Light Coat/Warm Clothing -  You are going to be near a glacier!  The temperature will most likely be cooler than the other areas of the city.  Dress prepared!
  • Good Walking Shoes  -  Be prepared to walk a long distance!
  • Binoculars - You never know when you will see wildlife or something worth zooming in on!
Caution:
    Research transportation options for this attraction.  Make sure you choose a reliable shuttle company.   If the weather is going to be bad you might want consider avoiding this attraction.

Nugget Falls
Mendenhall Glacier
***  Notes:    I have tried to provide up to date information on this page about the attractions, but the information is subject to change or be incorrect.  I am not responsible for any incorrect information or actions you take based off this information. You should independently verify information before making decisions. 
    All attractions on this blog post were posted voluntarily and are not paid advertisements.  
    I am not responsible for the links to other websites provided on this page.  Click links at your own risk.
    If you discover that this information has changed or needs updating please write to me via the Contact Us page! 
Links For Further Information Research (External Non-Website Links):
Mt. Robert's Tramway Website:  
http://mountrobertstramway.com/
Mendenhall Glacier:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5401451 
Alaska State Capitol Tour:  http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/misc/capitol.php 
Juneau Tourism Website Link:   http://www.traveljuneau.com/ 
Whale Watching Tours:   Since there many operators please look up your tour operator's website for any information about whale watching attractions.
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