Beating the NCB's!

KeithnRita · February 2, 2006

J&J,

The other couple on our Mercury cruise are neighbors of ours whom have cruised with us 3 times. We were part of a Sealetter.com group of about 50. We had another neighbor couple with us, as well.

If Mebert has any specific questions about any Alaska ports we will answer what we can remember--and at our age that's becoming quite a task! We cruised inside passage out of Vancouver on the ms Statendam. Our cruise ended in Seward and we took the Alaska railroad to Anchorage. We spent an extra 2 days there visiting with friends.

As far as the Mercury versus the Horizon, we liked them both and the main reason we like them is Celebrity's outstanding service and their great food. We were sorry to see the Horizon leave their fleet.

Mebert · February 2, 2006

hazelson,

Thank you for your good wishes. Are you in Vancouver?

Keith and Rita,

Thanks for posting that picture from the Mercury. I can't wait to have mine taken from the gangplank.

My initial problem now is finding an ideal and afordable flight to Seattle from New York. It seems that the ideal return time of 1:00 PM is completely booked on all airlines. The cruise line airfare is outrageously expensive.

I'm looking at a 5:30 return flight on disembarkation day and maybe doing a tour of Seattle before that late flight.

The other alternative, which I don't want to do, is to stay over night in Seattle and catch an 11:00 AM flight, but that would put me on a really tight schedule for other things that I have to do.

One of the things I'm interested in doing is the White Pass Railroad in Skagway. Does anyone have any experience with that?

What type of clothing did you pack? Was it really cold?

I've never been to a cruise destination with the threat of being cold. I don't like the cold but it should be interesting to try something different.

Joanandjoe · February 2, 2006

Mebert, you need to be prepared for anything, hot or cold, sunny or rainy, windy or calm. Expect high temps in the low to mid 60's, lows in the mid 40s. It's very variable. When we were in Juneau it was 45 and rainy; my brother got low 80s and sunny. Here are Juneau averages and records for June from weather.com: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/...16&climoMonth=6

Sort of like June weather in Seattle, but with even wilder swings. It will seem cold near glaciers, unless you get a very warm day.

As a person who likes cool weather rather than hot, I mostly enjoyed Alaska weather. Then again, we've been on seven cruises, six of them to cool places (Alaska, Canada/New England, Med. in November). The only time I (Joe) was uncomfortable for most of the cruise was our one cruise to the Caribbean. I was hot and miserable, and it took some bravery on my part to try the Noordam to the Carib. this November. If I once again hate the hot weather, I'll probably never try the Caribbean again. At least Bermuda (Zenith) is cool, not hot, in May.

A hot weather fan will probably need gloves and sweaters at some point during the cruise.

GottaCruz · February 3, 2006

Mebert, Congratulations on your booking. Sounds like a great trip. Now that's the way to beat PCD.

sailinglisa · February 3, 2006

Mebert - finally I a question I can help you with!

First of all, in Juneau, if you want to watch whales and wildlife, I highly recommend Captain Larry and Orca Enterprises (www.orcaenterprises.com) They do NOT provide tours to the cruise ships, but do book individuals from cruises on their boat(s). We had the most wonderful time with him! Not only does he know WHERE the whales are, he is not into a set schedule so you go with the flow, so to say. If this is NOT your cup of tea - once you get on shore and see what the weather is like, I would suggest booking a helicopter tour of the Glaciers (weight is an issue - and I bring it up only because of the fact that it is a consideration for ME) and maybe buy a pass for the Mt. Roberts Tramway (cheaper if you do it on your own rather than the cruise ship - and if the weather is not good, you are not out the money you would pay on the ship.) On good days, you will get a great view of the ships in port.....and there are shops, restaurant and a theater up there - along with some hiking trails that are open (weather permitting.)

In Skagway, if your cruise ship offers it, I highly recommend the bus trip up into the Yukon with a return down to SKagway on the Yukon and White Pass Railroad - gives you the best of both worlds - you get to see part of the Yukon AND you get to experience the railroad...if you do this, on the ride down sit on the RIGHT SIDE of the train car! You will get the best views this way. And, if you are in port late enough, this will give you some time to walk and shop in downtown Skagway. There are shuttles going down the main drag that offer rides (for a nominal price) back to the docks. Most likely there will be more than one ship in port, so know where you dock and take the correct shuttle.

Mebert · February 3, 2006

Joanandjoe,

Thanks a lot for the weather and packing information. Because of weight considerations with the luggage, can I get away with a rain slicker and layers of warm clothing or do I need a heavier coat?

It's funny, I'm the one being brave in this case because I hate cold weather. I'd rather be in the Caribbean or Mediterranean anytime but I'm going to explore and broaden my horizons. I hope you're proud of me when I get back.

GottaCruz,

Thanks for your good wishes. Did you ever do Alaska?

sailinglisa,

Thanks for the suggestions. Do I have to pre-book Capt. Larry or is he at the pier? Does he pick you up from the ship?

I like the suggestion about the bus trip up to the Yukon and the rail trip back on the White Pass Railroad. Thanks for the hint about which side to sit on. There's nothing more frustrating than seeing a wall or rock or trees when everyone on the opposite side is enjoying a spectacular view.

JoeyandDavid · February 3, 2006

Mebert, I want to Congratulate you on your up coming cruise to Alaska.... I envy you we havenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t done the North as of yet. I hear the scenery is a photographers Dream..and I hear Seattle brews a pretty good cup of coffee :grin:

JoeyandDavid · February 3, 2006

Mr. Mebert,

Here's information on White Pass Railroad

http://www.whitepassrailroad.com

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Joanandjoe · February 3, 2006

Mebert, you're from NYC, so you presumably have the same weather today that I've had in Bergen County and Westchester. Today is similar to a June day in Alaska: it started out raining, misty, and about 45 degrees, and it will be around 60 and sunny later today. (OK, in June in Alaska the high would be more like 65 than 60). Dress as you dressed this morning, and you'll be OK. For me, that meant wearing a lined raincoat on my morning walk (which made me a bit too warm, but would make you comfy), then switching to a windbreaker to go to work.

When you get on the plane for Seattle, take a lined raincoat and a rain hat, and throw them into the overhead rack. That will leave room in your suitcase for layers of clothing. You won't regret bringing the coat, and you can zip out the lining for days when the weather is in the high 50s.