Norwegian cruise from Seattle to Alaska

[quote] Any tips/suggestions?

Don't forget your face mask.

Pack enough clothes for a month, in case no port will let you dock, and you end up disembarking in Cambodia.

I smell "inside cabin," don't you?

Norwegian is my favorite cruise line, op.

I like their "freestyle cruising" approach. Especially when it comes to buffets, because I hate stuffy sit-down meals.

Go to all the shows. They're fun.

Not sure which restaurants are on your ship, but with your 3 free "special" meals, you should definitely try the Teppanyaki and the French Restaurant. The Italian restaurants are usually good, too.

Go to the steam room / sauna, but not the spa. You have to pay to go to the spa.

Sit in the jacuzzi and watch the glaciers.

If you can afford an on-shore excursion, visit a glacier or do a fishing/crabbing trip. Those are great.

Personally, I also like casinos, so you should have some fun there, if you're into it.

Honestly, there is SO MUCH to do on-board the ship, that you can totally occupy your time.

They have movie theaters, fitness centers, cafes, restaurants, pools, spas, and various other activities, depending on the ship.

The food is definitely the best part about the cruise, though.

Oh, and if you drink, that's probably the most expensive part of the cruise, and your tab could be very hefty when you settle your bill at the end.

Have fun!

I hope you get coronavirus OP and never make it home.

I did get the balcony R2.

Smart, R5/op.

The views will be incredible.

I'm jealous!

Thanks so much R3. I didn't expect a helpful post so soon. :)

I did get the unlimited drink package so I'm not so much worried about the bar bill. I will drink a fair amount but I will drink Jack/beer so I'm not worried.

A glacier trip looks pricey but to me, it looks worth it, so I will probably go for it.

I'm well aware of the coronavirus all (and I suspect it is the reason the trip is so affordable), and I'm willing to risk it.

I did this cruise earlier this year.

In the evenings when they don't have a show a lot of the singers from the shows hang out in the observation lounge, if you're on one of the bigger ships. They are usually pretty friendly and sometimes do some impromptu singing.

If you stop at the Victoria port in the evening don't spend a lot of money on an excursion and don't be disappointed when it's too dark to really get anything out of being there. They have to stop at a foreign port because of the casino or some nonsense.

[quote]If you stop at the Victoria port in the evening don't spend a lot of money on an excursion and don't be disappointed when it's too dark to really get anything out of being there. They have to stop at a foreign port because of the casino or some nonsense.

No. If cruise ships carry passengers between two US destinations without stopping at a foreign port, they have to be a "US-flagged" ship and subject to all kinds of labor laws and ownership restrictions that would cause them to hire more Americans and make the prices skyrocket. (Notice that all cruise ships are flagged in places like The Bahamas or Panama.) The only non-river cruise ship that does this is the one that just goes around the Hawaiian Island (not the ones to and from Hawaii, which stop in Ensenada or some other foreign place.)

The casino situation is determined by when they're in international waters vs. in port.

What ports will you be stopping in, OP? Knowing that will help with suggesting excursions.

OP - couple questions for you if you don't mind: Are you going alone? Is it a gay cruise? How old are you?

I've always wanted to do something like this and none of my friends are interested. I'm excited for you but concerned about the cornavirius as well as other issues on cruise ships. Be safe but have super amounts of fun!!!

Op, here's another tip.

There are lots of young gays on these cruises.

Probably not passengers, but crew.

Many of the show performers, hosts, hostesses, bartenders, wait staff, and even cruise directors are gay.

I wouldn't bother the housekeeping and food service people. They are usually very busy and VERY tired. Plus, they live in cramped quarters, which is especially miserable.

But the people in the "fun" jobs on the ship, are usually out and about, after performing their duties.

They hang out in the bars and nightclubs, after hours.

I met a European (Swedish) guy at the pool one afternoon, and he was full-on hitting on me. We met up later that night, had some drinks at the bar, and hooked up.

Usually, the passengers will skew towards a little bit older, but the crew are usually on the younger side.

I suggest you try to "make friends," if you can.

R12, isn't that frowns upon or against the rule?

Nope, R13.

They can do whatever they want in their free time.

I have to add that it's because they are entertainment staff, and not CREW members.

I believe that there's a difference.

The two are treated very differently on these ships.

Interestingly, the Cruise Director, entertainment staff, etc., are usually Americans.

The crew, aka "slaves," are usually foreigners.

Here is a list of jobs on a cruise ship.

The one I found most interesting is, "Gentleman Host."

What in the hell is that???

I went on an Alaska Cruise (not on Norwegian) as a favor to my better half. The worst cruise I've ever taken. Sure, seeing Skagway and some of the thar's-gold-in-dem-thar-hills Gold Rush towns was vaguely interesting. But it took FOREVER to get there from the East Coast (plane, train, bus) and for what? To see icebergs "calving?" I could have chipped off ice cubes in my martini glass at home for the same effect. Not only that but my better half's luggage never made it on board (it never left New York) so he had to spend a fortune buying clothes to get through the rest of the trip (for which he was eventually recompensed). I spent my days reading a Streisand bio in whatever tacky bar was open at the time. A complete waste of money and time, IMO.

A "gentleman host" is a non-employee that they bring on board (either for free or at a reduced rate) to be available to dance with the single women on the ship.

That's you, R17.

For people who live on the West Coast, the Seattle embarkation point is very convenient.

You stay in a hotel for one night, board the ship the next day, and then you're set for a week.

No moving, no traveling, etc. Your ship cabin becomes your hotel room.

Then you disembark a week later, and either go straight to the airport, or stay another night in Seattle.

Sounds like you're just a whiny Drama Queen, who wouldn't have been happy, no matter what.

An who dances with the single eldergays?

The fact that you said you went on the cruise as "a favor" to your other half, says everything about your attitude going into the cruise.

You must have been a joy to be around for one entire week. Just kidding. Of course you weren't.

You must have been a fucking nightmare.

[quote] Second Cruise Ship Blocked From Ports Over Coronavirus Fears

Following a pattern set by the MS Westerdam, a cruise ship in the Caribbean has been turned away from two ports over fears of the coronavirus. The ship, with more than 4,500 passengers and 1,600 crew members, was not allowed to dock in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands after it was discovered a crew member onboard was unwell.

The MSC Meraviglia from MSC Cruises arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from Miami on Tuesday morning. After the ship’s command reported one case of influenza onboard, Jamaican authorities, concerned that the man might have the coronavirus, said no one could disembark. The ship left Ocho Rios for its next port of call, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, after waiting to be cleared for nearly four hours.

The ship was expected to dock in Georgetown on Wednesday morning, but the Caymanian Ministry of Health and Public Health Department said Tuesday night that it could not do so.

“In an abundance of caution, in order to provide protection to the health and safety of the residents of the Cayman Islands, the government has denied permission for the cruise ship to call on Grand Cayman as previously scheduled,” Dwayne Seymour, health minister for the Cayman Islands, said in a statement.

“I hope this voyage doesn’t get any worse,” said Philip Emerson, a British passenger on the ship said in a direct message on Twitter before the decision was made public.

The incident came on the same day that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States said that Americans should brace for the likelihood that the coronavirus will spread to communities domestically.

This month, Holland America’s MS Westerdam ship was turned away from five countries whose authorities feared that people onboard might have Covid-19. After the Westerdam docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, one passenger tested positive for the illness. The CDC later said that the woman’s diagnosis was a false positive.

Having another ship blocked from docking is more bad news for the cruise industry, which has already seen falling bookings across Asia. Another cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, was placed in a two-week quarantine in Japan where hundreds of people onboard fell ill.

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, MSC said that the crew member and all passengers on the ship passed mandatory health screenings in Miami before embarking on the cruise Sunday.

“The crew member had traveled to Miami from Manila, via direct connection in Istanbul,” MSC said. “He developed symptoms of common flu and tested positive to Type A influenza after he visited the ship’s 24/7 Medical Center while already on board. He has no other symptoms.”

The Ministry of Health in Kingston nevertheless said it was acting judiciously to block the ship.

“The crew member had a cough, fever and associated muscle pains with a travel history to a country of interest relating to the Covid-19,” the National Ministry of Health in Kingston said in a statement.

R10:

Sat Seattle, Washington (EMBARK)

Mon Ketchikan, Alaska

Tue Juneau, Alaska Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier (Cruising)

Wed Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Fri Victoria, British Columbia

Sat Seattle, Washington (DISEMBARK)

I am coming from the west R19, so the flight is no big deal to me.

I am single R11 and going alone. It is not a gay cruise. I'm 45. A friend of mine told me there are night gay meet & greets (Friends of Dorothy) so I hope I will meet a few people. Though it may bother some people, I'd actually prefer to go alone (at least the 1st time). I don't want to argue with people who want to do different things. Some people may want to lounge on the ship for a week, some may want to go out and see Alaska, some may want a mix, etc.

If you're stopping in Ketchikan, I recommend doing a sea plane tour of the Misty Fjords National Monument. That was one of our favorite excursions that we did on our Alaska cruise. We didn't book through the ship and instead booked it directly with the tour company. Link below.

I wish you had posted this earlier, R23.

I would love to go solo, just like you.

It would be fun to be on the same cruise, and we could meet up for drinks.

Btw, how much extra did you get charged for a single occupancy cabin?

The helicopter ride where you land on a glacier is fun.

Ketchikan is a cute little fishing town.

"Creek Street" in Ketchikan.

I'd love to visit there.

I just did that cruise last fall. I hate Norwegian with a passion. It attracts more than its fair share of rednecks. The buffet is disgusting. You wont be dining on anything other than pre-package fast food shit in the buffet. Its hardly getting away on vacation when its the same bland shit found anywhere in a shopping mall.

We did the three restaurant thing. The Italian, The Japanese, and something else it was that memorable. Just pick the Japanese one for all three, and order the steak and seafood you wont regret that choice. The Italian claimed to have tenderloin, and NY sirloin. They were neither. If you do get a cut of decent beef, it will be an undersized portion. They are chintzy with the bread rolls - theyre little more than thumb size, and they’ll take all night to bring you more of anything.

Also, if you decide to brunch or whatnot, especially in the Irish pub restaurant, they will dawdle the fuck around and eventually wont serve you if its 30-45 minutes before meal change when they seat you. The window seats are highly sought after, but if you ask them to seat you at one when one opens up - they will then will forget to serve you or take your order. (After they've sat you at a shit table that is). They will then claim they thought you left.

Don't listen to the Negative Nancies, op.

Just go with an open mind, and have fun!

This shot of the Norwegian Star near a glacier, looks amazing.

Sorry, try this photo...

Well you can still sign up R25! Doesn't leave until 4/25.

They charge 1.5X for a single person it looks like regardless of cabin type, which is bullshit but ... whatever. I think most cruise lines do it so not really a lot to do about it.

Thanks all for the excursion suggestions.

I'm not a picky eater R29 so not too worried. For myself, I was debating on going to Europe (which I've been to, but of course, not everywhere) or this. I couldn't stay in a decent hotel in Europe for a week for $1600, much less have all food, drinks, and some entertainment included, so it seemed a no brainer to me. I'm a cheap date.

I'm seeing talk about the 2020 Olympics and the coronavirus so I am a bit concerned, but ... I'll still go.

R29 is correct that Norwegian is pretty bad among the cruise lines. But it's usually cheaper so I understand why you might try it out.

OP, they usually have a meet up for the gay passengers on the first night, so you have to watch for it in the schedule, usually early evening before dinner. And it might be the only such meet up.

I'd add that I got a screaming deal on Delta (Denver to Seattle RT) for miles. 16,000 miles for Comfort Plus (which is economy with more legroom and free drinks). Most domestic trips are 20K and up.

OP, you can check out the message boards on CruiseCritic.com. They'll have a roll-call for your ship.

Most cruise lines charge DOUBLE for a single person.

I've only been on Norwegian once -- 7-day Mexican Riviera. We had a two-bedroom suite and it was heavenly.

The cruise you're doing is the roundtrip one -- you return to the departure city. There are other cruises that go from Seattle or Vancouver and end in Anchorage (actually Seward, from which they bus you to Anchorage), or vice versa. On those cruises you go farther north and go by Hubbard Glacier. These can include another port like Valdez.

And then some cruises have add-on stays at the northern end where you go by train and/or bus to Denali and other inland destinations for a few days.

What is the cruise line's policy if the cruise is canceled or if you choose to cancel for health reasons?

I hope everything is fine by late April and that you have a wonderful time, OP, but really ... aren't you just a little worried that we'll be in the grip of a major epidemic and everything will be shut down? Or, worse, that you'll face the choice of losing the cost of the ticket or taking you chances on a floating virus incubator that could be quarantined in Alaska for weeks?

^^^ "... youR chances ..."

How many parkas are you allowed to bring on board, OP? Washington to Alaska in April? It's still winter there.

I did Alaska on the Norwegian Jewel, I think. I really didn't bother going to any of the shows or do any gambling. I went to one dinner at a 'special' restaurant, but it was not special. I went alone and had the dreaded interior cabin. I spent my time out on deck watching Alaska go by, with my free drinks card, and it was lovely. Food was not good. I was hesitant to try the cut fruit, but I finally tried the watermelon on the next-to-last day and it was the best melon I had ever had. Do shore excursions-Alaska is wonderful. But seeing all the calving in Glacier Bay was disturbing.

If you're going to do any cruise, do Alaska!

Seems foolish to buy a ticket for a floating viral death trap in the middle of a deadly virus epidemic.

I actually give OP credit for taking advantage of this Corona virus scare and going on this cruise (good price, less crowds). I really hope you have a good time, OP.

I would not expect great food on a cruise ship. So, don't be disappointed if it's not the most luxurious food you've ever tasted. I'd stick with foods you can't fuck up. I'd also hit the treadmill every day to counterbalance the food. (Or do a walking excursion.)

Since you already paid for liquor, why not branch out from Jack Daniels and beer. Try some bourbons, like Maker's Mark. I grew up drinking Jack Daniels and only recently found out it's not a true bourbon. Anyway, just a thought ...

R17, the Streisand bio or the cruise?

I went on a Celebrity Cruise and loved it

Personally, I find glaciers very over rated.

The cruise, r44. The bio, part of the Jewish Lives series and written by Neal Gabler, was quite interesting and insightful.

Norwegian has been infamous lately for the way they've treated passengers who were concerned about the virus. Those who wanted to cancel were told to fuck off and put through a lot of grief. Any insurance they may have had doesn't cover pandemics. Cancel for any reason insurance is supposedly very expensive.

The cruise line said Hong Kong, a port of call, was safe because it was not mainland China!! I was like dear god these are greedy fucks. Then they cancel 4 days before the cruise was supposed to start anyway screwing their passengers who were actually prepared to go on it out of travel costs to and from their arrival and departure points. Nasty.

There's an avid cruise goer who has an entertaining cruise vlog I enjoy despite the fact I have never been on one and will never go on one. He recounted all of this and does not seem to be a fan of Norwegian. He talked about one of theirs cruises where ship renovations were going on during the trip disturbing the passengers and even making them sick from fumes and dust.

This OP is why you got a great deal. When a popular cruise cheerleader who loves these things trashes a line word gets around. And avoid anything that is fished out of the pacific if you can help it. Otherwise you'll come back all aglow.

R48, link to the vlog or his name?

I've forgotten but his videos keep popping up on my youtube suggestions. I'll get it for you. I remember faces of vloggers but never their actual names.

cruising with don

thanks, R51

It looks like OP is sailing on the Joy. It's very similar to the Bliss, which I sailed on.

It might be fun to do a pub crawl, someone on the roll call will probably set one up between now and then. I really wouldn't worry about the virus on an Alaska cruise. You don't have to eat at the buffet if you're at all concerned. Your ship will be coming up from doing a Mexican Riviera cruise. The reason your price is so low is more because people really prefer to go to Alaska when it's warmer. The early Alaska cruises always go for less money. Norwegian will not be lowering it's Alaska fares just because of the virus.

Every day you'll get a "daily" that lists a ton of stuff to do, or you can do nothing at all. The Observation lounge is fine to hang out in when you don't want to go to a bar. There shouldn't be too many kids at the end of April, so that's a plus.

Ignore all the naysayers.

OP, have fun!

I have been on five Alaska cruises; two from Vancouver and three from Seattle. All of them were the "Inside Passage," which is what you will be doing. NCL is middle of the pack in terms of quality. The food is better than average, there is a casino, and specialty restaurants. Do these. Reserve your specialty restaurant as soon as you can (usually NCL makes you wait until you are onboard, unless you're Platinum Latitudes or higher. Remember to pack a pair of khakis to wear to dinner, since jeans and shorts are not allowed. The Joy is only a couple years old, so it should be decent throughout.

Shore excursions: none. Ketchikan is imminently walkable. You will dock or get tendered to the main drag. Just get off and wander around. Juneau is boring, but you can walk around from the disembarkation location. (I ripped my pants one cruise and spent the entire time in port in Juneau taking a bus to the Walmart to buy a new paid and a cab back.) For Victoria, do some research before you go and then catch an Uber or cab from the port to wherever you want to go and back. I did excursions on several of my Alaska cruises and kick myself every time. They can be long rides on rickety buses to kitschy tourist traps. And they are outrageously expensive. Except the salmon fishery, but you are too early for salmon season.

In the casino you can get cash at the cage and charge it to your room! No ATM fees plus you will earn purchase points on your credit card. Alas, if you are an irresponsible gambler, forget this. There will be slot machine tournaments, craps lessons, etc. If you drink, buy a drink pass.

Just look at the Freestyle Daily, which will be delivered to your room each evening for things that interest you. Cruising is only as good as you want it to be. I love the Alaska cruises, especially in the early season. The ports are less crowded, the weather is chillier, and the shopping in port is enthusiastic. By August they are rude and want you to die.

Have fun!

I'm with R53 and R54.

Your trip will be what you make of it, so go with a positive attitude and just have fun!

[quote] Since you already paid for liquor, why not branch out from Jack Daniels and beer. Try some bourbons, like Maker's Mark

Most Norwegian ships have a cigar lounge, which is really nice. Usually, a piano bar sits outside of the lounge, and it's nice and relaxing. You should take the suggestion of sampling different bourbons, and then try a cigar, too!

Here's a photo of the cigar lounge on the Norwegian Bliss...

I was also on the Norwegian Jewel. Some cabins had sewage leaks from their toilets on the first day. For the rest of our trip, it stunk like a septic tank in the hallway. They had mega fans you had to walk around, but it was pointless. It did nothing to dry out the stench.

NCL has to be up there for slave labour on a cruise ship. I swear every time we stepped out of our cabin - at any hour, the same cabin attendant was nearby, working. They only seem to have a break when they sleep. All their eyes looked burnt out. A few staff prepared to leave at every port. Their workmates seemed happy for them, envious, and wishing like they wished it was them. The tips came off automatically on our bill, but they dont seem to have much and that contentment that staff on other cruise ships wasn’t there. Knowing that their wages are helping their families back home, that contentment did not seem to exist. They never said anything, but Ive worked the service industry for tourists myself. They were burnt out.

When you pay the tip on your room charge, the staff do not receive it until the end of their contracts -- in their final checks. I decline tipping on the room and leave cash.

r57 You're supposed to do BOTH, cheapskate.

Don't forget to pack the Clorox Wipes !!! Might be a good idea to pack some imodium AD also.

Can you give cash tips on cruises?

Absolutely, to your room steward.

The staff on my NCL cruise was lovely. Of course, my feeling is that every Filipino person working on a cruise ship is another Filipino person NOT working in a Middle Eastern country.

Lol R62.

NCL is loaded with filipino workers. Almost the entire ship.

The rest are Eastern Europeans.

Americans and Canadians get the cushy jobs, like Cruise Director, Entertainment Director, etc.

Another random question for those of you who have done Alaskan cruises ....

If I wanted to get off in Victoria, how does the immigration work? I have a record of a vehicular offense that the Canadian government does not look kindly upon (DUI - though it was 8 years ago).

I submitted all my info to Norwegian, and if Canada says "no", that's fine. Just don't want to get off the ship and be embarrassed at some checkpoint.

[quote] If I wanted to get off in Victoria, how does the immigration work? I have a record of a vehicular offense that the Canadian government does not look kindly upon

I assume that if you have a valid passport, that's all you need.

They don't do background checks when you disembark. They just check your passport.

Can you imagine how cumbersome it would be for border officials, to have to do a criminal background check on every single passenger? No way could they do it.

They will glance at your ID (drivers license) and your ship ID card as you go through the gates to get back on the ship, but that's when you're returning to the ship after you've been in Victoria.

Norwegian will give your passport information to Canada before you disembark and they will determine whether you can enter the country. You will not be stopped if you scan your card out as you leave the ship.

What happens is you will be called to the Guest Services desk if Canada won't let you enter, or they will leave a letter in your room telling you not to disembark. You will not be stuck out in public with everyone knowing you have a criminal conviction.

Canada gets your passport information when the ship leaves Seattle, their computers will flag anyone who can't enter the country in advance of reaching Victoria.

Do not worry about this, especially since there's not a whole heck of a lot to see in Victoria at night for a few hours. You won't be embarrassed.

sex on a cruise is the best.

Oooh.... nice job, R66!

Thanks so much R66. Their country, their rules, so I'm fine with it. Just don't want to be blindsided by it.

[quote] NCL is loaded with filipino workers. Almost the entire ship.

That's the same for ALL cruise ships.

Holland America has a lot of Indonesians, too.

So an update. My cruise line Norwegian, has changed their cancellation policy for the summer. They will allow you to cancel (48 hours in advance) for 100% credit to a future cruise. I still plan on going, but on the off chance the zombie apocalypse has set in by late April, at least I won't lose any money.

Just take the cruise, R72. The more people that back out, the more space you'll have on the ship, which is actually a good thing.

Cruises are usually crowded, as are the restaurants, shows, gyms, bars, etc. Lines that take forever.

If people start backing out, then that's more freedom for you.

Yeah all those who want to go to Europe should go now. Uncrowded planes. No wait to popular tourist sights. I bet it's great.

Op, any word on your cruise?

Has it been cancelled? Are you having second thoughts?

Most of the tourist attractions are probably shut down

My particular cruise has not been cancelled yet, but I'm guessing it is only a matter of time R75.

The cruise line is offering at the moment, 100% credit to a future cruise if you cancel (which is better than they normally do). If you cancel normally, you are SOL. They keep your money.

They are giving passengers up to a 48 hour window, so while I won't wait until the last second, I will wait until a week before and see how it is. If mass hysteria still reigns, I will go next summer. If they cancel the cruise entirely, I get my money back (or I'm hearing if you agree to credit, they often give 110% to 125%).

I still hope to go, but I'm not betting on it at this point which bums me out.

Me too OP. I'm supposed to go on a Norwegian Cruise line cruise to Spain in July. It will probably be cancelled.

Well Canada has closed their ports to cruise ships over 500 people so it was cancelled. I'm depressed. I was really looking forward to this.

They did give me 150% credit so that is something.

Before anyone says it, NO, I am not worried about them going out of business. At worst they declare chapter 11, and, at least for airlines, bankruptcy courts have never invalidated passenger vouchers, so I'm not worried.

I have noticed that cruises for next year are somewhat more expensive, so that kind of pisses me off, but it is still early.

All the cruise lines will be in bankruptcy by then, and you will never get your money back.

Sorry to hear it, op.

I was hoping to hear about your trip.

Op/r79 they are raising their prices on future cruises. My sister was going on a Norwegian cruise in two weeks and was contemplating another cruise for early next year. She ended up canceling the March cruise a day before Norwegian cancelled all cruises. When she went to book next year's cruise she noticed the price was considerably higher now. Guess that's how they are making up for lost revenues.

OP, I assume you can use the 150% credit on any Norwegian cruise, not just the Alaska ones. Look for one going to someplace they allow them (when they start again).

There will be cruises next year only if we are very very very lucky.

It took centuries to recover from the black plague.

Even taking into account modern medicine the experts come across as pessimistic.

Apparently, you missed the recent thread about which cruise lines are the best and shittiest, OP. I did NCL before Christmas. Bland prepackaged junk food. Fruit offerings? Tasteless apples, everything else from a tin.

The danger in traveling ANYWHERE now, beside the obvious risk of contracting the virus, is the fact that you might get stranded in a foreign country -- or evicted from that country with no way to get home. It just happened to me.

Cruises are floating toilets. Why do people still go on them?

People swear by cruises.

I can't even begin to imagine why.

Details, R86. What happened?

Holland America world cruise to terminate Sunday in Australia; passengers told to find their own way home

^ Feel sorry for them

Daily News now has a paywall?!?