KJ1231

We saw the Explorer in Juneau and Skagway but I did not catch up with any of the RCBloggers  We tried to cram in as much as possible in the ports so were on the move.

Apologies to those that were following! I was struggling to upload pictures using Voom and, to be honest, the days we were in port I was wiped out by the time evening came around. I will update by this weekend with the daily activities and pictures. Bottom line - this was a great experience and we are already looking to book another Alaskan cruise!

Day 2 - cruising and Hubbard Glacier

We slept great! Woke up early and had a latte from Cafe Latte-itudes before the 4 of us headed to the Windjammer for breakfast. Food was pretty good and then we headed back to the balcony to satisfy my need to see some birds. Saw some Surf Scoters and Tufted Puffins....

For lunch we went back to the Windjammer and then went to the front of the boat on Deck 12 to check out Hubbard Glacier. The captain does a great of explaining the glacier and the history of the area. Knowing that we would eventually see it again from our balcony we went back to our cabin and got some great views. The pictures just don't do it justice! As we started to pull out we got to watch a playful sea lion and got a so-so picture. Also caught a waterfall as we pulled away.....

Captain said the trip up 2 days ago had a lot of fog so didn't have nearly as good a view as we had today.

We arrived and our bags were outside our cabin. We moved bags in and then it was time for muster and then went to dinner. We had a 6:15 PM reservation for My Time Dining. While there was quite a line we got to our table in the Cascades dining room in a timely manner. We had the calamari and shrimp cocktail appetizers. Both were good though shrimp was small and only 4. We followed up with prime rib which was delicious and I had the pistachio ice cream for dessert which was very good.

After dinner we roamed around the boat, unpacked, spent time on the balcony taking in the views as pulled out of Seward and then I made a donation at the casino at the blackjack table. We turned in pretty early with our 1st day of our 1st cruise under our belt.

Again - this blog is priceless. I was answering people's questions and felt like I knew my way around enough to find most of the places. My sister-in-law and her husband were on the ship a few hours before us so they showed us around, too!

OK....resizing pictures with the upload....

Here's a few from our arrival at the Pier in Seward. The train drops you steps away. Because we took care of Sea Pass card and registration at the train depot we go right through the security building, only scanning our carry on bags after a quick check of Sea Pass cards and passports. We have a "spacious balcony", cabin 9064. Plenty of room for the 2 of us and we are spending a lot of time on the balcony. Ask for extra blankets as soon as you meet your cabin steward!

These blogs are a lifesaver! We had a Voom package for 2 devices. We connected 2 phones and then couldn't figure out how to delete a device so I could connect the laptop. I git a quick response here  - go to your web browser and enter "logoff.com". And tada! I'm online with the laptop. Note that I have difficulty uploading pictures from the camera. Suspect it's Voom. As a result I'm not posting as many pictures right now... will post more when the upload works better....

So, since the last update we got on the bus from the Egan Center in downtown Anchorage to the airport/train depot and had a great train ride to Seward. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the train slows down of some of the best ones. We saw 2 dall sheep, 3 moose but no bear.Waterfalls, lakes, rivers and glaciers abound! Here are some pictures I took from the train.   

Currently on radiance if the Seas with a 2 Device Voon package. Last night we connect 2 phones. I turn WiFi off on my phone and try to collect laptop and says I have to disconnect a device. How do I “disconnect” the phone, other than turning off WiFi?

Cruising today! Had some time to kill at the Egan Center so wanted to provide information about trace l from Anchorage to Seward.

We purchased train tickets for the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward through Royal Caribbean for $125/pp. We we were told to report to the Egan Center in downtown Alaska by 11:30 AM and that they open at 8:00 AM.

We decided to get here early because we thought we could get our train seats since they are 'first come, first serve". This was not accurate!

We arrived at the Egan Center around 8:30 and were one of the first one's there. Signs direct you to a large room where they take care of checking your luggage, check passports, Sail Pass and credit card. Since we were early we got through this pretty quick and was straightforward. We got train tickets #6 & 7, not sure if that's just so they know how many altogether OR if is used to prioritize seating...guess we'll see when we get to train depot.

I was able to temporarily check my heavy backpack while we went around the corner to Kaladi Brothers for a latte and oatmeal cranberry cookie. It's two blocks away on the corner of G and 6th Ave.

After my latte we went around the corner to check out a huge mural behind city hall. From Kaladi's walk across 6th on G and make a left right after City Hall. When you get to the parking lot look back over your right shoulder you'll see the mural which outlines the history of Alaska. Thanks go to Howard, our Uber driver from the hotel to the center, for telling us about the mural!

We were back at the center by 9:30 and typing this as we wait for our 11:15 shuttle to the train depot.

At the center they have stations to recharge devices, free wifi, water dispenser and tables and chairs where you can wait (and update your blog). The folks from RC and Alaska Railroad are here to answer questions and are really, really nice people!

Next update will be from the ship!!

Just walked around downtown Anchorage today. Our last stop was the Anchorage Museum. We could have spent a couple days there. Great exhibits, especially the one from the Smithsonian on the native people of Alaska! If you are in Anchorage I think this is a must see. 

We took an uber from the hotel to the visitor center at F and 4th. Took the Trolley Tour ($20 pp) that was 50 minutes. Stryker, our guide, was great. One fact we learned is that 25% of all small aircraft in the USA is in Anchorage! We went up to the airport where they can takeoff and land on land or sea. It was pretty busy!

My wife got in 8,800 steps around town and we visited many shops and the museum. We got a picture with Balto, the sled dog and I added two "life" birds to my lifelist - the black-billed magpie and the mew gull which are pretty common around here but never make it to the east coast.

We finished the day with dinner at Sea Galley at the recommendation of our morning uber driver. Plenty of food with the meal but not worth the $$. Would not go back! 

Getting ready for our train ride to Seward tomorrow and excited to get our first cruise started!

Here are some pictures from today......

Oomingmak - The Qiviut Shop - the visitor center told us this was a must see. It was definitely the softest wool I've ever felt and I really wanted to help the natives that make the hats & scarves but nothing under $100!

Balto the sled dog for whom the Disney movies was made

A couple life-sized stuffed animals (not mounted by a taxidemtist). The moose can be had for just $7,999

And then there was this bear on the corner

Some of the biggest flowers we've ever seen - must be all the sun and rain!

And lastly, the magpie and mew gull

Day 1 in Anchorage

Spent all day yesterday getting to Alaska. We flew 1st class on American from Philly to Phoenix and arrived a few minutes late but just in time for the PHX -> ANC flight. Flight was full so we didn't get the upgrade.Arrived in sunny Anchorage at 9:30 PM. When we got our bags we looked outside and the hotel shuttle just happened to be there (Crowne Plaza not far from the airport). Flights and Crown Plaza all paid for with points and a little $$. Grabbed a bite at the hotel and when we went up to the room at 11:00 PM still bright and sunny. We are here 2 nights before getting the RC train mid-day tomorrow to Seward.

I can't stress enough how important these blogs are. Already have to give credit to Twangster for seat selection on plane. We sat on the right side and my wife was complaining that I got her a window instead of an aisle seat. That is, until we started the descent into Anchorage and the views were amazing!   Some pictures from the plane blow.

We are heading to the Visitor Center first and then walk around downtown for a little while. Hoping to find a good, inexpensive place for seafood this evening.

8 hours ago, twangster said:

This year on Explorer we get into Juneau on June 24th at noon until 9pm, then Skagway on June 25th from 7am to 8:30pm.  Am I mistaken or do these ports overlap with Radiance?

If so you'll need to keep an eye for the Royal Caribbean Blog team of eighty plus led by none other than @Matt!

Wow! We're in Juneau on 6/24 9am-9pm and the exact same times in Skagway on 6/25. Guess we'll be sailing side-by-side from Juneau-Skagway and then jockeying for position at the pier. Will definitely keep an eye out for the gang of 80+ 

22 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

If you have time, since you indicated you like bird watching, I have heard that when in Skagway you can take the walkway from the pier into town and wend your way to an old fishery that is absolutely packed with bald eagles. Not sure if you'll be able to work this around your train ride; maybe before it departs?

Thanks, JL! Read about that and will definitely try to get to the cannery. Also interesting article in the Anchorage newspaper about brown bears mixing it up with bald eagles!

https://www.adn.com/outdoors-adventure/2018/06/16/katmai-national-park-drama-bear-vs-eagles/

22 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

And welcome to the boards! Thanks for posting a live blog of your very first cruise, to Alaska no less!

Thanks - we've always been beach people so thought first cruise would be somewhere warm but decided to do Alaska! Should be awesome - even if I have to wear rain gear for 7 days!

We sail on our first cruise this Friday from Seward, AK to Vancouver aboard the Radiance of the Seas. I plan to bring the laptop and since I didn't see a live blog for Radiance I thought I'd give it a try.

We travel to Anchorage from Philadelphia on Wednesday. The flight gets in late so we traveled a day early to rest up before cruising. We're flying American through Phoenix. With two 5-hour flights we'll also have another first - flying 1st Class for at least one leg (Philly-Phoenix) and on standby for the upgrade from Phoenix to Anchorage. Flights were arranged using points on my AA account.  

We'll have all day Thursday and Friday morning in Anchorage before we head to the convention center to get a shuttle to the train depot where we'll meet my sister-in-law and her husband (they are doing Denali) to take the train from Anchorage to Seward. I was able to use points for 2 nights at the Crowne Plaza in Anchorage. Any "don't miss" attractions/restaurants in Anchorage?

Pre-purchased: Voom for 2 ($22.38/day); Refreshment package for 2 ($297.36 for 7 days).

We also got the RC credit card and used it to pay off the cruise and other purchases (excursions, refreshment package, etc.). Accumulated 30K+ points so converted it to $300 OBC!

Here's the itinerary with excursions we purchased. We go the best deals in March - 3 months before sailing - on the excursions.:

Day 1 (6/22)  - Leave Seward, AK 8 PM

Day 2 (6/23) - Cruising - Hubbard Glacier

Day 3 (6/24) - Juneau

Discover Juneau’s natural splendors as you board a waterjet-powered catamaran in search of whales before exploring the massive Mendenhall Glacier. Enjoy complimentary binoculars and snacks and pass snow-capped peaks and islands dotting picturesque Stephen’s Passage. Look for humpback and orca whales, sea lions, and bald eagles while learning about their behaviors from your guide. Explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you can visit with Forest Service Rangers, enjoy interactive exhibits and roam nearby trails. JU40

Day 4 (6/25) - Skagway

Discover Skagway’s rich gold mining history along the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, viewing historic landmarks, panning for gold, and savoring a scrumptious buffet. Travel via vintage rail car, passing picturesque vestiges of the Klondike Gold Rush. Meet vivacious pioneer characters at Alaska 360 Dredge Town, where you’ll engage in gold panning. Relish a tasty menu of salmon and barbecue ribs while relaxing at Taiya Inlet’s Pure Gold Buffet. SK62

Day 5 (6/26) - Icy Strait Point/Hoonah. We're doing separate excursions: I'm going birdwatching while my wife is cooking....

Explore the avian diversity of Hoonah’s lush temperate rainforest and its surrounding tidal waters with a local expert — the only dedicated birding tour in Alaska offered to cruise guests. Your guide will show you the best places to scope for seabirds, ducks, gulls and bald eagles, then lead your small group down a trail through mixed forest and grasslands to find a wealth of passerines. Binoculars, rain jackets and the highest-quality spotting scopes will be provided. Whether you are an avid birder or a casual birdwatcher, your guide will help you get the most out of your Alaska experience. What’s more, a portion of the proceeds for this tour go to the Juneau Audubon Society for research and development of birding in the Hoonah area. IC44

Capture the essence of real Alaskan flavor by experiencing a fresh seafood meal the local way. Participate in a festive tasting session in a rustic setting, hosted by an engaging, experienced Alaskan fisherwoman and wilderness chef. Discover what sets the region’s seafood apart, including local fishing, preserving and cooking techniques; watch an expert filleting demonstration, and grill your own catch-of-the-day sample over a custom-made wood grill. IC36 

Day 6 (6/27) : Ketchikan

Explore Ketchikan's illustrious history while viewing historic landmarks and enjoying coastal scenery onboard a Coast Guard-certified vessel that doubles as a bus and a boat. Journey on land via bus, as you pass the antique clock in Whale Park and Ketchikan Creek's salmon ladder. Drive straight into Tongass Narrows channel for a dynamic boat ride, where you'll see fishing canneries and charming waterfront communities. You might even spot bald eagles, whales, and other native animals. KE29

Day 7 (6/28) - Cruising

Day 8 (6/29)- Arrive in Vancouver at 7AM

From Vancouver we are renting a car and heading to Seattle, WA for 2 nights (Holiday Inn using points) before heading back towards Vancouver. We still have a night to book between Seattle and Vancouver before taking a red-eye home (Vancouver-Chicago, Chicago-Philly).

Now to start packing!!

Wow - I would never think to turn on my GPS on for the train ride. Are there any details you don't have @twangster ?

Just now, CGTLH said:

Helps any... In 2014 a shuttle/bus ran between the drop off for the train and the ship. Luggage, dropped it off at the Anchorage station and didn't see it again until it was delivered on the ship.

Twangster said the same thing about the luggage...

@twangster was the train ride really 3 hours? According to the schedule it's 4+:

Coastal Classic Train

Thanks!

Still debating.... the reason I was thinking of taking the earlier train is to spend time in Seward and board earlier. So here are the pros and cons of each train:

Early train (6:45 AM to 11:05 AM):

• PRO: Cost $108 per person
• PRO: Arrive in Seward 9 hours before sailing allowing time to familiarize with ship and spend time in Seward
• CON: Need to be at train depot in Anchorage by 5:45 AM - long day
• CON: 1/2 mile walk or cab from depot to port with luggage (or will RC pick it up for us - not clear?)

Late train (1:00 PM to 6:00 PM(?))

• CON: Cost $125 per person
• CON: Arrive in Seward a lot closer to sailing time - is the arrival around 5:30 PM? (Based on the published time for the early train) no time to spend in Seward
• PRO: Need to be at Egan Center in Anchorage at 11:30 AM - can sleep in a bit....
• PRO: Train drops us at the dock

Decisions, decisions......

We sail on Radiance from Seward on Friday 6/22. We arrive in Anchorage late Wednesday evening (6/20) so have a whole day in Anchorage on 6/21 before heading to Seward.

On Friday we need to get to Egan Civic Center by 11:30 AM for a 1:00 PM train to Seward. We booked the train through RC. When I called today with some questions I was told it was a 5 hour train ride which means we get into Seward at 6:00 PM, just 2 hours before sailing. Wondering now if we should get the earlier train (6:45 AM) from Anchorage with an 11:05 AM  arrival in Seward? This wouldn't be the RC train so we'd have to get bags from train to port, etc....

Pros and cons of RC train vs. regular train? And getting into Seward at 11:00 AM vs 6:00 PM?

Suggestions for what not to miss in Anchorage?

Thanks in advance....Ken

We sailing on Radiance on 6/22. I have my SetSail pass but have not seen the spot or been requested to upload photos? We did submit passport numbers. Did I miss something?

Disclaimer: First time cruiser

We booked our trip last month and paid in full today around 9:15 AM for June 22, 2018 Alaska cruise.

At 2:43 PM today I get an email with the title "Awesomeness inside! Countdown to Cruise sale is ON: we're officially inviting you.". In the email it mentions discounts on just about everything. When I click on the various links in the email (excursions, drink packages, Voom, etc.) it takes me to the cruise planner but I'm not seeing any discounts.

We booked excursions and Voom on sale last month but the prices I'm seeing tonight are full price....weird!

I tried clearing cookies, cache, etc. Even restarted laptop..... ideas?

UPDATE: I normally use Firefox for my browser and occasionally things appear differently with other browsers (GoogleChrome, Edge, etc.). Instead of clicking the link in the email I "cpoied the link location" and pasted it into GoogleChrome and I see the purple sale banners. Turns out the prices last month were much better than this offering...

I'm following this thread. We're doing our first cruise June 22-29, 2018 on Radiance southbound Seward to Vancouver. We booked excursions during a sale and saved $150. All prices below are per person.

We arrive in Anchorage late on 6/20, spend 6/21 in/around Anchorage and take the RC train from Anchorage to Seward the afternoon of 6/22.

In Juneau we booked Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest 5.25 Hours ($179, on sale for $143)

In Skagway we booked Gold Panning, Sled Dogs and Scenic Railway ($225, on sale for $202)

Icy Strait Point - I'm doing Discovering the Birds of Hoonah 3.5 hours ($149, on  sale for $141) and my wife is doing In Alaska's Wildest Kitchen 1.5 hours ($80, one sale for $71)

Ketchikan - Ketchikan Duck Tour 1.5 hours ($50, on sale for $44)

We booked knowing that we can cancel and book others but wanted to get the sale prices.

If anyone has done these and can comment that would be great. Or recommend others. I was tempted to start a thread for each port? 

To get the ship and ticker I went to http://www.cruise-ships.com/ and click on tickers.

Answer the questions and it will create the html code for your signature.

Highlight the code and right click to copy the code.

Come back here and follow monorailmedic's advice to get to the signature.

Right click and "paste" the copied code in the signature block.

Sorry if too basic - never know folks computer skills so treat all like they are my father 

5 hours ago, LetsTryThisTech said:

On the smaller ships, you won't know the entertainment until you get your daily cruise compass. You might be able to find other ones that can help you get an idea on times. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass

Thanks for the link! The most recent one for Radiance of the Seas was from June 2016 but able to glean lots of good information. Will scan ours when we get back!

Hello  - first time cruise for us and naturally have more questions than answers and hoping those with more experience can guide us.

(1) We are flying into Anchorage late on Wednesday 6/20. Plan to spend 6/21 in Anchorage and then booked train through RC from Anchorage to Seward. RC told me we need to be at the convention center by 11:30 on Friday, 6/22, to get picked up and taken to train. I was told that we check our bags before shuttle and don't see them again until we get to our room on the Radiance of the Seas. What time does the train actually leave Anchorage and arrive in Seward? I checked Alaska RR schedule and it only shows the early morning train and says cruise lines have private trains. Will we be checked-in prior to arrival in Seward or do we have to go through the check-in process after arriving at the dock? Just trying to get a handle on how things will flow from the time we arrive at the convention center until ship leaves the port and whether we'll have time for anything in Seward.

(2) I see times are already full for dining the first night. As first time cruisers should we wait til ship leaves the port to eat dinner (8:00 PM departure) or eat before/while departing? This is partially based on the answer to (1) since I think we'll need time to actually get on the ship and find our rooms, etc. FWIW we have "My Time Dining"

(3) We did not purchase a drink package. I don't drink alcohol and my wife only has the occasional glass of wine. Not sure that we'll drink $36 ($18 each) worth of soda and bottled water per day. We used the sale to purchase our excursions but did not go for the drink package.

(4) Excursions we chose were the Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest in Juneau; Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & Exclusive Scenic Railway in Skagway; I'm doing "Discovering the Birds of Hoonah" while my wife does "In Alaska's Wildest Kitchen" in Icy Strait Point";  and "Ketchikan Duck Tour" in Ketchikan. Any reasons to not choose these?

(5) How far in advance is the Entertainment schedule posted? Are we better off making dinner reservations now and changing when that comes out (if necessary)?

Thank you in advance for sharing our knowledge!! Ken