CruiseMom82

Le Soleil was very nice and definitely close enough to walk. Stayed in May 2022 when cruising was just restarted but the rate was very reasonable. Not sure about now.

We did a round-trip out of Vancouver in late May of this year, and ended up with an extra day in Vancouver because of flight changes. We had a fantastic time biking around and visiting some restaurants. We also saw the steam clock and did a bit of high-end shopping. After this we apparently wandered into the rundown, homeless camp side of town, then we decided we were done sightseeing in Vancouver and went back to our hotel. We stayed very near the port and had no trouble getting there with our luggage on foot. The procedures for boarding the ship were really messed up though, I believe because they were trying to offload a bunch of people with Covid from the previous cruise. I know people were getting sick on the cruises at that time but we managed to avoid it. We chose Vancouver because my husband refused to go to Seattle, even though that would’ve been easier for us to document wise. I think the route you take going up the coast is a bit different when you leave from Vancouver as well, and I wanted a smaller ship which ruled out some of the cruises from Seattle. On the whole, it was a good experience.

Since you don’t fly, I guess you haven’t experienced the wonder of train travel in other developed countries: on time, clean, comfortable. I would not put my trust in Amtrak to be any of those things. After such a long train trip, you will certainly need a vacation! But will you make the same trip again in reverse afterwards? What about driving? I can’t think it would take much more time than the train. I sympathize if you are a nervous flier (or would be) but a long trip on Amtrak might just convine you to give it a try. It gets less scary the more you do it, and it’s the safest way to travel. Just my two cents. Happy travels whatever you choose!

We also went toward the end of May and had a fantastic time. The weather was unseasonably warm and the scenery was gorgeous. I haven’t been to Alaska in August but I understand that it might be a bit rainy here at that time. It’s very difficult to predict for a single week and any month. If we were to go again we would definitely go later in the summer as we did not get a chance to see as much wildlife as I had hoped. We also had to stop traveling in to see the glaciers as there was too much ice still in the water. I’ve heard that August is a lot busier though. The port still felt pretty busy even in the end of the ““ off-season. Once you walk a little ways away from the ship it’s not too bad. Personally I don’t think there’s a bad time to go to Alaska and I would go based on your schedule and the itinerary and ship that you want as well as your budget .

I would have a hard time not recommending the cruise that we did for our 15th anniversary this spring, which was also our first cruise together, and was incredibly romantic we sailed on Serenade of the Seas from Vancouver to Alaska, and we had a fantastic time! As a middle aged couple, I don’t feel that we were missing much being in a smaller and somewhat older ship. There was still plenty to do, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and we were able to afford a balcony cabin going in the off-season. A smaller ship would also be easier to get around on if you are concerned about mobility after your shoulder surgery. More importantly, I pray that God blesses you both physically, emotionally, and spiritually after all you have been through, and that you will be ready for the journey we all have to take someday. Maybe you will find that all of these things are helping you see what is really important in life. As a Christian, for me the most difficult times in life have also been the ones in which I have felt God’s love most deeply. On a lighter note, let us know if you decide to set up a go fund me for your rescheduled trip. I would love to contribute! And I’m sure others on this forum would as well. Happy travels!

I think when we sailed from Vancouver we did both? Sitka was really beautiful but all the ports are. Ketchikan wasn’t my favorite but we did a really cool hike there about a mile from port. You really can’t go wrong.

If there’s a cruise that leaves from Arizona I’m definitely for it! Arizona is beautiful! Bit far to drive from LA but that’s up to you ; )

Since you are asking, some might prefer not to see so much of their fellow guests. They look pretty uncomfortable too.

Any idea if Canada will relax their vaccine requirements, which affect all cruises to Alaska apparently. We would love to take our teen boys (we’re Americans) there but are not prepared to have them get vaccinated to do it. It seems illogical to keep the requirements for over 12 years old but not younger kids, as they can all transmit it. Wondering if anyone has heard anything. If they won’t budge, we may have to make our own land tour ; ) https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/cruise#requirements

I assume they are trying to be attentive to give good service and possibly earn more tips. I would not worry too much about it, but if you see the staff member, you could always politely let them know extra towels aren’t wanted.

I suggest just taking out some money $40 or so from an atm once you get there if you really want cash. You almost always get a better exchange rate once you are in the country but be mindful of bank fees. Be sure to tell your bank you are traveling so the card is not turned off. Also, Vancouver was fun and pretty but I would not want to have a lot of cash on me in some parts of town. We didn’t take any money out and our taxi driver was fine with USD. For everything else we used cards.

Ha! : ) it was awesome, other than the fact that our bus driver thought he was taking us on a different tour. We made it to the gondola place, which was cool. Unfortunately, it was gorgeous weather and all the locals were there too. A bit crowded and we did not have as much time as scheduled. We missed the waterfall, although you can actually see it from the gondola place. It’s a long but pretty drive to get there, and we were a bit tired. Not sure I would do a post-cruise tour again. But you might have a great time. Hope that helps.

We did not get sick after cruising on Serenade in Alaska in May. We had had Omicron in Jan (my assumption of variant), and did not wear masks anywhere unless instructed to do so. Happy that we were able to test negative in our hotel in Vancouver and flying back to the states. Our son tested positive for Covid three days later, but I’m sure he got it at school.

Or perhaps some topical, current-event inspired names: Quarantine of the Seas Protest of the Seas Precaution of the Seas Booster of the Seas Slap of the Seas

As a transplant to the South, here’s what I came up with just now: Blessing (your heart) of the Seas Darling of the Seas Belle of the Seas Grace of the Seas Swelter of the Seas Grit(s) of the Seas Kind of like the last two!