Just booked Carnival Spirit Alaska

[WCoastCdnCruisers]

This will be our first Carnival cruise but the price and itinerary couldn't be passed up. We live in the Vancouver area and this is one of only a very few inside passage cruises that Spirit does. So ... we are heading to Alaska on Sept 10-08

If you have any tips and tricks for Carnival and/or the Spirit it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Laurey

 

[jetblue]

You will love Carnival, especially the Spirit, the saying goes, you can't go wrong with a Spirit class ship. They are definitely the nicest and classiest of all ships in the Carnival fleet. They are big but at the same time small, and you will easily fine a place to escape the crowds if you want to. The ships layout is genius and you will never come to dead-ends.

As for tips and tricks... well the biggest tip I can give you is get to the embarkation port early, Carnival doesn't seem to understand how to properly embark people. I would recommend getting there at 11am to avoid long lines and delays that are typical with Carnival. Normally I would also tell people to go down the spiral water slide at the aft of the ship but it might be too cold up north in September. If not, definitely do it! The views are great! And don't be afraid to order 2 lobsters at dinner! At least Carnival guarantees lobster on every sailing, not like certain other cruise lines! :

 

[karobis]

We took the Spirit last July and had a blast. Probably the best cruise we've had so far.
Be sure and try the reindeer sausage at the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau. We actually had a bear come through town that day.
We were lucky in that it didn't rain much. The Mendenhal Glacier is a must, we loved the train ride in Skagway. If you get a chance to have Dolly as your guide you'll have a blast. It's very pricey but we had a blast doing the zip line in Ketchican. Mr. Roberts late in the day as the sun is going down is beautiful, come down the tram towards the end of the day, you won't regret it. The ship itself was great. I actually have had better food on other Carnival ships but it's not bad by any means. TAKE PLENTY OF PICTURES, the beautiful surroundings are unbelievable.

Carnival Elation 2005
Carnival Conquest 2006
Carnival Spirit 2007
Carnival Glory July 2008

 

[ausebelle]

Hello Laurey!!

Just back from Alaska on Spirit - sailed 5/14/08. I applaud everything karobis has said - we actually took 2 cameras - a small digital and a larger camera which allows for taking movies. In Ketchikan we took the crab feed to Georges Inlet and came back by float plane. The site of Carnival Spirit dockside as we glided past her and landed about 1km down the channel is something that will remain with me forever. On the day we were in Glacier Bay we got a table on the lido deck (outside with the pool roof closed) with a window that opened. Coming into Glacier Bay choose the port side (left) - also a non-smoking area. This is the side where the glaciers come into view first. We did not realise that the starboard was smoking, and although the window allowed for some great pic opportunities, the cig. smoke at times was overpowering. Although you are not travelling very fast, it is still quite cold if the weather is overcast - not sure about a sunny day. Having this spot allowed for 1 or 2 of us to keep warm and still enjoy the views while the others were able to go onto top deck and view/take pics etc. Spirit also made a great Gluwein (hot mulled wine) which we all thoroughly enjoyed to watch the scenes go by. I remember asking before we left - is it that cold - it definitely is. And having a little warm spot to retreat to allowed us to enjoy this wonderful experience for a longer time. I was disappointed that we did not get a balcony cabin but that changed when I realised that it really is great to share this experience with others. Our friends that joined us also had balconies and they said it was too cold with the door open all the time?? Being on the top deck also allowed you to witness anything on the other side very quickly, eg seals, whales, We had the park rangers come on board and their informative talks were very interesting.
Although we booked a few excursions off the boat, don't be frightened to book at the wharf as a lot of these local people mimic the excursions available on Spirit - sometimes for a quarter of the price. Check online for excursions at each port and do a comparison - you might be surprised at just what is available. But, if you do book locally, make sure you allow time to get back to the ship before it sails!! I'll be posting some videos soon. Have a wonderful hol - and if there are any other questions you need to have answered, please feel free to email me.

janette

 

[Karry]

We have this cruise booked for 2009. We decided to do a B2B. We are going southbound the end of August and doing a RT in September. I have never been to AK. I am a "Caribbean beach cruiser" but I am really excited about this cruise We have heard so many good things about AK and figured it was time to see what everyone was talking about :lol So I can't tell you anything about the cruise, but we have been on Spirit 3x already and really love the ship. (tu)(tu) We always book the SAME aft wraparound balcony cabin. It is like going home again :grin I will be picking your brain when YOU get back. You will NOT be disappointed with the Spirit. One little "tip": I read the book they have in the cabin about the designing and building of the ship on our last sea day last Feb. This was our 3rd cruise on the Spirit. I took another tour and realized there were so many details I had overlooked. So leaf thru the book and then go around the ship and take in all the little designs and such. Happy planning!

 

[CruisingRocks]

I just booked the Spririt Southbound out of ANC next month...6/25!!! Can't wait to go....I've never been on one of the spirit class ships, but I hear they're great.

This was a last minute booking because I got a good deal.....traveling by myself and this will be my first Alaska Cruise!!!

 

[Jeana]

We just got back last night from the Carnival Spirit Southbound from Whittier to Vancouver. Fabulous trip! Any questions, fire away.

One thing you need to be aware of is that Carnival has a NEW POLICY - NO ULUS ARE ALLOWED ON BOARD! We purchased two small ulus before boarding in Anchorage. After getting on board we were called by Security to come to luggage where we were asked to remove the ulus from our baggage! We bought these for people back home. There was NO POSTING or ADVISEMENT anywhere at port or by Carnival that ulus were NOT allowed on board! They told my husband they were going to throw them away! Luckily the longshoremen on the dock told the people with the ulu problem that they would mail them home at NO CHARGE to us. This is something Carnival should have offered to do since no one was aware of this new policy. Who knew?!

During the cruise week, they started to announce and post at the gangway that no ulus were allowed on board. There is no notice of this in port shops, so please be aware!

Also, coming back through Vancouver -- the traffic congestion is horrible at the port because they are building a new convention center right at the dock. If you need transportation to the airport I would suggest taking the ship transfer as it will make it easier getting off the ship.

We took "baggage express" option. Costs $15 per person per bag but well worth it. You give them your bags the night before and they tag it all the way through to your final destination. You do not have to handle your luggage until you reach home. You do have to have a ship transfer to be eligible and your airline has to be in the program. It was a wonderful way to end the cruise and cut down on the hassle of getting to the airport and handling luggage, etc. The ship took care of it all and was well worth the money.

 

[CruisingRocks]

Sounds like you had a great time....that's awesome! I sail in 20 days and can't wait.=docdance

I do have a couple of questions for you....

Is the casino open onboard while crusing Alaska? I know they are technically off the coast, but I wasn't sure if they would be far enough out to be allowed to have the casinos open

Also...did you eat in the Supper Club? I'm considering trying it once since I've heard alot of positive feedback about it.

Any other tips on this ship? Favorite place to hang out at night? Favortie bar?

Thanks for any info!!!!

 

[Karry]

=welcome =homesign Glad you had a good trip. Thanks for the "review." One question: what is an ulu? =shrug =headscratch

 

[Jeana]

To: Cruising Rocks - YES the casino is open while cruising... NO we did not eat at the supper club b/c it was $30 per person - thought that was a bit high...

In the lobby they usually had a special drink time 5 pm to ??? can't remember... All different margaritas one day for $4.25 -- good price - very good, too! I had the melon margarita and can highly recommend it!

They had sushi appetizers at the "Shangi lounge"... excellent!

They had a naturalist on board the entire time to explain the scenery and where we were, the wildlife, etc. Bring binoculars! Lots of opportunities to spot eagles and whales all along the way...
You will LOVE this cruise! Take LOTS of photo capabilities!

We actually ended up just dining in the buffet after twice in the dining room because we wanted more time for viewing wildlife from the ship -- it was daylight almost 24 hrs a day! Loved it!

Any more questions - let me know!

 

[CruisingRocks]

Great info...thanks!!

How about the pool? Does it get much use during the day or is it too cold? Do they keep it covered?

Also...what about clothing? Do I need to worry about bringing a jacket? I've never been to Alaska during the summer time and have no idea what to expect. LOL


Sorry about the "million" questions.....just getting excited about the cruise! (can you tell??)

 

[Jeana]

Yes-Bring a jacket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You just do not know what the weather will be - cold/hot/rain/sun... in AK you have to be prepared for all weather all the time! What we did was bring a thermal shirt to wear under a regular shirt and then a jacket. Peel-able layers! We also brought "water proof shoes" for shore and excursions in case it rained. It was great (not really "hot" in case the weather turned warm). We also brought a down jacket which can be scrunched up easily for packing in carry ons, or I used it as a "blanket" on the airplane and/or pillow for airplane. I like to use a down jacket because they can be scrunched up to nearly nothing for packing.

The pool - they have a covered pool area that is kept WARM and you won't need a parka to get to! Also, a covered hot tub in the same area. The spa also has a hot tub - covered -- so if you enjoy the pool and hot tub, you should not have a problem with that on board. People do use the hot tub! (even the hot tub outside on deck). In times past I've even seen people use the hot tub when it was COLD in the areas around it!

You will have a GREAT time! If you "forget" anything - don't worry - you can buy whatever you need on shore or in the ship's shops. The bargains on shore are terriffic! Don't forget to get a coupon book at the pier getting on board - the coupons are awesome!

 

[6packEd]

We just got back from a back to back. Sailed on May 21 north and May 28 south. I liked the south better because we went thru the glacier area during the morning of the real first day of sailing. On the north bound you will be going thru it on the last day in the evening when you will either be at dinner or busy packing. This will be the only day to see the glaciers from the ship. Don't miss it. The rest of the time is nothing but trees and mountains.

Vancouver was not that bad for processing. I can't say anything about Whittier because we did not have to get off of the ship.

Don't buy any tours on board. They are cheaper and better from the booths at the docks.

Be sure to pick up the coupon books when you are in the docks. Don't waste your time going to those selling seminars on board. You will be surprised that all of those stores are the same as from the Caribbean, with the same people. The stores pay a promotional fee to the ship. This is also printed on those maps that they hand out.

Take binoculars and fit in with the rest of the crowd that sits at the window all day looking for a whale, bear, etc

We had excellent weather, in the 50's and no rain both weeks. Hardly anyone used the pool, they were too busy looking for whales etc.

The best way to see any wild life is to go on a tour or to the zoo. Don't waste you time on ship looking for it. Enjoy the cruising part and do the shows and activities.

Formal night is basically a joke. Do it only if you want but there were passengers wearing sweats. Save the room for other stuff.

Everyone that I talked to thought that the cruise lacked enthusiasm and excitement. Don't expect this to be a party or Caribbean cruise.

 

[Jeana]

To: Karry - just know saw I did not answer your question about "ulu" An ulu is what Alaskans use as a cutting tool. They usually come packaged with a wooden bowl. You will see them everywhere in Alaksa! Just mail them home if you buy one - or check with your cruise line. Apparently, some cruise lines allow them, but Carnival did not. However, I wasn't aware of that!

 

[Karry]

Jeana, thanks! (tu) I googled it. Did CCL ever give you a reason WHY they won't let you bring it on the ship?

 

[Jeana]

Apparently they consider it a "weapon" -- It is such a popular Alaska souvenir - who knew! Some cruise ships even sell it on board in their gift shops... oh well...

 

[Karry]

Jeana, I figured as much. You have to wonder what exactly they think we are going to do with these "leathal weapons" but these are the times...wonder if Paula Dean or Rachel Ray would have gotten on with the things! :grin

 

[Jeana]

The AK cruisers aren't exactly the type that would use a weapon! Maybe they thought I might use it to demand more lobster from my waiter?

 

[Karry]

One lobster/night is fine for me cuz I get the prime rib as a "side." But if they tell me I can only have ONE chocolate melting cake, the gun comes out of the holster!

 

[ausebelle]

Hi Brian!

Just an answer to your question re Supper Cub. One word FANTASTIC!!! Well worth the $30.00/head charge. We had 2 meals up there - both very memorable. Our last one was the night we sailed from Ketchikan. We (2 couples) were seated on top level on the port side windows. One of my most vivid memories was suddenly being aware that we had sailed - our reservation was for 6:30 and we sailed at 7:00. The views were amazing as we passed scenery which was jaw dropping gorgeous. Dining on prime beef, lobster etc., listening to a live duet below and enjoying the company of new friends. I remarked that where in this world (literally) could you find a restaurant of this calibre where your dining room view was changing by the minute. We left the Supper Club at 11:30pm and we were viewing in daylight almost the whole time!! You just cannot put a price on this type of experience. Oh, don't forget to have the dessert.:girly I thought the melting chocolate cake was YUM - and I had it more than once!!! At present I'm going thru cruising withdrawals - it was over much too quickly. HAVE A GREAT CRUISE AND DON'T HESITATE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS.

janette