J
JoeSlotz
Guest
Let me start by saying that we had a wonderful time, Alaska is a beautiful place, and I would go back in a heart beat. This is coming from someone who wasn't fond of the idea of going someplace cold in the summer. I was truly surprized. The problems we encountered, could not detract from this vacation.
My wife and I flew from Philadelphia to Vancouver via Chicago on United without incident. We left a day early to ensure making the ships departure on time. Airport Security and Customs was fairly fast and painless. We were picked up by the limo and taken to the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. This hotel is VERY nice, in downtown and withing walking distance of Canada Place where other cruise ships depart from. The Radiance leaves from Ballentyne Pier (heavy shipping area) which is not near anything. Downtown Vancouver is clean, safe, and offers one hell of a nice skyline and harbor view. The next morning we took a cab to Ballentyne Pier (about $20 CDN).
At the pier, their was a fairly long line for ship check-in. Lucky for us, my wife had us in a suite which includes a separate check-in line (no wait). Again, Customs and Security were fairly fast and painless. We boarded and went to our cabin. Let me say this... If you have never stayed in a Cat. B (or C) cabin, do it. They are beautiful and about twice as large as a standard cabin with a marble bathroom. This is where a few glitches popped in.
- My wife's birthday was on Sunday and RCL was told this. They assured me her birthday cake would be delivered on the proper day. It was delivered on Saturday. My wife was not happy. RCL did take it back and brought another on her birthday.
- My wife also purchased the Ultimate Romance package. This included, among other things, canopies (which were horrible), a dozen roses (which arrived very late) and after dinner sweets (which didn't arrive at all). After room service missed them on the first night, we called them. They apologized and didn't miss them again.
We then took a walk around the ship. The Radiance of the Sea is a big, luxurious lady. I was astounded by the size and details aboard her. Alot of wood, glass and brass. Simply amazing. The Centrum is simply astounding. From the Crown & Anchor Desk (Deck 12) you can see down to deck 4. You must see this ship to believe it.
Our first day found us cruising the Inside Passage. We didn't do any on-board activities, we just sat back and watched the scenery go by. We had lunch in "Chops". This is the ship's Steak House. All I can say is "Thats good eatin!". Around mid-afternoon, we were very surprized to see whales from the ship. We were told its not common that far south.
In Juneau, which is the largest port on the trip, we had to be tendered onshore. We took the Whale Watching & Orca Point Lodge tour. Now everyone talks about Capt. Larry's, but the Orca Point crew are very knowledgeable and know how to find the critters. As a matter of fact, they offer a guarentee, iIf they do not find whales and at least two other animal species, you each get $50 back. They haven't had to pay out yet. Well, they found them alright. We spotted Eagles, Stellar Seals, Dall Dolphins, and Humpback Whales (a highlight for my wife). I even saw two lighthouses (one of my other hobbies - bonus for me!) Sentinel Island and Point Retreat Lights. Afterwards, we stopped at Orca Point Lodge for lunch, which included King Salmon (with Orca Point sause), chicken, corn, etc. All were delicious. Then we got to explore their shoreline until it was time to leave. The area is simply spectactular. Afterwards we returned to Juneau and walked around, had a drink in the Red Dog Saloon, and did some shopping.
After we docked In Skagway, we got off early and explored the town. Most of the stores were just openning and were very similar to the ones we saw in Juneau. (Just replace Juneau with Skagway on the merchandise). We did find a gallery and bought a sculpture of a Humpback whale pushing its calf to the surface. We get something like this on every vacation. We were booked on the White Pass railroad and city tour. Which is a narrow gauge railroad that runs up through the mountains into Canada. Lovely scenery and good narration. The bus brought us back via Liarsville. This is a small camp where lunch is served. Again pink salmon, corn etc. Quite good. then you visit Liarsville and meet Don-Jack, one of the sled dogs at the camp. These guys are big and very friendly. Next up is the show. Like they say, music and bad jokes. Then you get to pan for some gold, they should know...they put it there. Then back to the bus for the trip to the Red Onion Saloon & Brothel. Its your typical show & tell ending up in the bar downstairs. From there we skipped the bus and walked back to the ship (about 15 minutes).
That night we left the calm waters of the inside channels and headed out to sea for our visit with Hubbard Glacier the next day. We awoke to bad weather, a swaying ship, and choppy water. Up to this point, the weather had been perfect. Now its raining, and cold. We enter the channel around 10:00 am and again the water calm down. It was about this time they openned th bow and helipad to passengers to view the glacier. From our balcony, we get to see icebergs (most are either white and turquoise blue) and Peidmont Glacier. Peidmont looks quite large until you get to see Hubbard. At this point the rain stops (at least I don't remember it raining). I can only assume (since there is nothing to judge scale from) that we are about 1/2-3/4 of a mile from Hubbard Glacier. Capt. Darren (a new captain on his first cruise on Radiance) starts rotating the ship on its axis (like a top) so everyone can see. The funny part was, it looked like a track and field meet on the deck with everyone following the glacier. Hubbard is emmence. If you look at the middle, the ends are out of your field of view. Mostly white and blue, it is breathtaking. Then it happens...CRACK-BOOM. A big piece calves off right before your eyes, plunges into the water and makes one helluva wave. This happened several times and caused ooos and ahhhs throughout the ship. This is a "must experience to appreciate" moment. Definitely a highlight. After about an hour, we head back out to sea towards Ketchican.
We dock in Ketchican about noon and get to walk around the shops until our tour van leaves. More stores, just replace other city name with Ketchican. Our tour is the Misty Fjords Flightseeing (Tacquan Air). There are six passengers and the pilot, I got the co-pilots seat outbound. The take-off and landings were surprizingly smooth as was the flight. They play a tape narration with music while the pilot shows you various point-of-interest. Then come the neat part. You land on a lake in the middle of a lake and walk out on the floats (pontoons). Its just so quiet and peaceful. We got to see three eagles on the shoreline. On the way back I traded with another passenger and got a different view on theway back. This tour is one of my highlights.
--Note: They ask that you leave all bags and backpacks at the terminal in a public locker. This is because space onboard these planes (DeHavilland Beaver) is tight, not uncomfortable, just tight. So if you don't need it, don't bring it. A camera is a must though!
Afterwards we walked around, had a drink and snack, and did our final shopping.
The next day we cruised the Inside Passage (a different portion) again. We had lunch in the "Portifino". This is the ship's Italian Restaurant. The food was not my taste (and I like Italian food), I liked about half of it as did my wife. We later made our donations to the casino. That afternoon, we packed and got ready for debarkation early.
Going home, the fun begins...
We got off the ship early in hopes of getting an earlier flight home. We used transfers to get to the airport. Here is where the "fun" began. You are issued colored and numbered tags and given designated areas to wait in before debarkation. We got off and boarded our bus... and there we sat. Here, after sitting on the bus for 20 minutes, a woman gets out of the bus and realizes that she was not only missing her husband (he was eating at Windjammers), but also her handicapped mother. I would have noticed that some time before. Finally the bus leaves and after a 30-40 minute ride we arrive at the airport. Our bags are unloaded from under the bus and we are allowed to get off and claim them. Mind you, at this point the line for ailine check-in is very short and we were trying to catch an earlier flight. Somewhere between the ship and the airport, they lost one of our bags. After being told to wait for the next few buses (about 45 minutes), its still a no show. We fill out a "lost baggage" form and take what luggage we have to check-in. Now the line is huge. This takes an hour. Finally we get to the counter and get put on stand-by for the earlier flight. At Vancouver International, Customs and Security is in about 5 stages. Stage one - Airport Improvement Fee - $8.00 USD, $10.00 CDN per person. Yes, you have to pay to leave Vancouver! Next, Canadian Customs, hand them the form and you are done. Third, US Customs, the line was a bit long but painless. Next, checked luggage security drop off. The conveyor belt had just been repaired, so there was a bit of a back-up. Luckily, we notice someone (airport personnel) running with our missing bag. I flag him down and regain our bag. RCCL did make the effort to get it to us. Next, metal detector and baggage scan. They even dusted our laptop and my camera. Finally, we can go to our gate. It the last one in the terminal. Its then you here that announcement "Final boarding call for flight..." The track meet begins. We make it, but now the plane is delayed for other late passengers. Guess who... its the women who left her husband and mother to board the bus! Aarrrgggh. We get to Chicago and make stand-by for the flight home. The question is, are our bags coming with us? The attendant said it would be against FAA regs to allow us on board if our luggage wasn't loaded. We arrive in Philly at 9:00 pm and go to baggage claim. Guess what, no bags what-so-ever. The baggage clerk, looks up our stubs and says they are on the next flight... in at midnight. So much for the FAA regs. Since we went stand-by, picking up our luggage is our problem. We decide we can pick them up tomorrow. I call for the van to get our car, no answer or its busy. Finally we flag down one of the vans and are told the hotle where we park was struck by lightning and all systems are down, that and the van is full. We wait for the next one. After 1-1/2 hours and 5 full vans, we get to our car. We got something to eat and decide to head back to the airport. The plan lands 30 minutes later with our bags. We finally go home. Thank god!
A few notes:
-- The Main Dining Room: We had second seating on the lower deck. We were seated next to a waiter's station, behind a column. When we asked to have our table changed, the manager wasn't very accomodating. Keep in mind, we had this cruise booked a year in advance. We ended up not moving. The food was usually OK to good depending on what you liked. There were several nights my wife ordered off menu. Nothing to right home about. Our waiter was OK, but his assistant would need repeated reminders for anything. He was coming to the end of an 8 month run.
-- Room service: Avoid it if you can. It seems they never deliver anything on time or as ordered. Everyone at our table had at least one problem with room service.
-- Pursers Desk; not very friendly but fast and efficent.
-- Cabin attendent: He was very friendly and helpful. The room was always spotless
-- Concierge: (Reminder, its was my wife's 40th birthday, she went over-the-top on this trip.) Willy was the on-board highlight of this trip. We really didn't expect to use his services but when we did, he was very helpful. We booked our excursions through him and he always knew what our drinks were when we can in.
Joe Slotz
My wife and I flew from Philadelphia to Vancouver via Chicago on United without incident. We left a day early to ensure making the ships departure on time. Airport Security and Customs was fairly fast and painless. We were picked up by the limo and taken to the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. This hotel is VERY nice, in downtown and withing walking distance of Canada Place where other cruise ships depart from. The Radiance leaves from Ballentyne Pier (heavy shipping area) which is not near anything. Downtown Vancouver is clean, safe, and offers one hell of a nice skyline and harbor view. The next morning we took a cab to Ballentyne Pier (about $20 CDN).
At the pier, their was a fairly long line for ship check-in. Lucky for us, my wife had us in a suite which includes a separate check-in line (no wait). Again, Customs and Security were fairly fast and painless. We boarded and went to our cabin. Let me say this... If you have never stayed in a Cat. B (or C) cabin, do it. They are beautiful and about twice as large as a standard cabin with a marble bathroom. This is where a few glitches popped in.
- My wife's birthday was on Sunday and RCL was told this. They assured me her birthday cake would be delivered on the proper day. It was delivered on Saturday. My wife was not happy. RCL did take it back and brought another on her birthday.
- My wife also purchased the Ultimate Romance package. This included, among other things, canopies (which were horrible), a dozen roses (which arrived very late) and after dinner sweets (which didn't arrive at all). After room service missed them on the first night, we called them. They apologized and didn't miss them again.
We then took a walk around the ship. The Radiance of the Sea is a big, luxurious lady. I was astounded by the size and details aboard her. Alot of wood, glass and brass. Simply amazing. The Centrum is simply astounding. From the Crown & Anchor Desk (Deck 12) you can see down to deck 4. You must see this ship to believe it.
Our first day found us cruising the Inside Passage. We didn't do any on-board activities, we just sat back and watched the scenery go by. We had lunch in "Chops". This is the ship's Steak House. All I can say is "Thats good eatin!". Around mid-afternoon, we were very surprized to see whales from the ship. We were told its not common that far south.
In Juneau, which is the largest port on the trip, we had to be tendered onshore. We took the Whale Watching & Orca Point Lodge tour. Now everyone talks about Capt. Larry's, but the Orca Point crew are very knowledgeable and know how to find the critters. As a matter of fact, they offer a guarentee, iIf they do not find whales and at least two other animal species, you each get $50 back. They haven't had to pay out yet. Well, they found them alright. We spotted Eagles, Stellar Seals, Dall Dolphins, and Humpback Whales (a highlight for my wife). I even saw two lighthouses (one of my other hobbies - bonus for me!) Sentinel Island and Point Retreat Lights. Afterwards, we stopped at Orca Point Lodge for lunch, which included King Salmon (with Orca Point sause), chicken, corn, etc. All were delicious. Then we got to explore their shoreline until it was time to leave. The area is simply spectactular. Afterwards we returned to Juneau and walked around, had a drink in the Red Dog Saloon, and did some shopping.
After we docked In Skagway, we got off early and explored the town. Most of the stores were just openning and were very similar to the ones we saw in Juneau. (Just replace Juneau with Skagway on the merchandise). We did find a gallery and bought a sculpture of a Humpback whale pushing its calf to the surface. We get something like this on every vacation. We were booked on the White Pass railroad and city tour. Which is a narrow gauge railroad that runs up through the mountains into Canada. Lovely scenery and good narration. The bus brought us back via Liarsville. This is a small camp where lunch is served. Again pink salmon, corn etc. Quite good. then you visit Liarsville and meet Don-Jack, one of the sled dogs at the camp. These guys are big and very friendly. Next up is the show. Like they say, music and bad jokes. Then you get to pan for some gold, they should know...they put it there. Then back to the bus for the trip to the Red Onion Saloon & Brothel. Its your typical show & tell ending up in the bar downstairs. From there we skipped the bus and walked back to the ship (about 15 minutes).
That night we left the calm waters of the inside channels and headed out to sea for our visit with Hubbard Glacier the next day. We awoke to bad weather, a swaying ship, and choppy water. Up to this point, the weather had been perfect. Now its raining, and cold. We enter the channel around 10:00 am and again the water calm down. It was about this time they openned th bow and helipad to passengers to view the glacier. From our balcony, we get to see icebergs (most are either white and turquoise blue) and Peidmont Glacier. Peidmont looks quite large until you get to see Hubbard. At this point the rain stops (at least I don't remember it raining). I can only assume (since there is nothing to judge scale from) that we are about 1/2-3/4 of a mile from Hubbard Glacier. Capt. Darren (a new captain on his first cruise on Radiance) starts rotating the ship on its axis (like a top) so everyone can see. The funny part was, it looked like a track and field meet on the deck with everyone following the glacier. Hubbard is emmence. If you look at the middle, the ends are out of your field of view. Mostly white and blue, it is breathtaking. Then it happens...CRACK-BOOM. A big piece calves off right before your eyes, plunges into the water and makes one helluva wave. This happened several times and caused ooos and ahhhs throughout the ship. This is a "must experience to appreciate" moment. Definitely a highlight. After about an hour, we head back out to sea towards Ketchican.
We dock in Ketchican about noon and get to walk around the shops until our tour van leaves. More stores, just replace other city name with Ketchican. Our tour is the Misty Fjords Flightseeing (Tacquan Air). There are six passengers and the pilot, I got the co-pilots seat outbound. The take-off and landings were surprizingly smooth as was the flight. They play a tape narration with music while the pilot shows you various point-of-interest. Then come the neat part. You land on a lake in the middle of a lake and walk out on the floats (pontoons). Its just so quiet and peaceful. We got to see three eagles on the shoreline. On the way back I traded with another passenger and got a different view on theway back. This tour is one of my highlights.
--Note: They ask that you leave all bags and backpacks at the terminal in a public locker. This is because space onboard these planes (DeHavilland Beaver) is tight, not uncomfortable, just tight. So if you don't need it, don't bring it. A camera is a must though!
Afterwards we walked around, had a drink and snack, and did our final shopping.
The next day we cruised the Inside Passage (a different portion) again. We had lunch in the "Portifino". This is the ship's Italian Restaurant. The food was not my taste (and I like Italian food), I liked about half of it as did my wife. We later made our donations to the casino. That afternoon, we packed and got ready for debarkation early.
Going home, the fun begins...
We got off the ship early in hopes of getting an earlier flight home. We used transfers to get to the airport. Here is where the "fun" began. You are issued colored and numbered tags and given designated areas to wait in before debarkation. We got off and boarded our bus... and there we sat. Here, after sitting on the bus for 20 minutes, a woman gets out of the bus and realizes that she was not only missing her husband (he was eating at Windjammers), but also her handicapped mother. I would have noticed that some time before. Finally the bus leaves and after a 30-40 minute ride we arrive at the airport. Our bags are unloaded from under the bus and we are allowed to get off and claim them. Mind you, at this point the line for ailine check-in is very short and we were trying to catch an earlier flight. Somewhere between the ship and the airport, they lost one of our bags. After being told to wait for the next few buses (about 45 minutes), its still a no show. We fill out a "lost baggage" form and take what luggage we have to check-in. Now the line is huge. This takes an hour. Finally we get to the counter and get put on stand-by for the earlier flight. At Vancouver International, Customs and Security is in about 5 stages. Stage one - Airport Improvement Fee - $8.00 USD, $10.00 CDN per person. Yes, you have to pay to leave Vancouver! Next, Canadian Customs, hand them the form and you are done. Third, US Customs, the line was a bit long but painless. Next, checked luggage security drop off. The conveyor belt had just been repaired, so there was a bit of a back-up. Luckily, we notice someone (airport personnel) running with our missing bag. I flag him down and regain our bag. RCCL did make the effort to get it to us. Next, metal detector and baggage scan. They even dusted our laptop and my camera. Finally, we can go to our gate. It the last one in the terminal. Its then you here that announcement "Final boarding call for flight..." The track meet begins. We make it, but now the plane is delayed for other late passengers. Guess who... its the women who left her husband and mother to board the bus! Aarrrgggh. We get to Chicago and make stand-by for the flight home. The question is, are our bags coming with us? The attendant said it would be against FAA regs to allow us on board if our luggage wasn't loaded. We arrive in Philly at 9:00 pm and go to baggage claim. Guess what, no bags what-so-ever. The baggage clerk, looks up our stubs and says they are on the next flight... in at midnight. So much for the FAA regs. Since we went stand-by, picking up our luggage is our problem. We decide we can pick them up tomorrow. I call for the van to get our car, no answer or its busy. Finally we flag down one of the vans and are told the hotle where we park was struck by lightning and all systems are down, that and the van is full. We wait for the next one. After 1-1/2 hours and 5 full vans, we get to our car. We got something to eat and decide to head back to the airport. The plan lands 30 minutes later with our bags. We finally go home. Thank god!
A few notes:
-- The Main Dining Room: We had second seating on the lower deck. We were seated next to a waiter's station, behind a column. When we asked to have our table changed, the manager wasn't very accomodating. Keep in mind, we had this cruise booked a year in advance. We ended up not moving. The food was usually OK to good depending on what you liked. There were several nights my wife ordered off menu. Nothing to right home about. Our waiter was OK, but his assistant would need repeated reminders for anything. He was coming to the end of an 8 month run.
-- Room service: Avoid it if you can. It seems they never deliver anything on time or as ordered. Everyone at our table had at least one problem with room service.
-- Pursers Desk; not very friendly but fast and efficent.
-- Cabin attendent: He was very friendly and helpful. The room was always spotless
-- Concierge: (Reminder, its was my wife's 40th birthday, she went over-the-top on this trip.) Willy was the on-board highlight of this trip. We really didn't expect to use his services but when we did, he was very helpful. We booked our excursions through him and he always knew what our drinks were when we can in.
Joe Slotz
