Table Of Content
Our dinners did take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours each night, but they never really felt drawn out. The main pool is family-friendly and conveniently located near the small Aqua Park on the port side. We’ve breathed Alaska’s crisp air, marveled at its towering glaciers, and immersed ourselves in local cultures. We’re not just tourists but passionate explorers who have visited Alaska multiple times, by both land and sea.
Sailing Map
While still better than our original expectations, we did enjoy today’s lunch better than dinner. Taking the approximately six-minute trip up Mount Roberts from the lower terminal, we ascended to a height of about 1,800 feet. At the top, there are viewing platforms where you can look down onto Juneau and several of the docked cruise ships. Approaching 2 PM, and the cabins still not ready, we decided to grab some lunch at The Local Bar & Grill. This sit-down venue is a great complimentary option and alternative to the buffet. I sampled the chicken salad sandwich, while Don devoured some of what he calls the best chicken wings at sea.
Day 8 Alaska Cruise Review: Ketchikan Must-Dos
With a wide range of stylish and convenient suites and staterooms on the youngest fleet sailing Alaska, you’re guaranteed a great place to rest. Given our schedule and specialty dining package, we only ate dinner in the main dining room once as well. Still, our meal was great, and better than we remember the MDR food being on NCL. My bang-bang chicken and shrimp had plenty of kick, and the chocolate lava cake made for the perfect ending to a long day of sightseeing. The ship has some of the most unique itineraries, including a visit to Hawaii, providing for a once in a lifetime vacation.
Land Vacations
Whichever ship you choose, Alaska and the holiday of a lifetime await. Since we were being hosted by the cruise line on this sailing, we then met with our onboard contact before beginning our typical embarkation day routine. This took us up to the top of the ship where we began taking photos and videos for about the next 1.5 hours.
Night Alaska - Northbound WhittierDetails
NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly. Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay. Standard options include interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, and upgraded options include The Haven spa suites, penthouse suites, and 2-bedroom family villas.
Seattle Cruise Port: Your Gateway to Alaska Cruises in 2024
Which could be beneficial if you plan to get specialty coffees and bottled water daily aboard. Whether your Alaskan Cruise mirrors these ports or you’re merely exploring to see if this cruise suits your preferences, our sincere review is here to be your compass. Let our insights steer you toward discovering the perfect Alaskan Cruise tailored just for you.
Picking the Perfect 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary
The king-sized bed was located on the aft wall facing forward adjacent to the balcony, which is our preferred cabin orientation. This bed provided plenty of comfort after our long days and nights exploring all that Alaska and Norwegian Encore have to offer. However, music lovers need to head to the Cavern Club as well. This venue, inspired by the Liverpool landmark, is home to a Beatles cover band several nights and the ship’s resident rock band on the other evenings. This cozy place can get very busy, so make sure to get there early for optimal seating. On Deck 16, there is also the Garden Café, Norwegian Encore’s buffet.
All-Inclusive (+ Details On The Drink Package)
Icy Strait Point was a standout, offering a less crowded experience and incredible whale-watching opportunities. However, it’s worth noting that our ship docked at Ward Cove, Alaska’s newest cruise port, located 7 miles from downtown Ketchikan. While a free shuttle service was provided, the distance added a layer of inconvenience to our day. For entertainment, the Stardust Theater hosts live shows, and there are numerous bars and lounges where you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music. It’s a day to explore the ship’s offerings and find your favorite spots for the days ahead. We spent 10 days aboard the Norwegian Sun, sailing through Alaska’s most captivating ports.
Unforgettable vacations await: Norwegian Cruise Line takes you to bucket list destinations with unmatched flexibility ... - The Points Guy
Unforgettable vacations await: Norwegian Cruise Line takes you to bucket list destinations with unmatched flexibility ....
Posted: Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Tonight’s dinner was at Los Lobos, the Mexican specialty restaurant on Norwegian Encore, for 7 PM. What did throw off our timing a bit was the sequence this Captain took compared to our previous visits. However, our Captain on Norwegian Encore completed three full turns. Wanting to see what the view was like from our balcony, we then hurried our way up to our cabin in time to catch the view on the starboard side.
While we enjoyed the lido deck and Vibe, one of our favorite locales on the ship is the Waterfront. Encompassing most of deck 8, this 1/3-of-a-mile-long outdoor promenade features several bars and seating nooks. Further, cruisers can opt for al fresco dining at specialty restaurants such as Cagney’s Steakhouse or Onda by Scarpetta if the weather allows. Don’t worry, Norwegian’s Free at Sea has you covered with a free open bar, specialty dining, and even more perks.
We’ve poured hours into selecting the best Alaska itinerary and are already planning our next escapade. Explore more on your Alaska cruise by both land and sea in one seamless Alaska trip; plan an authentic vacation that goes beyond the expected. Witness nature at its most enticing with glacier-fed lakes and inspiring mountains. Feel a part of Alaska's individualist lifestyle as you visit local artist and fishing communities in Homer. Or put your bedtime on hold and join in Fairbanks' Midnight Sun events during the bright summer solstice.
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season - Cruise Critic
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season.
Posted: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This upscale Mexican restaurant offers a wide selection of classic starters and entrees, including the tableside-prepared fresh guacamole. There is also the cheesy, queso fundido, along with handhelds like quesadillas and burritos. Of course, you can’t help but order a margarita (or 2) while enjoying these selections. Other NCL favorites are also found on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship. You might also want to consider purchasing a pass to the Mandara Spa’s thermal suite. Week-long passes are available, as well as day passes on port days pending availability.
Despite the slight hiccup with the docking location, the port serves as a condensed version of Alaska’s beauty and culture. In summary, Skagway is a treasure trove of experiences, from its rich history to its modern-day charm. Freestyle Cruising® offers freedom and choices, enabling your vacation to unfold with as much adventure or relaxation as you want.
And if you’re short on time, our guide to picking the perfect 7-day itinerary will help you make the most of your trip. We also explored downtown Skagway, a delightful blend of the old and the new. And for the adrenaline junkies, don’t miss the helicopter tours with glacier landings. As the day wrapped up, we relaxed at a local brewery, the perfect end to a day brimming with adventure and history. Down on Deck 8, the Waterfront is lined with uniquely themed bars.
He never hesitated when we had an additional request throughout the week either. Whenever we saw him, he always made sure to say hi and ask us about our day. We had reservations for all the shows and never had problems getting seats about minutes before show time.
We think the Food Republic is a hidden gem, but for some reason the venue is never busy. With the specialty dining package, cruisers can order 4 plates off the menu. This makes it a great dining option with friends as you can share multiple plates.
No comments:
Post a Comment