@norwegiancruiseline thank you for your comment. Happy to be a platinum latitudes member. But this itinerary is really rough with the short port days and amount of shuttles. Not a fan, wouldn't do Alaska on NCL again. Cruise in 2019 on the Joy was much, much better.
Me and my wife went on the next cruise. After you guys got back and we didn't have none of that. It didn't rain. There was no waves, nothing but blue skies and beautiful all through Alaska and hint Canada.
I found your video very interesting and informative. We are going first time to Alaska on Bliss (1st NCL) in June 2025. Got lots of notes from you, thx!
I always find it hilarious to see people respond to the wildlife in alaska and on the beaches. I grew up in oregon with some time also in Washington. Ive Left the Pacific Northwest but have always come back over my 54 yrs. Im glad to see people appreciate all of this stuff. I try never to take it for granted. I recognized everything that you talked about. I love this area. It also makes me of how large and diversified this country is, i probably wouldn't know a lot of the wild life from other areas. Im glad you enjoyed your cruise.
Thank you So much for this Amazing video and narrative! We are going on our first Cruise to Alaska in July on Holland American. Now I have an idea of what to expect. ❤️
Holland America will be much better, as I do not believe you will have to deal with shuttles at the ports (you should be docking right downtown). Big difference with the summer is more wildlife, and of course all stores will be open and excursions will be available. Have a great time!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re going on our first cruise - Alaska in October 2024! Super duper excited! I appreciate you focusing on the ports, especially navigating them. I have some mobiilty challenges so it’s great to have some perspective on what to expect. Question about the Starbucks on board - can you buy a la carte or do you have to get the drink package? I dont know if i can drink that much Starbucks in a week!
None, it's two different cards. I used points with Chase Ultimate Rewards that I had stacked up when I booked the trip, and Chase booking happened to have the Starbucks perk as an option. And for the lounges, I am assuming you are asking about airport lounges, and we use a Venture X Card by Capital One.
Great video. I am booked for a May 2025 cruise on the NCL Encore. Even though May is still early in the season, there are 6 cruise ships scheduled in every port we visit >_
Thank you so much for this video! I have a few questions: You mentioned Adventure Lab has a Geocaching tour in Sitka? Can you tell me more about that? I’ve never used Geocaching but I am very curious and this seems fun! What time does Starbucks open? Is there a mini Starbucks in the Garden Café Bar? At 1:55:55 you mention your favorite spot on the ship; is that the Observation Lounge or a different area? The funky creatures in the low tide that squirt water are called geoduck (we call them gooeyducks in Seattle); they are a type of clam! I think the weird orange things were anemones that were tucked into themselves due to being out of water. I could be wrong though! Thanks again & happy travels :)
@lunaesqueda7472 For Aventure Lab, just do a quick Google search for Adventure Lab Geocaching. It is a separate app, and the video they provide as an overview is much better than anything I can explain. But basically it's a walking tour where you have to also hit certain waypoints and answer questions. It's a lot of fun. For Starbucks, I believe it opened at 6 AM each day. There are no other locations than that one. And my favorite spot is called The Brewhouse. We didn't go there much on this Alaska cruise because of having the aft balcony, but on my last one I was there every day. I hate the Observation Lounge... way too many people.
@@journeywiththejaneks awesome! I initially downloaded the regular geocaching app, but now I have the Adventure Labs one and it's much more obvious. Thanks again for your tips :)
Wow what great videos ! We are going on the same Alaskan Cruise on the Bliss early July. Knowing what you know now, would you recommend any must do PAID excursions? Or simply doing what you all did you felt like you saw a lot etc? We haven’t booked any excursions yet, but looking at your videos, one can do the same thing the cruise line is offering for free! Appreciate all your awesome work on these videos! Thanks for your feedback!
We’re not super active adventurous , kids aged 13 & 10. Kids want to see bears and parents (wife & I) want to see the highlights of each stop, glaciers, whales, shops, local stuff etc. Thanks again
What time did you get on the ship please? Was boarding on Sunday morning? How did you get the unlimited Starbucks? Is Beatles available on Encore? Thanks!
Any regrets on port times and how far away the ship docks in port doing NCL? I really want to book with them, but I keep hearing to be aware of timing. Also, we are looking at doing September, less busy season - does that make any difference?
Question: I am thinking of doing another Alaska cruise but in April (prior May/June). Can you tell me what the weather was like more rain/snow (we had rain). Also were things open in port (shops) or more closed?
The week we went was rainy and overcast but the week after our trip had beautiful weather. So it's hit or miss. Many shops closed but the big ones were open.
All you can drink Starbucks on the Norwegian Cruise Ships?! I better not tell my wife that! LOL Paying money to see people work tour is not my cup of tea either. I would expect to see the bridge and engine room instead. Haven't been on NCL for about 25 years, going to the Bahamas. We enjoyed our Alaska trip, but it was on the Royal Caribbean. I'm a gold member. LOL!
What hotel did you stay at? We're taking this exact cruise in April 2025 and are looking for a hotel to stay in so we can fly in a day early. And thanks to your video, we actually booked the same room too!
We stayed at the Crown Plaza downtown. Easy to get to from the metro from SeaTac. We took an Uber the morning of the cruise to the port, but you could have walked. It was just too much luggage to be lugging around for our comfort. Go glad you booked an aft, it was amazing! We spent our $ there versus excursions and it was well worth it!
we stay at the Edgewater, which is literally steps to the ship..."over water" rooms, but can get pricey...but lots of other hotels really close to the pier...we will be there April 25th next year.
There are so many more to worry about in this world, like poverty, hunger, war, crime, etc, than to protest cruise ships. I understand you are concerned about the environment, but this is a fight that could take a back seat to other more pressing things in our lives.
Thats the beauty of freedom and different opinions and priorities...just because you don't agree, doesn't make it less important. Furthermore, there are many people who protest for different causes...doesn't have to be one or the other. You shouldn't be so closed-minded. Kind of sad.
@@mdred2276 If you get motion sick at all in the car, I would definitely prepare. Worst case, you don't need the Dramamine, but I would bring some anyways! Or, often on the cruises they have complimentary motion sickness pills available at guest services.
@@journeywiththejaneks Ignore the hater; this video was awesome! Thanks for taking the time to document your trip and for compiling it all into one video. It was super helpful for planning my upcoming Alaskan trip on the Bliss, and now I can manage my expectations about port times. Happy travels :)
Thank you for sharing your review of Norwegian Bliss! 💙
@norwegiancruiseline thank you for your comment. Happy to be a platinum latitudes member. But this itinerary is really rough with the short port days and amount of shuttles. Not a fan, wouldn't do Alaska on NCL again. Cruise in 2019 on the Joy was much, much better.
You are very easy to understand. I like your detail and thanks for not having that overwhelming background music
Thank you!
Me and my wife went on the next cruise. After you guys got back and we didn't have none of that. It didn't rain. There was no waves, nothing but blue skies and beautiful all through Alaska and hint Canada.
@@karlarriola2306 Yep we saw the weather the following week. Crazy how different it was!
@@journeywiththejaneks im still watching your video right now
I found your video very interesting and informative. We are going first time to Alaska on Bliss (1st NCL) in June 2025. Got lots of notes from you, thx!
@@SandyRoyles enjoy!
I always find it hilarious to see people respond to the wildlife in alaska and on the beaches. I grew up in oregon with some time also in Washington. Ive Left the Pacific Northwest but have always come back over my 54 yrs. Im glad to see people appreciate all of this stuff. I try never to take it for granted. I recognized everything that you talked about. I love this area.
It also makes me of how large and diversified this country is, i probably wouldn't know a lot of the wild life from other areas. Im glad you enjoyed your cruise.
Definitely! Just like when people come to Florida and see dolphins (total yawn for us).
@@TroyOttosen-jg7ttare you a liberal?
Thanks for my Sunday morning Alaska cruise.
Thank you for this very informative video. I’m going on my first cruise to Alaska in April 2025 and now I’m even more excited.
@@pamelaburgess-noaafederal752 you will love it. Just have an open mind regarding weather and it will be great.
1:04:15, behind is the State Office Building, where most people in Juneau work.
Thanks for sharing your cruise. We’re going on the Bliss to Alaska in August.
Have a great time!!!
Thanks so much
Skagway has one terminal where it looks like the ship is coming up Main St. It's in images on Google.
Thank you So much for this Amazing video and narrative! We are going on our first Cruise to Alaska in July on Holland American. Now I have an idea of what to expect. ❤️
Holland America will be much better, as I do not believe you will have to deal with shuttles at the ports (you should be docking right downtown). Big difference with the summer is more wildlife, and of course all stores will be open and excursions will be available. Have a great time!
Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it, please let me know if you have any questions!
Great video, thank you
Thanks! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re going on our first cruise - Alaska in October 2024! Super duper excited!
I appreciate you focusing on the ports, especially navigating them. I have some mobiilty challenges so it’s great to have some perspective on what to expect.
Question about the Starbucks on board - can you buy a la carte or do you have to get the drink package? I dont know if i can drink that much Starbucks in a week!
@@onceajrzgrl You can buy a la carte for Starbucks! Enjoy your trip!
Hello - Thank you for the very nice video. Questions - What kind of Chase card has the Starbuck Perks and Lounge access? TIA
None, it's two different cards. I used points with Chase Ultimate Rewards that I had stacked up when I booked the trip, and Chase booking happened to have the Starbucks perk as an option. And for the lounges, I am assuming you are asking about airport lounges, and we use a Venture X Card by Capital One.
Great video. I am booked for a May 2025 cruise on the NCL Encore. Even though May is still early in the season, there are 6 cruise ships scheduled in every port we visit >_
@snow56border You will have a great time. I've done most of the NCL ships but Encore is one of the few I have not been on get.
@@journeywiththejaneks cool. I specifically picked this itinerary for the glacier bay national park cruising day.
This was easily one of the best cruise vlogs I have watched. Your style of sharing was very engaging…and were those things in IPS octopus 🐙??
Thank you for your compliment! Those things were starfish called sunflower sea stars!
I remember you from the Seattle airport
Thank you so much for this video! I have a few questions:
You mentioned Adventure Lab has a Geocaching tour in Sitka? Can you tell me more about that? I’ve never used Geocaching but I am very curious and this seems fun!
What time does Starbucks open? Is there a mini Starbucks in the Garden Café Bar?
At 1:55:55 you mention your favorite spot on the ship; is that the Observation Lounge or a different area?
The funky creatures in the low tide that squirt water are called geoduck (we call them gooeyducks in Seattle); they are a type of clam! I think the weird orange things were anemones that were tucked into themselves due to being out of water. I could be wrong though!
Thanks again & happy travels :)
@lunaesqueda7472
For Aventure Lab, just do a quick Google search for Adventure Lab Geocaching. It is a separate app, and the video they provide as an overview is much better than anything I can explain. But basically it's a walking tour where you have to also hit certain waypoints and answer questions. It's a lot of fun.
For Starbucks, I believe it opened at 6 AM each day. There are no other locations than that one.
And my favorite spot is called The Brewhouse. We didn't go there much on this Alaska cruise because of having the aft balcony, but on my last one I was there every day. I hate the Observation Lounge... way too many people.
@@journeywiththejaneks awesome! I initially downloaded the regular geocaching app, but now I have the Adventure Labs one and it's much more obvious. Thanks again for your tips :)
@lunaesqueda7472 yes if you click on an adventurelab in the geocaching app it will bring you to the other app :)
Glad San Francisco typically has only one ship boarding ❤(Crown Princess 2024)
Wow what great videos ! We are going on the same Alaskan Cruise on the Bliss early July. Knowing what you know now, would you recommend any must do PAID excursions? Or simply doing what you all did you felt like you saw a lot etc?
We haven’t booked any excursions yet, but looking at your videos, one can do the same thing the cruise line is offering for free!
Appreciate all your awesome work on these videos! Thanks for your feedback!
How active / adventurous do you want to be? I did this cruise in July in 2019 and can give recommendations for sure.
We’re not super active adventurous , kids aged 13 & 10. Kids want to see bears and parents (wife & I) want to see the highlights of each stop, glaciers, whales, shops, local stuff etc. Thanks again
Very informative
Glad it was helpful!
What time did you get on the ship please? Was boarding on Sunday morning? How did you get the unlimited Starbucks? Is Beatles available on Encore? Thanks!
We boarded about 1 PM on Saturday. The Starbucks package is something you can buy, but we got it as a promo when we booked with Chase.
Thank you! You booked via Chase Bank? Do you know…Beatles on Encore?
Any regrets on port times and how far away the ship docks in port doing NCL? I really want to book with them, but I keep hearing to be aware of timing. Also, we are looking at doing September, less busy season - does that make any difference?
@@michellebone6577 I wouldn't book an Alaska cruise with NCL again due to these issues.
Question: I am thinking of doing another Alaska cruise but in April (prior May/June). Can you tell me what the weather was like more rain/snow (we had rain). Also were things open in port (shops) or more closed?
The week we went was rainy and overcast but the week after our trip had beautiful weather. So it's hit or miss. Many shops closed but the big ones were open.
Is there an electrical outlet in the bathroom?
I do not believe there is one. Normally the bathrooms on the cruise ships don't, or if they do, they have a shaver outlet.
Is there a launderette on the Bliss
There is a laundry service. Around Day 5, you can do a whole bag for $34, but there is no self-service laundry available.
no self serve laundry
@markanderson4163 Correct. No self serve.
All you can drink Starbucks on the Norwegian Cruise Ships?! I better not tell my wife that! LOL Paying money to see people work tour is not my cup of tea either. I would expect to see the bridge and engine room instead. Haven't been on NCL for about 25 years, going to the Bahamas. We enjoyed our Alaska trip, but it was on the Royal Caribbean. I'm a gold member. LOL!
@@KatyandMe I didn't pay for the tour. It was free as a Latitudes Platinum member. I wouldn't have paid for it either :)
NCL SUN is not unlimited so I’m guessing this NCL isn’t as well. $15 daily maximum.
@@Kuropii0 This was 100% unlimited with the Starbucks specific package. We drank 4-5 beverages a day.
What hotel did you stay at? We're taking this exact cruise in April 2025 and are looking for a hotel to stay in so we can fly in a day early. And thanks to your video, we actually booked the same room too!
We stayed at the Crown Plaza downtown. Easy to get to from the metro from SeaTac. We took an Uber the morning of the cruise to the port, but you could have walked. It was just too much luggage to be lugging around for our comfort. Go glad you booked an aft, it was amazing! We spent our $ there versus excursions and it was well worth it!
we stay at the Edgewater, which is literally steps to the ship..."over water" rooms, but can get pricey...but lots of other hotels really close to the pier...we will be there April 25th next year.
What month did you go?
We left on April 6th, the first cruise of the entire season.
There are so many more to worry about in this world, like poverty, hunger, war, crime, etc, than to protest cruise ships. I understand you are concerned about the environment, but this is a fight that could take a back seat to other more pressing things in our lives.
And these protesters got there by driving their gas burning cars! LOL
Thats the beauty of freedom and different opinions and priorities...just because you don't agree, doesn't make it less important.
Furthermore, there are many people who protest for different causes...doesn't have to be one or the other.
You shouldn't be so closed-minded. Kind of sad.
@@sanderson8352BLAH, BLAH, BLAH
HAWK TUAH
Her: there it is
Me: looking at treetops
Are you talking about an eagle in the treetops? If so, I promise there's one there.
Is that a whale @43:38?
@Kuropii0 no unfortunately, just a wave breaking over a rock.
If you get seasick, take your medicine (patch or pills) the day before or as soon as you wake up. Once you are sick, it's too late.
@@joannechludzinski1805 Thank you, I made a whole video about seasickness tip as well.
If it’s your first cruise how do you know you’ll get seasick? I’ve never been on one so I’m not sure if I am 😮.
@@mdred2276 If you get motion sick at all in the car, I would definitely prepare. Worst case, you don't need the Dramamine, but I would bring some anyways! Or, often on the cruises they have complimentary motion sickness pills available at guest services.
Too long and boring!!!
Yep, it sure is. That's because it's ALL of my 1-day videos combined into one. Each of the daily videos are less than 20 minutes long.
@@journeywiththejaneks Ignore the hater; this video was awesome! Thanks for taking the time to document your trip and for compiling it all into one video. It was super helpful for planning my upcoming Alaskan trip on the Bliss, and now I can manage my expectations about port times. Happy travels :)