Name: Terry Matull
Email: JMATULL@aol.com
Age: 48
Occupation: Customer Service Manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Dawn
SailingDate: June 27, 1998
Itinerary: Seward, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 75
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 07 Jul 1998
Time: 18:48:47
Remote Name: 12.7.130.82
Remote User:

Comments

This was our first cruise and we were a little aprehensive as to what to expect. I did a lot of research on the WEB reading reviews and tips and
hints from other cruise passengers and it really helped prepare us for the experience. I recommend this to any first time traveler.

Princess had booked us on a non-stop flight from San Francisco to Anchorage. We made the mistake of taking the bus into Anchorage to the
visitor's center to wait for a bus to Seward. If you arrive in the late morning as we did (11:00am) wait at the airport and take the buses to Seward
from there. You will arrive at the ship much earlier. We didn't get on a bus until 2:00 and arrived at the ship at 5:15pm. Long day. The
embarkation process was outstanding. You can go to any line to check in and it took all of 5 minutes! Do make sure to have all your paperwork
filled out first. Don't worry, they tell you several times what to do before you arrive.

Once on board they have many people to direct you to the correct deck. We were on the Carib (9th) deck in cabin C636. This was an outside
deluxe room and it was WONDERFUL. The twin beds were together and were comfortable. Plenty of space and everything fit perfectly. All our
suitcases fit easily under the bed, The picture window was great! Our room steward immediately came and introduced himself. A fresh bowl of
fruit was in the cabin and we called room service and asked that this be repeated each day, which it was.

This ship is very large yet never did we feel cramped or did we have to search for a seat of deck chair. The deck crew and lounge staff were
attentive but never pushy about buying drinks. You could, as we did, sit and just enjoy the scenery without drinking anything.

We had the late seating (8:15pm) and on the first night it wasn't until 9:15 pm. We weren't happy about being at a table of 4 and were changed
the next night to a table of 10. Much better to have a large group and we had a fun table. I thought the dinners in the dinning room were very
good. There were plenty of selections and anyone could find something they liked. We had rack of lamb, veal chops, lobster tails, prime rib, duck,
rabbit, escorgot, salmon, etc. etc. The breads were out of this world - reminded me of Europe. At the end of the cruise, I asked for a menu and
the Matri 'D gave me copies of all the dinner menus. A great keepsake.

My only complaint was the breakfast times in the dinning room were too short (7:00 -9:00AM). If you had the late seating and went to the shows
it would have been nice to sleep in a little. We like the service and rarely used the Horizon Court. Lunch in the dinning room was from 12:00 -
2:00 - good times and again a very nice selection.

The 24 hour buffet - Horizon Court, was OK. Too often is smelled like a cafeteria and the food overall was OK. There were items that looked very
good but I only ate fruit, an ocassional desert and one breakfast. Food like this just doesn't stay hot and tends to be overcooked. My husband
ate more from the buffet in the afternoon and enjoyed his selections. He was big on the deserts. We never ate at the Bistro (Horizon Court
became the Bistro at 7:00PM) but the menu looked interesting.

We found that the College Fjords and Prince William Sound was prettier than Glacier Bay but this is probably an individual thing. We saw
humpbacks, brown bear, orcas, bald eagles. Having a large window or balcony was a real plus during the cruise. Our first stop was Skagway.
Cute town but all we did was look and not buy - too expensive. We took the White Pass Railroad trip in the afternoon. $84/ea and it was a lovely
ride.

Second port was Juneau. Really enjoyed the Tram ride ($17/ea) and view from the top of the mountain. Took the helicopter ride to Hanes Glacier
($179/ea). WOW, this is something not to be missed. Rivers running through the glacier and waterfalls. Very interesting and beautiful. If you can
afford the price - do it.

One thing about booking shore excursions. I read that it was important to get up early the first day out to sea. THis is correct. I was waiting in
front of the doors by 5:30 am (6:00 am would have been OK). One other person was in front of me. By 7:00 am when they opened, there were
approximately 75 in line. What Princess doesn't say is that anyone who signs up for an escorted land trip has their shore excursions
automatically booked for them AHEAD of the rest of the passengers. This is not what the Princess booklet says. So, if there is a special excursion
you want be prepared to get up early or it may very well be sold out.

Ketchikan was also very pretty city but all we did was window shop and sit on the deck watching the sea planes land. It was about 75-80 degrees
and a beautiful day.

The disembarkation procedure in Vancouver was so organized. We were the first group off the ship. They disembark you according to the time of
your flight. Be prepared to claim your luggage dockside (they provide carts at no charge) and it is a very simple process going through
Canadian customs. You are then put on a bus and are off to the airport (30 minutes). Check in at the airport was a snap. We disembarked at
8:00 am and were sitting in front of our gate at the airport by 9:20 AM. It couldn't have been easier.

Overall the cruise exceeded my expectations. The staff, food, ammenities, shore excursions were an outstanding value. I also recommend using
Princess' air and land transfers. They know what the are doing. We would definately try Princess again.

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