Name: Doug Hembroff
Email: dough@dmscorp.com
Age: 44
Occupation: accounting
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Island
SailingDate: 6/11/98
Itinerary: Anchorage-Vancouver
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 75
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 26 Jun 1998
Time: 10:11:55
Remote Name: 209.3.239.10
Remote User:

Comments

I just returned fro 10 days on the Island Princess from Anchorage to Vancouver. Our itinerary was different from the usual Alaska ones in that we actually
sailed from Anchorage. It is my undersatnding that there are only about 12 sailings from Anchorage this year. Because of the huge tide (up to 39 feet)
and the low channel depts the larger ships can't get all the way up here.

Our first stop was Homer, where there was not a lot to see. I took a tour but
would suggest that you only use the shuttle bus if visiting. Next stop was Kodiak Island. Again took a tour that saw most of the sights near town including
some WWII sites, several museums and the local Coast Guard base. Walked around the fishing pier and town. Interesting little town. Seward was the
nexp port, we had a full day here rather than the short visit for other ships starting or ending cruises. Walked downtown to the new Sealife center but did
not enter as I arrived just as 4 buses did. It looked interesting and I heard positive comments. In the afternoon went on a tour to a glacier but din't have
much time there.

Next stop was to the local guides home-his original log cabin now absolutely gorgeous. Many intersting tales from him and his wife on
living in the wild. Very interesting stop. Next day was College fjord and we went right up to the Harvard glacier and stayed quite a while. Captain said that
we were within 4/10ths of a mile. As a comparison a HAL ship in front of us never got to within 5 miles of the same spot. Huge advantage to our smaller
ship and schedule! Hubbard glacier was next and this was awesome. I enjiyed this more than my Glacier bay visit several years ago. Juneau was next
stop and we only had a short day 7am-230pm. Rode to the top of Mt Roberts on the new tramway for a great view of Juneau. I would suggest to do this
early in the day before crowds arrive as I did. Also if you hike the look trail go the right at the firts fork. I believe the trail is easier if you travel
counterclockwise. Recommended stop. Rest of day was spent wandering around town. Upon sailing wew were informed by the Captain that he had just
received permission to visit Tracy Arm. This was not on our itineary and was a nice surprise. Very nice trip up small channel filled with ice and seals to a
gorgeous view of the glacier. Definite highlight!

Skagway visit was short as I took a bus tour into the Yukon territory, The bus route initially was on the
opposite side of the valley that the Yukon/White Pass railway uses but we went an additional 50 miles into Canada. Stopped at Frontierland for nice
barbeque lunch although the attraction itself was not very interesting. It did have a great collection of mounted wildlife. Numerous stops at secenic lakes.
Our guide Chad was great, even driving by his house to say hi to his dog! Ketchikan was last stop and just wandered around town for some shopping.
Creek Street is great stop.

Overall trip was great as our weather was perfect. After the first two days being cloudy we had more than a week of great
sunny days and warm temps (mid 60's to low 70's). Almost everywhere we went the locals said that it wasn'y usually like this! Made the trip fantastic. My
cabin was on the lowest deck, only 3 doors from the dining room. Little on the small side, but as I was alone this was no problem. Heard no noise from
cabins on either side. Overall really liked the smaller size ship. Short trips from one spot to another and lots of places to sit and read. Never had a feeling
that ship was crowded. Lots of open deck and loved that on the Bridge deck you were only serperated from the Captain by a low railing when he was on
the bridge wings bring the ship into/out of port. He was also very willing to talk when he wasn't busy. Ship was perfect for Alaska but I think I would prefer
a larger one for the Caribbean. Ship rode well although we did not hit much weather. Food was ok, but was not very impressed with the rolls/bread.
Missed having a pizzeria. One warning is that because of the smaller size ship there were not many options for food if you missed lunch or dinner other
than room service. Not a big problem as I went to Alaska for the scenery not the food. Overall a great cruise, everyone should try a small ship at least
once!

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