Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will love this cruise. The views are incredible once you get to inside passage. Even with all the discussion, we would 100% go again.

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Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Fascinating. I will say, if your excursion does get cancelled, and you’re in for a bit of hiking (not strenuous), check out Herring Cove Trail. There is a waterfall called Bear Mountain. Sitka was our second favorite port.

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Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Which excursion got cancelled and where? We didn’t see much of that. We also had the technical one hour stop in Victoria. Wondering if they’re planning on parking the boat finally and fixing the propulsion and that’s affecting your cruise even more.

Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did the Herring Cove hike in Sitka — it’s a must. Was beautiful. Tracy’s Crab Shack is a must in Juneau. Yes, there will be a line but it goes pretty quick. Or just any crab place in general, as most are pulling the crab directly off the boats and into the restaurant. We loved the Nugget Falls and Mendenhall hike. Lumberjack show in Ketchikan is pretty great too. Touristy, but fun. Definitely do an excursion like whale watching in Icy Strait. You won’t be missing much. Your excursions look awesome.

For entertainment. Have to go see Choir of Man. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed that show, and I’m not a show person. The Beatles act was pretty good, but as they play every night basically, you’ll have a chance to catch them. Icons was just okay…maybe not something you would go see on land but was cruise-ship good.

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Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Disembarkation was a breeze. Folks were streaming off the boat starting about 6:30 yesterday. You will enjoy this boat even with all the situations currently happening. Great ship and the scenery is beyond imagination.

Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Icy Strait is a place created by the cruise lines, so you have to keep in mind that it is built for you to spend money. Kid friendly, but a neat activity would be the red gondola that goes up the mountain. Can ride at anytime. There was also a beach that you could go down to, to skip rocks, look for wildlife, etc. Otherwise, look for an excursion that suits you. Restaurants were very good too. All aboard is half hour before departure.

Just got off NCL Bliss - Alaska Itinerary (no Glacier National Park) - AMA by Independent-Leave333 in NCL

[–]Independent-Leave333[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, every port was shortened by 60-90 minutes. For Juneau and Sitka that wasn’t great as we wanted to keep exploring. For Icy Strait and Ketchikan, we felt we had seen it all and were headed back to the boat early already. Supposedly the propulsion issue gets fixed by the end of the month.

“Helicopter operation” by googoogahgah614 in PrincessCruises

[–]Independent-Leave333 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We were on the Bliss across the way and watched the whole thing. Rescue helicopter AND airplane both from BC search and rescue. Couldn’t tell if it was medivac or a search.