I am glad I use Princess in Alaska. Just walk off into the city. Love Ketchikan.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

It is a fabulous city. We may consider Princess next time! Thanks for watching!!!

@bigguy1403

Ай бұрын

​@@TravellingWithTeensprincess is awesome for Alaska

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

@bigguy1403 so we’ve heard! They’re on our list for sure! Thanks for watching!

@vickymatous5512

29 күн бұрын

I’m so glad to hear this! I’ve booked on Princess to Alaska for 2025!

@joelroach416

28 күн бұрын

@@vickymatous5512 I will be on Caribbean May 5th-17th 2025. I feel very sure that you will enjoy your trip.

I’m glad I visited Ketchikan when I lived there BEFORE all the cruise ships. I can’t believe how “tourism” has changed it.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

The number of ships in port on any given day is very concerning, we imagine it’s changed the town a lot! Thanks for watching!

Best advice when picking any cruise is your itinerary and how long you are in each port. You’ve got to have time to explore…..that’s why we cruise!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We did! We were meant to go to Glacier Bay and Skagway… but NCL changed our itinerary! And due to our flights and the kids’ school exams we couldn’t move to another cruise. Thanks for watching!

@jlawrence0181

21 күн бұрын

That is a point that is not brought up - time in port. The cheaper NCL and Celebrity crises have port stops of 6-9 hours. Where as many of the HAL and Princess cruises have 10-13 hours stop .

@christinegibson4147

14 күн бұрын

They change them all the time anyway.

@TravellingWithTeens

14 күн бұрын

Yes! THIS

Just back from Alaskan Cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas, Royal Carribean - no issues at all with Meals, docking, getting on/off ship - docked in great places at all ports, Shuttles if needed ran smoothly - never an issue with restuarants included in cruise - defineately go with them again. A smaller and older ship but no complaints - had an amazing time - well organised and run

@TravellingWithTeens

15 күн бұрын

We’re on RCCL in August (for the first time!) so that’s great to hear. Thanks for watching!

@levyfarm8529

7 күн бұрын

Loyal to Royal for a reason! Did this cruise 2023 summer on the Ovation. Bucket list! Everything from the ship to the ports was amazing ❤

@TravellingWithTeens

7 күн бұрын

@levyfarm8529 great to hear! We’re taking our first RCCL cruise in August, and we are very excited

We have cruised a lot with Norwegian (small & large ships) and have never seen anything like this before, please don’t let it put you off trying NCL again. The Lumber Jack show looked great fun and the town itself looked interesting to wander around.

One of the benefits of cruising HAL is they have priority at the main dock, no bus to get to town. Stay safe and thanks for sharing

@bleumustang6362

Ай бұрын

Ohh im so glad i am going on a HAL in july!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We will go back to Alaska, possibly on HAL, once the kids are grown. Thanks for watching!

@lisal2092

20 күн бұрын

Absolutely! Was in Ketchikan last month on HAL and we docked right in town. Was a wonderful day! HAL all the way. ❤

@TravellingWithTeens

19 күн бұрын

@lisal2092 thanks for confirming!

@barbarascott7699

17 күн бұрын

Sorry what is HAL?

Our first trip to Alaska was in 2010 on Princess. My sister forgot to bring a jacket with her. Turned out to be a good thing. We still wear our jackets from that trip. In 2019 we went back to Alaska on HAL, bought new jackets. I still wear mine from our first trip. We'll be going next year on Princess again. New jackets, good prices and they last.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We REALLY liked the jackets, they looked great! Coming from the UK though, our winter wardrobes are overflowing. Thanks for your great story and for watching!

Sorry you had such a poor experience getting back on the ship, but I really appreciate seeing things like this! Ketchikan looks lovely though, great video ☺️

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Thanks, Lucy! Looking forward to more of your Marella content!

The itineraries I have looked at specify whether they are docking at Ward Cove or Ketchikan. And for the record, Ketchikan is actually a year 'round community. Most of the residents avoid the areas that are overrun by cruisers during the day, so the cruisers may only see the carpet bagger army that runs the cheesy gift shops, but there are 12,000+ people who live there all year. It is actually a pleasant visit during the off season, there are regular flights to Seattle and Juneau and ferry service up and down the coast.

@TravellingWithTeens

10 күн бұрын

Thanks for the info, we loved it and would happily go back at any time of year… although probably not at peak season and probably not with NCL

I loved my time in Ketchikan last summer. Enjoyed the lumberjack show. I went on Holland American Eurodam

@TravellingWithTeens

28 күн бұрын

We loved it there too! Thanks for watching!

Just don’t go on NCL, I was a travel agent for 30 years and never had good comments from clients that insisted on going on them due to the price. You get what you pay for. I never wanted to go on them.

@sharonsalzberg2654

8 күн бұрын

I know a couple , notorious for saving a buck, who regularly cruise NCL. They recently went on an Alaskan cruise and never said anything about it. They boast about how savvy they are about saving money when traveling. My husband and I would never visit Alaska, and certainly would never cruise on NCL again , which we cruised on once, 14 years ago. We prefer to spend lavishly when we travel: best restaurants, hotels etc. Never understood how bragging about being cheap was an admirable trait.

@sharonsalzberg2654

8 күн бұрын

Alaska looks awful. Touristy and boring

@chriswilliams6568

8 күн бұрын

@@sharonsalzberg2654 have you ever been, take a cruise tour, it is delightful, but start or end in Vancouver as from Seattle many do not go up the inside passage on the east side of Vancouver Island. Touristy areas are popular due to s reason, people like them. Don’t have an opinion until you have been. So many itineraries to choose from.

@TravellingWithTeens

8 күн бұрын

@sharonsalzberg2654 luckily, there’s choices for everyone and every budget! Thanks for watching!

I was on the Westerdam relocation b2b from Japan 6 weeks ago. There were 4 cruise ships in the harbor and Ketchican was a zoo. But I've been there before and enjoyed it.

@TravellingWithTeens

5 күн бұрын

It’s a shame when these ports get Overwhelmed with passengers, it can ruin the experience. We were happy to be the only ship in! Thanks for watching!

We took this same cruise 2 weeks ago. Had Absolutely no problems eating when returning from the bus to Ketchikan. Remember, you are on a ship with 4000 people!!! As for NCL not giving you enough time in a port to do everything you want to, maybe choose another cruise with a different itinerary.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We did choose another itinerary ( NCL changed this itinerary on us, and we couldn’t move our cruise due to flights and the kids’ schools). Glad you had a better experience, many thanks for watching

@lowspark3958

Ай бұрын

I like the "on us" so american .. your not the only .. ​@@TravellingWithTeens

I visited Ketchikan in 2017 on the Norwegian Sun (much smaller ship) and we docked in Ketchikan. I took a flightseeing trip into Misty Fjords and we flew directly over the ship!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

That sounds AMAZING. Thanks for watching!

Thank you SO MUCH for this "reality" video, these are the kinds of videos I really need to plan my trip, not some glossed-over versions of Tubers who are getting paid/free cruises by painting a perfect picture. I was sketchy on going to Ward Cove because I wanted more time to see Ketchikan, so I guess it will be Princess or HAL now.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

That’s probably a good move, if Ketchikan is high on your priority list! Thanks for watching, and for your lovely comments!!!

@RobertaHanscom

Ай бұрын

HAL is my choice through Alaska cruising. Great berths, skip the waterfront street full of gimcracks, head for Native goods outlets, enjoy the local eats at a local restaurant. Ketchikan = Lumberjack show! Walk to it off the ship.

@montyboswell6509

11 күн бұрын

Princess and HAL are the best to see Alaska! They have been cruising Alaska the longest, have history in Alaska, and have the most sailings in Glacier Bay, which is not to be missed. I believe the only lines with authorization to enter Glacier Bay, in addition to these two, are Cunard, Seabourn, Viking, and NCL. Lois

@TravellingWithTeens

11 күн бұрын

@montyboswell6509 I think you’re right!

I saw another video saying NCL cannot manage its crowds. There was chaos as well. I was considering trying NCL for my 2nd cruise, but seeing how far they dock at the ports and not able to manage crowds, I don't want to book with them. My first cruise was to Alaska with another cruise line, and I had a wonderful time! I want to go to Alaska again so I can do things I didn't get to do the first time. BTW, I hope things go better on your next NCL cruise!

@TravellingWithTeens

2 күн бұрын

Thank you, and we hope so too! Good luck finding the right cruise line for you!!!

Part of the problem with the buffet is campers. Some people will eat and eat and eat then just stay there playing on their phones or visiting. I just got off the Encore this morning, and saw this type of behavior many times. Of course, those cruisers are on vacation, and the staff will not ask them to give up their table so someone else can sit. Sometimes it's best to grab some food, put an empty plate over it to cover, and go to another location, like your cabin, to eat it.

@TravellingWithTeens

28 күн бұрын

We tend to avoid busy times, apart from this once, so normally don’t have a problem with this. We don’t think it helps that on cold weather cruises, everyone piles indoors and nobody wants to sit outside despite the heaters in the ceiling. Thanks for watching!

We were also part of that mess, too. We were lucky since we’d done the Crab Feast, so we were not needing lunch. There just wasn’t enough time in Ketchikan.

@TravellingWithTeens

27 күн бұрын

So glad to hear from someone who understands! There was just something not quite right about it from an organisational side. Hope you enjoyed your Crab Feast and your cruise, thank you for watching!!!

Especially in Alaska, I'd use any other line besides NCL because of Ketchikan. Wards Cove was a bad idea, but ut probably saved NCL money in the long run over docking downtown.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Yes, we agree - though Ward Cove is a good shopping destination if you can’t travel far. Thanks for watching!

@icedteamama176

Ай бұрын

Corporate greed 😢

Your ship was parked at the Mill where I used to work. Which is also about 1/2 mile from where I grew up in Ward Cove. Good video.

@TravellingWithTeens

10 сағат бұрын

Ward Cove is beautiful! Next time we go, we’ll explore that area more

You asked if this was normal for NCL. It very much is on their larger ships. I try to stick their smaller 2400 passenger ships. Added benift is that the smaller ships can dock closer to town. I have been on the Bliiss before and didn't like the crowds whatsoever. The Food Republic you tried to go to is the silver lining of the ship. Fantastic Food

@TravellingWithTeens

4 күн бұрын

That’s good to know. We do prefer slightly smaller ships, our favourite so far being the Celebrity Constellation. We booked the Prima for Christmas/NYE as it fits our dates, and ticks off sailing out of NYC on our Bucket List… we feel a bit more prepared for NCL this time, and aren’t so focused on the ports, so hopefully it will be more relaxing

This was my first cruise ever, I was disappointed in the amount of time in port and long lines and wait to get on shuttle . I actually saw myself on your video 😅. That day we went to America Cafe and had a wait cold wait but food was good. I agree more restaurants should be open on short days at Port.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Hello fellow passenger! Hope you had a great cruise regardless of the waits!

@chriswilliams6568

Ай бұрын

The times are listed that each ship is in a port, choose accordingly. HAL and Princess have most of the day in each port.

We went last summer to Alaska on Viking Orion. It was amazing! Never trouble getting amazing food. Never waited in lines to get on or off the ship.

@TravellingWithTeens

15 күн бұрын

Viking! That’s one cruise line we have our eye on at some point in the future! (Without teens)

We’re sailing to Alaska the 1st week of September. On the Celebrity Edge. We have been on many Celebrity cruises and never had any issues. Hopefully all will go well. We sailed several years ago on NCL Epic and had the same crowd problems. We’re trying NCL next year for our Canada New England cruise. Our travel agent said it’s a small ship. NCL Gem, so she doesn’t think we will have the same problems as the experience on the Epic. I really wanted to do Celebrity CL for Canada New England but it’s 12 Nights & 12 Nights is too long for my husband.

@TravellingWithTeens

Күн бұрын

I’m sure you’ll have a great time. We love Celebrity, it’s our favourite cruise line!!!

We just went beginning of may with Celebrity and everything was amazing! We had a sunny warm day in Ketchikan and went kayaking, absolutely beautiful! Took an NCL last year and never again, terrible food.

@TravellingWithTeens

15 күн бұрын

There were a couple things that we would class at ‘terrible’ (but then, why on earth did I grab the Green Tea Cheesecake?!) - but on the whole the food was ok. Thing is, on a cruise, you want better than ‘ok’. At least we do

We were on he Bliss a few weeks later, but were in The Haven. We had some business at home to take care of first thing that morning that delayed us disembarking early. By the time we disembarked the line to get to town was extremely long and we would’ve only had a coupe of hours before coming back. I was terribly disappointed. We made the best of it and walked around and did some shopping in The Mill, then decided to order crab from the little truck outside The Mill…best decision of the cruise! It was so good, the view of the ship docked in front of us and a relaxing few hours made for a great plan B. Plus, we weren’t hungry when we got back on the ship. Just sharing so your other viewers have an idea of what to do if they end up in our predicament. 😊

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We really liked the look of The Mill and the food truck sounds amazing! Sometimes the simplest things to do ended up being the most enjoyable. Glad you had a good time and very useful info for other cruisers. Thanks so much!

So, I took the same cruise as you last year. We did not have the same issue with food as you did, but I was very unhappy with where NCL docks in Ketchikan or Juneau. Ketchikan is my favorite port (it was our 3rd trip) and because of the distance from the port and the amount of people on the ship having to be shuttled, we had very little time in town. I was not happy. Needless to say, I will never cruise on NCL to Alaska again. We have an Alaska Cruisetour booked for next June, but this time on Royal Caribbean. I should have stayed loyal to Royal!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

How interesting! We’re about to do our first RCCL cruise in the summer (the Med) and are really looking forward to it. Thank you for your perspective, it was our first time in Alaska (and NCL) and we didn’t know what was normal what was not. Thank you for watching!

@lennysmith529

Ай бұрын

We just got back last week, from an NCL Alaskan cruise, and I totally agree with you, where NCL docks is terrible, we did the Saxman village tour which I didn’t care for, and the lumberjack show which was great, but because of where NCL was docked we didn’t have anytime in Ketchikan, and will not take NCL again if we ever go back to Alaska

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Wow, we thought it was just us! Thank you for watching, and for taking the time to comment!

@jojoinrancho320

Ай бұрын

@@TravellingWithTeens I did the Mediterranean in 2009 on Royal’s Voyager of the Seas. Had a great time!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

@jojoinrancho320 thank you so much! We’re really looking forward to it

I have been enjoying your videos because I will be on the same cruise next April on the Bliss. First cruise of the season but it is 10 days. The ship arrives in Ketchikan at 7AM but departs at 6PM so I'm guessing this is longer than your stay? The shortest seems to be Juneau, arrives at 7A departs a 2PM. But Victoria arrives at 11:30 and departs at 7:30PM. But I am anticipating rain, snow, fog and knowing it is VERY early in the season that many attractions that are popular will not be operating. Thanks to your video, I will be anticipating somewhat rough seas that first night which seems to be normal. Thank you for your videos and insights! This makes me very excited for my trip next year!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Sounds like you will have a much better itinerary and port times than us! Have a great trip, and thanks for watching!

The Aleutian Ballard boat is a great experience if you like watching Deadliest Catch tv show. Quick view of it when heading back in on the left..

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We will check that out! Thanks!

@lisal2092

20 күн бұрын

I went on that excursion. Was fabulous!

@TravellingWithTeens

19 күн бұрын

Jealous!

I had a similar shuttle issue on the week of 5/11. Got in line at 11:15 to catch the shuttle, took more than an hour. Couldn’t find food when I got back.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

It’s not good enough, is it?! We were the first cruise of the year, so we really hoped they’d sorted things by May… obviously not! Sorry to hear your story, hope you had a great cruise regardless

We travelled on NCL to Ketchikan on its inaugural Alaskan Season and at that time they docked in town. It is unfortunate that they are now in Wards Cove. It is unfortunate that you had a difficult time getting back on ship in a timely manner and getting some food. It sounds like everyone decided to go back onto the ship at the same time and eat at the same time. Just like rush hour traffic, one can only go so fast when everyone else decides to do the same thing at the same time. I hope your Christmas cruise is a better experience.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Thank you! We hope so too!

We were on the Oceania Regatta at the same time as your cruise. The dining problem existed on a small ship too! Everyone seems to eat at the same time, and there is not enough seating. We sat outside as well, which is not great in colder weather. I believe cruises to warmer climates will not have such a major dining/seating problem. Alaska beauty makes these problems seem small!

@TravellingWithTeens

17 күн бұрын

You’re right! The beauty was the reason we went, not the food. We just hit two consecutive problems with NCL (after many others in the previous days) and felt a little fed up with the organisation of the line. Thanks for watching!

I was there in September 2022 and love Ketchikan. Used to work on Princess ships and always loved Alaska. We used to do 19 or 20 cruises per season and once I was there for the entirety. Last time I nearly had a heart attack when I ordered a Flat White coffee and it was over USD 7.00. It wasn't even that great either.

@TravellingWithTeens

9 күн бұрын

Prices in all the cruise ports have really gone up, haven’t they? We cruised the Greek islands last year and the prices had skyrocketed from what we were used to!

We went last October on Celebrity. We docked at Ketchikan...we did not have to bus in to town.

@TravellingWithTeens

2 сағат бұрын

That’s what we’ve heard about Celebrity! Seems NCL seems to be the only odd one out!

The breakfast looks delicious

@TravellingWithTeens

23 күн бұрын

It was! So nice to support a local business that wasn’t a chain… highly recommend

New sub here from Arizona. Our upcoming trips are: A Princess cruise in Oct out of NY to cruise New England and Canada to hopefully see the fall colors. Then Christmas Eve fly to London for a week. Really enjoyed your video and look forward to seeing more!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much, you’ve got some great trips booked there! Thanks for watching and especially for subscribing! We won’t let you down with our future content, we promise!

@theresak4343

Ай бұрын

I live in New England, I do hope you're not disappointed, for sure you will see fall colors. So beautiful. Happy cruising!

@mmc9828

Ай бұрын

@@theresak4343 Thank you!

We got the same bus driver! We were on the Encore though last week.

@TravellingWithTeens

29 күн бұрын

Jonathan is a legend! Hope you had a great time

We did Holland America and docked close to the city makes a big difference.

@TravellingWithTeens

17 күн бұрын

That would have been ideal

NCL docks at Ward Cove quite a ways from town. Lines for bus to Ketchikan was 25 minutes long. Return line was just as long. With 4.5 hours in port it is definitely not worth going into town. Just go to the Mill and get some t-shirts & magnets. Very touristy location. Will not bother to disembark ship next time.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We feel you! Thanks for watching!

thanks. going there next year Sep 25 and will be on carnival Spirit. This is one of the towns that i really want to tour.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Have a great time! Thanks so much for watching!

In Ketchikan early May 2024. Loved it even with the ubiquitous liquid sun. Nice people, quaint historic town. 'Touristy' of course. Don't miss the saloon and have a Duck Fart.

@TravellingWithTeens

9 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, we really loved it too! Thanks for watching!

I've been to Ketchikan several times on various cruise lines. (BTW, HAL is the best for ALASKA) Ketchikan is my absolute least liked cruise port. Nothing but shops of junk and touristy crap. One should go to Alaska for the NATURE, not the shopping. It's an artificial village made just for tourists and actually closes down in the off season. Many shop keepers don't even live in Alaska. It's just a major rip off for many people.

@lynnewilliams542

17 күн бұрын

I go for the shopping. I have been 15 times and I live in BC. Lots of scenery

I'll be on the Bliss in two weeks. I've got that lumberjack show booked. With the $50 Free at sea credit, it's a steal.

@TravellingWithTeens

28 күн бұрын

It is! That’s a great use of the Free At Sea credit! Have a great cruise!!!

I watched your video, and it brought back both good and bad memories. Our very first cruise was from Seattle to Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice in August 2016. Our very first port was Ketchikan. Like you. we did not have an excustion, but just wanted to explore the town..We did a Duck Boat tour and it was both informativie and fun. Our driver pointed out some shops and restaurants that were run by locals, and were highly recommended. We were very happy with everything we did and saw, and have wonderful memories of Ketchikan. Also, we thoroughly enjoyed Celebrity and everything about our cruise. We have taken several more cruises over the years, and never experienced any "chaos" like you did, unntil..... In January 2023, we booked a Panama Canal cruise on NCL, on the Norwegian Bliss, and our chaos experience began at LAX, when NCL did not have enough buses or trucks to pick up passengers and luggage for the passengers that they booked our flights. We waited in line for about 3 hours before heading out to the terminal where more chaos awaited us. When we got there, we found thousands waiting in line. Supposedly, we had "priority" boarding and a scheduled time, but it didn't matter. Everryone was in the same chaotic line. When we got to the check-in station, they could not find our room keys. So, they sent us to board with a note to make the keys at the boarding. It was difficult to get thru security, then when we boarded, we had to wait more that 1/2 hour to get our room keys. Of course, we were not alone. We got to wait and discuss our frustration with about 20 other passengers. We were on a 15 day cruise from LA to Miami through the Panama Canal. Going through the Canal was a wonderful experience.. We had several other chaotic experiences, that I will not discuss. There were several things that we liked, especially the shows like Six and Jersey Boys, and the other entertainment. Mostly, the food and service in Savor and Taste and the Main Dining Room were very good. The Observation Lounge was wonderful. We especially enjoyed Antigua in Guatemala, and Cartegena. Then, when we got to Miami, unbelieveably more Chaos awaited us, in NCL's brand new beautiful multi-million dollar terminal. It took hours of waiting in the theater, then in line to exit the Bliss, and even more lines to get through customs. Like, they didn't know how many people they had to process out. Our Miami tour, then run to the airport was cut short as we departed 2-3 hours late. I firmly believe the the "C" in NCL definitely stands for "chaos". We will take another NCL cruise. We did another 15 day cruise earlier this year on Holland American from Sydney around New Zealand to Aucklund. What a wonderful experience. Embarcation Day was a breeze. From when we exited our taxi, we were on board the ship in less than 15 minutes. Leaving the ship in Aucklund was just as easy. We thoroughly enjoyed this experience so much, our next cruise next month to Norway, Iceland, and Scotland are also on Holland America. If I were you, I would reconsider your NCL plans. Good luck!

@TravellingWithTeens

19 күн бұрын

Wow. I’m so sorry that all happened!

@martyptx

17 күн бұрын

@@TravellingWithTeens Thank you. It’s interesting that I never heard anything like that from NCL.

@TravellingWithTeens

17 күн бұрын

I get the impression they don’t apologise (or bend), no matter what. Someone please correct me if I am wrong

@monikaliebold4225

15 күн бұрын

​@@TravellingWithTeensI'm loyal guest with NCL for decades. In November 2023 cruising with Bliss from LA there were 45 minutes to wait in line, not for boarding process, but for passing through security. Boarding process itself took just 10 minutes (late boarding). Cruise in December 2023 from San Diego back home to Moorea with Spirit 10 minutes security line and 5 minutes !! boarding time (again late boarding). In my experience for boarding process best option with less or nearly none waiting time is either early bird or late boarding. From my experience regarding "rush hour" food situation on board, when all guests coming back from port to ship is all the same with major cruise lines. I experienced this also on cruises with Summit (Celebrity Cruises). So generally, to avoid this "rush hour" with food, I take something to drink or grab a coffee, find a quiet place (for example Waterfront deck 8 on Bliss is perfect), relax and enjoy sail away. So, mostly one hour later food situation is getting normal, doesn't matter which cruise line, either with NCL or any other.

@TravellingWithTeens

15 күн бұрын

@monikaliebold4225 we agree, and we appreciate it’s busy when everyone gets back on, but after 25 years of crushing both as crew and as passengers, this was next-level chaos. NCL should know people’s dining patterns based on experience. It was as if the crew were shocked and didn’t know what to do with the mad rush, so they just shrugged and said ‘it is what it is’. Not good enough on that day, in our opinion… but we appreciate your POV completely! Thanks for watching!

Did the Bliss last September to Alaska. We were in the Haven and it was fabulous!!

@TravellingWithTeens

7 күн бұрын

Haven is on our list! Looks amazing, and a totally different experience

@user-ig8fs4qs1v

6 күн бұрын

We are booked on the Bliss in the Haven in July 2025. Can't wait!!

@TravellingWithTeens

6 күн бұрын

Have an amazing time!!!

Thank you for the warning. I will pay attention to time big time when we are docked there. Not sure if I should use surprised or sad face here. Going to see if other modes of transportation are available there just in case.

@TravellingWithTeens

29 күн бұрын

We reckon that’s a good idea. There were taxis, etc but they seemed all booked up. In hindsight, we should have booked one

We love NCL. on our B2B Alaska from Vancouver they kept mdr open an extra hour to get every one in. Princess from Galveston was the disappointment.

@TravellingWithTeens

13 күн бұрын

That’s good to know about the MDR… wish they’d done that for us!

I have gone on 13 cruises. NCL WAS ONE OF MY FIRST CRUISES. Never went back to NCL

@TravellingWithTeens

29 күн бұрын

Oh really! That’s interesting. From our perspective, they’ve got one shot to redeem themselves (we’re on the Prima over Christmas and New Year). We’ll let you know!

@SDanson-jt3zl

3 күн бұрын

I cruised NCL in 1999. I found their excursions were not what was described in their brochures. I felt they were misrepresenting what was actually offered by the vendors. This was pre-internet (widespread use at least) so I wrote them a letter when I got home. No response at all. I’ve never sailed them again. I’m sure they are suffering from the loss of my business. 😂 As a side note my daughter lives in Ketchikan so we are very familiar. I would not cruise any line that docks in Ward Cove. It’s way too far from the town. Too much time in transit.

@TravellingWithTeens

3 күн бұрын

@SDanson-jt3zl Thank you for your comments. Their customer service does seem a little lacking, even now. How wonderful that your daughter lives in Ketchikan, such a beautiful place. Thanks for watching!

What time of year did you go as I can see everyone is wearing heavy coats. We go end June and hoping to take rain coats and layers?

@TravellingWithTeens

29 күн бұрын

We were there the first week in April, earliest Alaska cruise ever. Don’t worry, you should be fine

When comes to shuttles in Alaska it on same level as a tender to use that as an example. Many times people such as Captain and Cruise Director be like please don't wait for last tender and or shuttle due to this. Many times it about 50/50 some people can't help it due as that when there tour comes back, while others usually wait till last minute. While on the Falkland Islands the last tender was at 4:00 p.m. (16:00) as was a huge long line like you experience. It pushed back their sail away time 2 hours due they had to shuttle so many people back to the ship as the travel time was 20 minutes. I would said if you got back to the shuttle an hour earlier you wouldn't have experience this. I am not sure if you guys were delay in town for some reason. That as also what you experience in the dining room it was same reason everyone went back to the ship and went for lunch at the same time.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We appreciate what you’re saying; however, the ship knew how many passengers would be returning, and that they would all want to eat at the same time. Having an additional dining room open would have alleviated this. We couldn’t get back any earlier because we were watching the show, as were hundreds of others on the same ship

I just got back yesterday from princess in Alaska and it was amazing and not at all like this. I recommend princess for Alaska hands down.

@TravellingWithTeens

11 күн бұрын

Yes, we think we will!

I have been on eight cruises with seven different lines. NCL was absolutely the worst. Indifferent service, constant crowds at ALL food locations, tiny entertainment venues, and constant chaos and disorder. I am booked for two cruises in Alaska this September - - seven days on Celebrity and fourteen days on Holland America. I have had only great experiences on both. And BOTH cruises were priced at $55-80 per night. My DW says that she would go on Costa again before another NCL cruise..

@TravellingWithTeens

21 күн бұрын

We are huge Celebrity fans, agree the prices are pretty reasonable… I think sometimes less than we pay for NCL! Haven’t tried HAL yet, it’s on the list. We’ll give the Prima a try at Christmas, but if that doesn’t go well it’ll be our last NCL cruise, ever. Thanks for watching!

@martyptx

19 күн бұрын

@@TravellingWithTeens You must definitely try HAL. You will never consider NCL again.

The Mill had a clearance section with great prices. Stuff was probably less than half price.

@TravellingWithTeens

11 күн бұрын

What, on our sailing? I wish I’d seen that!

I have never sailed NCL to Alaska so I can't comment on that itinerary, I can say though that I've never had this experience on an NCL Caribbean Cruise, and I've taken several.

@TravellingWithTeens

16 күн бұрын

That’s good to know, very reassuring. Thank you for watching

Holland, Princess or Celebrity only in Alaska. Or anywhere else.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We’re HUGE Celebrity fans, and have two booked in the next two years! Thanks for watching!!!

Is there a shuttle to cross the bridge? Thanks for a great review.

@TravellingWithTeens

8 күн бұрын

There are mobility carts to help passengers over the footbridge at the dock. Is that what you’re referring to?

@trbarton743

8 күн бұрын

One must for any trip to Alaska, an 🌂.

@TravellingWithTeens

8 күн бұрын

Absolutely!

You went in April? Was the ship full? Did your boys enjoy the cruise? What time did you get off the ship in Ketchikan (without breakfast)? We’re thinking of going on first Alaskan cruise with Encore with our 15 yr old son but now seriously considering other ships…thank you for sharing your experience!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Yes, we went the first week in April. The ship was full but never felt too crowded… apart from the Ketchikan day. We got off the ship that day at 7am and walked onto the shuttle without waiting. Our boys had a fantastic time, and we are sure you will too! Thanks for watching!

@icedteamama176

Ай бұрын

@@TravellingWithTeens thank you! We enjoyed NCL Prima last April (Bermuda). Great food at Indulge Food Hall and The Local. 😊

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

@icedteamama176 great! We’re on Prima at Christmas and can’t wait!

Cruisers have commented that Cruise lines don't spend enough time in ports but if so you have to plan. Other people obviously had the same idea as you and that's why the mass of people at the shuttle / ship venues.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We agree, but when the cruise line says last shuttle at 12, you should be fine at 11.45. Also, the majority of passengers wanting to eat lunch at 12.45/1.00 should not have come as a surprise to NCL. They just weren’t ready for it, and not willing to bend

What fates were you there? How was the weather? We are thinking of going next May

@TravellingWithTeens

3 күн бұрын

We were the first week in April. Cold, but not unbearable. Didn’t stop us doing anything. Thanks for watching!

Wow NCL really parks super far from downtown!

@TravellingWithTeens

26 күн бұрын

Yep, they do!

You all got lucky with the short bus lines in Ketchikan! Yes, those were short lines for the Ward Cove shuttles. Usually they extend well beyond the boarded walkways and shops to the tune of 20-40 minute waits before arriving at the covered shed in the video.

@TravellingWithTeens

26 күн бұрын

Oh my goodness, that is CRAZY.

@fogsmart

25 күн бұрын

And NCL could give a darn…

@TravellingWithTeens

25 күн бұрын

And THAT is our issue… no one on NCL seemed to care.

I was on the NCL Encore last October. It took us over an hour waiting in line to get on a bus to get into Ketchikan. The worse disembarkation for a port I ever experienced. Wouldn’t go back again.

@tennesseegail3719

Ай бұрын

On NCL that is. They can’t handle the large amount of passengers. Closed dining rooms and expected everyone to eat at the Local and had a portion of that closed off putting in new floors during a time when everyone was coming back to the ship hungry! NCL won’t get my business again.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

There’s just a serious logistics issue on NCL that needs addressing. It feels like passengers don’t matter! We appreciate you watching, and it’s nice to hear from someone who feels the same!

@tennesseegail3719

10 күн бұрын

I was on that ship in October too. Such disorganization! Took forever to get downtown and back. Only The Local was open to eat for the entire ship! NCL has difficulty managing their ships. I will never travel on NCL again .

@TravellingWithTeens

10 күн бұрын

@tennesseegail3719 that’s shocking, but not unexpected. Hope the rest of your cruise was enjoyable!

wow we always docked down town

@TravellingWithTeens

17 күн бұрын

Yes, it seems it’s only NCL that doesn’t!

Ncl, beautiful ships but they can't organize anything efficiently. Took a panorama canal cruise with them, it was a gong show getting people off the ship onto the waiting buses. The ship was at fault and we lost time off the ship because of them.

@TravellingWithTeens

15 күн бұрын

Sadly, that sounds all too familiar. There is so much potential with NCL, and we feel it’s only management (not staff, but management ethos and procedures) that are letting them down at times

We were on Crown Princess May 4-15. It was complete disorganization. Staff were not as friendly as we’re used to, the food was so-so, the shows were not very good, left hand didn’t know what right hand was doing, and I’m still waiting to hear back from them about our folio. Extremely disappointed!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

That’s a shame! We’ve had good experiences with Princess, we think it’s hit or miss sometimes with management on specific ships. Thanks for watching!

@bigguy1403

Ай бұрын

O that sucks didn't want to hear that. Were on Princess in 30 days to Alaska...sorry about your cruise.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Don’t get us wrong. We had a great time! Just a few management and customer service ussues to sort, that’s all! Have a great cruise!

As a Tour Driver in Ketchikan I can tell You Norwegian docking at nasty Ward cove and Bussing Passenger's to Dock 4 is a joke, There docking there because it saves them Money that's not how to treat Your Passengers. Everyone of there Ships that comes in is always on tight turnarounds, Other ships spend a lot more time here and still run the very same runs. I think its because the Ship want You back on the ship to sell You Alcohol and Bingo cards during Your FUN DAY AT SEA

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We absolutely LOVED Ketchikan, and found the tour drivers and everyone working there brilliant. NCL, as you’ve pointed out, needs to do a bit better. Thanks for watching, and have a great season!

@thomasgayer5621

13 күн бұрын

We had an eskimo driver sing Get off my lawn between ward cove and downtown. We saw Creek Street and the lumberjack show, and enjoyed shopping at the Mill. We liked ward cove as we saw the average school, mcDs, walmart etc on our way to town free.

@TravellingWithTeens

13 күн бұрын

@thomasgayer5621 I think you may also have had Jonathan as a driver! He also pointed out Walmart etc

If you go on Alaskan cruise always go on holland American they are the best or Princess

@TravellingWithTeens

25 күн бұрын

Well definitely consider that next time! Thanks for watching!

@faithcollins8169

15 күн бұрын

We used Princess….it was great.

@TravellingWithTeens

15 күн бұрын

@faithcollins8169 so we’ve heard! Next time…

Our FB organizer hired a private shuttle and we were able to get seats.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

That’s a really good idea! Thanks for watching!!!

As far as chaos on the big ships, some of that has to do with Alaska, things are different in Alaska. Some has to do with being on a big ship. I prefer the smaller NCL ships. They are allowed to dock closer and stay long in most of the Alaskan ports, plus we've always done one direction Alaskan cruise. As for Christmas cruises, you will need to book things as early as you can. Not sure of your ship but smaller ships have the Great Outdoors on the fantail for breakfast - faster than the main buffet. Bused, tendor ports are more chaos. Those you can walk on and off are less chaotic

@TravellingWithTeens

16 күн бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

I liked Wards Cove. It is better with the smaller ships since the larger ships crowd the ports. I went on the double-decker bus just for the round trip sightseeing. I went on an excursion to a park near Wards Cove. When I was n Alaska in 2018 I went on an all day excursion so don't remember anything about the town. I did not know that the main dining rooms were ever open on a port day. When they are open on sea days the closing time is to give the crew enough time to get the venue cleaned up and ready for dinner with hopefully some time for the staff to get a little bit of a break. You folks seem to like being negative so that attitude will negatively affect your cruise experience.

@TravellingWithTeens

11 күн бұрын

Thank you for your comments, your experience sounds amazing. This is our 57th video on KZread, but if you watch the others you will see it is our first to show any negativity (and, even then, only at the end). Just so you - and anyone else reading these comments - are clear: we don’t enjoy being negative… we just enjoy cursing and travel! And when a couple things go wrong in rapid succession, we’re going to talk about it. We find vloggers who constantly put a negative spin on cruising to be boring and distasteful, so we don’t watch

Is there not room service? i agree that it is way too early to leave the port and they should have more eating places open.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Thank you! There is room service if you pay for it, but we didn’t want to feel forced to do so. Also, imagine the wait for room service when everything else was over capacity! We appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!

Seems like the moral of the story is to cruise on a line that ports near the place everyone is going to, versus miles away? NCL tries to make this out like a benefit but as you've been able to document - not so much 🤔

@TravellingWithTeens

8 күн бұрын

Indeed! Though it can run smoothly if the cruise line organises it better!

Your video has me concerned. We will be taking this ship on our very first 7 day cruise, and to Alaska. 1) Did you experience chaos through the whole cruise or just Ketchikan? 2) Would you recommend NCL cruises? 3) Is mealtime like that every time? 4) What changes did NCL make in your itinerary? We are going at an even busier time of year and now I'm worried we made a mistake. 😬

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

1) No, just Ketchikan. 2) We really liked the ship, and there really is something for everyone to enjoy onboard. Isn’t our favourite cruise line? No. Would we cruise them again? Yes, if the price was right. 3) Mealtime was ONLY like that on that day, which is why we pointed it out. It was unusual! 4) NCL changed our itinerary MASSIVELY. Taking away both Glacier Bay and Skagway, replacing them with Icy Strait Point and Sitka… nice ports, but not what we booked! Also, port times shrunk a lot in the months leading up to embarkation. But please don’t worry, having watched our video you will know to plan accordingly, and no doubt avoid the chaos we endured. We’re sure you’ll have a wonderful cruise, cruising is great and the is one morning did NOT ruin our trip AT ALL!

@ReeceS6419

Ай бұрын

@@TravellingWithTeens Oh thank you for reassuring me. It's very expensive to begin with and I sure didn't need to feel like we would be wasting our money. We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary and this is a bucket list trip. So looking forward to it!!! So sorry to hear they took away Glacier Bay and Skagway. I would love to see those ports as well. I just don't understand how the cruise line can get away with that. It's false advertisement! I know you were so disappointed! Take care 🛳️

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

@ReeceS6419 40 years! You deserve the best cruise ever! Have a great one

We went to The Lumberjack Show. I would have rather walked around the town. Very campy and a waste of time. We also toured Totem Park. Tourist trap.

@TravellingWithTeens

11 күн бұрын

We managed to squeeze the Show In between walking around the town, and we’re glad we did, but we know it’s not for everyone. Thanks for watching!

Holland America next time

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We have been looking… but not sure it would work with our teens!

We were on Norwegian Bliss about a week before your journey, and had the exact same problems! Not enough time in the ports, not enough buses, and very crowded restaurants. Also, a lot of us got very sick…. Horrible, hacking, cough and cold and some got Covid….

@TravellingWithTeens

25 күн бұрын

Oh dear, that sounds awful. Hope you’ve recovered and hope none of it ruined your cruise completely

Have you ever had experiences like this with Norwegian Cruise Line? Please let us know, we want to know if this is normal or not!!!

@lauriestrong9972

Ай бұрын

It’s normal. So glad I cruise with Holland America. As has been said in other comments, check your itinerary carefully. Also, talk to a travel agent who specializes in cruising if you’re not inclined to do several hours of your own research

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Hi there! We were hoping it wasn’t normal, as we’ve got NCL booked over Christmas, but as you’ve said it appears endemic with NCL. We research exhaustively, but when NCL changed the entire itinerary so drastically, after we’d already bought flights, there was little we could do but make the best of every port. We did a good job of that, they just let us down a bit in Ketchikan.

Obviously a NCL glitch in their programming. A bit confused why they would charge you, or why you would choose a charter, around Ketchikan when you can walk.

@TravellingWithTeens

10 күн бұрын

To be clear, the shuttles were free into Ketchikan, and then we walked around (also for free). We didn’t walk from The Mill at Ward Cove because it was over 7 miles. Thank you for watching!

Use Holland America , best. Cruise to Alaska, and less hassle

@TravellingWithTeens

12 күн бұрын

The food looks AMAZING on Holland America!

Guess you should have booked Royal

@TravellingWithTeens

29 күн бұрын

Indeed!

So what happened?! What was going on?! Is this just a one off? So weird

@TravellingWithTeens

3 күн бұрын

We think it was just a combination of poor management (NCL not knowing how many passengers were off the ship and in Ketchikan still) and the fact that it was so early in the season that Ketchikan was down on drivers for the buses. We got back in the end!

I’m not a fan of the ships docking at Ward Cove. I love Ketchikan and am very disappointed with the short time we are given there. I think you said you are on the Prima next. time? We’ve done Alaska on the Bliss and it was similar to your experience both times. We made the best of it. The Prima (in the Caribbean) was totally different! Lots of interesting choices of where to eat and a whole different experience. I hope you love it!

@TravellingWithTeens

27 күн бұрын

That is JUST what we needed to hear, and from someone who can draw an exact comparison! Thank you so much for putting our minds at ease!!!

This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I think Tony should do all the talking. I rarely understood a word that Beth said.

Ok so you miss a meal? You are ready to bail off NCL? I've been on 27 cruises and it does happen. Have a cocktail and relax, we all could stand to miss a meal or two. All cruises are like that on short days. EVERYONE wants OFF and then then EVERYONE wants back on. It's vacation relax.

That is so NCL does not pay the head tax / person…I love NCL but don’t think that is very fair.

@TravellingWithTeens

21 күн бұрын

Interesting!

Do a Disney Cruise! Much better!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

We have done three with Disney! (Check out our other vids) but not to Alaska. Is it worth the price difference on that route?

@TA-007

Ай бұрын

@TravellingWithTeens We have been Disney Cruise to Alaska 4 time's, NO Nickel & Dine you !!! To death!

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

@TA-007 good to know!

Never a good idea to be plan to return on the last shuttle as crowds and waits are likely.

@TravellingWithTeens

29 күн бұрын

True! But even more so with NCL’s reduced port time. We were one of the first off the ship, and still felt rushed. Plus, NCL should know by now that with only 4 hours or so in port, people are going to want to spend as much time there as possible. We know we could have handled it differently by, for instance, skipping the Lumberjack Show, but why should we do that? In our opinion, NCL should balance their tiny port times by having more transport laid on

@jahnacarlson3528

28 күн бұрын

@TravellingWithTeens there are always trade-offs. Baded on this video, it appears that you were disappointed with NCL and would not recommend them for an Alaka cruise?

@TravellingWithTeens

28 күн бұрын

@jahnacarlson3528 we enjoyed our cruise! This was just alone element that was, in our opinion, poorly handled. If we’d known how hectic it was going to be, we would have made different arrangements. We hope our video helps others to be aware for their own forward planning in Ketchikan with NCL

NCL - my least favorite cruise line. NCL’s Prima - my least favorite ship.

@TravellingWithTeens

8 күн бұрын

Oh dear! We’re booked on the Prima over Christmas and New Year! Look out for those vlogs in early 2025!!!

What a depressing viedo…I go to the gym almost everyday..sweat…remember sweat?….im 72…can’t take the crowds of people walking around , remind me of a flock of sheep…looking at the group trying to get back to ship….with all the long lines…what a waste of time…can’t wait to see all the viedos of your vacation….nice couple….going to the gym…..

@TravellingWithTeens

5 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching! We hope you like the rest… they’re not all depressing!

You do not use the word “Eskimo” it is old European and derogatory. They are indigenous or if further up north they are Inuit.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Hi, thank you for your comment. As Jonathan referred to himself as a Upik Eskimo both in person and in his post on our KZread channel, we felt not only safe to use the term, but we felt it was how Jonathan preferred to identify. I understand your point, and we struggled with how to word it, and in the end we chose to use Jonathan’s own words and terminology.

@chriswilliams6568

Ай бұрын

@@TravellingWithTeens ok, thx. I guess it is the difference between the Canadian indigenous and USA . Thank you

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

No problem! We fully expected someone to ask!

@bigguy1403

Ай бұрын

What about Eskimo ice cream sandwich. They still use the same silver wrapper with Eskimos on it...seems a bit crazy

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

That may change! Aunt Jemima did!

Every cruise video I see says Norwegian is the worse cruise line there is. How are they still in business?

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

Don’t get us wrong: there were lots of REALLY positive things, and this was the only port we had an issue with. But they do need to fix things! Thanks for watching!!!

@cookieloughran5140

Ай бұрын

1and done. Cheap food and drinks, poor maintenance overall. Worse to ever. Too crowded. Opt for smaller ships.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

@cookieloughran5140 we like smaller ships too!

We have cruised a lot with Norwegian (small & large ships) and have never seen anything like this before, please don’t let it put you off trying NCL again. The Lumber Jack show looked great fun and the town itself looked interesting to wander around.

@TravellingWithTeens

Ай бұрын

That’s good to hear. We liked so many things about Norwegian and this was just disappointing. I’m hoping it was partly due to it being the first week of the season and therefore teething problems