Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Laura Cooper
Travel expert Candice Anger recently returned from a Princess Cruise on board the Crown Princess. Her itinerary departed from Vancouver and brought her to explore the beauty of Alaska. We chatted with Candice to learn about the itinerary and her favourite moments.
This was your third time sailing with Princess Cruises. What brings you back every time?
Service for sure is what keeps bringing me back. The staff are so great, friendly, kind, and personable. There are great choices on board from rooms to dining to excursions. You’ll get to experience affordable cruising yet still feel high-end. Princess offers great value for the money you spend.
You sailed on the Crown Princess this time and previously, Princess Sapphire and Princess Ruby. What were some of the highlights of this ship?
The Crown Princess offers lots of dining to choose from, nice cabins compared to others I’ve seen on other lines, friendly service, and good ports of call with a variety of excursions that really fit everyone’s wants and needs for all tastes and budgets. There is enjoyable entertainment on board the ship during the day and evening, plus an adults-only area and pool for those looking for some quiet time. Some of the features on board that people will love include the movies under the stars, lots of lounges you can rest or hang out on, a library, internet café or in room Wi-Fi ($), casino, shops and boutiques, a theatre, and an art display area (it’s not a gallery but still nice to admire).
Your Alaska Cruise itinerary took you to Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway, and Ketchikan. What are some excursions and activities not to be missed?
In Juneau, I would suggest a helicopter trip up to see and walk around the glacier. They dock you close to downtown so you can also take a stroll around the city or take a tram up to the top of the mountains and walk to the platform and view the city from the above. It’s great for viewing for wildlife as well.
In Glacier Bay, you just sail the area and don’t get off the ship. It’s a national park, but the colours that come off of these glaciers are quite the sight to be seen. Sometimes, you can see some wildlife in the park. There’s a lot of commentary by the Park Ranger who came on board and explained what we were seeing and shared some of his own stories as well which was neat to hear.
In Skagway I did the Gold Panning excursion with a sled team and ventured off into a -40 ice chamber. Another excursion that is offered is the same thing plus a train ride up. It seemed really neat and views would have been amazing!
Get your salmon in Ketchikan if you want to bring any of it home. There’s also a lumberjack show that people can take in. They actually had a lumberjack come on board with us and teach axe throwing and what life is like to be a lumberjack in Alaska. This is the timber place hands down and they do well for themselves. Take a look and a walk around this cute little town. There is loads to shop for here. The houses that sit along the shore line are amazing. Bring an umbrella though as they do get 17 feet of rain on average per year here.
You mentioned that Ketchikan was your favourite port. What’s there to love?
It was such a nice little town to stop in (but probably the largest port we visited), with friendly people and lots to see and do. There’s a lumberjack show to see, salmon to buy, and lots of souvenirs and furs. Anything you’re into you can probably find in Ketchikan! It’s also easy to dock at and take a walk around. They had some cafes and restaurants too if you need to stop and get a drink or snack. The candy store has chocolate dipped oreos that were to die for! There are very nice, friendly folks here. We had sunshine the day we were in but it’s usually raining so make sure you have a rain coat or umbrella! A little walk along the harbour side is nice and it’s not real far from where you dock — just a short little stroll. You can really get some nice photos here.
Alaska is on many people’s bucket lists. Who would you recommend this specific cruise to?
Anyone who wants to see and experience Alaska needs to go at least once! If you take the cruise, spend the extra money and get the balcony cabin. You will have guaranteed breathtaking views. If you have the money and time, try to do the Denali park afterwards, that’s one thing I wish I could have done. You spend a few nights up in a cabin and get to see wildlife and nature at it’s finest. But you’re still in a nice area and accommodations.
To learn more about her adventure, contact Candice at 1-800-665-4981 ext 7402 or candiceanger@tripcentral.ca.
