Cruise Talk: Alaska on Carnival Spirit

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Author

Topic: Alaska on Carnival Spirit

BenBen
First Class Passenger
Member # 1515

posted 03-11-2002 08:19 PM

I am thinking of booking my first Alaska cruise in 12 years. In pricing balcony cabins for the week of July 4th -- I found that Carnival Spirit is significantly cheaper than Celebrity or RCI (I am not a fan of Princess or HAL). has anyone been on the Spirit in Alaska...I know this is Carnival's first attempt in the region but I have been impressed with them in the past and actually find their cabins to be much nicer (and bigger) than other cruise lines.

Posts: 10 | From: New York, New York USA | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

Grant
First Class Passenger
Member # 1000

posted 03-11-2002 11:11 PM

The largest and most experienced provider of shore tours and excursions in Alaska is Holland America, although Princess may argue that point! Carnival Corp. owns Holland America and they utilize the same tour operators, provide the same tours (except for the rail cars), and have the same organization behind all of Carnival's shoreside operations. This extends from the airport, throughout the cruise and to the departing airprot. So in answer to part of your question, shoreside you will get excellent and experienced service from Carnival during an Alaskan cruise!
Carnival has been sailing in Alaskan waters for several years now; not too sure how many but this is by no means their first season in Northern waters.

[ 03-11-2002: Message edited by: Grant ]

Posts: 834 | From: Victoria, BC, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Sherry
First Class Passenger
Member # 421

posted 03-13-2002 05:49 PM

We were on the Spirit last summer. It was our second Alaska cruise (first was in 1999). We had a great time. The ship was well-run. The food was good. Still, we preferred our cruise on the Galaxy, maybe because that was our first time.

The Spirit is very colorful, somewhat gaudy. The ship was laid out well and easy enough to get around. We were at a small table, although we requested a large table. It seems like the Spirit has an abundance of small tables, and groups got the larger ones.

The ships naturalist was very very good. This is important in Alaska.

Our waiter and busgirl were wonderful. The service was very good. The Maitre D was not helpful with my husband's health needs, we had to be very stubborn with him to get some of the accomodations we'd requested.

We had some complaints about the debarkation. We were dropped at the airport in Anchorage with no guidance and no idea where to find our luggage.

If you have any other questions, let me know at sherryschube@hotmail.com.

For the difference in price, we believe the Inside Passage cruise will give you a lot more for the money. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Posts: 66 | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

billybob
First Class Passenger
Member # 1902

posted 03-14-2002 08:07 AM

While I've never done Alaska, I did do the Spirit last Sept to Hawaii. I believe the Spirit started Alaska last year just before I went to Hawaii on her. There were a lot of passengers on the ship with me that had been on her to Alaska the week before. I heard very nice things from them about the Alaska trip.

As for the ship...I can personally tell you the ship was beautiful, the crew very personable, friendly and helpful. My wife and I had a blast and we met some very nice people who we are still in touch with and hope to cruise with again as a group early next year.

I did a review of my trip (and the ship) that's posted on this web site under reader reviews. I know the islands of Hawaii won't help you much, but I did point out a lot about the ship as well. my advice is to book away!!! You'll have a blast on the Spirit!

Posts: 52 | From: Massachusetts | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

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