My Honest Personal Review of The Haven on Norwegian Aqua
After years of helping clients plan unforgettable cruises, I finally experienced Norwegian Cruise Li...
ashleelund
Independent Travel Agent
Email Me Travel Inquiry Form Registration Form | Payment Form | Travel Lead FormAlaskan Cruise Inside Passage Part 1: Sitka & Glacier Bay
First, I would like to dedicate this post to my cousin, Doug Lund who recently passed away to cancer. He was a news anchor in South Dakota, and he had the travel bug as much as I did. Doug even went as far as writing a post about me and my journey to Everest, so I can’t help but repay him through words and how much he inspired me. I suppose you can say that our words are our way of showing our love for one another and to hopefully bring in a touch of humor to the world. I can still remember hearing his voice over the television saying, “Join my wife Linda and I on an Alaskan cruise.” I tried messaging him a few times to see if he ever wanted to travel as he always enjoyed keeping up with my adventures. He always told me to never stop exploring (no, I’m not choking up as I write this). I can’t help but think that Doug was standing in Sitka and taking a cruise in Glacier Bay – the same spots I recently visited. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend his visitation and his funeral as I was flying to Seattle to get on my Alaskan cruise. I can’t help but think that he would have wanted me to be here in Alaska rather than mourning him.
[caption id='attachment_15639' align='alignnone' width='300']
Glacier Bay Alaska[/caption]
[caption id='attachment_15640' align='alignnone' width='300']
Glacier Bay Alaska[/caption]
It’s been a few months since I last cruised, and I forgot to remind myself that the first day is usually a day where one requires a bit of patience as everyone is finding their way around the ship, trying to find their luggage, trying to get their internet working, trying to get their last-minute excursions – you get the picture.
I’m currently on board the Norwegian Sun with one of my clients/friends as we are turning around in Glacier Bay National Park as I write. The view is incredible with towering mountains, glaciers, and ice bergs (a.k.a. “bergy bits” or “growlers” for floating ice less than 5 meters above the sea surface which I’ll get back to in a moment. First, let’s talk about the check-in process aboard Norwegian Cruise Line.
CHECK-IN
PROS:
• Check-in was quick and not too crowded (maybe 15 minutes max)
• Well-placed signs to check in
• Received a card for our room, and my friend was offered wheel chair assistance to our cabin
• Our room was almost set up the way we needed it to make it work (we rented a recliner for our room which took up some much-needed space). The cabin attendant was kind enough to take time to listen to our request of removing one of the twin beds and move the other twin bed against the wall which left a wide open room for my friend’s walker.
CONS;
• I wish they would use bracelets as card keys are so easy to lose (or maybe just mine is easy to lose). Perhaps I need to invest in a lanyard.
• The person leading us to our cabin was asking us which way we wanted to go despite us not knowing where we were supposed to go. We eventually got to our cabin, but with a tour of the ship.
• So. Much. Paper! With this day in digital age, and eco-friendly practices, I wish I would have known to bring a folder for our excursion tickets, invitations, and daily itineraries or at least be able to opt out.
SITKA
After a much-needed day of rest at sea, my friend and I made our way to Stika on Day 3. The ports in Alaska are small, and small for a reason. Due to many preservation requirements, only two ships are allowed to port per day per port – at least in Sitka. Also, the ships must meet a certain standard in terms of emissions. Cruise ships require visible emissions from vessels smoke stack that are no greater than 20% opacity and have limited time while maneuvering and while in port. I’m not too familiar with what reduces ship emissions, but I’m glad Alaska is taking action to help preserve their beautiful land and their wildlife – including the bear I saw in Glacier Bay National Park. Also, the islands are small in general, so fitting a cruise ship is a little difficult.
[caption id='attachment_15642' align='alignnone' width='221']
Sitka Alaska[/caption]
With the ports being small, there were only a few small ma and pa shops in the area, as well as a large gift shop. You could also purchase crab meat for $99/pound if you went into town. The great thing about the port of Sitka, is that you can hop on a free bus to get into town – takes 5-10 minutes to get there. Sitka is a small island with about 8,000 residents, so don’t expect to see a whole lot, but do expect to see the volcano Mt. Edgecombe.
Mt. Edgecombe was a beautiful volcano to see, and I discovered that it’s active with scientists currently monitoring it. There were beautiful mountains that were surrounding downtown Sitka, but you had to take the bus into town to see them. Due to Sitka being a small island, I discovered from a local that a loaf of bread costs $10-15. I’m assuming that the way of life here in Sitka is a lot of home cooking and fishing.
Sitka is also well-known for hiking – just make sure you bring bear spray or a friend you can outrun. One popular hike is walking along Crescent Harbor to the Raptor Center (about 2.6 miles from City Hall). If hiking isn’t your thing, and you didn’t pick an excursion prior to your trip or at the dock, no worries as downtown Sitka offers other excursions in front of City Hall. Sitka is also rich in Russian history which makes this town interesting to learn about and how the U.S. purchased it from Russia for only $7.2 million dollars. Take a peek at St. Michael’s Cathedral to get a good idea of some of the past Russian history here in this small island town. A word of advice – make sure you arrive back on the ship on time as the captain won’t be waiting for you to return to your cabin, and you will be trying to find a way home at your own expense.
For other Sitka, Alaska ideas, check out this site.
GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
While I’m relieved to have another sea day, as this fresh air is certainly wearing me out, there has been a lot of walking around the ship to find the best views for whales, glaciers, seals, mountains, and bears with a pit stop to get lunch. So far, I’ve spotted six seals, one bear, too many to count seagulls, and several growlers.
For me, it’s incredible to see the towering mountains with growlers floating along the mountains that meet the sea. According to the captain, the glaciers will eventually flow into the ocean. I’ve seen several mountain ranges in my life, but never have I seen a mountain meeting an ocean. I’m about to head over to the portside of the ship so I can see some seal pups and otters.
If you are a cruiser who enjoys wildlife and the mountains, an Alaskan cruise is a great way to go. Just make sure you layer up as it can get quite cold out here – especially when being outside for a long period of time watching for wildlife or while on an excursion.
P.S. One thing I do on each cruise, or at each resort I stay at, is that I get to know the staff. I personally introduce myself and will ask how they like their job and if they are being treated well by their employers as I do not want to promote places that do not appreciate their staff. I feel like that's a big part of my job that's not in the training manual as I want satisfied staff members treating my clients well. Unhappy staff do not go above and beyond.
Feel free to contact me to see which Alaskan cruise would be most beneficial for you as not all ships are created equal. Some are bigger, some are smaller. Some have children, some don't. I can help you narrow it down.
In memory of Doug Lund - may you be on every journey I take. I never take one journey for granted as it teaches me humility, gratitude, and acceptance. You will always be my inspiration as you always put your mind to what you wanted to accomplish.
ashleelund
Share :
This agent was not found. Please look at the profile of another agent.
We were some of the very first guests at the grand opening of Sandals St Vincent.
Balloons
Carousel
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Haunted Mansion
Monorail
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Tomorrowland
Tree of Life
In addition to the kid’s club experience, the kids love the included watersports. From hobie cats (mini sailboats), paddleboards, aqua trikes and daily snorkel trips, it is truly like an ocean playground for this age. The water has a “like a swimming pool” feel and is generally very calm to be able to do these activities year round. If your family is into scuba there is also a young certification program for as young as 10 that your child can try scuba diving in one of the most beautiful reefs in the world.
I was skeptical of this one. It’s a MEGA resort. When I say mega – think of the largest resort you have ever stayed in and it’s bigger. It is part of the whole Moon Palace complex which guest at The Grand can use the entire complex but it’s not reciprocal. It is set up like it’s own hotel. You check in at The Grand. The Grand has it’s own restaurants, pools, beach club, kid’s club and more.
I sing this hotel’s praises a lot in different scenarios but it really is a great family resort. There’s something for all ages. It is kind of like a big cruise ship on land. There’s a huge casino, amazing golf course, fun disco, shops and lots of restaurants.
To turn this around, let’s talk more about the food. We at the Mexican restaurant “Los Gallos” for dinner the first night. I had the cactus salad and it was so good. I ordered it to try something new which is the glory of staying at an all inclusive. It was pickled cactus and a huge slice of fresh avocado. I really enjoyed it. We also had some great flautas and fresh churros for dessert. The second night we ate at the steakhouse Torro. This is one of the most popular restaurants. I do live in Oklahoma so I don’t go into this like I’m expecting a prime steak. I’m all about setting expectations correctly. The steaks are thinner but they had good flavor. The atmosphere was great and the service was really good.
We chose to stay at Newport Bay. It sits walking distance from the parks (about 10 minutes) and has a shuttle. We walked each time, but they said the shuttle came every 1 minute. Our room had 2 double beds and 2 sleeper chairs, which worked great for our family to spread out. The bathroom had a shower and a separate tub all in the same little bathroom so that was odd, but convenient. The room was stocked with a couple of bottles of water and bathroom toiletries including robes and slippers.
The hotel has both an indoor and outdoor pool. It’s a whole check in where they ask your room number, which is different than in the USA. The most startling thing to me - the unisex locker rooms for the pool. This, I’m sure is the norm in France, but I can see this being awkward for American travelers. The European guests are also not as modest as most Americans. My kids were like “why aren’t they wearing a swim suit top?” and things like that.
In case you’re not totally familiar, Disney in Paris is 2 parks connected to Disney Village which is their version of Disney Springs. We chuckled at all the American brands in Disney Village from McDonalds which was always hopping to a 50’s style dinner, a BBQ place called Billy Bobs, Planet Hollywood and more. Disney Studios kind of reminds me of Hollywood Studios. Disneyland is laid out very similarly to Disneyland in California but with some fun differences.
Another unique part of Disneyland is the Alice’s Curious Labyrinth. This is the Queen of Hearts garden maze complete with card characters popping up, cute photo stops and a fun castle to climb up at the end. If you’re a big Disney person just coming for the unique experiences I think is worth it.
Disney Studios, of course, has a lot of shows. From Frozen, to a magician Mickey show. Their new attraction for the park is Avengers Campus. They have modified Rockin' Roller Coaster into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force an Iron man and Captain Marvel ride and also added WEB to the campus just a couple weeks before we arrived. This is the same Spider-Man ride at Disneyland in California. It was a resounding favorite of everyone. It can sense your movements so it looks like you’re really throwing webs to help Spider-Man fight off some evil spiders. It’s so cool. We said we need a quick trip to California just to ride this one again.
There was an option that was less expensive that you could schedule each ride and come back during your time slot. With us not loving making a plan, this wasn’t ideal for our family, but it would be a way to save money. You can also purchase premier access one by one with specific time slots. They ranged from $9-$18 per person per ride. This is all done on their APP.
With more room options than most, Dreams Playa Mujeres did it right when building this resort with multiple categories with 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa to accommodate the family of 5. They also have a variety of water slides and a water park geared toward kids 5 and under.
Unique family suites with nonstop fun from an onsite waterpark , indoor skatepark and private beach cove at Hard Rock Riviera Maya make this a top pick for families looking for an all inclusive that will keep everyone happy. The Deluxe Family Suites are guaranteed adjoining rooms with a room with 1 king and a room with 2 double beds. Another great suite that accommodates a larger family are the Deluxe Platinum Connecting Sky Terrace Suites which offer 1,928 square feet with 1 king, 2 double beds and an outdoor terrace with lounge chairs and a hydro spa tub.
A brand new build which opened in 2019, Marival Armony had families in mind when they built this luxury all inclusive in Punta Mita just north of Puerto Vallarta. The resort has a variety of two bedroom suites which include a king master, living room and an adjoining room with 2 double beds. These suites include 3 bathrooms.
For families of 5 looking for the ultimate in luxury but still an all inclusive environment look no further than the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The AAA Diamond Award recipient resort since 2010 boasts top dining options, a world class spa and a perfect choice for upscale families seeking adventure and/or relaxation.
Traditionally known as a scuba divers paradise, Cozumel Palace has set the bar when it comes to family options people love. The Loft Suite features a king bed with private bath and shower on the lower level and an upper level with 2 double beds also with private bath and shower! Amenities like 24 hour room service, nightly turndown service and stocked minibar make this truly a vacation for everyone.
This resort is a go-to for traveling with teens but wanting them to stay close by. Riu Sante Fe saves their 2 Bedroom Suites to only be booked with a minimum of 4 guests that are over the age of 13. This is a great option for parents traveling with teens! The onsite waterpark, Splash Water is included with the all inclusive.
This increasingly popular Canadian resort chain has thought of families with all their rooms sleeping 5 or more. Royalton Riviera Cancun appeals to active families with their endless variety of activities for all ages. Included kid’s club and even a teen’s club for the hardest to please guest makes Royalton a great choice for a wide range of ages.
This resort is tucked away just south of the town of Puerto Vallarta on the private beach cove of Mismaloya Beach. Almost all the rooms at the resort have an ocean view!
With VIP access at Disney World, you can enjoy exclusive benefits like reserved seating at shows and attractions, VIP viewing areas for parades and nighttime spectaculars, and access to exclusive lounges. You can also take advantage of complimentary snacks, beverages, and merchandise, along with exclusive discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise throughout the parks. Additionally, you get to skip the regular lines at attractions to make the most of your Disney World experience!
The entry level room is a jr. suite tropical view. There are options for a king or 2 queen size beds. The Preferred Club status will get you extra amenities in your room like a stone soaking tub on your balcony, stocked wine cooler, Nespresso machine, daily stocked snacks and the extra bathroom amenities. I love having all these little extras in my room because I seem to forget something and they think of it all. This also gives you access to the rooftop observatory, which I will go into detail about next.
The gastronomy is being taken to a new level with this new resort. There are some similar experiences like The Market which is located off the main lobby with that picture perfect view of the whole property. They also have added new restaurant concepts such as personalized teppanyaki and indoor/outdoor seating at most restaurants. There are new names to restaurants here as well. I think I’m the most excited about Dos Almas which is Mexican Soul Food. I don’t know if I had a favorite food group before I heard of this restaurant but I’m pretty sure I have found it. They also will have a tequila tasting menu and taco bar. Impressions will have 3 restaurants exclusively for their guests but they also have access to all the restaurants on property.
As I brag to being a “honest, tell it like it is” travel agent I want to address the beach. This is going to be a hurdle for those that are die hard perfect beach lovers. This stretch of beach is not known for perfection and is prone to seaweed especially during the spring and summer. Secrets Resorts have always been diligent about cleaning to the best of their ability but mother nature sometimes is a real witch. If this is a deal breaker for you then I would encourage you to come November – February. I do want you to hear me out though. This resort is exceptional. They have overly over compensated with tons of pools. One of them even has a sandy beach so you can put your toes in the sand without ever stepping outside the resort. They have 2 natural cenotes on property too which are cool and refreshing. There are also multiple pools with swim up bars.
Rastafari
Montego Bay Resort
Mistake #2 – Not using mobile order. If quick service dining is preferred, we encourage you to order using your device in advance. Payment via this method is contactless and all you have to do is pick up your order and go.
Mistake #4 – Overpacking. You don’t need four pairs of shoes and two pairs of Mickey ears per day! Make and stick to a packing list, but don’t forget essentials! Sure, you can find them on property, but at a premium.
Mistake #7 – Visiting at the wrong time. As a rule of thumb, holidays, school breaks, summer, and weekends will bring the crowds. If they’re too much for you and/or you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out other times of the year.
Staying on Disney property is certainly our recommendation. At the end of the day Disney is always telling a story, right? Well, the resorts on property certainly aren’t an exception. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! With more than 25 resorts, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Here’s a quick look!
Moderate – Rooms here are larger and in different configurations as is the bath. View options, pools, recreation, and dining are a little more robust. Bus transport is typical here, but you might find a property with a boat.
We stayed on the Secrets side. It was nice having full reign of the property with a lot of restaurants and pool to choose from. One tip I would say is if you’re traveling not as a couple - I would pick the Dreams side. The Secrets side has a more open bathroom without privacy for the shower.
It was finally train day. They picked us up from our hotel that was all part of the Rocky Mountaineer package. The train station is about 10 minutes from downtown.
On property there is a spa, tennis courts, some shops and 3 restaurants. There's a host of activities onsite that you can pre-book. This includes activities like archery, horseback riding, or clay shooting. You can also rent a golf cart to explore the grounds. 
Activities are plentiful onsite as well. You do not have to be a guest of the hotel to book activities. There is horseback riding, archery, clay shooting and the School of Falconry. 
The next morning, we went horseback riding. This was different as it is English riding. Not that I know really much of anything about horseback riding, I had no idea it was different. 
In the spring is when you will see the lambs everywhere. The farm, where they filmed Far and Away, has a lamb program where you can hold the baby lambs for 4 euros. When we stopped they had a lamb only 2 days old that was a runt. When the ewes have triplets the runt will be ignored and the farms have to bottle feed the runts so they will survive. The owner of the farm, who was a kid living at the farm during filming of Far & Away, told us some stories about Tom Cruise and about where they set up the filming. It was fun to hear about. 
Once we arrived at the port they had testing tents set up. It was an easy process with a lot of people directing everyone. It’s a self test while they watch to make sure you do it correctly. My kids liked that they got to do it and it helped with the nerves. We were then directed to another tent to await results. After we were given an all clear (about 30 minutes later from the testing time) we were directed to check in for the cruise like normal. This was our 3rd Disney cruise so it all seemed similar but no paperwork. It’s a check in online process now and after we did everything we had a QR code. We kept it readily available as this is what they scanned about 5 times at different points to access our information. If made it so much easier than having a bunch of papers to keep up with.
