This cruise was chosen because it was so very special, Northwest Passage; only done last year by Crystal and not to be done again until at least 2020 according to onboard officers/crew. The ship itself was immaculate, easy to maneuver, well laid out. Public rooms were excellent and the onboard computer room was great for help with any cell phone or computer issue. Free Wi-Fi for an hour a day ...
It was not for the faint-hearted, but still within the realm of a leisurely cruise. It was not an expedition, despite Crystal trying to make it one, but it is not possible to truly combine luxury with back packing. All and all though Crystal succeeded in providing a platform for some wild shore excursions from a luxury platform. The cost was steep, but once on our way we could see why. Zodiacs ...
Overall a great cruise. Food was the best we have ever had on any cruise-line. Drinks were properly made and served.
Cabin was a little small - but we expected that. Unfortunately, the weather was not good - but the cruise can not be blamed for that.
The only two small complaints - the entertainment was terrific, but way too early. We had the late seating, and most of our shows were at ...
We've cruised with Crystal before and have high expectations for this cruise line. The checkin and buses from downtown to Whittier was very confusing and a big mess, with no one really seeming to know what was happening, but the buses arrived and we all got to the port eventually (our group was split over 3 buses).
Cabins were ready early so we were able to unpack before dinner, which you ...
We went on the Mariner in 2001 during its Inaugural season. We also did Alaska but from Vancouver to Anchorage. We were extremely impressed with the ship in 2001. My in-laws wanted to go again in 2006 and I was reluctant to take the same ship with pretty much the same itinerary (only reversed). I'm so glad we did! The Mariner was even better than 5 years ago! Everything about the ship, crew, ...
According to the staff on the Mariner we had exceptionally good weather on this 7 day cruise from Whittier to Vancouver (departure July 26). We had sunshine on every day in port except one (Ketchikan). Apparently, no one saw the sun for an entire week on this ship on the cruise immediately before ours, so perhaps this explains why everyone was so cheerful on our ship!
This is our second cruise ...
June 27, 2006 we flew Delta from Atlanta to Salt Lake City and then changed planes and arrived right on time in Anchorage. The view of the snow-capped mountains from the plane, right before we landed, was breathtaking. I got a great shot from my seat and the man sitting next to me took my camera and got a close up of a glacier emptying in to the ocean! The day was quite warm for Alaska standards ...