My Personal Experience on an Alaskan CruiseTour: Q&A Edition

My Personal Experience on an Alaskan Cruisetour: Q&A Edition

In August 2023, one of our Boscov’s Travel employees’ Grandmother took a CruiseTour in Alaska onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas. Read her incredible experience below:

Q: How long have you wanted to go to Alaska and what made you want to go?

A: I’ve wanted to go since the 90’s! Alaska sounded beautiful, nice and different. There seemed to be a different way of life and the thought of going there sounded adventurous. Prior to going to Alaska, I have been to 43 of 50 states. Alaska being an additional one I wanted to check off my list!

Q: How old are you? If I can share because it truly makes this entire experience more incredible in my eyes that you were able to finally make your dreams come true, especially at your age! I admire this.  

A: Yeah yeah, sure. I’m eighty years old.

Q: What finally got you to go to Alaska?

A: I finally found someone to go with me and my granddaughter made it very easy to finally go because she works for Boscov’s Travel. She had my friend and I come in to meet with one of the Travel Advisors. This was my first time using a Travel Advisor, but the service at Boscov’s Travel was phenomenal and we were well taken care of. We took an Alaskan CruiseTour for about two weeks – which means when we arrived in Alaska, we saw places by land and then halfway through we boarded Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas to see even more of the incredible state by ship!

Q: What did you pack that came in handy?

A: My raincoat and rain pants. While it did not rain much, it did rain early in the morning at Icy Strait and on the last day in the morning at Ketchikan. Otherwise, we had great weather, but that’s why these came in handy. My granddaughter also made us matching shirts which were fun to wear on embarkation day. I wanted matching shirts like you see people wear on cruises and she surprised us with them. We got many compliments and it was fun to strike up conversations with fellow passengers because of our shirts!

Q: What do you wish you packed with you?

A: I wish I packed more capris since the weather was pretty in between each day, which I am grateful for. I do feel I had everything I needed as my Boscov’s Travel Advisor gave me a packing list for Alaska. I felt well set with what I took.

Q: What was the weather like during your time in Alaska?

A: The weather for our time there was great! It was between 65 and 75 degrees most days and sunny. There were a few days that started out with clouds and fog, but it always became nice later on in the day. The entire land portion of our tour was sunny and warm. On the ship it was a bit cooler, but it was still very nice. We encountered rain in Icy Strait, Skagway and Ketchikan, but most of the rain was early in the morning or a drizzle so it did not affect our days very much. Overall, there was not really bad weather at all!

Q: What was your favorite hotel you stayed at during the land portion?

A: Sophie Station Suites in Fairbanks. We had a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom. We could walk to a strip mall nearby which had fast food restaurants and also a few grocery stores to get food to make breakfast. There was a restaurant at the hotel, beautiful flowers, and an exercise room. The beds were also very comfortable. Here’s a tip for you, if you go to the bathroom in your room here – the doors are sliding so be careful you don’t get locked in. This was really funny because both my friend and I got locked in.  If you do get locked in, there’s a little round button inside the door hole that you have to push. It took us some time to figure out, but it worked.

Q: What was your favorite land tour destination?

A: Denali Village because it was a cute little village on the river with a beautiful deck off the main building lobby with a restaurant, bar, coffee bar, couches, TVs and a huge deck overlooking the river. There were also hiking paths, little shops, fire pits and the Cabin Night Dinner Theater which had a fun singing and dancing show about Alaskan pioneer times. The family-style food at the theater was very good.

Q: What was your favorite land tour excursion?

A: The excursion we took in Fairbanks was one of my favorites. We started by visiting the Alaskan Pipeline which was really cool. I learned a lot – the pipeline goes from Prudhoe Bay all the way down to Valdez. It was neat to see how big it really was. After the pipeline, we went to the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska. They had a lot of artifacts from when the Alaskan villages had tribes. From there we went into downtown Fairbanks and had lunch at the Crepery – absolutely delicious!

After the Crepery, we completed my favorite part of this excursion, the paddleboat ride! This boat took us up and down the river where we got to see many houses that were built along the river, an airplane landing on the river, and Susan Butcher’s Musher Dog Camp which is now run by her daughters. We were able to see how they hooked the dogs up and watched them pull an atv with wheels since there was no snow at the time. Afterwards, the dogs went swimming! Then the boat went further down the river to a village where they explained the process of how to catch salmon and cure it. Then we got off the boat and went through a village which depicted how the Alaskan tribes used to live. They showed us the animal skins they use to make coats with, the coats themselves, elks they raised and recreated houses that we walked through. The final part of this excursion is where they brought over the dogs from the musher camp so we could pet and play with them. The dogs really liked the kids which was very cute. We ended this fun excursion with a paddleboat ride back to the dock.

Q: What was your favorite place to eat on the land tour?

A: I think the meals we had on the Wilderness Express Train that went from Fairbanks to Denali, then Denali to Talkeetna, and later, Talkeetna to Anchorage were my favorite. We were on this train three different times and each experience of the train was very fun. We ate great food (breakfast, lunch and dinner), had drinks and met fellow travelers. It sounds a little silly but an atmosphere like the Wilderness Express Train makes all the difference for your meals. We got to see a lot of animals and stunning scenery while onboard. The train was a double-decker with the top half being a domed-glass rail car for viewing – phenomenal.

Q: What is your favorite memory from the land portion of your tour?

A: Seeing Mount Denali from Talkeetna Resort. We had beautiful views during the sunset on the back deck of the resort. At first, Mount Denali’s peak was the only visible part of the mountain, but when the sun went down the clouds dissipated and we could see the entire mountain. It was a beautiful and breathtaking moment.

Q: Moving on to the cruise portion of your tour, how was Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas?

A: The ship was very nice! It was just the right size for cruising Alaska. If we were on anything bigger, the ship would not have been able to go to all the ports it did, plus it would’ve taken me too long to get to where I needed to go onboard. They had a lot of activities and our stateroom was nice.

Q: What did you love most about the ship?

A: There were a lot of activities going on so you never were bored. They had trivia in the Schooner Lounge and other games that were fun to play, but also watch. Plus, you can’t forget about the fabulous entertainment and dining options! One of my favorite activities onboard was the parade of flags where they had everyone who was working on the ship carry their country’s flag and put on a performance to show off their country.

Q: What was your favorite entertainment onboard?

A: The Piano Man show was very good. There was a lot of singing, dancing and of course, piano playing.

Q: What was your favorite restaurant and meal onboard?

A: Hands down, my favorite dining experience onboard was Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant. We had a seat by the window and a very attentive waiter. The food was very good. For my appetizer, I had breaded eggplant parmesan with sauce. I’m getting hungry just talking about it. For my main course, I had filet mignon with mashed potatoes, broccoli and dinner rolls on the side. Last but not least, was dessert – tiramisu and coffee. Everything was extremely delicious and my friend also really enjoyed her meal.

Q: What was your favorite excursion from the ship?

A: This is hard to choose, but I really enjoyed Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point. We saw a lot of whales, some were even swimming in groups of three or four, going in and out of the water. The excursion tour operators were great with their knowledge, where to go and where to watch the whales. We learned if you watch the birds and where they flew, there were typically fish there. If there were fish, the whales would also be around.

Q: What was your favorite port?

A: My favorite port was definitely Skagway because there was a lot to do. We went on another favorite excursion of mine here, the White Pass Railroad! This excursion included a ride on the railroad, a salmon bake, Liarsville, and a Red Onion Saloon Tour. We began the excursion by boarding the White Pass Railroad to the Yukon in Canada where we saw some really great scenery along with the path that the prospectors had to take from Skagway up to the Yukon in Canada.

From Canada we took a bus down to Liarsville with a stop at the Alaska welcome sign to take a photo. Liarsville is like a tent city where the miners used to stop before taking the path up to the gold rush fields. We learned the town was called Liarsville because prospectors would make up stories about how much gold they found in the Yukon. I found it very interesting. Liarsville also had entertainment and gold panning where we panned little flakes of gold. There were also little tents set up to demonstrate how the prospectors used to live including a press, madams’ tents, stores and more.  After Liarsville, we went to a salmon bake which was delicious!

Following the salmon bake, we went to the Red Onion Saloon and took a tour of the upstairs brothel and had champagne – very fun! To end our time in Skagway we walked around town and got some ice cream. Something funny to share with you is that we got ice cream in every port because each port in Alaska claims that their ice cream is the best, so we had to try it all.

Q: That’s funny, so who do you think has the best ice cream?

A: They all tasted equally good. But I will say my favorite flavor was Moose Tracks in Skagway, which is ironic being in Alaska (moose), but it was yummy!

Q: What is your favorite memory from a port?

A: This isn’t a port where you can get off the ship, but seeing and cruising the Hubbard Glacier was incredible. The ship did a 360-degree turn during this part of the cruise. We had a balcony stateroom so we sat on our balcony taking in all the scenery and wildlife of this beautiful area. We saw many seals lounging out on icebergs which was cool. I highly recommend a balcony stateroom just for this experience alone.

Q: We’ve talked a lot about the Alaskan wildlife so let’s go over the animals you saw.

A: We really did see a lot of animals! The one place we saw many animals was in Denali on the Tundra Wilderness Tour excursion – so much fun! The animals we saw on this tour included a moose hiding in bushes, brown squirrels, the Alaskan State Bird: the Willow Ptarmigan with its babies, a brown grizzly bear eating berries, caribou, and Dall sheep up on the rocky part of the mountain. If you want to see Alaskan wildlife, this is a great excursion for you! My suggestion would be to go on an early morning excursion so you see more animals as they are very active in the morning. Throughout Alaska we also saw more moose, seals, cows, otters, salmon, bald eagles and of course the musher dogs!

Q: You have shared with me previously you made new friends on your trip. Do you want to share more about that?

A: Sure! We met and bonded with six different pairs and two families during our time in Alaska. During many of our land excursions, we all hung out together and got to know each other. After boarding the ship, we saw some of them and caught up, but we weren’t on any excursions together. Since being home, I have been in touch with about five of the pairs and hope to visit them in the future. We agreed if we ever get to each other’s neck of the woods we would meet up!

Q: What surprised you the most about Alaska?

A: What surprised me the most was how barren Alaska was, even in the towns. There were not many people there at all. Anchorage is the biggest city in Alaska and it’s not much bigger than Reading, Pennsylvania.

Q: Was there anything you did or saw that you wish you skipped?

A: Actually, no.

Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you’d like to mention?

A: Well, in Ketchikan the excursion we took was really great! We went to Potlatch Totem Park and saw many Totem Poles. We actually went in a building where they did all the totem carving and learned that the trees are hollowed out so they don’t rot once carved. The carvings each tell a story which is very neat.

After the totem park, we went to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which was recommended by my granddaughter and a lot of fun. I also now recommend it! After the show, we went to Creek Street a little section of Ketchikan that is built over the water of the Ketchikan Creek. There were houses built on stilts and many shops where the prices were more reasonable than some of the other ports.

We were blessed at Creek Street during the time that we were visiting because the salmon were swimming upstream – meaning we got to see the salmon climbing ladder and jumping out of the water. We also got to see some seals and otters, one which was eating the salmon. We enjoyed this port so I feel it is worth mentioning.

Q: What is a summarization of how Alaska made you feel?

A: Oh boy, I was extremely glad I went there and learned more about the state. It felt like a different country and was so pretty. I was very happy to see everything and had a very good time. So, happy would be the answer to your question.

Q: Would you travel to Alaska again? 

A: Yes, but I would try different things and see new places. I would really like to go to Seward and see the Fjords. I would love to see different towns during the land portion of the tour and cruise to other ports. There’s a lot to see and do in each port so even if I went to the same ports again, I could do something different every time. I also want to go to the Mendenhall Glacier on a raft because I was supposed to do this on an excursion, but it was cancelled due to permafrost causing a flood. This was the only disappointment of my entire trip, which was no party’s fault. This just gives me more of a reason to go back!

Q: What do you recommend to anyone wanting to travel to Alaska?

A: Take a CruiseTour and use a Boscov’s Travel Advisor. If you take a CruiseTour, do the land tour portion first because it is very busy and then once you board the ship you can rest the first day since you’re at sea.

Q: What advice would you give someone going to Alaska for the first time?

A: Pack different types of clothing because the weather can be anywhere from 30 to 80 degrees – you truly never know what it will be. Pack some of everything, but make sure you have layers so you can put them on and take them off. Also, take a backpack so you can use it for said layers as needed.

Q: What was your favorite part about using Boscov’s Travel and would you use them again?

A: I enjoyed the ease of being able to have someone assist me in planning my vacation itinerary and flights. It made my vacation experience much more relaxing. I would definitely use them again. Their services were phenomenal from start to finish. My Travel Advisor was there to assist me along the way with any questions I had. This was the best way to book my Alaskan CruiseTour and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

Does this incredible experience incline you to explore the Final Frontier? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://boscovstravel.com/cruises/alaska.html to learn more.

The Beauty of Travel in America

Vast in land, natural treasures and diverse cultures, the United States offers endless opportunities for new experiences right in our own backyard.

Hawaii

Say Aloha to average year-round temperatures between 78-85 degrees! A Hawaiian vacation allows you to surf the big Kahuna, hike on a volcano, and dance the night away at a luau.

What’s your travel style:

• Relaxing vacation for the entire family: Aulani. Disney’s Hawaiian resort offers 4-star luxury accommodations on Oahu

• Island hopping: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America cruise. The only cruise line offering 7-nights sailing roundtrip in Hawaii, discover the best of the islands with optional excursions to curate your adventure

Beautiful Hawaiian landscape

 

Alaska

The final frontier awaits. Have you ever heard anyone say they’ve been to Alaska and didn’t want to go back? Alaska is one of the most sought-after bucket list destinations and it’s easy to see why. There is so much to see and do, it will most likely take more than one trip.

What’s your travel style:

• 7-days or less vacation time: cruising. Maximize your time so you can see and experience as much as you can. Spend time discovering Mendenhall Glacier in the capital Juneau, watching whales in Glacier Bay, and time in charming coastal towns on a cruise. Read about Lori’s recent Alaska cruise adventure here.

• 8+ days: cruise + land tour. Cruising the coast of Alaska only allows you to see 3% of her beauty. If you have the time, extend and enhance your trip with a land tour. Most itineraries include time in beautiful Denali. See the tallest mountain in North America (from base to peak, taller than Everest), spot the “top 5” most common animals including the caribou, bear, Dahl sheep, moose and wolves, and take what we think is one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Alaska landscape with moose

 

Grand Canyon

The epitome of the national parks, the Grand Canyon offers some of the most stunning views in the entire U.S. Rich reds, vibrant oranges and beautiful browns sing in contrast to the bright blue sky.

What’s your travel style:

• Family vacation: Globus offers family-friendly itineraries with a guided tour of the Grand Canyon and surrounding Canyon Country. Enjoy some “off the grid” down time and disconnect for an amazing family trip with visits to three national parks, then test your luck in fabulous Las Vegas.

• The epic adventurer: G Adventures will get you moving. For the more adventurous, pack your hiking boots and discover the American canyonlands

Grand Canyon landscape with rainbow

 

Canada & New England

Quaint and iconic, New England shines in the fall. Cruise the coast and see beautiful fall foliage, watch the whales and sail past the lighthouses.

What’s your travel style:

• Luxury: Oceania cruises. Luxurious accommodations, top tier customer service and smaller ships get you closer to the sites

• All-inclusive: Norwegian Cruise Line cruise. With high tech ships, endless activities and options for an all-inclusive cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to pay one price for your cruise

New England lanscape with lighthouse

Ready to go? Our Travel Specialists are ready to help you plan that next great American Adventure. Find a location near you and stop in.

National Park Week Starts April 18: There’s so Much to Discover From Sea to Shining Sea.

Sit back. Relax. And armchair travel with us to some of our nation’s most valuable treasures. We’re sharing our favorite National Parks for you to enjoy all there is to see and do, along with the best time of the year to experience each park.

Grand Canyon

Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this park is painted with natural radiant golds and deep reds. This park is massive – 277 miles long, 18 miles at the widest point and one mile deep – you can spend days exploring the beauty of the second most visited park in the U.S. National Park System. Read about what you can expect at the Grand Canyon here.

Best time to visit: April, May, September, and October when the crowds are less dense and the temperature ranges from the 60’s to low 80’s.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon, beautiful colors

 

Yosemite

With four million people traveling here every year, the majority of this park’s visitors travel to the Yosemite Valley. Highlights include Glacier Point, Half Dome and El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls all set against sheer granite cliffs. Previously called Ahwahnee, meaning big mouth which describes the valley, the park has been inhabited by Native American tribes since at least 1000 BC.

Best time to visit: if you love snow, you’ll love Yosemite from November through March but be sure to bring your snow chains. High season is summer where you’ll find the most traffic, but some epic views.

Yosemite sheer cliff

 

Great Smoky Mountains Park

This is the most visited national park with more than 10 million visitors a year – or roughly 1 in 300 Americans visiting it each year. From North Carolina into Tennessee, this park offers a myriad of activities from hiking to fishing, horseback riding and more. It gets its name from the near-constant blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys.

Best time to visit: October when you can see the changing fall foliage.

Sunset looking over the Great Smoky Mountains

 

Glacier Bay National Park

Located in the heart of southeast Alaska just outside of Juneau, Glacier Bay is a must-see for all who visit Alaska. From the songs of the humpback whale to the barks of the sea lion, the calving of glaciers to the chirps of the birds, this ever changing eco-system features countless voices of nature. Many cruises include a day sailing in Glacier Bay. Learn about the experience here.

Best time to visit: The majority of cruising takes place from April through September.

Glacier Bay, beautiful water and mountains

 

Here are some pro-tips on how to make the most of your National Park adventures:

  1. Get an annual pass. For guests who want to visit multiple parks throughout the year, get an annual pass for $80. In the military? Get a free pass for your service. Have a 4th grader? They may qualify for a free year pass that the entire family can use! Over the age of 62? Get an annual pass for just $20. Or a lifetime pass for $80.
  2. Do your research. Most parks have lodging and camping options within the parks, but last minute reservations are rare. For the best chance to get the dates you want, book 1 year + 1 day in advance when lodging opens up.
  3. Trust a Travel Specialist. We offer custom western U.S. tours and many include entrance to your favorite National Parks. Admission, accommodations, transportation, select meals and more are included when you trust your Travel Specialist to take care of the details. Learn more here.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com

Encore! For The Norwegian Encore

The following post is written by Amanda from the Boscov’s Travel Marketing Department. Amanda recently experienced the inaugural “docked cruise” of the brand new Norwegian Encore. The newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, she can accommodate 4,000 guests.

For my first time on a ship, this beauty surely did not disappoint! I am not by any means a “cruiser”. In fact, I have never been on a ship in my life. After this inaugural though, I cannot wait to plan a cruise next year for myself! I think I really have been missing out on this on my entire life…

A few of my fellow Travel Specialists are avid cruises and made the experience smooth sailing for me, giving me great tips and tricks… Thanks Boscov’s Travel! Our Travel Specialists really know their stuff. With all the laughs and tears (from laughing so hard) we had while knowing that this was our mini-vacation, I know anyone will be able to go on this beautiful ship and make great memories – just like I did!

Some of Boscov’s Travel Specialists enjoying the ship!
Some of Boscov’s Travel Specialists enjoying the ship!

A little more about the ship… from the classy atrium to the bake shop, to the race track all the way to the mojito bar, this ship had something to offer for everyone. In addition to touring the ship and experiencing the entertainment, we had a chance to hear from Norwegian’s CEO. He shared his plans for the future and how the company is focused on the environment and issues surrounding cruising! HOW COOL!

One special perk of being invited to the inaugural is the ability to tour the entire ship to better inform each and every client. We were lucky enough to be able to tour The Haven which is their luxurious accommodations, and let me tell you they really are! With their own entrance onto the ship, their own private pool, and their own concierge, The Haven is most definitely worth the extra cost.

The Haven private pool

We were also able to experience the cuisine. The Encore has so many dining options so there is something for everyone! I am a very picky eater and I did not go hungry. The restaurants on this ship were absolutely amazing! I was fortunate enough to be able to experience various complimentary restaurants and one specialty dining restaurant. My favorite – the complimentary Manhattan Room (available on several Norwegian ships) – featured my favorite meal onboard, surf and turf. I must say, it might have been one of the best steaks I have ever had.

We also dined at additional specialty restaurants including Los Lobos,  contemporary Mexican restaurant with a modern twist. Everything our table ordered was spectacular and the views were even better. We sat adjacent to the floor to ceiling glass paneled windows and were treated to spectacular views. Paired with a delicious dinner and table-side guacamole, it is safe to say that this is a great specialty dining choice.

Food on the Norwegian Ecnore
Specialty dining, Los Cabos Salad!
Caesar Salad from complimentary dining restaurant, The Manhattan Room
Surf and Turf from complimentary dining restaurant, The Manhattan Room

I know I keep saying this, but this ship has so much to offer! Shows, the casino, comedy clubs, dance clubs, trivia, the spa, virtual games, an arcade, casino, laser tag and go cart racing you will never go bored on this ship. I was able to experience a variety of entertainment on board. First stop, the shows. Choir of Man and Kinky Boots are performed nightly in the theater and WOW let me tell you, everyone raved about these shows, especially Choir of Man. In fact, it’s the highest rated entertainment on all of Norwegian’s ships! And it’s all included – these guys perform at venues around the globe and tickets are in excess of $140/each (and worth it). Luckily, it will be complimentary for you onboard… just be sure to reserve your seats as soon as you can.

I was able to experience the Galaxy Pavillion – the virtual game room onboard –  which was nothing less than amazing! In one scenario you lay down and it feels like you are soaring through the most scenic places. I also tried a game called descendants which sadly I think I might have had the worst record on the ship but man was that game fun! Shout out to our Travel Specialist Tammy from Camp Hill who rocked it, as the worker reminded me (haha).

One thing I never got up to see due to the weather was the Encore Speedway. My colleagues who had a chance to ride it and said it was epic! This speedway hangs 13 feet over the side of the ship. Then once you’re done racing you can head next door to the laser tag on the same deck! How cool that you can have these experiences on a cruise.

My two favorite parts of the ship? The Waterfront and the Observatory Lounge for their views. Let me tell you these pictures do not do it justice. Floor to ceiling windows in the lounge, you will never have a bad view from wherever you sit. Hang by the comfy chairs and enjoy the scenery because that lounge is spectacular. When you’re done there head outside to the Waterfront for the most comfy chairs and views. They also have built in heaters in the ceiling for when it gets chilly. On a chilly Tuesday afternoon in New York, I felt warm with the help of the heaters.

This ship has so much to offer – I could go on for days, but I won’t. You should just go experience it yourself so you truly understand. I promise you, it will not disappoint. Scroll down for more photos from the ship!

 

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com 

The Majesty of Alaska and Cruising with Holland America Line

The following post was written by Lori in our Marketing Department and is a review of her experience aboard Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam to Alaska. Departing September 21, 2019 from Seattle, WA, the ship made stops in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, AL and Victoria, B.C.  

“And she gazed at the sky, the sea, the land,
The waves and the caves and the golden sand.
She gazed and gazed, amazed by it all,
And she said to the whale, “I feel so small.”

This is one of my favorite pages from a children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and perfectly sums up my Alaskan adventure. I will try my hardest to describe the majesty of Alaska, the beauty of sailing with Holland America Line on board ms Eurodam and the memories made with my mother — and I’m hoping at the end, you will want to experience it all for yourself as well.

Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam

The Ship

ms Eurodam is Holland America Line’s first Signature-class ship with a capacity of 2,104 guests. Noted for a full Music Walk experience, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard, the talent on board is truly breathtaking. My favorite was B.B King’s Blues Club. The singers and band wowed the crowd with favorite blues from the 1960’s and beyond. The crowd was engaged and couples danced the night away — which was so sweet to watch.

B.B. King’s Blues Club
Billboard Onboard

There were additional performances onboard showcasing comedy, dance and more daily at the Mainstage. My favorite was the comedian David Crowe. His skits were light-hearted and side splitting funny. Equally as entertaining was an illusionist onboard. He wowed the crowd with illusions that had you wondering “How’d he do that?” for days. And if you are sitting next to someone who has their hand raised to help with a skit, you may just get pulled up on stage (me!). I’m still not quite sure where he put the blades he swallowed and later pulled back out of his mouth — eek.

Mainstage

Love America’s Test Kitchen? You’re in luck. Holland America Line has a test-kitchen right onboard. Another favorite of mine, I enjoyed learning new tips and tricks to use in the kitchen. On the menu for the day was adult grilled cheese (cheddar and brie spread, yum!) and creamy tomato soup without dairy. An added bonus, they give a unique URL of all current recipes from America’s Test Kitchen to everyone that sails with Holland America to use in their own home. So far I’ve tried a couple different recipes at home and they turned out great! Also, the demonstrator gave recommendations on places to eat in port and proved to be on-point (Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, yum!)

America’s Test Kitchen

Dining onboard is another notable experience. Complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the Lido Market (buffet). Every day they served up fresh and delicious cuisines. You can also grab a NY style pizza at New York Pizza or a hamburger, hot dog and fries at Dive-In, all located on the same deck as the market. You can also choose to dine in the main Dining Room (complimentary table service) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We loved their lunchtime fish and chips meal and the surf and turf served during one of the two gala nights onboard. Also, the afternoon tea served at the Dining Room was a favorite and served the most delicious small plate sandwiches and desserts.
If you enjoy meeting new people onboard, ask to share a table when you go to the Dining Room. We met people from all over the United States and loved seeing them throughout the ship and staying up to date on their adventures as well as sharing our own. You may even meet a couple from the famous Punxsutawney, PA.

Dining Room

Additional photos from onboard:

Lido Pool
Outdoor Pool
The Shops
Loved my time in the gym

Insider tip: If you are flying on certain airlines, take advantage of Port Valet (offered by the Port of Seattle). It is a complimentary luggage service that takes your luggage the night before disembarkation, delivers it to the aiport, makes sure it gets on your plane for arrival at the airport when you arrive home. Port Valet will also provide you with your boarding pass (although some airlines you’ll have to get your boarding pass at the airport). It is an extremely easy process and the benefits of not having to lug your luggage to the airport is worth the 2-minutes to fill out the paperwork onboard.

Alaska

Alaska, also given the nickname as the final frontier, is packed with staggering mountains, breathtaking glaciers that are continuing to shape the land, wildlife, lively cities, unique culture and is on the top 3 of many peoples bucket-lists. With many cities only being accessible by boat/ship or plane, the people of Alaska adapt to the demands of the ever changing weather as a way of life. The Alaskan people truly adore where they live and can be felt by the warm welcome felt while touring this beautiful state.

Port 1 – Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is the capital of Alaska. Although it is not the largest city in Alaska, the town is bustling with shops, restaurants, a tram ride to the top of Mount Roberts, art and culture, excursions to experience fishing, kayaking, and the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier and visitors center. We chose the latter as our excursion at this port of call and was one of our favorites. After about a 20-minute bus ride filled with local history provided by the tour director, you arrive at the glacier with 2-hours to explore. An easy 1-mile walk up and back on Nugget Falls Trail got you up close and personal with the glacier and the Nugget Falls Waterfall.
Insider tip: For some extra fun, bring rain boots to get super close to the waterfall.

Nugget Falls
Mendenhall Glacier

We had some time before our excursion to explore so I ventured off in search of a new addition to Juneau. A 20-minute walk got me to the interactive lifesize statue of a baby humpback whale. It was worth the walk for the pictures alone and most cruisers aren’t aware of this piece of art yet.

Cruising Glacier Bay

This was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE day out of the whole trip. Holland America Line brings a park ranger onboard this day to narrate the changing landscapes, the wildlife you see passing by and the magnificent Margerie Glacier.

Margerie Glacier

Port 2 – Sitka, Alaska

In Sitka, we chose to do the Bird, Bears and Barnacles excursion hosted by Holland America Line. We visited the Raptor Center and saw injured raptors recovering in real-life environments, bears enjoying their time and a fish hatchery and science museum.

Port 3 – Ketchikan, Alaska

This was by far my favorite port of call. I chose to explore on my own today and did a self-guided walking tour of the town and surrounding landscapes including a hike on the popular Rainbird Hiking Trail. We were in Alaska at the end of the salmon season so I got to see them swimming up the river to lay their eggs and eventually the end of their life (a bit stinky but worth it).

Port 4 – Victoria, British Columbia

This port was the one I researched the least and was the one I was most pleasantly surprised at. We enjoyed sitting down at a local pub and enjoying some beer and bangers and mash before exploring the grounds of the parliament building, the famous Empress hotel and some local shops.

I’m so thankful that I was able to visit Alaska and to experience it with Holland America Line. I can most definitely see why they are noted as the leader in cruises to Alaska from the easy online check-in prior to sailing, the daily turndown, important information and port excursion recommendations being delivered directly to your stateroom daily, the entertainment and activities onboard and the EXCEPTIONAL service and dining. I hope you are able to experience Alaska for yourself one day and you come away as humbled as I am in the presence of such beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com

 

Oh Joy! There’s So Much to Love About Norwegian’s Newly Reimagined Ship

Introducing the New Norwegian Joy

The following post is written by Amanda from the Boscov’s Travel Marketing Department.

Have you ever heard of a ship that gets refurbished after only two years? Probably not – it’s unheard of. Once again, though, Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t disappoint and has decided to refurbish the Norwegian Joy for the American market. Originally created for the Asian market, this ship underwent a $50 million makeover and let me tell you, this ship is GORGEOUS!

With a guest capacity over 3,800 and overall length 1,094 feet, this ship features a race track like sister ship Bliss, and so much more. It will make you feel like you’re living in an entertainment-packed resort no matter where you are on the ship. Take on the challenge of outdoor laser tag and virtual experiences, ride the first of its kind two level race track… then check out the water slide that hangs 11 feet off the side of the ship, the casino, observation lounge, splash academy, teen club, and a kids’ aqua park – there is something do for every member of the family.

After my extensive research, I must say I’m so obsessed with the wide range of dining options (yes, I am restaurant guru). There is an American diner restaurant, an outdoor promenade and The Waterfront where you can eat outdoors overlooking the beautiful ocean! Enjoy 16 dining options – – food is everywhere you turn.

So the big question: how can you experience this beautiful cruise ship? She will be sailing year round – summers in Alaska and the rest of the year sailing the Mexican Riviera, from Miami and LA to the Panama Canal. So if any of these sound interesting to you then get ready to sail!

I’m excited with anticipation as I’m about to book my first cruise (through Boscov’s Travel, of course) and am absolutely considering this ship! It really looks like a dream vacation with endless possibilities and things to do! Great job Norwegian! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.


If you’re ready to start planning your Norwegian Cruise aboard the Norwegian Joy, email [email protected] or call 800-755-8020.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com

Find Bliss on Norwegian’s Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

If go-karting at sea seems your speed, get ready to meet the new Norwegian Bliss. Debuting in the summer of 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the 16th in their fleet, will initially spend her summers exploring Alaska and her winters island-hopping in the Carribean and Mexico. Besides offering the largest-at-sea two-level electric go-kart race track where drivers reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, the ship boasts an aqua park with a free-fall slide, a side-by-side racing inner tube slide, and a looping water slide that extends over the sides of the ship. Younger water lovers can splash under tipping water buckets and take aim at their parents with water cannons in the ship’s aqua park. And for those looking for a little less relaxation and a little more adventure can take aim in a competitive open-air laser tag course themed as an abandoned space station.

Foodies will delight at the ship’s southern-inspired cuisine, including the new Texas Smokehouse Q, featuring authentic Texas barbeque against the sounds of live contemporary pop country music, and Los Lobos, which offers upscale Mexican flavors along with guest favorites, like tableside fresh guacamole preparation and handcrafted margaritas. Steak lovers can challenge their stomach capacity with the 20-ounce Angus porterhouse featured at Cagney’s Steakhouse, and enjoy a nightcap at the A-List Bar, serving premium cocktails, wines and spirits. Even those missing their daily latte at sea will be thrilled to hear the ship houses a full-service Starbucks location, in a nod to its home port in Seattle.

Of course, no cruise would be complete without a little relaxation and spa-time, and like the ship’s name implies, bliss can be found in Mandara Spa, which also features a full-service salon and barber shop and fitness center. Due to popularity on its sister ship, Breakaway, Bliss features plenty of outdoor promenades and lounge and bar areas, as well as al fresco dining options to immerse guests in the cruise experience, as well as the beautiful views on board at sea. Custom-built for the Alaskan cruiser, guests will be able to view glaciers and the natural beauty of our northernmost state directly from the ship, or hop off at one of the Alaskan ports for sightseeing and exploring.

After departing from Seattle, the cruise will feature stops in the Alaskan ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Whether exploring the Misty Fjords or zip-lining in Ketchikan, or trekking through glaciers or whale-watching in Juneau, or panning for gold or dog sledding through Skagway, Alaska offers adventure for everyone. Victoria, with its stunning Butchart Gardens and famed Chinatown, as well as Seattle’s Space Needle and historic Pike Place Market rounds out just a taste of shoreside opportunities for cruisers on the Bliss’ inaugural Alaskan voyages.

To learn more about the Bliss’ itineraries and price out your stateroom or suite today, please contact a Boscov’s Travel Specialist at 800-755-8020 or email us at [email protected].

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com

When’s the Best Time to Go to Alaska?

Larger than Texas, Montana, and California combined, there’s so much to explore in America’s last frontier, Alaska. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast looking to hike a glacier, or you’re hoping to see Orca in their natural habitat, Alaska offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all.

The most popular way to experience the best of Alaska is by cruise. Enjoy the comforts of an ocean cruise like Royal Caribbean International or Norwegian Cruise Line, delight in a few extra amenities with Celebrity Cruises, or savor the journey with the cruise line that was first to Alaska – Holland America Line. Alaska cruise season is from mid-May through mid-September when the temperatures range from 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings, to up to the 80’s in the daytime during the peak of summer.

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Because it can be cooler at the start and end of cruise season, cruise prices are typically lower during May and September…

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which is good news since the best time to see wildlife is at the start of the season in May. Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities for the animals. Expect to see bald eagles, moose, salmon, walrus, polar bears, caribou, and more.

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Though if you are a bear enthusiast, you’ll want to go in late June or early July. Look for salmon swimming upstream and you’ll often find one of Alaska’s 85,000 wild bears looking for his next meal. These bears can gain upwards of 200 pounds from spring through fall before hibernation!

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If fall is your favorite season, you won’t be disappointed if you visit in early September. During this time, expect to see the leaves changing into vibrant colors just before the start of the winter season. Be prepared to bundle up as temperatures get cooler.

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So what other experiences can you expect to enjoy in Alaska? Below are some highlights of excursions available for tourists:

  • Bear Sanctuary, Eagle Rescue and Native Trails
  • Klondike Gold Fields and Gold Panning
  • Discover Sitka, Totem Park and Native Dance
  • Dogsled Adventure
  • Dry Suit Snorkel
  • Rainforest Ropes and Challenge Park
  • Sea Kayak Adventure
  • Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour
  • and many, many more.

If you’re ready to start planning your Alaska experience, call us at 800-755-8020, email [email protected] or visit us for current deals.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury).  View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com.