u/mtsublueraider

Nevermind the fact we missed the Hubbard glacier on the Hubbard glacier cruise and went into Whittier instead of Seward…

On this ship alone…

For context most of my sailings have been on freedom class and voyager. Also love serenade. Have done oasis and had a great time.

Ovation just isn’t for me. Nothing about it screamed crusing. The schooner bar felt like a hotel conference room and the promenade felt more like a shopping mall. At least the promenade on freedom is unique and still felt like a shop.

The stairs always felt hidden. I was constantly trying to remember which way to go and how to get there. Always felt intuitive on others

The solarim was spectacular, I will say that.

The dining room felt nice but never as grand as the staircase and tiers with chandeliers the others have.

Spot on though the rooms were so nice. Bathrooms and layout was much nicer than anything I’ve been on.

The back of the windjammer was a real star. Could get away and go outside. That was nice.

Pizza at promenade was SO MUCH better than other ships. Craved it!

Giovanni’s Italian kitchen was super flow on day 1. Nearly didn’t go back but also found the real star was being able to order à la carte at the I wine bar with flights of wine for just $12. NICE wine for a low price. Do it.

But the ship for me just wasn’t sailing like I’m used to. Going back to freedom and Cunard next year. We had a great time but may not be on this class.

I absolutely hate it for the city that the ships are diverting at the start of the season due to the port being unfinished. We just learned yesterday that our sailing is going to Whittier instead.

We have everything booked for a great stay after the cruise in Seward so we are still coming down, but so many others will have to skip Seward entirely because of this. Lots of lost tourism dollars and I’m sorry for that.

Looking forward to turning heads kennels, major marine, the sea life center… and food! Just sad there won’t be more people spending money in town with me. Hope it gets fixed soon.

I'm hearing some conflicting reports about the ability to get in there by car. The NPS site still says the road is closed but some people are posting about ice melt and that it could be open sooner than later. We have a tour coming off a cruise ship that could have the glacier as a viewing point/stop later in May. Any leads better than others to keep an eye on it? We'd LOVE to but we know that early season is hit or miss on that road. Can't wait to be there for a few days regardless.