One of the things we dreaded most about going on our Norwegian cruise was needing to make reservations since that isn’t something we have needed to do before. While making reservations at the restaurants wasn’t necessary, if you want to make sure you get into one of their shows they are. I knew that there were supposed to be digital kiosks available around the ship where you can make reservations, but didn’t know exactly where to find them. Hint: there are kiosks on most decks between the elevators and stairwells, so there are plenty of them.
I like to start my vacation and be able to relax from the minute I board a ship. The added pressure of needing to find a kiosk and make reservations as soon as you board the ship added stress that I felt was unnecessary. From the moment we booked our Norwegian cruise and began researching what to expect, this process is something we discussed needed to be changed. And it seems that Norwegian is finally getting with the program and allowing cruisers to book entertainment prior to boarding the ship.
Since guests can book reservations, not only for the specialty dining restaurants, but also the main dining rooms, I just couldn’t understand why Norwegian was forcing everyone to wait to book their shows. Obviously they already had a reservation process up and running on their website. How hard would it be to mimic the system already in use for the restaurants and use it to book the shows?
Well, Norwegian has finally decided to implement online pre-booking for their entertainment, including their broadways shows, comedy and even exclusive live music venues.
Platinum level and above, along with Haven guests, will be able to book 26 days prior to embarkation. Everyone else will be able to book 21 days prior to sailing. It remains to be seen how this will play out and how it will affect those having to wait to pre-book. Will they still be able to book those popular shows or will those shows already be booked up? Currently, those who are able to book first are the same people who are boarding the ship first, but are all of them heading straight to a kiosk to book that entertainment venue? My guess is that they are not, but with a five day head start, they may find the time to get that booking in.
If you are unable to get booked for a show, you can always show up at the venue and wait to see if seats become available. There will always be no-shows, so there is a chance you can get in if you are willing to make the effort. There is also a chance you can just walk right in like a couple that was waiting in line with us to see Six on our recent Breakaway cruise. They said they didn’t have reservations, but when we had our cards scanned to get into the show, their cards were scanned and they were able to just walked right in. Nobody stopped them even though they didn’t have a reservation, so who knows.
If you are looking to book an Alaskan cruise for the 2024 season, now is the time. Both Holland America and Princess cruises have announced their 2024 Alaskan season cruises. While I have yet to book an Alaskan cruise, it is definitely on my bucket list, and when I do so, I plan to book with either Princess or Holland America as they are the premier lines when it comes to Alaska. Both have more experience with the area than any other cruise line as the first two lines to begin this highly sought out destination. Holland America first began sailing Alaska in the 60s with Princess right behind with their first season in 1969.
Princess’s 55th year in Alaska is offering itineraries on seven ships that will depart from four ports—San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage, Alaska. The 2024 season will also include the opportunity to combine Princess’ sailing itineraries with its various land tour offerings, including staying in Princess Wilderness Lodges. John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, said in a statement. “We’re celebrating our 55th anniversary in 2024 cruising to this must-see destination, so whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting Alaska, we are ready to help guests make inspiring memories to last a lifetime.”
In 2024, Holland America is also offering land and sea combos with16 different Cruisetours where guests can choose whether they want to cruise to Alaska or go overland first and add two or three nights at Denali National Park later. For a limited time, those booking early will have the option to add the “have it all” premium package which includes shore excursions, specialty dining, wifi and drinks.
Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer at Holland America Line stated, “Holland America Line has dedicated decades to perfecting Alaska travel for our guests and the result is an Alaska cruise and overland experience that is unmatched in the industry,”
Alaskan sailings are always in demand, so you will want book early to get the best deals as prices on Alaskan sailings rarely get cheaper than when they are first offered.
Have you been to Alaska? If not, is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments if you have any advise or recommendations.
Cruising From The Ozarks 