2011 Alaska Cruise Registration Website

I thought it was time to start this new Forum since the Reunion Cruise is happening in 2011...

Needless to say the Brady's are going. The Steele's are going too. You ask who are the Steele's, well my lovely wife Sue's maiden name is Steele and she has two brothers and two sisters and they and their spouses are joining us on the cruise. So we will be doing a Steele family Reunion and a Harbour Lights Family Reunion Cruise all in one..

Even though my employment status is a bit shaky, I am planning to attend.

I registered yesterday!

My employment status is shaky too, but I want to attend.

Joe and I will be going.

We will be there! This is my first cruise. Can anyone explain to me the pros and cons of the different staterooms? Fore, midships and aft? (yes I know what they mean) I can't figure out how much it matters which kind of room we get, and don't want to blow money we could spend elsewhere.

Gary and I want to be there! It will be our first cruise, also.

Laura,

I have done two cruises- a 7 day to Bermuda and a 14 day to Europe (UK, Ireland, Norway & Denmark). I planned an alaskan cruise for my mother and sister several years ago and I know a number of people who've taken Alaskan cruises as well.

The biggest pro on a cruise to Alaska is having a stateroom with a balcony. They have floor to ceiling doors so you can stay inside the cabin if it's a bit cool but since one of the main reasons to take this cruise is to see the scenery a balcony is really nice to have.

I wish we had one on the European cruise but it would have been a waste of money on the Bermuda cruise.

Bottom line- if you really need to cut some corners money wise you should opt for a balcony - or at the very least not an inside stateroom.

As far as position of the stateroom mid-ships can be the most calm and quiet area- the stern may be a bit noisy with the engine sounds.

Mid-ship and forward you do need to make sure that you are not directly above or below a noisy area of the ship. Finding a cabin not right next to the elevators is a good thing as well.

I looked at the prices and the difference between the Ocean view and the Concierge level staterooms is not that much and you do get some nice extras- especially early on and off of the ship if that is something you'd like and a slightly larger veranda (balcony). The other extras are mostly creature comforts and can be done without.

The shore excursions presently listed are not that expensive- and include lighthouses on most of them- but keep in mind that in some ports you might be able to save some money and go on your own or just stay on or near the ship.

You can save lots of money on board if you don't drink things other than water, coffee, tea or ice tea. These are all usually free. Alcoholic and even soft drinks you have to pay for and they are not cheap- especially the alcholic ones. Soft drinks you can usually buy a one price pass for all you can drink. it's only a deal if you know you are going to drink a lot of soda.

If you don't go to any of the speciality restaurants your food will all be included.

Stay out of the casino and don't use the internet unless you really have to as that can be very expensive as well.

Sorry to go on so long. any other questions I'll be glad to help with or i'm sure someone else will cover them.

Dennis

If you talk to Rod on the 27th of July, he will explain in detail all of the differences.. You do feel motion more towards the bow than in the amidships area. You also feel motion a little more the higher you are deck wise..

If you are claustrophobic I would suggest a window for sure.. You are in you room mostly just to sleep but having said that Sue and I are going with a balcony this time, we didn't the last time we made the Inside Passage cruise in 1997.. We decided to go ahead and spoil ourselves a little bit with a balcony room with Concierge this trip.

It looks like Dennis beat me posting by a minute and he went into a lot of good detail..

Rod will help you understand all of the differences; he is very knowledgeable when it comes to all of the Cruise differences and will be very helpful..

I'm hoping to be able to make this Reunion. Unfortunately we've also got a wedding in Texas in May and another Reunion Cruise- Esther's 40th High School class- happening in May as well.

We may have to put the three things in a hat and pick blindly. I just can't see us doing all 3 unless I win the lottery.

Dennis

Fellow Lighthousers,

I fully intend to participate. And I would like one of the rooms with a balcony. If I can't get one, I don't believe I will go. See you all in a year - I hope.

bobo

Linda and I are atending and registered last night. It will be our first cruise as well.
We opted for a concierge level balcony stateroom.

Dennis, thanks for the info you posted. It answered some of the questions we had.

Bill and I have registered even though we have been on an Alaskan cruise. Since the focus is lighthouses and the HL Reunion we didn't want to miss this one. We always said that if we ever took another cruise we would definitely get a balconey so we opted for the Concierge level. I'm still not sure how we can see "almost 60 lighthouses" but we're ready to check it out and have a great time in one of our favorite states.

Judy

I am going with a Concierge level stateroom as well. Ladybug and I are rooming together like we did for the last reunion. Totally looking forward to this event!

Larry and I are registered and look forward to seeing fellow lighthouse enthusiasts as we cruise to some spectacular locations. We registered for a concierge stateroom with balcony since this will be our 35th wedding anniversary gift to each other. We have cruised before, but only in warm locations so this will be a challenge to get enough warm clothes packed in a piece of luggage that won't break the bank when we check in at the airport!

Ms SHARON & The RIP have registered with deposit
LOOKING FORWARD to this one!!!!!!
Rip

You can use your cellphone when you're on land in Alaska. Verizon was included in the 50 states,
Never use on the ship.

Balcony is a must if you can afford it but even in an inside room you can still go up on deck for the Glacier Day.

Did anyone go with the boat direct or with the travel agent? Is his prices the same? Where does the registraion fee get applied to? is it for Harbor lights or the cruise?

My understanding is that the registration fee is in addition to the cruise prices quoted. I think you'll find it covers the expenses of Harbour Lights to set up and operate this event.

You can compare the prices direct, but if you want to participate in the group events, I expect you'll have to purchase through the selected cruise management service operated by Rod Hunt.

The prices quoted by HL include all tips and taxes, etc. (Side trips arranged by Rod are additional.)

The bus side trip in Victoria, BC is included the package price, which includes a visit to Ogden Point Breakwater Light and Fisgard Lighthouse & Museum.

I realize that being a very infrequent poster to this site, my opinion could be minimal. But after reading WackoPaul's post last night, I was extremely stressed and had a terrible night's sleep. But I had to write this. So here it is.
My wife and I really wanted to attend. We actually began filling out the registration. This would have been our first cruise. We think this would have been a very enjoyable journey with other lighthouse enthusiasts. But being a former travel agent myself, I thought we would earn a group rate and a discount would be awarded. (I have negotiated with other cruise lines in my history and gotten significant discounts for the group members. Maybe times have changed and commissions are no longer paid.) Instead the members need to pay a premium for "administrative" costs. (I thought this is why the cruise lines paid commissions. I know that the travel agent I worked for would get a commission if they booked it.)
Wanting a balcony, the additional cost over Celebrity's rack rate would be almost $750. With the additional airfare of almost $1000 (since we live in a rural area and the regional airport is outrageously expensive), the cost is somewhat prohibitive. For some, +$700 isn't a big deal. But we have a daughter in college and it is costing us over $10,000 a year out of pocket and the additional costs (registration fees, premium costs...) are just a bit much. Yes we could take a smaller cabin and save money. I could also save money by not buying HL lighthouses...but why?
In my opinion, if the passenger books it through the cruise line themselves (or in my case, my former employer), with a small "registration fee" we should be able to attend the event. Just my opinion.
I do not blame anyone for this. It is what it is. I was just hoping it could be done a bit cheaper.

Larry, I am sorry if my post caused you stress, I don't understand why my posts would...

I would suggest that you should address your questions to either Tony at Harbour Lights or to Rod when he get back from his trip on July 27th..

Also Larry, your opinion counts for as much as any other's opinion here in the Forums..

You can call Tony at 1-800-365-1219 or email to tconstantino@harbourlights.com

Larry, I think it was my post that referred to the registration fee, etc. As Paul suggests, contact Tony Monday and ask him. My answers were speculation based on pre-announcement conversations with Tony; Tony can give you the scoop on whether you can book directly with Celebrity and save.

I spoke to Rod (after I registered) and even though he is out of town if you call his office and tell his assistant you would like to talk to him, he will get in touch with you. He sounds like a great guy and is working hard to accomodate us all. I agree with John and Paul, Larry. Give Tony or Rod a call. It doesn't hurt to ask.

I have been to all the H.L. Reunions and always thought the registration fee covers all the goodies, printing of programs or whatever materials we get, as well as the exclusive replicas. Who knows what else it covers; I suspect administrative costs. I just know that when I worked and we attended conventions the registration fees were a lot more than what we pay for H.L. Reunions even though right now money is a lot tougher to come by!

Hopefully you can get everything worked out Larry and be part of this special trip.

Judy

Judy, I believe the exclusive replicas will be a separate cost as they have been in the past. They will be available only to those on the Reunion Cruise..

Didn't we get some free at past reunions? Maybe I am just thinking of the thumbnails.

I remember in San Diego they were numbered according to our registration order received or was it order received? Funny how the memory gets clouded as one ages! Do you think they are doing that again?


Judy

You got some thumbnails and a couple of mini's..

I don't have any inside info about that and I couldn't tell you if I did because Don, Harry and Tony would kill me..

I do know who is giving one of the Seminars and what it is about..

[QUOTE from WackoPaul]The bus side trip in Victoria, BC is included the package price, which includes a visit to Ogden Point Breakwater Light and Fisgard Lighthouse & Museum.[/QUOTE]

I am confused, if the bus side trip is included in the package price, why does the site say the excursion is an additional $35 and also limited seating?

Now I am confused, where did you read - an additional $35 and also limited seating?

On the 'add on excursion' page it says: Our "Grand Finale" is for all and is included in your Reunion Registration Fee..

The only thing I can find for $35 is: Specialty Dining Option $35

Shore Excursions

It was there on the 7th and have sent you a scan of the page I printed out on that day. It has now been replaced with the verbiage "Our Grand Finale is for all and is included in your Reunion Registration Fee". Paul, I sent you a scan of the page in reply to your email. If I had not printed it out I would have thought I was having a senior moment, (at least about this).

I spoke to Rod about that when we discussed our registration. Apparently that $35 wasn't supposed to be listed there but the notice about the trip details went out sooner than he thought it was to go out. Rod took it off the web site now. Those of us who saw it must have been the early birds who registered right away!

There is no $35 fee for the BC trip and Paul is right, about the $35 for the Specialty Dining Option. That is for the last night and they are offering limited seating for the Specialty Dining option. I can't remember if he said 30 or 60 people would be accomodated. He said that it was a sit down 5-course dinner rather than the buffet that is included in the cost. It is optional but he said to let everyone know it is limited so if a nice dinner sounds inviting for $35 sign up now before they fill up.

Judy

Elizabeth and I have registered. We are looking forward to catching up with old friends.

Sean

It will be great to see you and Elizabeth again, Sean..

HEY I'm Registered also . Will enjoy seeing all the old friends and meeting new ones . This Cruise will take two off my bucket list (taking a cruise & seeing Alaska)

I decided to do the train excursion (even though a little pricy) in addition to all the others, only because I will probably never get back up to Alaska again and want to see as much of it as possible, even if there are no lighthouses on this part.

We decided to go on the train because, Sue hasn't been on a train since she was a child. It has probably been 25 or 30 years since I shot news stories while riding on trains..

Sue and I are glad to see you are going, Twiggy, it wouldn't be a real Harbour Lights Reunion without you..

The McGreevy's will be going as well as my grandfather and his girl friend. This will be my second Alaska cruise and my 10th cruise total. I am excited to be going back. I have taken the train ride and it is a wonderful trip. We have signed up for all three of the excursions.

I am posting this for Doyne and Cindy Cole, they are registered for the Alaska Harbour Lights Reunion Cruise.

Jeff and I will be there also, this is our first cruise. We plan for a balcony.

Laura,my sister,and I are new to lighthousing compaired to most of you, but we are enjoying them!!!

Because our husbands will be with us it will NOT qualify as our sister trip for 2011. We still get to plan another.

Now that I am sure we are going my mind is spinning, like the Northern Light(I hope to see them).

Does anyone know the lights that can be viewed from the boat during the cruise?

Rod can give you the best answer since he has made the cruise recently..

The time that we did the Inside Passage Cruise it was with a bunch of TV people and we probably went by several when we 1st left Vancouver and the bosses threw a party at that time so I didn't get to see any then.. Since we are leaving from Seattle I don't know how many we will go by close enough to see.. Plus we didn't go near Victoria on our trip.

I am sure we will pass some at night since a lot of the traveling is done at night.. The side excursions have been arranged so there will be those seen closer than when we are cruising..

I would check with Rod to get the route of the ship; there are more numbers in the BC Lighthouse Map as we go and come but I don't know how close.. That is why I suggested binoculars as part of the goodie bags..

AK Lighthouse Map

Rod has made this trip and told me when he gets home he will tell us all the possable lights we can see and a schedule. He will post pics too. Thats if the ship does the same route.

I was checking Lighthousefriends.com and it dosent look like we will see a good many of the lights in Alaska. The side trips are for only 3 lights and one ship. The bus is only one, That leaves many not to be seen. I am wondering if there will be another way to see more?

That would be nice to get a list and schedule of possible lights. I still don't understand where they got the "...almost sixty lighthouses." That just doesn't compute!

Judy

We will also pass some Washington Lights.. WA Lighthouse Map
Probably going and coming.. The cruise ships usually take two different routes. We did Inside Passage on the way North and Pacific Ocean side on the way South..

Is anyone gong to arrange a before or after lighthousing in WA trip like we had during the Mackinac Reunion? Wouldn't that be great?!!!

Yes that is in the works..

Nothing final yet.. But hopefully that will come together..

You can follow Sue and I if you want; I am driving and probably taking around a month in all, as we will be visiting different sites both going and coming..

We plan to stop at places like Mesa Verde, Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Yellowstone, etc, etc, etc as Yul Brynner would say ..

Since we have been to all of these sites before, I guess you could call it the Brady Reunion Tour.. We had planned to do the Reunion Tour to the Northwest even before we knew there was going to be a cruise, talk about timing..

Cam and I have sent in the registration information. I told John that I had also planned on a cruise to Alaska in 2011 in hopes that the Cutter STORIS will finally make it's return to Juneau to become a Coast Guard and Alaska Maritime History museum by that time. I hope to see her again while I'm there, but not sure how quickly it will actually make the trip up from San Francisco Bay.
I also look forward to seeing many early collectors again as well as meeting new friends.

The other Rich

Thanks for the offer Paul! Ladybug has also offered to show me around the WA lights if a "deluxe motor coach" tour does not come to pass.

Hi Rich, it will be great to see you again! I was trying to think when the last time was, I think maybe the Sacramento Regional, did you make the Oakland Regional?

Hi Paul. I did make the Oakland Regional, but I think the last time we saw you was at Cedar Point. Looking forward to it once again.

Rich

Wow, I forgot all about Cedar Point.. They say the memory is the 2nd thing to go and I forget what the 1st thing to go is..

I've come to the conclusion that as much as I'd love to make this trip I'm going have to pass for various reasons.

I have three potential trips/committments between May and June 2011 and just can't physically or fiscally do all of them.

This trip unfortunately comes in third in the race and has to be eliminated first.

A cruise to Alaska is still on my personal bucket list but it isn't likely to happen in 2011 and is even less likely to happen with this trip no matter how much we would enjoy the company.

Dennis

I talked with Derith this morning and she is in route to be with her mother who recently has experienced failing health.. She will be without internet until the 26th. She asked me to post this on the Forums since her name had been mentioned as possibly seeing other lighthouses in the area.

Derith and the Bradys had already committed to doing a tour of lighthouses in the Northwest in 2011, even before the Cruise idea came about.

She is registered for the cruise and is waiting to hear back from Rod before she can start planning whether a pre or post light tour. She isn't planning on a bus tour at this time but she will talk to Rod and discuss different possibilities. She did mention that she originally had planned on doing with us was going to take around 5 days…but she also is looking at the possibility of something just around the Seattle area.

This is in the very early stage of planning and there will be a lot more in coming days after she talks with Rod and after she gets back home from her Mom's.

WackyCharlie here, MargaretAnn and I are registered, for the cruise, dinner, and all the side trips. Looking forward to seeing you all, again. We'll be flying out, non-stop, I hope. Keep the lights shinning. The Berrys

A couple more Hoosier Lighthousing Club members, welcome aboard Charlie and MargaretAnn!!

Nettie and I have registered. Looking forward to seeing lighthouse friends.
Mike

I am going with Rich. Please keep me in mind when Derith plans one of her great trips. I heard she has a golden key to get into places that you cant get into. This should be a great trip. So far I dont see us seeing to many of the Alaska lights. The bulk is in Canada on the way up. I could be wrong, It would not be the first time. I hope we can get to see the Northern lights one night. I am counting the months for this trip.

Dose anybody have thier cabin number yet? Would be nice to see how close we all are to one another. Joe and I are booked for 8156. Ofcourse I guess that all could change between now and then?

Ladybug and I are in 8090.

we sent in our registration on 7/7 and exchanged e-mails with Mr. Hunt but no phone call to pay deposit or firm up details. I am getting nervous that we are going to be left out in the cold. Is he away on something and will start contacting again on 7/27?

Perhaps you could call one of the numbers below...these were on the web site
Paradise.Bound.net

For more details on a personal level give Rod a call toll free at 888.325.3225....Rod Hunt
or
Open 7 days a week! M-F 9-6 & S-S 10-5 - In the PACIFIC TIME Zone
541-383-8107

He is on a trip and will return by next Tuesday.. He is checking his email regularly while he is on the road..

The Dollingers have 8030

The Gores (Dave and Laura) from Annapolis, MD area are going as well. We just registered this week and finalized things with Rod yesterday (he is back now). We'll be in cabin 8062 (I believe). We attended the Mackinaw reunion in 05 and had a great time. Although we were in Alaska as recently as 08, we couldn't pass up this opportunity. Looking forward to seeing some HL collectors that we met at the last reunion.

P.S. Although my status still inicates "Newbie" since I don't post on here that often, I have been a serious HL collector since the mid 90s.

Dave

Rod called us this morning and we are all set. Our stateroom is 8074. Now if we could just speed up the calendar.

Randall - we'll almost be neighbors. Look forward to meeting you on the cruise.

Ron...glad to see that your reservations are confirmed!
This all takes me back to the first and second reunion when it was first come first serve.....I was a nervous wreck because I was just starting to fly for the first time, and traveling alone. I believe with the first reunion, I faxed my reservations in.

Anyway, I sure am ready to see old friends and make new ones!!

Eldred Rock - Sentinel Island - Umatilla Lightship - posted thanks to Paul!

Thanks, Hilari for sharing these images in the HL Alaska Cruise thread..

With Hilari's permission I did a little Photoshop magic on her Eldred Rock Lighthouse image.. I thought it turned out kind of cool, if that is still what is said these days..

That is makes it look like a sketch. Very interesting. Nice photos Hilari.

Very COOOOL! Paul.

Congrats on posting photos Hilari! Nice shots!

I haven't posted for a while but I've been lurking. My son Adam is graduating high school next spring so it looks like a family cruise celebration...5 of us in Family Ocean View Stateroom 8181. We may be a little cramped inside but we are going to have an awesome veranda

That sounds great, Doc!!

2011 Alaska Cruise Registration Website

Since we turned the page I thought I would add the link to this page..

No congratulationa are due - Paul did all the work. He sent me links that I just had to cut and paste into a post - so I still do not know how to post photos. Tried more than once and just cannot get the hang of it so it is not to be for me.

I will teach you how to do it on the NELL Cruise, Hilari.. You will be a pro in no time..

Paul, can I sign up for that training too???

I am going to show it on the Reunion Cruise in my Seminar, briefly..

Are you going on the NELL Cruise this September Ruthie? That's when I can show Hilari..

I sure didn't read your post well no I will not be doing Nell cruise but I will be doing the Reunion Cruise

I had a nice conversation with Rod Hunt this afternoon. Got the information I was looking for and am hoping to be able to join the Cruise.

Rod Hunt is now registered in the Forums.. He will post later tonight when he has a chance.

Right now he is busy taking care of registering people for the Cruise. He and I talked and both thought it would be nice for him to have access to this Forum to share answers to frequently asked questions with everybody.

Hello Everybody! Rod Hunt here from Paradise-Bound.net, host agency for Harbour Light's 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise. I wanted to join the Harbour Lights Collectors Forum to visit with the great folks I have gotten to know lately and to share with those I haven’t meet yet. I will be checking in on a regular bases to field questions and to do my best to share my enthusiasm with you all for next June's Harbour Light's 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise.

I am sure that you aware that Harbour Light's 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise has "Officially" been launched and the registrations are flowing in! I am now in my storefront daily from 10-5 pacific time to go over your reservations request form, help you secure a stateroom to suit your desires and to simply answer your questions. I will personally be handling all reservations requests and look forward to working with all Harbour Lights Collectors looking to attend next year's grand adventure!

As you have noticed, they call me a "Newbie" here, so I could sure use your help to show me how it's done. If you have any questions or good use my help here online for any reason, please do not hesitate to ask, I'll be back! - Cheers

Hello Rod

Welcome aboard. A couple of questions for you.

I understand part of the cost of prior reunions covered different favours such as T-shirts, mugs, coasters, name tags, luggage tags, list of attendees, lighthouse prints, lighthouse photographs, thumbnails and other favours.

Does the $162.50 registration fee include some of these types of items? Or will these be an additional cost?

Also, I'm not sure if you can answer this one, but I've heard rumors that there will be 3 or 4 limited edition replicas as part of the reunion. I presume these will cost extra? If so, can you provide the approximate cost involved or can you get this information from Tony or Harry?

Thank you in advance for your reply.

MG

Hello Rod. Another question - what lighthouses can be viewed from the boat?

Maybe this info is on the registration website, but I missed it. Please advise.

Thanks.
Dick

Hi Rod, Welcome aboard our ship!!!

It might be good to post, every so often, some of the more frequent asked questions your fielding. I'm sure many of us have alot of the same questions.

I asked Rod about the route of the ship so I could figure this out. He said he can't tell us the exact route, they don't like to give that out and it can change. He is working on something, a map I think, showing all the lighthouses that are possiblities, and will be posting a link to it soon.

Where's Halldo?





In an Alaskan lighthouse - can you guess which one?

I can't help it, I have to ask. Who is Halldo? (and what is he doing in the tub????)

Lee Hall and it looks like he is taking a bath.. You will meet him on the Cruise, he is a big time HL Collector and a member of NELL..

But in what Alaskan Lighthouse is he?

It looks like the tub needs bath...and a shave. My guess, and that's all it is, is Eldred Rock.
Against just about all advice, we aren't getting a balcony room, just a window. I can always borrow Nancy's balcony anyway. We are in 6015 and 6021. I am keeping the money to blow on something great.

Lee Hall owns a plumbing business and it has become a standing joke to photograph him either on the toilet or in the tub in any lighthouse he visits. The "Where's Halldo" is a take off from "Where's Walldo". And you are correct Laura he is in Eldred Rock one of the lights we climbed on our 2008 visit to Alaska.

I for one am glad he is in he tub and not on the toilet..

Hello Dick,

I am just finishing up an addition to the website that documents my recent cruise onboard the Infinity. These new pages will be linked off the "Harbour Lights 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise" home page on the left side under the "logo", right now it shows "coming soon". I have listed the lights that are along the route with links for information about them. These pages will continue to evolve as more information becomes available. I will post a link here on the forum as soon as have the pages live, time permitting I hope to have this done by the first of week - Cheers!

Thank you! I am attempting to get here on a regular bases in-between the "phone calls"! There are lots of questions, and questions are good, it's the way we learn what we want to know. I am one who likes to know what's going on so I will do my best to answer the questions I can and to share that information with everyone - Cheers!

I am working on the next addition to the website which will help show everyone what we can expect to see, should be soon!

I know which one! You're looking good my friend - Cheers

I just found this site, thanks to Paul talking about Race Rocks, BC. This shows ships underway. You can move around and see different areas.
Map view

Hello MG, thank you for your welcome aboard!

The registration fee established for the 20th Anniversary Reunion covers many aspects for the reunion and will include a private "sail-a-way" reception as well as our "grand finale" shore excursion in Victoria. Along with those two features there will be a nice "care package" that is being developed that will have consist of items along the lines you mentioned above.

In regards to the product that will be developed by Harbour Lights, this is being handled by their personnel which I am not involved with, so I sorry to report that I am not able to answer that question.

Thank you for your interest and questions, hope to meet you next June!

Just an "FYI" to all.

I have heard that sometimes the "circuits" are busy for my toll free number, 888.325.3225. If you want, my direct line is 541.383.8107 and I am in 10-5 pacific time. I can always be reached by email at rod@paradise-bound.net if you prefer to email!

The reunion is looking good, thanks to everyone for your support!

Rod


I made Rod's email as a link so all you have to do is click on it and you will get an email ready to fill out and send..
Paul

Welcome to the forums Rod!

I have a simple question: When is the registration deadline for the cruise?

Thanks,

Scott

Hey Scott,

Thank you for your welcome and good question!

At this point the sooner the better to be guaranteed a spot in all the excursions, but I am able to book guests for the cruise up until the ship's inventory is sold out! If it does develop where I need to set a date I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks again, Rod

Rod I am asking these qustions for the benefit of everybody..

Are there formal dinner nights on this cruise and what is the dress code, in other words what passes for formal?

Also if one doesn't want to dress formal on those nights is there alternative dining?

Good "Friday" everyone!

Onboard the Celebrity Cruises we always get to enjoy a couple of "Formal Nights". During our 7 night cruise onboard the Infinity we will have two nights when we can, if you so desire, get dressed up. Our second night out, Saturday, will be the first and the next one is on Wednesday night. The "suggested" dress code for the evening will be formal, but it is not mandatory. A nice dress, a jacket & tie and you'll be fine. The ladies always look nice, but if the guys put on the tux and look like me you'll be styling too, I love my tux!

If you do not want to get dressed up, it's no big deal you can still join your friends in the main dining room. The cruise staff are not going to tell you that you cannot come in, just please no Levi's guys! Alternative dining, YES, everyday, and everywhere, I like to say, whatever works best for you so there is no need to "stress over the dress"!

I have learned over the years that the Celebrity Cruise staff do not have the word "NO" in their vocabulary. The staff is there to make sure you have the best vacation ever and will do everything in their power to make sure you do. One piece of advice from an avid cruiser, smile big and treat everyone, staff included, the way you like to be treated and I will guarantee you'll have the best service and the best of times onboard this cruise.

Hope you all have a great weekend, Cheers!

Rod,

Looks like the level of formality is a bit different in Alaska. I took a Celebrity cruise in Northern Europe a few years back and on the formal/ semi-formal nights they wouldn't let the men in the main dining room without a jacket and tie- no if, ands or buts allowed.

I had rented a tux but I didn't intend to wear it that much - there were 7 formal / semi-formal nights on the 14 day cruise.

I'm still trying to finagle a way to make this cruise but it still looks less than promising.

Sue and myself on our Alaska Cruise in 1995...

1) Victoria stop - The evening stop in Victoria is due to the law that requires cruises which stop only at US ports to be on US-flagged ships. The Celebrity Infinity is registered in Malta and so cannot stop just Washington and Alaska ports. Paul's cruise originated in Vancouver and so did not require the Victoria stop.
2) We have never cruised, but my brother and sister-in-law went on an Alaskan cruise for their 25th wedding anniversary, so I'll share what they recommended to me last week if we go on this cruise: If we need to cut corners to be able to go, they recommended booking an inside room. They said they spent so little time in their room, that the added cost, in their case, of an outside view was a waste.
3) I hope that somehow we can go on this trip and that there is still space on the excursions when and if that happens. But at the moment, we have two medical bills on their way to use that add up to 90% of the cost of the base rate for this cruise. So, sadly, as this time it appears very unlikely.
Frank & Yelena

Yeah, I have to agree I do believe things have changed a little, not as tight with the dress code as they use to be. For our cruise next year the dress code should five "Smart Casual" nights and the two "Formal" nights. Looking at the picture above I see I will have a run for my money in the "Best Dressed" competition!

I was on this same cruise a few weeks back and most couples were all dressed up, but there were many in the dinning room without jacket or tie. One thing I can tell you for sure, no matter how they were dressed, we were all enjoying the evening!

I'm here to help, let me know what I can do to get you onboard with this group, I would hate to see you miss out on joining us for this grand adventure!

I'm on the fence about going...much as this would combine my two biggest interests in the world, lighthouses and passenger ships, I already have plans in the works for a two-week backpacking trip to Europe, returning on the Queen Mary 2. So both vacation time and ship dollars are being used up quickly for 2011. And the QM2 trip takes precedence in this case for various reasons.

I'll be making my final decision when the list of possible lights comes out, and I can weigh the costs and benefits. Especially as I'll want to spend time in the Pacific Northwest before/after, which is more time/money. (However, if there were organised lighthousing things going on in Washington State pre/post-cruise, I'd be interested in doing just those if possible, which would be less of a time/money commitment.)

Too many trips, too little time!

The great thing, Greg is that you are still so young and have a lot of time to do them in the future..

Can you arrange for me to win the lottery so I can do two cruises and a wedding trip to Texas in the space of 6 weeks in 2011?

I didn't think so.

Dennis

Okay, you got me there, I bow to the king!

I hear you load & clear, too many trips, too little time!

I will say interest in the list of lighthouse is a very popular question and is one I should have for all to see the first of next week. I recently took this cruise to document the trip and I am in the process of adding a new addition to the website that should answer this question.

As soon as it is on the website this forum will be the first to be notified!

As for alternative day trips for before and after the cruise I have had many good ideas sent my way and will post what develops for those interested in adding on to their trip to Seattle.

Hang in there, do what works best for you and remember.....

Hi Rod,

Thought I better ask this question since my wife and I are interested in going on the cruise but we're still sitting back at the starting line waiting for her school district to decide when school ends in June 2011. The "guesstimate" is about June 10th.

So what do we do now while waiting? We're getting concerned as rooms fill, tours get booked, etc. and we sit waiting. Can you advise?

Thanks!

Max

Hi Max,

Thank you for your post. The best way to ease your concern would be to move forward and "book" your desired stateroom and sign up for the excursions you want. The cruise deposit is fully refundable between now and the end of March and the private excursions requires no deposits at this time, so no worries there, just sign up and you'll be fine.

My suggestion would be to consider sending in your reservation request and we'll get you locked in a stateroom. If you find the date becomes an issue and you are not able to attend, we can simply cancel it at that time. If just Friday the 10th becomes the problem we could arrange for you two to Join us in Ketchikan but you would miss the first two days.

Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss any further thoughts over the phone, it's toll free at 888.325.3225 between 10-5 pacific time seven days a week.

Hope this helps, it's going to be a wonderful reunion & cruise!

Thanks again,

Rod

Okay, here it is, links to the “newest additions” to the Harbour Lights 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise website! 10 new pages displaying images and information from my recent journey to Alaska I did while researching our route for next year's cruise. You will find a “day-2-day” listing of what you can expect to see and do on our cruise next year. These additional new pages will “evolve” over the next 10 months so you might want to add the first page to your “favorites” in your browser.

http://www.paradise-bound.net/ALA_Day_01.html

I have also included a link on my home page for the Harbour Lights 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise, it is located in the left side link bar, just look for little “Harbour Lights Alaska Reunion” logo, the links are right below it.

http://www.paradise-bound.net/harbourlights.html

Cheers!

Wow, great job Rod on your 10 new pages on your website.. It sure gives everybody a lot of information about the Cruise, thank you for doing all of this work!

Yes, thanks, Rod. This is really getting us excited!

Now all you experienced WACKOs, we need to figure out how we can stay up all night to catch all the lighthouses. I imagine as we get closer we'll know if they are on starboard or port. Can't you just see a bunch of LH papparazzi crowding the bow or stern and going from one side to another to get that Alaskan LH at all hours of the night?!

Somebody will get rich selling No Doze!

Judy

Thanks Rod, what a great way get us prepared for this trip!
It seems as though you have thought of everything, and have provided us with excellent answers and solutions to our questions and concerns!

This for the guys, sorry girls, but following is a link of the company to contact, if you would want to rent formalwear on the Cruise.. They handle men's but not women's formal clothes on board..

Cruiseline Formalwear Packages

Just don't rent my tux out from under me, as I am waiting until I lose more weight.. I am on a diet and probably will be right up until the month of June next year..

Susan and I are planning to attend. Deposit to go in Friday (pay day).

So, I am wondering how many folks have committed to the cruise at this point?

(Yes, I know we are all wackos and therefore need to be committed. HAHA)