We took the slow boat to Alaska on our first and only cruise. Our ship was 11 hours late leaving and the true reason why was never explained. We were told the ship was delayed departing several times with the last (7:30 pm) stating midnight which we stayed up for. Midnight came and went and we did not depart and no info provided. Wife woke up at 3am and at last we were underway.

The next morning we were told due to the delay with engine repairs Juneau was cancelled and we would instead visit Prince Rupert. The repairs were due to safety concerns we where told. We find out after the cruise hat the repairs did not work and the ship only had one engine. With one engine the ship could not manage 21 knots and despite short cuts in the route there was no way to reach Juneau. I think having only one engine out on the open ocean section was a safety concern but I guess maybe we could paddle the bugger.

The mood on the ship turned grim when we lost Juneau and the service or lack of it made things bleaker. Simple things like deck chairs or blankets were self serve since there was no staff to be found. Getting beverages meant finding an open bar which was never on the deck we were on. Read more