Author: northernvikingexplorer

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Grand Princess Obstructed Oceanview Cabin Tour – E224 on Deck 8 (What to Expect)

If you’re planning a cruise on the Grand Princess and considering an Obstructed Oceanview Cabin, you might be wondering exactly what you’re signing up for. We recently returned from a 7-night round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver aboard the Grand Princess and stayed in Cabin E224, located on Deck 8. In our latest video, we give you a full walkthrough of the cabin so you can see it for yourself before you book.

🎥 Watch the full cabin tour here:
👉 Grand Princess Obstructed Oceanview Cabin Tour – E224

Our video covers the cabin layout, storage space, bathroom, TV, and most importantly — the window view. While labeled “obstructed,” we were pleasantly surprised by how much ocean we could actually see. This could be a great budget-friendly option if you want some natural light and a glimpse of the sea without paying for a full oceanview or balcony cabin.

We also show the power outlet setup (for those of you bringing tech gear), and talk about the overall condition of the room. The Grand Princess is an older ship, but we found the cabin clean and comfortable for our week-long journey through Alaska.

If you’re on the fence about booking an obstructed cabin, this video will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your cruise. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Alaska cruise tips, cabin tours, and vlogs from our Grand Princess adventure!

🛳️ Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
📍 Ship: Grand Princess
📍 Cabin: E224 – Obstructed Oceanview, Deck 8
📍 Itinerary: 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Enjoy the tour and happy cruising! 😊

🛒Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)

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10 Fears and Questions We Had Before Our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise (Answered) 🚢❄️

Planning an Alaska cruise can be exciting, but it also comes with plenty of unknowns, especially if you’re sailing on a ship for the first time. Before we boarded the Grand Princess by Princess Cruises for our 7-night round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, we had quite a few questions and concerns.

We weren’t sure what to expect from an older ship like the Grand Princess. Our cabin was an obstructed Oceanview stateroom (E224) and we didn’t know if we’d be able to see the ocean at all. We had questions about the number of power outlets, the food options outside of the buffet and dining room, whether the pools and hot tubs would be warm enough, and even if we’d be able to get into our cabin early on embarkation day.

There were also rumors online about plumbing issues, and we received an unexpected email from Princess Cruises before our trip offering us the chance to switch sailings in exchange for onboard credit, which definitely raised some concerns about whether the ship was overbooked or if something was wrong with our room.

To help others who might be wondering the same things, we created a video that answers all of these questions based on our own experience aboard the Grand Princess.

🎥 Watch the full video here:
👉 10 Fears & Questions Before Our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise (Answered)

If you’re booked on the Grand Princess or considering an Alaska cruise with Princess, this video offers a first-hand look at what you can expect, from food and entertainment to stateroom details and embarkation tips.

We’ll also be sharing more from this sailing including a full cabin tour, ship tours, daily vlogs, and plenty of cruise tips, so stay tuned for more.

Thanks for reading and happy cruising! ⚓🌲

🛒Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)

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🚢 Sailing on a Cruise Out of Vancouver? Stay at River Rock Casino Resort + Dine at Gordon Ramsay Steak

🚆 The Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

Sailing on a cruise out of Vancouver? If you’re arriving a day or two early, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel can make your pre-cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable. We spent two nights at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, part of Metro Vancouver, and it was the ideal place to kick off our Alaska cruise adventure.

Just a short ride from Canada Place, where cruise ships depart, this resort offers everything from easy SkyTrain access to fine dining at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We filmed our full stay so you can see what it’s like:

📺 Watch the video:
👉 River Rock Casino Resort + Gordon Ramsay Steak | Best Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

📍 Easy Access to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

The River Rock Casino Resort is located just three SkyTrain stops from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and about a 20-minute ride to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. From there, it’s just a short walk to Canada Place, where most Alaska cruises begin.

The resort’s location in Richmond makes it a smart and accessible choice for cruise travelers looking to stay near Vancouver before boarding.

🥩 Gordon Ramsay Steak: An Unforgettable Dinner

During our stay, we had an incredible dining experience at Gordon Ramsay Steak, located right inside the resort. Our meal featured:

🍞 Warm artisan bread
🦀 A flavorful crab cake
🐟 Perfectly cooked sablefish
🥩 Tender Wagyu beef
🥧 Classic Beef Wellington
🍮 And the famous sticky toffee pudding

This restaurant was a highlight of our pre-cruise stay and the perfect way to start our vacation.

🔗 View the Gordon Ramsay Steak Menu

💦 Resort Amenities at River Rock

The River Rock Casino Resort has everything you need to relax and recharge before setting sail. Amenities include:

💦 A pool with water slide
💪 A fully equipped fitness center
🍽️ Chairman’s Room Lounge and Buffet
🅿️ Complimentary parking
☕ Starbucks
🎬 An in-house theater
🎰 A full-service casino

Whether you’re winding down before your cruise or looking for something fun to do, this resort has it all.

🔗 Visit the River Rock Casino Resort Website

🛒 Booking Your Stay at the River Rock Casino Resort

If you’re planning a cruise out of Vancouver and looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay nearby, consider booking your stay at the River Rock Casino Resort through Hotels.com. It’s a great way to secure a room close to the airport, SkyTrain, and cruise port, while taking advantage of flexible booking options and rewards.
👉 Check current rates and availability on Hotels.com (Affiliate)

🛳️ Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to sail from Vancouver, the River Rock Casino Resort in Metro Vancouver is a top-notch place to stay. With quick transit to the port, luxury amenities, and a memorable meal at Gordon Ramsay Steak, this spot checks all the boxes for a perfect pre-cruise experience.

📺 Watch our full experience here:
👉 River Rock Casino Resort + Gordon Ramsay Steak | Best Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

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Why We Love the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28” Checked Luggage in Celadon & Navy

If you’re searching for a stylish, durable, and thoughtfully designed suitcase, the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28” Checked Luggage might just be the perfect fit. We recently featured it in a new video on our YouTube channel, Northern Viking Explorer, and we’re excited to share why it’s quickly become our go-to choice for travel. 🧳✨

🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/lvnYidtKwR4

This beautifully crafted hardside suitcase is available in stunning Celadon and Navy color options, giving it a sleek, modern look that stands out on the luggage carousel. But it’s not just about aesthetics — it’s built for functionality and endurance.

What We Love About the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28” Luggage

  • Durable Construction: Made from German Makrolon® polycarbonate, this case is lightweight yet tough enough to withstand airport handling. 💪
  • 360° Spinner Wheels: Glide smoothly and quietly through terminals with ease. 🔄
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Secure your belongings while complying with security standards. 🔒
  • Elegant Finish: The micro-diamond texture resists scratches and keeps the exterior looking clean and polished. ✨
  • Organized Interior: Features a built-in compression system and dry-wet separation pocket for easy, organized packing. 🧼
  • Spacious Capacity: With a generous 99L capacity, it easily handles everything you need for long trips. 🌍

We also highlighted the LEVEL8 Packing Cube Set in our video. The modular cubes keep your clothes, electronics, and toiletries neat and easy to access — making packing (and unpacking) way less stressful. 🎒

See It in Action

We’ve put together a full overview in our video, showing both the 28” Voyageur suitcase and the Packing Cube Travel Set up close. From design details to how it performs in real travel scenarios, you’ll get an honest, hands-on look at what makes this luggage special.

👉 Watch now: https://youtu.be/lvnYidtKwR4

🛒 Shop LEVEL8 Luggage & Accessories (affiliate links):

👉 Buy the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28” Checked Luggage Celadon: Shop Here
👉 Buy the LEVEL8 Voyageur 28” Checked Luggage Navy: Shop Here
👉 Buy the LEVEL8 Voyageur Carry-On 20”: Shop Here
👉 Buy the LEVEL8 Packing Cube Travel Set (6 pack): Shop Here
🛍️ Shop LEVEL8 on Amazon: Shop Here

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, this luggage is built to travel with you in style and comfort. Let us know what you think, and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more travel gear overviews and cruise adventures! 🚢✈️

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Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Full Ship Tour – Explore the Ship Before You Sail

Planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas and want to know your way around before you even step onboard? You’re in the right place! In our latest video, we take you on a full ship walk-through so you can get familiar with the layout, amenities, and hidden gems of this amazing Voyager-class ship. 🚢✨

In this detailed Adventure of the Seas ship tour, we begin at the top in the Blue Moon Lounge and Crow’s Nest, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the ocean 🌊👀. From there, we take you to the pool deck, FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf course, sports court, and even a little-known secret bridge overlook that’s a must-see for curious cruisers. 🏄‍♂️⛳️

As we make our way to the lower decks, we guide you through all the main public areas including the Sapphire Dining Room, the lively Royal Promenade, Lyric Theater, and the impressive Studio B Ice Rink. ⛸️🎭 And to finish off the tour, we take you right to the helipad, where you’ll get a front-of-ship view that many guests don’t even know they can access! 🚁👓

🎥 Watch the full tour here: https://youtu.be/mIpz1cKHiVc

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Royal Caribbean fan, this walk-through will help you hit the ground running (or relaxing!) on day one. 🧳🌴

Make sure to subscribe on YouTube and follow along as we explore more cruise ships, ports, and travel tips! 🚢📹

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Exploring Fort Frederik in Frederiksted, St. Croix: A Historic Caribbean Landmark

If you’re visiting St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, and want to experience a fascinating piece of Caribbean history, Fort Frederik in Frederiksted is a must-see. Also known as Fort Frederiksted and Frederiksfort, this mid-18th-century Danish masonry fort sits right on the waterfront at the western end of the island, just steps from the Frederiksted cruise port.

In our latest video, we explore the grounds of Fort Frederik, taking in the striking red walls, brick-paved courtyard, sea battery, and historic interior spaces. The fort offers breathtaking views of the deep water bay and is easy to reach for cruise visitors looking for a quick and meaningful stop.

Inside the fort, you’ll find historic rooms that once served as kitchens, detention cells, and the commandant’s quarters, all surrounding a brick-paved courtyard. Its rich history reflects the Danish colonial era and several significant events that shaped the island.

If you’re looking for an easy excursion off the ship with plenty of character and ocean views, Fort Frederik is the perfect place to explore.

What You’ll See in the Video:
🏰 Touring Fort Frederik’s courtyard and historic rooms
🌊 Waterfront views of Frederiksted Harbor
⚓ Convenient location just steps from the Frederiksted cruise port

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/it4i-LoJHos to see this unique Caribbean landmark for yourself.

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FREE Food on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas – What’s Included? 🍕🍰☕

Are you getting ready to cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas and wondering what food is included with your fare? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions first-time cruisers (and even seasoned ones) ask is: What meals are free on the ship?

In this post, we’ll explore all the complimentary dining options aboard Adventure of the Seas — everything from casual buffets to elegant dinners — so you can cruise with confidence and never go hungry.

If you prefer to see everything in action, I’ve created a video walking through all of it.
🎥 Watch the full video here: FREE Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Food – What to Expect!

🍽️ What Free Food Can You Expect on Adventure of the Seas?

Here’s a breakdown of the main dining options that are included with your cruise fare:

1. Windjammer Marketplace Buffet

The Windjammer Buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s perfect if you want variety and flexibility. You’ll find hot and cold options, international dishes, salads, desserts, and more. Just walk in and grab a plate.

2. Sapphire Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room offers a full-service experience at no extra cost. You can enjoy a seated breakfast and lunch (on sea days) as well as a three-course dinner every evening. The menu changes daily and includes several appetizer, entrée, and dessert choices.

3. Café Promenade

Café Promenade is open 24 hours and is ideal for light bites and snacks. They offer sandwiches, pastries, cookies, fruit, and complimentary coffee and tea. It’s a great place for a quick bite or late-night snack.

💡 Tips for Enjoying the Free Food

  • Try different venues to get a full experience of what’s included.
  • In the dining room, you’re allowed to order more than one item from each section.
  • Use Café Promenade for a quick bite between meals or after a show.

🚢 Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of free food on Adventure of the Seas. From casual buffets to sit-down meals and snack stations, you can eat well without paying extra.

🎥 Want a closer look at all the options?
Check out my video guide here: Watch on YouTube

I hope this helps you get excited and prepared for your cruise. Have an amazing time and enjoy every bite!

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Discover Emerald Beach: Your Easy Beach Day from Crown Bay Cruise Port, St. Thomas 🌴☀️

If you’re cruising into St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and looking for a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach from the cruise port, Emerald Beach should be near the top of your list. This hidden gem offers stunning turquoise water, soft sand, and a relaxing atmosphere just a short ride away from the Crown Bay cruise terminal.

In our latest video, we take you along for the full experience. We begin with an open-air taxi ride from the Crown Bay Center, sharing taxi pricing and showing what the ride is like on the way to Emerald Beach Resort. This gives you a clear idea of what to expect and how easy it is to get there.

Once at Emerald Beach, we spend time enjoying crystal-clear water and soaking up the sun. We explore the beautiful beach area and share helpful information about the costs, amenities, and beach access so you can plan your visit with confidence.

What You’ll See in the Video:
🚕 Open-air taxi ride from Crown Bay cruise port to Emerald Beach
💵 Taxi pricing and beach cost information
🌊 Turquoise water and beach highlights
🍹 Amenities available at or near Emerald Beach Resort

Emerald Beach is a perfect example of the natural beauty and easy accessibility that make St. Thomas such a popular cruise destination. If you want a hassle-free beach day close to the cruise port, this beach offers calm waters, gorgeous views, and a welcoming vibe.

Watch the full video here: Emerald Beach St. Thomas and get ready to add this stunning spot to your travel plans!

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The Truth About Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas – Our Likes & Wishes (Full Review)

Are you planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas or just curious about what this Voyager-class ship has to offer? We’ve just released a brand-new video that gives you the real scoop on our 8-night Caribbean sailing aboard this popular cruise ship.

🎥 Watch the full video here:
👉 https://youtu.be/HzfHxflrvd8

Sections Included:

  • 🚢 Ship Layout & Amenities
  • 🛏️ Oceanview Cabin 2558 (port side)
  • 🍽️ Free Food & Included Restaurants
  • 🎭 Entertainment & Activities

Why Watch:

If you’re researching cruise options, deciding between Royal Caribbean ships, or sailing on Adventure of the Seas soon, this video gives you a clear and honest perspective.

Related Content:

📍 Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
📍 Ship: Adventure of the Seas
📍 Sailing: 8-Night Caribbean Cruise
📍 Departure Port: Port Canaveral, Florida

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to Northern Viking Explorer for more cruise reviews, cabin tours, and helpful travel content.

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Exploring Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you are planning a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, or visiting on a cruise, one of the top things to do is to explore the historic forts that overlook the coastline. In our latest video on Northern Viking Explorer, we take you along as we visit Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro — two iconic landmarks that are just a short walk apart.

📺 Watch the full video here
https://youtu.be/gOve9AwXovk

Why Visit These Forts in San Juan?

These two Spanish-built fortresses are part of San Juan National Historic Site and are packed with rich history, breathtaking ocean views, and beautiful colonial architecture. Built to defend Puerto Rico from invaders, they now offer visitors a unique look into the island’s past.

We begin our adventure at Castillo San Cristóbal and continue on to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, located at the tip of San Juan and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the forts, we explore the grounds, step inside tunnels and guard towers, and take in the incredible ocean views and historic architecture that make these landmarks a must see.

What You’ll See in the Video

👉 Walking through the grounds of Castillo San Cristóbal
👉 Exploring the views and structure of El Morro
👉 The scenic walk between the forts
👉 Ocean views and historic architecture

Whether you are arriving by cruise ship or staying in San Juan, these forts are easy to get to and worth the visit. If you love travel, history, and beautiful views, this video is for you.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more cruise port guides, travel tips, and destination highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/c/northernvikingexplorer?sub_confirmation=1

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