Collaborative Engineering 101: What is Co-Design and Why Does it Matter?

Table Of Content

• lived experience-led doesn’t mean a project, process or service is inherently just, usable or free from harm
• In software development
• ❌ involving just a few community members
• Front Range Community College

Once you’ve sketched out ideas, you can employ a method such as Critique to evaluate the ideas. The Problem Tree Analysis is a great method for digging into the causes and effects of a problem or challenge people might be facing. Bring together a group of your users and have them capture their thoughts about a challenge on stickies. Most of the existing adjustable prosthesis on the market are designed for adults and not kids. The students’ design could last a year, which would be an improvement over quarterly replacements that can be the reality during a growth spurt.

lived experience-led doesn’t mean a project, process or service is inherently just, usable or free from harm

At its most basic level, a Brainstorm session involves sprouting related points from a central idea. Brainstorming is one of the primary methods employed during the Ideation stage of a typical Design Thinking process. Brainstorming is a great way to generate many ideas by leveraging the collective thinking of the group, engaging with each other, listening, and building on other ideas. This method involves focusing on one problem or challenge at a time, while team members build on each other’s responses and ideas with the aim of generating as many potential solutions as possible. Participants must then select the best, the most practical, or the most innovative ideas from the options they’ve come up with.

In software development

Whether you’re designing a new addition or building a new home from the ground up, home design software is an essential part of the process. But, unless you have experience with CAD software, it’s hard to know where to start.In this guide, we’ll discuss seven considerations when selecting the best home design software for your project. Emerging trends in co-design include digital collaboration tools that facilitate remote and asynchronous participation, broadening access and diversity of input. There's a growing emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring designs cater to a broader range of abilities and backgrounds. Sustainability is becoming a key focus, integrating environmental and social considerations into the co-design process.

❌ involving just a few community members

Governs the storage of data necessary for maintaining website security, user authentication, and fraud prevention mechanisms. Read Co-creation and the New Landscapes of Design to learn more about co-design. Read Co-creation and the New Landscapes of Design and A Social Vision for Value Co-creation in Design to learn more about co-design. In this video, UX design pioneer Don Norman talks about the importance of collaboration between design and other fields.

There's a simple reason you don't believe the influencers in your feed - Fast Company

There's a simple reason you don't believe the influencers in your feed.

Posted: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:22:22 GMT [source]

What is Co-design? A Primer on Participatory Design

Participatory work in software development has historically tended toward two distinct trajectories, one in Scandinavia and northern Europe, and the other in North America. The Scandinavian and northern European tradition has remained closer to its roots in the labor movement (e.g., Beck, 2002; Bjerknes, Ehn, and Kyng, 1987). However, some more recent work has tended to combine the two approaches (Bødker et al., 2004; Muller, 2007). However, participatory practices are not impossible to implement in commercial settings. It may be difficult for those who have acquired success in a hierarchical structure to imagine alternative systems of open collaboration. Participatory design was actually born in Scandinavia and called cooperative design.

Hanna and her team’s work has been featured in Vogue, Rue, The Wall Street Journal, CBS, NBC, Luxe, amongst others. Hanna currently lives in Pasadena, CA where she also teaches Breathwork and Acro-Yoga. We seek to ensure that all of the data presented on the site regarding new homes and new home communities is current and accurate. It is your responsibility to independently verify the information on the site. If you don't have a particular city in mind, Denver is a great place to start, with over 600 new home communities for perspective residents to explore. At lower elevation sits Colorado Springs, a beautiful area sheltered by a large valley, surrounded by mountainous vistas.

Local governments can easily convene meetings of residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders — including repeated meetings of the same groups of people. Additionally, this process can be iterative — so even after you have released or launched a product, you can still go back to the community to get feedback and design improvements. You'll get step-by-step guidelines to help you identify which organizations and projects genuinely change the world and which are superficial.

Technology—Microsoft's Inclusive Design Initiative

It is important to debrief the results of each session with the team that was part of the process or that observed the sessions. The researcher should capture everyone’s ideas on sticky notes and collect them on a board dedicated to each participant. The important thing is that participants are given the opportunity to think about the topic of the study and reflect on it before meeting with the design team for an onsite co-creation workshop. The results of these initial exercises can serve as inspiration for the actual co-design sessions, kick-starting and guiding the conversation, or helping participants dig deeper into specific areas. • A national industrial product brand minimized risk by co-designing customer engagement ideas, with a new market segment, before investing large amounts of money. • In today’s rapidly changing media environment, a media outlet engaged Stratos to help break down company silos that hindered production time and effectiveness.

In recent years, it has been a major challenge to participatory design to embrace the fact that much technology development no longer happens as design of isolated systems in well-defined communities of work (Beck, 2002). At the dawn of the 21st century, we use technology at work, at home, in school, and while on the move. The Scandinavian projects developed an action research approach, emphasizing active co-operation between researchers and workers of the organization to help improve the latter's work situation. While researchers got their results, the people whom they worked with were equally entitled to get something out of the project. The approach built on people's own experiences, providing for them resources to be able to act in their current situation. In this stage, the insights from the discovery phase are used to define the problem and determine what the design solution should achieve.

I hope the information presented in this article can serve as a guide and inspiration for UX researchers, designers, and stakeholders. The information presented here is not exhaustive, and it should be applied differently to each research project. At the same time, each section of this article can be researched deeper depending on what needs to be discovered.

Collaborating with people takes different forms depending on where you are in the Double Diamond process. If you’re in the problem space (discovering what challenges people are facing), or if you’re in the solution space (envisioning ideas), then there are reliable design methods you can use to collaborate with people. The practice of co-design allows users to become an active part of the creative development of a product by interacting directly with design and research teams. It is grounded in the belief that all people are creative and that users, as experts of their own experiences, bring different points of view that inform design and innovation direction. What industry leaders are already figuring out, though, is that the cost-benefit equation for co-design has changed.

Beyoncé's cover of 'Jolene' shows another side of Southern femininity - Fast Company

Beyoncé's cover of 'Jolene' shows another side of Southern femininity.

Posted: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 20:53:43 GMT [source]

Rivian made a “conscious decision to make it feel like a smaller R1S,” according to Hammoud. To keep the brand essence, Hammoud said the company picked the key design elements to ensure R2 is recognizable. According to Rivian’s design chief, Jeff Hammoud, the R2’s lower price point was one of the biggest challenges. Rivian wants to shake up the industry with its next-generation R2 electric vehicle. Starting at around $45,000, the R2 is expected to open up a new market of buyers. Talking about specific roles and responsibilities in co-design is dependent on the context in which we are working.

Most importantly, you'll understand what gaps currently exist and will be able to recommend better ways to implement projects. You will build on your case study in each lesson, so once you have completed the course, you will have an in-depth piece for your portfolio. Don Norman challenges traditional numerical metrics since they do not capture the complexity of human life and the environment. He advocates for alternative measurements alongside traditional ones to truly understand the complete picture. This course is based on his latest book “Design for a Better World,” released in March 2023. Don Norman urges designers to think about the whole of humanity, not just individual people or small groups.

A typical co-design workshop has at least two different parts, one where the participant is interviewed about current experiences in order to start the conversation, and one where hands-on co-design exercises take place. The workshops generally involve a collection of materials, instructions for the co-design exercises, and considerable amounts of many people’s time . It is also vital to keep in mind the limitations of the research tools people would be using for the study. For example, when doing mobile studies, it is important to keep the instructions and the questions as short and succinct as possible. Typing long paragraphs on a mobile device is uncomfortable for most users, so the questions should be designed acknowledging these limitations.

You’ll also learn how to create a service design culture in your organization and set up a service design team. We’ll provide you with lots of case studies to learn from as well as interviews with top designers in the field. For each practical method, you’ll get downloadable templates that guide you on how to use the methods in your own work.

He brings expertise in design research and strategy, service design, and product development and has worked across the healthcare, TMT, mobility, and consumer packed goods industries. He has keynoted the SDN Global Conference, DMI Design Leadership Conference, and Quirks Conference. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a young university, founded in 1956 by industry, local government and academia. Today, their spirit of collaboration is still at the heart of the university community. We foster an open culture where everyone feels free to exchange ideas and take initiatives.We offer academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents.

Co-design: A Powerful Force for Creativity and Collaboration by Stratos Innovation Group

Table Of Content

• 💬 are non-designers designing things?
• Codesign: Successful Case Studies
• Learn more about Codesign
• Human-Centered Design: How to Focus on People When You Solve Complex Global Challenges
• Share Knowledge, Get Respect!
• Community College of Denver
• Introducing Meta Horizon OS

We acknowledge Ancestors and Elders past and present and the many traditions of design, creativity, collective care and innovation that have always been here. What’s On Your Radar reveals what’s on people’s minds as they approach a particular challenge and how they prioritize what’s most important. We typically begin by learning as much as possible about the problem or challenge we are facing. A big part of that happens while we’re in the discovery phase, on the left side of the Double Diamond, while immersed in the problem space.

💬 are non-designers designing things?

That way, you can cover all the angles regarding how the service can be delivered to maximize value to customers and the business. First, it takes insight and diplomacy to get to the level where you and (e.g.) stakeholders can move forward as a unified group of decision-makers under a common vision. This means you start to work with stakeholders, other teams, etc., to get them on board by embracing their strengths — not isolating their faults — and pooling your knowledge towards solving smaller problems before you try to tackle large ones. Throughout the course, you'll get practical tips to apply in real-life projects. In the "Build Your Case Study" project, you'll step into the field and seek examples of organizations and people who already practice the philosophy and methods you’ll learn in this course.

Codesign: Successful Case Studies

First, let’s briefly discuss the framework and suggest moments when collaborating with people makes the most sense. These days, it’s hard to find any type of software that doesn’t sync to the cloud. Meta Horizon OS is the result of a decade of work at Meta to build a next-generation computing platform. To pioneer standalone headsets, we developed technologies like inside-out-tracking and self-tracked controllers. To allow for more natural interaction systems and social presence, we pioneered hand, eye, face and body tracking. And for mixed reality, we built a full stack of technologies for blending the digital and physical worlds, including high-resolution Passthrough, Scene Understanding and Spatial Anchors.

Learn more about Codesign

If so, we would love to hear about your experience and any thoughts you would like to add. Feel free to drop us a line at or @TheStratosGroup on Twitter to learn more about co-design. People need guidance, inspiration and activities, in a physical and cognitive manner, in order to get the process started. Ideation is a creative and concentrated process; those involved should be provided with an environment that facilitates free, open, and the non-judgemental sharing of ideas. While it’s important to not dismiss people’s feedback, it’s also important to remember that sometimes people will say “I want __” when there is really a deeper desire that they have and that is just one way of satisfying it. Ask questions to try to find out these underlying desires are, then try to think of multiple ways of addressing those.

Collaborative Engineering 101: What is Co-Design and Why Does it Matter?

The following are some examples of research methods used in co-design sessions that uncover a variety of insights. The materials and tools used for each workshop should be designed to satisfy the needs of the specific study and therefore they should vary depending on the project. • For a garden products manufacturer, the time needed to develop a mobile engagement solution (app) was significantly reduced by adapting a co-design approach. Researchers, designers, consumers and business sponsors were brought together for a rapid three day test and redesign cycle. Co-design will be key in continuing to push innovation further because collaboration is how innovation happens. The teams that embrace a co-design approach now, and make smart technology decisions to back it up, will be the innovators that lead the way forward.

Human-Centered Design: How to Focus on People When You Solve Complex Global Challenges

Engage local stakeholders or cultural liaisons who can guide the process and help navigate cultural nuances. Finally, be flexible and open to changing the co-design process based on feedback and observations to ensure it remains respectful and effective in each unique cultural setting. Codesign and participatory design are often used interchangeably in the design world, but they have nuances that set them apart. Both are collaborative approaches that involve stakeholders in the design process, yet the emphasis and origin of each term vary slightly. Peer-to-peer urbanism[37][38] is a form of decentralized, participatory design for urban environments and individual buildings. It borrows organizational ideas from the open-source software movement, so that knowledge about construction methods and urban design schemes is freely exchanged.

Share Knowledge, Get Respect!

Microsoft's inclusive design initiative is a technology-driven example of codesign. The company involves people with disabilities in the design process for its products and services. By doing so, Microsoft ensures that its technology is accessible and useful for people with a wide range of abilities. This approach not only benefits users with disabilities but also leads to innovations that improve usability for all customers. However, involving people with different perspectives early (and often) can help determine the real problem space early on- leading to more advantageous outcomes.

The conversation is generally opened by examining the results from the self–reflection research exercises completed in stage one, and is followed by one or more hands-on exercises. In post-it voting, all members are given a number of votes (three to four should do) in order to choose their favorite ideas. Ideas that are generated in the Ideation sessions are written down on individual post-its, and members can vote by using stickers or a marker to make a dot on the post-it note corresponding to the ideas they like. This process allows every member to have an equal say in choosing from the shortlisted ideas. It can be easy to dismiss people’s concerns — saying that people are uninformed, don’t understand, have unrealistic expectations, or want things beyond the scope of the immediate project.

Is the rise of strategy the death of design? - Fast Company

Is the rise of strategy the death of design?.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Similarly, discuss the output and cluster under effects, looking for connections between the clusters that share some relationships. Sort the stickies into groupings with labels, using a method such as Affinity Clustering, to see what patterns bubble up from the collective output. Add your grouping labels to the radar and instruct participants to plot the stickies that were within each group according to primary, secondary, or tertiary importance.

Admittedly, involving multiple stakeholders throughout the process can be challenging, but through a guided process of discovery, ideation and development, we can give a voice to both end users and the people who serve them. By doing so, informants turn into participants, contributors, and partners- and that can have a powerful and meaningful impact on the outcomes. This is similar to step 3, but addresses how the team acts; it’s the practical approach to sharing the power. Anyone who remembers being a teenager will know that it can feel scary or embarrassing to reveal something personal about yourself at that age. Keep stimuli low-fi and conceptual, and open-ended to encourage participants to show and tell.

The goal is to clearly define the problem and create a shared understanding of the challenge. TikTok is regulated under the strictest regime of the DSA, which applies to around half a dozen larger platforms. This extra layer of risk mitigation requirements obliges them to proactively identify and mitigate systemic risks — such as addictive design that could harm users’ mental health. We believe a more open ecosystem is the best way to bring the power of mixed reality to as many people as possible. With more devices, this new ecosystem will offer more choice to consumers and businesses around the world. Developers will have a much larger range of hardware that can run their apps, and more device makers will expand their market to a wider range of users, much like we’ve seen with PCs and smartphones.

Putting Your House Into a Trust: Steps and Costs

Table Of Content

• How We Make Money
• Working With a Professional Is a Good Idea
• Fill Out A New Deed
• Get Help Putting Your House In A Trust
• What Is the Downside of Putting Assets in a Trust?
• Protect your assets and reduce estate tax
• Types Of Trusts For A House With A Mortgage

The successor trustee may be directed by the terms of the trust NOT to distribute the assets immediately. For example, the beneficiaries of the trust may be children or considered too immature to handle their inheritance responsibly. The terms of the trust may stipulate that the beneficiaries shall receive their inheritance from the trust when they reach a certain age. But the trust isn’t a physical entity, just a legal one, so to put your home in a trust, you have to change the owner from yourself to the name of the trust.

How We Make Money

The trust is a legal arrangement that must meet particular guidelines based on the type. It is often possible for a trust owner to create a quitclaim deed without the help of an attorney. The other type, a warranty deed, involves a guarantee that the person transferring ownership has the right to do so and that no outstanding liens will interfere with the transfer.

Working With a Professional Is a Good Idea

Protecting Your Home from Lawsuits with a Dynasty Trust - Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Protecting Your Home from Lawsuits with a Dynasty Trust.

Posted: Fri, 01 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

However, it can be complicated to successfully create, manage, and maintain the trust without the help of estate planning professionals. The process is straightforward, but you may need assistance from an estate planning professional to ensure you have included all the necessary information. This action protects the owner's property and ensures the trustee manages and sustains the assets on behalf of the beneficiaries. If you have a small estate or if you’re leaving everything equally to a spouse and children, then a will may be all you need. However, a well-made trust can give you more control over when and how your house is transferred to someone else.

Fill Out A New Deed

Second, the co-owner would need the child's permission to sell the home, take out a new mortgage, or refinance an existing one. And finally, the child may decide they would like to sell the home, which can create challenges. If you choose to use an attorney to help you draft your trust documents, it could cost more than $1,000. Each attorney sets his or her own fees, so consult with your attorney to get an estimate. The use of a professional trustee can also mean a loss of control by family matters.

Capital Gains Avoidance

This selection is particularly important when, as is usually the case, the successor trustee may hold broad discretionary powers. Legal title to assets is actually vested in the trustee’s name on behalf of the trust. The trustee manages the trust on behalf of the beneficiaries to carry out the grantor’s purposes for establishing the trust. A living trust also names a successor trustee, to whom the control of the trust passes upon the original trustees’ death or mental incapacity. In the case of incapacity, the successor trustee may take charge without having to go to court to get a conservatorship.

A Living Trust can be Revocable, which means that you can change it at any time, or Irrevocable, meaning that it is permanent and cannot be amended or withdrawn. Putting your assets into a Revocable Living Trust allows you to protect what is yours while providing for your loved ones in the future. It allows for the management, control, and distribution of your assets during your life and after death.

What Is the Downside of Putting Assets in a Trust?

Before moving forward in the legal process, be sure your mortgage loan is squared away. Refinancing may be an option you’ll want to consider before putting your house in a trust. Explore your refinance options to see what you qualify for or talk with one of our Home Loan Experts today. Because estate and trust laws vary from state to state, it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney as you begin to create an estate plan. Preparing for life after your death is never easy, but knowing you’ve made arrangements for your assets to be passed to your heirs once you’re gone can give you invaluable peace of mind.

Protect your assets and reduce estate tax

Our firm is here to help you navigate through California’s complex legal and tax requirements by making the administration of this trust as easy and painless as possible. Since trusts fall under state laws, consulting these before establishing one is advisable. For instance, Chapter 736 of the 2015 Florida Statutes outlines the trust laws in Florida, whereas Chapter 501C of the 2022 Minnesota Statutes provides the trust laws in that state. Learn how a special needs trust can preserve assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI, and how to plan for when caregivers are gone. Learn about grandparents’ visitation rights and how to avoid tax and public benefit issues when making gifts to grandchildren. If you transfer property into or out of the trust, you’ll need to keep meticulous written records to show how the trust has changed.

Types Of Trusts For A House With A Mortgage

It is often beneficial to have the guidance of an attorney to make sure the trust is set up correctly and aligns with your estate planning goals. That means the executor of your estate will need to handle two probate processes. By putting the Florida house in a living trust, however, you can save your executor this extra work.

Many people use their last will and testament to pass on money and belongings after they die, but some people could benefit from using a trust to pass on their house or other valuable assets. This is because you still control assets in a revocable trust, so they’re often considered available to pay your debts. Once you put assets in an irrevocable trust, they’re no longer legally yours. This feature of a living trust is especially comforting to families in times of difficulty since they do not have to worry about going to court and requesting access to the incapacitated person’s finances. A revocable living trust gives the family one less problem to face when someone becomes incapacitated. Probate is a public process, so anyone can see the size of your estate (often what you actually owned), who you owed debts to, who will receive your assets, and when they will receive them.

If you have done to a reputable estate planning lawyer, he or she will provide you with new deeds to any real property you own (sometimes at an extra cost and sometimes it is included). At Atlantis Law we always include the deed for your primary residence but charge $250 for each additional deed. The cost of a living trust with an attorney depends on the type of trust you want/need. A revocable trust will be far cheaper to draft, whereas an irrevocable trust can be a little more expensive because of the complex nature of irrevocable trusts.

Family members or relatives are generally considered to be able to keep family matters and finances private and save money. If there is a guardian with physical custody of a minor or child, are we concerned that the child’s trust estate is not being used to cover or contribute to other household expenses? Having a trustee overseeing the finances and reviewing expense requests for the beneficiary’s care and upbringing may be appropriate.

The County Recorder charges a base fee plus additional fees per page being recorded. In my experience it typically costs between $30 and $50 to record a new deed for a primary residence, and between $100 and $225 to record a deed for a non-primary residence. Once you fill out the PCOR take it and the signed and notarized deed to the recorder’s office. If the property being transferred is your primary residence, then you may need to fill out an Affidavit of Ownership stating that it is your primary residence, otherwise the County may charge you an extra fee.

Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2023

Table Of Content

• If there is no pool/tan time, what is there to do all day when at sea?
• Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise
• Visiting glaciers on an Alaska cruise
• Juneau

For those with visual and/or hearing impairments, Royal Caribbean can provide large print materials, closed caption televisions and sign language interpreting services upon request. Duty-free shopping is available onboard at the Royal Shops, with apparel, accessories, beauty product and more to peruse. There are more than a dozen bars, clubs and lounges onboard, from casual pubs to salsa dancing bars. Massive casinos contain hundreds of slots and more than 10 tables, where you can play roulette, poker, craps, blackjack and more.

If there is no pool/tan time, what is there to do all day when at sea?

The town’s gold rush history alongside its Native culture offers a chance for visitors to experience Alaska through history. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action our cruise ships are known for. Both ships' itineraries include Skagway, Sitka, Juneau, and the glaciers of the Endicott Arm Fjord.

Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise

While this type of deal does not always occur, there’s no doubt that booking two connecting rooms in this example offers a much better value. Serenade of the Seas also returns to Alaska, sailing from Vancouver after a unique 16-night Panama Canal cruise, with the first cruise setting sail on May 4, 2025. After she completes her New York cruises to the Caribbean in 2024, she will reposition to Europe for a series of cruises around Northern Europe, Spain, and Portugal, sailing from Southampton. At 300 feet tall above the waterline and a half mile wide, Dawes Glacier is another of Alaska’s most spectacular glaciers.

Visiting glaciers on an Alaska cruise

The key is to prioritize if weather, crowds, or price is the most important to you. Cruising to Alaska in the early season, April and May, brings lower crowds and prices. Expect to see daily temperatures with highs in the mid 50s and lows around 40 degrees. Less rain is expected during the early season, as April, May, and June are among the driest months of the year in Alaska. Daylight hours will increase each day leading up to the summer solstice, with daylight hours from 4AM to 10PM in late May.

What type of cabin should you book for an Alaska cruise and why?

Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve is one of Alaska’s cherished national parks, but you cannot visit the park on a Royal Caribbean cruise. You can spend several busy days sightseeing in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins, which will likely leave you tired and in need of relaxation. Once you board your cruise, you’ll have 7 days to relax and unwind while traveling to Vancouver. The excursion is handicap accessible, although guests traveling with a wheelchair should notify the excursion team or tour operator while booking. Predicting the weather in Alaska is nearly impossible, and you may encounter all four seasons in just one day while visiting the state. If you’re hoping to combine a one-way Alaska cruise with a land trip in Alaska’s interior, you should allocate at least 9 days for the trip.

Photos show why taking an Alaska cruise is worth it - Royal Caribbean Blog

Photos show why taking an Alaska cruise is worth it.

Posted: Sat, 24 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Only select cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America, can visit Glacier Bay. The national park issues permits to cruise lines, and Royal Caribbean does not currently have a permit. Land tours are offered on one-way Alaska cruise itineraries, and these are multi-day tours you can add before or after an Alaska cruise.

Juneau

See stunning natural wonders, such as the Hubbard Glacier, from the comfort of a cruise ship like Brilliance of the Seas. The whole family will fall for Quantum of the Seas—quite literally thanks to skydiving simulator RipCord by iFly—on seven-night cruises from Seattle to Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and more. Read on for a breakdown of the four ships you can choose from to explore the Last Frontier. Enjoy Alaska’s unparalleled glaciers, wildlife and more on the Royal Caribbean ship that's right for you, like Ovation of the Seas. There are so many options to consider when you plan an Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean, from when to go to which itinerary will satisfy all your Alaska adventure longings.

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.

Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Best time to cruise to Alaska

Kids will still enjoy an Alaska cruise on a Radiance Class ship, but there is a far greater amount of kid-friendly activities on Quantum Class vessels. Alaska cruises often have a reputation of being for adults, but they can be a wonderful vacation for families with kids, too. All Alaska cruises sail through the Inside Passage, but there is one difference between cruising from Seattle versus Vancouver. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each month may help you find the best month for your travel style and needs. There’s no “best” time to cruise to Alaska, as each month offers pros and cons.

You’re in for an all-out exotic adventure on a real game changer, Ovation of the Seas®. Explore unforgettable shores filled with unique discoveries — like culture cruising in Sydney, beachcombing in Bora Bora, and waterfall wading in Maui, Hawaii. Plus, TransPacific cruises that let you experience all the cutting-edge thrills on deck in between each bucket list destination. There’s a lot of ground to cover in Alaska, from its vast and rugged terrain to the many animals that call it home.

Other fun nighttime activities include live music, comedy shows, parades, themed parties, and outdoor movie nights. Radiance of the Seas will offer 7-10 night Alaska cruises that can also combine with Land Tours to offer immersive visits to Alaska, including in-land destinations such as Denali. Ovation of the Seas will sail from Seattle and offer 7- and 8-night Alaska glacier cruises. The cruise line will send four cruise ships to Alaska in 2023, matching the amount of ships it has been sending to the region in the years prior.

The balcony has a set of chairs along with a small table, making it the perfect place to relax with a view. More often than not, the price difference between two connecting rooms versus staying in one room is quite reasonable. Sometimes, in fact, the price for two connecting rooms is actually cheaper than booking four guests in one cabin. Some interior cabins, for example, only have a small chair instead of a couch, and there is little walking room. Let’s take a look at the best cruise cabins for an Alaska cruise to fit any budget, travel party, and vacation style.

These ships feature amenities like an indoor sports arena, rock climbing wall, indoor skydiving simulator, and FlowRider surf simulator. In addition, they have a larger Adventure Ocean kids programming space and an indoor pool for all ages. And, while onboard, kids will enjoy the activities and programming offered by Royal Caribbean. Whether in the Caribbean or Alaska, Royal Caribbean offers the same family-friendly activities and programs for its guests. There is little difference between the two routes, and it isn’t worth booking one itinerary over another just for a few extra views on the way to and from Alaska.

There are spaces that can feel crowded on smaller ships, even though they carry fewer passengers. The Radiance ships have ample scenery-watching space, plenty of it protected from the elements. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes.

While on an Alaska cruise, your ship will sail through both the open ocean and the calm waters of the Inside Passage. When in the open ocean, you may encounter rough seas and high winds, leading to more movement onboard than you may be used to while visiting other destinations. While we can’t say for sure whether or not you’ll be able to convince someone to go on an Alaska cruise, it might not be as challenging as you think. During the peak summer months, Alaska is not nearly as cold as most people think, and you might even find yourself warm when walking around ports on sunny days. With a one-way itinerary, you can choose to spend time sightseeing in Alaska’s interior before or after the cruise.

From Adventure Ocean programming to mini golf, rock climbing, and an indoor movie theater, you’ll find plenty to do onboard. The 7-night Multi-Glacier Experience itinerary, on the other hand, includes a visit to not only Tracy Arm Fjord, but also Hubbard Glacier. This impressive glacier stands 400 feet above the ocean's surface and, due to its remote location, is usually only found on one-way Alaska cruise itineraries. Radiance of the Seas was built to sail in all types of climates, so you’ll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces during the cruise.

A visit to the Baranof Castle State Historic Site is an option for spending the day in Sitka, which was where the formal transfer ceremony of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place. Strolling along the forest at the Sitka National Historical Park is a popular activity, too, which preserves the site of a battle between the Tlingit people and Russian traders. Others may choose to cross the border into Canada, kayak the Lynn Canal, or rent a scooter and explore Skagway on their own. An Alaska cruise will take you on a journey to visit some of the most magnificent natural beauty and local culture you'll find anywhere in the world. Cross Alaska  from your bucket list, or head to the outback for an amazing adventure in Australia onboard Ovation of the Seas®. And max out memories between breathtaking destinations from Juneau to Skagway and Sydney to Edna.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Table Of Content

• Dining Highlights on Viking Orion
• What is a moderate price hotel to stay in Seattle?
• Sleeping on Radiance of the Seas
• Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise
• Best cabin overall: Balcony cabin
• Why choose Radiance of the Seas?
• Royal Caribbean Cruises Customer Testimonials
• Sleeping on Quantum of the Seas

At Cruise Critic, we believe you need facts about dining, staterooms and onboard activities along with where the ship will stop to make the best decision. These Alaska glacier cruises depart and return on Fridays, with two Alaska cruise ports, one scenic and sightseeing day at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and one port day at Victoria, British Columbia. They also feature RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod taking guests 300 feet above sea level. Starting your cruise in Seward is recommended for those who plan to travel in the interior of Alaska ahead of time, whether independently or on one of Royal Caribbean’s organized Cruisetours. One-way Alaska itineraries tend to be more port-heavy, as well, as there is less distance to cover than on a round trip sailing.

Dining Highlights on Viking Orion

These have big round windows looking out over the bow of the ship and the ocean beyond. Even when at max capacity, there are plenty of places passengers can spread themselves out, leaving room to roam in between. It may seem like a minor detail, but it's easier to get around on a smaller ship.

What is a moderate price hotel to stay in Seattle?

Cruises departing from Seattle include a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, as the Jones Act requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit a foreign port when departing from the United States. Therefore, cruises leaving from Vancouver tend to include more port stops in Alaska itself as there is no legal obligation to stop in Victoria. Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver on round-trip 7-night sailings. Some cruises to Alaska are one-way only, though, starting in Vancouver and ending in Seward, Alaska or vice versa. This is to allow for pre and post-Cruisetours to Alaska or Canada, allowing guests to experience more inland destinations like Denali National Park and Preserve and Banff National Park. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all.

Sleeping on Radiance of the Seas

Like any cruise ship, there may be a better ship choice for your family depending on what you are looking to do and experience as part of your vacation. Icy Strait Point, while less commonly visited on an Alaska cruise, offers a chance to get closer with nature in a tranquil environment. The port, near the town of Hoonah, is Alaskan Native owned-and-operated, founded by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004.

Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise

All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip. Everything about Alaska is massive - from the 90-pound cabbages grown in the Matanuska Valley to the coastline that's longer than all the other U.S. states combined.

Royal Caribbean sails to destinations around the world, offering fun, adventurous itineraries well-suited for families, groups, and active travelers. Some highly desirable cruise cabins sell out quickly, especially the aft balcony cabins on the Radiance Class ships. Northbound itineraries travel from Vancouver to Seward, which means guests enjoy a 7-night cruise before starting the land portion of their trip.

Why choose Radiance of the Seas?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through September 2024, catching the warm weather of the summer months. In fact, when Royal Caribbean announces new Alaska itineraries is the best time to book. Royal Caribbean almost always announces new Alaska cruises in late November for the season to come in two years. Those cruising to Alaska in the peak of summer may find the weather surprisingly warm, making it comfortable to wear just a t-shirt during the day.

I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here's how they compare - Royal Caribbean Blog

I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here's how they compare.

Posted: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Royal Caribbean Cruises Customer Testimonials

Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska, was originally founded by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago. Now part of the United States, Sitka is home to 10,000 year-round residents and is a popular port on any Alaska cruise itinerary. Regatta offers an experience that's close to luxury without being all inclusive or priced sky high. Then there’s the massive indoor activity zone called the SeaPlex featuring bumper cars, laser tag and even pickle ball. One-way cruises also ensure that you have plenty of time to explore the wonders of Canada and Alaska before or after your cruise.

Sleeping on Quantum of the Seas

During these visits, your cruise ship will sail into a fjord and stop within sight of one of Alaska’s magnificent glaciers, such as Hubbard Glacier or Dawes Glacier. The 168,666 gross tons, Quantum-class cruise ship Anthem of the Seas will be sailing roundtrip from Seattle, offering two different 7-night itineraries. Cruises onboard Anthem of the Seas will include visits to Sitka, Skagway, Endicott Arm fjord, Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Radiance of the Seas will offer one-way Alaska sailings this summer, with 7-night Northbound and Southbound cruises. Usually, these cruises will depart on Fridays, visiting four Alaska ports with a scenic viewing day at Hubbard Glacier. This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather.

Norwegian Encore operates seven-night round-trip itineraries from Seattle that include time in Glacier Bay National Park with a park ranger onboard the ship. With these indoor shelters and the possibility of visiting diverse, beautiful ports, Radiance makes for the perfect timeless ship to visit Alaska on. Overall, Brilliance of the Seas offers a combination of comfort, convenience, and adventure, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the beauty and wonders of Alaska via cruise ship. One major highlight of Quantum of the Seas is the North Star observation capsule, which offers stunning views from 300 feet above sea level. In addition to the potential for stargazing, this is a marvelous opportunity to witness Alaska’s landscapes.

Guests can enjoy soaring glass elevators, the adults-only indoor Solarium pool, and movies at the indoor cinema. Sailing on Brilliance of the Seas also provides you the opportunity to see Hubbard Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in Alaska. Brilliance of the Seas provides an intimate, port-focused cruising experience. Adrenaline-pumping activities and live, Broadway-caliber performances ensure that you’ll never have a dull moment onboard.

Royal Caribbean offers a collection of ships specifically designed to give you an unforgettable experience in Alaska. Every guest must complete the eMuster drill before your cruise ship can depart, and getting it done quickly on embarkation day is recommended. However, families with kids are always going to appreciate having more options available to them, especially on sea days.

Seattle Boat Tours & Events Fun Things To Do

Table Of Content

• Charters
• Salish Sea Tours - Boards at Pier 57 (Year-Round)
• 2 HOURS
• Des Moines "Ride the Boat" Fast Water Taxi boards at Pier 50 (Seasonal)
• Seattle’s cruise season projects fewer sailings, but still up from pre-2020

The versatile floor plans of each deck offer both fixed and configurable interior seating. The upper deck features a 360-degree viewing experience perfect for capturing selfies or snapshots of the beautiful Seattle cityscape. Founded in 2017, we are one of Seattle’s newest and most unique attractions!

Charters

As Seattle’s only full-time pirate ship cruise we offer interactive pirate-themed boat tours in Seattle on the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Lake Union from April-October. When you’re ready, book our Public Pirate Cruises or Private Charters. Join us for a private cruise onboard 1933 Classic Yacht "Mitlite". We provide several cruise packages, from a two hour loop around Lake Union and the Ship Canal, to a ​full day excursion onto Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. We also offer daily "Social" Cruises if you want to share the experience with new friends and travelers for a low individual passenger price. Emerald City Pirates 2024 Season launches in April 2024!

Salish Sea Tours - Boards at Pier 57 (Year-Round)

Port officials project the 2024 season – which runs from April 6 to Oct. 28 – will see 275 sailings. That is 16 fewer than last year's record-setting 291 sailings. 2023 service is expected to return this summer, providing trips between Des Moines and downtown Seattle with five round trips per day (Tuesday-Sunday). Boarding will take place at Pier 50 Seattle Ferry Terminal and at Des Moines Marina. McGraw noted that the 275 projected sailings from the Seattle Port is still a bigger number than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.

2 HOURS

Sailing with Argosy Cruises and exploring the pier Local Lens Seattle - KING5.com

Sailing with Argosy Cruises and exploring the pier Local Lens Seattle.

Posted: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Take the opportunity to further explore after your trip! If you aren’t feeling up to it, choose to take multiple modes of transportation back to your original departure location. Purchase First to Board for first access to board, visit the bar, and find a seat. Please note that cruise ships also use the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, which is a minute drive from Pier 66 depending on traffic. The closest hotels to Pier 66 are the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel and the Edgewater Hotel.

Fun and adventure starts with us and we’ve been doing it for over 75 years. Hop on to see and know Seattle like a local with stunning views, neat history, and, of course, a full service bar. This year marks 25 years of cruises traveling between Seattle and Alaska. The first ship set sail from the Port of Seattle to Alaska in May 2000. Since then, the cruise industry has grown from 36 ship calls to the 275 projected this year.

Des Moines "Ride the Boat" Fast Water Taxi boards at Pier 50 (Seasonal)

Additional DetailsCruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Boarding begins about 20 minutes prior to departure and onboard seating is first-come, first-served. Book online or just walk on this Seattle schooner. Check website for themed sailings and special deals.

From a short three hour scenic cruise, which includes hors d’oeuvres, but not meals, to our full gourmet dinner cruise, we provide a truly enchanting and personal experience. Explore Seattle’s waterways in luxury and style with Canderé Cruising’s intimate experiences for up to six guests. Offering social and private sightseeing cruises and sailing adventures via motor or sailboat, Canderé Cruising will introduce you to Seattle in ways you didn’t think possible. What we offer is among the best things to do in Seattle, even on a rainy day! All boats can be enclosed to keep you dry and comfortable. Available for private charters primarily in the shoulder season, the Spirit of Seattle™ sports 3 decks, 2 full service bars as well as an area for dancing.

Recommended Reviews

This is the perfect time to book your private charters, team building or corporate events. Our minimum cruise is a three hour charter, includes hors d’oeuvres, but no additional meals at $770.00.Additional hours are $225.00 per hour. For an enchanting and intimate adventure, embark on a private 3-hour sunset sailing tour in the Puget Sound. This experience is tailored for a group of up to six passengers, providing the perfect setting to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest as the sun dips below the horizon. A Harbor Cruise is a unique and fun way to enjoy Seattle from the water! During this 1-hour narrated cruise, you’ll see all of the beauty and history of the Emerald City.

Seattle’s cruise season projects fewer sailings, but still up from pre-2020

Whether you are a visitor or a local, Seattle’s Waterfront is your gateway to the Salish Sea straight from downtown. The boat trips and tours from here range from 1-hour harbor cruises to overnight excursions in some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Want to smell the breath of a whale or taste the liquor (juice) of a live oyster? Take your pick of departure points anywhere between Pier 50 and Pier 70. The moment you step on board the beautiful Carol M.

Private boat charters and boat rentals on Seattle’s only pirate cruise ship. Or if you prefer, book us to cruise west through the Ballard Locks and experience the salt air and stunning views of Puget Sound(for this cruise plan on 7 to 8 hours). We are however best known for our dinner cruise of four or more hours, where we anchor in one of the bays on Lake Washington. There, in the stillness of the water, we serve a delicious, relaxed multi-course dinner before resuming the cruise for home. Highly recommend this experience while in Seattle.

From the skyline to the shipping port, there’s views and history everyone will enjoy. Special Events, Parties, Romantic Sunsets, are just some of the experiences you can enjoy with us. This experience is meant for people of all backgrounds and experiences, orientations and beliefs. For locals who think they know Seattle, and for strangers experiencing the city for the first time.

The vessel is available for groups, corporates, parties, classes, and more. All our cruises are private and designed with you for your personal experience. Meals are a separate charge, and average $150.00 per person. Please visit our menu page.We are not licensed to sell or provide alcohol, but if you bring itwe have everything needed to manage and provide full service at no additional cost. Seattle’s 2024 cruise season launched this past weekend, with Port of Seattle officials anticipating slightly fewer sailings than last year.

The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Receive an occasional email update about Argosy Cruises deals, news and special offers.

Sightseeing Cruises and Sailing in Seattle, WA

Table Of Content

• Location & Hours
• Seattle Boat Cruise
• Waterfront Holiday Shopping Guide
• SUMMER IS HERE AND WE ARE OPEN FOR CRUISES!

From the skyline to the shipping port, there’s views and history everyone will enjoy. Special Events, Parties, Romantic Sunsets, are just some of the experiences you can enjoy with us. This experience is meant for people of all backgrounds and experiences, orientations and beliefs. For locals who think they know Seattle, and for strangers experiencing the city for the first time.

Location & Hours

Take the opportunity to further explore after your trip! If you aren’t feeling up to it, choose to take multiple modes of transportation back to your original departure location. Purchase First to Board for first access to board, visit the bar, and find a seat. Please note that cruise ships also use the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, which is a minute drive from Pier 66 depending on traffic. The closest hotels to Pier 66 are the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel and the Edgewater Hotel.

Seattle Boat Cruise

Port officials project the 2024 season – which runs from April 6 to Oct. 28 – will see 275 sailings. That is 16 fewer than last year's record-setting 291 sailings. 2023 service is expected to return this summer, providing trips between Des Moines and downtown Seattle with five round trips per day (Tuesday-Sunday). Boarding will take place at Pier 50 Seattle Ferry Terminal and at Des Moines Marina. McGraw noted that the 275 projected sailings from the Seattle Port is still a bigger number than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.

Your guide to getting around Seattle during All-Star Week by bus, rail, car, boat and more - The Seattle Times

Your guide to getting around Seattle during All-Star Week by bus, rail, car, boat and more.

Posted: Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Waterfront Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you are a visitor or a local, Seattle’s Waterfront is your gateway to the Salish Sea straight from downtown. The boat trips and tours from here range from 1-hour harbor cruises to overnight excursions in some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Want to smell the breath of a whale or taste the liquor (juice) of a live oyster? Take your pick of departure points anywhere between Pier 50 and Pier 70. The moment you step on board the beautiful Carol M.

Additional DetailsCruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Boarding begins about 20 minutes prior to departure and onboard seating is first-come, first-served. Book online or just walk on this Seattle schooner. Check website for themed sailings and special deals.

Locks Cruise

As Seattle’s only full-time pirate ship cruise we offer interactive pirate-themed boat tours in Seattle on the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Lake Union from April-October. When you’re ready, book our Public Pirate Cruises or Private Charters. Join us for a private cruise onboard 1933 Classic Yacht "Mitlite". We provide several cruise packages, from a two hour loop around Lake Union and the Ship Canal, to a ​full day excursion onto Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. We also offer daily "Social" Cruises if you want to share the experience with new friends and travelers for a low individual passenger price. Emerald City Pirates 2024 Season launches in April 2024!

From a short three hour scenic cruise, which includes hors d’oeuvres, but not meals, to our full gourmet dinner cruise, we provide a truly enchanting and personal experience. Explore Seattle’s waterways in luxury and style with Canderé Cruising’s intimate experiences for up to six guests. Offering social and private sightseeing cruises and sailing adventures via motor or sailboat, Canderé Cruising will introduce you to Seattle in ways you didn’t think possible. What we offer is among the best things to do in Seattle, even on a rainy day! All boats can be enclosed to keep you dry and comfortable. Available for private charters primarily in the shoulder season, the Spirit of Seattle™ sports 3 decks, 2 full service bars as well as an area for dancing.

Sailing Seattle boards at Pier 56 (May-October)

Cruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Seating on board our vessels is first-come, first-served and will begin 20 minutes prior to departure. Vessel available on the day of your sailing may vary. Loved it, we had a 3 hour daytime private sail with Russ. We were able to sit on the front of the boat and got to relax together. Would recommend for anyone looking for a private experience or a COVID-safe experience.

1.5 HOUR

The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Receive an occasional email update about Argosy Cruises deals, news and special offers.

Private boat charters and boat rentals on Seattle’s only pirate cruise ship. Or if you prefer, book us to cruise west through the Ballard Locks and experience the salt air and stunning views of Puget Sound(for this cruise plan on 7 to 8 hours). We are however best known for our dinner cruise of four or more hours, where we anchor in one of the bays on Lake Washington. There, in the stillness of the water, we serve a delicious, relaxed multi-course dinner before resuming the cruise for home. Highly recommend this experience while in Seattle.

The versatile floor plans of each deck offer both fixed and configurable interior seating. The upper deck features a 360-degree viewing experience perfect for capturing selfies or snapshots of the beautiful Seattle cityscape. Founded in 2017, we are one of Seattle’s newest and most unique attractions!

Captain Dorin Ellis has been navigating the waters around Seattle since he was a small child. He loves to share his enthusiasm for history and experience of boating with all that come aboard. The Locks Cruise is a one-way trip that ends at a different location than it starts – Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union.