What's the best Alaskan cruise?

Question

Looking to cruise Alaska in '07 or '08. What's the best cruise line with side trips?

Answer 1

You may not realize it, but you've got a lot going on in your question!

For most folks, an Alaska cruise is something that you'll only do once in your lifetime - so it should be special. The ship should be upscale; the food should be great; and the service should be top-shelf . . . and the vacation should provide the best value for you - that doesn't mean the cheapest - there's a big difference there!

Since you've never been to Alaska before, here's some basic information; a "standard" Alaska cruise is 7-nights, either Northbound from Vancouver, or Southbound from Seward (Ancorage area). All call at the same four ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka in some combination.

Other cruise lines do round-trips from Vancouver or Seattle but only sail up the "inside passage" and hit one or two of the ports, without visiting the glaciers on the Northern end of the cruise.

As far as which cruise line to choose, here's how I would rank them, having been on them all, #1) By far and away - Celebrity; #2) a tie between Holland America and Princess; #3) Royal Caribbean; #4) NCL; #5) Carnival.

Since you're only going to do it once you should seriously consider adding a 3-night land tour to your cruise. Go up to Denali Park, see Mt. McKinley, see all the wildlife, ride on the glass dome rail car . . . . then relax on your cruise. In other words, take a Southbound cruise (this is referred to as a "cruisetour").

Finally, my two "must see" tours are 1) the helicopter flight up to Mendenhall Glacier; and, 2) the dog sled tour. Both will never be forgotten!


I hope this information was helpful to you. One more piece of advice - don't try to do it yourself - there are too many options! Go see a good travel agent.

Bon voyage.

Answer 2

Been on 10 cruises there. Depends on how long you are going for. If just a 7 day cruise then NCL or Princess offer the best rates and a more casual cruise. If going on the cruisetour 11 days or more then Princess. You stay at the best places & alot of extra's included. May & Sept. have the best rates and weather is & plenty of wildlife to see from ship. They all visit same ports just price difference. Ask for inside cabin as you will save $5oo.oo each plus, you are not in room enough. Balancony rooms are nice but,you only see 1 side. Enjoy.

Answer 3

Holland America Line is the longest running cruise line in Alaska.
Try to get an Inside Passage trip.
7-day is good length unless you want a land tour than take 14 days if you can.
Take a Glacier walk and Dog Sledding shore Ex they are fun.

Answer 4

well never really been on a Alaska cruise but just watched an hour long special on travel channel all about royal Caribbean s cruise to Alaska and the ship so try your search there also cruisecritic has all the dirt on ships good bad or other wise
hope this is some help and happy sailings

Answer 5

I cruised Alaska this past summer with Holland America Lines. They were great, but since it was my only cruise experience I don't know if they are better than others.

All of the cruise ships stop in the same ports, mostly on the same days, and the shore excursions are all pretty similar if not identical. We met ppl from different ships on every excursion we went on.