What do I need to know about cruises? (Alaska)?

Question

Never been on a cruise. Kinda scares me. Are the rooms small? What do we pay for - options/ upgrades/packages that are worth it? What do you do on cruises? How much should it cost? How much should I bring with me and my husband?

Answer 1

Ok, here's the scoop. I go on cruises every year and am up to about 15 now.

You will find the most affordable cruises are done by cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, and Disney. . Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are big but things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days. The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second rule is go with the same cruise line multiple times because they do offer repeat customer discounts of $50 to $100 per person in a cabin. The third rule is shop around for specials. Some lines will offer specials on a date that does not usually sell out.

If you have not cruised before and don't know the ropes it may be beneficial for you to use an agent; the agent does not charge a fee but is paid by the cruise line. But, also, do some home work on cruise line, itineraries, and ships. Use the cruise line web sites to look at what's being offered. I will list some below. Try to have in mind some of what you want to do when you talk to an agent. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can do your own booking online, the price is the same and you can do everything you need right on the web sites. The sites usually have cruises listed for this year and next. I booked my last two cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours. The format and service on all of these is about the same.

I have found that the food on Celebrity, Princess and RC is a cut above what I have been told is served on Disney and Carnival. Disney has good ships but is primarily for kids, and families with kids.Carnival is the fun ship, but their accommodations are not the best. Carnival is the party cruise line that most young folks and first time cruisers take (ages 20 to 35) who want to party, party, party. If that’s what you are looking for then Carnival is the one for you. On the other hand, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the 40 and over age group; a more reserved crowd.

Most cruises going to the Caribbean tend to have more young folks than those going to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or South America. People who go to the Caribbean are looking for fun things like beaches, jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving, parasailing, and a lot of other activities related to water and beaches. On the other hand, people who go to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, etc., are looking for cultural and historic activities. These cruisers tend to be the older people (40+).

Ship Categories are simply a listing of the different types of cabins on the ship by size, location and amenities. Categories are the price structure. What you need to know and understand is that the category designations DO NOT mean the same thing on all cruise lines. the terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom. The standard cabin that most people get (inside/outside/balcony) are generally between 175 and 200 Square feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom (balconies are about 45 to 55 sq ft). Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, and a life jacket for each passenger. Some cabins that are built to accommodate 3 or 4 people will have a pull down bed and/or a sofa bed.

Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations. Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to. There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities. Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf. Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent). There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music. Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave. On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .

I do recommend getting a balcony cabin. I think the above should answer most of your questions.

Answer 2

You can only cruise to Alaska from late May to early Sept. I went late May because I heard the mosquito's are huge there and really come out in July. But with that said, there is not a bad time to go to Alaska on a cruise. We did a cruise/tour with Princess. We flew into Fairbanks, stayed overnight, then took the train into Denali where we spent 2 days. That was a wonderful experience in Denali. We went to a famous Mushers home and took a wildlife tour. Princess owns there own hotels in Denali and a few other places, so everything was perfect. We then took another train to the port and then started our cruise. I have been on 8 cruises with Princess and this was still my favorite. I plan to go again to Alaska, but on a different route.

Answer 3

Well i went on a cruise this past summer and i didn't wanna leave!! U can get package for free drinks for a period of time. Rooms r pretty small but its manageable. I'd pack light u'll come back with a lot.bring some no a lot usually u pay b4 the cruise but ur boat might have an ATM. so don't worry. It will go by so quick u'll b sad to leave hope it helps ;-]

Answer 4

You're in luck! Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about cruising can be found at www.cruise-addicts.com. There are forums specifically for each cruise line, each destination, things you need to know before you go, and much more. I have over ten cruises under my belt and still find interesting tidbits at this site. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Ah Alaska! Land of the moose! We have gone to Alaska at least four times - minimal by most standards. Every cruise ship has cabins that are sized differently. Inside cabins are the smallest. If you get a balcony cabin you have more room. Newer cruise ships have built their cabins a little larger but they are not the same ones you saw on the 'love boat'!

The staff has activities for every day, depending on what's your pleasure. Do you like trivia? Do you like crafts? Perhaps educational classes are your forte! No matter when you go to Alaska there's something wonderful to see and do.

Your cruise package includes all your meals, entertainment, your cabin and of course the welcome aboard party.

I highly recommend you sign up for and pay separately for cruise tours in the various cities.

Depending on the length of the cruise you will probably have at least two formal nights (long dress, tuxedo, suit), so you'll want to pack for that. Also, bring slacks and sweaters so that you are comfortable in early spring or fall. I've been there in May and wore long pants and a light jacket. This is Alaska after all. Surprisingly, we even had one day where it was actually hot!

Contact vacatiionstogo.com - or write to [e-mail] and tell him you want a cruise to Alaska. He'll set you up with a great trip - he's my personal vacation planner and does an excellent job!

Answer 6

Alaska is THE BEST. Inside cabinsare fine as you are not in the room that much. You can order a brouchure from Princess or NCL they are fee and everything about each ship is in there or on their sites. There is plenty to do and wonders to see. You will meet people from all over the world. Many things to do in each port but, wait till tou get there to book them because of possible weather and how you feel. Your cruise price will included your room and meals at most resturants. If you prefer not to get too dressey they offer an excellent buffet usually open 24 hours.Plus they have place for pizza, burgers etc. They have exercise areas, spa's, pools, hot tubs etc. You will set up an on board account before you board usually $200.00 or more if you buy drinks ( soda & beer) they will take the tip normally $10.00 a day each out of each account. The card they give you is also your room key & used for leaving & boarding ship. Great shops in ports. Items much cheaper than ship. Do get an idea visit Alaska Shirt .com. T-shirts on ship start at $15.00 To many things to list but check out there sites or if you belong to AAA they can save you alot plus they have brochure and all info. Enjoy.