What about Alaska?

Question

My husband and I want to plan a cruise to Alaska. We've never been there or on a cruise for that matter. Has anyone been on an Alaskan cruise. What is definetly worth seeing or doing? We want to go for at least two weeks. And have you found any good sites for info on Alaskan cruises? Also when's the best month to go. I've heard August is, but I don't know for sure.

Answer 1

First let me tell you about Alaska; have been there twice. The Alaska cruise season is from May to Sept. The weather is generally warmer in June, July and Aug, but it can also be pleasant in May and Sept. When we went a few years ago in May it was shirt sleeve weather (70's) in Anchorage and Fairbanks. The odd thing was, it was cooler further south in Juneau and Skagway than it was up north. It was rainy and cloudy in Ketchkan. It will be cold, like coat, hat and gloves weather, when you get close to the Glaciers. When you pack, think layering of your clothes. A couple long sleeve shirts/tops, a sweater/sweatshirt, a light jacket, maybe with a hood.

The best prices for cruises will be in May and Sept but you will see the same things as other times. The port stops will be the same but may be in a different order. Some cruises ship itineraries are run in reverse order, North to South vs starting in Seattle or Vancouver. Check the cruise line web sites for variations by date, itinerary and price. Look also at the web sites for Alaska below.

The best Alaska cruise experience is the CRUISE-TOUR. Cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean all run cruise tours which take you by train all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska. Princess and RC have special domed train cars for this. Your best chance to see wild animals will be if you do a cruise-tour where you go further north after cruising the inside passage. The only animals you are likely to see in the inside passage is seals. On these tours You can arrange to stop for a night or two in Taketna, or Denali National Park. This will be your best opportunity to see Moose, Caribou, eagle, wolf, and bear. But you really need two days at Denali so that you have time to get one of the Park Service's busses that go deep into the park. Regular tour busses , cars and campers can only go about 3 or 4 miles into the park. The Park Service runs busses about 17 miles into the park, but you must get to the visitor center very early to reserve a spot on one of their busses. The train stops going north and south do not get you to Denali in time or allow enough time for the deep back country busses. With Princess, Holland America, and RC you can do the tour part first and then go to Seward or Whittier to get on ship for the inside passage part. I highly recommend the cruise-tour and doing the tour part first.

Now about cruising. Cruises are one of THE best vacations you can take. 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).

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters 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. 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 .

You WILL have a good time. Take plenty of pictures.

Answer 2

Oh, Alaska cruises are probably my favorite cruise, my sister loved them as well. The cruise, the sites, everything is just stunning. I've been many, many times and never been dissapointed!

Since you have the time, I would go for the one way cruise. You start at one port, usually like Seattle or something and then you cruise the whole vacation and end at a different port. Since you don't have to go back to the home port, you usually get to see double the ports along the way. It gives you a lot more time on land than the round trip cruises. Plus, you get a lot more experiences that way. If you can, I would finish it off with a rail tour, they are very wonderful and well worth the cost, that is probably the one thing I would recommend doing on an Alaskan cruise.

Princess has amazing cruises to Alaska. They are my favorite to go through. The best place to go out of is usually Seattle. But if you are looking to compare prices I would say either Princess or Holland America. Both are known as being really great cruises for Alaska and I must say that I agree! They are absolutely wonderful!

Some companies will have special group rates for cruises, this is how I book through my agent to save some money. If they don't have any special rates available, you will get the cheapest rates the further out you book. Occasionally cruise lines will release specials for last minutes cruise when they have some rooms left, but you really have to be available at the drop of a hat and be able to get air quickly. Also, keep in mind the air is a big part of the expense of an Alaskan cruise, depending on where you are from. For me air costs more than $1000 per person, but the flight is usually 18 hours with layovers, etc..

There are two seasons for Alaska the Shoulder Season and Peak Season. Shoulder Season is May, the first week of June, the last week of August and all of September. Peak Season is most of June, July and August.

Peak Season tends to cost more because the weather is better and that is when more people can travel. This is the most likely time for families to take cruises, etc. More people are able to go and more people can go, so prices are higher. During shoulder season you will be able to save some money because the cruise lines are trying to get more people on board. Both seasons are great and just as beautiful as the next. You go at different times and it just a different type of beauty.

As far as when to go anytime between May and September is good. Obviously to save money you would be better going during shoulder season. Spring is absolutely beautiful because all the flowers are blooming, but Fall is also a great time because of the foliage.

If you go in June and July you will have the warmest weather and the longest days. So really, all the months have good points for why you would want to go, so you can pretty much schedule when you are available to go.

If you can, try to do an inside passage cruise. This is my favorite way to go. You will go to more ports this way and see a lot more. There are also cruises where they include a tour at each port, which is a really fun way to go, especially for your first visit. You will learn and see a lot by taking the cruise.

Be sure to pack appropriately for the weather during your season and take a really good camera and/or camcorder with extra film, memory cards, video, etc.

Have a great time and good luck with the planning!

Answer 3

Ms; I have been on 10 trips there & booked for 3 this year. To get the best deal for your money Go to Princess.com They have cruisetours where you either start with a cruise and land tour or land tour then cruise. All cruises go the inside passage.
With Princess your land tour is better than the rest. You stay at better lodges and once you order your free brouchure you will see many extras included in price.
May & Sept. have the best rates. Sept. all stores in ports of call have 50% off sales.
Do not buy souvenirs on ship. Example T-Shirt $15.00 in port $5.00 visit Alaska Sirt.com and see for your self.
May weather 40's to 60's June - Sept. 60's to 70's.
You will see plenty of wildlife from ship and on land. Denali is great.
Any questions feel free [e-mail].
Enjoy. Well worth it.
I prefer to go in May. Mostly adults and better chance of seeing to young baby animals.

Answer 4

We have been to Alaska four times. I heartily recommend a cruise tour where you take the Alaska Railroad, visit Denali, get up close with the mountain goat, etc. If you look at vacationstogo.com you'll find special deals on cruise tours and you can't go wrong. By all means take the railroad in Skagway up the mountain and see it for yourself. Liarsville was another favorite spot on our tour. Ketchikan and Juneau are also must sees on the tour.

Answer 5

I went to a 3 times a 3 day,7 day 7day. the best part is time at the glaciers, i think the cruise and inland train trip would be the best, after a week you get burnt out on the ship .ready to go home, you should side trips if you have money. seeing the towns good for a walk. dont know what you like so hard to know if you going to have a good time.night travel between towns ruins scenic views. dinners nice, evening shows OK. . nights drinking and dancing if you into that. ship mornings dead. Seattle or Vancouver nice ports. seems like a one way 10 day would be be enough . I really want to do a Hawaii some time. summer ships charge more but more day to see things.get a balcony or open areas are crowded for a good scenic view,inside cabins makes you spend all your time on deck ,window OK. take lots money