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Started By
Message
About to start planning a 2025 Alaskan cruise trip for 4-6 adults
Posted on 3/14/24 at 9:43 am
Posted on 3/14/24 at 9:43 am
Looking for a higher end cruise line that includes many options for excursions and need some recommendations to get me started. Looks like there are several out there that fit the bill.
This post was edited on 3/14/24 at 9:44 am
10
Posted on 3/14/24 at 9:54 am to auwaterfowler
We did this last May. Cruised with Princess. We were not impressed. Level of service was not what we expected.
Alaska on the other hand exceeded ALL expectations.
Alaska on the other hand exceeded ALL expectations.
Posted on 3/14/24 at 10:02 am to auwaterfowler
We booked one for this coming Labor Day.
So I was researching cruises and found, what I think is a steal of deal, on Norwegian. It was half off the total cruise price and if you use their air fare, the second person flies free.
It was a limited time only deal for this past New Years. If you can wait it out, I'm sure the offer will come back around.
So I was researching cruises and found, what I think is a steal of deal, on Norwegian. It was half off the total cruise price and if you use their air fare, the second person flies free.
It was a limited time only deal for this past New Years. If you can wait it out, I'm sure the offer will come back around.
Posted on 3/14/24 at 10:35 am to Pu2kph0
quote:hmm... we also did Princess last May (2023). We thought the service was great and had a fantastic time. Alaska is unbelievable.
We did this last May. Cruised with Princess. We were not impressed. Level of service was not what we expected.
Alaska on the other hand exceeded ALL expectations.
Posted on 3/14/24 at 11:37 am to auwaterfowler
I have been on two of them, both on Holland America and both from Vancouver to Seward. Had a great time on both.
One time we added a land tour which featured a train ride to the Denali Park where we stayed a couple of days. The next time we went up a week early and divided our time between Victoria and Vancouver.
One time we added a land tour which featured a train ride to the Denali Park where we stayed a couple of days. The next time we went up a week early and divided our time between Victoria and Vancouver.
Posted on 3/14/24 at 11:50 am to auwaterfowler
We went with Princess in 2019. The cruise ship wasn't anything to write home about, but I don't recall any negatives either.
Some suggestions I have are decide what type of route you want to do. Do you want a one-way cruise or the typical loop? We choose a one-way cruise (southbound from Whittier to Vancouver) so there were less wasted sea days. Spent a couple days in Anchorage on the front end and went sightseeing, rented ATVs, and just explored the area. Then spent a couple days in Vancouver on the back end. Explored the city a little, drove up the coast of the Howe Sound, sea to sky gondola, etc.
I'd also recommend getting a balcony at minimum on the shore side of the ship as the views are amazing.
If going into Glacier Bay National Park is something you want to do, I believe Princess is the only cruise line (besides the very small boats) allowed to enter. Tons of wildlife and spectacular sights. Our ship picked up some park rangers and they did a broadcast over the TV while we went through the park. One of the most odd (memorable) sights during our trip was spotting a moose swimming in Glacier Bay. I spotted it before the park ranger and he said in 20 years he'd never seen that before.
All the ports we stopped at had decent excursions, it just depends on what you are looking for. We mostly choose multi-part city tours.
I'd say the biggest thing I would change in hindsight is I'd skip our sea plane excursion. It was kind of neat, but unless your in the co-pilot seat the views aren't great at all.
Also be careful with the airfare. We initially booked the airfare with the cruise line. We later found out that they just sat on the airfare and never actually booked our seats. They were just going to pick whatever seats were available when the prices dropped. We got a refund on that portion and booked out own flights with United. We were able to get direct flights for less than the original flights that included a layover.
Some suggestions I have are decide what type of route you want to do. Do you want a one-way cruise or the typical loop? We choose a one-way cruise (southbound from Whittier to Vancouver) so there were less wasted sea days. Spent a couple days in Anchorage on the front end and went sightseeing, rented ATVs, and just explored the area. Then spent a couple days in Vancouver on the back end. Explored the city a little, drove up the coast of the Howe Sound, sea to sky gondola, etc.
I'd also recommend getting a balcony at minimum on the shore side of the ship as the views are amazing.
If going into Glacier Bay National Park is something you want to do, I believe Princess is the only cruise line (besides the very small boats) allowed to enter. Tons of wildlife and spectacular sights. Our ship picked up some park rangers and they did a broadcast over the TV while we went through the park. One of the most odd (memorable) sights during our trip was spotting a moose swimming in Glacier Bay. I spotted it before the park ranger and he said in 20 years he'd never seen that before.
All the ports we stopped at had decent excursions, it just depends on what you are looking for. We mostly choose multi-part city tours.
I'd say the biggest thing I would change in hindsight is I'd skip our sea plane excursion. It was kind of neat, but unless your in the co-pilot seat the views aren't great at all.
Also be careful with the airfare. We initially booked the airfare with the cruise line. We later found out that they just sat on the airfare and never actually booked our seats. They were just going to pick whatever seats were available when the prices dropped. We got a refund on that portion and booked out own flights with United. We were able to get direct flights for less than the original flights that included a layover.
Posted on 3/14/24 at 3:42 pm to Tiger_n_Texas
Posted on 3/14/24 at 6:32 pm to auwaterfowler
We did celebrity 20 years ago and it was great. Rogertheshrubber was in the Alaskan cruise business on the excursion side I think. Maybe he will chime in.
Posted on 3/14/24 at 8:37 pm to auwaterfowler
quote:We did a similar Princess cruise in 2017, we did the land & sea package - Anchorage to Denali by bus, then train to Whittier then sailed to Vancouver.
We went with Princess in 2019. The cruise ship wasn't anything to write home about, but I don't recall any negatives either.
Then spent a couple days in Vancouver on the back end. Explored the city a little
I'd also recommend getting a balcony at minimum on the shore side of the ship as the views are amazing.
If going into Glacier Bay National Park is something you want to do, I believe Princess is the only cruise line (besides the very small boats) allowed to enter.
It was our first cruise, nothing negative other than the cost of wifi if you need it. Food was just average.
Picking the right excursion is important; don’t do the Totem Poles.
In 2017 they did limit the number of ships that were allowed into Glacier Bay NP. But either Holland or Norwegian were allowed in - we saw their ship when we were there. If you want to go there, and it’s worth it IMO, be sure the trip you select goes there.
We spent 3 nights in Vancouver on the back end also; drove to Whistler one day. We were in Vancouver again this past summer and took the ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria - that’s worth doing if you have a few more days.
FWIW, a friend is doing Celebrity this year and he is particular what cruises he does. He wouldn’t do Princess. I guess Celebrity is more high end.
Posted on 5/10/24 at 11:09 pm to auwaterfowler
For those of you that have gone before, are the waters pretty tranquil or is there noticeable "bobbing" motion of the ship? I am considering booking an Alaskan cruise next year but my wife is extremely sensitive to motion sickness.
Does time of year matter? We are considering Sept but are open to other dates if it makes a difference.
Does time of year matter? We are considering Sept but are open to other dates if it makes a difference.
Posted on 5/11/24 at 12:15 am to armytiger96
The waters are pretty tranquil. Don’t hesitate to go.
Posted on 5/11/24 at 7:05 am to auwaterfowler
quote:
Looking for a higher end cruise line that includes many options for excursions and need some recommendations to get me started.
Have you considered a small ship cruise?
Nat Geo, Uncruise, Dream Cruises, etc. 100 ton vessels.
Less port stops, more adventure (hiking, kayaking etc)
Also consider Seaborne or Regent. Smaller ships (500 ppl or so) and included iteneraries.
Posted on 5/11/24 at 7:07 am to armytiger96
quote:
For those of you that have gone before, are the waters pretty tranquil or is there noticeable "bobbing" motion of the ship?
The only outside waters you'll have are just South of the Haida Gwaii and around Sitka (if you do Sitka)
Its inside passage most of the way.
Posted on 5/11/24 at 7:34 am to auwaterfowler
Holland America has never disappointed us.
Posted on 5/12/24 at 7:38 am to auwaterfowler
We did the 16-day Norwegian Spirit’s “Fire and Ice” Cruise was an exciting adventure that takes you on a journey through the tropical islands of Hawaii & the scenic towns of Alaska.
Posted on 5/12/24 at 7:47 am to armytiger96
quote:
We are considering Sept
Coastal Alaska weather changes after the 4th of July, tends to be more rainy and cloudy.
September is the second rainiest month, outside of October. April through June are the "good weather" months.
Salmon and bears are more visible Mid July through August.
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