jryan

We are a couple in our early 70's, anxious to take a cruise in September but are bewildered by the number of choices. Would probably like to depart from Vancouver--Is it best to embark elsewhere, i.e. Ancourage?? What should we be looking for in regards to the ship--type of accomodations? What about the chance for a rail trip ashore? Any ideas would be most appreciated.

Jimingso

You might want to do some basic research at www.cruisecritic.com. Also, as a first-time cruiser I'd recommend you use a local TA.

We are in our 60's and we like HAL (www.hollandamerica.com). Their midsize ships cruise from Vancouver and Seattle to Alaska, and they have rail/land tours as add-ons.

Dreps

In addition to looking at the cruise line specific sites on cruisecritic.com, I made heavy use of the Alaska destination site in planning our trip, especially the recommendations of Budget Queen.

If you want to see the range of cruises and cruise tours available, take a look at a site such as vacationstogo.com and search the Alaska sections for the time frame that interests you.

Eschew

First off, September is probably not the best time of year for Alaska cruising. It is near the end of the season and the weather becomes more unpredictable and obviously cooler.

When you are talking about "rail". Are you talking about a shore excursion on a train (example: Whitepass/Yukon Railway from Skagway) or the scenic train ride from Whitter to Anchorage at the end of a cruise, or a cruise "land" tour or Alaska Railroad with overnight stays at various Parks and Lodges.

Once you decided what "rail" experience you are looking for, then I can make more suggestions. HAL is a good choice but I would not discount Princess or Celebrity at this point.

The key decision you should make at this time should be can you do it earlier in mid-August. What specifically "rail" experience you are looking for.

Next question will be do you want to start or end in Vancouver or both? How much time you want to spend on the ship and on land.

Jimingso's suggestion with a TA is a great one. You will need a TA anyway. You can book on line or through the cruise ship; or through a TA, and the price will be very similar anyway. And yes, there maybe some savings with an online discount agent, but the savings is minimal in the whole grand scheme of things when you consider how much money you are going to spend for the whole trip.

An experience and reputable TA can also guide you with your selection.

Below is the link to the cruise critics :first time cruisers" page. Hope that helps.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ftc/

fourkus44

We first bought the paperback book, "Frommer's Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call 2005" (probably have updated), which gives pros and cons of different cruise ships. We decided on Holland America, as they seemed to appeal to retirees. We were pleasantly surprised, although they have activities for children, too. HAL also offered cruise-tours split between land travel and ship. So the first 7 days were spent on land, traveling by train and motor coach, and included 2 nights in Denali Park at a lodge owned by Holland America. Then we spent the next 7 days on board ship (stopping at select ports). If you decide on a 7-day cruise only, you can still take a train ride as a "shore excursion." Our trip included June 21st, when it's light for about 24 hours. We took two other cruises on HAL, we were so pleased with the first one.

jryan

All of your information is so helpful. Haven't used a travel agent in a while but it is probably the best way to go. Thanks.

Dreps

It is definitely the best way to go. Even if it's counter-intuitive, you often get a better "deal" through a TA than dealing directly with a cruise line. You also should get more personal service. Once you have a better idea of what you are specifically interested in, it is good to find a TA that is especially knowledgeable about the cruise line that you think is right for you.

FrankS

I'll give ya an idea to start from the information you have given

Look at the Volendam(Holland America lines) Round trip from Vancouver
Get a balcony
It cruises Glaciar Bay and stops in Skagway for the rail excursion

We are doing our 1st too. We figure if we really like Alaska, then we will try one where you start in Seward