Elaine

We'd like to cruise Alaska next summer and would like to hear what you think is a good ship and itinerary. We got something in the mail from NCL and it said they had the only 7-day cruise out of Seattle..true? Do most leave from BC. Also, rates seemed high so I'm wondering if it's best to wait till closer to the time, or if this route is so popular that we'll have a problem getting a booking later on. <BR>Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Michelle

Hi Elaine <BR>My husband and I took a first time cruise to Alaska in Aug. for our 5th yr anniversary. We went on Royal Caribbean as I had done some research and found this to be a good cruise line. We were on the Radiance of the Seas which was a newer ship and beautiful. We got a balcony which I would recommend. Some people say don't waste the money but it was well worth it to wake up and look out at the glacier or see some whales swimming by. Also, it didn't make us feel so closed in. The staff was exceptional and so was the food. They had entertainment every night and brought in performers like Susan Anton & the Coasters. There was always something to do and I was actually crying on the last day because I enjoyed it so much. We were on deck 10 with a balcony which gave us an excellent view. Good luck in finding a cruise line and if you need any info on excursions let me know. <BR>

Simone

Elaine, <BR>We've been to Alaska this summer on the Mercury, from Vancouver to Seward.. I think all these new ships are equivalent, so you have to get the best rate. They say that best cruises to Alaska are provided by Princess, mainly if you want the post cruise tour to Denali Park. I suggest you should start now looking for prices and itineraries. They usually last 7 days, and they can be round trip from Vancouver, southbound or northbound. You'll find a lot of infos using Fodors. Enjoy yr cruise!

Gail

We sailed RCCL Rhapsody to Alaska. I agree with the previous poster--most of these ships are wonderful. DEFINITELY get a balcony. When I sail the Caribbean I don't feel it's necessary, but for Alaska it's well worth it.

Jim

Elaine, <BR> <BR>NCL isn't the only line with a 7-day cruise out of Seattle. I know Cruise West does, too (and there may be others). We sailed with them from Juneau to Seattle in late July and friends of ours did the reverse trip just three weeks earlier. <BR>Maybe they mean they are the only ones to said roundtrip out of Seattle? <BR> <BR>Anyway, we really enjoyed Cruise West. They are a small ship cruise line (about 100 passengers) and offer a very different experience than the bigger ships. In Alaska the main difference is that they can sail in areas where the big ships just don't fit. <BR> <BR>If you are interested, another message thread on this board is about Cruise West and there are two posts about experiences on board their ships. - Jim <BR>

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Elaine, <BR> <BR>If you sail Alaska do not sail a roundtrip cruise. Although it is less money you will miss 50% of Alaska. Go either Northbound or Southbound - one way. <BR> <BR>Also find a travel agent who is an Alaskan cruise expert. You can save quite a bit of money on shore tours and they know where to find the best calving of glaciers and the best viewing of wildlife. <BR> <BR>Paul

Elaine

Thank you all for your replies. <BR> <BR>I will definately check out Cruise West. <BR>However (and unfortunately) money IS a consideration. But then I see very few Alaska specials so the bullet may have to be bitten for this one. <BR> <BR>Having only cruised with Carnival and NCL, I definately want to try another line. <BR> <BR>Thanks again.

Paul Therault

<BR>Yes, I neglected to mention Cruise West. It does not take in all of Northwest Alaska but their small ships do get up close to glaciers and you will see all the wildlife. It is truly an Alaskan experience. <BR> <BR>Paul

joanne

Elaine, <BR>Just this past Sunday in the San Francisco Examiner/Chronicle Travel section there was an ad for the Regal Princess to Alaska. Sails round trip from S.F. for 10 days and the price for an inside cabin, cat. I, is an amazing $829 plus $255 port and taxes. This is either the May or Sept, 2002 cruise. An outside cabin is about $100 more. <BR>I couldn't believe the price so I called Whole World of Travel, spoke to Beverly and she confirmed it is correct. Princess is moving the Regal from the Med. (due to the current situation) to Alaska. <BR>We have been to Alaska 4 times, the latest last year with Princess. The line is fine and I know you would enjoy it. I am trying to convince my husband that this price is such a bargain and look at all the money I would be saving him and that we should go again, but he wants to go somewhere new. I guess four cruises to Alaska is enough, but it is really wonderful. <BR>Anyway, if you want more information, call Whole World of Travel and ask for Beverly, she books about one cruise each year for us and has almost always gotten us an upgrade. #1-800-458-3636 and tell her Joanne in Fremont told you. <BR>Happy travelling. <BR>

Dawn

Holland America is moving the Amsterdam to Seattle for an Inside Passage cruise in 2002. A bit different itineray from the normal Inside Passage. The ship skeps Skagway and will hit Sitka, instead.

Paul Therault

<BR>I believe you would find Skagway quite a bit more interesting than Sitka. <BR> <BR>Paul