Alaska Cruise
Jul 14th, 2010, 10:46 AM
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Alaska Cruise
Looking into an Alaska cruise in 2011. Traveled a lot, but have yet to try a cruise. Early 50's couple, would rather stay away from kids or party atmosphere. For now planning on a seven day trip. There is tons of info online, almost too much to sift through. I have always put great value in these type forums and looking for help one again.
We drove through the Alaska interior (Seward to Denali NP) a couple of years ago. Our focus will be glaciers, wildlife and scenery.
Not a big interest in land excursions, but would like to leave the ship at a few ports to wander through towns just to see what is there.
Seeking opinions as to preferred cruise lines/ships, embarkment/terminating ports, routes (one way or loop), which side of the ship for balcony room and any other recommendations that you can offer.
Thanks in advance.
We drove through the Alaska interior (Seward to Denali NP) a couple of years ago. Our focus will be glaciers, wildlife and scenery.
Not a big interest in land excursions, but would like to leave the ship at a few ports to wander through towns just to see what is there.
Seeking opinions as to preferred cruise lines/ships, embarkment/terminating ports, routes (one way or loop), which side of the ship for balcony room and any other recommendations that you can offer.
Thanks in advance.
Jul 14th, 2010, 11:39 AM
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We are a couple in our 50s and did Princess Alaska Tour with our 2 almost-adult kids 2 summers ago. Here are the basics.
Alaska cruises do not have party-types and kids were few on our trip. In fact, our 18 and 23 year olds complained they were the youngest by decades on the ship. Others here have reported a greater number of young people - but you will find neither a cruise over-run with toddlers, loud teenagers, or adult drunks.
The towns at which most cruises stop have little to offer beyond cruieline-owned t-shirt shops, jewelry shops, etc. (Juneau, being the capital, is the exception). Wandering thru the towns to see what there is - the answer is, not much. One must take an additional means of transportation to see much of anything - and while you say you are not interested in land excursions, I encourage you to reconsider. We drove to both Denali and Seward on the same trip prior to the cruise and there was much more and different to see at cruise ports. Some are quite expensive - those involving helicopter or plane flight. But there are train and bus options that are less expensive. This is unlike a warm-water cruiseport trip where one can wander out to town or the beach - there really is not much right there.
Either side is fine - much of the trip is thru rather narrow passageways with something to see on either side. And most passengers were above deck for much of the trip. A balcony was nice and we forced ourselves to sit outside, evern when it was cold. Also nice to get up in AM and go out and look around - we went over the summer solstice, so it was always light.
We did Whittier-Vancouver. I loved Vancouver and the 2 days we spent there after the cruise was not enough.
Packing - layers, good walking shoes, waterproof windbreaker. Do not get intimidated by "formal nights" on cruise, nor be swayed by the photos of young elegant couples in the brochure. Shirt, tie, jacket, dress pants for men; any dress perhaps with a little jacket or sweater or dressy pants with nice top for women - even on formal nights. No ball gowns or tuxedos. In general, for dinner no shorts, jeans, sneakers - but virtually anything else will fit in.
Since you have not been on a cruise before, know what you are purchasing and what you will have to pay extra for. In addition to stated fare, there are usually mandatory tips (yes, you can complain and get them removed) - amount are added to your fare. Virtually any beverage except tap water, coffee, tea at meals costs extra - even sodas. In the buffet there is water, coffee, tea and usually some nasty fruit punch thing or perhaps iced tea or lemonade included. If you want a Pepsi, extra. Obviously alcohol is extra.
Most cruiselines have some collection of specialty restaurants with additional cover charge fee. Up to you - sometimes we do, sometimes not. Sometimes worth it, sometimes not. There is almost always something to eat for free at any time of the day - burgers, pizza, ice cream - you will not starve. If you read a lot of reviews people have all sorts of complaints about quality of food declining over the years - as long as you keep in mind they are serving 3-6 meals/day for thousands of passengers you will not be disappointed. Certainly not cooked-to-order from the local bistro, but we have always found something quite good to eat.
You will likely want to have a passport with you. Some land excursions go into Canada and certainly if you begin or end in Vancouver.
That about covers the basic - I agree it can be quiute over-whelming. Hopefully this gives you the basics. We picked dates and cruiseline first and then I did some port research on cruisecritic website.
Alaska cruises do not have party-types and kids were few on our trip. In fact, our 18 and 23 year olds complained they were the youngest by decades on the ship. Others here have reported a greater number of young people - but you will find neither a cruise over-run with toddlers, loud teenagers, or adult drunks.
The towns at which most cruises stop have little to offer beyond cruieline-owned t-shirt shops, jewelry shops, etc. (Juneau, being the capital, is the exception). Wandering thru the towns to see what there is - the answer is, not much. One must take an additional means of transportation to see much of anything - and while you say you are not interested in land excursions, I encourage you to reconsider. We drove to both Denali and Seward on the same trip prior to the cruise and there was much more and different to see at cruise ports. Some are quite expensive - those involving helicopter or plane flight. But there are train and bus options that are less expensive. This is unlike a warm-water cruiseport trip where one can wander out to town or the beach - there really is not much right there.
Either side is fine - much of the trip is thru rather narrow passageways with something to see on either side. And most passengers were above deck for much of the trip. A balcony was nice and we forced ourselves to sit outside, evern when it was cold. Also nice to get up in AM and go out and look around - we went over the summer solstice, so it was always light.
We did Whittier-Vancouver. I loved Vancouver and the 2 days we spent there after the cruise was not enough.
Packing - layers, good walking shoes, waterproof windbreaker. Do not get intimidated by "formal nights" on cruise, nor be swayed by the photos of young elegant couples in the brochure. Shirt, tie, jacket, dress pants for men; any dress perhaps with a little jacket or sweater or dressy pants with nice top for women - even on formal nights. No ball gowns or tuxedos. In general, for dinner no shorts, jeans, sneakers - but virtually anything else will fit in.
Since you have not been on a cruise before, know what you are purchasing and what you will have to pay extra for. In addition to stated fare, there are usually mandatory tips (yes, you can complain and get them removed) - amount are added to your fare. Virtually any beverage except tap water, coffee, tea at meals costs extra - even sodas. In the buffet there is water, coffee, tea and usually some nasty fruit punch thing or perhaps iced tea or lemonade included. If you want a Pepsi, extra. Obviously alcohol is extra.
Most cruiselines have some collection of specialty restaurants with additional cover charge fee. Up to you - sometimes we do, sometimes not. Sometimes worth it, sometimes not. There is almost always something to eat for free at any time of the day - burgers, pizza, ice cream - you will not starve. If you read a lot of reviews people have all sorts of complaints about quality of food declining over the years - as long as you keep in mind they are serving 3-6 meals/day for thousands of passengers you will not be disappointed. Certainly not cooked-to-order from the local bistro, but we have always found something quite good to eat.
You will likely want to have a passport with you. Some land excursions go into Canada and certainly if you begin or end in Vancouver.
That about covers the basic - I agree it can be quiute over-whelming. Hopefully this gives you the basics. We picked dates and cruiseline first and then I did some port research on cruisecritic website.
Jul 14th, 2010, 03:39 PM
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Last September we did a family (four siblings and spouses, all 65+) inside passage cruise on Holland America. Most of us had not cruised before, and we all enjoyed it. We ended with a bus trip to Denali for two days and a train ride back to Anchorage and plane to Vancouver. Passengers not choosing the Denali extension returned to Vancouver by ship.
We stopped at several towns and most were indeed all souvenir and jewelry type shops. Sitka was different. It was originally a Russian town. The cathedral was beautiful, and the shops had Russian-type items for sale.
The highlights for me were the Hubbard Glacier and Mt. McKinley. We were told that a large percentage of people who go to Denali never see the mountain because of cloud cover, but we had beautiful weather and saw a lot of wildlife on our daylong bus tour of the National Park.
We stopped at several towns and most were indeed all souvenir and jewelry type shops. Sitka was different. It was originally a Russian town. The cathedral was beautiful, and the shops had Russian-type items for sale.
The highlights for me were the Hubbard Glacier and Mt. McKinley. We were told that a large percentage of people who go to Denali never see the mountain because of cloud cover, but we had beautiful weather and saw a lot of wildlife on our daylong bus tour of the National Park.
Jul 20th, 2010, 06:11 PM
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I recommend you check out the Island Spirit of Fantasy Cruises, www.smallalaskaship.com. We took a cruise earlier this summer and I can only speak of the experience in superlatives. No crowds, no casinos - just exceptional, personalized attention by a stellar captain and crew of 9, aboard a 32-passenger ship, that takes you to hidden coves that no large ship can hope to enter. The engines are turned off at night, cocktail hour is every day at 4:30PM (so civilized), and the views stretch into infinity.
The price is all-inclusive - no nickle and diming here. You will love it - guaranteed.
The price is all-inclusive - no nickle and diming here. You will love it - guaranteed.
Jul 20th, 2010, 06:31 PM
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I would highly recommend Lindblad Expeditions. They are a small line associated with National Geographic. Since they are smaller, they can get much closer to the glaciers, wildlife, etc. National Geographic guides accompany you to offer much information.
Jul 20th, 2010, 09:21 PM
#7
You might want to take a deep breath and plunge into www.cruisecritic.com - in particular the Alaska forum in "cruise ports."
We've cruised a few times (Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean) but never to Alaska, since we lived in Alaska for many years and were already intimately familiar with the ports of call, the landscapes etc. However we needed to go up for a wedding a couple of weeks ago and decided, hey, why not? A forced week of relaxation before all the mania of a wedding.
My impressions are that it's a great "soft landing" for first time cruisers. Great scenery, plenty of options on shore (join the overpriced excursions, or just walk around, or rent a car, etc.) Ignore the schlunk tourist traps and jewelry stores - hit the museums or state parks instead, and it can be an affordable and lovely week. Fall prey to high priced excursions or cr@p art auctions, and watch your $$ take wing.
Major cruise lines operate round trip itineraries out of Seattle and Vancouver, or one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier or v.v. (no one-ways from Seattle owing to federal maritime law.) The Vancouver boats follow - in general - the "inside passage" in both directions (but not the most inside route, e.g. the Wrangell Narrows, which are too narrow and shallow for the big ships.) The Seattle boats generally go to the west of Vancouver Island in one direction, thus on big water without much to see.
If kids are a concern, just go in May or September, problem solved. Prices will be lower, too.
We've cruised a few times (Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean) but never to Alaska, since we lived in Alaska for many years and were already intimately familiar with the ports of call, the landscapes etc. However we needed to go up for a wedding a couple of weeks ago and decided, hey, why not? A forced week of relaxation before all the mania of a wedding.
My impressions are that it's a great "soft landing" for first time cruisers. Great scenery, plenty of options on shore (join the overpriced excursions, or just walk around, or rent a car, etc.) Ignore the schlunk tourist traps and jewelry stores - hit the museums or state parks instead, and it can be an affordable and lovely week. Fall prey to high priced excursions or cr@p art auctions, and watch your $$ take wing.
Major cruise lines operate round trip itineraries out of Seattle and Vancouver, or one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier or v.v. (no one-ways from Seattle owing to federal maritime law.) The Vancouver boats follow - in general - the "inside passage" in both directions (but not the most inside route, e.g. the Wrangell Narrows, which are too narrow and shallow for the big ships.) The Seattle boats generally go to the west of Vancouver Island in one direction, thus on big water without much to see.
If kids are a concern, just go in May or September, problem solved. Prices will be lower, too.
Jul 25th, 2010, 02:35 PM
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We just came back from an Alaska Inside Passage tour (Juneau - Juneau) on Cruise West. Never been on a cruise before and didn't want the big ship cruise experience.
The Cruise West "boat" holds a total of 100 passengers, but there were only about 65 on our trip. We got to inlets and very close to glaciers in a way that large ships can't. The boat, being small, can dock right in the towns, so no need for tenders. The capt. made changes at times to take advantage of the changing weather/scenery. The rooms were small - not luxurious. Beds were very comfortable. The food was very good. One seating - open seating.
You feel like family by the end of the 8 days.
Not a lot of information on Cruise West on cruisecritic, I found.
If you love wildlife, this is a cruise to consider.
The towns aren't much. We took only one excursion. You do go out, however, on their pontoons to get closer to cliff sides and wildlife. Everyone, no matter what age, went on them.
Cruise West includes all port charges and a short shore excursion (usually cultureal) in each port. Also included are all gratuities. Two naturalists were on board the entire time. Cocktail hour at 5:00PM.
Check it out. (Don't know what you want to pay, but it's not cheap.)
The Cruise West "boat" holds a total of 100 passengers, but there were only about 65 on our trip. We got to inlets and very close to glaciers in a way that large ships can't. The boat, being small, can dock right in the towns, so no need for tenders. The capt. made changes at times to take advantage of the changing weather/scenery. The rooms were small - not luxurious. Beds were very comfortable. The food was very good. One seating - open seating.
You feel like family by the end of the 8 days.
Not a lot of information on Cruise West on cruisecritic, I found.
If you love wildlife, this is a cruise to consider.
The towns aren't much. We took only one excursion. You do go out, however, on their pontoons to get closer to cliff sides and wildlife. Everyone, no matter what age, went on them.
Cruise West includes all port charges and a short shore excursion (usually cultureal) in each port. Also included are all gratuities. Two naturalists were on board the entire time. Cocktail hour at 5:00PM.
Check it out. (Don't know what you want to pay, but it's not cheap.)
Jul 25th, 2010, 02:47 PM
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If you can afford their prices, National Geographic/Linblad is excellent. As already stated, because of their size, they get considerably closer to the glaciers and the wildlife than the big ships. We did the Inside Passage (our second trip with NG/L) with them this past June. There were six wildlife experts for about 60 passengers. You can check out their tours/prices at www.expeditions.com
Jul 26th, 2010, 04:19 AM
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Small ships and big ships are like apples and oranges. Which direction to go should to be your first decision. Not much of a gray area with 100 passengers or thousands of passengers as well as the price reflects the difference.
I am the small ship expert in Alaska, there are four small ship cruise lines from 12-136 passengers. All focus on the destination not the ship. Naturaists, kayaking amoung the glaciers, seeing whales at elbow height takes the place of bingo and showrooms. Along with good food comfortable cabins and mostly all inclusive except for liquor.
One inbetween luxury option is Regent Seven Seas with 400 passengers. A large ship experience in a smaller ship.
No matter how you visit Alaska it is magnificant.
I am the small ship expert in Alaska, there are four small ship cruise lines from 12-136 passengers. All focus on the destination not the ship. Naturaists, kayaking amoung the glaciers, seeing whales at elbow height takes the place of bingo and showrooms. Along with good food comfortable cabins and mostly all inclusive except for liquor.
One inbetween luxury option is Regent Seven Seas with 400 passengers. A large ship experience in a smaller ship.
No matter how you visit Alaska it is magnificant.
Jul 31st, 2010, 06:58 AM
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You need to decide, FIRST, your budget. If it includes the option to do one of the small non mega ships, then do so. From your post, you are going to be disappointed on a megaline, since you claim, you are not as interested in the ports as you are the sailing? Frankly, a skewed idea and one I think you really are not knowledgable about perhaps?? The ports can definately offer plenty of excellent activies and sightseeing. I suggest you head to your library and take out Alaska travel books, Alaska By Cruiseship, Fodors Alaska Ports of Call, Fodors Alaska etc etc FIND out about Alaska, the areas, ports, what they can offer you- ALL are very different, glaciers, routes.
I am in definate disagreement with Gail, who claims the "towns" have little to offer. Problem is, she MISSED it. They certainly have plenty beyond the shopping to consider.
Tours definately enhance an Alaska trip, and in my opinion are "necessary".
As for demographics, ALL the regular lines have similar passenger, with all ages sailing, and the bulk middle aged and above. There are NO party ships in Alaska and Carnival who does a good job in Alaska, and more important, has one of the top Alaska ship Naturalists, will have the same range of passengers as HAL. and all the others.
I have a friend who has worked as a naturalist on Lindblad for over 10 years. I am glad that they still run with 6 naturalists, in these times of cut backs.
I've been tempted by Cruise West, since discounts are available to me, but haven't jumped yet. I get plenty out of the cheap cruise ships I continue to take every year and never tire it. Just did trip 27 to Alaska in June.
I am in definate disagreement with Gail, who claims the "towns" have little to offer. Problem is, she MISSED it. They certainly have plenty beyond the shopping to consider.
Tours definately enhance an Alaska trip, and in my opinion are "necessary".
As for demographics, ALL the regular lines have similar passenger, with all ages sailing, and the bulk middle aged and above. There are NO party ships in Alaska and Carnival who does a good job in Alaska, and more important, has one of the top Alaska ship Naturalists, will have the same range of passengers as HAL. and all the others.
I have a friend who has worked as a naturalist on Lindblad for over 10 years. I am glad that they still run with 6 naturalists, in these times of cut backs.
I've been tempted by Cruise West, since discounts are available to me, but haven't jumped yet. I get plenty out of the cheap cruise ships I continue to take every year and never tire it. Just did trip 27 to Alaska in June.
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