We are planning an Alaska cruise in early August going out of Seattle but do not know which cruise line to go on. We had gone with RC and Carnival in the Caribbeans. We enjoyed the ambience of RC but enjoyed Carnival's open seating and the kids enjoyed eating all you can eat pizza/ice cream with Carnival. They are ages 17 and 20. Please share with me your experience with the cruise line you used and the pros and cons. Thank you.

We've done 2 Alaska cruises, both on Holland America (Westerda, & Zaandam) the first a basic ocean view cabin and the second a suite, loved them both. You can have open seating on HAL, your choice.
However, HAL, while they have young adult activities, seems to get a bit of an older crowd. My favorite if I were with teenagers would be Princess. Good experiences all the way around.

Would second the recommendation for HAL. Great all around.

We liked HAL. Our last cruise was in Europe and we did have some administrative issues with HAL, much of the trip was fine. There were a lot more young people on board than our previous trips with HAL. The entertainment was exceptionally poor this trip and the young (under 80) should probably find something else to do.

All the mass market ships offers buffet and all you can eat pizza, burgers, ice cream etc. Some cruise lines (Princess) offers "any time dining" without fixed seating in the dining room. You can walk in or make reservations.

The most importanmt part of a crusie vacation is the itenary. Pick destination first and then the ship if they go to the same places. I wouldn't worry too much about lack of activities for the kids.

We recently did our very first cruise & we went to Alaska on a 7 day inland passage. We chose to leave from Vancouver because of the itinerary. What was important to us was seeing the Glaciers and we had been to Victoria, BC before. I agree with Eschew and I'd pick the itinerary first and then decide on a ship.

BTW, we did the msZuiderdam (HAL) and really enjoyed our trip. There was pizza and deserts at any time of the day we went to the buffet...and we were there late some nights just getting a second dessert. Besides they offer 24/7 room service too

When we were in Glacier bay there were a couple dozen crazy young people running around the outside deck in their bathing suits before they did the polar bear plunge into the Lido pool. Burrrr.

Utahtea

I went on Carnival when my family and I were on our Alaskan cruise. It was great. Just to let you know when you get in Alaskan waters, there's no gambling or Bingo due to rules. I heard HAL is also great for Alaska cruises from another passenger who was on the cruise. I even saw one in port of Juneau. It's up to you Tropics. Do your research on cruises and excursions and take it from there.

Look at Princess. As it was stated, HAL crowd might be a little too old for teens. You can check with my agent Alex at [email protected], he'll find you a good cruise.

For me, Glacier Bay is a must stop. Beyond that, everyone stops at the usual ports.

We just did HAL(Rotterdam) with teens, and loved it. It was summer, so we had lots of young people on board. We had open dining and even one night ordered in at 11 pm because we stayed late in Victoria(they have a 24 hr room service menu)
Pros-
Cabin size
helpful staff-
ship- its a beauty just reburished
Explorers Lounge
Entertainmentwise- Piano bar, shows and musicians were good
Food overall was very good
Pizza was a letdown(con)
Sushi was a letdown(con)
Asian noodle dishes EXCELLENT
Soups Excellent
Lamb -very surprisingly good
Salads and Fruits very good
Bakery & Ice Cream- Excellent

Cons-
Expensive excursions- guess they have to make $ somehow

Must see
All the scenery was great, but if I had to choose a 'must see' it would be Sitka

I agree with those you say pick the itinerary, then pick the cruise line that best fits your desires.

That's what we did. In August we went on a HAL cruisetour that included a "half cruise" (4 days) - 4 adults and 2 tweens. Adults enjoyed the cruise. Tweens did too over all - including Club HAL, shore excursions, pool, food - but I think other lines might be a little more fun for tweens and teens. We didn't care so much that HAL attracts an older crowd, but you might.

We found food on the Zuiderdam to range from wonderful to awful (although that was individual items and the minority). Excursions were expensive, but most were no more expensive than booking directly with the operators.

Thank you everyone who replied with your above recommendations and advice, much appreciated!

Looks like a HAL and Princess had great reviews. Thank you Sunny515, I will do my research. On our past cruises few years ago, our son liked Carnival(15 at the time) and daughter(18) liked RC.

However, I haven't heard much reviews on them for an Alaskan cruise? Anyone out there been on one?

Carnival had one ship doing mostly inside passage itenary. I think it is the Carnival Spirit. I have seen the ship a few time while in Alaska but have not been on it lately.

For crusies in Alaska, I was surprised at the number of kids, even for HAL. Last year, on a Celebrity ship, I was told there were more than 500 kids which I found it hard to believe as I don't come across too many of them.

RC ships are great for teenagers (rock climbing wall etc) but they don't stop at Glacier Bay.