Alaska Cruise-Definitely Not Cheap
 

We are finalizing trip details for our Alaska cruise in August of 2017. We booked our trip through Susan Sandell of Cruises.com because she was very knowledgeable about cruising to Alaska because that his her specialty, and she used to work for Holland America. We booked in August of 2017 because we are a group of six people-my parents ages 70 & 78 and my uncle age 80, myself, my husband and 9 year old daughter. My parents are ailing, and this might be their last trip.
We wanted our cabins to be connecting and to be mid ship and on a lower quiet floor. I also wanted to go to Glacier Bay and looked for a cruise that avoided the Bay of Alaska. In doing the research, Princess and Holland America seemed to have the most experience with Alaska and we looked at those itineraries. We considered the HA Eurodam round trip from Seattle, but the idea of a tendered port in Sitka was a concern with my elderly parents. We chose the HA Nieuw Amsterdam round trip from Vancouver because it went to Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm, and the route stayed mainly in the Inside Passage-my mother has seasickness issues. Also, the standard balcony rooms have bathtubs and can comfortable sleep three people. Princess balcony rooms only sleep 2.
My husband, daughter and I will arrive in Vancouver 2 nights before the cruise and we are splurging on the Pan Pacific. I am looking forward to being on the Seawall and looking at float planes take off and land.
We might go to either Lynn Canyon or Capilano Suspension Bridge the first Vancouver day. My parents and uncle arrive that afternoon, and we will go out to dinner and maybe go to some art galleries in Vancouver if they are open on a Friday night. I have arranged a morning tour on departure day to go to Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain. Staying at the Pan Pacific helps because they could check in luggage to the ship.
Excursions on the cruise ship:
Juneau-One way Tracy Arm tour departing from cruise ship & evening whale watch
Skagway-Beyond Skagway Tours to Emerald Lake with a return train ticket from Carcross
Ketchikan-Ketchikan Taxi Tours in morning (include Totem Bight) and float plane tour with Island Wings.
Arrival day Vancouver(Saturday)-Sea to Sky tour with Landsea Tours overnight Days Inn Vancouver Airport
Sunday-Landsea tour to Victoria with morning whale watch tour with Prince of Whales
Monday-Early flight the following to the East Coast

As I recall HAL is higher than most other mass market lines.

One can go more economically with other lines and a lesser cabin choice but a huge chunk of money can go for the excursions.

Hey if you can afford then go for it. It's a fabulous cruise.

Cheers, Larry :).

Did you see Eschew's thread, Alaska Shore excursion on the cheap?

Whatever the cost, you will have wonderful memories with your parents and child.

I think the big mistake was booking so early, actually. If you waited to book until now it probably would have been at least half off. Of course you cabin needs may have precluded that.

IME that's not necessarily true. In fact I have seen prices go up after we booked. If you see the price drop before you pay the final fare you can usually get the reduced rate

Veranda mid ship V class cost $5,392 with taxes and fees-3 adults in the room.

Except if you go to Vacations To Go on Niew Amsterdam for an August rt from Vancouver it is now under $3000 for a suite.

PP

5k+ For that level of cabin including three people in the room I think is a good deal. The vacations to go price is 6000 for two people and you don't know what the third person will have to pay. And then there is the matter of where the cabin is located and as you have your desire for adjoining suites or cabins I think you did well

There is one way to find out, call VTG...

I agree with Larry. $5392 for 3 including tax and fee is a good price for the type of cabin they are getting, in August, prime Alaska cruising season.

I would like to suggest Royal Hudson Steam Train Ride - Vancouver to Squamish, Return by M.V. Britannia ship rather than Capilano suspension bridge. That would be a more unique west coast experience.

Are there any mobility issue with the elderly? Make sure the excursion is not too troublesome for them (in terms of walking distance). Make sure all your excursions are arranged for pick up ship side.

E do you remember how long that Aussie visa is good for?

We go there in late Nov.

Thank you.

Wow. Thanks for the Royal Hudson Steam Train Ride. I am going to look that up.

Forgot to mention that that package includes a drink package for 2 of the 3 people in the cabin, and dinner for 4 of 6 of us at Pinnacle.

I do not think that the Royal Hudson Steam Train is still operating.

Belle213, sorry about the Steam Train ... I guess it is now "parked" at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, and maybe it is still worth a visit.
http://www.wcra.org/index.php/heritage-park/189

Rocky Mountaineer used to offer a train day trip package to Whistler. Wonder if they are still doing that.

With your pricing including drink packages, you got a heck of a deal.

There are lots of nice restaurants in Vancouver, but there is a local chain that is quite interesting. They started back in 1928 so they have a bit of history in Vancouver. If you decide to give them a try, go for the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger.

"The Lift" is within walking distance of your hotel and they are quite nice but a bit pricey.

Thank you, I will check that out. The Lift has some good reviews.