bakerstreet

As I dip my toe into Alaska cruise/tour research I see how many options there are for both cruise lines and itineraries, and am hoping the good people on this board can steer me straight to the "best" options. I am not in charge of planning this trip but will be able to steer things a certain way so I need to know what are "don't miss" and how best this should be organized.

Round-trip cruise, one way, northbound, southbound, tour before cruise, tour after cruise, fly into which city, how best to see Denali, which cruiseline? etc. etc.

Background: Three-generation family summer vacation (next summer) including grandparents, adult children and spouses, and six grandchildren ages 8 to 15. Everyone is committing to taking off up to two weeks from work for this experience. Grandparents have cruised extensively, including Alaska three times previously and want to show Alaska to their children and grandchildren while everyone is happy and healthy.

My family of four has taken only two previous cruises, two Carribbean cruises on the Disney Magic, and enjoyed it. We are not interested in a "party hearty" "girls gone wild" atmosphere, casinos, etc. If money were no object we would be interested in Lindblad, but money IS an object so we are being advised to look at Princess, HAL, Norwegian and Royal Carribbean, with the grandparents (who get to make the final choice but who will be heavily influenced by the children) leaning toward Royal Carribbean because they were told that line has the most entertainment options for the grandchildren.

Plans are for each family to get one quad balcony cabin, but I am considering springing for an inside room for my children if possible and not too pricey, as my teen is now bigger than I am.

I realize that the "best" options depend on a person's individual taste, etc., but there are some amazing experts here and a profusion of different travel options, so I am hoping you will be kind enough to give me your educated opinion.

Assume this will be the one and only time we visit Alaska. Assume all travelers are mobile, active and able to enjoy excursions. Assume we want to see wildlife.

What itinerary would you suggest that would allow us the best cruise and tour option for the 10 to 14 days we will have to experience Alaska?

Rhea58

While it is true that Royal Carib has child-friendly activities, I would think that most of your time will be spent touring. That being the case, you might look at HAL's
cruise/tour sailings.
Lately they have been offering lower prices.
You might want to do some research on cruisecritic.com which offers a plethora of info to travelers.

Smackover

Went on northbound Celebrity Summit at the end of June last year with my 12 year old daughter. I would have preferred an RCCL Freedom or Voyager class ship in selecting our itinerary but none were available. With new ships coming online and the growing popularity, next year could see one from this class in the waters of Alaska. NCL had one of it’s newest ships (rock wall/bowling alley ) there but they were only running round trip. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of children onboard and the activities arranged for them. It appears this is a growing trend in that market. With numerous ports of call and so much to see and do my daughter thoroughly enjoyed her relaxing Celebrity experience.
If you want to see Alaska, I suggest going one way. The ports are unique unto themselves but the interior is overwhelming. While we went independent from Seward, via train to Anchorage and a car from there to Fairbanks, with a large family group a cruise tour may be easier. While the major lines have there own train cars and tour buses. Princess has some of the best lodge locations in the state.
For port activities, Mendenhall Glacier was an easy walk up and book excursion (more economical than through the ship as usual) and the Mt. Roberts tram in Juneau. The White Pass & Yukon train from Skagway offers some great views and can be booked online(another savings just make sure of your time in port when making arrangements). Totem poles, lumberjack show, and Creek Street in Ketchikan. Icy Strait Point Cannery to send home a canned message and the mile long zip line in Hoonah. If you go north to Seward the train does not leave until the evening so you have all day to see Exit Glacier and the Alaska Sealife Center.
Inland there is the Iditarod Race Headquarters in Wasilla where you can also arrange for sled dog rides. Then in Talkeetna, if you have the opportunity, finish your trip with a flight over Denali. (I’m saving that one for next time.) Where ever you go always ask if they offer a AAA or other discounts. It cost nothing to ask and the savings adds up. If there is an attraction that everyone in your party wants to attend call ahead and inquire about group discounts.
You are fortunate to have a great additional source of information. Since things change slowly and with their experience, I would look to the grandparents for things to do on your adventure. Relax and let them show you their Alaska. It will be a great start and you can go back someday for the northern lights and arctic circle. But if a unique opportunity presents itself consider one of my favorite quotes:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain)

Enjoy the planning and best wishes for a great vacation.

linda8

I would NOT take Holland America with kids. Wonderful cruiseline, but draws an older crowd. Celebrity, Princess, and Royal Caribbean are all wonderful. NCL
and Carnival are on a lower level of satisfaction. We sailed on all 3 that I'm recommending (I'm a Cruise Agent), and my kids had a blast with all 3. You'll love Alaska.

BudgetQueen

HAL is an excellent option for Alaska, so I definately disagree with the above. I have sailed 5 different lines TO ALASKA, makes a significant difference compared to other destinations. There are NO party ships sailing Alaska, including Carnival with demographics being the bulk middle aged and above on ALL lines.

I never recommend a cruisetour. It's the most costly way to tour, and sees the least. Do your homework and determine what is your most priority and go from there.

IF this is set on going interior Alaska, then you have narrowed down your ship list already.

HAL is superior for the Seward routing, with Princess and Carnival being in Whittier, then having to make transfer arrangements for Seward- which is a top destination and a must do in my opinion.

How much time are you looking at? Will make a big difference in what you can fit in.

bakerstreet

Grandparents moved lightning fast and reservations are booked. We have a one-way cruise on RCCL, Radiance of the Seas, departing Vancouver and arriving 7 days later in Seward. Also booked are train trip, night in Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, train trip and two nights in Denali at McKinley Village Lodge, tundra wilderness tour, riverboat discovery tour, a night in Wedgewood Resort, and home from Fairbanks.

Grandparents decided to foot the bill as this is for their 50th wedding anniversary (children threw a big party for their 40th) so I have decided to take smackover's advice and "Relax and let them show you their Alaska."

Not taking Budget Queen's great advice about better, and cheaper, land options by doing it on our own will be difficult for me....but grandparents prefer this way so will "force" myself to be passive and just go along.

I very much appreciate the port activity suggestions, and will look into those.

And due to grandparents' generosity, I have decided after all to spring for an additional, inside, cabin for the kids. Having the extra space and bathroom should be great.

Thanks to all and I will appreciate any other suggestions.

For example, anyone have a great idea of an anniversary surprise we kids can give them on the trip?

cd

How very generous of your grandparents! I think the best gift you can give them is to just have a good time!

Eschew

First off, Northbound is my choice and not inside passages. Why Northbound and not Southbound? You land tour after the cruise. You can stay extra days here or there at your pace and not having to worry about "missing the boat".

Princess has more ships in the area but not necessary more destination choices, just more depature dates or location to depart from.

With the megaships from all the lines, there will be plenty of activities for all ages so none should be bored ir disappointed.

Personally, Alaskan cruise is the best travel deal.

marken

Several years ago we did a family birthday cruise to celebrate my father-in-law's 90th. We had 35 people and several generations. We also just did a family cruise at spring break to celebrate Dad's passing. So we went thru many of the same questions you have. In my opinion - for the kids on board your parents have chosen the correct line - they have without a doubt the best kids program in the industry. Our 4 kids (on this recent cruise) were always doing something with kids club. You will also be SO HAPPY you have a second room for the older kids - it takes all of the "mess stress" away. Also get yourself a good guide book, we did many of the ships excursions on our own at a fraction of the ships cost. Make sure you check out www.cruisecritic.com there is a wealth of knowledge on that site. Also and probably the big thing is don't sweat the small stuff that will happen (and it always does when family gets together for 14 days) Once your home it won't make any difference anyway. Take advantage of the phone's message system to leave messages for each other - as your plans and day changes. It is a great way to keep track of the kids from anywhere on the ship too! Enjoy your time with your parents - Try to get the kids to keep a journal, they see things from an entirely different perspective than we do and I bet your parents would love to read it in a couple years. Have a fabulous time and take home lots of memories!!