Alaska Cruise - where to begin?
 

We are looking forward to an Alaskan Cruise this summer. We don't want a giant ship - something mid-size (400-700 People). A bit upscale but not old and stodgy. Any suggestions on which cruise lines are the best? Which routes should we be looking for? What about cruise specialists? Thank all!

Our favorite cruise line is Oceania, which might fit your description.

Oceania does fit but I am not sure they do Alaska. I think Regent does if it's not too pricey. Also small Holland America ships may work. The best itieraries are those one way, either Southbound or Northbound as you get to see the whole Alska not just half as roundtrip Seattle or Vancouver offers. As for cruise specialists, I always book with Alex from cruise.com. You may e-mail him at [email protected] tell him spurs sent you.

Princess and Holland America my 2 favs for price/value

www.cruisecritic.com good ship reviews.

www.priceline.com www.vacationstogo.com

best current values for me from up to 70% off...

Happy Hunting,

spurs, since I get brochures from Oceania, I was sure that they "do Alaska"; otherwise I wouldn't have suggested them. A simple google search would have showed you the same thing.

THanks All! Great Place for me to start.

We did Holland and was very pleased with the Zuiderdam! We followed a recommendation here on Fodors to take off out of Vancouver BC and were so glad we followed her advice. It was a wonderful, wonderful cruise with the highlight being taking a helicopter in Juneau to walk on a glacier! Highly recomend! Also, a seaplane in Ketchikan with a wilderness landing! We went a few days early and explored Vancouver and stayed a few days on our return and visited Victoria. Both were great!

I think Oceania and Regent are the two which most fit your description, if they fit your budget. Oceania is doing Alaska for the first time this year and has some great looking longer itineraries. Keep in mind with Regent, that while they are pricey, they are all-inclusive, which means they include alcohol and even some shore excursions. This could make it a better value than it seems at first glance.