My husband and I ( mid 50s) are trying to plan a cruise in May/June 2010, would anyone please help with suggestions, recommendations on cruise ships, possibly a 7-9 day cruise. Ideas for the Rockies would help, train or bus tour?
Ports that we must visit, or any other suggestions.
Thanks heaps
Pachet

Firts off, June is better than May for Alaska, weather wise, but it will cost more.

My choice: anythig with Glacier Bay National Park. All the ships stops at pretty much the same port anyway. You may want to "search" this forum for Alaska dsicussions as there has been LOTS of discussion about Alaska and you will find info there that is interestinga and helpful for your research.

If you are thinking about the Canadian Rockies, consider flying into Alberta and rent a car, drive at your own leisure. Train works if you are going to rent a car or something (bike) once you are in the National Park arae. Otherwise, you really missed out on what the Canadian Rcokies are all about. The beautiful scenes are not along the highway or the train tracks.

How much time do you plan to spend? Do you want to include a cruise tour in Alaska? Lots of questions to your questions. If you ahve never been to Alaska or the Rockies, youa re in for a treat ... but you will need lots of time in order to experience it all.

I disagree, May is EXCELLENT for cruising Alaska from mid month. Avoid earlier. I have sailed it many times and have gone in all timeframes- total 26 trips.

Most cruises are 7 days, I've spent more than that touring Banff and Lake Louise.

There are 6 Alaska ports, all go to Juneau, I suggest you do your homework and find out about what the ports offer and what is your priority for touring. Each is very different and unique. Head to your library, take out Alaska travel books.

Thank you so.......much for your advise, now I am not sure on the ship Celebrity ,Millennium, HA Ryndam,HA Statendam or Radiance of the Sea are our choices. We prefer open seating for dinners.
Pachet

We did the Celebrity cruise - started in Vancouver, ended in Anchorage. Then did the train trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks... LOVED it!!! I liked the northern route, because the scenary just kept getting better... and I really liked Celebrity (it was my first Celebrity cruise). We went in August, but I had 3 friends that went in June and loved it... Definitely do it - it was absolutely breathtaking watching the glaciers "calve".....

Debi, thanks for your feed back. We were debating betwwen the trip north to Fairbank from Anchorage or the Rockies by a combination of rail and coach. any sugestons or should we do both if we get the time.
Pachet

We were on Celebrity, and bought their excursion. They got you from the ship dock to Anchorage via a large bus (really nice bus), then got you to the train station. Each of the major cruiselines have their own train cars, and they were fabulous. The trip was broken in 2 pieces. From Anchorage to Denali, with an overnight there, and then Denali to Fairbanks. The train was really so fabulous - I totally, totally recommend it and the way Celebrity did it was also great. The train had 2 levels - downstairs was the dining car (really great food), and upstairs were the most comfortable leather seats - really big and comfy - with tables for drinks/snacks. They had an attendant up there to make you drinks and the whole experience was phenomenal. In Denali, we went to one of the Ididerod guys and saw a film, met him, met all his dogs (really not what I expected), and it was exceptionally interesting... I really recommend the train - it was absolutely breathtaking!

I wouldn't miss Denali. It's added expense, but totally worth it. You are probably unlikely to see a grizzly bear otherwise. Also, Hubbard Glacier is a must-see. Icy Straight Point, not so much.

Denali is a MUST, but weather will make or break it. We went with Celebrity and took land tour 17 which included 2 nights in Denali instead of only 1-highly recommended. Look for the tour that goes the furthest into the park as you'll see more animals. We did not go to Fairbanks, but did add 3 extra days, rented a car in Anchorage and drove out the Kenai Penninsula to Homer--FABULOUS scenery, fishing, and bear viewing at Katmai--expensive but SO worth it! Let me know if you want more info on that aspect and i'll send my email.

I've taken Alaskan cruises on Norweigan and Royal Caribbean and really enjoyed both. Both went to Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau. I think all can be enjoyable-it really just depends on what you want to do. Check out the excursions and see if any appeal to you. In Skagway, I took a train ride to White Pass, and also a Jeep tour to the Yukon. Both had amazing scenery. In Juneau, I did a couple of easy (and cheap) things to do. You can take a bus to the Mendenhall Glacier and/or the tram up Mt. Roberts. If I ever go back, I definetly want to take the train to Denali.