best alaskan cruise
 

We are a couple in early 30s..

I am having difficulty deciding the cruise..
Which Glacier is better? Glacier bay or tracy arm, college Fjord's or sawyer glacier cruising..different cruises do this and can't decide

also Norwegian pearl or sun or star
or princess sun /golden/sapphire

There is so much of choice with almost similar prices that its impossible to decide

Also is it better to ho in sapphire princess and stay in inside cabin (balcony too expensive) and see both college fjords and glacier bay ..or take a balcony (affordable)in Norwegian pearl with only glacier bay..

I have never been in a norwegian thoguh have been in princess and RCI and liked RCI much better.

Please help
Thanks.

Six Alaska cruises to date and my personal preference is Hubbard Glacier over the rest on a one way itinerary.

HAL and Princess are known for Alaska.

Well 15 cruises to Alaska, with 16 in a month. :) This year will have gone on both the NCL Pearl and Sun.

For me, definately Glacier Bay is a priority, spectacular and always glacier access. Iffy with Tracy Arm- Sawyer Glaciers.

NCL is fantastic with freestyle and it works out excellent for touring.

My opinion only, I don't do one ways without adding at least another week for land touring- taking advantage of being there. :)

I like HAL better for Seward- again, don't miss out on fantastic touring, and Glacier Bay and College Fjords.

Any selection is a compromise. :) Make yourself a list and go from there. For me, the ship is less a priority and what outside more.

So you may want to consider- Ports, time in ports, route, glacer,itinerary, ship naturalist, price.

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply

Is Holland america statedam reputed jus tfor very old people?

Hi budgetqueen..
As you have been to Alaska many times so may u will be able to tell me best//
Is it possible to just fly to Juneau and then take ferry to skagway/ketchiken/glaciar bay and see the similar glaciers as they see on a cruise of inside passage?

I have just started thinking that it might be just better to travel independently..is it all very inconvenient or ppl do it all the time..seems that all my internet searches for these areas on travel forums return just cruises'tripplans.
thanks

Taking the Alaska ferry, requires more time than a cruise ship. They are transportation based and can arrive in ports 24/7. :) But it allows you the freedom to see and plan areas of the most interest. For Glacier Bay, the state ferry does not go to Gustavus, so you would need a private ferry from Juneau or fly in. Plan on at least 1 night here.


Overall, cruise ships, pack a lot into 7 days and the priority is daylight port stops, scenic sailing.

Thanks a lot..
You have been to both..is norwegian sun better or pearl?

Thanks

well..looks like cruise is indeed the way to go..
also last question please
thanks for all ur help.

Which seems better to you for young ppl in 30s and also glacierwise..
1) golden princess (tracy arm)(seattle RT)
2)Sun princess (tracy arm )(seattle RT)

3)Norwegian sun sawyer glacier( vancouver RT)
4)Norwegina star with sawyer glacier(seattle Rt)
5)Norwegian pearl with Glacier Bay (seattle Rt)

Thanks a lot

Glacier Bay is the coveted itinerary, restricted access due to environmental concerns. For that reason, I would select an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay. The serene beauty of Glacier Bay is unforgettable

#5 - best itinerary and times in port. Pearl is a newer ship as well. NCL is good for "freestyle dining".
When are you going? Sometimes early in the season I have read you may not make it to Tracy Arm.

You do realize, the Sawyer glaciers are at the end of Tracy Arm??

With NCL you do have the option for their add on ship tour of the jet boat into Tracy Arm, highly recommened.

However, there is only one superior choice in my opinion- the Pearl with Glacier Bay.