Decision on May 2017 Alaska Cruise
 

We are looking to cruise in Alaska at the end of May 2017 -- this will be our fourth cruise since 2014. I am overwhelmed with books and ideas and decided to try and simplify things and talk to some experts who have been there. We are interested in scenery, glaciers, and wildlife for this trip as well as interesting towns/cities to explore. We are very active seniors (sports, dancing, bars, theater, comedy clubs and wines) and are not interested in dealing with unruly kids and oblivious parents. If we can only travel R/T from Seattle or Vancouver and have 7 days, what is the DO NOT MISS stops/places in Alaska? Anything I need to be sure to avoid? I also want to know if you can see glacier calving while on the Inside Passage or is that only in the national park. At this point I am considering two ships - Celebrity Solstice and Norwegian Jewel but am not entirely wedded to either one. Thoughts from the travel/been there pros?

Hi dat,

> end of May 2017 -..not interested in dealing with unruly kids and oblivious parents.

The closer you are to school closing the more likely you are to encounter kids.

One week cruises are the favorite of the younger crowd.

>If we can only travel R/T from Seattle or Vancouver and have 7 days, what is the DO NOT MISS stops/places in Alaska?

You want to visit Glacier Bay.

My suggestion is you look at HAL and Princess. Both are "legacy" companies that are guaranteed time there.

We traveled in an aft canin aboard the Oosterdam from V to Seward. From Seward you can take the train or bus to Anchorage.

HAL is definitely not aimed at kids.

We also cruised with The Pacific Princess from Anchorage to V.

Both ships are great. (Pizza is better aboard Princess)

Leaving out of Vancouver gives you the Inside Passage. Ships from Seattle go outside Vancouver Island into the ocean.

If you are flying in from the US, you get one free checked bag if you go to Vancouver, since it is International.

Does it have to be RT?
Can you do Anchorage or Fairbanks - boat trip - Seattle or Vancouver?

If you can see your way clear, I strongly suggest something like http://www.princess.com/find/display...X&webDisplay=Y

The interior of Alaska is amazing.

((I))

Enjoy your planning.

"I also want to know if you can see glacier calving while on the Inside Passage or is that only in the national park."

Your chances of seeing a glacier calving are best at a place like Glacier Bay.

I'll sign on to everything ira said, especially the suggestion of Vancouver as your starting point and adding the interior onto your trip. We did that on HAL http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise...national-park/ and were lucky enough to see lots of wildlife at Denali: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, falcons, eagles, wolf, fox, and grizzly bear. Of course, seeing wildlife is unpredictable, but the landscape alone is stunning.

Why R/T..they are more3 expensive, Seattle is a pain in the butt, would much rather do Vancouver, but why not do one way cruise...fly into Anchorage and out of Vancouver...Or the reverse, depending on schedules.

Many thanks for the data. I am off to see what deal I can get for the group on HAL or Princess.

With the small towns in Alaska, I recommend the ship with the least amount of passengers.. Holland ships seem to have less passengers than Princess,..

There is a Regent Seven Seas cruises, only 700 passengers, 11 nights, SFO to Vancouver, May 13.. and has a theme..The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys* and has a special amenities promo..
Sailing from SFO is awesome going under the Golden Gate Bridge and so easy to park & embark...

Other wise go with Holland..

Val (aka Luxury Travel Expert) you should stop singing the praise of smaller ships without presenting an argument other than "luxury" with smaller ships. You are a travel agent specializing in small ships, so it would be quite obvious that you promote what you sell.

Eschew,
Based on personal experience sailing on large ships, med size, etc.. when visiting ports with small infrastructure, it's wiser to be on a smaller vessel..luxury or not.

UNlesss there are three other ships in port at the same time, not unusual in Alaska..