I am getting ready to book an Alaskan cruise for my self (30's) and my newly widowed (60's) mom. Any suggestions on cruise line, how to pack for Alaska and tours?

Have cruised five times to Alaska.<BR>You did not state if you were doing the Inside Passage. We did that 3 times.<BR>You and your Mom both, I think, would enjoy Princess. It is for all ages and has, in my opinion, the best shipboard activities with great service and ambiance. Wear layered clothing, such as a sweat shirt under a light weight jacket or a sweat suit. You may have a bit of rain showers in some ports but not enough to ruin your shore trips. But do pack an umbrella just in case<BR>My husband and I are senior citizens and we enjoyed the log rolling excursion. It was either at Skagway or Ketchikan. Also, the trolley ride out to Gold Rush Cemetery. In Juneau we visited the Red Dog Saloon, which is walking distance from the cruise ship, and saw Wyatt Earp's pistol hanging on the wall. And of course, all the walking is easy in all the ports.<BR>We didn't care for the totem park but enjoyed seeing Dolly's House.<BR>We tend to choose some of the more inexpensive shore excursions and do a bit of sightseeing by foot.<BR>If I can help any further, feel free to e-mail me.<BR>Happy cruising.

The Princess ships are huge, and there will be a bazillion kids on there if you go during the height of summer. If you can afford it, I would recommend the Radisson Seven Seas Mariner: All Suites, All Balconies, All gratuities, all soft drinks, complimentary wine with dinner. Beautiful. I also like Crystal Cruises' 12 and 11-day trips from San Francisco. The ship is so gorgeous. and there is always a lot to do. Also, they have Gentleman Hosts to dance with the single ladies. It's never noisy, never crowded, never hurried -- soothing to the soul. It's everything your 60-year-old newly wildowed mother would appreciate.

Or Holland Ameria might be a good bet. Less expensive than theluxury Radisson cruise line and less kids than Princess. Also most HAL ships are smaller ships than Princess ships. But any of the three cruise lines mentioned would offer a nice Alaskan cruise experience. So it may depend on what kind of cruise experience you want -- a land/cruise tour package? Or just a cruise with no trip into the Alaskan interior.

We went on Radiance in Aug--lots of kids on that ship--we were on her in Feb also and not so many children. Alaska Cruises are Family vacations so there are lots of kids on the affordable lines. We had bad weather and the activities were very limited. Excursions were cancelled and it was too cold and wet to do much of anything.

Thanks everyone for your input, it has been helpful. Just a few more details, we are looking at NCL in June and it would include the inside passage. Any help would be welcomed.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Renae<BR>

We were on the NCL Sky in July and did the inside passage. I can't remember where we did the glacier landing but it was great. Just dress in layers as the weather can vary alot. We also did the Mendehall Glacier (sp) tour and walked around the other ports. We cruised Glacier Bay and that was really one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen. The open areas get very crowded and stay that way. That was my sole reason for a balcony for that cruise. The ship does turn so you do get to see. <BR><BR>I do like freestyle cruising, I would urge you to do one meal at Le Bistro and request a table by a window at the regular dining rooms. To avoid crowds and waits go early or late. Don't go between 6-7. Have a great time.

Thank you all for your input. We have booked on NCL's Sky for the week of June 7th and are counting the days. We did get a balcony room. If anyone has been on this ship to Alaska, I would love to 'pick your brain'. So many questions, so little time