We are in the preliminary planning stage for a 2001 cruise (we can be flexable chosing a month to cruise). We're considering the following 4 destinations: <BR>Panamal Canal <BR>British Isles (not Baltic-done that) <BR>Alaska <BR>Western Europe (not Med-done that) <BR>I would love your opinions as to which of these destinations you enjoyed the most and why. Thank You! Tommi <BR>

I have been on 5 cruises: 2 Carribean, 1 transatlantic to Barcelona and 2 Alaskan. I wish I had booked another Alaskan cruise this year. It is my absolute favorite so far. I am doing hte Panama Canal September and Russia & Scandanavia next year.

19 cruises. Panama Canal, hot, humid boring. <BR>Try Tahiti on the R-3 or R-4 but do not expect great food or entertainmet. Go for the islands and water and price. 6 trips there. Watch your valuables on ship. <BR>Try a different part of the Med. <BR>Southern Carribian the best. <BR>

We have been on 14 cruises. Our next is a trip to Istanbul, the Holyland and Egypt. It sounds really exciting. <BR>We loved our Panama Canal cruise. We had a balcony, which is a neccessity on that cruise. Hawaii to Tahiti was our most favorite. <BR> <BR>If you have never been to Western Europe, I don't think you would get as much out of it on a cruise. Paris is really far from the closest port. You would miss out on a lot by just spending one day in each wonderful city.

Of your choices, I would pick Alaska or the Panama Canal. These are cruises in which the view from the ship is the main event whereas I'm guessing that the best part of the other two would be the ports you visit. Personally, I'd rather cover most of Europe on land. <BR>(I thought the Panama Canal was fascinating.)

Of all my cruises, I enjoyed a cruise around the British Isles the best. I have to say, right off the bat, that we had great weather. But I just loved everything about it. The ports of call in England, Ireland, Wales and most of all Scotland. The Orkney and Shetland Islands are another world, way up by the Arctic Circle. The people everywhere are so kind and courteous and don't make you feel like they're just out to get your money (you know what I mean). I love in Texas, and it was such a treat to go somewhere cool and beautiful and green, wit gorgeous castles and gardens and cathedrals and friendly pubs. Simply wonderful.

Alaska is a must. If you like beautiful scenery& wildlife. We went last year and had a great time. When ask if I would go back, I have to say no. Too cold. But I don't reget going. Its one of those "been there,done that". We also enjoyed the Canal.Good luck on your choice. Sandy

Hi, Tommi, <BR>Have you ever considered a freighter cruise? Very different from cruise lines - no casinos, no shows, no buffets, but fascinating crew and fellow travelers, lots of room, inexpensive, and a chance to experience a whole different aspect of ocean travel. You can cross the Atlantic or the Pacific, up or down the South American coasts, through the Panama or Suez canals, around the world...the list is endless. Check out Freighter World Cruises at http://www.freighterworld.com/ or Maris at http://cruisemaris.com/freighters.html <BR> <BR>We went from New Zealand to California via Fiji a year ago or so, and had a ball. Best trip we've ever taken.

Have done 8 cruises, three of the four you mentioned except for British Isles. The top two of your three are Alaska and Western Europe, which both were fantastic, Europe the most dramatic and memorable, Panama Canal least favorite, but the ports of call and full or partial transit might make a difference. We did Alaska just last week, Western Europe in August/September '98, and Panama Canal in February '96. The thing I might mention is Panama Canal done in the winter had a much older population. Alaska done after June 1 will have a large number of children on board. Europe was a mixed age group with very few children (time of year we went). We saw facsinating things on both the Alaska and European cruise. In Alaska, the rugged terrain, wildlife and way of life are very interesting. In Europe, while the visit was short, we got to visit London, Paris, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Alhambra in Spain, Lisbon, the Palace at Monaco in Monte Carlo, Nice, the Rock of Gibralter, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistene Chapel. It was definitely the most fascinating!!