Princess or Holland for Alaska?
Dec 28th, 2007, 01:03 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Princess or Holland for Alaska?
I'm trying to book an Alaska cruise for my parents (for my mom's 60th birthday). They'll be traveling in late May in/out of Vancouver. They're both pretty easy-going midwestern folks, and like to meet people wherever they go. They like to travel nicely, but nothing too stuffy or swanky. Food quality is more important than excursion choice.
I've heard that either Princess or Holland is the way to go in Alaska, but I just can't decide. Anyone have a preference either way?
I've heard that either Princess or Holland is the way to go in Alaska, but I just can't decide. Anyone have a preference either way?
Dec 28th, 2007, 01:40 PM
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Princess does not sail out of Vancouver with the 7 day trips, only Seattle. So I would definately pick HAL and either Hubbard or Glacier Bay.
Vancouver offer far more scenic sailing and definately my recommendation with a round trip.
Vancouver offer far more scenic sailing and definately my recommendation with a round trip.
Dec 28th, 2007, 06:35 PM
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have traveled HAL four times (once to Alaska) and Princess three times. I definitely prefer HAL. Two of my three Princess cruises were subpar and I have never had anything but an above average cruise on HAL. Each cruise line has its fans, but that's my opinion. I just think HAL is more classy.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 12:49 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Budget Queen - I'm booked on a one-way 7-day on Princess in July from Vancouver to Whittier, so they most definitely do depart from there!
PS: I have been reading your advice here and on cruisecritic.com, and it has been a tremendous help to me in my planning!
PS: I have been reading your advice here and on cruisecritic.com, and it has been a tremendous help to me in my planning!
Jan 2nd, 2008, 02:21 PM
#7
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Both have a good reputation for Alaska. We cruised on the Sapphire Princess in 2005 out of Seattle and loved the ship ad of course the destination. FWIW HAL tends, by reputation to attract a more conservative clientele and is a bit for formal in its feel or atmosphere so for your parents this could be a factor in there decidion making. Both ger good reviews. It depend on what they would more at home with. Try www.cruisecritic.com for tons of passenger reviews. And tell them to skip the reindeer sausage. 
