For clairfication- ships don't get closer to Hubbard, compared to Glacier Bay and sometimes can't get close at all. Glacier Bay has several glaciers of which close viewing is a given at some point. The differences for those that have been there are also the time sailing. Glacier Bay is all day 70 miles in, sailing. More scenery than just the glaciers. Also being a National Park you get frequent commentary from the Park Rangers who board the ship. As I have said many times- ANY Alaska trip is a compromise-including mine. Go with what is best for you.

The closest we got to Hubbard Glacier was 7 miles. We barely saw it.

Keep in mind the age group responding. I am 31 and when I was 25 I sailed on the Clebrity Century. I felt very bored on that ship. After 15 cruises, I have to say that a 22 year old will enjoy himself much more on RCL than HAL.

The age group really is a huge factor. Please realize that for many people the ship itself is the vacation (as opposed to the destination). RCCL attracts younger crowd (with the rock wall, and the ice rinks and the in-line skating) and thus there will be more stuff for the 22 year old to do that he will probably desire.

No offense, but not many 22 year-olds would choose shuffle board, card ganmes or bingo over a lively dance floor or basketball court or other physically active areas.

Dear Snokelman,
You are totally correct and that is why we originally thought about doing Royal Carib: exactly because of your sentitments about the activites on board.

Nonetheless, our son is bringing a friend, which dramatically cuts down on the need for others exactly his age. Further, we are totally committed , at this point, to the cruise on Celebrity. Also, he likes the casino and entertainment which is reported to be excellent on Summit, as I have read from others who have sailed this ship on Cruisecritic.

Interestly enough, we went with another family for a New Year's cruise in the Caribbean on Carnival"s smoke free ship: Celebration. Surprise there were a handful of 20 year olds. Here's the interesting part. During our next cruise when we were on Royal Carib, we docked at the same time as Celebration and ran into one of the 20-yer couples who were on their second cruise on that ship. They discussed the lack of people their age on both cruises on Carnival. I

Moral: I guess that 20-year olds dont request non-smoking !!

I didn't realize Celebration was smoke-free!! Thanks!

Celebration is not smoke free.

Paradise was the only non-smoking Carnival ship and is switching later this year to allow smoking.

I think so much depends on the individual. My 27 year old nephew (an intelligent, mature graduate of NYU) loved his Alaskan HAL cruise. He says it was the best yet of his 6 cruises. He is very happy meeting interesting, well traveled passengers of any age and doesn't need the normal "22" year old activities. My own daughters (in their early 20's) are different and would better fit in with an active crowd of their own age with lots of action day and night.

The average 20-year old will not be on a cruise to Alaska. That is the cruise that the older folk go on.

In general, I think it is fair to say (after 20+ cruises) that the average 20-something prefers cruises to the Caribbean, and many even go to CanCun by flying rather than cruising.

Regardless, the 20-something crowd is often in the sun, and therefore prefer summer cruises to the Caribbean.

Theresa,
Ok, perhaps it was Paradise and not Celebration. I may have confused the names but not the incident.

But thanks to all for your comments, it is interesting to hear others.
I do agree that my son also likes to be among interesting people, regardless of their age. It just seems that Alaska can be an active vacation with hiking, kayaking, etc. and seems like the "senior set" wouldnt be as involved in some of those activites