World Explorer Cruises? Comments?
 

I am traveling in June on the World Explorer Cruise Line to Alaska. My ship is the Universe Explorer. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions about the ship or Alaskan sightseeing. I am enrolled in their learning programs in Juneau. Has anyone been in this program before? My itinerary is: Wrangell, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Seward, Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan, and return to Vancouver. I would appreciate anyones comments. Thank you.

<BR>Hi Lorraine, <BR> <BR>You are going on a great adventure cruise. You will see more of Alaska than if you cruised a large ship. <BR> <BR>Do not expect luxury. It is a learning experience. A well respected cruise line. <BR> <BR>Paul

My wife and I took this trip three years ago. Had a great time and would do again. The Universe Explorer is an older, smaller ship, which we like. Very good educational programs on board; plenty of stops; easy going people of all ages; no casino and a good library. If you want to learn about Alaska, it's people and cultures -- and would enjoy the occasional string quartet after dinner -- you'll have a great time.

Hi Lorraine,I hope that you don't mind recycled info.I've just returned today from the Universe Explorer and answered an inquiry about my trip on my home email and I'm sharing the same info with you. <BR> Hi Jean,we just returned this morning on a red eye from Seattle so if my <BR>reply is a little short and spelling off please forgive...... My wife and I <BR>have cruised about 15 times and let me say that this ship is not a modern <BR>luxury liner by any means,however,if you don't need a casino and fancy dress <BR>up nights you're in for a real treat.The first thing we noticed was how <BR>flawless all of the World Explorer operations <BR>functioned,boarding,check-in,shore excursions,debarkation,etc., etc.It's <BR>evident that they have sailed Alaska for 31 years now and have it down to a <BR>science.Everyone on board went out of the way to make us fell welcome and <BR>seemed to really mean it.Some good advice,you say that you like to do your <BR>own thing, we noticed that a number of folks had made arrangements prior to <BR>the cruise to have rental cars waiting for them at the dock on arrival in <BR>Juneau,Valdez and Seward and took advantage of the generous time spent in <BR>those ports to sight see on their own.It would be a good idea in Victoria as <BR>well.We also noted that in just about every port the early part of the day <BR>was misty(fog,low clouds) until the early afternoon soooo,if your planning <BR>on going(driving?)up into the mountains its best to go in the afternoon when <BR>visibility is clearest.We learned the hard way,while in Valdez we went up to <BR>Thompson Pass to see the Worthington Glacier and couldn't see more than a <BR>hundred feet, made a u turn and came back down.We talked to people who went <BR>later in the day and they reported that it was breathtaking.Skagway was my <BR>favorite little town,I recommend the White Pass R.R. tour.We rode the train <BR>up AND back(it was very nice)but if we did it again we would take the tour <BR>that goes one way on the train but returns via bus,as if give a greater <BR>varity of photo opts.In Seward we took the Kanai Fjords Wildlife tour(7 <BR>hours long)and it was awesome(even though I was awfully seasick).We saw <BR>black bears,whales,sea lions,mountain goats,eagles and seals as well as <BR>other wildlife,the trip was worth the cost.We did not take a helicopter <BR>tour,although we were told that it was excellent,we did take the Misty <BR>Fjords floatplane trip in Ketchican and really enjoyed it.Our weather was <BR>good,the temps were about 50 each day,colder up in the mountains(the top of <BR>White Pass had 10 feet of snow).Light rain gear is a must,be sure to take <BR>binoculars,I'm glad for the weather to have been cool as we felt like we <BR>went to Alaska.Well I'm getting tired sooooo I hope that I've been of some <BR>help if you can think of any other questions I'd be glad to try and help <BR>after I get over this jet lag.I know that you'll have wonderful <BR>trip.........enjoy !!!!! <BR>

I was on the Universe Explorer last year from May 30-June 13. Great trip. I'd recommend doing the shore excursions with the cruiseline. I enjoyed them all. The all day steam train trip out of Skagway was wonderful. Also did a fantastic river rafting trip out of Valdez. I suggest you go to the shore excursion talks. The group there are very helpful. Have a wonderful trip. <BR>Faith

Thank you everyone for your wonderful replies. It makes my trip to Alaska On June 5th even more exciting. I am definitely going up on the White Pass Railroad and certainly will check on the Kanai Fjords Wildlife tour in Seward, thanks Charlie. Faith, I will go to the shore excursion talks as you suggest. I hope to give you all an up to the minute report when I return. Thanks much! Lorraine

Went twice with World Explorer Cruise lines to Alaska. Money was a bit tight for me, so I did a lot of walking in the ports, I saved my money both times for a helicopter ride over the glaciers, one we stood on the glacier and the next trip I took the ride over virgin glaciers and we didn't land, both of these excusions were highlights to me. I am a North American Native buff and there is a wonderful museum out at the old missionary school in Sitka worth the walk. Have a wonderful time.

<BR>I have cruises Alaska quite a few times and last year I rented a car and driver to sightsee Juneau and in three hours saw nothing extraordinary. <BR> <BR>Rental car in Valdez is a must to see the Worthington Glacier and Bridal Veil Falls and the pass. <BR>Much less money than the ship's tour. <BR> <BR>Ketchikan is another place to rent a car since you can visit both both Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Totem Village and still have time to walk the town. <BR> <BR>Definitely do the Kenai Fiords Wldlife Tour in Seward (if time allows). It is absolutely wonderful. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR> <BR>