Alaska or Hawaii?
Sep 13th, 2006, 04:05 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alaska or Hawaii?
Hello,
I've been an avid reader of the Fodors boards for some time, but this is my first post! I am planning my honeymoon and we've narrowed it down to either an Alaska cruise or a Hawaii cruise (7/8 days). We had hoped for Europe, but it is simply too expensive fight now and these cruises appear to be on the edge of our budget. I wanted to see what everybody's opinions were on these two options.
We are from Florida and have each been on several Carribean cruises. We are both in our thirties. So the beach and watersports do not hold much appeal to us; we can do that whenever we want. We do like seeing natural beauty (unlike that which we can find in Florida), going on sightseeing boats/tours, seeing quaint towns/villages, eating good food and generally seeing the sights.
We are more into seeing the ports and the shore excursions rather than relaxing on the ship; we can relax at home. For that reason, we've tried to find itineraries that are heavy on ports and less "at sea". By the same token, we are not into extreme activities (i.e. difficult hiking, watersports, seaplanes, etc.) We are more interested seeing something magnificient and extraordinary, and something we can't see in Florida.
The problem is that it looks like Alaska (with its glaciers, mountains and forests) and Hawaii (with its volcanoes, mountains and forests) both fit the bill. With that in mind, what are your suggestions and recommendations between these two?
Confused in Florida
I've been an avid reader of the Fodors boards for some time, but this is my first post! I am planning my honeymoon and we've narrowed it down to either an Alaska cruise or a Hawaii cruise (7/8 days). We had hoped for Europe, but it is simply too expensive fight now and these cruises appear to be on the edge of our budget. I wanted to see what everybody's opinions were on these two options.
We are from Florida and have each been on several Carribean cruises. We are both in our thirties. So the beach and watersports do not hold much appeal to us; we can do that whenever we want. We do like seeing natural beauty (unlike that which we can find in Florida), going on sightseeing boats/tours, seeing quaint towns/villages, eating good food and generally seeing the sights.
We are more into seeing the ports and the shore excursions rather than relaxing on the ship; we can relax at home. For that reason, we've tried to find itineraries that are heavy on ports and less "at sea". By the same token, we are not into extreme activities (i.e. difficult hiking, watersports, seaplanes, etc.) We are more interested seeing something magnificient and extraordinary, and something we can't see in Florida.
The problem is that it looks like Alaska (with its glaciers, mountains and forests) and Hawaii (with its volcanoes, mountains and forests) both fit the bill. With that in mind, what are your suggestions and recommendations between these two?
Confused in Florida
Sep 13th, 2006, 06:06 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!
I've done both trips, neither as a cruise and both were spectacular, but in very different ways. We could discuss and debate the reasons to do one over the other for days because they are both incredible, but in my opinion, it really comes down to a few things for you to consider...
If seeing wildlife is important, I don't think you could beat Alaska. Also it is a very rugged beauty with the glaciers & mountains. It really feels like a different world.
Although there are MANY other things to do in Hawaii than hang out on the beach, any way you look at it, you would still be either on a ship or on an island. That means water will certainly be a focus on your trip. (Look at the sunset over the water, look at the dolphins in the water, look at the fish while snorkeling in the water, look at the water from the top of the volcano, etc).
There is no way I could say that one of them is better than the other, but you did specifically say you want something that is magnificent and extroidinary that you can't see in Florida. Hawaii is definitely NOT like Florida but if you live in Florida and you've done several cruises to the Carribean then I would think that Alaska is where you would want to go for this trip.
Now that said, are you absolutely convinced you must do a cruise? I've heard some not so positive things about cruises in Alaska unless you combine the cruise with a multi-day land excursion.
Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong.
I've done both trips, neither as a cruise and both were spectacular, but in very different ways. We could discuss and debate the reasons to do one over the other for days because they are both incredible, but in my opinion, it really comes down to a few things for you to consider...
If seeing wildlife is important, I don't think you could beat Alaska. Also it is a very rugged beauty with the glaciers & mountains. It really feels like a different world.
Although there are MANY other things to do in Hawaii than hang out on the beach, any way you look at it, you would still be either on a ship or on an island. That means water will certainly be a focus on your trip. (Look at the sunset over the water, look at the dolphins in the water, look at the fish while snorkeling in the water, look at the water from the top of the volcano, etc).
There is no way I could say that one of them is better than the other, but you did specifically say you want something that is magnificent and extroidinary that you can't see in Florida. Hawaii is definitely NOT like Florida but if you live in Florida and you've done several cruises to the Carribean then I would think that Alaska is where you would want to go for this trip.
Now that said, are you absolutely convinced you must do a cruise? I've heard some not so positive things about cruises in Alaska unless you combine the cruise with a multi-day land excursion.
Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong.
Sep 13th, 2006, 08:58 PM
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just my $0.02 - if we are not talking about winter I would definitely do Alaska. Now keep in mind that I've never been to Hawaii, but we just got back from our first trip to AK and I can't get over how beautiful it was. This weekend I'll be posting a trip report and a link to about 100 of the 1000 photos I took.
Since you live in FL and have cruised the Carribean you might want to try something different and AK fits the bill. I would also recommend flying to AK and seeing the sites by road. That way you are not bound to a cruise ship's schedule. When I looked into AK cruises it seemed that the ships were only in port for a half day at most.
Again, just my $0.02
Congrats on the upcoming wedding. We were celebrating our 25th in AK.
Since you live in FL and have cruised the Carribean you might want to try something different and AK fits the bill. I would also recommend flying to AK and seeing the sites by road. That way you are not bound to a cruise ship's schedule. When I looked into AK cruises it seemed that the ships were only in port for a half day at most.
Again, just my $0.02
Congrats on the upcoming wedding. We were celebrating our 25th in AK.
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:55 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,380
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't been to Hawaii but have visited the Carribean a few times. The only cruise to Alaska we did was the time we went up on the State Ferry. This really depends on how much other people you like to be around. My husband hates cities and too many people but enjoyed a small ship cruise. When we got off the ferry in Skagway there were also a couple of cruise boats docked. The streets were mobbed with people. It's a fun little town but really geared for tourism. We liked it much better later in the day when everyone went back to their ships. I think a land based trip anywhere from Denali to Homer is much prettier and much more interesting. I think traveling as a couple and discovering things together are part of a relationship. If you travel independently you can stay longer and less as you wish. Because you are different people there are things one of you will notice that the other one doesn't. It can be anything as simple as discovering peanut butter milkshakes in Kenai to having a long chat with your B&B host or having a couple of old guys at the museum in Hope quiz my husband on his knowledge of old parts and tools. We've only been on a couple of tours in our 35+ years of marriage because other peoples' schedules don't seem to suit us. Best wishes on your upcoming nuptials!
Sep 14th, 2006, 04:45 AM
#5
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!
I agree with the other posters about the merits of Alaska. I am also a Floridian and have visited both destinations. I think Alaska will offer you the opportunities to see spectacular scenery and wildlife.
If I read between the lines of your post, it seems like you may be leaning toward Alaska too. My only suggestion would be to try to add on a short land excursion to Denali National Park in conjunction with your cruise. The opportunity to see elk, red foxes, dall sheep and possibly a grizzly bear in the wild is not to be missed. (Make sure you take a digital camera with a good OPTICAL zoom.)
I agree with the other posters about the merits of Alaska. I am also a Floridian and have visited both destinations. I think Alaska will offer you the opportunities to see spectacular scenery and wildlife.
If I read between the lines of your post, it seems like you may be leaning toward Alaska too. My only suggestion would be to try to add on a short land excursion to Denali National Park in conjunction with your cruise. The opportunity to see elk, red foxes, dall sheep and possibly a grizzly bear in the wild is not to be missed. (Make sure you take a digital camera with a good OPTICAL zoom.)
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:24 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
zabashel -
Congratulation on the wedding! Many happy years ahead!
Alaska - yes. Cruise? Only if you combine it with a land trip into the state. But quite possibly, it will exceed your budget. The best solution would be Alaska and no cruise. You will like Hawaii but since you live in Florida and have done Carribeans, Hawaii will only score 6-7 on YOUR 10 - pts scale. Alaska will score 10.
Congratulation on the wedding! Many happy years ahead!
Alaska - yes. Cruise? Only if you combine it with a land trip into the state. But quite possibly, it will exceed your budget. The best solution would be Alaska and no cruise. You will like Hawaii but since you live in Florida and have done Carribeans, Hawaii will only score 6-7 on YOUR 10 - pts scale. Alaska will score 10.
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:26 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Based on your post, and home location, I think you want to go to Alaska. It's incredibly beautiful, but so is Hawaii so you can't really make a bad choice.
We were going to do the Alaska cruise, but after lots of research decided on an independent trip. We had a fabulous time. If you are adventurous, you may prefer to plan your own Alaskan adventure and save the cruise for another time. I know you were asking which cruise, but having been in the same position, I'm just throwing in my 2 cents or less.
We were going to do the Alaska cruise, but after lots of research decided on an independent trip. We had a fabulous time. If you are adventurous, you may prefer to plan your own Alaskan adventure and save the cruise for another time. I know you were asking which cruise, but having been in the same position, I'm just throwing in my 2 cents or less.
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:43 AM
#8
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also live in Florida. Hawaii is a long air trip! The Islands of Kauai and Hawaii (Big Island) are beautiful. Our feeling is the Carribean is easier to get to and the water is prettier and warmer.
We did an Alaskan Cruise; but it was on a smaller boat. If the pilot saw a pod of whales, he would turn the boat and follow. It was great. The big ships tend to have a lot older passengers and they can't dock at some of the smaller ports, like Petersburg.
After the cruise ended in Juneau, we also did some travel on our own.
You may want to check out americanweststeamboat.com
L
We did an Alaskan Cruise; but it was on a smaller boat. If the pilot saw a pod of whales, he would turn the boat and follow. It was great. The big ships tend to have a lot older passengers and they can't dock at some of the smaller ports, like Petersburg.
After the cruise ended in Juneau, we also did some travel on our own.
You may want to check out americanweststeamboat.com
L
Sep 14th, 2006, 09:07 AM
#10
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We as a couple in our early 30's have done both AK and Hawaii. We've cruised AK, but not Hawaii.
Cruising is a good and economical way to see the Inside Passage in AK, because many places cannot be reached by land. And make sure you pick a cruise that goes inside Glacier Bay NP--very spectacular but very expensive if you were to go on your own. From the trip reports on this forum, it sounds like many people don't do the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay NP.
If you're from FL, I think AK will be much different and very spectacular for you than Hawaii. You could do a one way cruise in AK plus a few days on land on your own to see Denali NP, etc.
You could check out my trip report including photos on our AK trip this past May/June:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34819012
Have fun planning!
Cruising is a good and economical way to see the Inside Passage in AK, because many places cannot be reached by land. And make sure you pick a cruise that goes inside Glacier Bay NP--very spectacular but very expensive if you were to go on your own. From the trip reports on this forum, it sounds like many people don't do the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay NP.
If you're from FL, I think AK will be much different and very spectacular for you than Hawaii. You could do a one way cruise in AK plus a few days on land on your own to see Denali NP, etc.
You could check out my trip report including photos on our AK trip this past May/June:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34819012
Have fun planning!
Sep 14th, 2006, 09:13 AM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,810
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Come to Alaska.. when is your time frame btw?
You'd find plenty of romantic activities, summer or winter, just depends.. there are several neat lodges which have everything you'd want... b&b's, ferry rides, hiking, skiing, horseback riding trips, train rides, ice fishing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, helicopter tours of glaciers, bear viewing, on and on..
Good luck and if you need any Kenai Peninsula advice, ask away, J.
You'd find plenty of romantic activities, summer or winter, just depends.. there are several neat lodges which have everything you'd want... b&b's, ferry rides, hiking, skiing, horseback riding trips, train rides, ice fishing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, helicopter tours of glaciers, bear viewing, on and on..Good luck and if you need any Kenai Peninsula advice, ask away, J.
Sep 14th, 2006, 10:32 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,709
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Judging from your comments, it almost seems as if the 'cruise' part of your honeymoon is't as important as the sightseeing. Have you considered just flying somewhere and exploring on your own? If your first priority was Europe, I would think you could get flights thru a consolidator that wouldn't break the bank, and then stay at small hotels.
Sep 14th, 2006, 10:38 AM
#14
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,810
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mmama, you are back. Why didn't you want the lodge info. before your trip?
I also inquired as to whether you found a flight trip to see bears and made it to the Palmer fair..
I'll list them if you reply, lol, J.
I also inquired as to whether you found a flight trip to see bears and made it to the Palmer fair..
I'll list them if you reply, lol, J.
Sep 14th, 2006, 11:04 AM
#15
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with zootsi. Why do you want to cruise in particular? If your heart is set on Europe, just fly there. It will be fun and romantic and can be much cheaper than Alaska or Hawaii. Check out Paris or Rome, both of these places are cheaper than Alaska for sure.
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:15 PM
#16
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are going next year again. Went on bear watching trip with Hallo Bay which doesn't come close to Emerald. It was nice but I can now say emerald people delivers much more for the same price. I feel that I overpay for this trip and I did not have this feeling with emerald. We got to Alaska State Fair but after we saw thousands cars in the parking places and stream of people walking we continue driving. We were there on Saturday. Thanks
Sep 14th, 2006, 01:12 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all of the suggestions! They are extremely helpful. As for the timing, we are looking at June 2007.
My fiancee is a big cruise fan and we like the fact that we can see many different locations. We are looking at roundtrip cruises from Seattle (a city neither of us have been to and are interested in exploring). The one-way cruises seem to require flights from Alaska, which are extremely expensive (especially coming all the way here to Florida).
My fiancee is a big cruise fan and we like the fact that we can see many different locations. We are looking at roundtrip cruises from Seattle (a city neither of us have been to and are interested in exploring). The one-way cruises seem to require flights from Alaska, which are extremely expensive (especially coming all the way here to Florida).
Sep 14th, 2006, 04:34 PM
#18
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alaska.
Look at Cruise West. You can be on a small ship with 100 or less passengers which can get into places and ports which the huge ships cannot. They also have the flexibility to stop the ship when there are wild life sightings and to have rangers kayak out to stay on board during the day.
On the other hand, if it is the "ship experience" you want.....the social life, the shows, the casino, then choose a large cruise ship and you might as well go anywhere.
On the
Look at Cruise West. You can be on a small ship with 100 or less passengers which can get into places and ports which the huge ships cannot. They also have the flexibility to stop the ship when there are wild life sightings and to have rangers kayak out to stay on board during the day.
On the other hand, if it is the "ship experience" you want.....the social life, the shows, the casino, then choose a large cruise ship and you might as well go anywhere.
On the
Oct 8th, 2006, 06:47 AM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.
I visited Hawaii in 2003 and 2005. Each time I created my own trip. This past June, I cruised on Norwegian out of Seattle. Because your plans will take place during the month of June, I recommend Alaska. Now don't get me wrong, Hawaii is still my favorite place to visit.
June is peak time for both locations. However, I think you will find the best cruise deal for AK during June. Meaning, more specials than Hawaii. It is also a 5-hour flight vs 10-11 hours. While you will not ber sitting on a beach sipping mai tais while the sun sets, you can bundle up and enjoy the sun over the glaciers just the same.
We also enjoyed cruising out of Seattle. We explored the city for two days before heading out on our cruise.
Let us know what you decide!
I visited Hawaii in 2003 and 2005. Each time I created my own trip. This past June, I cruised on Norwegian out of Seattle. Because your plans will take place during the month of June, I recommend Alaska. Now don't get me wrong, Hawaii is still my favorite place to visit.
June is peak time for both locations. However, I think you will find the best cruise deal for AK during June. Meaning, more specials than Hawaii. It is also a 5-hour flight vs 10-11 hours. While you will not ber sitting on a beach sipping mai tais while the sun sets, you can bundle up and enjoy the sun over the glaciers just the same.
We also enjoyed cruising out of Seattle. We explored the city for two days before heading out on our cruise.
Let us know what you decide!
Oct 8th, 2006, 07:04 AM
#20
If you're big cruise fans then I think an Alaska RT will fit the bill better than Hawaii. First, travel to Seattle or Vancouver from Florida is a lot easier than to Hawaii - think of two full days shot in travel to/from Hawaii in your plans. Second, if I read Cruisecritic and other cruise sites accurately, the intra-Hawaii cruises (i.e. where the boats don't sail to/from the mainland or to Fanning Island) have received less than glowing reviews. The shore excursions on the islands are fine, but honestly in several trips to Hawaii including a cruise, I feel that the islands are better suited to land-based vacations than cruising, so that you can spend evenings on the islands, have time to get a car and drive around the BI or Kauai, etc. - otherwise it's more a Caribbean experience, and you can do that anytime.
I'd point out, though, if that Alaska is your choice, that it's all about detailed routes and itineraries. The Seattle departures may take the "outside passage" (i.e. the ocean side of Vancouver Island) in one direction or the other, reducing the scenic value and increasing the rock and roll content of the cruise, whereas there are many more cruise offerings from Vancouver that might offer the Inside Passage both ways. Also there are more cruiselines that serve Vancouver, vs. only 3 that have regular Seattle sailings. You can still see Seattle in your travels - fly into Seattle, stay in our fair city for a day or two, then rent a car and drive to Vancouver for the cruise (or take the train) or vice versa. The cities are only 3 hours apart.
Congrats on your wedding, too!
I'd point out, though, if that Alaska is your choice, that it's all about detailed routes and itineraries. The Seattle departures may take the "outside passage" (i.e. the ocean side of Vancouver Island) in one direction or the other, reducing the scenic value and increasing the rock and roll content of the cruise, whereas there are many more cruise offerings from Vancouver that might offer the Inside Passage both ways. Also there are more cruiselines that serve Vancouver, vs. only 3 that have regular Seattle sailings. You can still see Seattle in your travels - fly into Seattle, stay in our fair city for a day or two, then rent a car and drive to Vancouver for the cruise (or take the train) or vice versa. The cities are only 3 hours apart.
Congrats on your wedding, too!
