We're planning an Alaskan cruise for this summer and we're wondering what are some thoughts on one-way cruise from Anchorage down to Vancouver vs. a round-trip out of Vancouver. We're not planning any Denali land touring etc... Basically, what kind of things will we miss by not doing the one-way? Thanks for any suggestions.

If you're not planning any land touring in Southcentral Alaska at all, then it's a tossup which is a better choice. You'd be missing on whatever portion of Prince William Sound your cruise might cover (College Inlet being one possible loss, but not all cruise lines go there) plus whatever coastal glacier or icefield viewing opportunities might be available as you cross the Gulf of Alaska. On the other hand, an all-Southeast itinerary might include Glacier Bay, or longer port calls, or other offsetting benefits. Airfare to/from YVR will be cheaper than an open-jaw regardless, plus the transfer business to/from Seward/Anchorage will be unnecessary. So the round-trip itinerary will probably be cheaper, all in. If it's the cruising you fancy, not the touring, then you might spend the difference on upgraded accommodations or a ritzier cruise line.

All that said, it's a shame to go all that way and not see the myriad things Southcentral and Interior Alaska have to offer. It's not all about Denali, there are many other things to experience that Southeast Alaska, beautiful as it is, can't offer.

You can't see all of Alaska in one trip, nor two, nor a dozen. If you cruise SE this time, make a vow to do some land touring farther north at another time. You won't regret it.

I am a big advocate of round trip Vancouver cruises if you can't allow at least 5 days independent interior touring. They pack a LOT in 7 days and all ports and glacier viewing very worthwhile. As mentioned College Fjords is the loss with a round trip- but some lines don't go there (I would never consider a one way without it myself). I also would rather sail into Seward vs Whittier, as I always take a Kenai fjords boat trip. Don't think you are getting a "second rate" cruise. Again- it is a great opportunity to see some of Alaska!!!

Thanks so much for the info. The choices are overwhelming but your thoughts are great.
Is it worth paying $500/person extra for a room with a balcony vs. an interior room?

My opinion ONLY- no. $500 would buy at least 2 flights for me.

I have to chime in here and disagree with BudgetQueen (who gives great advice and helped me immensely on my Alaska cruise). Get the balcony!!! We had an inside cabin (didn't want to spend the $$) and found ourselves too often in my brother's balcony cabin. Our one-way ship spent a whole day in College Fjord, and it gets cold standings at that rail! Nice to watch from your cabin. And of course, it doesn't get dark until late at night - and unlike a Caribbean cruise, there's always scenery very close by - you'll fall asleep watching little islands go by in the twilight. Just beautiful.

I spend all my time out on a front deck seeing full views- obsessed YES, and certainly not for everyone- in fact I am frequently the only one out. But I am well prepared with attire which is the key. And as mentioned- I do strongly encourage people to spend some time out on a front deck on glacier viewing days- the views are just excellent!!!

We cruised one way from Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage) on the Star Princess on its maiden season.

1) One-way was fine. I'm told either direction is OK as well, and Vancouver is a great town so it would be a nice place to finish up.

2) Get the balcony if you can possibly afford it. We had a great time sitting on the balcony and watching the glaciers calve. We went up on deck briefly and it was TOO COLD! (And we were there in June at an unusually not, non-foggy time). With the balcony, we could go out on deck for awhile, wrapped in extra blankets from the room, and then go in and watch through the glass for awhile too. It was GREAT!

Have a fantastic time. Alaska, in my opinion, is one of THE BEST cruise destinations.

P.S. - I disagree with some of the previous posters who talk about how you MUST tour the interior.

I felt that the tours and independent walks we took in some of the ports of call, combined with viewing the glaciers and wildlife from the ship (we saw lots of bears and bald eagles) really captured the essence of Alaska well, and that it would have been a bit boring and overkill to have too much of that!

Ditto for round trip to Vancouver...it's pretty much the same thing both directions and will feel like a rerun!

I disagree with some of the previous posters who talk about how you MUST tour the interior.

I felt that the tours and independent walks we took in some of the ports of call, combined with viewing the glaciers and wildlife from the ship (we saw lots of bears and bald eagles) really captured the essence of Alaska well, and that it would have been a bit boring and overkill to have too much of that!


I too have to respectfully disagree. If you didn't travel the interior - how do you know?? The areas of interior Alaska and inside passage ports are vastly different. Certainly no one states MUST. But getting all the way to Alaska is not a frequent trip for a lot of people. My opinion only- it is very worthwhile and I think taking advantage of being there a good opportunity. Many things to think about???

You've all been helpful. Thanks. Our group is getting together tonight to try and come to a decision. Wish us luck.