Alaskan cruise with time in Vancouver and Anchorage
 

We would like to take a one-way inside passage cruise this summer from Vancouver to Anchorage. I would like recommendations for cruise lines. We are in our 60's, enjoy nature and do not want a huge glitzy boat with formal dress codes. Any recommendations for smaller to medium size cruises that offer good inside passge routes. I am aware of the smaller, adventrure travel lines but most of them tend to be fairly expensive. Also, what is the best time to go in the summer. We would like to spend a few days in Anchorage at the end of the of the cruise as we would be flying out of Anchorage. Is it worth spending the extra time? Would we need to rent a car to see anything or are there things to do in the city or available tour?. Anu suggestions for hotels??

Thanks a bunch.

Some people minimize Anchorage as a place to spend time, but I like it. Here are some ideas for Anchorage proper as well as the area near Girdwood which is about an hour south via a very easy & scenic drive.

<b>Anchorage</b>
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage Museum
Alaska Zoo

<b>Girdwood</b> (and surrounds) for daytime side trips
Alyeska resort for tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Portage Glacier
Prince William Sound (day cruises)

Rental car? Yes, a car would be very helpful.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Any of the cruiselines would offer you an excellent time. It isn't about the "ship" it is about Alaska. So I suggest you find out about the ports, and what activities are of your interests to fill the time. Find out about glacier differences.

I give an edge to HAL for their Seward port, and Glacier Bay/College Fjords. A top tour choice. I would suggest you make good use of time in Seward since it is loaded with activities, then take the Alaska RR to Anchorage.

Again, do your homework on how you wish to occupy your time. IF Anchorage isn't the highlight for you, then get a rental car. Plenty to see and do. I am a strong advocate of adding as much time as possible for interior Alaska travel, with several days, Denali Park is a another top attraction.

depending on your budget, you should at least consider Oceania. Its a smaller ship, and has no formal nights. Also, the itineraries are longer than the usual 1 week cruises offered by HAL and Princess, but they don't offer Glacier Bay. Oceania is, however, quite pricey. Maybe not as much as Lindblad.

(full disclosure...I haven't been on this cruise. I chose Princess for my cruise this June. But after a lot of research I though Oceania looked really good, and might have chosen them if it had fit the budget better)

I'll be interested in replies here as we have booked Celebrity for the end of August into Sept. starting in Vancouver. We'll plan on a couple of days in Vancouver before and are signed up for the cruise sponsored land package from Anchorage after the cruise. I would have preferred to do the land on our own but am going with other family members who opted for the tour.

There is lots of information here on the cruise forum is you haven't already checked it out, go to the top of the page and click on the change forum box.