I'm getting married this summer and we are considering Alaska for our honeymoon. We are in our 40's, and money isn't much of a problem. We have 10 days or so to spend and would like some advice on which cruise line for the best Inside Passage trip and if there are other scenic or romantic places you would recommend. Thanks.

Please, please, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Do a search for for Alaska on this site. Here are TONS of info just by typing in Alaska. Alaska is as romantic as you make it. It is your choice

Romantic doesn't come to mind when I think of Alaska. It seems more of the adventure state, the Last Frontier. Except for Anchorage, Fairbanks and Kenai/Soldotna, most towns are very small. Finding romantic restaurants might be difficult. The long hours of daylight might not be conducive to honeymooning. Strolling the beaches (tidal flats) is not recommended because of quicksand. OTH Homer might offer the best combination of restaurants, scenery and leisure activities. Buy Hobo Jim's first CD and listen to "Backwoods Girl" if you're the country type.

consider going beyond the passage to anchorage/kenai peninsula.

normally, i recommend a stop at the double musky in girdwood (still the best place for a meal), but in this case, hit the seven glaciers on mount alyeska for dinner. you take a tram 2,300 feet up and have a great view of turnagain arm. there's also a biuce dining view from the top of the capt. cook hotel in anchorage.

in seward, get a table near the glass at ray's.

a walk along the knowles coastal trail is nice.

I'm sure there are some romantic B&B, but I don't have experience there. the kenai princess lodge is nice.

I'd consider a sailboat charter in Prince William Sound.

The big problem with Inside Passage only cruises is that it's hard to avoid the tourist buzz -- and that's about an unromantic as it gets IMHO.

BTW, dfrostnh's advice about quicksand is ill-informed at best or fear-mongering at worse. There are miles and miles of nice rocky or gravel beaches for strolling, the tidal flat in question are in turnagain arm.

We spent our honeymoon last July aboard the Norweigen Star - inside passage, round trip from Seattle. We got a balcony room, and it was absolutely romantic. We spent hours just watching the whales and the gorgeous scenery go by while holding hands and sipping wine.

I agree that romantic dining in the port towns we visited might not have been what most consider romantic, but every situation is what you make of it. Dining on the Star was very romantic. She's a beautiful ship.

Our favorite port city was Ketchican. Stunning beauty and history in the town. Maybe it was the fact that we were on our honeymoon, but I found it very relaxing and romantic strolling through the quaint little towns and natural trails.

Glacer Bay was inspiring to say the least. If you choose a cruise, make sure this is on you itinerary. Also, while this is not Alaska, it was our last stop before returning to Seattle... Victoria and the Butchart gardens tour was very romantic (if you can tune out the gatillion tourist, which I found very easy to do given the setting). The gardens are something I cannot describe. The pictures we took there still bring a tear to my eye. The evening culminated in THE most beautiful fireworks display I have ever seen in my life!

This cruise was only 7 days, and we definately wished we could have extended it, but if you do that, make sure glacer bay remains on the itinerary. I noticed many of the ships skip it. We also spent a couple of days in Seattle before our cruise. We had never been there and really enjoyed the city.

If I had to do it all over again, Alaska would still be my first choice for a July honeymoon. Good luck and congratulations. Hope this post helps a bit.

We loved our inside passage cruise on Celebrity's Summit. It is a beautiful ship and the food was very good as well as plentiful. However, we wished we had added a Denali land tour afterwards.

We started in Vancouver, but there are longer cruises starting in Seattle or even San Francisco.

You could begin your honeymoon in Victoria, which is romantic, and then take a cruise out of Vancouver.

A more luxurious cruise line to consider, without breaking the bank, is Radisson. It is more expensive, but the price includes some or all alcoholic beverages (I don't remember the details) and tips. The ship will be a little smaller than those of the mid-priced lines.

Definitely get a balcony so you can enjoy the views with some privacy.

I would also recommend an upscale cruiseline if you are looking at pampering and an "extra" option of services- like the recommended Raddison, Crystal, etc. On the major lines- I give a big edge to HAL for their more passenger space. Go for a balcony and suite if possible. As for 10 days- this really is not enough time for a one way cruise. Consider adding at least a couple more then you can get to Denali Park- if of interest. MOST important- strongly forget a "TOUR" interior- a honeymoon is not the place for a fixed schedule "group" travel. If you do go with a one way option- again consider HAL for the Seward port. Then go on an all day Kenai Fjord boat tour and consider the rail to/from Anchorage. In Anchorage rent a car and plan on your activites which are endless- WITH TIME, don't underestimate it. I too give a big recommendation to Glacier Bay on your cruise and also a round trip out of Vancouver. Budget fully for the excellent tours available- flightseeing always get my vote.