Alaska Cruises

[amster65]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough. Personally I get enough cold enough snow right here in Maryland, I dont have to pay to go see it. So Is Alaska worth it???:eek:

[Aunty Pat]

The scenery in Alaska is incredible. Go in July and it won’t be cold and damp. You won’t see snow, just glaciers from a distance. Welcome weather when it is hot and muggy in Maryland.


Aunty Pat

Barefoot Windjammer - Phantom ‘81
K&D German Rhine Line ‘84
NCL - Norway ’85, Pride of America ’05, Southward ’87, Star ’97 & ‘05, Starward ’92, Sun ’02 & Windward ’93
RCC - Song of America ‘89
American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98
HAL - Volendam ’99, Noordam ’06, Oosterdam ’07 & ‘09, Statendam ’02 & ‘08, Prinsendam ’03 & ’06, & Zuiderdam ’04, ’06 & ’07, Westerdam ‘09
Carnival - Spirit ‘05
Celebrity – Summit ‘05
Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06
Princess - Golden Princess ‘07
A & K - East Queen ‘07
Cunard - QM2 ’08
Pending Cruises:
Oceania – Insignia, June 17, 2010

[Boytjie]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough. Personally I get enough cold enough snow right here in Maryland, I dont have to pay to go see it. So Is Alaska worth it???:eek:

Yes, it is worth it!

You never know what the weather will do in Alaska. We were on a cruise mid Spetember 2007 and had cold, weather in Juneau and Glacier Bay. It Sitka and Ketchikan it was sunny and warm; both days had early afternoon sail-aways where we were by the aft pool swimming and sunning. I came back with a sun tan and coworkers wouldn't believe I was in Alaska.

[user8]

Besides the incredible scenery, Alaska offers the chance to see some great wild life. I've been to Alaska twice and I am booked to go again. The weather isn't always cold and damp. That's why you are advised to dress in layers, so you can take something off on the warm days.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Alaska is definitely worth it!! And we can't wait until next summer when we do HAL's new 14 day Alaskan cruise.

We get a lot of snow here in PA as well -- but that doesn't stop us from going to Alaska.

It isn't always cold and wet -- pick months Like the end of June, all of July and the first couple of weeks of August and you will have better weather.

[Storylady]

Coming from sunny warm Calfornia, I don't like the cold either. But Alaska isn't as cold as you are making it out to be. In order to shovel snow you have to have temperatures down below 32 degrees. I think you will find that if you go in July, it will be very pleasant.

We usually take the first cruises of the season---early May. And I am very warm with a hat, sweater and an ordinary raincoat with a liner. In fact, even in May I have had to remove the hat and the raincoat. And this May we had the most perfect weather---high 40's, 50's and 60's.

I have included a picture of myself at Glacier Bay. It was cooler in the morning, but by the afternoon it was very pleasant out on deck. And my husband didn't even have a sweater on when shooting this photo.

[dandro]

Alaska was fabulous!

We were there first week in June, and the weather was perfect...in fact it was downright warm in Juneau, shorts & short sleeve shirt weather.

As has been said, the scenery is awesome. Go, you won't regret it.

[serendipity1499]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough. Personally I get enough cold enough snow right here in Maryland, I dont have to pay to go see it. So Is Alaska worth it???:eek:


OH Yes, It's so worth it!..:):) My DH never wanted to go to Alaska, only because he hates to fly more than a few hours..And we no longer enjoy the cold (N.Y. transplants to Fla) .I had been bugging him to go to Alaska for years..We had gone around the Horn in South America & DH talked to some Psgrs, who had been to Alaska..They thought South Amer. was better..

Last year I left a couple of HAL & a Tour Operators brochures on Alaska lying around. I sprained two (yes both) ankles last March & while I was recuperating DH took pity on me...He decided we should go to Alaska in Aug. for my Birthday..The scenery & wildlife was incredible!..In addition we had perfect weather.. :D


We flew to Anchorage (11 hrs a connex in Atlanta) & then took a HAL Land tour of 7 days..Hal really knows how to put together land tours..Then we boarded the Veendam for another 7 days to Vancouver...DH enjoyed it so much, he's trying to convince our Friends to go back to Alaska with us...

IMO a land tour first is the way to go, as it's constantly moving & can be tiring, but well worth it..:D:D

JMO..

Betty

[sylteach]

We took a cruise with HAL to the ports in Alaska the week of Sept. 4 through the 11th. It was in the lower 60's every day, except the time we were at Hubbard Glacier. It rained only a couple of days, and then it was mostly drizzling. The scenery is amazing and seeing the wildlife up close in its natural habitat is wonderful. We went on a whale-watching and wildlife quest in Juneau and saw over 20 humpback and orca whales. I have been there twice and plan on going back in a few years. There is so much to see and the people at the ports were very nice and friendly. I have been there in July and September and no matter when you go, you should be able to find enough to see and do to make this trip worthwhile.

[IRL_Joanie]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough. Personally I get enough cold enough snow right here in Maryland, I dont have to pay to go see it. So Is Alaska worth it???:eek:


Look at my slide shows below to see some beautiful weather in Alaska!! Not at all cold and rainy/snowy. And they were all taken in May!!

I'm with your wife, time to see some where new:)

Joanie

[CowPrincess]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough. Personally I get enough cold enough snow right here in Maryland, I dont have to pay to go see it. So Is Alaska worth it???

IMHO you are already setting yourself up for disappointment. If it is raining, chilly or damp, you'll be saying "See, I told you the weather would be terrible". Lots of reports of fabulous weather in Alaska this year, and I was one of the people who HAD that great weather. Last year, too, we had great weather. And the time before that and the time before THAT. However, I've also experienced unending rain and cloud and cold in Alaska, for an entire trip.

Weather in Alaska is a complete crapshoot, and if all you care about for your vacation is guaranteed perfect sunny weather, then Alaska probably isn't for you. It is a beautiful land, it touches your soul, you get to experience the real and the true.

But is it "worth it"? That totally depends on how you define "worth".

[jmps]

We had the exact same doubts about Alaska and went this last June. We primarily cruise to escape the cold in Chicago. We really enjoyed Alaska. The scenery is amazing. Our 18YO daughter did not enjoy it as much as a beach cruise but she also thought it was worth it.

We had a mix of sun and mist/rain. That seems to be the usual and it was OK with us.

[Landlubber54]

When we went to Alaska in July 2005, we didn't see any snow (except on the peaks in and around Denali). We got a few days of sun and a few days of rain. The temperatures during the days were between 50 and 75. Because of the beauty of the area I was more put off by seeing the same tourist trap stores at each port than I was by the weather. :rolleyes:

To me the cruise was nice, but the land tours that they offer make the trip that much more memorable. Seeing Denali should be a must. And there are plenty of opportunities to see other parts of Alaska, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.

If you go to Alaska you must expect iffy weather and hope for the best. It is beautiful regardless of the weather. But if you go expecting 80-degree temperatures on a sandy beach with a cabana, you WILL be disappointed. :cool:

[Willsot]

After my parents retired, they took 3 or 4 Caribbean cruises over a period of 4-5 years.
Then they tried an Alaska cruise (happened to be a cruisetour with HAL). Upon returning they declared that had they taken the Alaska cruise first, they never would have taken the Caribbean cruises. They were fortunate enough to get to take one more Alaska cruise. Remembering this, several years later DW and I decided to try a cruise and started with a 14-day Alaska cruise. Have had many cruises since, including several Caribbean and European, but the Alaska cruise stands out as one of our favorites. We hope to take another in the not so distant future.

[alpal1993]

Alaska is awsome! The only time I was cold was when we cruised Hubbard Glacier.We hit a heat wave in Mid June 85 Anchorage and up tp 94 in Fairbanks with 24 hours of sunlight.The cruise portion we never had rain only a few hours of fog in Juneau.We were able to see Denali the entire time we were on our land tour.
We loved it so much we are booked for our 2 cruise this coming June,no land tour just 14 fabulous days on MS Amsterdam.Can't wait.
Come to the Alaska board and post any questions you might have.Also read away as you will find a wealth of information.Enjoy!

[Assateague Island Princes]

Forget about the weather - its not about the weather. It will be what it is. Alaska is all about the magnificent scenery and fabulous wildlife! A million times better than the same old, same old in the Carribean - atleast in my opinion. Once you go, you'll want to go back again and again! We do - we're gong back for our third time on HAL's new 14 day roundtrip itineratry next May 31st. Give it a shot - you won't be sorry! Or if YOU don't want to go, tell your DW I'll be HAPPY to go with her! LOL!:p

[RuthC]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough.
Many, many good reasons to cruise to Alaska have been posted, but no one has posted the most important reason of all. Go because your wife wants to go. You won't be sorry.

[canadianbear]

Can somebody give me a good reason to go on a cold and damp Alaska Cruise instead of the Caribbean. My wife said that we have done the Caribbean enough. Personally I get enough cold enough snow right here in Maryland, I dont have to pay to go see it. So Is Alaska worth it???:eek:

Perhaps the best reason is because your wife would like to go?!:)

We have gone twice-once in September and once in May and when people ask which we preferred I think it has to be May mainly because there is so much snow still around and it makes it look stunning.

Our kids did the Juneau helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier and did the dog sledding. It was so hot they were in short sleeved shirts mushing! On the Ryndam we had a balcony cabin and sat out there most days with no jackets on because of the beautiful sunshine. But..you never know. You have to come prepared for rain every day too. When we were in Alaska in September we had to use the "dam" umbrella several times!

It truly is something different. I highly suggest what serendipity1499 said about flying to Anchorage, doing the HAL land tour, then cruising back to Vancouver or Seattle whichever you want. (hope you come to the lovely city I live in which is Vancouver).:D

Enjoy the Alaska cruise.....if you don't like it the Caribbean will always be there but you will have made your wife very happy first!

[rjm1cc]

It all depends on what you like. I have been to both. My preference is Alaska over the Caribbian.

Why not try something different.

[momatibm]

well, my baby sister and her DH and friends decided to go to Alaska, after I talked to their TA, (part time, home based, mind you) I decided I wasn't going to spend over 8$K to do the trip. This would have been for an OV cabin. I am sorry but for that money I am going to to do more than 7 days and have a balcony. I can understand the issue with the trip.

I spent less than the 8k$ for a 10 day Panama canal cruise -- it just wasn't worth it to be in Alaska

Ask your DW about the canal -- it is great also.

[Bodger]

I'll be the dissenting voice of reason here.

Take away the bears, the caribou, the salmon, the golden and bald eagles, the glaciers, the train rides through the mountains, the 81 degree weather at midnight in Fairbanks, the panning for gold, the dog sled teams, seeing Mt. McKinley, the sunset in Anchorage, the ship life, the Hammer Museum, sailing into Vancouver under the Lion's Gate bridge in the early morning, what's there that you haven't got in Maryland?

:D

Bodger

[Mary Ellen]

I decided I wasn't going to spend over 8$K to do the trip. This would have been for an OV cabin. I don't have a clue what you asked for (cruisetour???), but we've been to Alaska 5 times. Our cabins for those cruises have been at minimum an outside, but we've also booked balconies - including the deluxe S suites (now called SA suites). We've NEVER paid even half that amount.

[Polar Bear Mom]

DH and I have gone to Alaska three times with HAL, it is fabulous. We have always done the last cruiese of the season, Sept. Last year Ketchican was in the 70's. I love the Alaskan Cruise. Today I booked my fourth Alaskan Cruise with HAL. Will be going next May.

The main reason for DH to go "If Mom ain't happy, nobody happy"
;)

[IRL_Joanie]

.....what's there that you haven't got in maryland?

:d

bodger


Alaska!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what is Not in Maryland

[northernphoenix]

Have returned from the Inside Passage on the Volendam, in September no less. We reside in Northern Ontario, Canada....so believe me, we know cold. We did prepare for what one might expect as colder weather conditions, with silk underwear, fleece vests, etc; but the only time we were able to use the cold weather wardrobe we packed was in Glacier Bay, and this was a stretch. Our family unit of four are still reflecting upon this gift. You will be seeing nature's ultimate gift to mankind. Glacier Bay will be a lifetime experience. I was looking at my photos, once again, today. Each time, I examine these photos, I must remind myself,that these scenes haved graced the earth for centuries. Go, enjoy!!!

[dandro]

well, my baby sister and her DH and friends decided to go to Alaska, after I talked to their TA, (part time, home based, mind you) I decided I wasn't going to spend over 8$K to do the trip. This would have been for an OV cabin. I am sorry but for that money I am going to to do more than 7 days and have a balcony. I can understand the issue with the trip.

I spent less than the 8k$ for a 10 day Panama canal cruise -- it just wasn't worth it to be in Alaska

Ask your DW about the canal -- it is great also.

$8,000?!?!?!?! We spent less than half of that for the 2 of us total for a superior suite with large balcony.

[papadave]

If you like beaches and have made up your mind that you want hot sun and sand, then Alaska is not for you. We love it, as do many others. Check out a web site, a book or a video brochure -- pictures may be more appropriate than words.

[HillbillyInBC]

Opinions (and tastes) vary. I would be more inclined to wonder why someone would willingly go on a hot and sweaty Caribbean cruise.

[IRL_Joanie]

$8,000?!?!?!?! We spent less than half of that for the 2 of us total for a superior suite with large balcony.


We paid less than $4,000 for the 2 of us to include 3 nights at the Hilton Downtown in Seattle and round trip airfare. And we were in a Deluxe Verandah Suite. Seems to me you may have had a much larger group if you paid $8k...

Our B2B to the Caribbean in February 2 nights hotel and airfare is costing us $4,700 total. We are booked in a VF Category now (same as last year) so are hoping for upgrade, but...

Joanie

[Solo Cruiser]

I took my very first cruise to Alaska (not on HAL but someday) and I've been lucky enough to go there twice on land vacations since then. This past summer I was there for 3 months and locals said they had the best weather ever. Very little rain and temps in the high 60s to mid 70s. Now that's not to say that the temps can't be lower and the rainfall amounts higher but none of that diminishes the scenery and wildlife viewing. Go to Alaska to see the mainly unspoiled splendor of the 49th state. I don't think you will ever regret it and you may find (as I did) that one trip is not enough.

[serendipity1499]

We paid less than $4,000 for the 2 of us to include 3 nights at the Hilton Downtown in Seattle and round trip airfare. And we were in a Deluxe Verandah Suite. Seems to me you may have had a much larger group if you paid $8k...

Our B2B to the Caribbean in February 2 nights hotel and airfare is costing us $4,700 total. We are booked in a VF Category now (same as last year) so are hoping for upgrade, but...

Joanie

Wonder if Momatibm's TA is including a land tour plus the ship....Can't believe a TA would quote over $8,000 just for just a 7 day on the ship..Agree, Alaska is expensive, but one of the best trips we've ever taken....

Last year our 15 day of which 8 days was a fully escorted land tour with HAL, purchased thru a Tour Operator, plus a an outside "E" cabin on the Veendam was over $8,000...

However it was ALL INCLUSIVE, round trip AIR from Southwest Florida, all hotels, a tour escort plus a HAL coach driver/guide, baggage handling in all cities, a paddle wheeler boat trip in Fairbanks, a Salmon Bake, a tour of Denali, Train from Denali to Anchorage, an extra day in Anchorage & an extra day including sightseeing in Vancouver before our return flight to Florida..Also what was nice, was that this tour was an overflow group of only 22 of us..We had a 40 seat coach & "Richard" the best HAL guide/driver in the fleet..

In addition, while on board the ship, we purchased several shore excursions directly through the local operators..

The whole land & sea trip to Alaska was expensive, but well worth it! Even DH who hates to fly would go again!

Betty

[momatibm]

We paid less than $4,000 for the 2 of us to include 3 nights at the Hilton Downtown in Seattle and round trip airfare. And we were in a Deluxe Verandah Suite. Seems to me you may have had a much larger group if you paid $8k...

Our B2B to the Caribbean in February 2 nights hotel and airfare is costing us $4,700 total. We are booked in a VF Category now (same as last year) so are hoping for upgrade, but...

Joanie

This was not a HAL cruise, the 8K was for 2, including flights and 1 night pre cruise, NO land tour. I didn't take that cruise because I could have done better on HAL to Alaska myself.

[Middle Aged and Happy]

Alaska is the largest most beautiful place you will visit in your life. Weather can be tricky based on rain but it really isn't cold but rather chilly. Of all my vacations, Alaska is my favorite and I would do it over and over again. :D

[IRL_Joanie]

This was not a HAL cruise, the 8K was for 2, including flights and 1 night pre cruise, NO land tour. I didn't take that cruise because I could have done better on HAL to Alaska myself.


I wondered, now you confirmed. I cannot imagine going on any cruise that would cost me twice as much as HAL. I knew the $8k was high for a HAL Alaska or Caribbean. Sheesh, I do not blame you for passing on that price!!

Joanie

[Love the beach]

Yes it is so worth it! We did have quite a bit of dreary & drizzly weather (last 2 weeks of Aug.) but Alaska's awesome majestic beauty more than made up for it! There were some excellent deals out there for Alaska this year and we did the 14 day round trip Vancouver for $1,000 per person, OV cabin. With airfare, hotel and shore excursions it still cost us less than $4,000 per couple. Did not do a land tour--hopefully next time!

[agabbymama]

Others have already talked about the scenery and wildlife. But add the fact that Alaska is our last Frontier. The history of the acquisition of Alaska from Russia, (in Sitka you see some of the Russian History) as well as the U.S. History, and in Skagway (and up into the Yukon) you see the history of the Gold Rush days. A lot of the rural area is pristine and reaffirms the creation of this great land.

We did a 7 day cruise in May 1999, and we were to early to go to Denali. It didn't open until the day our ship sailed, so even had we gone a couple of days early, wouldn't have been able to get into the park. So we decided in '07 to return. Only this time I wanted to see more of interior Alaska and the Yukon. I started searching for independent travel as many on this board state that's the way to go. We had my husband and myself, his sister, and a friend of his from work. So we needed 3 separate rooms.
After much research (and I even bought a milepost), I started looking at cruisetours. Princess only had one cruisetour that included Dawson City Yukon and it was 15 days for $4400 pp. HAL had an 11 day cruisetour to Whitehorse and Dawson City Yukon for $2700 pp. It was absolutely awesome in Dawson City to see the buildings from the 1800's still being used. Klondike Kates (a restaurant) has been in use since those goldrush days. Many of the buildings are in disrepair from the permafrost settling, but to see the boardwalks and dirt roads (rather than sidewalks and paved streets) was boggling to the brain of us suburbanites.

Sorry for the long post, but when you ask why? or what is there? I got carried away. Go to your local library and check out some travel books on Alaska. It may truly not be for you if you LOVE the Caribbean. I on the hand would not go back to the Caribbean. After having been to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and St. Thomas, I have found that the Caribbean isn't the place I want to spend my vacation time.

Thankfully there are many choices, that we can all travel to the places we want to see. Have a great cruise wherever you decide to go.

[jmps]

I'll be the dissenting voice of reason here.

Take away the bears, the caribou, the salmon, the golden and bald eagles, the glaciers, the train rides through the mountains, the 81 degree weather at midnight in Fairbanks, the panning for gold, the dog sled teams, seeing Mt. McKinley, the sunset in Anchorage, the ship life, the Hammer Museum, sailing into Vancouver under the Lion's Gate bridge in the early morning, what's there that you haven't got in Maryland?

:D

Bodger

Priceless... and you didn't even mention whales and floatplanes

[Virgil]

Coming from sunny warm Calfornia, I don't like the cold either. But Alaska isn't as cold as you are making it out to be. In order to shovel snow you have to have temperatures down below 32 degrees. I think you will find that if you go in July, it will be very pleasant.

We usually take the first cruises of the season---early May. And I am very warm with a hat, sweater and an ordinary raincoat with a liner. In fact, even in May I have had to remove the hat and the raincoat. And this May we had the most perfect weather---high 40's, 50's and 60's.

I have included a picture of myself at Glacier Bay. It was cooler in the morning, but by the afternoon it was very pleasant out on deck. And my husband didn't even have a sweater on when shooting this photo.
I have a question for you...Do you see wild life in May? we have only gone in June and Sept. I was considering May in Alaska but I want to see whales, seals, moose, bears, eagles, etc etc. Thanks for the info

[dandro]

I have a question for you...Do you see wild life in May? we have only gone in June and Sept. I was considering May in Alaska but I want to see whales, seals, moose, bears, eagles, etc etc. Thanks for the info

We went end of May/1st week in June and saw all sorts of wildlife. Whales, bears, eagles, seals, etc. No moose, though. There have been posters here on CC that went early/mid May and also saw wildlife.

[Virgil]

well, my baby sister and her DH and friends decided to go to Alaska, after I talked to their TA, (part time, home based, mind you) I decided I wasn't going to spend over 8$K to do the trip. This would have been for an OV cabin. I am sorry but for that money I am going to to do more than 7 days and have a balcony. I can understand the issue with the trip.

I spent less than the 8k$ for a 10 day Panama canal cruise -- it just wasn't worth it to be in Alaska

Ask your DW about the canal -- it is great also.
That is terrible. I have been twice, once an 12 day cruise/tour with airfare, transfers,train ride and a balcony with jacuzzi tub for 2 on HAL and it didn't cost that much ($6500 total for 2). I think your sister got taken for a ride!

[IRL_Joanie]

I have a question for you...Do you see wild life in May? we have only gone in June and Sept. I was considering May in Alaska but I want to see whales, seals, moose, bears, eagles, etc etc. Thanks for the info


Oh Gosh yes!! I took a photo of a Black Bear running downhill from just below the observation deck on top of Mt Roberts in early May 2008. In 2008 and 2009 (mid May in 2009) Saw Killer Whales, Grey Whales, Humpback Whales, sea otters and stellar sea lions.

Special treat was a mama and baby Beluga way off our Starboard Bow somewhere near Hubbard's Glacier Bay. Saw Eagles, sea lions, dolphins, Alaskan King Crab, Opellio Crab, squid, you name it we saw it:D Moose, was the one critter I did not see any of:(

So much to see and not enough time to see it:(

We will be going back in 2011 but for a much longer time! And it will be in May

Joanie

[Storylady]

I have a question for you...Do you see wild life in May? we have only gone in June and Sept. I was considering May in Alaska but I want to see whales, seals, moose, bears, eagles, etc etc. Thanks for the info

We took the first cruise of the season on the Ryndam this year. We missed the bears that were off the trail at the Mendenhall Glacier when in Juneau. When at Glacier Bay, we saw a bear on the shoreline looking for food.

And in Ketchikan, we took the Misty fjord trip and saw Sitka Deer, Harbor Seals (lots--the boat stopped so that we could photograph), lots of Eagles both coming and going, Dolphins, and Humpback whales.

I would show you my pictures, but I didn't have that good of a telephoto lens. Passengers that took the whale watching tour in Juneau also saw lots of whales. There were dolphins around the ship also. Other than the moose, I saw the most animals on this trip of all three of the other trips that we took. I imagine sighting of bears is the best during the time that the salmon are running.

I like going to Alaska in May because the mountains are so BEAUTIFUL covered with snow. You don't see that in September. But there are certainly plenty of bears then.