we want to take a Alaskan cruise, whats best??

[gizzmo2]

Our family wants to plan a cruise to Alaska, and we want to go Holland America. We have never gone Holland America or taken an Alaskan cruise, so whats best for the first time? Also what are great excursions to do with teenagers?Thanks for any help you can give us.:)

[grannynurse]

Gizzmo2,
If you have teenagers you'd probably be happier on one of the Vista ships (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam or Westerdam for this year 2006) You didn't say when you wanted to go. If it's this season you'd have a better chance with cabin choice on the Vistas as they're larger and have more balconies, and more kids aboard. Many of the S and R class ships (Volendam, Zaandam, Statendam, Veendam, and Ryndam) are probably pretty well picked over and full until the September cruises which you probably can't do because of kids in school.
Call your TA or check HAL's website for availability.
Of course if you're looking at 2007 you still have plenty of time.
If you ask more specific questions we'll be better able to help you.
GN

[Atomica]

Take a look at the Vista-class ships, definately. Next year, the Oosterdam, Zuiderdam and Noordam will be doing Alaska (this year, the Westerdam is here).

I'm always partial to sailing out of Vancouver, but HAL offers a good number of sailings from Seattle. Even if you're planning for next year, I'd take a look at a 2006 brochure. The sailings probably won't change too much for next year in terms of itinerary.

You can also download a pdf excursion brochure from Holland America's site that has this year's excursions in it - there's lots to do, but Alaska excursions can be expensive!

https://www.hollandamerica.com/shorex/downloadbrochures.do;jsessionid=kNG5GPg4CwjmiYE4KV KMzcQ

[gizzmo2]

We are planning for next year. I hear August is the time to go, is this true?

[gizzmo2]

We are planning for next year. I hear August is the time to go, is this true?

[NancyIL]

You can see what HAL has for Alaska 2007 by checking Travelocity. From what I've read, the earlier you go in the season, the less rain - usually. We're going June 2007, but on Princess.

[cruisequeen10]

You will have to do your homework on the pricing. I found that this year, the prices were very high. RCCL was $300 more than HAL. I was surprised that HAL was cheaper. Also, I wanted the 7 day round trip from Vancouver. Not too many ships do this anymore. Most are the 1 way up to Anchorage or down from Anchorage.

[NancyIL]

You will have to do your homework on the pricing. I found that this year, the prices were very high. RCCL was $300 more than HAL. I was surprised that HAL was cheaper. Also, I wanted the 7 day round trip from Vancouver. Not too many ships do this anymore. Most are the 1 way up to Anchorage or down from Anchorage.

I would disagree that most Alaskan cruises are one-way. The roundtrips from Seattle (especially) and Vancouver are more popular than one-ways, which is why there are more of them.