Alaska cruise-tour opinions?

[ASM]

Dh would like to plan an Alaskan cruise tour. Our family last did one in 1992 on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Any suggestions about ships, etc. from those who've done this recently? Ship size doesn't matter to us as much as itinerary.
We're probably looking at 2006 as we're sailing on the Westerdam this Dec. and our kids have plans for us next year!

[ASM]

No advice??? It looks like the Ryndam or Veendam are northbound choices. Any others?

[dakrewser]

Its hard to tell what itineraries/ships will be offered that far out. We did Alaska on the Nieuw Amsterdam Also, but in 2000 - her last season :( Pix & summary are here (http://vquill.com/gallery/Diary.html). We went back the following year (on the Norwegian Sky) and did some of the same things, some different (pics and write-up here (http://vquill.com/gallery/alaska&bc.html))We certainly enjoyed our cruises on the Veendam and Volendam, but haven't tried the Vista-class ships (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam & Westerdam) yet - ask me next February! :)

[localady]

I just posted a review on our wonderful trip to Alaska on the Ryndam. We actually did 14 days, roundtrip Vancouver and just loved it!

You need to decide whether you would rather do a roundtrip Vancouver/Seattle in 7 days or do a north or south bound 7 day Vancouver-Seward. It depends on your budget and whether you have interest to do any touring of the Alaskan interior and Denali.

Your best bet is to contact HAL and request the 2005 Alaska brochure so you can look at all the options. If it's not available now, I assume it will be some time in the fall. Even the 2004 will give you a sense of which itineraries might interest you. You can request a brochure from the HAL website.

Good luck! I know you will love Alaska! Happy to answer any other questions you have:):cool: