Alaska newbie

[robertmartha]

Okay - booking our first alaska cruise today for next Aug 13. Booking the Zaandam out of Vancouver. I have read so many posts about how amazing alaska is and it seems there have been so many shows on tlc, travel channel, etc.... about cruising alaska as well that we are hooked! One question I do have is that I have read some postings saying one side of the ship is "better" then the other while cruising in terms of seeing this or that......any truth to that? Right now we pretty much have our choise of cabins on either side of the ship.

Thanks all!

[WindyCity]

I assume you are taking an Inner Passage cruise? If so, either side is fine. What you don't see on the way up, you will see on the way back. We had starboard side on the Zaandam and it was great! Try to get a verandah, if you can.

[TylerRose]

Zaandam is strictly inner passage and makes a complete turn in Glaciar bay. If you can get a veranda in Alaska, you woun't regret it! Patience allows much wildlife viewing and a cool breeze so welcome in summer heat! But part of the experience is sharing it up top with others, or in the crows nest sipping hot chocolate. There is no good or bad side since it is roundtrip and not a one way. "Good side" for Alaska generally refers to North (Right), & Southbound (Left). Try to get a "window" table at dinner, or whenever you are in Lido, etc... it is our favorite destination for summer.

[robertmartha]

As always - thank you for the information!
HAL has spoiled us with their S cabin category so we are going for that (us and the 2 kids!)
Any thoughts on Vancouver? We'll fly in on Friday morning - debating to fly in a day or two earlier.....
How far from the airport is the port?
Were looking at the Raddison at the airport to stay the day or two before

Thanks

[kruzkeen]

Any thoughts on Vancouver? We'll fly in on Friday morning - debating to fly in a day or two earlier.....
How far from the airport is the port?



There has been a good posting on Vancouver a week or so back. You might want to check:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=90692&highlight=vancouver

I think that starboard is the better side. Going up there are more daylight hours through the inside passage than coming back.

[TylerRose]

My folks stayed at the airport. They said it was very nice. We stayed across the street from the piers. Kids loved it. Watched the ship sail in, wandered about, and collected our thoughts so boarding was calm. Incidentally, you did not mention ages on kids. If you book Hotel through HAL and stay by pier, you check in in the hotel and they transfer all your luggage. Then you & the kids get on tour bus for city tour preboarding OR walk across the street without having to check in OR drag your luggage.

[Himself]

You can see plenty from the Lower Promenade Deck. In Glacier Bay and at Tracy Arm you can go up to the Promeade Deck Forward--you get there from the forward part of the Lower Promenade Deck--and the views are awesome.
The highlight for me is watching the Majorie Glacier Calf. I cannot guarentee you it will but if it does, it is an awesome sight to behold.

HIMSELF

[jazzsea]

If you plan to get to Vancouver a few days before the cruise, why not stay down by the pier so that you can enjoy this wonderful city. Staying near the airport is okay but allow yourself a little time to see the downtown area before boarding the ship. We particularly like the Delta Hotel downtown, but have stayed at several others, too.

[Cinder]

It's about 30 min. by cab from the airport to the pier, and I paid about $20.00 US, if I remember correctly.
HAL's program to stay in Vancouver and see Victoria is quite good, if you can find the extra money. They take you by bus to Victoria and the Buchart gardens, which are lovely, and your kids will enjoy the ferry ride over to Victoria.
Either way, I'd stay at least one night in downtown Vancouver, it's just beautiful!
You are making me want to book Alaska again!

[Budget Queen]

It is about $28+++ca for a cab airport to Canada Place. Use a credit card for best exchange. I would never consider staying at the airport if you are coming in a few days early- stay downtown for easy access to all the great attractions. For clarification- a day trip to Victoria is less desirable, if going there stay at least 1 night.