Coral

I actually have also in the past, just not last year (which was the earliest I have gone in May). I just have to say last year in Juneau was my worst whale watching ever. Maybe it was the day I went. I prefer to travel in May and have always had great luck. Last year ICP was much better than Juneau for me and Juneau was lackluster.

I had never heard of Boring Company - too funny! Yea, my last Juneau whale watching was uneventful. No bubble feeding, no breaching - just fins and tales.

My insurance has pretty poor coverage outside of the US. Thus, I need to buy something else. Glad you have good coverage!

I went whale watching 2x for a May 12th cruise last year. I saw more activity in ICP than Juneau but we did see a several whales in Juneau. They just were boring and not doing anything fun.

No - I think you are right. I typed the wrong period. Regardless - anyone interested in Princess's insurance, make sure you look carefully at pre-existing conditions, 60 day look back period and the amount of medical it covers (and your coverage outside of the US). Theresa

Alaska by Cruise Ship by Anne Vipond is a great book to get a feel for Alaska planning.

If you are only doing 3-4 nights on land - I would skip Fairbanks. That is too far to go IMO for that short of trip. I would be tempted to do it on my own. Rent a car and do Alyeska (Girdwood) and Seward.

I don't like Princess's medical coverage (max $20K). That doesn't cover much. Plus they have a 90 day look back window so if you have pre-existing conditions, read carefully about it. I usually buy Allianz. I have had to file a claim - I broke my wrist on vacation and had to fly home. They were amazing to work with. They sent a medical escort (paramedic) to fly home with me. I can't say enough great things about them. One doesn't appreciate how good a company is until you have to use them. Once I called them, they had me approve flights in 24 hours and I was flying Business Class home in 48 hours. If you want increased medical coverage - look at GeoBlue coverage (medical only).

I would budget for shore excursions on the cruise also. You don't want to be stuck in port towns. Look through these and see what interests you and then budget for them. Also this may help you decide which ports you like also. Many one way cruises include 2 glacier days (as opposed to just one) -I would aim for that. I personally think Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay would probably be my choices though Glacier Bay is #1 because it is always accessible and is a National Park. BTW - I thought I would never like Alaska and only went because we got a free cruise. I much prefer Alaska to the Caribbean any day.

This is interesting - yes it can be cold. Though I have also been to Glacier Bay when we are in front of Marjorie Glacier and there are a ton of people in their bathing suits and in the pool. Expect anything.

This is who I used in Hoonah: http://geestahuntours.com He was very determined to find me bears in May (I was skeptical as I know we are off season). We found 3.

Nope. If one goes to Exit glacier in Seward - they have signs marking where the glacier was at specific years. It definitely is drastic where the signs are and where the glacier is now.

They do that with a glacier in Norway also. They use a 20 year old image also. It really is sad how much this glacier has retreated. I am glad I first went in 2002. It makes me so sad that past few times I have been.

I almost added that the Park Rangers are the ones on the Bridge the day of Glacier Bay but then stopped. The times are listed in the Daily Patter. The Naturalists are often on deck for their own enjoyment that day and are approachable. Though there are several Park Rangers on the ship (from the Bridge to the Table that they setup and they also do talks. Park Rangers are on every ship that sails to Glacier Bay (it is required).

Yes - Princess still has naturalists onboard. Yes - the times are listed often in the Patter or whatever they are calling it now.