Best Alaska Cruiseship for Family Gathering

[bookworm61]

My Dad wants to take the whole family on a cruise to Alaska for his 75th birthday. Which line/ship is the best choice for a small group (12 people) aged 6 to 75? He is looking at the Rhapsody of the Seas, but some reviews mentioned a problem with ship vibration. I want my parents and the whole family to be comfortable. I am also interested in a good itinerary. Rhapsody stops in Victoria for a full day, as opposed to an evening, and I hear the Buchart Gardens are lovely.
Thanks in advance.

[Budget Queen]

You are looking at round trip Seattle cruises?? You might want to consider what the other ports can offer you, like you have Victoria. And what activities. Then make a guide sheet for the people going and take a vote perhaps? There are many differences to consider, but no "bad" Alaska cruises, just some that may offer you more depending on your Alaska priorities??

On the whole, I do think HAL has some of the superb round trip Seattle itineraries, especially with the inclusion of Glacier Bay.

So, check out all that is available, Carnival, Celebrity, HAL, NCL, Princess, RCI etc. (don't be put off by Carnival, they do a great job in Alaska and in no way, do they have the passenger demographics of the Caribbean)

[vbmom87]

Originally Posted by bookworm61

My Dad wants to take the whole family on a cruise to Alaska for his 75th birthday. Which line/ship is the best choice for a small group (12 people) aged 6 to 75? He is looking at the Rhapsody of the Seas, but some reviews mentioned a problem with ship vibration. I want my parents and the whole family to be comfortable. I am also interested in a good itinerary. Rhapsody stops in Victoria for a full day, as opposed to an evening, and I hear the Buchart Gardens are lovely.
Thanks in advance.

Would you consider sailing out of Vancouver? It is a more scenic route with less likelihood of rough seas.

Otherwise, follow BQs advice. For Alaska it is more about itinerary than about ship.