brendaisbored

My dad has wanted to visit Alaska his whole life and I finally get to take him there at the end of May. We're doing a Northern bound sailing out of Vancouver on NCL.

Unfortunately he has congestive heart failure and his health is declining. He is fine if resting and doesn't have mobility issues except that the amount/how long he can do physical activity is limited. Even short walking distances will cause him shortness of breath if he goes too fast. He's too darn proud to get a wheelchair and as long as we take it slow, he should be fine. This means group walking activities are out. However, getting onto a bus or a boat (as long as there are seats) won't be an issue.

He's an outdoors guy and really wants to see the animals and nature that Alaska has to offer. I spent a lot of time researching excursions over the weekend but I'd love any insight or suggestions. I tried to read all of the descriptions I could to get a better idea of how hard physically different excursions would be but sometimes it's hard to gauge. I also want to make sure I get him to the best things he'd enjoy.

I'm also worried I might be trying to do too many things at our stops but most of them are fairly long and I think we can spread things out enough.

Ports:

Ketchican - Wilderness Exploration & Crab fest and then the Lumberjack Show

Juneau - Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest followed up by a tram ride and then a walk to the Red Dog Saloon (both of those on our own at our own pace)

Skagway - Whitepass Railway and then Art by Fire, Gardens & Glass

Seward - Kenai Fjords 5 hour cruise and then taking the Alaskan Railways to Anchorage

We also have most of the day in Anchorage but right now I don't have anything planned. I think the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center might be a good option but I figure we can play it by ear depending on how he's feeling.

I currently have focused on excursions through the ship because it makes me feel safer with his issues but I'm open to others with good reputations.

I really want to make this the best trip possible for him. Any feedback is appreciated.

I have a cruise at the beginning of February and I'm planning on a cruise to Alaska in May (already purchased airfare). I noticed on my edocs for the February cruise that there's a "free offer" for booking while on ship.

What is it? I searched on the forums and it seems like some kind of upgrade? But I couldn't get a clear answer if that's always the case and, if so, how it works. I'm probably going to get a mini-suite or balcony...depends on price so if the free offer doesn't apply to me, should I just take care of booking now?

Currently they're offering free wifi, specialty dining and shore excursion credits for the Alaska cruise (supposedly this sale ends in two days). What's the chance those offers will still be going in a month? Even if they're not, is booking on the ship a better savings anyway?

Do your research before going with their airfare in terms of cost added to the cruise. For my cruise they were going to charge me $499 per person for reduced airfare but I was able to buy my own flights for $420. Your departing airport may make a big difference.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I decided to stick with a cruise to let us see more places in a set time limit but because of your feedback I've decided to go with a northern cruise ending in Seward. That way we spend more time in the ports plus tack on a day cruise from Seward to Kenai Fjords and then take the train to Anchorage to spend part of a day there before flying home.  It only adds a day to the trip and I was able to snag some cheap airfare (which was my original concern about booking the multi-city trip).

Thanks again, I can't wait! Now I just need to figure out the excursion to take 🙂

I'm an avid cruiser but have not been on an Alaskan cruise. I'm currently planning on taking my father who has been wanting to visit Alaska since I was a child, although he's never been on a cruise. Since this will likely be his only trip to Alaska, I want to make sure I get it right. Here's what I'm working with:

While money isn't tight, I'd like to keep the trip under $6,000.

I'd like to go either May or early June 2019.

A week is really all of the time we have, although I may be able to stretch another day or two if needed.

My dad is an outdoorsy type that normally lives in the woods. His main interest is to experience is the wildlife. He hunts and fishes regularly.

I'm thinking a balcony would be best because he tends to get cabin fever quickly. He's not a huge fan of crowds but is friendly and I think he'll love chatting with everyone.

He is fully mobile but does have heart problems so zip-lining or high intensity actives are off limits.

I'm currently leaning towards a RT Seattle itinerary on the Norwegian Bliss or Carnival Legend that sees Glacier Bay. I'm also considering a northbound trip on the Royal Princess. I think the Princess cruise going all the way to Anchorage may be the best to allow him to see more of the state but I've never sailed on Princess before (I have loyalty status on the other two though) so I'm not sure what to expect.

I'd love recommendations on any of those ships or others that might be a good fit for us as well as any suggestions on excursions or things I shouldn't miss for him.