Hi all,
First time post on here, so here goes.
Alaska is a bucket list item for my wife and I, I turn 40 next year so we are looking to make it a reality. Looking to combine it with a driving trip through Canadian Rockies, so we're looking for options out of Vancouver.
We're both the outdoors types and the main attraction is the whales, hiking, mountains and bears, going to Glacier Bay is also a must. We have found two options for May 2025 and are torn, have you any suggestions.
Option 1 - Vancouver return 3rd May for 11 nights - https://www.*****.co.uk/travels/princess-cruises-coral-princess-alaska-11-nights-6510_P?productCode=6510_P&type=DynamicPackage&dateFilter[dateFrom]=2025-05-01&dateFilter[dateTo]=2025-05-31&dateFilter[flexible]=0
This one seems to tick a lot of boxes as it goes further than the 7 day Vancouver returns and also goes to Icy Strait Point, which looks to be good for Whales, however if the start of May too early for Whales and bears?
Option 2 - Vancouver to Whittier return - 14 nights - 28th May - https://www.*****.co.uk/travels/princess-cruises-coral-princess-alaska-14-nights-6513A_P?productCode=6513A_P&type=DynamicPackage&dateFilter[dateFrom]=2025-05-01&dateFilter[dateTo]=2025-07-31&dateFilter[flexible]=0&facetFilter[RegionHierarchical.Level1][Alaska]=Alaska
This one goes much further North although returns to the same ports on the way back. We think the itinerary for options 1 looks better but maybe being able to go 4 weeks later is better for wildlife? Secendly is there enough to do in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway to justify two visits?
I'm new to cruising so happy to take any advice you give, thanks for reading and thanks for your help.
