Alaska for sure is up at the top of the list of most scenic cruises. Which cruise line is the best match for you has a lot to do with personal preferences so read some of the reviews here in Cruise Critic, replies you get to your post, and you can also search the prior posts on Alaska cruises in this forum.
On Alaskan cruises the crowd tends towards older but that doesn't mean there is no life onboard after 8 ....remember the bars and casino are the money maker of the ship. We've always found enough to do at nights. Consider too your shore excursions, they are an awesome part of the trip but far less enjoyable with a hangover. As for NCL Freestyle that really applies more to dinning not the atmosphere of the whole cruise. Most all lines now have anytime dining options and on every ship there is always the options of their buffet dinning, cafes, and specialty dinning.
We have no connection with Pied Piper Cruises or Aquafest Cruises but another option you might want to consider. They both have hosted GLBT Alaska cruises at the end of August on Celebrity Solstice. Even if you do not want to sail as part of the group, on those two trips you at least know you'll be among some family.
As for balcony vs oceanview - for this cruise, Balcony! For us it was worth the price difference because there were so many sights and scenic views through out the trip. That said, weather in September is a crap shoot - temps are starting to drop a bit but rain fall is more likely.
Not sure if you are planning to make this a surprise trip or just a cruise gift. If I were to make one suggestion it would be to give your partner a picture or toy boat for the Christmas present but keep the plans open until you can both participate in the arrangements. I made all the plans for a surprise trip for our first ever cruise and never again - it was too much stress trying to do all the planning, keep the dates free, and hiding the deposits. The countless trips we have made since then have been that much more enjoyable because we both plan and work on the arrangements together.
What ever you decide, the philosophy we have found that really makes or breaks the joy of the trip - make an informed decision, but decide and embrace it, then commit to having a great time no matter what little bumps come up along the way. Part two of that philosophy is buy trip insurance. Twice we had to cancel last minute - the second time having the trip insurance was far less painful - small price to pay considering how much money you tie up on a trip planned out so far in advance.
Help! First time cruisers trying to decide which line to take to Alaska
in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers
Posted
Alaska for sure is up at the top of the list of most scenic cruises. Which cruise line is the best match for you has a lot to do with personal preferences so read some of the reviews here in Cruise Critic, replies you get to your post, and you can also search the prior posts on Alaska cruises in this forum.
On Alaskan cruises the crowd tends towards older but that doesn't mean there is no life onboard after 8 ....remember the bars and casino are the money maker of the ship. We've always found enough to do at nights. Consider too your shore excursions, they are an awesome part of the trip but far less enjoyable with a hangover. As for NCL Freestyle that really applies more to dinning not the atmosphere of the whole cruise. Most all lines now have anytime dining options and on every ship there is always the options of their buffet dinning, cafes, and specialty dinning.
We have no connection with Pied Piper Cruises or Aquafest Cruises but another option you might want to consider. They both have hosted GLBT Alaska cruises at the end of August on Celebrity Solstice. Even if you do not want to sail as part of the group, on those two trips you at least know you'll be among some family.
As for balcony vs oceanview - for this cruise, Balcony! For us it was worth the price difference because there were so many sights and scenic views through out the trip. That said, weather in September is a crap shoot - temps are starting to drop a bit but rain fall is more likely.
Not sure if you are planning to make this a surprise trip or just a cruise gift. If I were to make one suggestion it would be to give your partner a picture or toy boat for the Christmas present but keep the plans open until you can both participate in the arrangements. I made all the plans for a surprise trip for our first ever cruise and never again - it was too much stress trying to do all the planning, keep the dates free, and hiding the deposits. The countless trips we have made since then have been that much more enjoyable because we both plan and work on the arrangements together.
What ever you decide, the philosophy we have found that really makes or breaks the joy of the trip - make an informed decision, but decide and embrace it, then commit to having a great time no matter what little bumps come up along the way. Part two of that philosophy is buy trip insurance. Twice we had to cancel last minute - the second time having the trip insurance was far less painful - small price to pay considering how much money you tie up on a trip planned out so far in advance.
All the best - have a great cruise!!