JanetAlice

Victoria

We found the walk into town from the ship very enjoyable and didn't seem that far to us. (We were in our mid-fifties). Ditto about seeing Butchart Gardens. My husband loves photography and enjoyed the gardens immensely. Another intown suggestion would be the Royal BC Museum. We loved it. Here's a link. Have a great cruise.

http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/

Sailed on Crown. Loved it and would not hesitate to book again. If you like a nice quiet venue seek out Adagio (Sun Deck - deck 16) across from Sabatini's. Nice bar/lounge. Usually very quiet. Listened to some great jazz there one night. Nice outdoor deck area that is rarely much utilized just outside of Adagio.

 

We had absolutely zero issues on Crown.

What he said. 😍 Loved going for a drink at Adagio before dinner at Sabitinis. The Crown is my favorite Princess ship though I did sail her several years ago. Have a great cruise.

You should check out this thread for some good ideas.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=766053

Things may have changed since our last Alaska cruise, (we have cruised Alaska 4 times) but there were never that many kids on board. I agree that HAL would probably have the least but we prefer Princess.

We had poor weather 6 years ago when we went. I had taken one Bonine but it wasn't enough. When I started feeling poorly I went to the lower deck to see if it would help. It did. I also decided to purchase some ginger ale. To my surprise it was free if you were feeling nauseous. We are going back to Seward this year but I will not buy my tickets in advance and wait to see what the weather looks like. All that being said, and the fact that it was a miserable rainy day, I was still glad I did the longer cruise.

We have booked an OV....would like to upgrade to balcony.....any posters been able to do that after final payment?

Not sure which Alaska cruise you are on but ours is just about sold out. If you really want a balcony I would wait till after final payment.

I have planned my own tour prior to our cruise next July. It took some extra work but I feel it is well worth it. I didn't want to stay in large hotels and be on someone else's schedule. If you do opt to do it on your own I believe a car is helpful. It enables you to stay at smaller places a little off the beaten path.

We are a family of five (three daughters ages 10, 10, 12) heading to Alaska next June. I'd love to hear any recommendations on excursions (or those to avoid). Especially any can't miss. We are up for adventure and activity level is good with the entire family. No one is picky - except one daughter is not a zipline fan. Wildlife is of special interest. If you have recommendations on which stops are better for which activity that is very much appreciated - we're heading to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

 

So far the helicopter/dog sled and the fjord plane are high on our list. We'd like to do a wildlife/whale watch too and maybe something active like canoe??

 

Open to either cruise or independent.

 

I've searched through the forums and read quite a bit, but happy to link to others that have already provided feedback on other threads.

 

Thanks in advance!

We have done the Misty fjord plane twice, no weather issues. These fill up quickly so I would make your decision soon.

I always tip the maids, they work very hard. A couple of dollars per night is sufficient and appreciated I am sure.

This is fantastic! Just stunning and I'm sure closer than any cruise ship would take me to Hubbard! (Me trying to reassure myself I'd be fine skipping it :p)

 

If they would leave at that time like you mentioned that makes the decision easier. Plus I noticed you did the drive to emerald lake during your time in Skagway and I was contemplating train vs drive so good to hear your positive experience by car. It would definitely be more affordable then tickets for all of us on the train!

 

Looks like Princess is the way to go (just need to convince my parents to come along ;))

 

While it may be my only trip to Alaska I'm still not sure about what the must sees are. Doug would you recommend the Tracy arm adventure bound tour from Juneau vs a trip to Mendenhall glacier?

 

And is missing out on Hubbard a huge loss? And is there a good time you recommend to book? Princess has the 3 for free promo right now but is that the best it'll get or should I wait until the new year?

 

Thanks again for everyone's input!

I wouldn't wait. Many people are staying away from Europe and Alaska is on many people's bucket list. Our ship more than half filled already. NCL vs Princess, I'd go with Princess every time. Word of caution the excursions can be very expensive. Happy Planning.

Thanks for the replies. Let me add more info.

We are a couple in our 30ish, planing to visit Vancouver, Seattle and a cruise. Time frame is 2 weeks in the end of August (work restrictions).

We have been on a cruise before with NCL Getaway to the eastern Caribbean and enjoyed the ship, the food and the port of calls very much. 7 nights is perfect. We can;t do more than this, and less probably won't takes us to the good places.

 

I understand Glacier bay is probably the best place to go, and Princess Millennium at August 25 is a good option, but it's not a must for us. We can settle for another glacier if necessary.

We would really prefer a roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver, but we are restricted by our time frame. The princess Millennial is 749$ each (before 350$ taxes and gratuities). are this the usual prices?

Glacier Bay is not just a glacier. It is a National Park and by its very designation different than the other glaciers you might see. Alaska is a popular destination these days and I have only seen the prices go up. Our ship is more than half filled already. Please keep in mind this is a completely different type of cruise than a Carrubesn Cruise. It's not sand and sun. In fact most days will be overcast. Alaska is about glaciers, mountains, nature and wildlife. I only say this because I want you to know what to expect and not be disappointed. We love it and this summer is our fifth trip to Alaska. Happy Planning.

We have been on several cruises to the Caribbean and now are looking into an Alaska cruise. My 5 traveling companions are ages 42, 40, 21, 21, 18 and I'm 55. We all love to cruise and generally select our cruise by time, ship or cruise line with price. I am still trying to wrap my head around cruising to where the weather will not be hot. It also appears that the ships the cruise to Alaska are smaller, older ships. From what I have read about cruises to Alaska, it is suggested to pick your itinerary first, then the ship and June is a good time to go. What about the inside passage - is that a must do? I've also heard something about a train ride. We normally cruise Carnival and RCCL. We love the RCCL ships but the like the Carnival activities (nightclubs, party themed activities) a little more than RCCL. We also are not a fan of YTD, Of course, we want to get the most bang for the buck. I'm looking for suggestions for cruise lines, ships, itineraries (must do) etc. We live in Kentucky and will be factoring in the airfare cost and the duration will need to be 8-14 days.

You have received some excellent advice here including a "must see" for Glacier Bay. If you are used to and want nightclubs, parties etc you will not find as much on Princess (our preferred line) or HAL. An Alaskan cruise is a different type of cruise. It's about the great outdoors and scenery, flight-seeing and whale watches. Make sure this interests you before committing because it is an expensive vacation. Happy Planning

OK, with the disclaimer that I may be totally off base here, my understanding of how this will work is the following: You charged $6,000 for a Princess cruise, which gets you 2x points or 12,000. At the normal 1% redemption rate that would give you a $120 statement credit. But since you had a Princess purchase in the last 180 days for more than $4,000 you can get a 2% redemption rate -- therefore your 12,000 points can be redeemed for $240. You spent $6,000; you get $240 back -- that's 4%.

I hope you're right.

We are going next July. I have Harv and Marv, Island Wings and our trip to Katmai booked. I also have several reservations at B and Bs booked. The big hotels in Denali and Talkeetna aren't available for reservations until next month.

I would try to find a cruise that includes Glacier Bay. We are cruising to Alaska for our fifth time next year, first time going southbound. We are taking a land tour that I planned myself. As you can see by my signature we have cruised NCL several times. We take the same cruise every years since it fits my husband's college break schedule. The food is below average. We only eat at the upcharge restaurants which is still below the quality of Princess's main dining room. Entertainment on NCL is superior to Princess. Princess is a more elegant environment but that might not be import to you. Whatever you choose you will love Alaska. If you can, save for the plane/helicopter excursions.

I have a Princess Visa card that I use just for Princess cruises and onboard expenses. You get 2 points for each 1$ spent with Princess. I've got thousands of points that I can redeem for onboard credit.

I have the same card Pam. I am just trying the understand the changes.

Not sure if the 180 days is for the promotion, or where you got that number, but points are valid for five (5) years from posting date and will expire if not redeemed.

According to the info I received today. "Remember you have 180s days to the date of purchase to redeem. "

I'm confused as well. What happens to our old points? Is that why you're buying on OBC in November Pam? Points have to be used within 180 days and your card cannot be inactive for more than 6 months.

We booked Katmai through Rust's Flying Service directly. I wouldn't wait too long. You do have to pay it all upfront.

You got some questionable responses. I have no idea why people are so snippy sometimes.... Sorry.

 

On my cruise in May I only booked two excursions at Icy Strait thru the cruise line. Otherwise I didn't see paying extra for something I could easily do myself considering I had over six months to take care of it. The price difference wasn't HUGE, but enough that it could pay for a meal or two, a few souvenir items, etc.

 

On the Dyea Dave tour we actually rode the train back from Frasier to Skagway and I picked up the tickets at the train station before leaving town - Dave took us by to do that, no big deal. I think we saved about $15 each - $30 total - just on those two tickets. You'll often see fear tactics used to scare you into buying through the cruise line because "those other tour operators might not get you back to the ship on time." Doubtful - they are as aware of the departure time as anyone and their livelihood depends on not having bad word of mouth. It would only take one bad experience broadcast here on the internet to ruin a small business.

 

Something interesting about Dave - he doesn't take credit cards, doesn't take deposits (unless it's a LARGE group) and you pay him after the tour is over. His guarantee: If you didn't enjoy the tour you don't owe him anything. He will take cash or a personal check. Since he was dropping us off at the train I tried to pay him there - NOPE! He said he'd pick us up back in Skagway and take us to the ship or wherever else in town we wanted to go. He was there waiting when the train stopped then took us by two shops we wanted to buy some things at. I had to practically force the money on him after that! I haven't broadcast this anywhere else because I didn't want others to ***EXPECT*** something like this: There was only four of us on the tour that day (early May); my cruise mate & me plus two ladies we didn't know. The two ladies didn't ride the train so after he dropped them off in town he picked us up and rode us around in the below. How cool and unexpected was that? There was about a hundred other people getting off the train as we rode off and I think most of them was staring. :D That's what makes doing your own thing more interesting. Even if you do only save a few bucks....

 

I wish CC had a like button inside of making a separate post. You a right on every point you made. Be nice people, it's easier to be helpful than semi-nasty.

Ok Alaska experts. I have revised my itinerary based on recommendations I have received and additional posts I have read. What is your feedback?

Day 1

Arrive Anchorage-spend the night and leave by car, early the next morning

Day 2

Matanuska Glacier overnight there. Glacier Hike

Day 3

Drive to Denali. Stay at Lodge

Day 4

Bus trip into Denali. Another night at Lodge

Day 5

Drive to Talkeetna. Afternoon flight over Denali. Stay in Talkeetna

Day 6

Talkeetna to Alyeska Stay overnight at resort.

Day 7

Alyeska to Kenai – Exit Glacier in the afternoon. Stay in Seward

Day 8

Cruise into Kenai NP if weather is good. Drive back to Anchorage. Overnight there

Day 9

Day flight to Katmai. Overnight in Anchorage

Day 10

Train to Whittier to board ship. 26 Glacier cruise if weather is good.

ATS: i am trying to be careful to not break the board rules about advertising, but i would suggest googling the book and looking carefully at what all is offered. For me, i got lots of inspiration from the book. A few tips: for big ticket items like flightseeing, its usually one coupon per tour or even one per day. So actually my planning obsession and early commitments to book got me those coveted slots. Also, while i was considering whether or not to purchase the book for a few weeks, it suddenly went on Sale for half price, itself. So maybe keep an eye on that- i will check back to when i bought it after i get back home. Everything said above seems accurate. And when i get off the cruiseship, i also intend to leave the book behind in the library.

Luggage: on the princess website after you pay your balance you can print out luggage tags and your boarding pass. Princess had nothing to do with my train arrangements, but as we were waiting to load the train, porters were looking for those tags and just took the liggage and put it in another car. We didnt have to ask, it was delivered to our room. I had other friends who did the princess sponsored bus transfer and their luggage took much longerto be delivered to their rooms.

Air arrangements: i dont have any tips, princess air offered comparable rates to travelocity.

 

I appreciate knowing that i am giving back to the community that made this trip happen for me. Thanks for all the feedback.

Thanks for the info about the luggage. That is great to know. Sounds like we can now take a glacier tour while in Whittier and not worry about how are luggage gets onboard.

the Toursaver book had that coupon for this year. Look at the website to see if there were date restrictions, etc

Thanks again. Waiting to hear from Planning is Half the Fun to see if Princess picks up your luggage from the train in Whittier.

I bought the Alaska Tour Saver for one of my land trips 5 or 6 yrs ago. I bought it primarily for the flightseeing coupon in Talkeetna; we were weathered out both days. :( That coupon alone would have made the purchase worthwhile.

 

I didn't book anything ahead of time. We were RV'g so we didn't have a fixed itinerary. In the end we didn't utilize the coupons as much as we hoped to because of poor weather conditions. We used it for the Gold Dredge in Fairbanks, and Kenai cruise (which was downgraded to a Bay tour due to rough seas),and a few other small activities.

 

The purchase wasn't worthwhile for me, so I haven't bought it for subsequent trips. But some people have saved a bundle .... as I said, it depends on your activities and how much you can utilize the coupons. So look carefully at what is offered. I gave my book to the next family that was waiting for the RV in Anchorage.

 

You can also buy the books in Alaska. I think the web site lists the locations.

Thanks mapleleaves. I guess I am just one of these plan ahead types. If the book has a bogo for the Anchorage to Whittier train it would be worth it for us.

The Alaska Toursaver and Northern Lights coupon books. Both are available on line starting around the end of November. Their web sites list each coupon that is offered. The initial cost is $ 100 and $55, so look carefully at the offerings to ensure that you will utilize enough coupons to make it worthwhile.

 

Also watch for groupons at each town. And some vendors will advertise special savings on their web site .... ie reserve now thru March to get a 25% discount.

So you didn't have any trouble booking in November. I am concerned about waiting. So it sounds like you found the purchase worthwhile.