Which cruise line

Hi all

So I am hoping to do an Alaskan cruise next year. But there are like a gazillion cruises to choose from. Ill be on holiday for 3 weeks and our other holidays plans are still up in the air so I thought I might start by narrowing down cruises and then once other information is sorted I can pick from a short list. When it comes to what I wanna see, nature, beautiful scenery and a chunk of ice are my priority so ports of call at the moment aren’t important just yet.

So I was kinda hoping to pick a cruise line that suits me. I notice in peoples signatures that many have gone on alot of cruises with the same company so it must be something about that particular cruise line that people love. I guess cruise lines have personalities J

Anyway I thought if I told you all about myself and my travel companion my mother you might be able to suggest cruise lines we might like or dislike.

Ok so we are 2 married ladies travelling with out our husbands, Ill be 29 my mum will be 60. We are very casual people I'm a jeans and t shirt kinda gal. Although I will dress for dinner I tend to go for more, neat, smart rather than glitz and glamour. I am willing to dress to impress for “A” formal night just not every night. I like fitting in with the people around me so I guess I am looking for a more casual cruise line

I'm not sure if that’s enough info to help short list cruise line , if not please ask more questions

Thanks all:p

I would say if you got to keep it "casual" NCL.

If you can enjoy a couple dress up nights ( IE non jean and a nice shirt/tie for hubby ), Princess.

No matter what line you pick, make sure you get one that does Glacier Bay! As you did mention you got to see that "chunk of ice." :D

The others tops almost all the cruise ships stop at, Glacier bay not as many ships make that scenic run, make sure you catch one that does.

Hi all

So I am hoping to do an Alaskan cruise next year. But there are like a gazillion cruises to choose from. Ill be on holiday for 3 weeks and our other holidays plans are still up in the air so I thought I might start by narrowing down cruises and then once other information is sorted I can pick from a short list. When it comes to what I wanna see, nature, beautiful scenery and a chunk of ice are my priority so ports of call at the moment aren’t important just yet.

So I was kinda hoping to pick a cruise line that suits me. I notice in peoples signatures that many have gone on alot of cruises with the same company so it must be something about that particular cruise line that people love. I guess cruise lines have personalities J

 

Anyway I thought if I told you all about myself and my travel companion my mother you might be able to suggest cruise lines we might like or dislike.

Ok so we are 2 married ladies travelling with out our husbands, Ill be 29 my mum will be 60. We are very casual people I'm a jeans and t shirt kinda gal. Although I will dress for dinner I tend to go for more, neat, smart rather than glitz and glamour. I am willing to dress to impress for “A” formal night just not every night. I like fitting in with the people around me so I guess I am looking for a more casual cruise line

 

I'm not sure if that’s enough info to help short list cruise line , if not please ask more questions

Thanks all:p

In order to get the most out of this trip, you need to do some research. Read the thread called "GREAT INFO ON PLANNING CRUISE TO ALASKA ". Most people consider the itinerary the most important consideration for an Alaska cruise. So ...if you want to see glaciers, make sure your ship goes to Glacier Bay; if you want to see brown bears make sure your ship goes to a port that offers bear viewing excursions and that your cruise occurs during a time when bears are active. Go to a library and borrow a few travel books on Alaska or buy one, something like Fodors or Frommers or Anne Vipond's Alaska by Cruise Ship.

Go to the REVIEWS board on cruise critic and read MEMBER REVIEWS where travellers write reviews of the ship. Often times they include detailed trip reports to outline activities, excursions, recommendations, etc.

You are going to get as many opinions as there are ships and cruiselines. What I would be inclined to do is some research of my own and try to determine what I really wanted to see and when I want to do it. That said there are many fine ships and itineraries to Alaska. I have made many trips to Alaska spanning some 40 years and IMO one of the very finest itineraries is that offered by Princess and branded as the Voyage of the Glaciers; the southbound itinerary includes both the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. In 2012 Princess will be adding a fourth ship to this itinerary.

Hi Nelie,

You can get alot of information on the different cruise lines on cruisecritic.com- the site is full of very detailed cruise reviews.

We chose Princess for our Alaskan cruise and it was a great choice. There were both alot of young and older cruisers, and it was both formal at times and also laid back too. The itenerary is important, but I also believe the ship is too.

Good Luck in your search!

I suggest you may want to leave the "cruise" selection to last. :) Instead, first, determine how long you can go for, then decide if you want Interior Alaska touring. This eliminates a whole boat load of choices. :)

There are only 6 Alaska inside passage ports. Find out about them, and where your interests are for YOUR priority of touring. This will cut the list even further. Read up on the glacier/scenic sailing. THEN select a ship that offers your priorities.

With my sailing Celebrity this year, I will have sailed ALL the major lines in Alaska. Certainly they all offered excellent trips for me.

Hey thanks for the replies.

I know people have different opinions and that’s what I wanna hear, if you disagree with someone’s opinion then I wanna know, and why?

A few years ago I woke up one morning and went “I wanna go to Alaska” and I have no idea why? Must be all that subliminal messages in TV and movies haa haa. I have done some research on ports but nothing really jumped out at me, except of course Glacier Bay. Apart from that I'm just really looking forward to seeing all the scenery so itinerary isn’t as important, at least just yet. I know that seems a little usual but i was never one to do things the nromal way :D As a fair bit of time will be spent on the ship I figured I need to also find one I’ll be comfortable with.

I have only done one cruise and that was with NCL on pride of America around the Hawaiian Islands. I really loved that cruise and the atmosphere on the ship. I wasn’t sure if that atmosphere was associated with the environment we were in. Can anyone tell me if all NCL cruises are similar? Ill defintly look into princess and any other people can recommend or even tell me why I might not like some of the other cruise lines?

I do have an Alaskan travel book but there is so much to read about. Again wanted a short list so then I could do some real intense research and planning on stuff that will be useful.

Thanks for the quick replies looking forward to anyone else’s opinion

We are thinking of doing an escorted tour of either Alaska or Canada and some had add on cruise options

I just didnt want to blindly jump on any cruiseline just because it was part of the tour, ya know

thanks

You are going to get as many opinions as there are ships and cruiselines. What I would be inclined to do is some research of my own and try to determine what I really wanted to see and when I want to do it. That said there are many fine ships and itineraries to Alaska. I have made many trips to Alaska spanning some 40 years and IMO one of the very finest itineraries is that offered by Princess and branded as the Voyage of the Glaciers; the southbound itinerary includes both the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. In 2012 Princess will be adding a fourth ship to this itinerary.

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Alaska for 2012. We were originally going to do the Voyage of the Glaciers (southbound) because of getting both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. We've now been thinking about the Royal Caribbean one-way which includes one glacier (Hubbard) and 4 ports (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point). We're also doing a land portion and several of the excursions between the two will be glacier viewing such as the helicopter to Mendenhall, the Prince William Sound tour to Columbia Glacier, etc. We're pretty sure we have included enough excursions that we will have plenty of glacier viewing, but there is still that nagging question in the back of my head that wonders if we will be missing out by not doing Glacier Bay. We're trying to figure out if what we would see in Glacier Bay would be so much more spectacular than anything else, that we should switch back to the Princess Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. On the other hand, having that fourth port sounds so appealing because of Hoonah and having the chance to do a bear watching tour there also. Any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

In 2012 Princess will be adding a fourth ship to this itinerary.

I was wondering if you could tell me how you found out about a fourth ship being added and if you happen to know which one it will be? Thanks.

I cruised Alaska several years ago with Princess, which is one of my favorite cruise lines (the other being Celebrity). That being said, you will find that Princess and Holland America are the leaders in the Alaska market. One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is whether you want to include a land tour or just the cruise portion. In my opinion you will miss a lot if you don't do a land tour. THe downside is that you do not fly in and out of the same place. One end of the trip will be very long (depending on where you live).

Alaska has been my favorite cruise so far and I also did the Norwegian Pride of America which I did not like. Loved the destinations but the ship and service left a lot to be desired. Pride of America is different than the other NCL ships however as it it the only ship registered in the states and is not required to sail in international waters. THe staff are largely American with a different outlook than the traditional cruise ship staff.

Back to Alaska, I found the cruise to be less formal than other cruises, possibly because of the itinerary and possibly because I went in May and it was still chilly. If you want to see bears it is best to go later in the summer and when the salmon are running because the salmon bring out the bears. We did not get to see that, but I liked the fact that everything was less crowded early in the season.

As others have mentioned, decide what ports you want to do, and check airfare on either end which may help you make a decision. I will add a vote for Princess who had everything down to a science and transferred people and luggage seamlessly between the ship, the train, the busses and the lodges. Keep in mind too that land tours do not include food so that is an additional cost and in most locations there are not many restaurant options.

Whatever you decide you will have a fabulous time!

I was wondering if you could tell me how you found out about a fourth ship being added and if you happen to know which one it will be? Thanks.

Princess announced it months ago - 2012 itineraries are being released next Thursday (the 17th).

Princess announced it months ago - 2012 itineraries are being released next Thursday (the 17th).

Amazing!! I called Princess the other day and they told me what you just wrote. After reading the post by "Putterdude" today, I called Princess to ask about the fourth ship and they checked and said they didn't have any information on that. She said she even checked with her supervisor. So, I asked her about the date they would go on sale just to see what she would tell me. She said the didn't have a date. I told her about getting that info from the previous Princess rep and she said they hadn't gotten anything like that. Then she said that maybe it came from a travel agent because the cruises go on sale with the travel agents weeks before going on sale through the cruiseline. Can you tell me if that is actually true? I was bummed to find that out, if it is.

Do you know what the 4th Princess ship there will be or where any additional info would be found? Thank you.

Amazing!! I called Princess the other day and they told me what you just wrote. After reading the post by "Putterdude" today, I called Princess to ask about the fourth ship and they checked and said they didn't have any information on that. She said she even checked with her supervisor. So, I asked her about the date they would go on sale just to see what she would tell me. She said the didn't have a date. I told her about getting that info from the previous Princess rep and she said they hadn't gotten anything like that. Then she said that maybe it came from a travel agent because the cruises go on sale with the travel agents weeks before going on sale through the cruiseline. Can you tell me if that is actually true? I was bummed to find that out, if it is.

 

Do you know what the 4th Princess ship there will be or where any additional info would be found? Thank you.

Ah, Princess reps! Everyone has known for months that March 17th is the release date, and on that day all travel agents, online discounters, AND PRINCESS will have 2012 Alaska cabins available for booking.

Ah, Princess reps! Everyone has known for months that March 17th is the release date, and on that day all travel agents, online discounters, AND PRINCESS will have 2012 Alaska cabins available for booking.

Thanks. It just didn't sound right, but crazy things do happen. I appreciate the info.

Ah, Princess reps! Everyone has known for months that March 17th is the release date, and on that day all travel agents, online discounters, AND PRINCESS will have 2012 Alaska cabins available for booking.

Does anyone know the dates the Alaska 2012 sales will start for the other cruiselines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity?

Does anyone know the dates the Alaska 2012 sales will start for the other cruiselines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity?

Celebrity will be available March 28th and RCI is usually the same day.

Celebrity will be available March 28th and RCI is usually the same day.

Once again, thank you so much.

I cruised Alaska several years ago with Princess, which is one of my favorite cruise lines (the other being Celebrity). That being said, you will find that Princess and Holland America are the leaders in the Alaska market. One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is whether you want to include a land tour or just the cruise portion. In my opinion you will miss a lot if you don't do a land tour. THe downside is that you do not fly in and out of the same place. One end of the trip will be very long (depending on where you live).

 

Alaska has been my favorite cruise so far and I also did the Norwegian Pride of America which I did not like. Loved the destinations but the ship and service left a lot to be desired. Pride of America is different than the other NCL ships however as it it the only ship registered in the states and is not required to sail in international waters. THe staff are largely American with a different outlook than the traditional cruise ship staff.

 

Back to Alaska, I found the cruise to be less formal than other cruises, possibly because of the itinerary and possibly because I went in May and it was still chilly. If you want to see bears it is best to go later in the summer and when the salmon are running because the salmon bring out the bears. We did not get to see that, but I liked the fact that everything was less crowded early in the season.

 

As others have mentioned, decide what ports you want to do, and check airfare on either end which may help you make a decision. I will add a vote for Princess who had everything down to a science and transferred people and luggage seamlessly between the ship, the train, the busses and the lodges. Keep in mind too that land tours do not include food so that is an additional cost and in most locations there are not many restaurant options.

 

Whatever you decide you will have a fabulous time!

I had considered Princess as i heard they do a good alaskan cruise. I wasnt sure Holland America Line was the right company for me but i notice alot of tour cruises are with that line. So i'm thinking they do a good Alaskan cruise too.

Now you didnt like NCL POA cruise, Yet i did! Now it was my first cruise and i tried to keep an open mind as i had read some bad reviews.I found it to be really good, however we did spend alot of time off the ship. Left as soon as we could to do excusrions, came back for lunch then off again on free shuttle to do shopping. So we didnt use alot of the facilities during the day. So i am wondering if i found the cruise to be ok because i dont know any better. Now that could be a good thing and a bad thing.

Seeing bears isn't a must, I mean sure if it would be great but not a must.

Thanks for all the advice. Any more is welcomed and ill discuss all this with my mum and see what she says thanks all

Do you know what the 4th Princess ship there will be or where any additional info would be found? Thank you.

Diamond, Sapphire, Coral and Island are doing the 2012 Voyage of the glaciers route. They are bringing the Star back to Seattle to replace the Sapphire.

http://content.princess.com/pcan/images/1700/2012-2013_overview.pdf

Diamond, Sapphire, Coral and Island are doing the 2012 Voyage of the glaciers route. They are bringing the Star back to Seattle to replace the Sapphire.

 

http://content.princess.com/pcan/images/1700/2012-2013_overview.pdf

Thank you for providing the link. I just hate the fact that every time I call the cruiselines, I end up getting false information. I just never know anymore unless I post it on here and wait for someone to post a reply.

Now you didnt like NCL POA cruise, Yet i did! Now it was my first cruise and i tried to keep an open mind as i had read some bad reviews.I found it to be really good, however we did spend alot of time off the ship. Left as soon as we could to do excusrions, came back for lunch then off again on free shuttle to do shopping. So we didnt use alot of the facilities during the day. So i am wondering if i found the cruise to be ok because i dont know any better. Now that could be a good thing and a bad thing.

 

It isn't a matter of "knowing any better". I too have no complaints about NCL Pride of America, and last month was my 4th time sailing this itinerary, on number 69 cruise for me. Everyone is different. :)

What ever you choose for Alaska, certainly will offer you an excellent adventure. The differences will be to fill your priorities.

Hi- I do agree with all the previous posters as to determine what YOU want to see. With three weeks holiday you ABSOLUTELY should spend some time seeing this wonderfully beautiful state. My recommendation would be to spend sometime on land first, and the go Southbound to Vancouver.

My wife and I traveled with two other couples who are long time friends. We stayed in FABULOUS bed and breakfasts (our first stays in B&B's- since Alaska we check them out FIRST when traveling), rented a car to drive around in and made all our own travel arrangements. We have traveled quite extensively, and the Alaskan land experience soared right to the top of our list

We went on Diamond Princess and had a great time. 5 of the days we were VERY casual as most are on Alaskan Cruises.

I currently have a video posted on the Diamond Princess Alaskan cruise. The part one link also has a brief tour of the ship and pictures of a mini-suite at the end.The links are below.

No matter what you choose you are in for a treat

John

Office of Purple Mountains Majesty

The Zamgwar Institute

Part two-Diamond Princess

Part one- Alaska-Land

I also recently woke up & decided that I wanted to cruise Alaska.

I started with idea "A" & have changed that plan a lot after doing a bit of research.

So do some research!

Earlier this week I thought I would want/need a balcony, I am back inside as of right now. (I'll take a free upgrade - wink) Also earlier this week, I thought that I would want to go on one of the cruise brands that I have been on previously (for some ambiguous perk) now I am about ready to sign up for a new to me line. Earlier this week, I thought that I would want to have a return trip from Seattle, now I am ready to do a r/t from Vancouver. Earlier this week, I did not fully comprehend that I was feel as though I had missed something if I did not go to Glacier Bay - now I will make sure that that is on the itinerary.

See what I mean about doing your research!

I also recently woke up & decided that I wanted to cruise Alaska.

 

I started with idea "A" & have changed that plan a lot after doing a bit of research.

 

So do some research!

 

Earlier this week I thought I would want/need a balcony, I am back inside as of right now. (I'll take a free upgrade - wink) Also earlier this week, I thought that I would want to go on one of the cruise brands that I have been on previously (for some ambiguous perk) now I am about ready to sign up for a new to me line. Earlier this week, I thought that I would want to have a return trip from Seattle, now I am ready to do a r/t from Vancouver. Earlier this week, I did not fully comprehend that I was feel as though I had missed something if I did not go to Glacier Bay - now I will make sure that that is on the itinerary.

 

See what I mean about doing your research!

Wow we are so totally on the same wavelength. I was in my early 20s when I got this epiphany that I wanted to see Alaska. When I mentioned it to my ex and other people they thought I was crazy, why Alaska:confused:? So I got disheartened and I was like seriously how am I going to see Alaska it’s not exactly tourist central. (Ahh my poor naive 20 year old self):D SO I put Alaska in the back of my mind.

Then a few years ago I saw these cruise/ land tours being offered so I jumped back on the Alaska bandwagon. Only to be knocked back off by other people telling me cruising was for old people or singles trying to pick up:eek: (Ahh my poor naive stupid family and friends). It wasn’t until I jumped head first into a Hawaiian holiday (that included a Hawaiian cruise) (without asking all the questions first), that I found this site and lots of people from different ages and backgrounds cruising Alaska and loving it.

So now I am back on the Alaska crusade again.

I’ve gathered some cruise brochures and keep looking at the photos which are mainly of the scenery off the ship and the cruise ship in the water with like ice and stuff around it. Only really see small photos of the ports. So I have been reading these things for awhile now so I am really psyched on seeing that kind of scenery. Which is why I guess I am finding the ports so unimportant at this time and focusing on the ship?

Yeah I'm not too sure on a balcony either. We had one in Hawaii and it was great. Every morning I woke up and walked out on it in my pjs and it was nice to see us pulling into a new harbour and getting some great shots. I did watch the volcano viewing from there but not the Na Pali coast .I went up on deck so I could mingle with other people and see their reaction. We got the balcony as there we 3 of us, 2 female adults 1 male child. Figured it was a nice place to duck out if someone wanted to change and we thought 3 in a window room might feel claustrophobic. My mum has never been on a cruise and does suffer a bit from claustrophobia so I thought balcony. Although she can handle the plane ride so I thought not. Then I was like it would be good to go out and escape from her on the balcony. And then I was like, but she might follow me out and then I might have to throw her over board J

Well I have plenty of time to research, was just looking for a direction to head in instead of walking around aimlessly. I look forward to reading some of the new reviews coming up in the next few months from recent trips.

Thanks all and good luck with your planning.