Sawyer Glacier or Glacier Bay? Which and why?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It's helpful reading all the opinions here - though we already booked the Jewel for late June ('12) and are looking forward to seeing Sawyer Glacier. Having ALL of our sailings out of Florida thus far, choosing this one was tough!!!

 

 

Tom

[Bars7816]

Well, have you seen all of the Caribbean?? Soooooo much cheaper, as you know. Wait for the Breakaway. It's probably heading for the Caribbean with the rest of the herd! :)

[Countrygirl44]

Mike, a cruise to Alaska is really hard to describe. The scenery is awesome. It is like no where else I have ever been. Next year we are going to Hawaii instead of Alaska, and I am second guessing if I made a good decision. I am really looking ahead to the 2013 rates and book the R/T Vaancouver on HAL.

As I was telling you Sunday, HAL is having a sale now. I did a "fake" booking and a J Inside (2 cabins) would be $5,103.58. It looks like all the third person would pay would be the port/govt. taxes. This was the website rate. If you are working with a TA, I would suspect you could even get cheaper. Also maybe cheaper if you booked a guarantee.

I even looked at round trip air from San Diege to Vancouver and it is pricing about $671.00 a person including taxes. I think Seattle would be a good bit cheaper and then you could do train or shuttle to Vancouver and back. Now by the time you would pay all of that, I am not sure how much cheaper.

R/T Seattle is cheaper but you do not get two glaciers and the scenic inside passage. That is why I want to do the R/T Vancouver.

This cruise I just priced is on the Zuiderdam and for the May 26 sailing (Saturday).

 

Good Luck Mike, you have received lots of information and lots of suggestions.

 

Just my thoughts, DH and I will not cruise the Caribbean again. :mad: It is just not where we enjoy being. I have seen fantastic Caribbean,

Bahamas, and Bermuda sailings that the price is soooooo tempting. It would be a "cheap" vacation even if we did not even get off the ship. :)

[chipmaster]

My 2cents is sailing Alaska is all about scenic cruising, differences and allegiance to a line or ship is the wrong priority.

 

Glacier Bay or Hubbard is the first choice. There is a reason Glacier Bay is a National Park.

 

I've sailed Glacier, College Fjord, and Tracy Arm. Their beauty and desirability IMHO that order. Squeze Hubbard right after Glaicer Bay. You can complain about it being more expensive, it is worth it. Sail Tracy / Sawyer and yes you get some nice Fjords but it is totall hit and more likely miss that you will get close to the glacier, maybe miles away and a distant view.

 

I'd pick the one way or round trip that gets you Glacier on the cabin you can afford. I'd take an inside cabin to Glacier Bay over an outside balcony on another ship to Tracy any day.

[Countrygirl44]

Mike, I did another HAL fake booking for May 19 R/T Seattle. Third and Fourth passengers are not free on these cruises. Total for six (2 inside rooms) would be $5088.66 (again, this is the website price, maybe the TA would have better). This is Glacier Bay and does Sitka instead of Skagway. The beauty of this cruise is non stop air for $269.35 a person including taxes.

I might even be willing to forgo my "staying the night before in the port city" policy on this one since it leaves San Diege about 6 in the am, arriving Seattle around 9:30...would possibly give some second chances if the first flight was cancelled or delayed.

I read somewhere that if that if a person cannot arrive the day before the cruise departure and you have to fly into the port city the day of the cruise that to (1) try to get a non stop flight and (2) Depart as early as possible the morning of the cruise.

I glanced at Princess and NCL and they were a little more than HAL. They were both still R/T Seattle with Glacier Bay. They did Skagway instead of Sitka. I have never been to Sitka (always Skagway) so I could not make a comment on this port.

I think the HAL cruises would also qualify for the 50% deposit.

When DH and I are in the "cruise booked mode", we do not do birthday, anniversay, or Christmas presents to each other. What we would pay for gifts, go into the cruise account.

Good Luck Mike!

[auntierobin]

Dr. Football

I took those pictures with either a Pentax Optio W90 or a Kodak Z1275.

 

I used one and when the batteries started getting low would switch to the other while my DH changed the batteries. I know you are thinking wow do those cameras suck up the juice, but the pictures on Webshots is but only a very few of the 1800 I took.

 

The Pentax is a waterproof camera, the Kodak is just a camera.

 

Tom - n - Cheryl

When in June are you sailing, we are on the Jewel the 16th. You will love Alaska -we have done both Glacier Bay on Pearl and Sawyer on the Star-

either itinerary is pretty spectacular. As soon as we saw the Jewel was going to be in Alaska we jumped on it - she is our favorite. If we had to pick only one place we could sail to it would be Alaska.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Tom - n - Cheryl

When in June are you sailing, we are on the Jewel the 16th. You will love Alaska -we have done both Glacier Bay on Pearl and Sawyer on the Star-

either itinerary is pretty spectacular. As soon as we saw the Jewel was going to be in Alaska we jumped on it - she is our favorite. If we had to pick only one place we could sail to it would be Alaska.

 

Right now it's the 30th - though I am still working out details with my schedule for next year. Once we have everything firmed up, then we can look at flights and such.

 

Thus far (w/NCL) we have only sailed on the Sky and the Epic, though we are heading out on a two nighter on the Pearl in a couple of weeks. That should give us a good idea as to what the Jewel will be like... and same cabin for both.

 

Tom

[khall]

Wow, you all are making me glad we finally decided to try Alaska! ;)

 

Mike, not sure if you gambled at all on the Epic when you went but if you did you could always call CAS and see if they could offer you a deal (we do this with all our cruises on NCL). We like to spend some time in the casino but don't go crazy and we got a nice deal for our Alaska cruise based on our previous play.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Wow, you all are making me glad we finally decided to try Alaska! ;)

 

Mike, not sure if you gambled at all on the Epic when you went but if you did you could always call CAS and see if they could offer you a deal (we do this with all our cruises on NCL). We like to spend some time in the casino but don't go crazy and we got a nice deal for our Alaska cruise based on our previous play.

 

They can save you some $. Thanks to the time I put in at the casino (and didn't lose... WOO HOO) on the Epic in February, our November return was discounted $2,000 !!! I think I'll have to wait until after that sailing (or perhaps the Pearl - though it's only a 2 nighter) before I can see if they can take over the booking for the Jewel to save some $ there as well.

 

Tom

[cole]

As for the difference in Glacier Bay and Sawyer cruises, Glacier Bay is wonderful as is Sawyer. I don't know how much you plan on spending on excursions, but on the Sawyer cruise you can take one that takes you within a quarter mile of the glaciers, even if the ship can't get in the excursion boats can, plus you get to see all sorts of wildlife up close and personal including the newborn seals on ice floes. and there is a naturalist on board.

 

The trip is in a boat that has an inside deck and two decks of outside viewing area, inside is heated with almost floor to ceiling windows, outside is not.

They serve hot chocolate, coffee, tea, etc for free with food available for purchase, nice clean restrooms (it is about a 6 hour trip). Plus it is a hoot when the ship comes to pick you up.

 

Is the excursion booked through NCL or is it a private one? We would be interested in doing this if it looks like the ship would not be able to enter in May. Also, what port does the excursion leave from?

Thanks,

B. Cole

I .

[auntierobin]

It is booked through NCL. I think that you can only book it through NCL, because the ship has to come and pick you up. See my Webshots photo link in my previous post.

[stephenandrew]

Thanks Hikini. So these prices are higher than normal? Do they tend to go down at all? I just can't fathom paying over $8k for two balcony rooms, plus airfare.

 

It has been a number of years since we "did" Alaska---2004 When we did, my wfe and I went with Princess and did a 4 day land/train tour from Fairbanks to Anchoarage, and then a 7 day south bound cruise to Vancouver (balcony cabin). I just pulled out my papers from that trip. We got our own air, so just the price for the tour/cruise was about $5600. So you are not pricing in the land tour, but $4000 per cabin seems pretty close to what we paid, and that was 8 years ago.

 

For what it is worth, if you can swing it, I would spend the extra coin doing the interior of Alaska pre or post cruise (unless you have done that before). To do this, you cannot do a RT cruise, but for me, the interior of Alaska (Talkeetna, Denali) were some of the highlights of the trip.

[k9sar]

well sdmike, we're booked on the Jewel heading to Sawyer. The amount we save on this itinerary can be spent on an excursion to get up close and personal with the glacier. You can read the opinions but, unless you want to forfeit the deposit, we're heading up Tracy Arm. :-)

[sdmike]

yep! An extra $200 per person...for 14 of us...to go to Glacier Bay didn't seem worth it. We'll go see Mendenhal too. Lots of glacier to see :)

[Budget Queen]

yep! An extra $200 per person...for 14 of us...to go to Glacier Bay didn't seem worth it. We'll go see Mendenhal too. Lots of glacier to see :)

 

Sorry, but this is a well worth it, expense. Glacier Bay is spectacular, with excellent viewing of at least 4 glaciers. With your Tracy Arm itinerary= in my opinion, the add on ship excursion is a "must" and "necessary", since it is so FAR superior to the cruise ship transit. On average only about 25% of the cruiseships get within view of the glaciers. Mendenhall is no where on the scale. So your "lots of glacier" comment is not what you are expecting.

 

Plenty of people are happy with their Alaska cruises, but it helps to be well informed.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Sorry, but this is a well worth it, expense. Glacier Bay is spectacular, with excellent viewing of at least 4 glaciers. With your Tracy Arm itinerary= in my opinion, the add on ship excursion is a "must" and "necessary", since it is so FAR superior to the cruise ship transit. On average only about 25% of the cruiseships get within view of the glaciers. Mendenhall is no where on the scale. So your "lots of glacier" comment is not what you are expecting.

 

Plenty of people are happy with their Alaska cruises, but it helps to be well informed.

 

In our case, this will just give us a reason to go back and see something different next time. Our excursion out of Juneau is already booked and paid for... :)

 

I read some great reviews HERE, that helped seal the deal for me!

 

Tom

[Budget Queen]

duplicate

[Budget Queen]

In our case, this will just give us a reason to go back and see something different next time. Our excursion out of Juneau is already booked and paid for... :)

 

I read some great reviews HERE, that helped seal the deal for me!

 

Tom

 

This tour is what I am talking about. The difference in funds is about the same as noted by the other poster, claiming that "$200 " pp was not "worth" it to them, for Glacier Bay.

 

I have personally sailed Tracy Arm several times and only will do so on a boat tour. Always way superior to any cruiseship transit. BUT, Glacier Bay is certainly my preference, just excellent all the way around.

 

I put together a photo sample of Tracy Arm, showing the differences with a small boat tour, you never would see any of the wildlife from a cruiseship and they don't stop either. This particular sailing was the first time that season the cruiseship had a South Sawyer Glacier view- third week of July, and that photo shows the closest it got, taken with a normal lens. As I keep saying, big difference. http://community.webshots.com/user/budgetqueen

[sdmike]

This tour is what I am talking about. The difference in funds is about the same as noted by the other poster, claiming that "$200 " pp was not "worth" it to them, for Glacier Bay.

 

I have personally sailed Tracy Arm several times and only will do so on a boat tour. Always way superior to any cruiseship transit. BUT, Glacier Bay is certainly my preference, just excellent all the way around.

 

I put together a photo sample of Tracy Arm, showing the differences with a small boat tour, you never would see any of the wildlife from a cruiseship and they don't stop either. This particular sailing was the first time that season the cruiseship had a South Sawyer Glacier view- third week of July, and that photo shows the closest it got, taken with a normal lens. As I keep saying, big difference. http://community.webshots.com/user/budgetqueen

 

Thanks for the feedback. You make some good points. I'll discuss with the others and see if a change is in order.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

This tour is what I am talking about. The difference in funds is about the same as noted by the other poster, claiming that "$200 " pp was not "worth" it to them, for Glacier Bay.

 

I have personally sailed Tracy Arm several times and only will do so on a boat tour. Always way superior to any cruiseship transit. BUT, Glacier Bay is certainly my preference, just excellent all the way around.

 

I put together a photo sample of Tracy Arm, showing the differences with a small boat tour, you never would see any of the wildlife from a cruiseship and they don't stop either. This particular sailing was the first time that season the cruiseship had a South Sawyer Glacier view- third week of July, and that photo shows the closest it got, taken with a normal lens. As I keep saying, big difference. http://community.webshots.com/user/budgetqueen

 

Thanks for the photo link - very nice!

 

BTW - another reason I picked the Jewel was the Saturday-Saturday schedule, over the Sunday-Sunday one. That's just a personal preference of ours, probably going back to work on Tuesday following the cruise, and not be as rushed.

 

Tom

[clarkg]

Been to Sawyer Glacier 4 times, only seen the Glacier twice because Tracy Arm is clogged with ice most times and the ships can't get through, taking the tour would be more of a sure thing. I have also been to Glacier Bay and would recommend that over Sawyer. Sawyer is amazing if it's not fogged in or too icy for the ship to get close. But it is most of the time that way.

[Budget Queen]

A general final comment I will make. At ANY time, but most frequently happening in May and June, is the NON sailing of Tracy Arm and the last minute substitute of Endicott Arm. You will get NO warning of this. Problem is, then the prebooked Tracy Arm ship boat tour, is NOT worth it, and you have no way of canceling. Endicott Arm, is way down the pole for me, comparing all the scenic glacier areas of Alaska. It is a bay, accessable easily by the cruiseship. A look at a so so glacier, and you sail out. There is little advantage of being in the small boat, with only getting a little closer.

 

So, if you are sailing in May, this definately has to be thought about- and if accepting of a less than ideal costly boat tour. I would say up to 50% of the cruiseships do detour to Endicott in May. (and some people don't even realize they aren't in Tracy Arm)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

A general final comment I will make. At ANY time, but most frequently happening in May and June, is the NON sailing of Tracy Arm and the last minute substitute of Endicott Arm. You will get NO warning of this. Problem is, then the prebooked Tracy Arm ship boat tour, is NOT worth it, and you have no way of canceling. Endicott Arm, is way down the pole for me, comparing all the scenic glacier areas of Alaska. It is a bay, accessable easily by the cruiseship. A look at a so so glacier, and you sail out. There is little advantage of being in the small boat, with only getting a little closer.

 

So, if you are sailing in May, this definately has to be thought about- and if accepting of a less than ideal costly boat tour. I would say up to 50% of the cruiseships do detour to Endicott in May. (and some people don't even realize they aren't in Tracy Arm)

 

Since we'll basically be there the first week of July - can I assume that such is rarely an issue then?

 

Tom

[sdmike]

A general final comment I will make. At ANY time, but most frequently happening in May and June, is the NON sailing of Tracy Arm and the last minute substitute of Endicott Arm. You will get NO warning of this. Problem is, then the prebooked Tracy Arm ship boat tour, is NOT worth it, and you have no way of canceling. Endicott Arm, is way down the pole for me, comparing all the scenic glacier areas of Alaska. It is a bay, accessable easily by the cruiseship. A look at a so so glacier, and you sail out. There is little advantage of being in the small boat, with only getting a little closer.

 

So, if you are sailing in May, this definately has to be thought about- and if accepting of a less than ideal costly boat tour. I would say up to 50% of the cruiseships do detour to Endicott in May. (and some people don't even realize they aren't in Tracy Arm)

 

We are sailing in late July. Maybe we have a better chance of getting up near the glacier. I've actually been to Sawyer before when I was working in Juneau. I've also hiked on Mendenhal. I've had my fill of glaciers, but it would be nice if the rest of our group got a nice view.

[palmyrafan]

DH and I much prefer Glacier Bay. Glacier's on all sides of the ship, regardless of which area of the ship you are on.

 

While both glaciers are beautiful, Glacier Bay took our breath away. We cruised on the Pearl through Glacier Bay and we spent about 7 hours there taking in everything there was to see. Because we were the only ship there that day we got to take our time and really enjoy the beauty and the majesty of all the glaciers.

 

Sawyer Glacier, again, we were the only ship out there the day we went, but it was not near as majestic or as beautiful, IMO, as Glacier Bay. We took my parents and my dad was freaking out about how the captain was going to be able to turn the ship around from a standstill to get us out of the Sawyer Glacier area. Was not near as impressed with Sawyer Glacier.