Maybe a second chance?

[DryCreek]

OK folks,

Took our first (real)cruise last November on the Ecstasy out of Galveston. Loved the convenience of being able to drive to our departure port, and the day we spent there was great (as usual). We did the five day Western Caribbean. Overall, it was just OK - not as exciting as the wife had hoped for. By the way - did I mention that the cruise was her idea? I did enough deep water cruising in the Navy - but this was admittedly much better.

 

Anyway, we were disappointed with the shipboard "stuff" to do while waiting for a port call. The shows were (in our opinion) equivalent to what we usually see at Six Flags. We do not gamble except for maybe $5 or so on slots until we are bored with losing (about 10 minutes). My wife loves bingo, so she was disappointed with the short games they offered. When we go out, we typically visit C&W venues, so we didn't spend much time in the shipboard lounges. We both agreed that the MDR offered excellent food, and a good selection each night for dinner and each morning for breakfast. Really good food as a matter of fact.

 

All in all, we feel that we got our moneys worth, as I booked the trip at $279 P/P (ES) and then got $20 OBC when I found a price drop. We just don't feel that it is something we would do every year (or three).

 

We continue to receive Carnival e-mail solicitations on a regular basis - offering special rates for us past guests. I am the vacation planner. That is why I like WDW so much - just one call does it all. I queried the wife about another cruise (maybe early fall 2012, as February is Disneyland!) and she said that she might be interested in an Alaska cruise (first choice) and then maybe an Eastern Caribbean (second choice).

 

So, tell me about Alaskan cruises, please!

 

Oh, just to avoid the later discussion - yes, we have Passports and Passport Cards, and I am only a one-night smuggler (out of Galveston) until our BV order arrives!

[firefly333]

Actually, you sound like you would love Oasis and Allure, because they have so much more to do. It would keep you busy. We had people at our table who climbed the rock wall, did the surfing, crossed on the zip line, did the dance classes. i got my face painted with them one day, plus just seeing the ship. Its a ship that is a destination as much as a cruise.

 

For Alaska, Princess and Hal do it best imo. HAL has the most ships and the best prices and the food is good. Princess does the cruisetours so well and probably a little younger and I thought the food excellent. I would not pick RCL or Carnival for Aaska. Get a balcony for Alaska. You need to be able to hear if the ice cracks off during the night.

[5waldos]

>So, tell me about Alaskan cruises, please!

 

Very different from Caribbean cruises. Although I preferred Princess because of the wonderful naturalist onboard. Less emphasis on onboard activities and far more interest on what is out side.

 

I cruise to read and watch the ocean. I finally went to a show (ok...) and a comedy hour (not my cup of tea- I am not a prude but don't much like this kind of stuff). But the chance to sit and watch the ocean. read, have silly drinks, people watch- and just hang out- worth it to me.

 

Alaska cruises are really amazing though- the glaciers and scenery are really quite astonishing. No hairy chests (I don't think anyway) or needing to amuse yourself with games- I have been twice and want to go again.

[welldone60]

Sounds like you are not a fan of sea days. Look at the cruises leaving from San Juan, 7 day with 5 ports.

[DryCreek]

Sounds like you are not a fan of sea days. Look at the cruises leaving from San Juan, 7 day with 5 ports.

Actually, we do enjoy the relaxation of being away from it all, but I (we) bore easily. I can only lounge around the pool for an hour before I feel the need to get up and explore. The wife is the same way too. Her quote was "we can always lay around the pool at home". Actually, we only spend about an hour just cooling off in the pool before we end up starting another task such as feeding the cattle or setting out hay, or walking the (dry) creekline with the dogs to check fences.

I guess that I could have partaken in the Hairy Chest competition as I would have had a much better than average chance to win, but I think the wife would have had a different view of that.

 

The reason she is more agreeable to an Alaskan cruise is just because of the varied scenery. The inside passage does appeal to her as a changing view, unlike miles of vacant blue water in the Gulf/Caribbean. You could walk circles on the jogging track (more adequately described as pacing?) while watching the scenery change from North Western US Coastline to the rugged Canadian and then to a more Arctic type. That sounds very interesting to us both.

[5waldos]

I can sit and watch the ocean for hours. But I live in Colorado- mountains are not the ocean. The ocean is alive and living.

[royerhouse]

We love to cruise and we've been to Alaska twice with Princess (2008 and 2010). The scenery is the "entertainment" on these cruises and I promise, you won't care about what goes on on board! Princess is great about having National Park rangers or other Alaskan experts on board to narrate your experience for you. The ports on these cruises are small towns, for the most part, and are quaint and picturesque with lots of local and native culture. Our first trip was a cruisetour which included 4-5 days on land and is not to be missed. The second time, we did our land tour ourselves and also had a great time. Denali National Park was especially full of wildlife in July, 2010; less so in May, 2008, but still spectacular. Go for it! Email me if you have more questions: royerhouse@aol.com

[DryCreek]

The second time, we did our land tour ourselves and also had a great time.

Did you have to piecemeal the trip or are there TA's that can book a package deal? I also see that day cruises are offered from certain ports. That may be an option to check into, as well as an overnighter on the Alaska Ferry.

[serene56]

Alaska cruises run only from May though Sept.

 

I agree though- a cruise out of San Juan that is very port intensive may be the better answer.

 

whatever you do- do not look at a round trip hawaii cruise with 8 sea days. (LOL)

[Wayfairers]

Sounds like you would like Royal Caribbean (so much to do on board) if you try the Caribbean again.

 

However, you asked about Alaska. As another posted said, the view kept me mesmerized and I couldn't even tell you if our ship had activities! We were on Princess and it was a very good cruise - good staff, shows, etc. Glacier Bay was absolutely amazing. I would recommend you consider a cruisetour so you can see McKinley and some of the interior part of Alaska - just as pretty as the water views, but very different.

[firefly333]

Did you have to piecemeal the trip or are there TA's that can book a package deal? I also see that day cruises are offered from certain ports. That may be an option to check into, as well as an overnighter on the Alaska Ferry.

 

Princess especially has land sea deals. Same as any cruise, except you book as a cruise tour. Iv seen some awesome prices on sale a few times. TA or book direct. Not sure why folks love TAs myself.

 

There is a train ride to Denali. The train has glass so you have full views. the train ride is supposed to be totally awesome.

[anchorsores]

maybe you could find another couple to go with you. as much as i love to cruise i know it would not be as much fun if it was just my husband and i.

we always go with friends and/or family and have a blast.

[GloriaF]

Princess especially has land sea deals. Same as any cruise, except you book as a cruise tour. Iv seen some awesome prices on sale a few times. TA or book direct. Not sure why folks love TAs myself.

 

There is a train ride to Denali. The train has glass so you have full views. the train ride is supposed to be totally awesome.

 

I second Princess as the best Alaskan itineraries. A cruise and land tour includes all transportation and lodging inside Alaska, and Princess has their own Lodges.

 

We did the southbound from Whittier, AK to Vancouver in late May with a few days pre-cruise in AK on our own (flew into Anchorage) and a few days post cruise in Vancouver on our own. The cruise included a full day in Glacier Bay National Park and a Park Ranger was on board to escort us. There was also a Naturalist onboard giving lectures and sharing info, and pointing out special points of interest.

 

The Alaska season is mid to late May to mid September. May and Sept are the shoulder months when weather is colder and perhaps not as good and the fares are less to reflect that.

[klmorg]

I second Princess as the best Alaskan itineraries. A cruise and land tour includes all transportation and lodging inside Alaska, and Princess has their own Lodges.

 

We did the southbound from Whittier, AK to Vancouver in late May with a few days pre-cruise in AK on our own (flew into Anchorage) and a few days post cruise in Vancouver on our own. The cruise included a full day in Glacier Bay National Park and a Park Ranger was on board to escort us. There was also a Naturalist onboard giving lectures and sharing info, and pointing out special points of interest.

 

The Alaska season is mid to late May to mid September. May and Sept are the shoulder months when weather is colder and perhaps not as good and the fares are less to reflect that.

 

From my research... definitely Princess to Alaska. We're doing darn-near your same itinerary in early June! On our own to Denali area for a few days pre-cruise, then southbound from Whittier to Vancouver cruising thru Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, & Ketchikan. Although I LOVE my Carnival cruises, and especially the beautiful Caribbean, I am looking forward to Alaska!

[GlendaleCruiser]

I agree with Fly. Maybe a RCCL would have more for you to do.

 

Definitely consider Alaska. Make sure it goes to Glacier Bay and the three major cities. We loved it and it is entertainment by itself. My friend went to Sitka and saw the bears up close. We went on an excursion in Denali and met an Iditarod champion and saw his dog ranch.

[DryCreek]

maybe you could find another couple to go with you. as much as i love to cruise i know it would not be as much fun if it was just my husband and i.

we always go with friends and/or family and have a blast.

Actually, we are quite the opposite.

We travel together quite a bit with our side job of show cattle and her main job representing and agency. If I am off I go along with her to set up the displays and sometimes man the booth. I have even been known to act as a stand-in bartender once. When the real one came back, they didn't want him to serve. Complaints about weak drinks or something......

 

Disneyland in February will be just us, RV to Albuquerque, just us, - well, you get the picture.

[DryCreek]

Thanks for all of the ideas!

Alaska may be the target, but a port-rich cruise out of San Juan would be something the DW may consider too!

 

I haven't been to PR since I was a young single guy in the Navy. I wonder if.....

Oh, never mind.

[2perros]

Yeah, you need to do that trip. I couldn't get enough Amber beer & smoked salmon... Definitely a trip to do again!

[GloriaF]

We loved the fresh from the docks fried halibut and chips!

 

On Princess, they served traditional Alaskan dishes on the pool deck one day -- reindeer chili, I remember, was pretty good!