Which cruise line? Help!

[OC PAT]

We are RCCL fans but my TA said we might want to consider HAL, Princess or Celebrity in that order because they have been doing Alaska longer. So I had picked Oosterdam and read recent reviews that were just very negative. I looked at Princess but the Crown is in Europe this year and will be Alaska so no reviews for Alaska in May

 

We are cruisers, 15 priors in Caribbean and Panama Canal. Ages 60 and 63 living in Maryland. We want to do a 3 day land tour and then a 7 day cruise. We want balcony-spoiled we are and we like assigned dining. We want to go in May, 2014. We do have to watch our pennies but acknowledge that money spent affords more pleasures.

 

Cruise Critic folks have always been so helpful in our former cruises and now I am really confused and need your help. I just want a good cruise in Alaska on a ship that will serve us well!

 

Thank you for your time and consideration

OC PAT

[OC PAT]

Since we have not been to Alaska before I am very overwhelmed with what we want to see but it does look like we want an inside passage. Where we start and end doesn't matter. I know we want to see glaciers (given weather permit), wild life and dog sleds. Entertainment, gyms and Casinos are not something we frequent on a ship. Just further info to help with your recommendations for a decent cruise ship/line in Alaska.

[Markanddonna]

Hi,

 

I've been to Alaska three times now, most recently on the Westerdam this past June 1st. I have to say that I enjoyed the Pearl a bit more, but you said you wanted traditional seating. That said, I would give the Solstice or another Celebrity a try. It appeared one negative about the Solstice this summer was that they had to tender in Juneau, but that might not be the case next summer, so check on that for next May. I would also try to get a sailing where they visit Glacier Bay.

 

Good luck! Alaska is wonderful.

[PlanoDebbie]

We are about to leave for Alaska on our 3rd cruise there in 8 years. It is by far our favorite location.

 

This will be our 2nd time with Princess, on the same ship. Sapphire. We absolutely loved Princess the last time. Food was spectacular. Service was spectacular. We had absolutely zero complaints. Hopefully we will think the same thing on this trip.

 

Last time to Alaska was on HAL Amsterdam. Very few activities on the ship, so we got lots of rest.

 

On our first trip we did a 7 day RT out of Seattle and had a mini suite w/balcony. I will never get a balcony to Alaska again. It's too cold on most days to truly enjoy sitting out there. We prefer an Oceanview room.

 

Our 2nd trip was a 14 day RT out of Seattle in an OV room. We loved it. When viewing any of the glaciers, you will get a much better view by going out onto one of the large public decks.

 

We are leaving in 12 days for another 14 day RT out of Vancouver. Can't wait.

 

If you have tons of airline miles that you can use, my suggestion is to wait until about 4-6 weeks before you want to do your cruise and book at that time. Our first cruise with the mini suite was $1899 pp for a week. Three years ago we booked the 14 day cruise for $1080 pp with an OV room. For our current cruise leaving the end of the month, we only paid $799 pp for 14 days on Princess for an OV room. Since we didn't have enough miles for our airline tickets, we had to pay about $625 pp for that. Still much cheaper than had we booked the cruise months earlier. Not sure if we can post the website we booked through, but it starts with Vacations and ends with To Go dot com.

 

Ketchikan is a great port to walk around and see tons of stuff on the cheap. My suggestion is to pick one port where you want to do a really awesome excursion. Pick one port to do a simple excursion, and just walk around in Ketchikan.

[Budget Queen]

We are RCCL fans but my TA said we might want to consider HAL, Princess or Celebrity in that order because they have been doing Alaska longer. So I had picked Oosterdam and read recent reviews that were just very negative. I looked at Princess but the Crown is in Europe this year and will be Alaska so no reviews for Alaska in May

 

We are cruisers, 15 priors in Caribbean and Panama Canal. Ages 60 and 63 living in Maryland. We want to do a 3 day land tour and then a 7 day cruise. We want balcony-spoiled we are and we like assigned dining. We want to go in May, 2014. We do have to watch our pennies but acknowledge that money spent affords more pleasures.

 

Cruise Critic folks have always been so helpful in our former cruises and now I am really confused and need your help. I just want a good cruise in Alaska on a ship that will serve us well!

 

Thank you for your time and consideration

OC PAT

 

Frankly, your agent is off the mark. The "doing Alaska longer"??? What does that mean? The only new comer is Disney. The other major companies have been up to Alaska for years. I don't recall of any reports of ships being off course etc? :)

 

You are way ahead of yourself with your booking. I suggest you back up and find out about Alaska. You need the information about ports and glaciers, understand the vast differences. Look at the route and itinerary. THEN find a ship that offers your preferences. Ports- find out about each, they are each, very different from the others. Determine your interests for touring- budget for this, this is half of your Alaska visit.

 

3 days is usually a poor choice for a cruisetour, as it is most all transit. Do your homework- and find out about the specific details that will direct you to the one best for you. It is far superior to make the right informed choices to begin with. Few are willing to change bad selection, once they find out it's not what they thought or want.

[Skai]

Something to keep in mind for one wanting to visit Glacier Bay as part of their Alaska cruise itinerary..... RCCL has been banned from sailing into Glacier Bay for illegal dumping, and I also believe that Celebrity does not have permits to sail into GB as well.

 

Having sailed Princess a few times, I've always been pleased with our experience w/ them.

[OC PAT]

Skai-yes I do want to go to Glacier Bay so that info helps.

 

BudgetQueen-yes, I agree researching is essential. We have been researching for 2 yrs. but now in more detail. I think my TA was talking about HAL and Princess having a leadership role, have their own properties and his overall experiences with the different cruise lines. He has never steered me wrong but we do tend to disagree on some matters. Again my questions were more about the ship/cruise line since it appears that most of the cruise lies have similar itinerary. I do agree with your comments, thank you.

 

PianoDebbie-no airline points but it would be nice. We have done Princess and HAL before and had very nice cruises. Enjoy your upcoming cruise! Your suggestion about the excursions are what we had in mind, thank you.

 

ConnieG-what made Pearl lead over the Westerdam?

 

Again thank you all for your time, it is appreciated.

[afoss]

Done Princess and Norwegian to Alaska. Would to Princess again in a heartbeat but not crazy about Norwegian at all.

[OC PAT]

AFOS-Good to know. What made princess better? Which ship?

[Markanddonna]

It is my understanding that HAL and Princess receive priority at Glacier Bay because they have seniority. Glacier Bay National Park lets only two ships in the Bay each day and I understand that those two cruise lines have 80% of the permits. Doesn't seem quite fair to me, but those are the guidelines and rules.

 

I like the atmosphere, activities and the public rooms more on the Pearl. Also, now that I have experienced both Sitka and Skagway, I would give Skagway the advantage hands down. I have done the train and rented a car to make the drive and it is magical.

 

The Pearl also has longer hours at those respective ports than the Westerdam. The Pearl is in Skagway from about 7 AM to 8:15 PM allowing for lots of choices. Skagway is my favorite Alaskan port, but I have been there and visiting cute Sitka (required tendering) was appealing. The time in Sitka was 7-3. Alaska has so much light during the summer so those evening hours are wonderful!

 

The Westerdam seems to have a reputation of arriving late in Victoria. The captain said it might be 7:45 but we docked at 7:15. It was scheduled at 6PM on the official itinerary and they listed it as 7PM on the ship. Hmmm.

 

The food was about the same. The service in the MDR on the Westerdam was absolutely inferior to any we have experienced in cruising.

 

My extensive review on the W. is now posted so you can see the details.

[epixx]

It is my understanding that HAL and Princess receive priority at Glacier Bay because they have seniority. Glacier Bay National Park lets only two ships in the Bay each day and I understand that those two cruise lines have 80% of the permits. Doesn't seem quite fair to me, but those are the guidelines and rules.

 

 

For factual information, readers might want to consult the following post written by AKSusan on this forum:

 

 

"Actually, RC & Celebrity are not banned from Glacier Bay because of the discharge issue, it's because, there are only so many permits issued each year and they are tied to cruise ship concessionaire authorizations.

 

Princess & HAL currently have historically noncompetitive concessions in the past, while the other 3 (Norwegian, Carnival & Crystal) were let competitively (basically, show NPS the money). If you follow this link it will explain the whole thing -

http://www.nps.gov/glba/parkmgmt/cruise-ships.htm

 

In 2009, there were new 10 year contracts let, so, those are in effect from January 1, 2010 through September 30, 2019. So, those will be the only cruise lines allowed into Glacier Bay through the 2019 Alaska cruise season."

 

Susan in Anchorage

[afoss]

We've sailed on the Caribbean and Ocean Princess. I just feel like they are a step up in service, food, decor, quality and overall experience. Just a classy feel, love the atrium and menu choices. Again, the Norwegian we were on just needed a make over. Lots of chipped paint, scratched and stained interior and out. Very "bright" inside with the decor, I prefer the more "elegant look". I look at the little things that most probably don't care as much about. Guess it's my hospitality background that's in me :)

[allisons]

This is totally off-topic. I saw that you're from Ocean City. My dad is a partner in a new deli. It's called Rosenfeld's Jewish Delicatessen. It's on Coastal Highway at 63rd Street. If you like deli food, you should try it. It's very good. If you go in, tell them that Stanley's daughter sent you. Enjoy!

[deladypilot]

While I do not think any one cruise line does Alaska better, I do think it comes down to a preference on what you like. We just got back from our second Alaskan cruise with NCL and loved every minute of it. Our first one was R/T Seattle and this year was Northbound out of Vancouver to Whittier.

 

The one way trips typically give you more times in port and give you more opportunity to see Glaciers. Glacier Bay is beautiful and was nice to see, but it would not make or break my decision on a cruise.

 

You mentioned that you like traditional dining, so start with the cruise lines that offer that. If port time is most important to you, then cross out the R/Ts and go with north or southbound. If you just want to see beautiful places and are not concerned with ports then either would be good.

 

No matter what you decide, have your camera on the ready because everywhere you turn is a photo op

[Markanddonna]

Thanks AKsusan for that link. It is nice to see the facts. I still think it is unfair to grant use by historical seniority and I think that preference might be the reason some people report that HAL and Princess have slipped in their standards.

[agabbymama]

Go to your library and check out Frommer's or Fodor's Alaska guides. Know what you want to do and where you want to go.

 

Then I start a graph chart, putting the cruiselines/ships across the top, the things of importance down the side (ship size, cabin, cost, ports, time in ports, excursions, etc.).

 

Then maybe google each port and request that towns brochure (most have them free).

 

Then as you research, put an "x" in the conjoing box on the graph chart. As you near the end of your research, one should have more x's than the others.

 

My personal preference is HAL, but I like the smaller ships and the walk-around promenade deck. We too like traditional assigned dining (although they now do offer anytime dining) as does Princess. We did our first cruise to Alaska on HAL Noordam (old one) at 53,000 tons and absolutely loved that little ship. Our second cruise to Alaska was also on HAL and included 3 day cruise & 8 days on land, on the Zuiderdam at 90,000 tons. The cruisetour was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!

 

I've sailed Carnival, HAL, Princess, NCL, RCI and Celebrity. NONE of the food is gourmet. When you are feeding 1000 to 3000 people, it just isn't going to be that great!!!! I've never gone hungry on any cruise, and if I don't have to cook it and clean up the dishes, I'm a happy camper.

 

Have fun planning, then taking your cruise. Alaska is the prize!

[Casey12]

The Crown Princess would be the ship I would avoid. There are a number of complaints about the ship in colder climates being very crowded. We sailed the ship in Canada New England and it was very crowded.

[Casey12]

Thanks AKsusan for that link. It is nice to see the facts. I still think it is unfair to grant use by historical seniority and I think that preference might be the reason some people report that HAL and Princess have slipped in their standards.

 

All main stream cruise lines have slipped in their standards. We recently sailed on RCCL and could not handle the dining room food. We ate in speciality restaurants each evening.

[Skai]

As far as I know...RCCL was indeed banned from sailing GB. Whether or not that ban has expired and/or has negatively influenced their ability to successfully acquire the necessary permits to date....This I am not sure of.

 

The article here spells it out:

 

http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/080102/ala_080102ala0090001.shtml

 

"The state sued Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for illegal dumping of oil and chemicals in Alaska water. The suit resulted in a $3.5 million settlement Royal Caribbean agreed to pay in January 2000. The company was put on probation and barred from entering Glacier Bay National Park near Juneau for several years."

[vbmom87]

The one way trips typically give you more times in port and give you more opportunity to see Glaciers. Glacier Bay is beautiful and was nice to see, but it would not make or

 

My DD is on a round trip out of Vancouver right now. Her port times are decent. Ketchikan: 10:00 - 6:00, Skagway: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Juneau: 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

 

Key is to check and compare. Don't make assumptions. Glacier Bay would definitely be my choice for a first timer to AK, or for someone who will likely not be back to AK. My second choice is Tracy Arm (if not going in May, and if the ship either offers the add on excursion or has a longer transit time (6-7 hours) for the fjord.

 

Since the OP wants a land tour, I suggest the Princess Southbound because it goes to Both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. However, if OP sticks with May, Hubbard has a greater chance of being seen from a distance due to icing. One never knows, but this seems to be the case often in May.

 

Also check your dates carefully if going in May and wanting to go to Denali National Park. The Park road is not fully open until June 8. Also know that cruise tours often only offer the Natural History Tour in Denali. This only goes 17 miles of the 90 mile park road. Most people going to Denali want to get much further than that. As BQ already stated, you need to find out the specifics before booking anything. Since you want to go in May, you might want to consider a NB itinerary so you would be in Denali later, with a greater chance of getting further into Denali. Check the Denali website for details on when the road is open for the various tours/shuttles. The druise brochures do not make it clear that if you visit in May or later in September that they may be substituting other inferior tours. Do your homework!! Many travel agents aren't even aware of this.

[OC PAT]

All your comments have been so helpful and I truly appreciate your help. I should say that I have about 4 Alaskan books and 500 printed info. pages from the internet. So I do know some of the concerns you have cited and have already given these items consideration. My real concerns were over all negative reports that the Oosterdam received; that were ship related and not the itinerary I must admit I am giving Princess a second look. I do know we will do May, 2014, assigned seating, 3 day pre-tour land and Glacier is a must!

 

vbmom87-we did know about Denali road closure. Thanks for your thoughts

 

Skai-thanks for the RCCl info....shame on them and hopefully they have learned from their sins, it has been over 13 yrs.

 

Casey12-we have been on all the major cruise lines and to be honest the food has not disappointed. I have seafood and fresh fruit so that may be why I have no complaints. Having said that we have notice that their buffets have declined dramatically. It is all subjective. We were on the Crown Princess when she left out of Puerto Rico for the first time and really loved meeting all those wonderful folks from the United Kingdom. Sorry to hear about the complaints but I can understand why they are made. It doesn't have the best lay out especially if you are use to the Radiance Class ships in RCCL.

 

agabbymama-love you name! I'm with you if I do not have to clean up and someone is waiting on me I'm in a pretty good mood! I agree Alaska is the prize.

 

Deladypilot-Yes I want the one way because of the very reasons you cited.

 

Allisons-are you kidding!!! I was very excited when we saw they were opening. Been there and it is yummy! My mom was from Brooklyn so my summer vacations included visits to a NY Deli. It seems a hit because they always have lines. I will give them a hey when I go again

 

Afoss-we were once NCL fans and did a few with them. They were really going downhill especially after we were on RCCL and compared, service, food and overall condition of their ships!

 

Eppix-thanks for your information. It appears there are 2 causes for RCCl are not in Glacier Bay. My TA comments that HAL And Princess have been there longer may be found in this explanation in part.

 

ConnieG-THANKS-very helpful! I am going to read your review ASAP.

 

OCPAT

[allisons]

All your comments have been so helpful and I truly appreciate your help. I should say that I have about 4 Alaskan books and 500 printed info. pages from the internet. So I do know some of the concerns you have cited and have already given these items consideration. My real concerns were over all negative reports that the Oosterdam received; that were ship related and not the itinerary I must admit I am giving Princess a second look. I do know we will do May, 2014, assigned seating, 3 day pre-tour land and Glacier is a must!

 

vbmom87-we did know about Denali road closure. Thanks for your thoughts

 

Skai-thanks for the RCCl info....shame on them and hopefully they have learned from their sins, it has been over 13 yrs.

 

Casey12-we have been on all the major cruise lines and to be honest the food has not disappointed. I have seafood and fresh fruit so that may be why I have no complaints. Having said that we have notice that their buffets have declined dramatically. It is all subjective. We were on the Crown Princess when she left out of Puerto Rico for the first time and really loved meeting all those wonderful folks from the United Kingdom. Sorry to hear about the complaints but I can understand why they are made. It doesn't have the best lay out especially if you are use to the Radiance Class ships in RCCL.

 

agabbymama-love you name! I'm with you if I do not have to clean up and someone is waiting on me I'm in a pretty good mood! I agree Alaska is the prize.

 

Deladypilot-Yes I want the one way because of the very reasons you cited.

 

Allisons-are you kidding!!! I was very excited when we saw they were opening. Been there and it is yummy! My mom was from Brooklyn so my summer vacations included visits to a NY Deli. It seems a hit because they always have lines. I will give them a hey when I go again

 

Afoss-we were once NCL fans and did a few with them. They were really going downhill especially after we were on RCCL and compared, service, food and overall condition of their ships!

 

Eppix-thanks for your information. It appears there are 2 causes for RCCl are not in Glacier Bay. My TA comments that HAL And Princess have been there longer may be found in this explanation in part.

 

ConnieG-THANKS-very helpful! I am going to read your review ASAP.

 

OCPAT

 

I'm so glad you've been to Rosenfeld's and you loved it! I will let my dad know! It is a huge hit and they are always very busy! I can't stay away, but it's bad for my diet! ;)

[STLATL]

Just got off an Inner Passage on the Princess Golden....it's in sorry need of a makeover, the service and food were mediocre and they seemed sorely short staffed. I would not recommend.

[Budget Queen]

[quote name=OC PAT;38811866 I must admit I am giving Princess a second look. I do know we will do May' date=' 2014, assigned seating, 3 day pre-tour land and Glacier is a must!

 

[/quote]

 

Unless you are planning on the very end of May into June for the cruise, this could be overall a big mistake to plan. Verify when the TWT starts- IF you can find a 3 day cruisetour that has it??

 

Another fact, these 3 day cruisetours, many times are poor choices. All the time is in transit and most do NOT get into Denali (why even go there?) I always suggest, looking at 5 day or longer cruisetours only.

[OC PAT]

Budget Queen-thanks, will give it some more thought.

 

Statl-sorry to hear that, hope it didn't take away too much from your cruise experience.

 

allisons-yeah and it is a hit with the locals which is important to survive the off season.