Radiance or NCL Sun to Alaska

[lauren0309]

I'm having trouble deciding which ship I want to take to Alaska. I want to leave from Anchorage and get dropped off in Seward. I've narrowed it down to two choices.

 

These are 2 differences in the itinerary:

 

NCL Sun goes by Glacier Bay plus Hubbard Glacier.

 

Radiance goes by Hubbard Glacier and Icy Point Strait.

 

Also NCL Sun stays in Skagway until 8:00 while Radiance only stays in Skagway until 4:30.

 

So these were the two main difference in both cruises. Is there a lot to see in Skagway to spend the extra hours there and which is better, Icy Point or Glacier Bay.

[Budget Queen]

It isn't a matter of "better" But you don't have the right itinerary? The Sun does Glacier Bay on the northbound trips, not southbound. Unless, it's a single off season sailing? Have you any touring priorities? IF you include Hoonah- how would you be occupying your time? Do you have more interest in glaciers? Do you have touring interests that need a long port time in Skagway? Like the Lake Bennett train? You need to figure all this out first. Then with lists, of your priorities, you can match up an itinerary.

 

I have taken both ships and both certainly do a good job in Alaska.

[lauren0309]

This was the NCL Sun Itinerary for May. Seems both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier? Ends in Seward.

 

 

Day 1

Vancouver, British Columbia-- 4:00 pm

 

Day 2

Cruising Inside Passage-

 

Day 3

Ketchikan, Alaska- 7:00 am 4:00 pm

 

Day 4

Juneau, Alaska- 10:00 am 8:00 pm

 

Day 5

Skagway, Alaska- 7:00 am 8:00 pm

 

Day 6

Glacier Bay- -- --

 

Day 7

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska- --

 

Day 8

Seward, Alaska 7:00 am --

[lauren0309]

I think I've decided on the Radiance since I've been on Radiance class ships before and they are beautiful plus it makes the extra stop in Icy strait point.

[MJECruising]

We did the Radiance North bound cruise last month. It was a great trip on a wonderful ship. Plenty of time in Ports for sightseeing. Never felt rushed.

 

Not alot of activities in Icy Strait Point but the restaurant right on the dock was good.

 

Marcia

 

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Forums mobile app

Edited August 15, 2014 by MJECruising

[mapleleaves]

That NCL itinerary looks great !

 

Did you look at Trip Reports in the STICKYs above? You'll find some great suggestions for excursions, activities, DIY, etc. (for 2013 start with reply #45 where the reports are sorted by cruiseline).

[lauren0309]

Thanks. I'll check them all out! I'm thinking of going the end of May.

Edited August 15, 2014 by lauren0309