Views while sailing Alaska

[presjade]

We are sailing Vancouver to Whittier in May.. We love to spend time on our balcony relaxing & taking in the views. This is our 1st trip to Alaska 1st time on Coral & my question is...We are going to want to take in the ship & all it has to offer but what are the MUST SEE spots while sailing that we need to be viewing the sensory outside? I have read mention of bridges, viewpoints etc I would hate to be checking out the ship & miss an awesome viewing moment..Is there a book I can purchase, A map? I feel like this is such a different cruise than the others we have done. If I'm in the spa or casino although fun I would hate to miss something unforgettable.. Thank You!

[Budget Queen]

We are sailing Vancouver to Whittier in May.. We love to spend time on our balcony relaxing & taking in the views. This is our 1st trip to Alaska 1st time on Coral & my question is...We are going to want to take in the ship & all it has to offer but what are the MUST SEE spots while sailing that we need to be viewing the sensory outside? I have read mention of bridges, viewpoints etc I would hate to be checking out the ship & miss an awesome viewing moment..Is there a book I can purchase, A map? I feel like this is such a different cruise than the others we have done. If I'm in the spa or casino although fun I would hate to miss something unforgettable.. Thank You!

 

List your itinerary, and what side your balcony is on. I'll tell you the scenic areas.

[mapleleaves]

This book is frequently recommended. It points out sights and places of interest all along the cruise

http://www.alaskacruisehandbook.com/index.html

[presjade]

List your itinerary, and what side your balcony is on. I'll tell you the scenic areas.

 

We are sailing from Vancouver to Whittier. Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay & College Fjord...Aloha deck right side A401. Thank You!!

[baconlover1]

This book is frequently recommended. It points out sights and places of interest all along the cruise

http://www.alaskacruisehandbook.com/index.html

 

We will be on a similar itinerary in mid May and this book was amazing. Full of tons of information and a large map. Highly recommend!

[Glaciers]

If your ship has a naturalist they should be able to tell you the day and approximate time you will be traveling through areas of interest such as humpback feeding areas.

[Budget Queen]

We are sailing from Vancouver to Whittier. Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay & College Fjord...Aloha deck right side A401. Thank You!!

 

If you are up, early, I mean prior to dawn, you have the possibility of a lot of scenery your first day, along with the possibility of orcas. Later it becomes open ocean. Early into Ketchikan, is scenic, departure, find out the timeframe for Snow Pass. This may involve skipping dinner, but is a wildlife jackpot with, in my case, always seeing humpbacks. Early into and out of Juneau, close up scenery, with more humpback possibilities.

 

Generally you are in Skagway, real early, but leaving is worthwhile down the Lynn Canal, and a look at Haines on the starboard side.

 

Glacier Bay, it is worthwhile for my wildlife priorities, to be up and out prior to dawn. The ship is stalled here early morning with good possibilities of seeing humpbacks and sea otters, along with sea birds. You can also catch the boarding from Bartlett Cove of the Rangers. From this point, it is about 3 hours to glacier viewing. You are on the wrong side, if you only want to stay in your cabin, with the commentary matching up what you are seeing, and the longer glacier views- usually. If open, this is the time to get out on deck.

 

It's then 3 hours back out, with wildlife, more plentiful the outer third, then the off loading of the rangers and more wildlife possibility through dusk.

 

Last sea day, has views on the starboard side. This varies, as I have sailed Princess where they were way off across the Gulf, last year on NCL, they were quite close.

 

Then your evening is scenery for several hours prior and after College Fjords.

 

 

Your original post, notes "must see", "all it has to offer" etc. . This is my priority when I sail Alaska- which means, I don't go to any shows on the ship, and meals are a very low priority, with me skipping a lot of them. MOST people are not in this mode, so ONLY a suggestion. I sail frequently and cruises are pretty much transportation for me. It's all about choices, for YOU. And what YOU want out of this trip. Plenty of options for everyone.

[presjade]

Your original post, notes "must see", "all it has to offer" etc. . This is my priority when I sail Alaska- which means, I don't go to any shows on the ship, and meals are a very low priority, with me skipping a lot of them. MOST people are not in this mode, so ONLY a suggestion. I sail frequently and cruises are pretty much transportation for me. It's all about choices, for YOU. And what YOU want out of this trip. Plenty of options for everyone.[/quote

You have no idea how helpful this information is...This is exactly what we are wanting in this vacation. Wildlife, Scenery & Relaxation sounds like heaven...Thank You!!

Edited March 20, 2015 by presjade

[varoo]

Your original post, notes "must see", "all it has to offer" etc. . This is my priority when I sail Alaska- which means, I don't go to any shows on the ship, and meals are a very low priority, with me skipping a lot of them. MOST people are not in this mode, so ONLY a suggestion. I sail frequently and cruises are pretty much transportation for me. It's all about choices, for YOU. And what YOU want out of this trip. Plenty of options for everyone.

Very good point about different people making different choices.

I remember a cruise when we went through Snow Pass right at dinner time and most passengers chose to go to the dining room because they didn't want to miss dinner.

 

There were only a few of us out on the upper front deck with the ship's naturalist, and we were rewarded with great views of bubble net feeding humpbacks right below us.

I figure I can eat dinner any day of the year, but getting to see a sight like that, without even needing to take a whale watching tour, was something very special indeed.

 

[sweetsleep]

We are on a southbound cruise on Coral Princess,leaving Whittier to Vancouver one way. We have a port side suite. Ports are Hubbard Glacier,Glacier Bay, Skagway,Juneau, Ketchikan. Disembark in Vancouver. Staying 2 nights post cruise.

I am a naturally early riser-have to wake up at 5am to go to work and often wake up before my alarm clock does. Any suggestions on which ports we should get up early for?

Any suggestions on this itinerary for not to miss sites?

[Budget Queen]

We are on a southbound cruise on Coral Princess,leaving Whittier to Vancouver one way. We have a port side suite. Ports are Hubbard Glacier,Glacier Bay, Skagway,Juneau, Ketchikan. Disembark in Vancouver. Staying 2 nights post cruise.

I am a naturally early riser-have to wake up at 5am to go to work and often wake up before my alarm clock does. Any suggestions on which ports we should get up early for?

Any suggestions on this itinerary for not to miss sites?

 

Hubbard Glacier viewing is forward. same as above with Glacier Bay, except, staying out after you leave Glacier Bay, until dusk, is all scenic sailing and also goes past Point Adolphus which is a humpback feeding area.

 

Same with Juneau. Since you may have a later Ketchikan port day? Being out from dawn, may give you a chance for Snow Pass. Ask the naturalist, or inquire at guest services to ask the bridge.

 

Last sailing day- keep an eye out for when you get to the Queen Charlottes. Seeing land, then stay out, rest of daylight. This is a jackpot for close up scenic viewing and good chance of orcas. And depending on the schedule, I have gone through the Seymour Narrows during daylight. A few trips, I could see Vancouver off in the distance.

[mapleleaves]

Any suggestions on this itinerary for not to miss sites?

 

check out the book I posted earlier. It's a Milepost guide for sights along the coast, from lighthouses to wildlife. You can get a used edition on amazon for $8

http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Cruise-Handbook-Mile---Mile/dp/0979491576/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426896549&sr=1-1&keywords=upton%2C+alaska

[Glaciers]

We are on a southbound cruise on Coral Princess,leaving Whittier to Vancouver one way. We have a port side suite. Ports are Hubbard Glacier,Glacier Bay, Skagway,Juneau, Ketchikan. Disembark in Vancouver. Staying 2 nights post cruise.

I am a naturally early riser-have to wake up at 5am to go to work and often wake up before my alarm clock does. Any suggestions on which ports we should get up early for?

Any suggestions on this itinerary for not to miss sites?

 

One of the areas I always try to be up early for is when entering Glacier Bay. You’ll pass by Lemesurier Island and near Pt Adolphus which can be a hot spot for whale sightings. We’ve been surrounded by humpbacks in his area. There’s something very special about being on deck early in the morning when most aren’t up yet with a cup of coffee and binoculars.

[Budget Queen]

One of the areas I always try to be up early for is when entering Glacier Bay. You’ll pass by Lemesurier Island and near Pt Adolphus which can be a hot spot for whale sightings. We’ve been surrounded by humpbacks in his area. There’s something very special about being on deck early in the morning when most aren’t up yet with a cup of coffee and binoculars.

 

Plus if the ship is stalled and you have extensive viewing of any wildlife. :) With those early morning Glacier Bay "port times", the ship is most always there way early and has to wait for 6am for the rangers to board. This is pretty much a given when going to Glacier Bay after Skagway or Juneau.

[portiemom]

check out the book I posted earlier. It's a Milepost guide for sights along the coast, from lighthouses to wildlife. You can get a used edition on amazon for $8

http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Cruise-Handbook-Mile---Mile/dp/0979491576/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426896549&sr=1-1&keywords=upton%2C+alaska

 

Thanks for posting this, mapleleaves! I've probably seen recommendations for this book many times before, but it finally sunk in.:o Went and ordered a copy. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the map that's included.

 

The website for the book which you posted earlier in the thread is awesome in itself, btw.

 

Also, thanks BQ for posting when to be out on deck. I made lots of notes so I'll be a more informed observer this trip!

 

Cruise Critic is awesome!

[presjade]

This book is frequently recommended. It points out sights and places of interest all along the cruise

http://www.alaskacruisehandbook.com/index.html

 

Just ordered mine:p Thank You!!

[Debz62]

Plus if the ship is stalled and you have extensive viewing of any wildlife. :) With those early morning Glacier Bay "port times", the ship is most always there way early and has to wait for 6am for the rangers to board. This is pretty much a given when going to Glacier Bay after Skagway or Juneau.

 

Budget Queen...how long are the rangers/naturalists on board for the cruise and where are they located? Our first trip to Alaska on HAL, out of Seattle with a port side verandah. Thank you so much for the information.

Edited March 21, 2015 by Debz62

[Budget Queen]

Budget Queen...how long are the rangers/naturalists on board for the cruise and where are they located? Our first trip to Alaska on HAL, out of Seattle with a port side verandah. Thank you so much for the information.

 

If you have an early Glacier Bay, they usually board around 6am, and are dropped off around 3pm. This is ballpark, and the same length of time would be for any entry time schedule. This 6am, time is just about a given, as I mentioned when the ship is coming from Juneau or Skagway.

 

Their announcements are heard via the tv on a certain channel, and is broadcasted on the outside decks.

 

They usually have a table set up, many times on the lido deck, and they usually offer a program, on the way out, when past the glaciers in a show lounge.

 

The night before, there should be a NPS brochure in your cabin. This has some information that if looked at prior will enhance your trip. There is a map, so you can be "smart" when you pass specific areas. :) A LOT of people completely miss the Reid Glacier and the Grand Pacific Glacier.

 

As I mention- it is of great benefit to be on the move, if a choice you wish to make. The first third of the transit is where looking for wildlife can pay off. Sea Otters are the easiest to see, as their flippers are out of the water. Binoculars are necessary. From the ranger pick up, it will be about 3 hours before you get to glaciers. The first view, will be port side of the Reid. Glacier Bay dead ends with about an hour at the Margerie and Grand Pacific.

 

For anyone with a priority to see the "most", being on the move, going side to side for wildlife potential is necessary. I also never use the upper decks for this priority. I use the lowest open deck available. Same with my glacier viewing priority. I see, all the time, claims for staying in balconies, with avoiding crowds. :) Sounds good, but they are saying this for themselves. :) I never have any problem with "crowds" on this lower deck, and always have plenty of rail space, without "camping" out and staying in one place. I move and stop when and where I want. If I "have" to walk 10 more feet down, it doesn't matter to me. :) So information, for alternative viewing options.

[gottagoacruzn]

Budget Queen...how long are the rangers/naturalists on board for the cruise and where are they located? Our first trip to Alaska on HAL, out of Seattle with a port side verandah. Thank you so much for the information.

 

Hey that's a good question. I'm on the Radiance in Sept, r t out of Vancouver.

Here's my itinerary: I'm sure someone who will be on the Radiance next month, would know, or perhaps Budget Queen, if not that's ok to. Can always ask at the purser's desk, when Sept rolls around. Have an inside cabin this time.

 

Sept 4, Depart Vancouver

Sept 5, Cruising

Sept 6, Icy Strait Point

Sept 7, Tracy Arm Fjord, Arrive 11:00 a.m. depart 6 p.m.

Sept 8, Juneau

Sept 9, Ketchikan

Sept 10 Cruising

Sept 11 Vancouver

 

Virginia

Edited March 21, 2015 by gottagoacruzn

[Budget Queen]

Hey that's a good question. I'm on the Radiance in Sept, r t out of Vancouver.

Here's my itinerary: I'm sure someone who will be on the Radiance next month, would know, or perhaps Budget Queen, if not that's ok to. Can always ask at the purser's desk, when Sept rolls around. Have an inside cabin this time.

 

Sept 4, Depart Vancouver

Sept 5, Cruising

Sept 6, Icy Strait Point

Sept 7, Tracy Arm Fjord, Arrive 11:00 a.m. depart 6 p.m.

Sept 8, Juneau

Sept 9, Ketchikan

Sept 10 Cruising

Sept 11 Vancouver

 

Virginia

 

I'm assuming you are asking about scenery? Vancouver Island is noted above, both north and south bound. Take a look at your route map, you probably will have scenery the sea day- but they can also stay open ocean and enter Icy Strait on the West end. Scenery from dawn before and after Hoonah. Same with 9-7, hours before and after, going through humpback feeding areas. Again prior and after Juneau. 9-9 up prior to and staying out through dawn- MAY take you through Snow Pass. Verify route directly with the bridge, via guest services. Scenery before and after Ketchikan.

 

9-11 same as I list above for Vancouver Island.

 

Unfortunately your lack of daylight cuts down on your viewing potential. Twilight is extended, and I am often out viewing in the "dark". my preference for seeing more. :)

Edited March 21, 2015 by Budget Queen

[CowPrincess]

Budget Queen you said:

 

Unfortunately your lack of daylight cuts down on your viewing potential. Twilight is extended, and I am often out viewing in the "dark". my preference for seeing more.

 

You have mentioned this previously for both pre dawn, and evenings. I set my alarm last year to get up pre-dawn and could not see a THING. Those marine mammals would have had to be wearing miner-style headlamps for me to see them. How do you do it? :D And this is a serious question -- I spend hours and hours on deck each day spotting wildlife. I love being on deck in the dark, any help you can offer would be appreciated.

[lovetotraveltx]

We have a port side balcony going south in June.

 

Leave Seward at 8pm

 

Hubbard 2pm

Juneau 9 to 9

Skagway 7am to 8:30 pm

Icy strait 7 to 4

Ketchikan 9 to 6

 

At sea

 

Vancouver

 

Best chance to see birds and whales ?

 

Thanks!

[Budget Queen]

Budget Queen you said:

 

 

 

You have mentioned this previously for both pre dawn, and evenings. I set my alarm last year to get up pre-dawn and could not see a THING. Those marine mammals would have had to be wearing miner-style headlamps for me to see them. How do you do it? :D And this is a serious question -- I spend hours and hours on deck each day spotting wildlife. I love being on deck in the dark, any help you can offer would be appreciated.

 

I'm talking about perhaps 30 minutes prior and post. There is viewing for me. This is especially crucial for me, when I'm there in Sept, as I HATE missing out. :)

 

I'm also on the lowest open deck, sometimes, I will concentrate on the back more, during those darker times, since that area is usually "ship" darker and less interference from bright lights from the ship. I guess, I have good night vision. Of course, the moon can be significant as well, as I've had good light with a full moon.

 

It really pays to know your areas, which I have tried to post above. But, for the die hards like us, it does involve a great deal of time invested. Many people aren't willing to do so. I always get,- every sailing, people coming up to me, asking me "what time" and "what side" for wildlife. :) I do usually get a little group that sticks together for the likely areas that I know about. I always yell out when I spot wildlife, and there always is someone who is interested in seeing it, but there also are people who don't care as well. You can see more with more eyes looking, so, I always will always ask if someone has seen something. :)

 

Good luck and may you be greatly rewarded. :)

[Budget Queen]

We have a port side balcony going south in June.

 

Leave Seward at 8pm

 

Hubbard 2pm

Juneau 9 to 9

Skagway 7am to 8:30 pm

Icy strait 7 to 4

Ketchikan 9 to 6

 

At sea

 

Vancouver

 

Best chance to see birds and whales ?

 

Thanks!

 

Hubbard is forward viewing, until the ship starts turning. Be out, several hours prior to Juneau, and after through dusk. Stay out through dusk, after Skagway. Early prior to Hoonah, stay out after leaving.

 

You "may" go though Snow Pass which would be several hours prior to Ketchikan, but you already have an early port arrival, so probably not.

 

Late afternoon, last sea day, when you start seeing closer land, stay out through dusk.

[Budget Queen]

We have a port side balcony going south in June.

 

Leave Seward at 8pm

 

Hubbard 2pm

Juneau 9 to 9

Skagway 7am to 8:30 pm

Icy strait 7 to 4

Ketchikan 9 to 6

 

At sea

 

Vancouver

 

Best chance to see birds and whales ?

 

Thanks!

 

I just looked you up, you are sailing in June?? Jackpot viewing opportunities. With my Ketchikan comment above, if of interest, find out if you go through Snow Pass. You may have Brent Nixon on board as a naturalist, which is another jackpot if you do, but ask who is with you. You can also try and verify the time with the bridge. I would be out about 3a myself. I always see humpbacks there.