So confused

[Yaya999]

Trying to plan Alaska cruise. So confused between inside passage, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, and Denali Natl Park. Trying to plan the best itinerary. Please help with explanation. Thxs

[mimmy52]

I was very confused when I started too. My suggestion would be to read trip reports that include those ports, although Denali National Park is inland and not on the inside passage cruise.

[xlxo]

I too had the same problem... here's questions I asked myself...

• what month do you want to go? I like July for dryer weather. August gets wet, but you may see more wildlife. May/September are cheaper but you may see more bad weather.
  
• Vancouver vs Seattle? Combo? You want extra days for flight contingencies and the cities are bigger than all of Alaska ports combined.
  
• 7 day return? 7 day one way? dual 7 days for a return 14 day? HAL offers Yukon/Denali option where you go over land and fly between Skagway and Anchorage.
  
• Do you want extra time in the Anchorage area?
  
• Glacier Bay vs Tracy Arm? mid-cruise Tracy arm excursion? Do you like Glaciers?
  
• do you have an unlimited budget?
  
  • Balcony vs oceanview vs inside cabin?
    
  • cruise terminal hotels vs savings by staying a few blocks away?
    

[donaldsc]

In addition to posting on CC, I would suggest that a trip to your local library is in order.

 

DON

[Alaskanb]

The first thing I do when deciding on a cruise is to get a good map of the area. I also buy several guide books or as Don says head to the library to research. I initially prefer my information to be factual and then look at reviews for opinions. I also create a spreadsheet with dates, locations, and notes of what looks interesting to do with costs involved. It helps to clarify the onslaught of place names etc., and also identifies how many days I want pre/post cruise and what flights will work.

[Budget Queen]

I find at least a basic knowledge of the area is first necessary. I'm a big advocate of using your library and reading several Alaska travel guides, Fodor's Alaska and Frommer's Alaska plus their Alaska Port's of Call books are especially good concise resources.

 

Next is to figure out how you would like to occupy your port time and what activities you are going to do, what excursions you wish to include. This is very important- since some are time restrictive and seasonal. An example, just recently had a post about someone wanting to do a Tracy Arm Adventure Bound tour- they did not have enough port time, another, wanted to include Mendenhall extended time and a whale watch, and again, not enough port time with their particular cruise. Others- want to fish- and then find it is poor when they go in May, flyin bear tours are very limited with dates. You do not want to consider these costly tours off season. What is OFF the ship is just as important. :)

 

But the more you know, the easier it will be for you to make the right choices for YOU.

[RSF Cruiser]

I also created a matrix the first time I went with the names of the ports and the hours the ship was in each port. With the matrix and then reading everything I could get my hands on helped me narrow down the itinerary I wanted.

 

Yes, planning an Alaskan trip can be overwhelming :-)

[Lazy K]

Trying to plan Alaska cruise. So confused between inside passage, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, and Denali Natl Park. Trying to plan the best itinerary. Please help with explanation. Thxs

 

May I suggest that you try and locate a good TA who specializes in Alaska and get them to assist you with itinerary planning. Ask around. Some will have fees for this service. Many who do charge planning fees will apply this amount to your purchase after the decisions are made. If you decide not to purchase through them it is simply a fee for their service and expertise.

 

Agents with CTC (Certified Travel Consultant), or DS (Destination Specialist) Alaska or ACE (Alaska Certified Expert), after their names are a good place to start. Many agencies in Alaska have "experts". Additionally, many agencies specializing in cruises have "Alaska specialists".