First Cruise - Alaskan Cruise

[Rest_Relaxation]

Firstly, I’ll tell you a little more about me. I’m 33, female, single(will possibly be travelling with friends, but most definitely have my owncabin) and this will be my first ever cruise. I’m not a great one for nightlife(however, if I went with friends, we would want a fairly decent level ofnightlife), but I love spas and chose an Alaskan cruise as I also love wildlife/animalsand sightseeing. I do love the luxuries in life (who doesn’t?!) and I wouldlove a fairly new and modern ship. I appreciate that not all ships/cruise linestravel to Alaska, so this also limits me somewhat. My budget is around £3-4k. Ihave suffered with ill health, so this cruise will be one of my bucket listthings and the trip of a life time, so money is not the be all and end all. However,I don’t have an unlimited amount to spend (I wish!)

Now that I’ve given you a little info about me, I’m hoping you guyscan answer the following questions:

• 
  
• What is the best time of the year for spotting wildlife? I really want to see as many animals as possible, but my main aim is to see bears and whales. I have read that late June/early July is the best time for this, but I’m also conscious that the weather might be worse. May is apparently the driest month, but no good for spotting bears, as they aren’t out of hibernation yet.
  

• 
  
• What is the best cruise line/ship? I appreciate this maybe like asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’, but I have narrowed it down to Holland America, Celebrity and NCL. I did look at Oceania, but they were quite a lot more expensive than the other three. As mentioned above, I really like spas and modern cabins etc, so I don’t know if anyone can recommend a ship/cruise line well suited for this. I know that NCL are launching ‘Bliss’ in 2018 and this looks really nice, but I really want to fly into Vancouver and this only flies into Seattle.
  

I’d greatly appreciate any advice and love to hear about anyone’sexperience on an Alaskan cruise (hints and tips and advice on excursions too!).

Many thanks,

[Old As Dirt Mom]

You ask a great many questions and have very high expectations, as is natural for your first cruise and visit to Alaska. My big piece of advice is to temper those expectations. There is no perfect experience nor perfect cruise line. You will be able to participate in a lot of what you want to do, but certainly not everything. We live in the Seattle area, and have been cruising to Alaska every cruise season for eleven years, and we still keep going back to try to see what we missed on previous visits. We normally travel on Holland America, although we have also cruised with Celebrity. Many here will tell you to look at itineraries first, times in ports second, and the cruise line third. I would say most of July would be a good time to visit, but that is also the peak of the Alaska tourist season, and prices will be reflected accordingly. The price of your cruise is only the start of your expenditures. Alaska excursions can be quite pricey, especially if you want to get out of the port towns and actually see wildlife.

 

When I travel with my sister, she keeps a photographic blog of our experiences. You may find some helpful info there, although you will need to wade through a few posts that may not pertain directly to Alaska:

 

https://twocruisingsisters.wordpress.com/

 

For a start, I recommend travel guides such as Frommers Alaska, although there are others as well:

 

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/alaska/

[snowmc]

Congratulations on your first visit to Alaska! No matter which company you cruise with, you will have an amazing time. I have sailed with Holland America and Celebrity, but never with NCL. Night life on Holland is much quieter than Celebrity....and I have heard that NCL has more than Celebrity. BUT....you will enjoy any of them.

 

We have sailed Alaska 10 times. I have several posts about different ports (and a packing list) on my travel blog...http://www.zest4travel.wordpress.com. Please let me know if you have any questions. I (or anyone on here!) will be happy to help!

[Sequim88]

Another good resource for port stops (to help decide itinerary pluses and minuses) is TripAdvisor.com. They have decent forums and local "Destination Experts" that often live there.

 

Of the lines listed based on your age I would recommend Celebrity (for spa) and NCL (for entertainment and activities) - although on Alaska cruises Alaska IS the entertainment and activity. Sailings out of Vancouver have the benefit of even the round-trip itineraries go "inside" (east of) Vancouver Is. in calmer water. Guessing you're coming from UK so possibly less hassle flying from there to Vancouver.

 

One advantage to HAL is smaller ships that can get to places large ones can't - like tight passages and close to glaciers. HAL also has pretty regular access to Glacier Bay and makes more stops at Sitka than other lines. Most 7nt itineraries are Sitka or Skagway, one of the other. Skagway does offer access to the interior via the White Pass train.

 

One big decision (and cost influence) is one-way or round-trip. One-way sees a lot more of "real Alaska" but requires a more costly flight either back to Vancouver to direct to home or direct to Anchorage to cruise south. On the one-ways our preference was northbound so the scenery could build and build as the mountains got higher and higher and your have a sense of "going to" Alaska.

 

Just a few thoughts.

[dyeadave]

Mickey, Minnie, goofy.

[dyeadave]

Okay so I wrote a response to this OP and then when I tried to submit the reply I get this message that three "characters" are needed.

Frustrated bad humour set in and this is the why of the incongruous "three caracters" and who knows where went the message:(

[xlxo]

@Rest_Relaxation: Thoughts....

• it's been mentioned that late July (not June) is preferred for the bears because of the incoming salmon. August is better for bear sightings, but gets wetter.
  
• Holland vs NCL? Make sure the trip includes Glacier Bay for your first visit.
  
• Vancouver has lots of offer pre/post-cruise activities for a few days, possibly enough to fill a week.
  

[Rest_Relaxation]

Thank you to everybody for taking the time to respond.

 

Old As Dirt Mom – Apologies for all the questions and I guess I do have high expectations, but this will be my first cruise and in fact my first holiday for 6 years, since I have suffered ill health and so I guess I do want it to be as special as possible, because personally I feel I deserve it!! 😊 Although,I appreciate it may not be perfect. I would love to be closer so that I can do it yearly, but unfortunately living in the UK and so far from Alaska means I can’t necessarily afford to do it every year. I do appreciate the point you are getting at though and perhaps I am being a little overzealous for my first cruise! I just want to make the most of my money and make sure I do the main highlights.Thank you so much for all the info though and providing me with the link to the blog that your sister has put together, she’s certainly a very talented lady and that is so interesting!! Looking at the photos and reading through it just makes me want to go tomorrow!!!

 

Snowmc – Thank you also for the link to your blog and packing list (that is very helpful and I’ve heard layering is key!) It will make interesting reading.

 

I’m a bit all at sea (excuse the pun) with the itineraries and I’munsure what glacier to choose. Some include Tracy Arm, or Hubbard Glacier, some Glacier Bay and some Icy Strait Point. So I guess a good thing to ask would be, can anyone recommend must-sees out of those for my first ever Alaskan cruise?

 

Can anyone also recommend ‘must-do’ shore excursions?? I appreciate there are so many, but at least the top ones for Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

 

I realise that with Alaskan cruises, Alaska is the main attraction and I will probably not get much time to experience the ship and won’t care too much about nightlife, as I will probably be too tired!!

[Cruisingthesuitelife]

Thank you to everybody for taking the time to respond.

 

Old As Dirt Mom – Apologies for all the questions and I guess I do have high expectations, but this will be my first cruise and in fact my first holiday for 6 years, since I have suffered ill health and so I guess I do want it to be as special as possible, because personally I feel I deserve it!! Although,I appreciate it may not be perfect. I would love to be closer so that I can do it yearly, but unfortunately living in the UK and so far from Alaska means I can’t necessarily afford to do it every year. I do appreciate the point you are getting at though and perhaps I am being a little overzealous for my first cruise! I just want to make the most of my money and make sure I do the main highlights.Thank you so much for all the info though and providing me with the link to the blog that your sister has put together, she’s certainly a very talented lady and that is so interesting!! Looking at the photos and reading through it just makes me want to go tomorrow!!!

 

Snowmc – Thank you also for the link to your blog and packing list (that is very helpful and I’ve heard layering is key!) It will make interesting reading.

 

I’m a bit all at sea (excuse the pun) with the itineraries and I’munsure what glacier to choose. Some include Tracy Arm, or Hubbard Glacier, some Glacier Bay and some Icy Strait Point. So I guess a good thing to ask would be, can anyone recommend must-sees out of those for my first ever Alaskan cruise?

 

Can anyone also recommend ‘must-do’ shore excursions?? I appreciate there are so many, but at least the top ones for Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

 

I realise that with Alaskan cruises, Alaska is the main attraction and I will probably not get much time to experience the ship and won’t care too much about nightlife, as I will probably be too tired!!

 

Hi

 

I am by no means an expert. I have only been to Alaska once but am planning to return next year. I am a similar age to you, have health issues which dictate and limit how much I can or can't do and also live in the UK, so completely understand your wish to have the best trip possible - given how long it takes to get there and what that journey in itself will take out of you.

 

I always cruise Royal Caribbean - it is just the cruise line I have settled with and works well for me. I would also consider Celebrity but that is just me personally.

 

Firstly, there is NOTHING wrong with being excited, having high expectations or anything like that. You do deserve it! It is just a case of understanding that things don't always go to plan and where wildlife is concerned, it really can vary - but I am sure you know that already. What works for someone else won't necessarily work for you and vice versa.

 

A lot of people on these boards highly recommend Glacier Bay. I haven't had that on an itinerary but have seen Hubbard Glacier, which was spectacular. However, weather can dictate whether glacier viewing is even possible.

 

Icy Strait is quite different to most of the other Alaskan ports in that it is not as commercialised - there is a large visitor centre and the town of Hoonah down the road. I am not too sure on what other options are available for excursions there as I did whale watching with Glacier Wind Charters last time and plan to do the same next time. There is a zip line but I cannot do that but would love to - it looks amazing!

 

The must do shore excursions for me are whale watching where possible. It works well for me in terms of my health as I can sit down or stand up as often as I need. I always choose non ship excursions and go with private companies in the ports, most offer much smaller groups, so that works well too. In Juneau I went whale watching with 'Harv and Marv' and will do the same next time. When you book ensure you specify the small boat (their big boat is only 12 people or so but best to say or book the one you want if you have a preference). Next time, weather depending, I will also do the Mount Roberts Tram. In Skagway, last time I did a short trip up the Klondike Highway - not going too far at all. Next time I am going to hire a car and drive to Emerald Lake and Carcross, going much further up the Klondike Highway. If you don't feel comfortable driving, there are companies who will do the drive, such as 'Dyea Dave'. It is a long day though, so keep that in mind. You can pair the drive with one way (up or back) on the train. In Ketchikan last time I went to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (a bit cheesy, OK, a lot cheesy but a good laugh) and a walk through Creek Street. A lot of flight-seeing tours are done out of Ketchikan, so there might be something here that can show you more of what you want.

 

Since I went for the first time I have longed to go back but it just hasn't been possible. I was meant to go this year but awaiting an operation and so I am determined it will happen next year and it just gives me more time to plan and get excited.

 

I hope you find what works best for you and regardless of what you end up seeing or doing, I know you will have a brilliant time :)

[hbgroadends]

Since you mentioned that price wasn't your first concern, and since no one else has mentioned it, I suggest booking a balcony room. You'll be stuck paying the single supplement, which sucks and is expensive, but if there is one cruise where I think the balcony is worth every penny it is the Alaskan cruise. You will get pictures off of your balcony that you wouldn't be able to get anywhere else, and you won't have to fight everyone to get the best shot.

 

No matter where you go in the world or when you go, weather is always going to be a crapshoot. May is supposed to be the driest month, but the very first Alaskan cruise I went on was the first week of July and I was told by the crew that it was the first week it didn't rain. You just never know what it is going to do, so don't let it guide your decisions too much.

 

The other thing to remember is that June through August are the busiest months for cruising Alaska, so that means lots of people. If crowds and lots of kids don't bother you, then you'll be fine; however, if you don't like crowds at all, you might want to think about going either end of May or beginning of September.

 

You might also think about doing a cruise tour, which lets you spend some time on the ship, but then you do the rest of the time on land. This will get you into Denali and possibly the Yukon (depending on the land tour you choose), which will give you more opportunities to see more wildlife.

 

There is also a company called Uncruise, which has much smaller ships (they hold roughly 100 passengers). They don't have the spa facilities and other big amenities that the larger ships do, but they can sail into places that the big ships can't, giving you more opportunity for seeing wildlife. Search for some reviews on the Uncruise to see some pictures.

 

Good luck to you. I hope your health improves and you thoroughly enjoy your Alaskan cruise, whatever you decide. There is really nothing like it., IMO. :)

[Rest_Relaxation]

Thank you Cruisingthesuitelife and hbgroadends for your kind words and helpful advice.

 

 

I think I have decided on mid to late June. I know you can never guarantee the weather and the chances of seeing wildlife, as these two things are both uncontrollable, but I'm hoping that mid to late June will increase my chances.

hbgroadends - I agree and a balcony is an absolute must for me. It will cost considerably more, but I feel that if I am going to do this holiday, then I want to do it properly!!

I have just purchased Fodor's 'the Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises', as I have been told it is invaluable. I have about 18 months to research and I personally feel the research and run up to a holiday is the best bit!

Like everyone has said, I think no matter who I end up booking with and when I go, I will love Alaska and I can't wait!! I just want to get it booked and start looking forward to it!! :D

[Sequim88]

Another good book is Alaska by Cruise Ship by Anne Vipond (Amazon)

 

Mid to late June is our favorite time due to maximum daylight hours around June 21 solstice.

 

Ketchikan - Misty Fjords National Park by jet boat is a great excursion. Like no place else. To save some time (but more money) we did the tour with floatplane back to town and it was just as spectacular from the air. It's a sort of long boat ride but very relaxing and a fair amount of wildlife along the way. My wife has mobility issues and this was very non-physically taxing.

[Melinda Brasher]

I've heard that later in the season is best for animals, but mostly it's about luck and how much time you spend watching for animals. Stay out on deck a lot just watching. It's very relaxing even if you don't see much.

 

I've been several times to Alaska. I love Holland America, but I found that Princess was actually better at announcing whales spotting near the ship and telling passengers when the ship will be in waters that often have marine life. I know Princess isn't on your list, but don't completely rule it out. I think, really, that whatever line you choose will be good.

 

If you're interested in seeing salmon runs, later is definitely better. I'd recommend late July or August.

 

Weather tends to be rainier later in the season, but it could be totally sunny or all rainy any time you go. Just pack rain gear.

 

Like other people here, I also have quite a few posts and pictures on my blog. Once there, search for "alaska" to get only those results. http://www.melindabrasher.com/

[TheCalicoCat]

(will possibly be travelling with friends, but most definitely have my owncabin) My budget is around £3-4k.

Firstly, your own cabin = single supplement, which on most cruise lines is 200%

Secondly, 3,000 pounds sterling is about $3,600 - if you book an inside cabin, you will be paying close to what it would be for 1 person in a balcony cabin in a sharing scenario. (Using the cruise that I pulled up to get a basic idea on pricing.)

I don't book balconies - I can easily think of 100 other ways to spend that additional money - like the daily gratuity that is not included in the fare. This is the US where the wages are lower because it is understood that the workers will earn tips. They are generally about $13 per person per day - I'm not sure if that is doubled for the single supplement or not.

 

Now that I’ve given you a little info about me, I’m hoping you guyscan answer the following questions:

 

 

• What is the best time of the year for spotting wildlife? I really want to see as many animals as possible, but my main aim is to see bears and whales.
  

Whales - all season, Bears = I selected July for the best odds. (While in Ketchikan, I'm taking a flight to the bear area & paying about $500 per person, I share that to illustrate how quickly your budget can/will dwindle & another option for how to spend the money that you save by not booking a Balcony.)

 

What is the best cruise line/ship?

While I appreciate all of the amenities offered on ships - ice rinks, water slides, etc. When considering Alaska, it is all about Alaska not the transportation to & in Alaska. When remembering your Alaskan cruise, do you want to think about the ship or about Alaska? (I've seen pictures from the ship that I sailed on to Alaska & have said, "I don't recall seeing that." I was too busy looking out not in.)

 

I’d greatly appreciate any advice and love to hear about anyone’sexperience on an Alaskan cruise (hints and tips and advice on excursions too!).

 

Many thanks,

 

I replied within.

[katrina915]

If you want to see bears, go to Anan in Ketchikan during salmon run or add Denali trip. In Seward, it's really nice to see puffins, seals and other wildlife in Kenai. You are young so look into KatMai near anchorage. Alaska cruise is becoming too popular and I would highly recommend going into interior to see wildlife and the beauty of Alaska. I wouldn't waste money on single supplement for balcony. Plenty of lounges and decks to see passing scenery. Look at pictures and forums on trip adviser to get ideas of what to do. Alaska is beautiful.

[aloanldy]

Your trip will be what you make it. All the ships are beautiful and have pro's and con's to them.

 

I'd suggest starting with your itinerary, that will narrow the cruise ships/lines down.

I think then once finding where you want to go... may dictate which cabin you may choose to book.

 

Most cruise lines have up to date Spa's with up to date prices to match.

 

Enjoy your first cruise!

 

Charlie

[vacationlover_mn]

Also- based on what I've seen, at least on RCI, the good balcony rooms book up very quickly! We might do Alaska June, 2018, and I'm going to make our booking as soon as they open up :). If we decide to cancel, there will quite a bit of time for us to do it without penalty...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[KristieB]

Rest_Relaxation, was just curious what you decided? We are going on Bliss June 23, 2018.