Book Alaska or not to Book Alaska, that is the question...

[Joe_Antonelli]

Well folks, I'm turning to you because my wife and I are in a complete dead-lock regarding a cruise to Alaska. Perhaps she's more of a "sport" - she's pro Alaska and I am against it. Now before you all boo and hiss at me, this is your opportunity to sell me on this idea.

Now keep in mind I'm someone who hates cold weather, would be happy never to see another flake of snow in my life (I'm retired in my 60s) and, while I am sure Alaska is beautiful...I truly believe I will be bored out of my skull in Alaska. I'll take Bermuda or the Caribbean on any ship for any length of time...but, Alaska... How many trees or icebergs can be of interest? Yes, perhaps I am being devil's advocate but, I'd really like to hear your opinions.

Looking forward to your posts on the matter. Thanks for all the input you give - I'll take it all - positive and negative experiences. And of course a day on a cruise ship is a better than a day at work or home! That's a given!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Joe

[kitty9]

I have been fortunate to cruise all over the world, having been to all the continents on cruises, including such exotic places like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and Brunei, and I have to say that Alaska was one of the big highlights of my cruising career. I felt like you, that it was going to be boring, but it was just the opposite. It wasn't cold, it didn't snow and the wildlife and scenery is absolutely the most beautiful you'll ever experience. There are so many activities offered that you cannot be bored unless you want to be. Personally, I find the Caribbean to be very boring with all the islands basically looking alike, and the only reason I still cruise is to just enjoy the ship---I don't go ashore in the Caribbean anymore having been to all the islands. But Alaska is special and not to be missed.

Darcie

[jezzdogg]

When I was reading that to my dh, he could not help but, laugh. We argued for 5 years about going to Alaska, with me wanting to and him saying a summer vacation should not be in a cold weather climate!!. Well last year, I finally won out, we had been in Hawaii the summer before and with the war in the mideast he did feel like going to Europe. So we did Alaksa--boy has his attitude changed, he can not wait to go back to do the things that we had planned but, could not do because of it being too warm and foggy(like the dogsledding and the Summit flight to Denali) I have a whole folder of info: on excursions, etc. would be glad to send to anyone who needs them.
Alaska must be seen it is wonderful, it will be surely a outsanding experience.
I for one lol am starting to gert tired of the islands of the Caribbean, after all how many times can you do to Nassau, ST. Thomas, etc

norm

[mromoff]

I live in Denver, Colorado - known for the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I love where I live and think it is a beautiful place. Alaska just blew me away. Please click on REVIEW in my signature to read about my Alaska trip last summer. There is also a link to the pictures that I took. They are pretty good pictures, but believe me, they don't even do Alaska justice.

On our trip, we had one cold morning and the rest of the trip the temperatures were in the low 70's - pretty much ideal if you ask me. We went in the first week of August - depending on what time of year you go, you may have a different experience with the weather.

The one thing that got me the most about visiting Alaska, was that such a beautiful place is still the United States. It gave me even more pride to be an Amercian to see Alaska, if that is possible.

You will have to let us know what your decision is and if we help sway you one way or the other. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Mindi

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Constellation - Southern Caribbean

Infinity to Alaska 8-03 [url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=147097554&m=8233026937"]Review[/url]
Millennium to Eastern Carribbean 11-02

[Guest]

We went to Alaska on the Galaxy in 2000. Before the cruise I was very pro-Alaska while my wife was pro-warm weather (Caribbean, etc). Our cruise to Alaska so far has been my favorite but my wife still would prefer to cruise to Carib vs Alaska.

Jubilee 1991 Solar Eclipse
Century FO 1996 E Carib
Mercury FO 1998 W Carib
Galaxy SS 2000 Alaska IP
Infinity FV 2002 S Carib
Horizon HS 3/05 W Carib

[Brendamorris]

Okay, I will be the lone voice to scream...do not go to Alaska! My husband talked me into going 2 years ago because all of our friends swore it was their favorite designation. After refusing for 6 years (for the same reasons, too cold, seen one glacier... you've seen them all) In my case, we returned with my husband saying he wished he had listened to me. The weather was too cool for us, and most of the towns were depressing. The 2 excursions that we most enjoyed were fun, but not worth taking a cruise for. So dig your heels in and go to the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Hawaii...anywhere but Alaska.

Atlanta Cruiser

[Tatka]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mromoff:
I live in Denver, Colorado - known for the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I love where I live and think it is a beautiful place. Alaska just blew me away. Please click on REVIEW in my signature to read about my Alaska trip last summer. There is also a link to the pictures that I took. They are pretty good pictures, but believe me, they don't even do Alaska justice.

On our trip, we had one cold morning and the rest of the trip the temperatures were in the low 70's - pretty much ideal if you ask me. We went in the first week of August - depending on what time of year you go, you may have a different experience with the weather.

The one thing that got me the most about visiting Alaska, was that such a beautiful place is still the United States. It gave me even more pride to be an Amercian to see Alaska, if that is possible.

You will have to let us know what your decision is and if we help sway you one way or the other. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Mindi

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Constellation - Southern Caribbean

Infinity to Alaska 8-03 [url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=147097554&m=8233026937"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=147097554&m=8233026937[/url]
Millennium to Eastern Carribbean 11-02<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Say THANK YOU to the stupid Russian Tzar!!!

------------------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Zuiderdam 8/21/04 FLL - Key West - Cozumel - Grand Caymans - Half Moon Cay - FLL
<LI>Splendour of the Seas 05/15/04 Barcelona - Marseilles - Villefranche - Livorno - Chivitavecchia - Naples - Barcelona
<LI>Century 07/12/03 Eastern Caribbean FFL-San Juan - St. Thomas - St.Maarten- Nassau -FFL
<LI>Komarno(Volga)07/91 Moscow - Astrahan' - Moscow (honeymoon)
<LI>Komarno(Volga)07/90 Moscow - Astrahan'- Moscow
<LI>Admiral Nachimov(or Nakhimov) (Black Sea)04/1986 Odessa - Batum [/list]

GO BRUINS!!!!

[CelebrityMan]

Alaska..., there's no place else in the U.S. where one can so easily get upclose & personal to so many magnificent natural wonders.

Now, understand, I live in the great Pacific Northwest, very near the majestic Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (which beats the Inside Passage all to pieces!) and at the south edge of the Mt. St. Helens National Monument. But even with these facts, Alaska is amazing because of its' breadth and scope.

I know of no other place in the U.S. where one can watch glaciers calve icebergs. Hawaii is spectacular in many warm ways, especially watching lava ooze into the ocean. On the opposite of that spectrum is to watch a 'flow' of ice break off massive chunks of itself into the ocean.

Imagine yourself on a ship, deep into the recesses of an Alaskan fjord, rugged, awe-inspiring 14-15K ft. high mountains on either side and a miles wide face of truly blue ice in front of you. The captain shuts down the engines and all is silent, save for the barking of seals on the pan ice nearer the glacier. Suddenly, in the midst of encompassing quietude, a thundering crack reverberates, a spray of ice shards geyser upwards, and an iceberg sheers off and crashes into the water. The berg settles and the resulting waves ripple toward the vessel. It is an awesome experience!

No, you won't find pristine tropical beaches and palm trees. But you'll never really know whether or how deeply Alaska will inspire you unless you go.

[mazza]

Joe
For me, the choice of Alaska for our first cruise was because it is different. Here in Australia, we have beaches and tropical islands (I grew up in tropical north queensland) but we don't have much at the other end of the spectrum (our mountains are not all that high really, an no glaciers - or bears!). So the chance to see somewhere very different to what I am used to was my primary reason. Now, New Zealand has similar things to Alaska, and would probably have been cheaper to visit, but I could not have had the cruise experience there. I have no other cruises to compare Alaska to, but I'm sure looking forward to it anyway.
Maree

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Until Summit 23 July 2004

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[MISSYLOU]

We were just the opposite. DH wanted to go to Alaska and I didn't. Same reasons you stated hate the cold. But the summer of 2001 was dreadfully hot and I conceded to take an Alaskan cruise. WOW. Did I ever love it. In fact we are leaving on our third Alaska cruise in two weeks.

The beauty just knocks your socks off. Pictures do not do it justice. We also enjoy the long daylight hours. We find the ports to be interesting and fun. So much different than ports in the Carribbean. And the cooler temps are so refreshing. And the days for cruising the glaciers, well it's just an awesome time to just sit and contemplate the beauty and wonder of nature.

I really don't think you will be sorry if you go.

Karen & Paul
[email]kmbix56@wmconnect.com[/email]
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Infinity
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Galaxy B2B 10/04
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Mercury 03/04
Radiance 01/04
Summit 09/03, Infinity B2B Hawaii 03/03,Infinity 10/02,
Maasdam 07/02, Sun Princess 03/02,Maasdam 11/01,Statendam 07/01,Dolphin 1990?

[alpal1993]

I myself can't wait.I might be the one wearing my winter coat but at least I will get some use out of it.LOL!Till June 20 Alaska here we come.

[Joe_Antonelli]

Well, you've certainly made Alaska sound beautiful but, I still have doubts. Tell me about the shore excursions, the weather (in the research I've done, it seems rain is common even in the summer - if i'm wrong correct me on that one), and which itinerary you like best and why. I'm a bit more open to this idea after your comments but, I still need a reason to give up Bermuda for Alaska. And, in all fairness I will tell you we've been to Bermuda 5 times on cruises and 6 times for land based vacations.

So, keep it coming folks and thanks for all the input so far!

Joe

[LovetheSea]

If you go in August you will have a pretty good shot at some nice warm weather up there. Maybe you are most worried about rain. I have been to two cruises to Alaska. One it rained most of the time. The other time, most ports were 80 degrees!
I had been trying for 5 years to talk my husband into going to Alaska. He likes the Caribbean. His argument was always that we live in Washington State and it would pretty much be the same as here. NOT so. He ended up loving it there. Even though this one was the one it rained most of the time. I think it is a cruise that everyone should try once anyway. It is so different from the others.

[Joe_Antonelli]

ALSO - should have asked this earlier but, which cruise line would you take to Alaska? Celebrity? Princess? or Crystal?

Again, looking for all experiences, the good, bad and the ugly. Thanks.

Joe

[Oppgaard]

I had one heck of a time convincing my partner to go on an Alaskan cruise. He said he did not want to go somewhere cold on a vacation, but on each cruise we took to either the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera, all people could talk about was their cruise to Alaska. After hearing this more than he actually cared to, I finally convinced him to go and at least try it. We just returned about two weeks ago and that is all he can talk about. We were only on the cruise about 3 days when he insisted that we book it again for next year. The weather wasn't nearly as cold as he expected and the scenery and the cruise was more than he could have possibly hoped for. We can't wait to go again next year although we will slip in another warm weather cruise or two in the meantime.

Tell your husband that this is a cruise, not to be missed.

DesertCruiser

[ejhall]

My first cruise was Alaska, Celebrity's Mercury and we (my mother and I) enjoyed it tremendously. That cruise was a northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage. I personally found Anchorage to be an anti-climax after the wonderful and breath-taking scenery on the cruise. We're booked on the Infinity, Sept 5th round-trip Vancouver this time. As far as excursions, we didn't take many last time, as we wanted to do walking tours of the ports on our own. This year we're planning several excursions, one of which is a whale watching cruise. Not something I can do very easily from my home!

I don't think you'll be sorry at all if you choose Alaska, but I can agree that it's not for everyone! You really have to be into nature viewing (plants, animals, glaciers). For me, there's no match for the experience!

Celebrity Infinity 9/5/04 (I can't wait! Woohoo!)
Celebrity Mercury 6/12/98

[kkorman]

Take a look at my picts in the kkorman2 link below. THey were from AK last week and should be enough to convince anyone.

Next: #23 Dawn Princess 10/04
Photos: [url="http://community.webshots.com/user/kkorman"]http://community.webshots.com/user/kkorman[/url]
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Last Few: Coral Princess 6/04 (AK-South), Coral Princess 4/04, (Canal-FLL-VAN), Conquest 12/03 -New Years, Norwegian Sky b2b 12/03

[Tatka]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Joe_Antonelli:
ALSO - should have asked this earlier but, which cruise line would you take to Alaska? Celebrity? Princess? or Crystal?

Again, looking for all experiences, the good, bad and the ugly. Thanks.

Joe<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As Celebrity fan I'll give it a try!!!

------------------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Zuiderdam 8/21/04 FLL - Key West - Cozumel - Grand Caymans - Half Moon Cay - FLL
<LI>Splendour of the Seas 05/15/04 Barcelona - Marseilles - Villefranche - Livorno - Chivitavecchia - Naples - Barcelona
<LI>Century 07/12/03 Eastern Caribbean FFL-San Juan - St. Thomas - St.Maarten- Nassau -FFL
<LI>Komarno(Volga)07/91 Moscow - Astrahan' - Moscow (honeymoon)
<LI>Komarno(Volga)07/90 Moscow - Astrahan'- Moscow
<LI>Admiral Nachimov(or Nakhimov) (Black Sea)04/1986 Odessa - Batum [/list]

GO BRUINS!!!!

[LovetheSea]

Celebrity to Alaska!!!
The Infinity is a good choice [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Joe_Antonelli]

Hi Folks, I'm still on the fence over this decision... You made some good points but, I'm still not certain Alaska is right for me. So, let me ask you some more questions:

1.) During days at sea - are you close enough to land to see things or is it like a day at sea doing a Bermuda or Caribbean route (just the wide open seas).

2.) What type of activities are offered during the days at sea?

3.) Will the casino be open at all? This could honestly make or break my decision about this trip. This is where I spend my free time on warm weather cruises during days at sea.

4.) Which itinerary would you recommend, we both prefer port intensive. (As you can tell by my questions above, I am not a fan of days at sea...I like getting off the ship and doing and seeing things).

5.) Does anyone have a daily activity sheet they can post (sorry I'm not sure what you call it on Celebrity...on Princess it's the Princess Patter and on Carnival it's the Carnival Capers). I'm sure you know what I am seeking [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Ok back to you... Looking forward to hearing more about this topic.

Thanks for all your help so far!

Joe

[Guest]

Joe,

Most of the time when the ship is sailing during the at sea days, you are sailing amongst the islands and land that make up the Inside Passage. This of course depends on the route that the captain/pilot chooses to take. But for the most part, there is a great deal of land scenery to watch as the ship sails (narrow channels, occasional glacier, some wild life).

The casino is open the majority of the time when the ship is sailing despite not being in international waters. Personally for me it was tough to sit in the casino knowing all that spectacular scenery was passing by.

As far as itinerary is concerned I would prefer the one way trip (Vancouver to Seward) over the round trip (Vancouver to Vancouver)--especially if this was the only Alaska cruise you think that you are going to take. Also if you plan on tacking on a land tour of Alaska, then you have to take the one way trip. Whichever itinerary you choose, be sure that your trip includes a day sailing through Glacier Bay or even Yakutat Bay (Hubbard Glacier). These are not to be missed and even though they are done technically as at sea days, it won't really feel like it because of the unusual scenery.

Although we are Celebrity fans (and enjoyed our Alaskan cruise on the Galaxy), my recommendation for a cruise line to see Alaska is Princess since they have been a leader in Alaska cruises for a very long time and they have it down right from years of experience--again this is especially true if you intend to add a land tour to your trip. However as part of the compromise to ensure that the both of you enjoy this Alaskan cruise (should you decide to go), picking the cruise line that you would be happier with--for whatever reason--might make more sense.

Whichever cruise line you choose, be sure you get a balcony cabin!!


Jubilee 1991 Solar Eclipse
Century FO 1996 E Carib
Mercury FO 1998 W Carib
Galaxy SS 2000 Alaska IP
Infinity FV 2002 S Carib
Horizon HS 3/05 W Carib

[This message was edited by mahdnc on 06-12-04 at 09:29 AM.]

[This message was edited by mahdnc on 06-12-04 at 09:34 AM.]

[This message was edited by mahdnc on 06-12-04 at 09:35 AM.]

[MSBYRDY]

We're from Chicago area and I wanted to go, husband had your mindset. Who wanted to go to cold weather when we finally had some warm weather. It took me several years to convince him, but he's now the biggest convert. It was totally wonderful. Casino is important to us too, yes it was open during sea days. Some of the scenery is so close you feel you could reach out and touch it. Totally different experience from Caribbean or Bermuda.

We packed up all these cold weather clothes and rainwear and had the most gorgeous week you could imagine. We went early June and expected nasty weather. It was 70's and sunshine every day. People were actually using the outdoor pool.

As for excursions, we did the helicopter/dogsledding and it was fantastic. We also did a wildlife cruise. Many more small things, but you have to trust us......you will love it. Go for it.
Marilyn

[akawanda]

We absolutely loved Alaska; we went in Sept.2003. Cooler weather, but that what parkas are for. We went on the Star Princess for 7 days. We are going back May 2005 on the Celebrity/Infinity for 12 days.

If you truly do not want to go, and think you might be miserable, how much fun would it be for your wife.

My suggestion if you are still vacillating, is to send the wife and a friend to Alaska and then book another cruise for you and your wife to a destination with warmer weather.

[url='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008'][img]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_4_2v.gif[/img][/url]

Wanda

[catmand]

Joe, it sure seems like the majority of people loved Alaska, so we could type until our fingers turn blue and the ultimate decision is going to be yours even if we all give you the "hard sell."

I think you ought to go simply because your wife wants to. My DW suggested you have her go with a friend if you truly do not want to, that is an option....however there are always a number of widow ladies on a cruise ship who will tell you over a meal..."I always wanted to do this but my husband didn't, so now I am here." [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img].....bite the bullet....make the reservation...yep you can hang out in the casino but I will bet the majesty of Alaska will have you out on deck!

Star Princess 9/03 Alaska
Celebrity Mercury 3/04 Mexico
Next: Sapphire Princess 10/2/04 Mexico
Celebrity Infinity 5/28/05 Alaska
Mercury Cruise 3/13/04 & Amtrak Train trip 4/04 Pic's
[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/catmand100"]http://community.webshots.com/user/catmand100[/url]

[Joe_Antonelli]

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] OK YOU ALL CONVINCED ME - WE'RE GOING TO ALASKA IN 2005!! -

I figure, what the heck, it's something I'll try once, even if I don't like it at least I'll have the experience and let's face it, a week of pampering is never bad no matter how you slice it!! I might even indulge in a suite to help make this trip easier on me. Now here's the next question - WHICH SHIP!!!???? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

Joe