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

[MSBYRDY]

Good for you, you'll love it. We did the Mercury, but then it was doing round trip Vancouver. (I love that ship) If you don't do the suite at least make sure you have a balcony. We loved having the balcony for our own viewing. If we got chilly, you could run in, warm up a bit and go back out. The only time we were chilly was at the face of the Glacier.
Marilyn

[Dorothy]

I know the feeling. My husband wanted to go to Alaska. We always went to tropical places because I enjoy beaches and warm weather. I saw pictures of Alaska and I was sold. I bought down jackets for the family last winter and away we go! We leave Friday!

[catmand]

Good for you, I am sure you won't be sorry!Well, which ship. now that is a good question...when do you want to go and how much time do you have and what city might you like to spend a day or so in before and or after the cruise?.......You can take a look at a very nice 12 day round trip out of San Francisco from May 28-June 10, 2005 and come along with AkaWanda and Me. The Infinity with stops in Vancover B.C., Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, and Victoria B.C.

Ketchikan for example in mid June will have around 17.5 hours of sunlight with a rise around 4 and a set 9:30...Juneau a little over 18 with a rise at 3:50 and a set at 10:00. So lot's of light to enjoy....and to give you an idea of temperature; Ketchikan for May/June 56-61 with a low 41-47....also these months get the least ammount of rain.
Keep us posted on what you decide.

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]

Thinking of July... want to avoid the rainiest time of the season, maybe you could suggest that to us. I've been checking out your photos and getting excited. Please keep the information coming! Thanks.

Joe

[catmand]

Joe, i am sure you will get loads of info for July but believe it or not.....Ketchikan which is about the RAINY-IST spot on earth gets same ammount avg. June and July and Juneau actually averages a little more in July than June....give us an idea of how long a cruise you want to take, and if you would like one way or round trip.

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]

Ok, here's what I can give you and maybe from here you can help us figure out which ship and date or at least month to book...

1.) We're both retired, the longer the cruise the better. Time isn't a factor.

2.) Don't want to sound like I'm Rockefeller but, money really isn't an issue - we take 3 or 4 cruises a year, our big cruise is always during the holidays with our grown children and grandchildren. We will book at least a balcony cabin for this cruise but, would consider a suite for the right price.

3.) Trying to avoid rain and fog...would hate to travel all the way from NY and not be able to see the sights! I said July because I assume it's the warmest month to visit. However, if this is rain season, we'll consider June or August or even September.

4.) Willing to do to either a round trip or a one way, but, if we do a one way, I think I would prefer doing a southbound opposed to a northbound. If I'm wrong...please correct me.

5.) Not really interested in a cruise/tour. I'm sure interior Alaska is unique but, I'm not a true nature lover. Don't get me wrong, I love the outdoors and all the creatures of the world, however, sitting on a train or in a bus looking at trees, searching for wildlife isn't my idea of a good time. So, while I would do a 10 night or even 12 night cruise, I really don't care to extend it with a land tour.

6) Port intensive is by far better than days at sea (for us).

Soooooo...what would you now recommend? Thanks so much for you help. I've been researching online - still can't figure out which cruise line...Crystal, Celebrity or Princess. Suggestions are welcome!

Joe

[Guest]

Okay, I'm going to make myself very unpopular with this post, but frankly my husband and I were bored on our Alaska cruise. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

As background, we live in the Pacific Northwest, which is very similar in scenery (as someone posted earlier). We did an inside passage cruise aboard Infinity, and had an incredible aft cabin that gave us all the views we wanted. However, after the first full day, we were tired of the endless trees, and unless the sun was out, we didn't spend that much time on the balcony after that.

The towns were okay. They were very touristy and in many ways we felt like we had never left the Pacific Northwest since you can find towns like that all up and down the coast of OR and WA. The highlight of our trip was definitely the glaciers...watching and listening to them calve. Knowing that we were looking at ice that was hundreds, even thousands of years old was awe inspiring.

It rained for half the days of our cruise, and we began literally to get cabin fever since we were cooped up so much. Had the weather been gorgeous, I'm sure it wouldn't have been so bad, but you can't predict what it will be, and we went the first week in August, which should have been nice.

I absolutely don't regret doing our Alaska cruise, but it isn't a cruise I recommend out of hand for everyone. I'd rather spend my vacation dollars in Hawaii or on a ship in the Caribbean where I don't feel cooped up on a ship.

Ironically, my husband spends 10 days fishing in Alaska every year and even he didn't like the Alaska cruise. We prefer port intensive trips where we can poke around, explore, dive, enjoy the scenery, or whatever. Alaska simply felt like a week on a ship to us, and we won't be going back.

Hilary

[MISSYLOU]

Joe so glad you made up your mind. Don't know what it is like where you live but in the midwest it is so hot and humid in July that an Alaska cruise is very refreshing. Just read a post from a cruiser who is now in Alaska and he got a sunburn in Ketchican. It usually rains there every day and this guy gets a sunburn.

Our first Alaska cruise was in July and we had mild weather. Light weight jackets were all we needed and sometimes not even that.

Don't recall if other mentioned the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau. Just a short walk from where the ship docks. Also in Ketchikan check out creekstreet. And Dolly's house. Take a whale watch tour in Juneau.

We are never bored on a cruise no matter where it is on in port or at sea.

What ship? What is your favorite cruise line? That is how I would decide. They all go there.
I beleive the longer Alaska cruises are in May and Sept.

And finally I think God summers in Alaska. That's how beautiful it is.

Karen & Paul
[email]kmbix56@wmconnect.com[/email]
[img]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_3_23.gif[/img]
[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/124134511FOjEih"]http://community.webshots.com/album/124134511FOjEih[/url]
Infinity
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;06;27;17;45;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Galaxy B2B 10/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;10;16;17;45;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Mercury Mexican Riviera 03/04
Radiance Eastern Caribbean 01/04
Summit Alaska and Pacific Coast 09/03
Infinity B2B Hawaii 03/03
Infinity Panama Canal 10/02
Maasdam Eastern Caribbean 07/02
Sun Princess Partial Canal Transit 03/02
Maasdam Western Carribbean 11/01
Statendam Alaska 07/01
Dolphin Eastern Caribbean 1990?

[joyride]

My husband and I did a Northbound Alaska cruise on the Star Princess for our 20th wedding anniversary. I DID NOT want to go. I don't like the cold and definitely thought I would be bored stiff. I totally did it for my husband. He doesn't really like the heat and I have dragged the poor guy on hot weather beaches vacations and cruises more times than I can list!

Well, our Alaska cruise was probably the best cruise we ever went on. We went in mid August and had perfect weather. It was cold in Glacier Bay and College Fiords, but that was to be expected. The wildlife that we encountered was awesome. A pod of about 15 orcas swam right by our mini suite balcony. We saw humpbacks, puffins, bald eagles, black bears (on an excursion). We rode a float plane into the Tongass National Forest to view the bears. I loved every minute of it. We are going back next summer - again in August. It's just a whole different type of vacation. Oh, and the sunsets on the water in the evening are unbelieveable!

The ship experience was just like any other cruise. The Spa, Casino, shipboard activities, etc. were all there. The food was more of a Pacific Northwest fare with wonderful crab legs, halibut, etc. on the menu.

The only regret we had was that we didn't get inland to see moose or brown bears. We are looking at a few days pre-cruise for next summer so we can venture inland a bit. Make sure you bring a really good camera. If you check out my webshots you can see our Alaska pictures.

Good Luck and I hope you will enjoy it!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

<BODY>
Joyride
View my pictures at:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/jverette"]http://community.webshots.com/user/jverette[/url]
[img]http://www.bassplayer.ws/joyce/fish2.gif[/img]

CELEBRITY CONSTELLATION SO. CARIBBEAN 11/20/2004
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CORAL PRINCESS PANAMA GIRL'S TRIP 4/7/2005
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SUN PRINCESS - ALASKA REVISITED (Unplugged!) 8/8/2005
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Sun Princess - Caribbean Medley 4/9/2004
Grand Princess - Eastern Caribbean 8/3/2003
Grand Princess - Western Caribbean 4/6/2003
RCL Radiance - Pacific Northwest 9/2002
Star Princess - Alaska 8/2002
Crown Princess - Fall Foliage 9/2001
Sun Princess - Panama Canal 2000
Carnival Elation - Mexican Riveria 1998
The Old Star Princess - Eastern Caribbean 1997
Sun Princess - Western Caribbean 1996
RCL Viking Serenade - Baja Mexico 1994

[FSHLOT]

This is a terrific thread!!!Me and my better half are thinking of going somewhere besides Bermuda and the Carribean!!With all the positive replies on Alaska,this is making the decision that much easier!!....Thanks ppl! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

dreamward 1994
zenith 1996
norweigen 1998
zenith 2000
nordic empress 2002
zenith 2003
nordic empress?...2004

If i'm not cruising i'm fshing!!!

[Lois R]

It is a great thread...after my Horizon to Bermuda I have nothing booked.
Maybe I should wait and save some extra $$ and go to Alaska next summer too.....
Wish I could say money is no object but that wouldn't be true [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img].
Gosh, another itinerary to think about!!!

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising"]http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising[/url]

[Kababs]

My husband had to convince me to go to Alaska also, after reading these posts I am more excited about it. We are booked on Summit 06/10/05 southbound, we also booked the pre cruisetour. I just checked the other day and there was still 1 prime FV corner available, we managed to get one of these and from these boards I have learned they are wonderful. Whichever cruise you choose I'm sure you will have a great time.

Karen

[Galer99]

Jeez, Joe. Remember that part of the fun of vacation is to 'take it as it comes.' It's not necessary to know of, and approve of, every tiny detail of a trip ahead of time. Your DW wants very much to go. That should be enough for you. So what if it's not exactly what you want? Just kick back, enjoy the relaxed Northwest and you'll have a great time!!

Gale and George
Oregon

[Joe_Antonelli]

Hmmm, thought I gave the impression that I agreed to go... I'm not nit-picking by any means, just trying to schedule things so that the cruise will be enjoyable for both of us. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Joe

[msiowa]

[B]Joe[/B]: Which ship? We're going to Alaska next summer on Summit [I]because[/I] we wanted to do a pre-cruise land tour. Because you've stated you do not want a land tour, I'd suggest either Infinity or Mercury, both of which do round-trips from Vancouver or Seattle. Easier to arrange air travel that way. The 12-day from San Francisco sounds great to me but I think it gives you a lot of extra sea days, which you say you don't like. (As far as I'm concerned, the more sea days to laze around, the better!!)

Now, have you ever considered a European cruise? Very port intensive with far more interesting ports than the Caribbean. Just a thought.

Happy sailing.
Joanie

[Joe_Antonelli]

Joanie (msiowa) thanks for your input - we actually do land packages when we go to Europe, but, have never taken a European cruise. That is an intersting thought...since my wife got her way...maybe I can get her to agree to go on a European cruise later in the season like September. Thanks for the suggestion...I"ll let you know how it goes!

Joe

[mazza]

<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>

Not sure why I chose Celebrity for our first cruise to Alaska - just seemed to be the sort of cruise line we would enjoy: I liked the idea that it was just a little bit of a cut above the rest. I am now becoming quickly obsessed with the idea of cruising - just from reading these boards. Still another 38 days to go, and it's hard to wait!! I figure Alaska is somewhere different - why not give it a try - you won't know until you have experienced it yourself - no matter how much wonderful advice you get from this board. Go for it I say [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800000&cdt=2004;07;23;21;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Until Summit 23 July 2004

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[SueJ]

This is a great thread, I am almost convinced to give Alaska a try.

Mazza, noted where you live - I have been searching for an Australian cruise, think it would be a great way to see some of your country.Nothing shows up that will work in my time frames as yet, in fact I really don't see a lot of cruises there. I guess I will have to consider a land tour but that time change is a whopper.
Let us know how you enjoy Alaska.

[mazza]

Hi SueJ

Australia would be a great place to cruise - I grew up in north Queensland, and have travelled a bit, so have been to most of the ports - now, Alaska, I've not seen [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] I will definitely post a review when I return. There's lots to see on land here in Oz as well, so you wouldn't be disappointed either way.

And, the time change, yep, it's a big one - but, I try and doze on the plane as much as I can, then sleep for a couple of hours when I arrive and then stay up till 'normal' sleep time, and it seems to be okay. Not sure why, but I also find lots of chocolate helps too [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Maree

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800000&cdt=2004;07;23;21;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Until Summit 23 July 2004

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[dj4eyes]

Joe,
We're booked on Celebrity Summit this fall for a Caribbean cruise (Summit sails Alaska during the summer).
Apparently there's a glass-covered indoor pool [I]and[/I] a fabulous spa, so those might be nice antidotes to any cold weather!

[img]http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/pc/78.gif[/img] Mark

[cruzpro]

Joe if you gonna go and you can afford it go Crystal. It's everything and more than what you've heard and on Crystal you'd be going top drawer. Twelve days is so much more civilized than those 7 day quickies. Don't believe me Joe I'm a self proclaimed Crysta Snob. Ask other people that know. Ernie

Lets do a Back to Back!!

[Joe_Antonelli]

Ernie, always glad to meet a fellow snob! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] We are actually leaning towards Crystal, would like to give them a try and leaving out of San Francisco is very appealing, it's my second favorite city...New York is my hometown and first love. But, yes, Crystal is very much in the running. Just trying to get a beat on when to book this great cruise to the north. June? July? August? HELP!

Joe

[cruzpro]

The May 30th to June 11th is the one to take if possible. It's the first full 12 day cruise out and back to San Francisco. This year same cruise only 7 kids compared to I heard 70 on this cruise going now. It's a value cruise so it's cheaper and it's exactly the same but is less booked so they discount it. The weather is quite often alot better that time of the year. Southeastern Alaska doesn't get much warmer in July or August it's pretty much the same May thru Sept. Difference seems to be that it rains far less early. Mother and I have done that cruise like 5 times and the weathers always been fabulous. Email me with any other questions I can answer them[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Ernie

Lets do a Back to Back!!

[Joanie510]

We have been everywhere and last week we did Alaska, Inside Passage, spending 3 days in Vancouver. Absolutely, the best trip ever. The only word I can think of re Alaska is MAJESTIC. You will not be disappointed. We are bored with Caribbean, but do love Bermuda as it is 2 hrs away from us. ALASKA WAS THE BEST....

[email]Joanie510@aol.com[/email]