Ahhhhh-laska. Think I need help!

[VelvetSkeeter]

Hi everyone! I have read through the forums and found some great info so thanks to everyone on here helping folks like me! I have traveled and cruised a lot but for some reason I can’t seem to figure out what to do for my First Alaska cruise! I know these questions must have been asked in other posts a dozen times, but this is where I am in my part of planning. I feel like a writer stuck on the first word even though I know what I want! 

 

I posted a lot here but just asking opinions from those that have experience with cruising Alaska or have been able to compare options.  I know it is different for everyone. My main question would be best Cruise line -  best Departure Ports.  At least then can start to narrow it down as  I look for a cruise. 

 

Thanks!! 

 

About us, to help with advice.

• Active couple enjoy more modern or upscale dining, craft drinks. Love music (metal for me), exploring and adventure. 
• Not too much into a lot of kids running around the ship or the party Carnival atmosphere for this trip but we do want options for fun not a ship that closes at 8. 
• We don’t gamble so I don’t care about onboard casinos. 
• When we cruise, we maybe do the main dining room once, and usually do Formal night, The rest of the cruise we eat at the specialty restaurants. Never been  a buffet person so don’t care about that and wouldn't use it. 
• For excursions we are up for anything and typically pick the more adventurous, unique or fun ones.  
• Before deciding on the cruise to Alaska we were going to go on a Virgin Cruise because we liked the idea of a more adult cruise, liked the look of the ship, and the dining and entertainment options.

 

Cruiseline

 

Royal Caribbean

Princess

Celebrity

 

Would like an updated or newer ship with many options for entertainment or dining. Not looking for the Carnival party atmosphere but don’t want a ship with limited entertainment or one that shuts down at 8. 

 

Being our first trip to Alaska I am looking forward to a great experience on and off the ship! I have been on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL multiple times. Out of the ships I have been on I thought Royal Caribbean Oasis was the nicest. I looked into Holland, but I really don’t want to spend 15k. So that is out. 

 

Departure Port

 

Seattle

Vancouver

 

Was originally thinking of Seattle just to make it easier for flying but after reading these forums, and comparing itineraries from both ports, I am thinking Vancouver would be best. If I go that route I would  plan to spend a couple days in Vancouver before the cruise. 

 

Cruise only or CruiseTour

 

Like the idea of a Round Trip (in and out of the same port, airport), However I would enjoy a couple of days on a land tour. but it seems a bit confusing and maybe a bit more complicated for the first Alaska Trip especially considering the extra time needed, planning for flights etc. But I also think I might as well why I am out there. I did notice Royal Caribbean has some nice 10- or 11-day option Cruisetours.  (But I am still a little confuse with the whole thing) 

 

Months

 

I am very flexible here so May to the end of August is an option. Was thinking somewhere in June / July but open. Would like decent Temperature, Cold doesn’t bother me, but my wife would be better in the months where it is in the 50/60s part of the day.

 

Cabin

 

Definitely a Balcony but would port or starboard better for views, or doesn’t matter? Also thinking Stern would be good location thinking it would not be as windy while moving if out on the balcony,

 

Length 

If cruise only, is 7 nights enough or should I look into 9 -12

 

Thanks, Again

Edited December 27, 2022 by VelvetSkeeter
typos

[Boo's Mom]

You can't go wrong with cruising on Celebrity in Alaska. 

 

I would recommend either the northbound itinerary (Vancouver to Seward) or the southbound (Seward to Vancouver).  

 

Look at doing any land portion on your own (vs a group endeavor).

 

Any month (that they sail in Alaska) is good.  Better fishing is later in the summer. 

The warmest article of clothing needed is a lined raincoat.  Bring also a hat, gloves & scarf.  Layers are the key to a comfortable day. 

 

You can fish and ship your fish home.  This is a great souvenir option! 

ie:  give your family fish caught by you.

 

You can book all of your excursions independent of the cruise line.  You will get better prices (by eliminating the middleman) and often times, a smaller group size on your tours. 

 

There is a kayaking tour in Seward that is amazing.  - you kayak to a glacier. 

 

You def need (at least) a balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise.  

 

EnJOY the planning stage! 

[Glaciers]

It seems by your post that you’re really only interested in the ship when Alaska is mostly about what’s off ship. If that’s not the case you should look at the ports and what there is to do in each. Most of the main cruise lines are more similar than they are different and, at least for us, we don’t really care what line it is as long as it gives us the best ports and times.  If it’s all about the ship there are certainly cheaper places to cruise.  One thing we consider about the ship is if they have a naturalist. Both Princess & Holland have top-notch “true naturalists” and not just someone vaguely familiar with the ports.

 

You will hear from many that a balcony is mandatory. When we first started cruising Alaska 20 years ago we always booked an interior room and used the savings on excursions. We don’t need to do that these days but glad we did as it maximized the Alaska Experience.

[VelvetSkeeter]

 

Hi Glaciers, 

Not my intention of the post. I have never been to Alaska but  I know that just being there will be awesome in itself. Going from a specific port the itineraries are somewhat similar so I feel like I will get something amazing regardless - once i narrow down some of the options. The ship is still part of the vacation and I want the times we are sailing or not in port to be great too. Different ships provide different experiences .  I like that you mentioned Prances are "tru Naturalist" that is a plus and something I will look into! Thanks!

 

[VelvetSkeeter]

Hi Boo's Mom!

 

Thanks for the info. Leaning more and more to leaving from Vancouver so looking into the  northbound itinerary (Vancouver to Seward), as you suggested, is something that I will be doing now. 

 

"There is a kayaking tour in Seward that is amazing.  - you kayak to a glacier. "
That sounds incredible! I used to Ocean Kayak so this sounds like must do!

Thanks!

[Glaciers]

@VelvetSkeeter  We were on the Royal Princess last May. After the first presentation by the naturalist, he collected cabin numbers and offered to call people in the middle of the night if the northern lights appeared. They didn’t, but it was a great offer.

[Coral]

The ports really are not the same and the glaciers really are not the same either. It is not like the Caribbean where you get off and go to a beach each day. The most important part of Alaska is the ports, the times in port and the glaciers. It really has very little to do with the ship. Pay close attention to the time in ports - for example Juneau has a lot of ships stopping there from 2-10 pm and people complain there is not much to do after 5 tour wise.

 

Some of the newer ships (Oasis) had the worst itineraries last year and spend the least amount of time in Alaska. Haven't looked at them this next year. I think the lines do this intentionally because they attract people who only care about the ship.

 

I would grab a book such as Alaska by Cruiseship by Anne Vipond or spend quite a bit of time looking up the ports online (and trip reports) and the activities you want to do in the ports. Alaska shore excursions can be expensive, especially the really cool ones (flying and landing on a glacier, glacier trekking, etc...).

 

Alaska is amazing. I would take Alaska over the Caribbean any day! Though properly budget for it because the excursions are super cool!

 

I would rank ship's entertainment and shows very low. Also speciality restaurants. I would rather eat in port and enjoy food in Alaska than on a ship. Just my opinion.

 

I do rank ship's speakers on Alaska and Alaska programming very high though! 

Edited December 27, 2022 by Coral

[Coral]

1 hour ago, VelvetSkeeter said:

 

"There is a kayaking tour in Seward that is amazing.  - you kayak to a glacier. "
That sounds incredible! I used to Ocean Kayak so this sounds like must do!
 

Seward has a ton of glacier cruises that are amazing. If you visit Seward, I would try to send a few days there. Great town with lots to do outdoors!

[VelvetSkeeter]

@Coral That is great  information and I didn't even think about the port times. I am currently looking on the Princess site and I see some that stop in Juneau from 8am till 9 PM!  So that is good! 

[VelvetSkeeter]

Checking out some of options on Princess that offer the few day land tours, which sound like a great option if I can swing more time off!  Without anything to go on I feel the land portion prior to sailing may be better than post cruise . Usually by the time I get off a ship I am beat and ready to get home. Not that I didn’t love it but you know – my own bed, pets,work, and stuff

 

[Coral]

10 minutes ago, VelvetSkeeter said:

Checking out some of options on Princess that offer the few day land tours, which sound like a great option if I can swing more time off!  Without anything to go on I feel the land portion prior to sailing may be better than post cruise . Usually by the time I get off a ship I am beat and ready to get home. Not that I didn’t love it but you know – my own bed, pets,work, and stuff

 

Princess has some 10-11 night RT Vancouver cruises this summer on Crown Princess that look attractive.

 

 

[VelvetSkeeter]

6 minutes ago, Coral said:

Princess has some 10-11 night RT Vancouver cruises this summer on Crown Princess that look attractive.

 

 

I will take a look, starting to bookmark a few that seem doable. Would you do that over a 10-11 day non round trip that included a land portion? I know it is probably a bigger hassle with the flights since you have to fly in one place and out another. 

[Coral]

2 minutes ago, VelvetSkeeter said:

I will take a look, starting to bookmark a few that seem doable. Would you do that over a 10-11 day non round trip that included a land portion? I know it is probably a bigger hassle with the flights since you have to fly in one place and out another. 

If you are looking at a land trip - you will want to look at a 7 night from Vancouver to Whittier or Seward (or vice versa).

 

You will want to seriously look at if you want to do a land tour on your own or through the cruise line. Also - distances are great and are underestimated in tour descriptions. If you are only looking at 3-4 days - I would probably do something on my own such as spend time in Seward and drive around the area. Otherwise, plan 7 nights for a land tour (either through ship or on your own).

[Anyislandwilldo]

I wouldn't rule out Carnival.  We sailed in May 2017.  Hubby and I aren't party people.  There were maybe 10 kids on the ship and most nights everyone was in bed by 10.  With cooler temps in Alaska there are no lido deck parties.

 

[Northern Aurora]

Just a few random thoughts from someone who actually lives in Alaska ---

 

Alaska itineraries on every cruise line will have a number of families during the summer during the school break.  Even lines like  Celebrity will have more kids than normal.  And there will be a number of multi-generational families.  Dress will also be casual.

 

Our OP states they want an updated or newer cruise ship.   Celebrity plans to deploy the Edge out of Seattle in 2024.  Alaska itineraries may be perfect for those infinity balconies.  And Celebrity will have a true naturalist on board, not a shopping lecturer.  

 

The issue of flying is mentioned by out OP in post #1 and #12.  In my opinion, the best itineraries are the north or south bound Vancouver to either Seward or Whittier.  RTs out of Vancouver I rank second followed by the RTs out of Seattle.

 

High temperatures will range from the mid-50s on a cold day to the mid-70s F.  May tends to be the driest month in SE Alaska with rains starting in August.  But our weather patterns here are very variable.  As already mentioned clothing layers are important with the outer layer being water proof (not water resistant).  Remember -- there is a reason SE Alaska is called "rain country."

 

Our OP also mentions land tours.  The cruise line organized land tours always look rather herded to me, but they are popular.  But a land tour lasting three or four days won't cover much territory.

 

The most common ports are Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.  Some ships also call at Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), and since the dock has been enlarged at Sitka that port is also having more port calls.  All of these communities have visitor bureaus, so just use goggle to find their respective websites.

[Italy52]

1 hour ago, Coral said:

Princess has some 10-11 night RT Vancouver cruises this summer on Crown Princess that look attractive.

 

 

Coral, we are taking the 11-night Vancouver round trip on the Crown Princess in July 2023.  The minute we saw the itinerary we liked the variety of ports and the long port times.  Something different for us --- we are looking forward to it.

[Coral]

2 minutes ago, Italy52 said:

Coral, we are taking the 11-night Vancouver round trip on the Crown Princess in July 2023.  The minute we saw the itinerary we liked the variety of ports and the long port times.  Something different for us --- we are looking forward to it.

One of my good friends (who visits Alaska every year) is doing the cruise in May. They are great itineraries - I agree!

 

My life is sort of up in the air and I can't plan anything that far out right now. It would be great to be on one of the sailings though.

[Italy52]

36 minutes ago, Coral said:

One of my good friends (who visits Alaska every year) is doing the cruise in May. They are great itineraries - I agree!

 

My life is sort of up in the air and I can't plan anything that far out right now. It would be great to be on one of the sailings though.

May should be beautiful with the snow still around. Hope you are able to fit some cruising in 2023.

[Coral]

4 minutes ago, Italy52 said:

May should be beautiful with the snow still around. Hope you are able to fit some cruising in 2023.

I do love May - I was just looking at pricing and it is actually affordable.... Ugh! I haven't been back for years and I like the itinerary!

[donaldsc]

All of the ships and lines that you have mentioned are way too big for AK.  There are lines that do AK on ships w <1000 passengers and you can even find cruises on ships that have only a few hundred passengers.  On our last AK cruise we were on a ship that held 180 passengers and we have even done an AK cruise on a 50 passenger ship.  As one of the other people who replied on this thread sort of alluded to - you have to decide whether you are going to AK for the Alaska experience or for the on board experience.  The big ships will take you to a port that lives and dies for tourism and you will join with the other 10,000 or 15,000 passengers from a Genormous of the Seas ship who over run the town.  If you do AK on a small ship where you may be the only ship in town you will have a completely different experience.    Check out small ship AK cruises before you make a decision.

 

DON

[Coral]

2 hours ago, Coral said:

I do love May - I was just looking at pricing and it is actually affordable.... Ugh! I haven't been back for years and I like the itinerary!

AdventureBound doesn't seem to be operating in May 😞 .... The price is pretty attractive though and so is the OBC. Air is not good. Story of my life, I think.

[Coral]

1 hour ago, donaldsc said:

All of the ships and lines that you have mentioned are way too big for AK.  There are lines that do AK on ships w <1000 passengers and you can even find cruises on ships that have only a few hundred passengers.  On our last AK cruise we were on a ship that held 180 passengers and we have even done an AK cruise on a 50 passenger ship.  As one of the other people who replied on this thread sort of alluded to - you have to decide whether you are going to AK for the Alaska experience or for the on board experience.  The big ships will take you to a port that lives and dies for tourism and you will join with the other 10,000 or 15,000 passengers from a Genormous of the Seas ship who over run the town.  If you do AK on a small ship where you may be the only ship in town you will have a completely different experience.    Check out small ship AK cruises before you make a decision.

 

DON

The smaller ships in Alaska offer some amazing experiences like kayaking in Glacier Bay, etc... Definitely a different experience and a once in a lifetime experience unless you are Don who has been fortunate to go several times on small ships. 🙂 The reviews on the smaller ships are truly amazing and offer very unique experiences.

 

I will agree with Don that these towns are small and when you get several mega ships docked in port - it makes these towns pretty crowded. The best thing to do is  do your best to take an excursion that gets you out of town and away from the crowds.

[VelvetSkeeter]

@Northern AuroraThanks for all the info. I ad a friend that took Celebrity and loved it. I just checked out their newer ships and the Edge - they seem very nice! I think I may try to make north or south bound from Vancouver work. Unfortunately I can't take off too much time for work so I would only have time for an added 3 or so days for a land tour (if I go that route) but maybe it would be better to just add a few days somewhere on my own after the cruise. 

[VelvetSkeeter]

@donaldscI hear what you are saying and I did check the smaller ships but they cost considerably more. 

[Coral]

12 minutes ago, VelvetSkeeter said:

@Northern AuroraThanks for all the info. I ad a friend that took Celebrity and loved it. I just checked out their newer ships and the Edge - they seem very nice! I think I may try to make north or south bound from Vancouver work. Unfortunately I can't take off too much time for work so I would only have time for an added 3 or so days for a land tour (if I go that route) but maybe it would be better to just add a few days somewhere on my own after the cruise. 

If you go with Celebrity - the cruise ends in Seward. Seward is great to spend 2 days there. Lots of things to do there. Great train to go from Seward to Anchorage. Or you can rent a car and drive around the area. I would do this if you only had 3 days.