Need Help Deciding on a 20yr Ann Alaskan Cruise

[joeandsara04]

My wife and I are planning an Alaskan trip for our 20th Anniversary in the Summer of 2024. We want to do our own land tour for 4-5 days before and then a one-way, 7-night cruise to Vancouver after. Here are the three options we've narrowed down to. Would love any feedback or thoughts from those with more experience than us. Thanks in advance, everyone!

 

Possible Cruise Options:

Princess Cruise Line: Voyage of the Glaciers Southbound

• Date: July 13, 2024
• Ship: Sapphire Princess
  • Whittier @ 8:30PM - July 13
  • Hubbard Glacier @ 3PM-8PM - July 14
  • Glacier Bay @ 9AM-7PM - July 15
  • Skagway @ 7AM-8:30PM - July 16
  • Juneau @ 6:30AM-4PM - July 17
  • Ketchikan @ 10AM-6PM - July 18
  • AT SEA - July 19
  • Vancouver @ 7:30AM - July 20
• Inside Cabin Cost: 1367/pp (3700 total)
• Balcony Cost: 2517/pp (6200 total)

 

Holland America: Glacier Discovery Southbound

• Dates: July 7-14, 2024
• Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Whittier @ 8PM - July 7
  • Hubbard Glacier @ 4PM-6PM - July 8
  • Glacier Bay @ 8:30AM-6:30PM - July 9
  • Skagway @ 7AM-8PM - July 10
  • Juneau @ 8AM-5PM - July 11
  • Ketchikan @ 11AM-7PM - July 12
  • AT SEA - July 13
  • Vancouver @ 7AM - July 14
• Inside: 1064/pp with HIA = 3718 total
• Oceanview: 1414/pp with HIA = 4658 total
• Balcony: 2214/pp with HIA = 6018 total

 

Celebrity Cruises: Alaska Southbound Glacier

• Dates: July 12-19
• Ship: Celebrity Summit
  • Seward @ 7PM - July 12
  • Hubbard Glacier - July 13
  • Juneau @ 10:30AM-9PM - July 14
  • Skagway @ 7AM-8PM - July 15
  • Icy Strait Point @ 7AM-3PM - July 16
  • Ketchikan @ 10AM-6:30PM - July 17
  • AT SEA - July 18
  • Vancouver @ 7AM - July 19
• Inside: 699/pp with All Included = 3229 total
• Outside: 1299/pp with All Included = 4429 total
• Balcony: 1999/pp with All Included = 6229 total

[1025cruise]

Either Princess or HAL due to the inclusion of Glacier Bay.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Agree with @1025cruise, HAL or Princess.

If at all possible, go with the balcony - it would be a special way of celebrating your 20th Anniversary.

HAL also folks to purchase gifts for passengers, like flowers, champagne, or even extra OBC.  It might be fun if anyone asks about a gift idea that they could send you something while you are onboard.  We have had friends do that for us and it's really appreciated.

Also, I know that HAL does offer a Vow Renewal, that might be something to consider.

 

Happy Anniversary!

[Essiesmom]

If you are looking at an inside on HAL, get one of the very large inside cabins on Main deck.  EM

[Aquahound]

I’ve been on several AK cruises and I’m familiar with all 3 ships. I recommend Holland America. One, it goes to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. Two, because HAL is a really nice cruise line with a nice layout on their ships. The Crows Nest is the perfect spot for viewing from inside. 
 

The Princess cruise itinerary is equally great but I do not like that ship. That class of ships feels crowded, is dated, and has small cabins. You don’t get a couch in your room unless you upgrade to a mini suite. 
 

Celebrity is a really nice cruise line and I really liked the Summit, but the itinerary isn’t as strong as the other 2. 

[zcorvette1989]

Hi and Happy 20th Anniversary!

I loved HAL due to their wonderful service, activities options, dining menus, and shore excursions. In Juneau, we did the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier. The breathtaking views and the helicopter ride were nothing short of amazing. In Ketchikan we opted for the Totem Pole National Park tour. It was a great and memorable experience. We had the inside stateroom. We should have booked a verandah. I'd definitely go again on HAL and book the Verandah second time around. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mary229]

I have sailed both Princess and Holland to Alaska.  They both do an excellent cruise.   Princess for more nightlife and Holland for more serenity.  Contrary to above opinions I always sail Alaska from an upper deck inside cabin.  Yes they can be small but the crow’s nest or the outside observation decks, where the naturalists hang out, are a step away.   It is good to view with others as you have multiple eyes for wildlife spotting and with the observation deck/crow’s nest you can enjoy multiple vantage points plus the beverage of your choice.  

[allesonwonderland]

Congrats! I'm planning a similar trip in Summer 2024 for our 30th Anniversary! I thought I had it narrowed down to the Princess Sapphire and just needed to figure out which land part to do (and for how long), but some of these comments make me think I should do some more research.

[hancock]

I believe the only actively growing glacier is Hubbard Glacier. I would not consider an inside cabin doing Alaska.  You will spend hours just looking out to see the whales while being in your cabin.