Need help choosing...

[cognac62]

Hey folks!

Love the board.

Looking to cruise Alaska July 2007.

1. Better to cruise out of Seattle? I hate flying.

2. Will be me, wife, ten year old

 

The choices for my week off, leaving Seattle are:

 

Holland Oosterdam

Golden Princess

NCL Star

 

Your reviews on each are mixed.

If money was no object, which would you recommend?

 

When we do travel, we do like the best since we don't have much time to travel. Thanks.

[Chat Noir]

If you don't mind transfering via Amtrak, shuttle, or rental car, your options open tremendously by also considering Vancouver RT sailings.

 

Of the three listed, I'd likely choose HAL because of the Hubbard Glacier sailing. The other 2 visit Tracy Arm, which is spectacular and has the most fabulous icebergs, however, the Sawyer Glaciers themselves aren't as dramatic as some of the others.

 

If you prefer sailing out of Seattle, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the 3. Read up on ports and their offerings, especially Sitka and Skagway, since those 2 trade each other off on the different sailings; also Tracy Arm vs. Hubbard, then decide which suits your preferences.

[Toyz711]

don't forget the new NCL ship that is taking over the NCL star's route (last year)also leaving from seattle. i did the star in sept, then it did the glacier bay route and i loved the ship. our whole family loved the ship, service, food..everything. but the star is doing a different route this year and thier newest ship will be doing the glacier bay route.

we had to leave from seattle, we have family in seattle..one with health issues. extra traveling, to get to the ship, was not an option.

i have pictures and reviews in my signature.

[NancyIL]

don't forget the new NCL ship that is taking over the NCL star's route (last year)also leaving from seattle.

 

That would be the Pearl.

[Toyz711]

i had a brain freeze and could not think of it,:rolleyes: :eek:

[cognac62]

Thanks for the tip about Norwegian Pearl. Looking at their site, looks fantastic.

 

Now....about those courtyard suites......:)

[Budget Queen]

Of your list, I too agree- HAL is superior. But if you are set on only Seattle, NCL Pearl is the winner with Glacier Bay. I've sailed this itinerary and it's excellent, I'm also on the Pearl this year. I find the freestyle fits perfectly with my cruising style- also their compass rewards slashes thousands off my cruises. :)