Radiance,Vision or ?

[Cathey]

Were planning my parents 50th for next summer. I'v done Radiance to Alaska last summer. Do I book RCL or someone else and why. I've got to tell ya I'v done RCL 4 times and love it. But I need feed back. Am I missing something by sticking with RCL. Thanks Cathey

Happy 50th Mom & Dad

[Budget Queen]

You need to determine what your routing is?? Are you looking at one way- RCI is lacking in this as they don't go to College Fjords. If you go with RCI be certain to have an Icy Strait stop, otherwise choose another line that goes to Glacier Bay with HAL round trip out of Vancouver being my clear preference. Seattle has more outside passage sailing- sailings that I don't consider. Rather than line- consider ports, time in ports, route, glacier, price. Budget fully for costly excursions- you get only half a trip without them. :) Head to your library for Alaska travel books, the more you know the better.

[Host Caroline]

Are your parents just doing the cruise? It sounds like from your post in which case College Fjord isn't an "option" -- as it's only on one way sailings (and possibly the 10/11 day ones on NCL from Vancouver -- can't recall). Depending on their interests etc. HAL and Princess have more on board and port day activities by local artists and onboard folks than Royal Caribbean. But from what I udnerstand Royal Caribbean's onboard program is much improved over the past 5 years.

 

Another consideration in addition to port time etc. is ease for them to get to the port. IMHO it's easier to fly into Vancouver than to fly into Seattle and then go to Vancouver from for some the airfare is much higher and that's not an option.

 

Tours are in all price ranges.. if you find an itinerary that has some long port calls they will be able to do more than one tour and still have some time to explore. Many tours are expensive but many inexpensive tours are also excellent. That's one of Alaska's lures as cruising destination. There are so many options in port and there's something for every interest and budget. Cruise Critic has some good info on port basics in the DESTINATIONS section and there is lots of info online at www.traveljuneau.com. www.skagway.org and www.ketchikan.com.

[Coral]

I would try a different line. My first Alaskan cruise was RCCL Radiance. The next 3 were Princess. I was so much more impressed with Princess and Alaska than I was with Royal Caribbean. Princess has more port lectures, more Alaska speakers on board (Libby Riddles came aboard every Princess ship in Juneau and did a presentation), they have a natualist on board the entire week - I just thought Princess does Alaska so much better than RCCL.

 

I would look into trying to do Glacier Bay or Glacier Bay and College Fiords combo. RCCL doesn't have permits into Glacier Bay (another perk for Princess and HAL - I believe some Carnival and Norweigen do have some permits also)

[Urban trekker]

A correction - the new 10/11 NCL cruises on the Dream will leave from Seattle and not Vancouver and that will allow them to sail up the inside of Vamcouver Island if they wish.

[Urban trekker]

A correction - the new 10/11 NCL cruises on the Dream will leave from Seattle and not Vancouver and that will allow them to sail up the inside of Vancouver Island if they wish.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Host Caroline]

I would try a different line. My first Alaskan cruise was RCCL Radiance. The next 3 were Princess. I was so much more impressed with Princess and Alaska than I was with Royal Caribbean. Princess has more port lectures, more Alaska speakers on board (Libby Riddles came aboard every Princess ship in Juneau and did a presentation), they have a natualist on board the entire week - I just thought Princess does Alaska so much better than RCCL.

 

I would look into trying to do Glacier Bay or Glacier Bay and College Fiords combo. RCCL doesn't have permits into Glacier Bay (another perk for Princess and HAL - I believe some Carnival and Norweigen do have some permits also)

Thanks for posting this, Coral :) I heartily heartily agree with you but since I've been accused of being too Pro-Princess:rolleyes: I was trying not to ruffle anyone's feathers... but since you brought it up: Yes, have done Alaska w/ RCI and Princess and Princess is by far superior...If your parents are doing a roundtrip cruise some of the Holland America ships that do that itinerary go t Glacier Bay but unfortunately Princess ships do not..

[natesfirewife]

That's ok, I'm Pro-RCCL!! To each it's own. I loved the Radiance class ships for Alaska, there was so much to do & see on the ship. We decided to try the Serenade this time.

 

Misty

[alpal1993]

IMHO I put my vote for Celebrity Summit.We didn't go to Glacier Bay,but we have Icy Straits.You will meet the most terrific people,who go out of their way to make you fell welcome in their town.I will never forget my experience and hope to get back again as soon as possible.

[swdke]

I've cruised Alaska on Royal Caribbean, including Alaska, and I agree they're great! As for which ship, pick the itinerary that interest you most. We did a stay of an extra week after we disembarked in Seward. We did our own self tour, it was awsome. If you can find extra time, choose the itinerary that starts or ends in Seward and see more of Alaska on your own.