Can you give me tips on a good Alaskan cruise?

Question

I want to take my 87 year old mother on an Alaskan cruise around June or July of 2007. She has voiced a desire to see Alaska. Can you tell me the best, yet economical, cruise line and the best time to book, early or last minute. I've never been on a cruise and would appreciate any advise available. Thanks.

Answer 1

Due to ever-increasing demand, prices have been on the rise for all cruise lines.  Holland America is excellent, though I would give Princess the slight edge, mainly because they tend to have more cruises allowed into Glacier Bay National Park.

If you can find a cruise within budget that heads through at Glacier Bay, I highly recommend it.  This is simply the most spectacular place I have ever visited.  Due to environmental restrictions, it is getting harder to find cruises that are allowed into Glacier Bay (the limit is now 2 large ships per day).

All cruises do NOT stop at the same ports.  Alternate ports have been added to deal with the increased cruise ship traffic.  I would recommend stops at Ketchikan and Skagway, as both have great shops and restaurants right by the cruise docks.  If you stop in Juneau, the Mt. Roberts Tramway is a fun, economical shore excursion, and the tram loads right across from the docks.

One money saving tip:  if you can find a reasonably priced cruise that sails in and out of Seattle (rather than a one-way cruise between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage), you can probably save quite a bit on airfare, since a round trip fare to Seattle-Tacoma is usually a lot cheaper than a split Vancouver/Anchorage fare.  Both Princess and Holland America offer these Seattle round-trip cruises.

Also, May and September are usually the cheapest months to book Alaska cruises, if you can go then.  If not, then early June would be the next best time.  But I would definitely advise booking as soon as possible, since cruises are definitely starting to sell out.

More information is available at http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com .

Answer 2

We took the Saphire Princess cruise to Alaska last August from Seattle on the inside passage. It was the best vacation we have ever taken.  I cannot tell you anything but good things about this ship.  It was immaculate, the food was great, people were great, etc.

Price wise I think if you do some comparing, its one of the better prices you get. Of course, there are many different cabin categories from inside small cabins on up to a 1400 square penthouse. Many different decks to choose from.  I would recommend getting a cabin with a balcony at the very back of the ship. It is pretty much wind free back there, the balcony's are bigger.  Considering your mom's age if she would have a day she rather stay in the cabin....she would be totally happy sitting out on her own private deck watching Alaska go by.  The scenery is magnificent and you do not want to be in a room where you can see nothing.  Also room service is free and you can order breakfast, if you want, delivered to your room, and sit on the deck and eat. You can fill out a menu the night before have it delivered at any given time in the morning. Its like your in heaven.

We had met up with friends on this cruise and they had a cabin with a balcony but kept coming to our room to sit on our balcony because they said their's had a lot of wind being on the side of the ship.  We were located on the Caribe deck which was also good because on some decks they are set up in a way that people are above you looking down.  I was told no matter which deck your on they have dividers between each balcony so you are never looking at other people on either side.

Very few children on the ship, mostly 40 to 90 year old people.

As far as what to wear,  I would have to say I seen more kaki pants and levi's then anything else.  They have 2 formal night where you can really dress up if you want to. But thats not mandatory either because those night they still have the wonderful buffet where you can eat and not get dressed up.  So every body can be happy dressing the way they feel comfortable.

The guys we were with (our husbands) did not want to get dressed in tuxedo's or suits so we ordered lobster tail and salads brought to our rooms. The formal nights are the nights they have lobster.

I better add that we went in August and temperature ran 70 to 75 degrees the whole 7 days. I think we were very lucky, no rain at all. Prices are highest for this cruise in June and July and first week in August.  Then they get cheaper the later you go in the year.  I'm thinking April prices are lower also.

Answer 3

Holland America Line is the best one.  They are the longest running line in Alaska.  Book now.  Holland America Line allows you to take advantage of new promotions that come out later if you are already booked.  

Lets say you booked tomorrow and in two months a lower price is available on your cruise.  They will give you the discount.  The catch is that it must be before the final payment date which after that there is never a better rate anyways.

If you call them directly they have great people that can help you if you want to work with the same person all the time.  If you have worked with a travel agent and they were great then go back with them instead of going direct.  Either way you should get great service.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Ms; I went 3 times last year with my father 84. All cruise go to the same ports. Holland is nice but, also costs more and more dressy. Ncl & Princess are more relaxed. Book early to make sure you get a good room. If a member of AAA they can save you alot. If you & her like buffet style then try to get a room on deck 11. Lot less walking. Seattle better airport & also best to take a taxi to & from ship. Cost $40.00 with tip and you will not have to wait in long lines for buses. You will see plenty of wildlife from ship and wait until you are in port for any extras. Also buy any gifts in port & save more. In Ketchican visit Salom Mall at end of pier as they have many shops & coutyard to sit down & take a break. Also Rooms are same price no matter what floor. Book inside room as you are not in them that long. Besure to ask for single beds. You can visit their web sites to see all the info you need or email me at [e-mail] as I have brouchures. Take lots of film as well as a light jacket. You both we will meet people from all over the world and will be a trip you will never forget. We are going again in May.

Enjoy.

Answer 5

I have a group going in late June 2007.  The cruise is traveling from Vancouver to Seward (an Inside Passage - which is the most scenic).  If you are so inclined, you can also include a pre-cruise stay in Vancouver (for any number of days) and/or a post-cruise tour 3+ days.  Alaska cruises are very popular and fill up quickly, so it is important that you book your cruise ASAP.

No matter what cruise you consider taking I do recommend the following:

- Arrive in the departure port at least a day prior to departure (assures there are no issues due to flight delays and allows you to "catch your breath" a bit before beginning your cruise.  I recommend this to all my clients, but would highly recommend this considering your mother's age.

- Make sure you purchase travel insurance. Again, considering your mother's age, compare the cost of the insurance offered by the cruise line vs. independent insurance such as Travelex or TravelGuard.  It may be a situation where it is less costly for your mother to purchase insurance from the cruise line and less costly for you to purchase the independent insurance.  The cost difference can be several hundred dollars, so its a good idea to really scrutinize this cost.

- Check the difference in price of the cruise line's airfare vs. booking your own air.  Again the difference could be as much as several hundred dollars per person.

- The highlight of an Alaskan cruise is the scenery so I would recommend a stateroom with a balcony (you're mother would certainly enjoy this for the best view of the scenery).  If this is not in your price range, then I would recommend a stateroom with the largest window that would fit your budget.  The decks with lifeboats sometimes have cabins with obstructed views, so please make sure you avoid these on your first cruise.

I hope my advice is helpful.  If you'd like to travel with my group or would simply like to discuss your options further, please give me a call at 866-485-8175. (no obligation)

Answer 6

I will give you some basics, but you need to visit your local travel agent. No matter what you think, you will not find it cheaper on the internet.

For an elderly person, I recommend a roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska. Holland America is the best for anyone, and especially seniors. The ships are smaller and not as hectic.

Pricing for Alaska is expensive no matter who you use these days. If you want a balcony cabin, expect to pay close to 2000 per person. You can get a cabin with no window for a lot less.

If you don't book NOW, you will not get on a cruise next summer.  Many sailings are already sold out or close to it. At the last minute (because of limited season and popularity), you will pay top price or not get on at all.