Has anyone ever taken a cruise in Alaska?

Question

There are several different ships and I wanted to know if there was one in particular you would recommend? There are four of us (two adults, one 9yr old, and one senior) going in July. Also, are there any "not to miss" stops or activities? Thanks.

Answer 1

I have been to Alaska twice. Once on business with some touring added in and then on a Princess cruise ship.  I loved the Princess ship and cruise and do recommend it.

The best time to go on an Alaska cruise is when you can get the best price.   The Alaska cruise season is from May to Sept.  The best prices will be in May and Sept but you will see the same things as other times.  The weather is generally warmer in June, July and Aug, but it can also be pleasant in May and Sept. When we went a few years ago in May it was shirt sleeve weather (70's) in Anchorage and Fairbanks. The odd thing was, it was cooler further south in Juneau and Skagway than it was up north. It was rainy and cloudy in Ketchkan. It will be cold, like coat, hat and gloves weather, when you get close to the Glaciers. When you pack, think layering of your clothes. A couple long sleeve shirts/tops, a sweater/sweatshirt, a light jacket, maybe with a hood.

The port stops will be the same but may be in a different order.  Some cruises ship itineraries are run in reverse order, North to South vs starting in Seattle or Vancouver. Check the cruise line web sites for variations by date, itinerary and price.

The best Alaska cruise experience is the CRUISE-TOUR. Princess, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean all run cruise tours which take you by train all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska.   Princess and RC have special domed train cars for this. Your best chance to see wild animals will be if you do a cruise-tour where you go further north before or after cruising the inside passage. The only animals you are likely to see in the inside passage is seals.   If you get really lucky you may see a whale or a whale pod.   On the cruise-tours you can arrange to stop for a night or two in Taketna, or  Denali National Park. This will be your best opportunity to see Moose, Caribou, eagle, wolf, and bear. But you really need two days at Denali so that you have time to get one of the Park Service's buses that go deep into the park. Regular tour buses , cars and campers can only go about 3 or 4 miles into the park. The Park Service runs buses about 17 miles into the park, but you must get to the visitor center very early to reserve a spot on one of their buses. The train stops going

north and south do not get you to Denali in time or allow enough time for the deep back country buses.  With Princess, Holland America, and RC you can do the tour part first and then go to Seward or Whittier to get on ship for the inside passage part.  I recommend doing the tour part first.

I think you will be happy with either of these three cruise line.

Answer 2

go go go. you will never forget it. we did the 7 day cruise,with3 days in vancouver bc. bring a warm jacket.

Answer 3

I went to Alaska on a princess cruise ship. We did a cruise/tour which was 4 days on shore first, then we got on the ship for 7 days of cruising. So we spent times on trains, in Denali National park, and in Anchorage. Princess has several options for this. I highly recommend a cruise/tour if you can. The best part was in Glacier park. Being up close and seeing glaciers crashing down was unbelievable. Alaska is one cruise that I would highly recommend balcony rooms, so you can see all the action from your room. Expect to see Eagles, moose, bears and many other birds. Just beautiful.

Answer 4

hello

if you want read something about cruise travel

i just come accross this blog may help you

http://disney-cruise-ship.blogspot.com

http://cruises-carribean.blogspot.com

Answer 5

I have taken 22 cruises to Alaska. First if you are going for a 7 day cruise then I prefer Norwegian as they have FREESTYLE CRUISING which means you can either dress casual or dress up for dining. The Buffet is an excellent choice as it gives everyone a chance to try new things and for the 9 yr.old makes it easier. If you have the time to do a cruise tour then Princess. You stay at 5 star lodges and the train ride, wildlife both on the ship & land is something no one wants to miss. In Ketchikan go to Salmon Mall at end of pier great stores & good prices. Do not buy souvenirs on ship. In port alot less. Example T-Shirt on ship $15.00 in port $5.00. Visit Alaska Shirt.com. If you go on whale watching make sure they are guaranteed. Beauitful scenery, wildlife, meet people from all over the world and a trip you will never forget.

Enjoy.