If I'm going on a cruise up the Western U.S. Atlantic, what do I need to know(prepare for)?

Question

Cruise to Alaska. Which time of year is best? THanks.

Answer 1

In the summer.  I went in July and it was awesome!!

Answer 2

Here's some basic information; A "standard" Alaska cruise is 7-nights, either Northbound from Vancouver, or Southbound from Seward (Ancorage area). All call at the same four ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka in some combination.

Other cruise lines do round-trips from Vancouver or Seattle but only sail up the "inside passage" and hit one or two of the ports, without visiting the glaciers on the Northern end of the cruise.

As far as which cruise line to choose, here's how I would rank them, having been on them all:

#1) By far and away - Celebrity;

#2) a tie between Holland America and Princess;

#3) Royal Caribbean;

#4) NCL;

#5) Carnival.

An Alaska cruise is something you'll do only once in your lifetime, so you should seriously consider adding a 3-night land tour to your cruise. Go up to Denali Park, see Mt. McKinley, see all the wildlife, ride on the glass dome rail car . . . . then relax on your cruise. In other words, take a Southbound cruise.

There are discounts available right now on virtually every departure for the entire Alaska season, which runs from May to September. You'll find the lowest rates on departures early and late in the season.  Many people prefer late August - as there tends to be less children on-board at that time.

I hope this information was helpful to you. One more piece of advice - don't try to do it yourself - go see a good travel agent.