I'll ask ya about Alaska!

DennaBeana · February 8, 2007

I am planning an Alaska cruise in 2008. Any tips? Like which is the better time to go? best exsursions? So on and on and on...

Right now I plan on booking it on my next cruise in September to get all the bennifits but if there's a better cruise line I'd like to look in to it.

I've only been on Royal Caribean.

Thanks in advance!

DennaBeana · February 8, 2007

anyone?

cruisetarp · February 8, 2007

Sorry Denna - Alaska is still on our list of "to do" cruises but I'm sure someone here will have some information for you. Glad to see you posting. Love the title of your thread!!

jacketwatch · February 8, 2007

OK. For Alaska don't go owards the end of the season which is Sept. It'll be pretty cold then, at least on deck. We went in late August and the weather was fine though a bit rainy in some ports. Bear in mind that if you go in June or early July you will have alot of daylight as you are so far north. As for excursions it all depends on what you like to do. We looked over the ships offerings and chose what we preferred which of course is based on individual preferences. The excursions vary greatly so choose what you like the most. We took Princess BTW and had a terrific time. If you book your excursions outside the ship book very early. They go fast. I some cases the ships buy up spaces and sell them for increased prices over private venders. Two more things. Bring binoculars and avoid reindeer sausage. :biggrin:

rogue · February 8, 2007

Welcome to CruiseCrazies, Denna Beana

We cruised in Alaska over the 4th of July a few years ago, and had very good weather.This year, we're going back again with one of our sons. We'll be sailing in May. This will be chilly, but the price was right, and that's when we were all able to get vacation. We sailed on Princess the 1st time and loved it. We did a cruise-tour and sailed south to north. If this is what you're planning, I suggest doing it the other way around. Much more relaxing.

As for excursions, it all depends on what you want to spend. Flightseeing excursions can really get expensive (some are now over $500 per person). and city tours are cheap, but may be a little too tame for some. Certainly, I would suggest doing a whale watch in one of the ports. This was the highlight of the cruise for us. We did it in Juneau along with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. In Skagway, most people do the White Pass Railroad excursion. This is definitely worth it. Great views and exciting at some spots.

Remember to bring lots of different layers of clothing. The temperature can really be different in different locales. Glacier Bay gets pretty chilly, even in July. It was in the 40's when we were there. By the time we got to Fairbanks, the temp was around 80.

I agree with jacketwatc, don't eat the reindeer sausage. :ohmy:

Suzila · February 8, 2007

We've cruised the inside passage twice. The first time was July of 1994, and the temp was in the 70's- perfect.

We went this past August, and the captain came on and told us our cruise was the FIRST one the entire season that had sunshine. But it was very cool.

Our neighbor cruised Alaska in a September a few years ago and he said the weather was great, not cold at all, and they liked it especially because it was the last cruise of the season and all the gift items were on sale!

If you have the time, I would take a mid-summer cruise and do the longer one...include Denali Park, and the train trip, etc.

If not, do the inside passage...it was fantastic, but you're just grazing the very tip of Alaska. We've been on Princess and Royal Caribbean to Alaska. Either one was very nice.

hazelson · February 9, 2007

We are going in September so we will let you know. We have great weather here in the fall (British Columbia) - actually my favourite month of the year - that's why we chose to go at that time. Also the fall foliage should be starting to turn those gorgeous colours!

If you plan on sailing out of Vancouver - we would love to show you around our area.