Cruise Talk: Choosing Alaska itinerary

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Topic: Choosing Alaska itinerary

Sherry
First Class Passenger
Member # 421

posted 10-10-1998 1:16 PM

My family wants to cruise Alaska next summer. We want to see wildlife and glaciers.
Some ships sail Glacier Bay, others do not. It this a must? Where is the best wildlife viewing? Anyone sailed on the Norwegian Wind or Carnival Jubilee? The Wind sails Glacier Bay but not Lynn Canal, Prince William Sound, Columbia Glacier and College Fjord. The Jubilee sails these, but not Glacier Bay. What is the best tradeoff?
Thanks.

Posts: 66 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Ann
Just Boarded
Member # 18

posted 10-11-1998 2:34 PM

Hi, Sherry. We're going to Alaska next summer, too. We're told that seeing wildlife isn't so easy from the ship -- you gotta take advantage of some of the shore excursions. And be sure to find a way to get to Denali National Park. Seeing glaciers should be easy, if you're going the inside passage -- any of the places you mentioned will have them..

Posts: 5 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Corinne
Just Boarded
Member # 90

posted 10-11-1998 7:43 PM

We've been twice to Alaska, on the inside passage itinerary and this is one of our all time favorite cruises. Although the wildlife is there, you will not see it very well from the ship because you are so far away. We found the Dolphin Jet Boat Tours (800-770-3422) shore excursion in Juneau to be excellent for wildlife viewing. We saw otters, seals, many humpback whales, eagles, dolphins and lots of other animals on this one trip. It's also good to spend a few days before the cruise in Anchorage and Denali. Just driving around we saw moose, dall sheep, a bear(!)and eagles. Check out the review on this site under cruise travel, our favorites, for more info on the Alaska trip.

Posts: 5 | From: great falls, va, usa | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

CruiseAholic
First Class Passenger
Member # 93

posted 10-13-1998 2:03 PM

Sherry,

When choosing Alaska, Princess is the only way to go. They have been there the longest than any other line and have permits others do not. I have sailed on the Sun Princess to Alaska in May 96.

I know someone who sailed on the Island Princess to Alaska this summer and raved about it. Smaller ship, able to see some things better.

There are other lines that do Alaska (some small ships that go to places others don't).

I believe that Cruise Travel had an ariticle a while back about these smaller lines in Alaska. Email me at cruiseaholic@mailexcite.com and I'll see if I can find it!

Posts: 32 | From: Hagerstown, MD USA | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 10-20-1998 9:28 AM

The sad thing about many of the Alaskan ports is their popularity! Each morning at 8.00 or 9.00am maybe four, five or six giant Cruise ships turn up. That's 12000 people. The main ports mainly comprise of 'tacky' souvenire shops. Being in a remote wilderness is the last thing one feels. However, the scenery, especially while cruising, is second to none. Don't let me put you off, I'm just giving you my opinion!

Malcolm.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Diana
Just Boarded
Member # 124

posted 11-07-1998 05:41 PM

Sherry, I know I already mailed you but once again, go for Holland America. You can stand around the bow of the ship (like Titanic!) and Practically touch Glacier Bay. We liked the NO TIPPING policy as you know the crew are genuinely extraordinary. A very refined, classy upperclass cruise line. I will never sail with anyone else again.
Diana

Posts: 2 | Registered: Nov 98

Jerry cruiser
Just Boarded
Member # 213

posted 10-22-1998 2:01 PM

Sherry

I have cruised to Alaska three times, and I don't get tired of it, it's simply amazing!!!!! I'm sure Princess is a great line for Alaska, but I cruised in 1996 aboard the former Windward and it was the best of all times. Her size is perfect, you never feel crowded the ship or the ports, and we found on our way to a glacier, sea otters, humpback whales, lots of eagles and dolphins. The souvenir shops re not tacky, and that lack of feeling on a remote wilderness is not true, specially in Skagway and Haines. NCL is a very good value for your money, and yes, the Wind visits Glacier Bay, but I visited Sawyer Glacier, which was also amazing. A cruise line doesn't need to have 5 or 6 ships in Alaska for being a good choice.

Posts: 4 | From: México, D.F. | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Nancy Wallace
Just Boarded
Member # 346

posted 11-24-1998 02:30 PM

My advise is to pick the smallest ship with the fewest passangers!! We were priviledged enough to see humpback and Orca whales, eagles, moose, and wildflowers the likes of which you will never see anywhere else. Some are so tiny that you need a magnifying glass to see.

Try to find a ship that cruises Tracy Arm. It is magnificent! You can see what is left after the glaciers retreat. In Juneau take the shore excursion that takes you to an old growth forest. It is quite a hike but well worth the experience.

Alaska is truly the Last Frontier.

Posts: 2 | From: Monroe, LA | Registered: Nov 98

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 10-30-1998 3:37 PM

Don't forget that Celebrity's Mercury and Galaxy cruise Alaska. Although the ships are big, They have a very good reputation for food and service. I Cruised with them in may 1998. Feel free to Email me.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

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