Cruise Talk: Alaska Cruise - Which cruise line to use??

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Topic: Alaska Cruise - Which cruise line to use??

MissCruiseFan
Just Boarded
Member # 8039

posted 12-05-2006 07:34 AM

I've only ever been on one cruise before. It was a Spanish Splendour cruise earlier this year that was a Southampton return aboard the Sea Princess.
These days there are so many cruise lines out there that it is so difficult to chose from.

We're 3 couples in our 40's that would like to do a 7 night Alaska Gulf cruise in Jul, Aug or Sep '07.

How do we go about looking for a suitable cruise line?

Posts: 1 | From: South Africa | Registered: Nov 2006 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 12-05-2006 08:06 AM

Welcome aboard MissCruiseFan.

A difficult question! I'm sure you know that the different lines have different atmospheres and cater for different types of passengers. Some offer a more upscale experience, some are strictly mass-market. There is also the price to consider and some ships are a little newer than others, although most are pretty big these days.

I guess from your ages that you are not looking for a fun/family orientated ‘party crowd’, so you can rule out the Carnival Cruise Line. That’s one down.

The major players are: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, Celebrity and Holland America. All are pretty good at what they do, but very different.

Did you like the Princess experience?

I’m sure our Cruisetalkers will assist you, but do look at our many ‘Readers Reviews’, menu left

[ 12-05-2006: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

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

Maasdam
First Class Passenger
Member # 3858

posted 12-05-2006 08:16 AM

I would recomment you Holland America ore Princess. Both are the biggest players in Alaska.
Wich i prefer HAL. But i reed you sail before with Princess i would say if you have a good experiance go with Princess.

Greetings Ben.

Posts: 4695 | From: Rotterdam home of the tss. Rotterdam. | Registered: May 2003 | IP: Logged

jeffrossatsea
First Class Passenger
Member # 2962

posted 12-05-2006 01:14 PM

MY CHOICE WOULD BE CELEBRITY AS THE MERCURY IS NOW SAILING OUT OF VANCOUVER AND THE INTRO PRICES ARE GOIN PRETTY CHEAP....JEFF

Posts: 1118 | From: vancouver | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 12-05-2006 02:13 PM

I think much of your choice depends on whether you just want a cruise, or a cruise/tour. Cruise/tours are very popular in Alaska as you get to see the interior as well. Alaska is quite a distance for most people and usually a one time thing. It would be unfortunate to go all that distance and not see as much as you possibly can.

If you are just taking a cruise, then Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Regal, Carnival, and Holland America are your main choices. I would pick the line that is best suited to your individual style as they all offer similar itineraries.

If you opt for a cruise/tour, then Holland America and Princess are truly the leaders and have the most experience. Each of these lines not only offers their own rail cars but operate their own lodges and motor coaches as well. Since HAL and Princess are both owned by Carnival Corp., they do share some of the same ground services while in Alaska. I don't think you can go wrong with either line.

For me personally, I would probably go with Princess. I think recently they have overtaken HAL as the leader in Alaska. The Princess lodges are quite spectacular and probably the best in Alaska. The same goes for their rail cars which have a greater view area in the dome cars and even an outdoor platform. A negative is the Princess ships are much larger than HAL and HAL probably has a more refined shipboard experience at the same price point.

Good luck with your decision. Alaska is a spectacular destination and I was in awe with the beauty and wildlife. Unfortunately many of the cruise ports have become so commercialized they are starting to look like St. Thomas complete with the same stores and crap. It's one reason I think it's important to look beyond the port cities and take a cruise/tour to see what Alaska is truly about.

Ernie

Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

Tim Agg
First Class Passenger
Member # 3185

posted 12-05-2006 10:25 PM

A first time Alaska cruise merits some research before you book, to match the line, ports and routes with your tastes and interests - all can be fully rewarding. If possible, select a line and ship that visits Glacier Bay - it's the "gold standard" and access is restricted. Don't worry about the weather - it is always "variable." Don't be surprised if one Alaska cruise is not enough - after five, I still look forward to more.

Posts: 365 | From: Vancouver BC | Registered: Jul 2002 | IP: Logged

joe at travelpage
Administrator
Member # 622

posted 12-05-2006 11:22 PM

Previous discussions on this subject.

Best time to go to Alaska?

Joe at TravelPage.com

Posts: 29976 | From: Great Falls, Virginia | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Peace2u
Just Boarded
Member # 8009

posted 12-17-2006 09:52 PM

Hubby and I will probably go on Celebrity for our Alaska cruise. I like the ports and the fact that there aren't alot of younger people.

Posts: 4 | From: Kissimmee, FL | Registered: Nov 2006 | IP: Logged

eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 12-17-2006 10:35 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Peace2u:
Hubby and I will probably go on Celebrity for our Alaska cruise. I like the ports and the fact that there aren't alot of younger people.

I don't think you need to worry about an influx of younger people on ANY Alaska cruise you book (including Carnival). Alaska cruises tend to attract a very "mature" demographic. These are far from the party cruises you find in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Ernie

Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

desirod7
First Class Passenger
Member # 1626

posted 12-18-2006 07:20 AM

Celebrity has deployed the Infinity and the Summit: their newest and largest ships during August of 2007. There are Vancouver round trips and one way from Seward to Vancouver. There is one sea day the entire cruise. What I do not look forward to is a 12 hour flight from the East Coast of the United States.

Posts: 5727 | From: Philadelphia, Pa [home of the SS United States] | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

Tim Agg
First Class Passenger
Member # 3185

posted 12-18-2006 11:27 PM

The best way to deal with the long flight is to break it up, so why not give yourself some Seatlle & Vancouver time before and after?

Posts: 365 | From: Vancouver BC | Registered: Jul 2002 | IP: Logged

aureol
First Class Passenger
Member # 6952

posted 12-19-2006 02:33 AM

IMHO the only way to see Alaska was from the decks of the beautiful old Princess Patricia in the day when very few other ships called there and the towns were unique and not crowded out be thousands upon thousands of cruise passengers. I haven't quite forgiven Canadian Pacific for pulling her from service in 1981.

Posts: 11 | From: Asia | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged

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