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»	Cruise Talk » Cruising 1.0 » AlaskaRecommendation?

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Topic: AlaskaRecommendation?

JohnCalifornia
Just Boarded
Member # 6133

posted 12-31-2005 06:13 PM

Greetings. I have been reading the postings for a couple days and decided to jump in. I am seeking a recommendation for an Alaska cruise this summer. We have traveled quite a bit but have never been on a cruise. We would like to go to Alaska this summer, and have 2 kids, ages 10 and 4, and will take them. However, I think one of the large "party" discount cruises would be punishment, and the top end ships do not seem appropriate for children. We could care less about dancing in a club, whooping up late, etc. My parents have been on several of the Radisson ships as well as previous incarncation of Seabourne. Perhaps a Radisson on Holland American line? Any pointers would be appreciated. thanks

Posts: 5 | From: Orange County, CA | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

Jonathan
First Class Passenger
Member # 5201

posted 12-31-2005 06:21 PM

Hi, JohnCalifornia welcome to cruise talk. This past july my family and I whent on celebrity to alaska. I am 15 but when we whent i was 14 and found the ship very fun. Celebritys food was very good and the cabins were very nice. I would recoment celebrity over other lines in alaska because we talked to some people on HAL and RCL and they said that their trip and ship was just ok.

Jonathan

Posts: 559 | From: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida | Registered: Nov 2004 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 12-31-2005 07:20 PM

The better large lines sailing to Alaska are Princess, Holland America and Celebrity. I would place Royal Caribbean and Carnival together as a step below the above mentioned cruise lines. All the major lines offer activities for kids w/the large mega ships offering great facilities for them. I have sailed Princess and Holland America to Alaska and those two have a long history in that region w/excellent shore excursions as well as extended options such as rail and hotels.

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

JohnCalifornia
Just Boarded
Member # 6133

posted 01-01-2006 11:31 AM

Thank you both for your replies. I will investigate further.

Posts: 5 | From: Orange County, CA | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 01-01-2006 11:40 AM

John, I would also look at Crystal. For the last 2 years they have offered free child places on their Alaska cruises, with a special educational programme for them.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 01-01-2006 11:50 AM

quote:
Originally posted by PamM:
John, I would also look at Crystal. For the last 2 years they have offered free child places on their Alaska cruises, with a special educational programme for them.
Pam

Beside exceptions like expedition ships (and the Europa which is in Alaska from time to time) Crystal certainly is the best choice for Alaska - but do they have a ship there now as the Crystal Harmony has left the fleet?

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 01-01-2006 12:00 PM

It was a thought I had after posting Ernst & downloaded the brochures. It seems Alaska went with Harmony

A shame as reading through their kids program, and from John's original post, they may have been ideal. Crystal are in the Baltic or Med next summer.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 01-01-2006 01:22 PM

I totally forgot about Crystal. That would be an excellent choice for an Alaskan cruise.

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

Matts
First Class Passenger
Member # 4120

posted 01-01-2006 04:18 PM

I haven't cruised there myself but did attend a Princess presentation about cruising there. Naturally they 'big up' princess, but I think I would choose them because of the vast range of add-ons. I would want to stay in a lodge, go dog sleding, floatplane ride, panning for gold etc, and Princess seem to have the most comprehensive range of add ons around.
Also I presonally would rather be on Princess boring, than garish Holland America Vista class (not sure whether their other ships sail there?).

Posts: 829 | From: London, United Kingdom | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-01-2006 04:52 PM

John - I've cruised with Holland America for many years and have done Alaska twice. The children on board seem to enjoy themselves as they have the HAL Kids Club and keep them busy during the day, although they do have set hours.

I don't think Radisson caters to children, but I would check it out. Could be too expensive.

I would check into sailings out of Vancouver on a ship that does a 7 day return trip or else Seattle, 7 day return trip.

My children have decided that we should take a "family" cruise during Spring break in 2007 so as soon at the schedule comes out we will start planning our trip. My grandchildren will be 14 & 11 by then and I know they will enjoy it.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

JohnCalifornia
Just Boarded
Member # 6133

posted 01-01-2006 06:08 PM

Thanks all. I saw Crystal got the most points in Conde Nast, for whatever that is worth, but they don't appear to go there at this time. So it probably will be HAL, but Princess would save me some $$. I think I saw somewhere that Volendam redit its kids club facilities & HAL seems to have pretty extensive land excursions. Although I am not big on the bus trips with a group, it may be the best way to get around up there.

Posts: 5 | From: Orange County, CA | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

dmwnc1
Cruise Director
Member # 3785

posted 01-01-2006 06:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCalifornia:
...and have 2 kids, ages 10 and 4, and will take them.

LOVE Alaska...cruised there five times. For families I would recommend Royal Caribbean, one of the Radiance-Class. Perfect for adults, great kids programs. Wonderful ships!!!!

Here's another thread about Alaska that would make great reading too...a bit long winded but will give some significant details that may help pick an itinerary.

http://www.travelserver.net/travelpage/ubb-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=000386

Posts: 5650 | From: Clarksburg WV | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-01-2006 07:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCalifornia:
Thanks all. I saw Crystal got the most points in Conde Nast, for whatever that is worth, but they don't appear to go there at this time. So it probably will be HAL, but Princess would save me some $$. I think I saw somewhere that Volendam redit its kids club facilities & HAL seems to have pretty extensive land excursions. Although I am not big on the bus trips with a group, it may be the best way to get around up there.

John - I just got off the Volendam last Monday and it was the first cruise after she got out of drydock. They installed the Oassis for the teens and the Loft. I really didn't see what the facilities were for the younger children. We had lots of kids on board (over 200) and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The ship is beautiful. New bedding/mattresses, flat screen TVs, Explorations Cafe. Check out HAL's website www.hollandamerica.com, click on Fleet, Volendam and the deck plans. You will the the various areas for the children on the top deck.

Good luck in finding something. I think you would enjoy the Volendam as it's not a go-go ship like the Carnival ones.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Frosty 4
First Class Passenger
Member # 5826

posted 01-02-2006 10:01 AM

We did Alaska on RCL. There were over 400 children on board. Remember the cruise lines only visit there in Summer,hence the large family groups.
A hi- lite is the narrow gauge train ride in Skagway. Deep gorges,tunnels, and scenery.
Try salmon fishing in Ketciikan. Juneau for shopping. Most ships will get you right up close to the glaciers. You can hear the glacier moving and of course the big shads of ice breaking off.
It was kind of wild seeing people in the pool while being surrounded by the snow on the mountains.
I'm sure others here can give some of their memorable monents.
Frosty4

Posts: 2531 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2005 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 01-02-2006 01:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCalifornia:
Thanks all. I saw Crystal got the most points in Conde Nast, for whatever that is worth, but they don't appear to go there at this time. So it probably will be HAL, but Princess would save me some $$.

Great choice! The food is much better than Royal Caribbean as well.

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-03-2006 07:30 AM

quote:
Originally posted by dmwnc1:
LOVE Alaska...cruised there five times. For families I would recommend Royal Caribbean, one of the Radiance-Class. Perfect for adults, great kids programs. Wonderful ships!

Yup! Fantastic ships, suitable for all ages, not too Part-party, great value.

See Here (Ship Review, NOT destination)

[ 01-03-2006: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

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

sealeg claude
First Class Passenger
Member # 5565

posted 01-03-2006 01:07 PM

quote:
Originally posted by PamM:
John, I would also look at Crystal. For the last 2 years they have offered free child places on their Alaska cruises, with a special educational programme for them.
Pam

Pam, Good morning.....Sorry, but Crystal is out of the Alaska market in '06-07. That was Harmony's job....and she is retired ,with no newbuilds on the horizon....

cheers
CG

Posts: 173 | From: vancouver, b.c. Canada | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 01-03-2006 01:16 PM

Good morning sealeg cloud - it has been said above.

I suppose of all the lines with big ships left (Crystal would have been my recommendation too) HAL is the best choice.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

JohnCalifornia
Just Boarded
Member # 6133

posted 01-03-2006 09:57 PM

Thank you all for your info. Our littlest one will be 4, and, according to the HAL website, their club HAL takes kids starting at 5, except the Rotterdam, Ryndam and Zaandam, which go down to 3, so I think we will try for the Ryndam and then add Denali, etc. on our own. HAL's package on land seems a good deal, but it is not offered with the ship, and I am not too big on organized bus trips. Anyway, thanks for the input.

John

Posts: 5 | From: Orange County, CA | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

Cambodge
First Class Passenger
Member # 906

posted 01-07-2006 02:11 PM

Belay the bus trips!!

Check to see which lines offer the best associated inland rail tours by dome cars. I have yet to be on a train when the kids were not fascinated by this mode of travel.

[ 01-07-2006: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

Posts: 2149 | From: St. Michaels MD USA , the town that fooled the British! | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

JohnCalifornia
Just Boarded
Member # 6133

posted 01-26-2006 10:51 PM

Well, I thought I would report back. After deciding on HAL, we found all the big suites booked when we could go. We suites vanished January 15. We were literally 2 days too late, because they were still there when I checked 13 or 14. We found out that they go on a deeper sale that day and folks wait and then snap them up. We need a suite because we need kids in same room and don't want to get 2 rooms. Hence, we will probably wait until next year and book early.

However, I have a follow-up question. One cruise agent said he would not recommend HAL if you have kids, even if they say they have kid programs, because HAL basically doesn't like kids so they don't provide babysitters even in the evening, although they claim they do, thereby requiring you to stay cooped up in your stateroom with your kids so the kids will not bother other passengers. He recommended Celebrity or Princess for kids, since I would think Disney would be torture for me.
Does anyone have any comment on HAL with kids?
Maybe I should start a new thread with this to get an answer?
thanks

Posts: 5 | From: Orange County, CA | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged

joe at travelpage
Administrator
Member # 622

posted 01-26-2006 11:07 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCalifornia:
...However, I have a follow-up question. One cruise agent said he would not recommend HAL if you have kids, even if they say they have kid programs, because HAL basically doesn't like kids so they don't provide babysitters even in the evening, although they claim they do, thereby requiring you to stay cooped up in your stateroom with your kids so the kids will not bother other passengers.

The agent has no idea of what he/she is talking about...

We have sailed on HAL multiple times and have booked a suite for exactly the reasons you said. We have sailed with 10 and 8 year olds (...and countles other combinations) and booked a suite and it was perfect. As long as you go to the "hotel desk" soon after boarding you can be assured or having a baby-sitter come to your cabin every night. The kids like it, the baby-sitter likes it and you will like it.

Feel free to e-mail or post with additional questions. Child-care on HAL used to be our little secret but it's time others know how good a job they do.

Joe at TravelPage.com

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

Maasdam
First Class Passenger
Member # 3858

posted 01-27-2006 03:40 AM

JohnCalifornia:

The travel agent advice is wrong. Just july 2005 we sail to Alaska a/b the Zaandam there where 150/200 childeren a/b the ship. And enjoy themeself. There is a extensiff childeren and teenager program a/b. Complete with there own lounges on the aft sport deck they are called The Loft and Club HAL. Complete with there own deck spaces with waterfall.

Here the link to the HAL fleetpage:
Holland America Line fleet page.

I will say GO DUTCH it's really fantastic. I'm sure you and youre family will have a great time.

Greetings Ben.

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

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-27-2006 04:19 AM

Don't use that Travel Agent again!

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

jff1
First Class Passenger
Member # 5530

posted 02-06-2006 05:02 PM

I know Malcom & others are taking exception to the travel agents advice, but to a certain extent I tend to agree relative to Princess and possibly Celebrity. I have done Alaska twice and did HAL both times. I will say I tend to go either early or late in the Alaska cruising season so that may be a factor. HAL had significantly older travelers. My wife and I are in our 50's and we were among the youngest on board. There were minimal children on the the cruise ... that is why we returned ... sorry. On excursions where you waited in lines for trains or buses and had Princess travelers along side of us, I noticed many more children and younger passengers. As a side note, should you do the train from Anchorage to Denali and on to Fairbanks, note the trip to Denali is 7 hours plus which is pretty long even with all of the gorgeous scenery. It may be even more trying with children to entertain. My recommendation, regardless of the line you chose, is to do a South bound from Seward to Vancouver. With the Roundtrip out of Vancouver you don't get to see the far north itineraries, including Seward which is very scenic and interesting on its own.

Posts: 30 | From: DFW - Texas | Registered: Mar 2005 | IP: Logged

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