Alaska Cruise

[rae519]

Has anyone been on the DVC Holland America Alaskan Cruise? If so, can you tell me about it?
Thanks!
Rae

 

[Mary Ellen]

We did our 3rd Alaskan cruise on HAL (Holland Amarice) this past August. The first work day day after we disembarked, we called our TA to reserve again for next May. We've always used $ rather than points, as we started well before DVC and now as 'past passengers' (Mariners) we do get a price reduction.

We've always done the round trip cruises from Vancouver, or Seattle (this past cruise). If you want to do one of the 1-way cruises, you'll need to find out if you can get your air through the cruise line as it is usually cheaper becasue of the 1 flight into (OR out of) Anchorage.

One advantage of using points is that the cost is the same no matter when in the 'Alaskan' season you sail. If you pick up a HAL Alaskan 2003 (available now) at a TA, you'll notice there are about 5 different prices for cash paying guests (you are a guest on HAL, not just a passenger).

The DVC Member Guidebook does mention port charges are additional. They are about $119 for each person far a Alaskan cruise.

The cabin category for DVC points is 'D', a very nice cabin in a good location. It also mentions that upgrades are available for more points - but "(not including suites or deluxe staterooms)". I'm not quite sure what they mean by that, there is only 1 category higher 'C' that isn't a suite (deluxe or otherwise). IMHO the 'C' cabins aren't worth a upgrade. Now, the suites with private verandahs could be another story. I 'think' someone reported here that they were able to upgrade to one of the 'B' Verandah suites for cash.

Another place to ask questions about HAL and Alaska is the Cruise Critic HAL board.

Even though the last time I looked, the 'cruise' part of DU said HAL was 'no tipping', it is not. Tips are not solicited by crew members. but plan on about $75/pp for a week. That is the industry standard for a week, but we've always been SO pleased with the service that we've always tipped more.

Please keep in mind that HAL is not a 'party hardy' cruise line. If you are looking for belly flop contests in the pool, or doing a group Electric Slide by the pool, another cruise line may be a better match for you.

Hope this answers some of your questions. Please feel free to ask any more.

 

[rae519]

Wow! Thanks so much for the great reply. From what you say, I have a lot of work ahead of me to plan this one out! HAL sounds like it would be very good for us (we aren't party animals!).
We love nature and look forward to seeing the glaciers and animals rather than shopping. Do you recommend the inner glacier for that?
I love Disney but we need a new destination and Alaska has always been on our list! We prefer the open verandah style of suite.
All information is most welcome, I will go over to the HAL site to learn more - feel free to add to that!
Again, my thanks,
Rae