Alaska Cruises

[paul7]

I am interested if anyone has taken an Alaska cruise as part of the Adventurer Collection. What has been your experience? Points used? Would you recommend the trip?

 

[Toby]

Hi,

My family (me, husband, son - 18yo, daughter 22) and my sister's family who have never been on a cruise, sailed on Holland America - Inside Passage - from Seattle, last August. We used points for our trip - my sister paid cash for her family. We had an outside Verandah with the 4 of us in the room. It was very cozy - granted my son is 6'2", and he takes up a lot of room. If we went again, definately 2 rooms. That being said, it was one of the best trips we have taken. We sailed on the Oosterdam - which was beautiful - great food, a casino, movie theater, Internet Cafe. The scenary was not to be believed. We saw whales, icebergs, bald eagles, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan. We had so much fun. The kids on this trip were all late teens, early 20's, and they had a ball. We were just talking about this trip a few days ago when we were together. My brother-in-law, who's resisted doing any cruise, ever, finally was persuaded, and now that's all he talks about - planning his next one. The weather was nice - 70's - although when we were navigating the iceberg alley, it was 30's - 40's on deck, but the wilderness is breathtaking. It took all out allotment of points, and even borrowed some from the next year, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat, and Seattle is a great city to explore for a couple of days before the cruise starts.

 

[Dean]

Hi,

My family (me, husband, son - 18yo, daughter 22) and my sister's family who have never been on a cruise, sailed on Holland America - Inside Passage - from Seattle, last August. We used points for our trip - my sister paid cash for her family. We had an outside Verandah with the 4 of us in the room. It was very cozy - granted my son is 6'2", and he takes up a lot of room. If we went again, definately 2 rooms. That being said, it was one of the best trips we have taken. We sailed on the Oosterdam - which was beautiful - great food, a casino, movie theater, Internet Cafe. The scenary was not to be believed. We saw whales, icebergs, bald eagles, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan. We had so much fun. The kids on this trip were all late teens, early 20's, and they had a ball. We were just talking about this trip a few days ago when we were together. My brother-in-law, who's resisted doing any cruise, ever, finally was persuaded, and now that's all he talks about - planning his next one. The weather was nice - 70's - although when we were navigating the iceberg alley, it was 30's - 40's on deck, but the wilderness is breathtaking. It took all out allotment of points, and even borrowed some from the next year, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat, and Seattle is a great city to explore for a couple of days before the cruise starts.

Looking at the entry level prices for an outside cabin, it looks like one you're getting about $5 per point value. Remember you have the $95 non refundable fee, tips (which you'd have cash or points) plus I believe you're still responsible for the port taxes.

 

[Alexander]

Looking at the entry level prices for an outside cabin, it looks like one you're getting about $5 per point value. Remember you have the $95 non refundable fee, tips (which you'd have cash or points) plus I believe you're still responsible for the port taxes.

Sorry, haven't had my caffiene yet this morning
So it's better to pay cash? Rent the points for anything over $5/point and you come out better? Is this what you mean?
Thanks for the clarification, heading for the Diet Pepsi right now!

 

[Dean]

Sorry, haven't had my caffiene yet this morning
So it's better to pay cash? Rent the points for anything over $5/point and you come out better? Is this what you mean?
Thanks for the clarification, heading for the Diet Pepsi right now!

You must decide what's best for you. But if you can rent points and have money left over, I think you are better off. I'd get a formal cash, points and points/cash quote then compare. That way you have the exact figures as it applies to your situation. But in general, renting out points and paying cash will put you ahead in terms of dollars. And IMO, renting done correctly is actually far less hassle and risk than that associated with making a points or points/cash reservation that is further out than the cash cancellation window, usually 60-70 days. And the more in advance you are reserving, the better cash becomes compared to points.

 

[Toby]

We used points for the highest room catagory available and then paid cash of about $375 for an upgrade to an outside verandah room, plus the $95 set up fee. I do not recall any fee for port charges?/ Our sister and her family of 4 paid all cash for the same level room and paid about $3600.

 

[Dean]

We used points for the highest room catagory available and then paid cash of about $375 for an upgrade to an outside verandah room, plus the $95 set up fee. I do not recall any fee for port charges?/ Our sister and her family of 4 paid all cash for the same level room and paid about $3600.

the rules say port charges are not included, maybe it's not correct.

 

[Toby]

What do you mean by "renting" points???

 

[Dean]

What do you mean by "renting" points???

I was referring to renting out your points to get cash to pay for the cruise.

 

[paul7]

Sounds like getting an outside verandah room is the way to go. Has anybody taken any of the shore excursions?

 

[Mary Ellen]

We've been on 4 Alaskan cruises - all on HAL, none using our points. We'll be doing #5 in late May.

While we haven't sailed on the Oosterdam (a 'Vista Class' ship), from what I've read, the cabins on the Vista class ships are a bit smaller than the other ships. The only cabins I'd even consider having 4 (adults/teens) in are the 'S' suites. We had my half-sister (age 30) sleeping in our verandah cabin on 1 trip. Cozy - but worked ok because she used the bathroom of our parents connecting cabin. In reality we had 5 adults in 2 mini-suites (as they were known then).

The next cruise DH & I had a full 'S' suite. VERY nice, but we really didn't use our verandah on either cruise too much. This time we've booked a regular outside cabin. There is PLENTY of deck space for viewing so I don't think we'll miss having our own private verandah.

We have sailed r/t from Seattle, but prefer the Vancouver r/t for scenery.