Alaskan Cruise? Pros/Cons

[NancyIL]

I have been to Alaska on Princess before. I am going to Alaska with DCL next summer. How can you pass up going back to Alaska and being taken by the Wonder?

Pretty easily!

Anythign you miss with Disney will be more than made up for with pixiedust. If I REALLY wanted to see Alaska again the way I want to I would do a land tour.

Did that, too...twice.

 

[ClubDis]

So, if not DCL, what criuseline has the best cruises to AK? My DBF wants to go. Like a PP, I'm worried about getting bored on the ship. Neither my DBF nor I drink, gamble or smoke and neither of us just want to sit around all the time "relaxing".

 

[NancyIL]

So, if not DCL, what criuseline has the best cruises to AK? My DBF wants to go. Like a PP, I'm worried about getting bored on the ship. Neither my DBF nor I drink, gamble or smoke and neither of us just want to sit around all the time "relaxing".

I don't think there's a best cruise line in Alaska. Princess and Holland America (HAL) have the most ships in Alaska, but they offer different itineraries. There are roundtrip cruises from San Francisco, Seattle, or Vancouver. There are also one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, Alaska. RCI, Celebrity, NCL, and Carnival round out the mass market cruise lines...in addition to DCL. There are also smaller ships on the luxury cruise lines sailing Alaska.

If DCL is a good "fit" for you, and you care more about ship life then the itinerary - then you might be happiest cruising to Alaska with them.

 

[ClubDis]

If DCL is a good "fit" for you, and you care more about ship life then the itinerary - then you might be happiest cruising to Alaska with them.

Don't know what line is a good "fit" for us since we haven't cruised with any of them yet. That's why I was asking for suggestions.

 

[CruisinEars]

We did Alaska last summer ('09) rt Seattle on Princess and it was really nice. The food was quite good. If you like seafood, I had the best crab legs at dinner one night and a fairly good lobster another night. Princess uses local suppliers. We are considering booking another for next June. Disclaimer: I do work for Princess now, didn't when we took the cruise.

A little fyi for anyone choosing Princess for next summer. The Golden will be cruising Glacier Bay on every sailing and this ship is rt Seattle. When we went last time, we did Tracy Arm Fjord and I just don't think it was as spectacular. The ultimate would be a cruisetour to see Denali National Park. Princess uses 3 ships that sail between Vancouver and Whittier for the cruisetour options.

Whatever line you choose, Alaska is beautiful and you will have a great trip.

 

[mmmears]

Don't know what line is a good "fit" for us since we haven't cruised with any of them yet. That's why I was asking for suggestions.

Well, you can look at the Navigators (schedule of what is offered each day). That will give you a pretty good idea of what kinds of activities are available. Look for a 7-night cruise one since that will be the closest to what DCL will offer in Alaska.

We were on a Bahamas cruise on the Wonder. There was more than enough going on to keep us busy -- we didn't even have time to do all the things we wanted to!

My DH and I don't drink, gamble, or smoke either. DCL was a good fit for us. You can also look for (search online) for Princess Patter -- the same daily schedule for Princess. That can give you an idea of what they offer in the way of entertainment, etc. My DM has taken Princess twice to Alaska, and it didn't look like the right fit for this trip. She's going with us on DCL and is really excited to try it out.

Another thing you can do is to read some of the trip reports here and on cruise critic. I've found that reading a few gives you a good idea of the "feel" of different cruises. Not perfect maybe, but I think it can help.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[PE_TCR]

Can't really comment on excursions DCL will offer because they have not been posted yet.

 

[NancyIL]

Don't know what line is a good "fit" for us since we haven't cruised with any of them yet. That's why I was asking for suggestions.

How much vacation time can you take, and do you want a cruise only, or a cruise plus a land trip? I think you see a bit more on one-way cruises, but it's a long way to fly to or from Anchorage if you're not going to spend a few days doing a land trip while you're there. I like Princess's southbound one-ways because they go to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. I also love Princess's beautiful ships.

Most cruise lines have moved their ships to Seattle for roundtrip cruises. The Norwegian Pearl is a pretty new ship, and it goes to Glacier Bay. I cruised on the Golden Princess out of Seattle, and it will also go to Glacier Bay in 2011. HAL has some great roundtrip itineraries out of both Seattle and Vancouver, but it attracts an older crowd than most. As much as I like RCI, I would NOT choose their roundtrip cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas out of Seattle, because it has a worse itinerary than DCL!

 

[Mommb]

The cruise would actually just be my DH and I (both 30 years old).

I am not a huge sun tanning fan and require an umbrella when we go to the beach, so I wouldn't miss that. I think I just get nervous that it will rain too much and we won't have a lot to do on the actual ship.

I think Alaska is an excellent choice if you enjoy cruising and aren't a huge fan of beaches. My husband and I did a Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise several years ago with a group of extended family ranging in age from 18 to 80, and we all had a great time.

I wouldn't worry about running out of things to do on the ship. On the one Disney cruise we took that had bad weather at Castaway Cay, extra onboard activities were announced as soon as we docked. I'm sure similar contingency plans would be in place for the Alaskan cruises, and I would guess other lines have "rainy day" plans as well. I certainly was not bored during our Royal Caribbean cruise at all.

As you know, Disney Cruises are great, but it would be hard for me to justify paying the fares DCL is charging for their Alaskan cruises if I didn't have kids to keep entertained. (We are paying about the same for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise on the Magic as we would for a 7-night Alaskan cruise on the Wonder.) I think most lines would give you a memorable and enjoyable trip.

 

[tvguy]

Most of us who have been to Alaska are recommending NOT going on DCL!

Your opinion is as valid as anyone's, but I think "most" isn't acurate since we have no way of tracking what "most" of us who have been to Alaska think.

So for the record:
NancyIl is not recommending going on DCL to Alaska.

TVGUY is strongly recommending going on DCL to Alaska.

Yes, I did the inside passage, but when I did, some people told me that the inside passage wasn't the "real" Alaska. They felt that was just western Canada. They felt any trip that started south of Anchorage wasn't an Alaskan trip.
So yes, Disney isn't doing the inside passage, they are doing another very good route, and the inside passage is another route, and trips further north are another. You just can't see all Alaska has to offer in one, or two, or even three trips. But it is a good place to start.

 

[SteffyLou]

I've been looking around a lot and I think we really would like to go on one of these cruises.

I think the hardest thing will be that I am from cold weather originally (Chicago) and my husband is from warm and has never lived in cold. We will be making the move to Chicago in the summer, so I figure this might be a good way to welcome him to the cold that he will deal with for the rest of his life.

This might be a really silly question. Disney sometimes offers FL resident rates when the ships don't sell out. Would they offer a Fl resident rate for the Alaskan cruises or do you think they may do something like a Washington or Canadian resident rate?

Does anyone know how the cruises are selling? It seems that when I look they still have category 12 rooms available for most sailings.

Thank you all for your advice and help! I think if we booked on another cruise line we may spend too much time in the casinos. We met on a plane to Vegas, so might as well leave our gambling to Vegas. I have only sailed on DCL and I am really hesitant to go on another cruise line. I know that they may have a better itinerary, but being on DCL, I know how good the service will be and don't know what other cruise line could match that.

We'd really like to see Vancouver too, which is why I think DCL would be the way to go for us.

 

[NancyIL]

Your opinion is as valid as anyone's, but I think "most" isn't acurate since we have no way of tracking what "most" of us who have been to Alaska think.

So for the record:
NancyIl is not recommending going on DCL to Alaska.

TVGUY is strongly recommending going on DCL to Alaska.

Yes, I did the inside passage, but when I did, some people told me that the inside passage wasn't the "real" Alaska. They felt that was just western Canada. They felt any trip that started south of Anchorage wasn't an Alaskan trip.
So yes, Disney isn't doing the inside passage, they are doing another very good route, and the inside passage is another route, and trips further north are another. You just can't see all Alaska has to offer in one, or two, or even three trips. But it is a good place to start.

I meant - most of us who had posted up to that point recommended going on another cruise line. However, DCL certainly IS cruising the Inside Passage.

**For the record, I don't recommend DCL to Alaska for those who want the best roundtrip itinerary. I also wouldn't recommend any itinerary with only Tracy Arm Fjord on another cruise line UNLESS you had already been to Glacier Bay and/or Hubbard Glacier. For those whose primary interest in Alaska is that they can do it on a Disney ship, by all means - cruise on DCL.

 

[jhugge]

Jumping in a little late on this thread.

Took my family to Alaska for 2 weeks earlier this summer.

We flew into Anchorage and rented a 30 ft RV for the first week we were there camping in Seward and Denali before boarding the Coral Princess and cruising to Vancouver.

Our ship did visit Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park as well as Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

While I have no doubt that Disney will do a fantastic job with their Alaska trips, I cannot imagine missing Hubbard/Glacier Bay. We love our Disney cruises and will continue cruising Disney, but Alaska is truly a once in a lifetime destination. Different in so many ways from most cruise destinations. To me, Disney's itinerary falls flat. Our Princess cruise didnt have the 24 hour kid entertainment that we get on Disney, but my 7 and 9 year old still loved it.

Finally, if you can do it, the RV portion of the trip was spectacular and my kids loved it. I had never driven an RV before and was a little freaked out about it, but got the hang of it quickly.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM.

 

[aurorafan65]

Don't know what line is a good "fit" for us since we haven't cruised with any of them yet. That's why I was asking for suggestions.

Here's what I did to figure out who we were going to take to Alaska
1) went on the different cruise websites to see who goes to AK & what their itineraries are. Princess, NCL, HAL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity & DCL - fit in my budget
2) Decided where we wanted to leave from Seatlle vs Vancouver OR a one way trip either Northbound or Southbound
3) After that, I had it narrowed down to 3 ships - so I looked at the ship info on their websites. I looked at what the ships offered & what would be good for us i.e. casino/bowling alley/pizza availability for the kids
4) Looked at cruisecritic for ship/trip reviews

Made my decision - which I will agonize over until we get on the ship to see if I made the "right" choice

 

[Inkmahm]

I meant - most of us who had posted up to that point recommended going on another cruise line. However, DCL certainly IS cruising the Inside Passage.

**For the record, I don't recommend DCL to Alaska for those who want the best roundtrip itinerary. I also wouldn't recommend any itinerary with only Tracy Arm Fjord on another cruise line UNLESS you had already been to Glacier Bay and/or Hubbard Glacier. For those whose primary interest in Alaska is that they can do it on a Disney ship, by all means - cruise on DCL.

Agreed.

I've been to Alaska twice with Princess doing land/cruise tours both time. We plan to do that every five years. Inbetween, we are going to Alaska next summer with DCL. It's a "filler" cruise for us inbetween scheduled Alaska cruises. We're going because we enjoy both DCL and Alaska. I just have to remember that the trip with DCL won't be the same as the trips with Princess. I'm sure we'll still enjoy it or we wouldn't be going. I would NOT recommend it for people who are considering this to be their "trip of a lifetime" to Alaska though.

 

[ClubDis]

Here's what I did to figure out who we were going to take to Alaska
1) went on the different cruise websites to see who goes to AK & what their itineraries are. Princess, NCL, HAL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity & DCL - fit in my budget
2) Decided where we wanted to leave from Seatlle vs Vancouver OR a one way trip either Northbound or Southbound
3) After that, I had it narrowed down to 3 ships - so I looked at the ship info on their websites. I looked at what the ships offered & what would be good for us i.e. casino/bowling alley/pizza availability for the kids
4) Looked at cruisecritic for ship/trip reviews

Made my decision - which I will agonize over until we get on the ship to see if I made the "right" choice

This was extremely helpful. Thank you! Just curious, which did you choose?

Well, you can look at the Navigators (schedule of what is offered each day). That will give you a pretty good idea of what kinds of activities are available. Look for a 7-night cruise one since that will be the closest to what DCL will offer in Alaska.

We were on a Bahamas cruise on the Wonder. There was more than enough going on to keep us busy -- we didn't even have time to do all the things we wanted to!

My DH and I don't drink, gamble, or smoke either. DCL was a good fit for us. You can also look for (search online) for Princess Patter -- the same daily schedule for Princess. That can give you an idea of what they offer in the way of entertainment, etc. My DM has taken Princess twice to Alaska, and it didn't look like the right fit for this trip. She's going with us on DCL and is really excited to try it out.

Another thing you can do is to read some of the trip reports here and on cruise critic. I've found that reading a few gives you a good idea of the "feel" of different cruises. Not perfect maybe, but I think it can help.

Good luck with your decision!

Thanks! I'll see if I can find some of those daily schedules for the different lines. I did read some of the Alaska reviews for the NCL Star the other day, since we're thinking of doing their 1-nighter from LA in Nov. The reviews were pretty bad. Almost scared me off of the 1-nighter until I read some of the good reviews for the MR on the same ship.

 

[mjy]

So many posts are Go Disney or Don't Go Disney. However, in answer to your questions about what to see, I have a couple of suggestions:

1. If possible (and someone already said this), to a land/sea package. Taking the train through Denali and spending time at the park is wonderful. There are lots of things to see on land.
2. Skagway has the White Pass Railway and Yukon tour. That train ride up the mountain is fantastic! Make sure that you bring your camera (and your passport if you take a tour that will continue in to Canada at the top of the pass).
3. Even though the food on board any of the ships is great, you need to try a Salmon bake at one of the ports. They make the salmon on wood pits and it is the freshest and best you could ever imagine.
4. A wildlife excursion will take you on a smaller boat to glimpse whales, bears, seals, and the like. It is really nice.
5. At any of the ports, just make sure that you get out and walk around. They can be very interesting.
6. Go on a cultural tour as well -- a native dance, a totem park, et cetera.
7. Be prepared for cold and wet or warm and dry. The weather changes quite often depending upon where you are at.
8. If you can afford it, make sure that you get a balcony room so that you do not have to vie for position to see the glaciers when cruising past them. It can also be a bit warmer as you would not be on top with the breeze blowing over the top of the ship.
9. While cruising through Glacier Bay or Tracey Arm, make sure that you listen to the park ranger who will be describing things to you. Go to the park service's presentation on board as well if they have one. There is a ton of information to know that will help you appreciate what you are seeing that much more.

Have fun! Alaska is a "not to be missed" item in my book. I have gone a few times with my father years ago and I am returning next June.

 

[stsomewhere]

Nothing is perfect. Sure I'd rather it went to Glacier Bay...

But for those of us who are interesting in taking another DCL cruise and interested in going on a cruise in Alaska taking the Wonder in 2011 is a great option!

I'm going on vacation and want to see part of Alaska but also experience the fun and magic of Disney.

IMO it all depends on what you are looking for.

I agree. We know that on DCL the kids will have more fun than other lines sailing to Alaska. We love DCL and consider the ship the destination. The plus is we get to see visit some new ports.

 

[skoi]

A little fyi for anyone choosing Princess for next summer. The Golden will be cruising Glacier Bay on every sailing and this ship is rt Seattle. When we went last time, we did Tracy Arm Fjord and I just don't think it was as spectacular. The ultimate would be a cruisetour to see Denali National Park. Princess uses 3 ships that sail between Vancouver and Whittier for the cruisetour options.

Whatever line you choose, Alaska is beautiful and you will have a great trip.

How much vacation time can you take, and do you want a cruise only, or a cruise plus a land trip? I think you see a bit more on one-way cruises, but it's a long way to fly to or from Anchorage if you're not going to spend a few days doing a land trip while you're there. I like Princess's southbound one-ways because they go to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. I also love Princess's beautiful ships.

Sorry if this derails the thread, but a couple questions. Dh and I are looking at an Alaskan cruise next May for our 20th anniversary. We're considering Princess: either southbound from Anchorage on the Diamond or now (thanks to cruisinears) the round trip from Seattle. We'll be leaving 4 homeschooled kids, 1 dog and 1 cat with my poor sister, so additional days besides the in-transit time are out of the question.

Which would you all recommend- the round trip Seattle (cheaper in terms of air and easier, I guess in the long run) or the one way without the land portion? We will be going back someday, unless we really hate it, but I don't think we will.

Also- if anyone has opinions on the ships- please let me know: Diamond or Golden? Which do you prefer? We've been on the Magic and a few short RCCL trips, one Carnival.

We won't be doing DCL this time- mainly due to missing Glacier Bay and if we went, well, the kids would mutiny.

Thanks,
Julie

 

[jennypenny]

I know this isn't the best itinerary for Alaska, BUT here are our reasons for going with DCL...

My boys will look at the scenery for about 5 minutes and then say "what are we doing now?" On DCL, I can send them to the kids club (or any number of places) and I can enjoy the cruise.

My DH likes the fact that there are only 3 port days. He doesn't want to be on the go the whole time.

My kids really want to see Vancouver (I think the Olympics got them interested). We can do Vancouver and Whistler first and then do the cruise.

I know there are better places to see in Alaska, but I won't know what I'm missing, will I? I like the carribean, but I have friends who've been to Hawaii who say I only like the carribean because I haven't been to Hawaii. That may be true, but so what? I'll probably never see Hawaii (if I fly that far I want to be in a different country when I get there LOL) so I'll always love the carribean. Works for me.