Alaskan Cruise

[cncDisney4]

Has anyone been on the Alaskan cruise? We don't know anything about it and was wondering what the best time of year to go was. Also, we were planning on leaving from Seattle. Thanks!

 

[barkley]

yup-we used the points to do the inside passage from vancouver in august 04 through holland america. if you have ever done a disney cruise be prepared to be disappointed (nowhere near the service, emphasis on customer satisfaction, very kid un-friendly). that said-it is still worthwhile as a means to cruise alaska, the most beautiful cruising experience ever!

we went in early august so the weather was lovely, and it did'nt stay light so long at night (still did'nt get DARK until around 11 and then the sun started peeking up around 3 so it made for short nights). we did manage to see the northern lights a couple of nights.

the earlier you go in the season the more daylight and cold weather you will experience. the later part ends before the real chill of autumn sets in so while you will have chilly or rainy weather it won't be so cold.

 

[esulerzy]

but not through the DVC points - it was in 1992 and WONDERFUL! We went the first week in June - which turned out to be a good time - the ice had broken up enough from winter that our ship was able to sail all the way into Glacier Bay! Seals really were floating on icebergs!

If you go any earlier than that, you may have ice problems. Also, at that time of year the sun didn't seem to set until 10 or 11 at night! It was great walking on deck after the last show and seeing the sun set.

Took alot of side trips - helicopter rides, train rides, etc. All great - but they certainly add to the expense. The helicopter ride (they drop you off on a Glacier and let you walk around, then come back to pick you up) was well worth the cost.

Go for it, if you can!

 

[DaveT1]

We went this August, not on points. Weather was nice but bring lots of layers as it can get cold and rainy. June-Aug are peak times.

I second the recommendation to have enough money for at least a few of the better excursions. The highlight of our trip was a Helicopter ride/ Dog sled on a glacier. Expensive but worth it.

I also recommend this website http://www.cruisecritic.com/ look in the top left and there is a boards section much like the Dis. Check out the ports of call Alaska and the cruiseline of your choice for info and tips.

It was an Amazing trip and our first cruise.

 

[tiffany123]

We've been to Alaska on a cruise twice---once in mid-June and the other in mid-July. Both had similar weather----variable by almost the hour but we had packed to expect weather extremes so we were fine. The shore excursions are a "must" and there is a wide variety at each port. We didn't cruise on points or on HA but the major cruise lines have similar itineraries. For our second Alaskan cruise, we opted for a land package and got to see more of the interior of Alaska. Well worth the extra money! Our two cruises to Alaska are two of the best vacations we've ever had and we're ready to go back soon!

 

[rtobe]

I went this past July (first two weeks) not on points. I didn't cruise on HA but their ship was following us most of the way. We left from Vancouver. Some cruise lines arrange bus transporatation from Seattle Airport to cruise terminal in Vancouver. Did one week cruise and one week land tour. Was worth it. The sights were amazing. Weather was cool, damp (southeast Alaska is mostly rain forest). Once we got to Seward and land, we saw more sun. Shore excursions were very varied and interesting. In some ports, you do not necessarily have to book the shore excursion through the cruiseline. I thought the best shore excursion was flightseeing by floatplane - expensive but so cool.

 

[AlaskaMOM]

Believe it or not we did the Princess Alaska cruise (10 days out of San Fran) this past June. All I can say is It was Great!!! and......... It was disappointing!!!!

Alaska cruise? I live there right???? Well Grandma (mine who just turned 80 and lost grandpa the previous year) wanted to do the cruise to Alaska with the entire family all 38 of us. (although I did ask if she'd change her mind and do something like mexico or the carribean).

Loved:
being with the entire family (no one else lives up here)
being waited on
beautiful scenery
seeing southeast Alaska (never been, it's too far from us)
weather was nice only 1 day of rain
some really neat excursions (pricey though)
and did I mention being with the family

Didn't Like:
Didn't have much for kids to do!!!!!!! (the major complaint)
the pools were only open for 3 days of the 10
the high cost of things
rough waters in North Pacific (some sea sickness)
so much more of Alaska to see
Stayed too long in ports w/ not much to see/do
stayed too short in ports w/ lots more to see/do

If you want to really see Alaska it's not the way to go, but if you want a brief overview of Southern coastal Alaska then it's good. But check very carefully with the cruise line you're thinking about to be sure it has the amenities, ports of call, and length you're looking for.
There is so much more diversity when you move farther North. The natives, the russian settlements, the artist communities, the fishing, the wildlife, the mountains (including Denali, or otherwise known as Mt McKinley), rivers, lakes, and the never ending sun (from end of may to end of July)

I would definitely recommend visiting in the summer time (July is the best month seeing the interior), unless you love cold, snow, ice, and darkness (only about 4-5 hours of sun in the height of winter, where I'm at and I live south of Anchorage)

Actually to answer your question: they are limited to very few weeks of the year for cruising (it can be dangerous most times what with the ice bergs and such) so any time they are available is a good time.

Sorry I was long winded. If there is anything you'd like to know that I haven't already discussed (like that was possible with the length of this post) just PM me I love to "talk" about my home!

 

[AlaskaMOM]

In some ports, you do not necessarily have to book the shore excursion through the cruiseline. I thought the best shore excursion was flightseeing by floatplane - expensive but so cool.

I didn't mention that but rtobe is absolutely correct, the cruise line makes a lot of money off the excursions. and there is normally something available once you get a shore. Especially Juneau, we saved over $50 per person by "hiring" the bus to take us to the glacier rather than use princess' bus.

 

[sleepydog25]

If you want to really see Alaska it's not the way to go, but if you want a brief overview of Southern coastal Alaska then it's good.

AlaskaMom is correct. I know this doesn't exactly answer the OP's exact question, but the best way to visit AK is by flying into Anchorage, renting a car, and then traveling to various points south (such as Kenai), north (Denali), and east (Valdez). The cruises only allow a brief view of port towns, and then most folks only venture out enough to take in the tourist-y attractions. Granted, the trips are still wonderful because the scenery is breathtaking and the people are genuinely nice.

Yet, the real beauty of Alaska lies in covering some of its large expanse: seeing everything from the city of Anchorage (did you know it has over a quarter of a million people?) and its topnotch restaurants, museums, and cultural events, to the Kenai Peninsula, home of some of the world's best fishing and hiking and just a few hours' drive from Anchorage, to Denali National Park where the highest peak in N. America--Denali (oops, I mean Mt McKinley)--is located and where the wildlife is truly wild. Driving Alaska is a real eye-opener. Sure, the cruise is lovely, convenient, and fun. . .but exploring the different facets of Alaska from a car pales all comparisons.

However, the original question was asking when the best time of year to cruise is. Though June to August are the peak times, it is within those months you stand the best chance for good weather, especially mid-June to mid-July. Much of July and August brings the rainy season, though rain is a real likelihood during any summer month. Those suggesting you pack for a wide variety of climates have the right idea since it can be 75 and sunny one day then 60 and rainy the next. And whatever you do, try to find the hidden gems at your port of calls, the out of the way places. Then will you get a small taste of the beauty and scope of Alaska and her people. Enjoy the cruise! aw:

 

[simpilotswife]

I agree with the cruisecritic recommendation. Conventional wisdom on Cruise Critic is to either do a one way (North/South) tour or at the least sail from Vancouver (less choppiness and more scenery)

We cruised to Alaska this past August on the Diamond Princess and it was an amazing trip. Our children had a great time on the Diamond so you may want to check out the family cruising board on Cruise Critic as well to see what lines have what options for children.

Just a personal comment here about DCL....for myself I don't consider DCL to be the standard by which other cruise lines are held. DCL is an overpriced product and an equally nice cruise can be had for half the price on just about any of the other mainstream lines.

One other thing, if you do have children you may want to rent out your DVC points and use the money to book a more kid-friendly line. HAL is not the best option out there if you are going to have children with you.