DCL Advice - AK Cruise

[Coastie]

My wife and I have never been on a cruise of any kind. After seeing some of the threads posted by others on AK we are overwhelmed with options and when would be the best time. We had heard there are certain times when bugs/misquitos can be a nuisance. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My wife and I have never been on a cruise of any kind. After seeing some of the threads posted by others on AK we are overwhelmed with options and when would be the best time. We had heard there are certain times when bugs/misquitos can be a nuisance. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

We've been to Alaska many times between May and September. In spite of being warned about the bug issue (usually late May through July), we've never experienced it. Just be sure to have some bug repellant if it does happen.

"Best" time - define "best". Weather is generally better mid summer, but prices are higher then.

 

[Cheburashka]

I've sailed twice in early June and had great weather both times. Cool but not freezing cold, mountains still capped by snow. Rain reportedly becomes more of an issue the later it is in the summer.

 

[shosh1530]

Our first cruise was Alaska on the Wonder in mid-June. We did not experience any issues with mosquitos. Later in the summer (July/August) can afford more opportunities for seeing bears if that is appealing (when the salmon start running).

We chose our dates based on price of the cruise and price of airfare (and school dates prevented us from doing May/September).

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would prioritize the time by what you want to see the most/excursions you are interested in. For example, bears are more active late July - early September. Longer days are in June. More ice, earlier sailing.

 

[pjacobi]

I'd suggest a Caribbean cruise to get your sea legs, then Alaska at some later date. You have a lot to learn about cruising! After at least one Caribbean cruise, planning Alaska will not be so overwhelming.


-Paul

 

[Coastie]

Thanks… having been in the Coast Guard 28 years, sea legs not an issue… LOL. It’s just that we have always wanted to see AK and never assigned during my active duty days. So many decisions with many Disney ships… makes planning tough, in a very good way.

 

[pjacobi]

Thanks… having been in the Coast Guard 28 years, sea legs not an issue…

Thanks for your service!

Be aware that cruise ships are unlike any other sea vessel. Cruise ships are more like floating shopping malls. Alaska cruises are a special case of cruise. DCL does not have a particularly good cruise itinerary for Alaska unless you have kids.

I'd suggest starting in the Caribbean, find which cruise line is best for you, which will help plan your future Alaska cruise. As you have already discovered, there is lots to learn. You need to learn how to play the cruise "game" or risk spending lots more money than you intended.


-Paul

 

[Flossbolna]

I think it’s totally fine to choose Alaska for your first cruise. On our Disney Alaska cruise there were plenty of first time cruisers who had a fantastic time.

We went in early August and really liked that time frame. The ship could get close to the glacier (less ice than in May), prices were more reasonable than in July. Weather was not that cold (the week before ours even had t-shirt weather).

 

[holula]

Alaska was my first cruise - it was the only way I’d get on a ship! I’ve been in May and September and September was incredibly wet, and it’s known to be a wet month so I’d avoid September if you have another option.

It did rain in May, but overall the weather was much better and I liked seeing the snow capped mountains.

We got close to the glacier both times.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My wife and I have never been on a cruise of any kind. After seeing some of the threads posted by others on AK we are overwhelmed with options and when would be the best time. We had heard there are certain times when bugs/misquitos can be a nuisance. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

If it's just the two of you, unless you're REALLY into Disney, for Alaska I'd suggest either Holland America or Princess. They've been doing Alaska for many years and have access to Glacier Bay, unlike Disney.

That said, if you're only looking for a Disney cruise, with Alaska on the side, go for it.