Did we spoil ourselves?

[jlp651]

I'm working on writing my trip report and as I look back I'm wondering if maybe we spoiled ourselves...BF wants to do an Alaskan cruise...something we have both wanted to do...but as I look at the web site-it looks great-a MUCH DIFFERENT pace...almost like we have to grow up...I know he wants to go back to DCL (we're hoping to make that a family trip with his mom, sis, BIL, and bro with us)

So, I guess my question is-will we be as impressed on an Alaskan? BF (if you can believe this) said that he might only go on the Alaskan if its a DCL ship! This is from the boy that told me that he felt like I was shoving DCL down his throat for a year (worth it huh?)

Bf went to the Making of the Magic/Wonder and someone asked if there was going to be another ship...their reply was...They are calling that one the "Disney Rumor!" *LOL*

So, here's to hoping by the time we have saved for our next cruise that DCL has an Alaskan ship!!!

But seriously-will we think that the Alaskan cruise will be as cool as DCL? Or will we constantly compare?

 

[Dancind]

In my limited experience (two cruises), yes. Our second cruise was on Celebrity, and it just didn't measure up. But Alaska is a whole different world, and we'd reallly like to see it. Don't know when DCL will get new ships, but we'd like to cruise to Alaska in the next five years. I guess that means picking the lesser of the other cruise line evils! LOL Diana

 

[jlp651]

I think we'll be looking in the next 2-3 years to do Alaska...need to save $$$ from what I have found-it might actually cost more that DCL!!! One excursion the BF would love would be one of the helicotor rides at a mere 410.00$ is that nuts or what?!?!?!
Lets just hope DCL builds a ship in Alaskan waters!!!



Here's to hoping...

 

[tross]

We are looking forward to our first Disney cruise so I can't help with comparisons. I have cruised to Alaska twice; once on Princess and once on Holland. Both ships were great but the real treasure here is Alaska regardless of which ship. I can't remember the ship details as it has been 7 years since our last visit but the memories of Alaska will be with me forever. Shore excursions are a real plus and add tremendously to the experience and unfortunately the cost. We did the helicopter tour, walked on a glacier, fished for Halibut and roasted them by a fire and canoed through an eagle preserve. It is a trip of a life time. Sitting in a hot tub with glaciers floating by is an experience to remember. I can't even describe the wonder of the inside passage. I hope you make it to Alaska with or without our favorite Mouse. I don't think you will be sorry.

 

[jlp651]

Thank you for putting it into perspective for me...you're right...Alaska itself I am sure is breath taking...I guess we should start saving now!!! It will definately be (another) vacation not to be missed!!!

So, is getting BF a vacation account for V-day not very romantic??? *laugh*

Thanks Tross

 

[KathyTX]

I think TROSS said it well- an Alaskan cruise will be a whole different kind of experience, and doesn't really lend itself to a comparison with a Caribbean DCL Cruise.

We've sailed both the Magic and Wonder, and we sailed Alaska on Pricess in June 2002. Alaska itself was DEFINITELY the draw here- the scenery is absolutely indescribable! This is one itinerary when having a verandah would be a splurge that I would HIGHLY recommend. Sitting on our own verandah while drinking coffee and eating cookies from room service as we slowly cruised through Glacier Bay was... I just can't come up with words for how wonderful it was.

And it's true that the Helicopter excursion is a little pricey. But it's an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will always remember my awe at stepping onto those massive wonders, and I'll always treasure the truly amazing photos I shot from the chopper.

Now that you've cruised on DCL, you know that you and BF enjoy the cruise "experience." Booking an Alaskan trip on another line will just give you a different kind of cruise experience. I would definitely advise you to go for it.

And I think starting a vacation fund as a Valentine's Day gift is *very* romantic!

 

[3 things]

My wife and I have been going to Alaska at least twice a year for many years now and it is so amazing that I almost don’t want to share it with you! (It doesn’t need any more tourists!) We plan to retire there (yep, I’m in my 40’s) Although we’ve never been on an Alaskan cruise, we’ve been in the Inner Passage many times. In fact, it's only because it's been a cold winter in Michigan this year that we aren't going to Anchorage and Fairbanks the first week in March - and instead are going on the Western 7 Day Disney cruise!

In reality it’s just hard to compare a Disney cruise to an Alaskan cruise… (Based on what we've heard from friends who've done both and from one of our friends who works for one of the cruise lines in Alaska.)

10 reasons it’s hard to compare…

1. An Alaskan cruise is frankly less about the cruise and more about Alaska! Alaska is the main draw and feature. Thrilled by awesome scenery and wildlife – Alaskan cruise good. Thrilled by warm strolls in between great food and entertainment – maybe Alaskan cruise not so good.
2. In Alaska it’s never about the sun and the warmth. That part of Alaska is really a northern rain forest, so clouds or rain happen.
3. Doesn’t matter what time of year it is, the water is Sitka is NEVER warm enough to go to the beach…
4. What was the line from the 90’s presidential campaign? “It’s the economy stupid!” Well, on an Alaskan cruise… “It’s Alaska stupid!” (to be cont.)

 

[3 things]

5. Yes, there are stops along the way... But NO ONE confuses Juneau with Cozemel!!!
6. Don't forget the jackets... When you are by all those glaciers, you realize that they are ice because it's cold there!
7. Trees, totem poles, mountains...
8. Bears, whales, otters, bald eagles...
9. Glaciers, ice, more glaciers...
10. Remember visiting Yosemite or driving through the mountains and having to tell the kids to take a look outside and see it? Well, if you're kids were fascinated by the mountains etc then they might enjoy the Alaskan cruise. If you constantly wanted to point out to the kids in the back to "look outside and see what we came here for"... Then maybe it's back to a Disney cruise.

PS - Everyone I know that has done an Alaskan cruise has found them to be just AWESOME. We are planning on doing one in a couple years.

PS2 - Sorry for rambling... I could talk about Alaska forever... (and if you go in the winter... our favorite hotel would be...

http://www.chenahotsprings.com/icehotel.html

PS3 - The Alaskan Cruise is cool, but don't miss the rest of Alaska! It is AWESOME!

PS4 - While I'll miss Alaska this March, I can NOT wait for our Feb. 28th cruise!!!!

 

[NCRedding]

Yes, you have been spoiled by DCL. If your DCL cruise was a good as all of ours have been, you received excellent service, food and entertainment. We enjoyed our cruise to Alaska--the scenery was amazing!! It truly is about Alaska, not the cruise. WE cruised RCCL Radiance of the Seas. I agree with everyone else--get the veranda. Our cruise was awesome, but I don't plan a return trip for several years--unless DCL goes there. I don't plan to cruise RCCL anytime soon.

 

[jlp651]

oh lots to think about-hmmm...I guess I'll just have to wait and see!!!

Don't worry about rambling about Alaska...I'm still searching for what we will like...we are defnately outdoor people...with great winter jackets to boot!!! This sounds like something we will definatlely do...now to find $$$

 

[3 things]

Don't encourage me...

Anyway, if you save enough money... The high end cruise is Crystal.

http://www.crystalcruises.com

Or at the other end of the spectrum... skip the formal cruise part and go with the natives on the Alaskan ferry system going from port to port...

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/services/routes/index.html

Both are great!

 

[3 things]

Don't encourage me...

Anyway, if you save enough money... The high end cruise is Crystal.

http://www.crystalcruises.com

Or at the other end of the spectrum... skip the formal cruise part and go with the natives on the Alaskan ferry system going from port to port...

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/services/routes/index.html

Both are great!

 

[3 things]

Don't encourage me...

Anyway, if you save enough money... The high end cruise is Crystal.

http://www.crystalcruises.com

Or at the other end of the spectrum... skip the formal cruise part and go with the natives on the Alaskan ferry system going from port to port...

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/services/routes/index.html

Both are great! But VERY different experiences. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[3 things]

I have no idea why that posted 3 times... Mea culpa!

 

[jlp651]

definately taking a look at some of this stuff!!! I think we would both love it-I know we would...there was a lcimbing and rapelling excursion that we would both love...we do that kind fo thing at home...but hwo knows...thanks for the info

 

[Dancind]

Absolutely, the Alaska journey is a whole different ballgame. I know I would be fascinated. Just wondering what age would be good to take DD. She's almost 13, and would be thrilled by any wildlife sightings. But wonders, maybe not so much. We recently ferried through the Panama canal. She was pretty interested in the first lock, but after that sat down to read. Seen one lock you've seen them all I guess, glaciers might be the same. DH is wondering if he can scuba dive. I say, you don't have to scuba dive EVERYWHERE! Right, it isn't Cozumel. Maybe I'll go by myself. Diana

 

[tross]

The excursions would probably be a key to the enjoyment of a 13 yr old. I do remember these "penguin like" birds at the very end of the inside passage. Just hundreds of them. I don't remember what they were. This was quite a few years back but it was an impressive sight. I think there are some specific wildlife sighting excursions.

 

[jlp651]

3 things
I sent you a pm!!!

 

[sk8ingmom]

"penguin like" birds

puffins

I completely agree about the wonders of Alaska. I haven't been on an AK cruise, but we lived in Kodiak for 2 years, and are moving to Anchorage this summer for 3 years. It is a beautiful, unique place. Go on excursions - see the real AK.

Although - after all of this Disney exposure, I'm a little concerned that DSs will think the bears, moose and whales are anamatronic!

3 things - We are doing your "native" version of a cruise this summer. Bellingham - Haines on the ferry.