How to book Alaskan cruise

[Kathi OD]

Oh, no matter when you go...prepare for some rain, drizzle, or mist every day. At least some part of the day will probably be rainy...you'll be in a rainforest.

 

[k2k2]

My sister and I with the hubbies sailed on a Princess cruise to Alaska in 2007. My sister swears by KimsKruises.net. She has booked about 10 cruises through her website in the past 5-6years. Valerie there is wonderful at responding to questions and/or changes in the reservations. We have not yet found lower pricing anywhere. She always beats the Princess websites by a few hundred $ and offers cabin credits.

As for the cruise itself, we went the week after Mothers Day. We flew into Seattle, stayed there overnight, rented a car and drove to Vancouver in the a.m. This was cheaper than flying into Vancouver as we flew Southwest down.
The cruise left Vancouver, cruised the inside passage and ended in Whittier.
I would recommend this northern route because we thought the scenery was fantastic in Vancouver and couldn't get any better. But lo and behold every day the scenery was more beautiful. I couldn't imagine going the other way and the scenery gets less impressive each day not more impressive.

We had a balcony room and never regretted it. We were on the balcony every day as the whole cruise is so scenic. We did walk on the decks to check out other views. However, days like Glacier Bay, which were scenic cruising all day had people camped out from early morning. They had to get up real early to get a spot by the rail. When the sun was out it was quite warm on our balcony and were able to sit out with just short sleeves. When no sun was out, it was definitely jacket weather. We also were on the right side(starboard side?) of the boat, because that was the land side and there was more scenery about 80% of the time.

All in all it is a wonderful experience and I hope you have a great time.

 

[tinkercat]

Those who flew into Seattle and then traveled to Vancover to meet the ship, about how many hours by Train from Seattle to Vancover verses the Ferry from Seattle to Vancover

Any suggestions, on this?

Thanks

I don't know how long the ferry takes but we took the train from Seattle to Vancouver for our cruise (2002) and I remember it taking around 3 hours, maybe a bit longer. It was a fairly pleasant train ride.

We cruised with Princess for our honeymoon and as a PP mentioned, the crowd was quite mature. Although I've read people say that Princess caters to families, that didn't seem to be the case on our Alaskan cruise. We were the youngest people that we saw on the ship (22 at the time) and everyone else was more like our parents age and up.

We booked through a travel agent because we were new to cruising and one thing that made us choose Princess over other cruise lines was the fact that Princess had docks at all of our stops so we didn't have to be tendered to/from the boat at any of the ports like some of the other cruise lines did. Only certain cruise lines have permission to cruise inside Glacier Bay National Park, if I remember correctly, and its definitely worth choosing one who does get to enter because the views are fantastic.

We cruised in mid-June and wore everything from shorts/t-shirts to winter coats so be prepared to pack for all types of weather!

 

[klassic]

My cousin is a travel agent and she specializes in Alaskan Cruises. If you are interested I can get you her contact information.

 

[mom0299]

Mom0299,
I would love to hear about your trip. We are going this Aug. on the Rhapsody and would love some insider information.
Thanks!

VT,
Here is a link to our pictures: http://northtoalaska2008.shutterfly.com/

In Juneau we took a guided hike to Mendenhall Glacier. That was amazing! In Skagway we took the Whitepass train ride - another beautiful ride! In Prince Rupert we didn't do an excursion. We just toured the town on our own. We met some locals at the fire station who directed us to a great seafood place for lunch. That town has some awesome totem poles. We were supposed to go to Tracy Arm, but there were too many ice floes so our captain took us into another fjord (I can't remember the name) and sailed us right up to the glacier! While on board we booked a Seattle excursion for our return. The bus took us to the space needle, around town, and left us at Pike Place Market for a few hours. At the end of the tour they left us at the airport. We were staying one more night so we just caught the hotel shuttle from the airport back to the hotel.
Rhapsody is a great ship. It isn't huge, but not too small either. There are plenty of things to do. The coconut cookies are to die for!!! The ship has plenty of space to look out onto the water which you will want to do often. There is so much to look at.
Have a great time! I know we did.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I don't know how long the ferry takes but we took the train from Seattle to Vancouver for our cruise (2002) and I remember it taking around 3 hours, maybe a bit longer. It was a fairly pleasant train ride.

We cruised with Princess for our honeymoon and as a PP mentioned, the crowd was quite mature. Although I've read people say that Princess caters to families, that didn't seem to be the case on our Alaskan cruise. We were the youngest people that we saw on the ship (22 at the time) and everyone else was more like our parents age and up.

We booked through a travel agent because we were new to cruising and one thing that made us choose Princess over other cruise lines was the fact that Princess had docks at all of our stops so we didn't have to be tendered to/from the boat at any of the ports like some of the other cruise lines did. Only certain cruise lines have permission to cruise inside Glacier Bay National Park, if I remember correctly, and its definitely worth choosing one who does get to enter because the views are fantastic.

We cruised in mid-June and wore everything from shorts/t-shirts to winter coats so be prepared to pack for all types of weather!

Thank you so much for the info, I think we are going to take the train from Seattle to Vancover and board the Disney Magic. After the cruise take the ferry back to Seattle airport.

I wonder if it's going to take about 4 hours by Ferry from Vancover to Seattle?

 

[apnep]

(I already took her out of school for 4 days this year in November for our Disney Cruise and felt a little guilty about it afterwards, so I wouldn't want her to miss any more school this year.)

Well, think about the lessons she'll get with the naturalists on board and the opportunity to see such a beautiful part of our country! If you're only taking her out for a few days, and she is in elementary school, it's not rocket science, take her!

Ang

 

[apnep]

VT,
Here is a link to our pictures: http://northtoalaska2008.shutterfly.com/

Mendenhall Glacier... That was amazing! In Skagway we took the Whitepass train ride - another beautiful ride! There is so much to look at.
Have a great time! I know we did.

Mendenhall is so neat because you can walk right up to it!(oh, I am thinking Exit Glacier, right, but Menhenhall is beautiful too. There is a huge waterfall right there you can walk up to.) We did the Whitepass train ride too. Did a plane ride in Ketchikan, zip line in Hoonah, looking for whales in Junea, and in Seward a glacier boat tour. THAT was the best tour out of the whole thing! Oh, and don't forget the tram in Juneau. You can hike up to the top of Mt. Roberts and get a view of the Juneau and more.

The scenery is amazing! You are right, there is SO much beauty to look at that it is incredible. I will definitely be going back and taking the kids when they can all appreciate it. It was one of the best trips of my life and I got to share it with my mommy.

You will have an incredible time, OP!

Angela

 

[apnep]

Mom0299,

great pix! Looks like you had a great time!

Ang

 

[v.t.]

Mom0299 - Thanks for sharing your pictures. I am getting so excited about the trip. I can't find much about the ship, so I was very excited to see all the pictures.
We are only going to Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. In Juneau we are doing whale watching with Harv & Marv. Hopefully we will make it to Mendenhall after whale watching. Angela- thanks for the tip about the waterfall, that another thing on the boys' list to see.
I think we are going to rent in car in Skagway and do the Yukon drive. I figured we would be able to take our time and would save quite a bit of money since there are 5 of us.
We are going to arrive a day early in Seattle, where did you stay in Seattle? I have been on cruisecritic but they all give different opinions, I am having a hard time deciding what to do. If only we were going to Disney, now that trip I could plan!

 

[crjack]

Mom0299 - Thanks for sharing your pictures. I am getting so excited about the trip. I can't find much about the ship, so I was very excited to see all the pictures.
We are only going to Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. In Juneau we are doing whale watching with Harv & Marv. Hopefully we will make it to Mendenhall after whale watching. Angela- thanks for the tip about the waterfall, that another thing on the boys' list to see.
I think we are going to rent in car in Skagway and do the Yukon drive. I figured we would be able to take our time and would save quite a bit of money since there are 5 of us.
We are going to arrive a day early in Seattle, where did you stay in Seattle? I have been on cruisecritic but they all give different opinions, I am having a hard time deciding what to do. If only we were going to Disney, now that trip I could plan!

You will love Harv & Marv's! Absolutely the best info I received from cruise critic was to book with them.

We went to Alaska this past August on the NCL Pearl. We went with our two teens so we wanted a ship that went to Glacier Bay (our # 1 priority) and had other families and activities for teens, etc.

It was by far my most favorite vacation ever. We also rented a car from Avis in Skagway and drove into the Yukon. I highly recommend downloading Murray's Guide and you can find links on Cruise Critic.

We loved Seattle. We like the Duck Tours, loved the Explore Music Museum and the Underground City Tour. We stayed at a Residence Inn in Seattle. It was right near the Duck Tours and the Space Needle. I picked it specifically because we had Marriott points but also wanted a large suite to spread out before and after our cruise and they had 2-bedroom suites available.

There are other hotels closer to downtown though and the Seattle board on cruise critic may be helpful. Pikes Market was nice but really crowded so hard to enjoy. We're from Boston and it reminded me of Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall.

You'll have a wonderful time on any cruise to Alaska. The scenery and wildlife will top any weather, etc.

 

[RachelTori]

We went to Alaska this past August on the NCL Pearl. We went with our two teens so we wanted a ship that went to Glacier Bay (our # 1 priority) and had other families and activities for teens, etc.

It was by far my most favorite vacation ever. We also rented a car from Avis in Skagway and drove into the Yukon. I highly recommend downloading Murray's Guide and you can find links on Cruise Critic.

We loved Seattle. We like the Duck Tours, loved the Explore Music Museum and the Underground City Tour. We stayed at a Residence Inn in Seattle. It was right near the Duck Tours and the Space Needle. I picked it specifically because we had Marriott points but also wanted a large suite to spread out before and after our cruise and they had 2-bedroom suites available.

There are other hotels closer to downtown though and the Seattle board on cruise critic may be helpful. Pikes Market was nice but really crowded so hard to enjoy. We're from Boston and it reminded me of Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall.

You'll have a wonderful time on any cruise to Alaska. The scenery and wildlife will top any weather, etc.

I am so happy to read this post! We're booked on the Pearl in late May (just made the final payment last week ) and can't wait!!

 

[v.t.]

You will love Harv & Marv's! Absolutely the best info I received from cruise critic was to book with them.

We went to Alaska this past August on the NCL Pearl. We went with our two teens so we wanted a ship that went to Glacier Bay (our # 1 priority) and had other families and activities for teens, etc.

It was by far my most favorite vacation ever. We also rented a car from Avis in Skagway and drove into the Yukon. I highly recommend downloading Murray's Guide and you can find links on Cruise Critic.

We loved Seattle. We like the Duck Tours, loved the Explore Music Museum and the Underground City Tour. We stayed at a Residence Inn in Seattle. It was right near the Duck Tours and the Space Needle. I picked it specifically because we had Marriott points but also wanted a large suite to spread out before and after our cruise and they had 2-bedroom suites available.

There are other hotels closer to downtown though and the Seattle board on cruise critic may be helpful. Pikes Market was nice but really crowded so hard to enjoy. We're from Boston and it reminded me of Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall.

You'll have a wonderful time on any cruise to Alaska. The scenery and wildlife will top any weather, etc.

So glad to hear about Harv & Marv's! We are traveling with DH's family and they picked the cruise so I was disappointed that we will not be going to Glacier Bay but shouldn't complain because it is a trip to Alaska! So I am trying to find the most interesting excursions that we can afford. Harv & Marv is our big splurge. I am going to download Murray's guide for the day we are in Skagway.

We will be staying in Seattle 3 days after the cruise to spend time with DH's family that is not going on the cruise so I am sure we will do the Duck tour.
I am still looking for a hotel for a hotel in Seattle, cruise critic has so many different opinions. Part of our group doesn't get in until 11:30 that night and thought it might be more convenient to stay near the airport for their sake. But I have to book it pretty quick. DFIL keeps calling to ask where we are staying even though we don't leave until Aug.! Guess I better not tell him we don't even have our flights yet.

 

[apnep]

I think we are going to rent in car in Skagway and do the Yukon drive. I figured we would be able to take our time and would save quite a bit of money since there are 5 of us.

OMG, if you can squeeze some money out, the train ride is SO pretty. But understandable since there are 5 of you. It's gorgeous no matter where you go.

Angela

 

[apnep]

... So I am trying to find the most interesting excursions that we can afford.

Well don't forget the tram in Juneau. Tix are like $10 or $15. and you get a great view! There is a souvenier shop at the top and trails you can go on. If you hike up to the top of Mt. Juneau, you can see all of Juneau and then see where the ships are entering the port and out to sea. It is gorgeous!

Ang

 

[crjack]

OMG, if you can squeeze some money out, the train ride is SO pretty. But understandable since there are 5 of you. It's gorgeous no matter where you go.

Angela

I agree that the train ride is incredibly scenic but we were driving parallel to the train tracks much of the time but were able to pull over at our convenience with our own car. We have beautiful photos of us at waterfalls, Emerald Lake and the "worlds smallest desert".

Some people would prefer not to do the driving and in that case the train is wonderful. My DH is the opposite and likes to drive so we actually preferred the car and it just happened to be a great budget excursion too.

Both options are great. The only thing I would consider a slight negative with the car is that there aren't are lot of options for lunch once you are on the road. There was one small diner that we found very quaint but my DS didn't. There are plenty of places near the port in Skagway where you can purchase items in advance however so that's an option as well. DS just loaded up on even more food at the buffet back on board the ship.:

 

[bumbershoot]

Those who flew into Seattle and then traveled to Vancover to meet the ship, about how many hours by Train from Seattle to Vancover verses the Ferry from Seattle to Vancover

Any suggestions, on this?

Thanks

The train is awesome. Take that. Expect delays, though. There are always delays.

Therefore, go the day before your cruise and get a hotel.


Ferry from Seattle to Vancouver? I'm not sure there IS one. Where are you finding that info?

Be aware that there is Vancouver city, and there is Vancouver Island, where Victoria is. Very very different. There are ferries from here to Vancouver Island, definitely (though I think they leave from Port Angeles, which would be adding 1-2 hours onto your trip just to get out there), but I'm not at all sure that there are ferries to Vancouver city.


v.t., what do you want from your hotel stay? How close do you want to be to the ship? Where is your ship leaving from? Right "in" downtown near the Edgewater? Or down at the southern terminals (which would be right on the way if you stayed near the airport)?


Our secret shame: we could not, for the life of us, figure out how people were walking out to Mendenhall. We were walking along, but we were going slower than others, and no one was right in front of us, there was noone to ask, and there was just an impassable area, though we saw people further along!

We also saw NO WHALES. Oh we had been on the bow for ages, looking...finally got cold and went to our room. Our honeymoon was budget, so we were on deck 7, right up at the front of the ship, oceanview (on Radiance). Just as we got to our cabin, we heard a commotion on the bow. Looked out our portholes, could see people streaming to the port side (I think...I rowed crew so I can only figure it out if I picture myself sitting "backwards" and rowing, LOL) and exclaiming about the whales. With our cabin's area, it took a solid 8 minutes to get anywhere so we could get outside...we knew they would be gone. And inside of 5 minutes or so, the hubbub died down, the whales were gone. If we'd had a balcony room, I'm SURE it would ahve been on the starboard side, and we would have missed them still. Horrible luck with that.


Skagway! Loved Skagway. If Jewell Gardens is open during your cruise, have tea there! This was DH's idea, he loves loves loves having tea. And he loves gardens. This was our ONE official excursion, and it was well worth it!



The Seattle Duck is a surprising amount of fun! I've lived in Tacoma since I was 17, and just never did that "touristy" thing. Until DH's family came over from Korea and wanted to do the touristy things. It was SO fun! If the people you're meeting in Seattle are local and haven't done the Duck, expect some resistance. But force them to go. It's just goofy-fun.

 

[apnep]

Our secret shame: we could not, for the life of us, figure out how people were walking out to Mendenhall...

We also saw NO WHALES. Oh we had been on the bow for ages, looking...finally got cold and went to our room. ... And inside of 5 minutes or so, the hubbub died down, the whales were gone.

Mom and I were on the Radiance when we went in 2006. It was so much fun. I think it's funny that you couldn't figure out how to walk out toward Mendenhall...it did take a while to get out there to that waterfall but it sure was amazing once we got there. And it was packed!

I am with you on seeing whales from the ship. People kept saying how they just say pods of orcas and some humpbacks and it seems we were always in the wrong place at the wrong time! Ha!

Ang

 

[bumbershoot]

Thankfully we thought it was funny, too! Frustrating, but funny. I also didn't want to take any chances with the walk...I was, like, 5 minutes pregnant (wedding night conception it seems, and the cruise was a week later, so "officially" that's 3 weeks, but in reality it's a week) but it was beyond obvious from the changes I was already experiencing that there was a group of cells rapidly multiplying into an embryo, and I was feeling extremely delicate. Not hearty at all. So I didn't want to trip and fall, ya know?

Someday we'll get up there again and figure it out. Our son will probably find the way. After all, he's been there before, right? (my good friend got ship-related baby clothes for the shower she threw me, and called him the Stowaway)

 

[v.t.]

v.t., what do you want from your hotel stay? How close do you want to be to the ship? Where is your ship leaving from? Right "in" downtown near the Edgewater? Or down at the southern terminals (which would be right on the way if you stayed near the airport)?
Skagway! Loved Skagway. If Jewell Gardens is open during your cruise, have tea there! This was DH's idea, he loves loves loves having tea. And he loves gardens. This was our ONE official excursion, and it was well worth it!
The Seattle Duck is a surprising amount of fun! I've lived in Tacoma since I was 17, and just never did that "touristy" thing. Until DH's family came over from Korea and wanted to do the touristy things. It was SO fun! If the people you're meeting in Seattle are local and haven't done the Duck, expect some resistance. But force them to go. It's just goofy-fun.

Thanks for the info. I can't decide where to stay in Seattle the night we arrive. We are leaving from Terminal 91 but I thought if we stayed near the airport it would be better for those who are arriving late. (Plus we might save a few $'s.) I was going to arrange for a shuttle to take us to the pier so I was looking for a hotel with a free airport shuttle that would pick them up late. We just want a safe, clean place that has a free breakfast. But I have read that some of the places near the airport aren't that great, so I don't know what to book!
Thanks for the information about the Jewell Gardens, that sound like something the DIL's might like to do.
The family we are meeting are from Tacoma and actually those kids are the ones who want to do the duck tour. That family does not really get out and do much so staying in a hotel downtown for the weekend we get back will be a real treat for them. We are excited as well for all the cousins to be together.

Ang - How long did it take to hike out to the glacier and see the waterfall? I have been looking on the NPS website and cannot figure out how to actually hike out on the glacier. We were thinking of going to the glacier before our whale watching trip instead of after. They said they would pick us up or drop us off at the glacier, another decision to make. And I thought planning a cruise would be easy, LOL!