What about Alaska???

[Beast]

I don't normally check out the Cruise Boards because it's not something we ever really consider, especially since we're not real big on beaches, etc.

BUT! The "idea" of a cruise is VERY appealing IF it was to Alaska. Now, it could be that dozens of people have asked this question before but, is there any talk, gossip, rumors, etc. of Disney ever doing Alaska cruises? I can't imagine they haven't started at least one line there by now.

Thanks

 

[fireplug]

Beast,
there have been a few posts on this board about the very same thing and when when we were on the wonder in Jan we asked about Alaska and the CM told us it is being considered for the future. Possibly with a New ship. We are hoping it happens soon.

Steve

 

[gbanshee]

our group just sailed in june on the wonder, we decided our next group cruise will be alaska in 7/2004.........disney or no disney!

gb

 

[fireplug]

gbanshee
We are planning an alaska in7/2004 also. We are looking hard at princess or royal carribean. What are your thoughts or plans like?

Steve

 

[floridaminnie]

I just found out from someone who works at DL that a cruise to Alaska is in the works. How far, don't know. I guess their are trying to turn this dream into a reality!

 

[ruvidu]

We are doing the DCL Western this Sept. and Alaska next Sept. Pretty good prices so far. $3800, outside cabin with veranda, with roundtrip air from SC. I believe it was the Spirt, South Bound. Wish it was going to be the Magic.

 

[TootyJane]

Originally posted by gbanshee
our group just sailed in june on the wonder, we decided our next group cruise will be alaska in 7/2004.........disney or no disney!

gb

We love the Magic -- haven't been on the Wonder but we did do a cruise to Alaska last summer aboard the Regal Princess. While I wasn't "keen" on going to Alaska it was a family decision to go it was probably one of the best vacations we've had. Alaska is absolutely beautiful and I'd go back in a heartbeat especially if there was a Disney cruise going there!! Let's keep our fingers crossed.

 

[gbanshee]

Steve,

So far we are looking at RCCL or HAL. RCCL no longer has the guides on deck while in the glacier parks that HAL does.

We are doing Round Trip, since some of our group are from WA and OR, so they don't want to do air.

Group pricing isn't out yet though, my agent will play one cruiseline against the other to get us the best deal.

Sept in Alaska is much cheaper, but much colder.

Message me if you want info on our group when I get it. I will send you our travel agents name.

gb

 

[mcnuss]

I have friends who returned last weekend from a Celebrity cuise to Alaska. The adults & the kids were raving about it, and from the pix, you can tell that it is a beautiful ship. They embarked in Vancouver. I have also heard raves about HAL. I never hear raves about RCCL; mostly I hear people talk about the pandemonium of embarkation/debarkation and the fact that the cabins are teensy. Nobody says it's bad, but they all want to try another line after RCCL. I've only cruised with Radisson (on the Diamond) which was SPECTACULAR but not for people with kids (even if the lit says it's ok for kids, don't do it). It's a very adult ship, fine dining, very small (300 passengers) and there just would not be enough to entertain children. DH & I were in heaven though.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Ok, since we're talking Alaska already let me add some questions of my own.

Our family would LOVE to cruise to Alaska but we haven't started seriously researching it yet so any input would be valuable. Which lines and specifically which ships would be the best for a family with 2 young kids(6 & 9). We want t kids program and activities to interest us as well.

Also, aren't there times of year that are better than others to go to Alaska? Is summer the time to go?

Can anyone with youngish kids who has done this give me some direction?

What kinds of prices are out there? Is it actually cheaper than Disney??

Thanks!

 

[gbanshee]

we have not done it yet, but we re researching. So far we have various aged children coming. (5, 6,7,10, 10,12,13,14)

Radisson........not for kids.

Carnival......has a nice childrens program, but does N or S bound in the prime months of July/Aug. Is still Carnival, and I am iffy about it.

RCCL........has kids program, does not have the guides onboard. Has been getting iffy reviews.

HAL........Long time presence in Alaska. Has kids programs. Has guides. Has great reviews. Tends do draw an older crowd though, but since we are travelling with other kids, we know ours will have someone to hang with.

Celebrity......Good reviews, Kids programs. Definitely is an option for us

NCL.........Freestyle cruising, mixed reviews. Kids programs, small cabins. Few balconies.

Have not researched Princess yet.


My personal choices for going with Kids, is still RCCL, HAL and Celebrity. Although once we get group pricing, the bottom line may well lie on the price. We take a vote for our group and majority rules.

gb

 

[lynetteSC]

Ruvidu~ we are looking at 5/21 on Spirit ... it is northbound ... I did Ocean Princess last August and would go back on princess again in a heartbeat!!!! It is our next fav (besides DCL of course)!!! I talked to our DCL rep last week and she hinted at the next DCL ship will be based on WEST coast ... alaska in summer and LA in other seasons.

Princess also has guides and has been in Alaska almost as long as Holland America. SUPER SUPER!!!! Also has kids programs.
Princess also has 2 new ships doing roundtrip Seattle next season (Star & Diamond)

Pros of Northbound: GREAT trip, seems to get "better" as trip goes along. Not really better, per se ... just different!

Pros of Southbound: TRIP home much easier on your body! Flights out of Anchorage tend to be red eyes (atleast to East coast!) ...we got off ship early Monday a.m. and didn't get into Charlotte until Tuesday 11:30am ... VERY LOOOOONG day!!!!
This is alos a pro for roundtrip Vancouver or Seattle sailing.

Alaska is sooooo WOWWY!!! You just can't get mentally prepared for all that you will experience!!!!

 

[cruisnfamily]

What is this Northbound, Southbound thing? You don't get on and off at the same spot? Do you see different sights depending on which route you take? Which is best? Is there a price difference?

 

[lynetteSC]

sonya ~ northbound & southbound! Pretty much see same spots. One week the ship goes from Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage). The next week it turns around and goes from Seard to Vancouver. Stops in same places one way as the other way.
Also, you can do roundtrip Vancouver or roundtrip Seattle.

 

[ruvidu]

lynetteSC - We are leaning towards the South Bound because we plan to rent a car in Vancouver and drive through Washington down to Oregon and fly home from there. I was in the Navy and stationed in Bremerton, Wa. I would like my wife to see some of what I saw. We can't wait to see Alaska. I know we will do the whale watch in Juneau. It is on our "Do before we die" list.
Thanks for your input.
Russ

 

[lynetteSC]

ruvidu~ whale watching was the only excursion we were able to do!! It was AWESOME! Just unbelievable!!!!! When I went to Alaska, I had to take my mom. DH & i had the Magic planned for last 9/29 and I found out at beg. of last August I could go to Alaska ... so dh wanted to do DCL instead! That is why I am going back so soon! But, I was just amazed at Alaska. I had no desire to go until I went for work. Now it is definately my fav destination.

Also, I have had alot of GREAT feedback from people who did the dog sledding/helicopter glacier tours. I am trying to save extra $$$ to allow for this tour. It is the most expensive at around $370 each!!!

Driving to Oregon sounds like a great plan! That will be a really great trip!!!!!