Which Alaskan cruise?

[carlandellie31]

I see three different cruise options for next summer - 5, 7, and 9 nights. Unless the price ends up being the deciding factor for us, are the longer cruises better? Are the extra port stops worth the extra time and money? I realize that opinions will differ, but just trying to gather information and who better to ask than disfolk?!
Thanks everyone.

 

[Pooh2]

We did the 7 night, 9 was not offered last year. If the 9 was a little more, I would do it. If it was alot more, I would opt to spend a few days in Vancouver instead. Five would too short to travel all that way (from the east coast).

 

[jdb in AZ]

Longer is better. Hubbard Glacier and Icy Strait Point are nice places to visit. I don't know what type of room(s) you're looking at, or how many passengers in your group, or how much extra it would cost. Just for comparison sake, you really need to check other cruise lines as well.

 

[saxmangeoff]

The 5 day cruise gives you just one port, Ketchikan. I would consider it to be too short, unless it's your only option.

 

[anricat]

The 5 day cruise gives you just one port, Ketchikan. I would consider it to be too short, unless it's your only option.

I 100% agree with this. I don't get this itinerary AT ALL. In my mind Ketchikan was the least exciting port of the three we visited. We did the 7 night last summer and it felt too short! I would do the 9 night in a heartbeat if I had the vacation time and cash to do so. If you don't, then the 7 night is an amazing vacation. Do spend some time in Vancouver if you can. We really enjoyed it there.

 

[Shanti]

We're booked for the 9-night for next July and are looking forward to it. I'm sure the time will fly. Since we live in Texas, we don't get up to Vancouver quickly or cheaply, so I want the trip to be worthwhile.

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

We're booked for the 9-night for next July and are looking forward to it. I'm sure the time will fly. Since we live in Texas, we don't get up to Vancouver quickly or cheaply, so I want the trip to be worthwhile.

This was our deciding factor as well. We have multiple generations going and flying from Oklahoma and Missouri and probably a once in a lifetime trip for many so we chose the 9 day to make the most of our travel efforts. Cost is crazy but overall I know we will have an amazing trip. Cost wise you might want to look at other lines though. I coworker recommended Holland America one way and riding the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage to get a more thorough Alaska experience, but for our family DCL is a good fit.
@Shanti 2018? Guess we'll see ya then!

 

[Shanti]

This was our deciding factor as well. We have multiple generations going and flying from Oklahoma and Missouri and probably a once in a lifetime trip for many so we chose the 9 day to make the most of our travel efforts. Cost is crazy but overall I know we will have an amazing trip. Cost wise you might want to look at other lines though. I coworker recommended Holland America one way and riding the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage to get a more thorough Alaska experience, but for our family DCL is a good fit.
@Shanti 2018? Guess we'll see ya then!

See you next summer!

 

[jetskigrl]

I see three different cruise options for next summer - 5, 7, and 9 nights. Unless the price ends up being the deciding factor for us, are the longer cruises better? Are the extra port stops worth the extra time and money? I realize that opinions will differ, but just trying to gather information and who better to ask than disfolk?!
Thanks everyone.

Price will be a big factor but if you can swing it, go for the 9 nights (more is better, LOL). If you can't do 9, then at least do the 7 nights to get three ports + glacier. They are definitely worth it. You will need to factor in the cost of excursions also though and they can be pretty pricey in Alaska.

We are taking the 5-night cruise but it is our second time going to Alaska. Last time we did 7 nights and everyone agreed that it was the best cruise ever and we wouldn't mind repeating it. I wanted to do the 9 night this time but my kids fell in love with Vancouver and really wanted to go back and spend more time there. So in order to please everyone we are doing the 5-night cruise and 4 nights in Vancouver

So simple answer, for a first time trip to Alaska, 7-nights at least and 9 if you can do it.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We did a 9 night in Alaska in 2014. Loved the longer cruises. The longer the better as far as I am concerned!

 

[Drusilla99]

Alaska has been my least favorite cruise destination, but I would still go with a longer cruise. Any day cruising is better than at home

 

[ironz]

I don't think 5 would be worth it, unless you have done an Alaska cruise before, or if you live in the Pacific Northwest and don't have to travel. I hardly feel like the 7 night was long enough!

 

[Dug720]

I would say 7. I don't think 5 is enough time (for a cruise or Alaska), and I personally felt like Icy Straight Point was a waste of time so that would not make me want to do 9.

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts....

• forget the 5 day trip.... you are missing my fav Juneau and Skagway ports
• 9 day sounds great, but it does cost more.
• pay attention to which week. May offer savings, June offers daylight, July is warm, August starts to get wet, September is best for storm chasers.
• need extra days at your bonus port Vancouver. Lots to do there. Vancouver is best explored post-cruise on weekdays when attractions are quieter.
• consider hotels a few blocks way from the cruise terminal for savings.

 

[Colbyrsmom]

5 vs 7 vs 9 thoughts...

In 2015 we did a 7 night and spent time in Vancouver.During that cruise, we realized that we should have done the 9 night. The 9 night then stopped at Sitka. We are excited about icy straight and hubbard glacier, but still wish we were going to Sitka since we didnt visit there in 2015. Sitka has a strong Russian influence and different from the other classic Alaskan ports.

This July we are doing a b2b with the DCL Alaska 9 & 5 night. The 2017 5 night is sold out but the 9 night is available. We wouldn't do the 5 night night only, since it's too short and we would miss Juneau and Skagway. I do wish DCL would have chosen a different port for the 5 night,like Sitka. However, since it's Ketchikan, the port time allowance is long (9-1945 approx). I believe the 5 night was added to even out the remainder of the week after the 9. This would allow the Wonder to be back on the usual 7 night schedule.

 

[xlxo]

Something else to consider if cost is a factor..... another cruise line for Alaska.

• get the DCL Wonder's price for a cruise week. Then compare what the other cruise line are charging for the same week. You will find savings.... significant.
• without pixie dust..... some of the other cruise ships have the option to explore Queen Elsa's Glacier Bay. Important for glacier seeker's.
• In addition to 7 days, other ships have the option to go further and deeper into Alaska with one way itineraries.
• one way itineraries have the flexibility for an extended stay in Alaska before returning to the Lower 48.
• HAL offers a "Yukon Denali" option where you can explore areas beyond Skagway without a boat.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I actually wouldn't do the 5 night because it only ports in Ketchikan and I don't like Ketchikan. If I stopped anywhere else, I'd probably consider it with extra days in Vancouver. I've done the 7 night twice and enjoyed it both times. I was scheduled for the 9 night next year, but switched to Princess so I could see Glacier Bay.