? Why no inside passage on Alaska cruises?

[XMom]

I just have to agree with the others as far as why we pay for a Disney Cruise. We are So. Cal. residents and are taking a Mexican Rivera cruise with them. Since this is abou the only cruise you can do from So Cal without flying somewhere we have done it a number of times. We decided to do it again with Disney because of the ship experience. We will probably not get off in Mazatlan and Puerta Vallarta and just enjoy the ship activities and less crowded pools. We will get off in Cabo as we love Cabo and will even fly just to Cabo for vacation. Basically, we pay for Disney because of the Disney Experience and all the wonderful staff and activities they have for both the kids and us.

On a side note, we did take an Alaskan Repositioning Cruise in May and the scenery was magnificant!!! It is breathtaking and any way you see it will be unforgetable!!

 

[justmestace]

One of the things I learned from our Alaska trip a couple of weeks ago, the port areas are very small, and sometimes one ship has to wait for another one to leave before they can dock there. Thus, the decreased time in port. The port that we had the least amount of time in was Ketchikan, and that turned out to be a huge disappointment, because I could have spent forever there. It is truly charming.

Our cruise DID do the Inside Passage on the way up the coast. I was on the Norwegian Pearl. We didn't do it on the way back, and guaranteed, there is absolutely NOTHING to see that way...except a few other boats.
I realize that if you've never seen it, you won't know what you're missing.....BUT.....you can pretty much guess what you're missing. It would be like taking a Panama Canal cruise and being locked in an inside cabin where you didn't get to enjoy the beauty & wonder of it.
Of course you will have plenty of activities on your sea days, as we did also, and yes, there is the magical Disney experience, which will still make your cruise fantastic. But it's a shame to have to miss the Inside Passage.

The reason that they probably are not doing it, probably has more to do with the impact on the environment than anything else. Alaska and Canada are very strict about keeping their waters clean and protected, and since DCL is new to this itinerary, they probably won't have "first pick" at the Inside Passage for a long, long time...if ever. Not to mention that until this past year, Disney came in pretty low in the ratings of how environmentally friendly they were.

Anyway.....in order to make the most of your time in the ports, plan your excursions wisely. Choose excursions that do a variety/combination of things. In Juneau, we did a tour that combined taking a small boat out whale watching (tons of whales!) and then a nice bus to Mendenhall Glacier...so we got to see the town, the whales and the glacier and still had time to shop.
Skagway, we'd planned on doing what everyone else was doing....taking the Yukon Pass Railway up and back. More thought made us realize we'd spend all day seeing the same exact thing, so we chose a tour that took us to a famous old saloon and brothel for a tour before they opened to the public, then a bus ride (there were only 11 of us total on the tour) up the Yukon Pass, with stops for pictures along the way, and then met up with the train for the ride back down.
In Ketchikan, since our time was limited, our son took the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Fisherman's tour, while my husband and I wandered all through town, took some back trails, and got to know the town a little better than we would have.

With careful planning, the shorter days in port will work out just fine.

 

[smeecanada]

Skagway, we'd planned on doing what everyone else was doing....taking the Yukon Pass Railway up and back. More thought made us realize we'd spend all day seeing the same exact thing, so we chose a tour that took us to a famous old saloon and brothel for a tour before they opened to the public, then a bus ride (there were only 11 of us total on the tour) up the Yukon Pass, with stops for pictures along the way, and then met up with the train for the ride back down.

Stacey, sounds like you had a wonderful time. How's the trip report coming?

Anyways, was your tour in Skagway thru the cruiseline or on your own? It sounds like a neat tour.

 

[justmestace]

Stacey, sounds like you had a wonderful time. How's the trip report coming?

Anyways, was your tour in Skagway thru the cruiseline or on your own? It sounds like a neat tour.

Sadly, my trip report is only as far along as our first day onboard. I was only home for two days after the cruise before I left town again. Back now, and hope to finally finish!

We had an awesome trip, and I had thought that going to Alaska would be like seeing the Grand Canyon.....see it once, and you don't need to see it again. WAS I WRONG!!! I could go to Alaska over and over and over.

Our Skagway tour was booked through the ship, but it sounds like they do it all the time, so hopefully Disney will do it too. Our bus driver picked up all 11 of us (I was so surprised that there wasn't a whole busload!) at the ship and began telling us about Skagway as we traveled through town (which was empty at that time) to the saloon. We were greeted by a "madam" and offered a choice of drinks. We heard stories about the town and the bars, restaurants, brothels and locals back in the day, were treated to some good old piano-playing and songs, and then led "upstairs" to where....well, you know.....
Then back on the bus with our lively driver telling tales all the way up the Yukon Pass and into Canada, with photo op stops all along the way.
Met up at the train depot, and again, only the 11 of us shared one whole car. The ride down was breathtaking, with tales of how the early miners made their way up and down...... Can you tell I'd go back in a heartbeat!!

 

[smeecanada]

Sadly, my trip report is only as far along as our first day onboard. I was only home for two days after the cruise before I left town again. Back now, and hope to finally finish!

We had an awesome trip, and I had thought that going to Alaska would be like seeing the Grand Canyon.....see it once, and you don't need to see it again. WAS I WRONG!!! I could go to Alaska over and over and over.
...... Can you tell I'd go back in a heartbeat!!

I was blown away by what little of Alaska we saw last year and can't wait to go back with DCL next year. I'll definitely keep that tour in mind. We just went for a hike over to the point on the other side of town and walked around town a bit when we were in Skagway. It was our get the lay of the land trip because we knew DCL was going at some point and we would do more then.

Hope you nice weather when you were in Victoria. We've been having a nice day and then a not so nice day for quite a few weeks now.

 

[Popovich]

We were so excited when we learned that DCL was going to Alaska. However, after researching it, we decided to book Princess for the reasons above. We really wanted the inside passage and the opportunity to do land excursions. I think we would regret it if we didn't spend a couple of days at Denali - since I think we'll only go to Alaska once.

We are huge DCL fans and we really didn't want to go on another cruise line, but for us, the itenerary didn't meet our needs.

Good luck with your decision. I'm anxious to read trip reports after the first Alaska cruises.

 

[woody73]

Our cruise DID do the Inside Passage on the way up the coast. I was on the Norwegian Pearl.

I really like the Norwegian Pearl. It is a beautiful ship, has a nice variety of restaurants and cuisines, with one of the best designed buffets (you can go directly to different stations without standing in a long cafeteria-style line).

When we cruised on the Norwegian Pearl, the cruise director's name was Julie. Really.

Woody

 

[justmestace]

I really like the Norwegian Pearl. It is a beautiful ship, has a nice variety of restaurants and cuisines, with one of the best designed buffets (you can go directly to different stations without standing in a long cafeteria-style line).

When we cruised on the Norwegian Pearl, the cruise director's name was Julie. Really.

Woody

I know Julie! She is a doll!! Our CD this time was Andy.....the younger set really liked him, as he's maybe only 30 at the most.

We also loved the buffet. It has to be at least 3 times larger (if not more) than Disney's....and really good, fresh food.

We chose to have one reserved table for dinner every night, with the same server (Disney has spoiled us that way!) in the same restaurant, and that was a really good decision.

 

[justmestace]

I was blown away by what little of Alaska we saw last year and can't wait to go back with DCL next year. I'll definitely keep that tour in mind. We just went for a hike over to the point on the other side of town and walked around town a bit when we were in Skagway. It was our get the lay of the land trip because we knew DCL was going at some point and we would do more then.

Hope you nice weather when you were in Victoria. We've been having a nice day and then a not so nice day for quite a few weeks now.

We had a BEAUTIFUL day/night in Victoria! We walked all the way to the old fort (Bastion?) and all along the wharf, found Victoria's Fisherman's Wharf, with the houses floating on the water, and then walked back to the ship. It was gorgeous. I could live there. If I could afford it.

 

[Skallywag]

Am a bit concerned that we are not cruising the same route that originally was described and wonder if as we are on the first cruise the weather could be a bit prohibitive.

they do not seem to have made that many improvements to the Wonder from what I hear (have not seen any pictures though) and would welcome any advice on this.

Never having visited Alaska and always wanted to want to make sure we get the best route possible and unfortunately if this means leaving Disney for another line will just have to do that.

Brenda

 

[justmestace]

Am a bit concerned that we are not cruising the same route that originally was described and wonder if as we are on the first cruise the weather could be a bit prohibitive.

they do not seem to have made that many improvements to the Wonder from what I hear (have not seen any pictures though) and would welcome any advice on this.

Never having visited Alaska and always wanted to want to make sure we get the best route possible and unfortunately if this means leaving Disney for another line will just have to do that.

Brenda

What is your sailing date? We discovered that the weather can change from day to day. It was predicted that we'd have rain the whole time, and it turned out that it rained mostly at night, while we slept, and only a bit in the mornings, and then cleared to nice days.

Having seen the Inside Passage, and then the western route, there is definitely a lot more scenery on the Inside Passage. But you can also look at it the way you would a Caribbean cruise. Most days at sea, there's nothing to look at but ocean. So you could do what you'd normally do....find activities onboard....rather than watch the scenery.

 

[sabrecmc]

Am a bit concerned that we are not cruising the same route that originally was described and wonder if as we are on the first cruise the weather could be a bit prohibitive.

they do not seem to have made that many improvements to the Wonder from what I hear (have not seen any pictures though) and would welcome any advice on this.

Never having visited Alaska and always wanted to want to make sure we get the best route possible and unfortunately if this means leaving Disney for another line will just have to do that.

Brenda

We're doing the first DCL Alaska cruise after the repo, and I can't wait. I'm totally fine with the itinerary and don't really care if it is the best b/c the Disney experience is just as important to me, if not more so, than the Alaska experience. Disney is just the right choice for our family right now for a lot of reasons, mostly to do with a 4 year old obsessed with all things Disney.

That being said, by no means do I think this is the best route possible, inside passage or not. There are better, cheaper routes, cruises with land portions available, etc. If you want to do Alaska, there are definitely better ways to do it. If you want to do Disney in Alaska, then you are making a trade off. You may consider another line or if ABD offers an option similar to what they did with the Med cruise, perhaps doing that. I don't think anyone, even a diehard DCL person like myself, would say that this is the BEST itineray. I can say I'm completely fine with it. Do I wish they were doing something even better? Sure. Does that mean I'd switch cruise lines? Not a chance. But, that's me. We'll go back to Alaska if we like it, when my daughter is older and can do more. Right now, the Disney experience is a huge part of it for us.

 

[DMMarla07860]

What is your sailing date? We discovered that the weather can change from day to day. It was predicted that we'd have rain the whole time, and it turned out that it rained mostly at night, while we slept, and only a bit in the mornings, and then cleared to nice days.

Having seen the Inside Passage, and then the western route, there is definitely a lot more scenery on the Inside Passage. But you can also look at it the way you would a Caribbean cruise. Most days at sea, there's nothing to look at but ocean. So you could do what you'd normally do....find activities onboard....rather than watch the scenery.

I know I wouldn't be watching scenery on any Alaska cruise I went on. I'd be sitting in a chair relaxing with eyes closed and depending how the weather is I'd be wearing a sweat shirt or not wearing a sweat shirt.

 

[Skallywag]

We are doing the first Disney cruise following the repo and you now have me concerned that this perhaps is not out best choice. We like Disney but our main reason for cruising this route is to see the best of Alaska and wonder perhaps if we should try and find another line that offers better.

It is a shame as we booked this so long ago but it is too much money to spend to be disappointed I think.

 

[Skallywag]

Have just received the following reply from Disney and wonder if this makes a difference and if this is the route we all seemed to be expecting.

Thank you for your e-mail.

I am happy to assist you!

You will visit the following ports of call on your Alaskan Cruise:

Tracy Arm, Alaska - This scenic destination is viewed only from the
ship. Tracy Arm fjord is located in the Inside Passage approximately 45
miles south of Juneau. Cruise ships wind their way through the fjord
which is located in the Tongass National Forest. The surrounding
mountains are approximately 7,000 feet and numerous waterfalls, created
by melting snowcaps, can be seen along the route. The twin Sawyer
Glaciers, North Sawyer and South Sawyer, are located at the end of Tracy
Arm.

Skagway, Alaska - This town has a storied history steeped in the
Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1880s.

Juneau, Alaska - This capital city presents a surplus of exciting sites
to see and adventures to experience.

Ketchikan, Alaska - This frontier town, the "Salmon Capital of the
World," is a gateway to outdoor adventures.

The following are the average temperatures for the different ports of
call.

Vancouver: The temperature averages are from 51-67°F
Tracy Arm: The temperature averages are from 43-58°F
Skagway: The temperature averages are from 47-62°F
Juneau: The temperature averages are from 45-55°F
Ketchikan: The temperature averages are from 45-60°F. Average
precipitation is 8 to 9 inches.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

 

[sayhello]

I know I wouldn't be watching scenery on any Alaska cruise I went on. I'd be sitting in a chair relaxing with eyes closed and depending how the weather is I'd be wearing a sweat shirt or not wearing a sweat shirt.

I have to say, I find that really sad. But to each his own. I have no idea why you're flying all the way to Alaska if you don't care about seeing Alaska...

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

Have just received the following reply from Disney and wonder if this makes a difference and if this is the route we all seemed to be expecting.

Thank you for your e-mail.

I am happy to assist you!

You will visit the following ports of call on your Alaskan Cruise:

Tracy Arm, Alaska - This scenic destination is viewed only from the
ship. Tracy Arm fjord is located in the Inside Passage approximately 45
miles south of Juneau. Cruise ships wind their way through the fjord
which is located in the Tongass National Forest. The surrounding
mountains are approximately 7,000 feet and numerous waterfalls, created
by melting snowcaps, can be seen along the route. The twin Sawyer
Glaciers, North Sawyer and South Sawyer, are located at the end of Tracy
Arm.

Skagway, Alaska - This town has a storied history steeped in the
Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1880s.

Juneau, Alaska - This capital city presents a surplus of exciting sites
to see and adventures to experience.

Ketchikan, Alaska - This frontier town, the "Salmon Capital of the
World," is a gateway to outdoor adventures.

The following are the average temperatures for the different ports of
call.

Vancouver: The temperature averages are from 51-67°F
Tracy Arm: The temperature averages are from 43-58°F
Skagway: The temperature averages are from 47-62°F
Juneau: The temperature averages are from 45-55°F
Ketchikan: The temperature averages are from 45-60°F. Average
precipitation is 8 to 9 inches.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

This is the route after you've sailed from Vancouver to Tracy Arm NOT in the Inside Passage. The part that people are concerned about is the sea day sailing from Vancouver to Tracy Arm. The email doesn't address that.

We are doing the first Disney cruise following the repo and you now have me concerned that this perhaps is not out best choice. We like Disney but our main reason for cruising this route is to see the best of Alaska and wonder perhaps if we should try and find another line that offers better.



It is a shame as we booked this so long ago but it is too much money to spend to be disappointed I think.

If you're looking for the best Alaska experience, then it really isn't DCL. The DCL Alaska cruise is for someone looking to do a Disney Cruise who'd like to see a little of Alaska. If you really want the Alaska experience, look at Princess or Holland America, and do a one-way cruise with a land portion (called a cruisetour) because a lot of the best parts of Alaska are inland, and not in the Inside Passage. At least that's my opinion.

Sayhello

 

[Skallywag]

I have to say, I find that really sad. But to each his own. I have no idea why you're flying all the way to Alaska if you don't care about seeing Alaska...

Sayhello

This is why I want to find out as much as I can about the right itinerary. Being from the UK am now very confused.
Brenda

 

[sayhello]

This is why I want to find out as much as I can about the right itinerary. Being from the UK am now very confused.
Brenda

I've been to Alaska twice, once on a Princess cruisetour, and once with Adventures by Disney. If you'd like to PM me (or ask me here) feel free, and I'll try to answer any questions you have. I adore Alaska, and know I'll be going back yet again... You can also check out my Trip Report for the ABD Alaska trip, there's a link in my signature.

Sayhello

 

[smb6]

I want the "best" Alaska cruise. But we have been booked with DCL for sometime now (Our trip is 99%, will be 100% next month, paid off) and my kids are super pumped about sailing w/Disney. I'm concerned about missing the inside passage, but trying to look at the positive because I don't feel we can change lines at this point. My kids would be too disappointed PLUS it's really important for my kids that they stay together in the clubs and based on the age groupings for other lines that would not be possible. So I really just hope we are able to see as much as possible with Disney! We plan to take as many excursions as possible including helicopter glacier tours, so hopefully we will get our fill of scenery that way. I'm definately bummed about the inside passage (or lack of) but I know we will still have a wonderful trip and hopefully we will still get to SEE Alaska!