What is the best cruise line for an Alaskan Cruise?

Show all answers

tech_fanatic

Princess has amazing Alaskan cruises. They are my favorite to go through. The best place to go out of is usually Seatle. But if you are looking to compare prices I would say either Princess or Holland America. Both are known as being really great Alaskan cruises and I must say that I agree!

Here is my answer to some similar questions that you may find useful:

I have been on several cruises to Alaska and it is my absolute favorite cruise destination. It is just beautiful. How much is costs per person really just depends on what cruise you choose, how long you choose to go, categories, etc. I would say you could get a pretty nice cruise for around a $1000 per person. Plus airfare for about seven nights. Some companies will have special group rates for cruises, this is how I book through my agent to save some money. If they don't have any special rates available, you will get the cheapest rates the further out you book. Ocassionally cruise lines will release specials for last minutes cruise when they have some rooms left, but you really have to be available at the drop of a hat and be able to get air quickly. Also, keep in mind the air is a big part of the expense of an Alaskan cruise, depending on where you are from. For me air costs about $1000 per person, but the flight is usually 18 hours.

There are two seasons for Alaska the Shoulder Season and Peak Season. Shoulder Season is May, the first week of June, the last week of August and all of September. Peak Season is most of June, July and August.

Peak Season tends to cost more because the weather is better and that is when more people can travel. The This is the most likely time for families to take cruises, etc. More people are able to go and more people can go, so prices are higher. During shoulder season you will be able to save some money because the cruise lines are trying to get more people on board. Both seasons are great and just as beautiful as the next. You go at different times and it just a different type of beauty.

As far as when to go anytime between May and September is good. Obviously to save money you would be better going during shoulder season. Spring is absolutely beautiful because all the flowers are blooming, but Fall is also a great time because of the foliage.

If you go in June and July you will have the warmest weather and the longest days. So really, all the months have good points for why you would want to go, so you can pretty much schedule when you are available to go.

If you can, try to do an inside passage cruise. This is my favorite way to go. You will go to more ports this way and see a lot more. There are also cruises where they include a tour at each port, which is a really fun way to go, especially for your first visit. You will learn and see a lot by taking the cruise.

Be sure to pack appropriately for the weather during your season and take a really good camera and/or camcorder with extra film, memory cards, video, etc.

This is a great link for information: http://cruisecritic.com/ports/area.cfm?area=1 Also, I would definitely recommend contacting a travel agent. You won't be paying any more to use their services, in some cases your rate may be lower. But you can get a lot of information, tips, advice, etc. from them.

Hope this helps!

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Princess and Royal Caribbean run the best cruises in Alaska because they both have cruise-tour packages which allow you to see more of Alaska by taking the train from Seward/Anchorage to Daneli National Park and Fairbanks.

These two are the only ones who have the special trains cars that go to Denali. Both also offer the option of Starting your cruise tour in Fairbanks and doing the train part first. The train experience is great. You see stuff that you cannot see just doing the inside passage cruise. My recommendation is do the tour part first starting in Fairbanks. It does not matter whether you end up in Seattle or Vancouver, you see pretty much the same at the end. The best parts are much further north.

aatcheaptravel

CELEBRITY CRUISES

7 Night Alaska/Hubbard Glacier

Expert Review:
Customer Reviews: (0) Not Yet Rated.
Write a Review
Departs Vancouver aboard Celebrity Cruises â€“ Infinity
Sailing Date(s): Jun 2006, Jul 2006, Aug 2006

Stateroom Prices from:

Interior Oceanview Balcony Suite
$1,149 $1,450 $1,749 $2,800

Cruise Itinerary:

Day Ports of Call Arrival Departure

1 Vancouver, British Columbia --- 5:45 p.m.

2 Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska --- ---

3 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

4 Cruise Hubbard Glacier 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

5 Juneau, Alaska 8:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.

6 Sitka, Alaska 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

7 Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska --- ---

8 Vancouver, British Columbia 7:00 a.m. ---

Your Package Includes:

Your package includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, fabulous entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges and more. It does not include shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages. Government fees and taxes are not included and can vary from $5 to $110 per person

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL ME AT www.aatcheaptravel@yahoo.com
I'll be glad to help you

Princess Buttercup

If you are in the US, try to leave from San Fran or Seattle - keep your money here rather than Canada. Royal Carribean is nice, Carnival & Princess are usually the most affordable (and they attract that type of crowd and don't have the best food or amenities), Celebrity is probably the trendiest and most young professional, Holland America is also nice, and then ships like regent seven seas and crystal will be luxurious, and you pay for it.

More expensive, but a true adventure cruise would be to take a cruise with Lindblad. They work with National Geographic on many cruises and have a small passenger manifest to allow better service. All tours, meals, and sometimes airfare are included, along with at least 5 naturalists and biologists. This is the way to go if you don't want to be cattle and actually want to see the area up close. : )

WEG

We did Princess last year out of Vancouver. I found it to be more climatic to go from there up to see the grand beauty of Alaska gradually. We then flew home after a few days on land. Personally that was the best for us! Get lots on input from other cruisers at the posted website.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: