Author Topic: cruise to Alaska (Read 239 times)

63tb · « **on:** December 28, 2006, 10:25:30 AM »

Folks,

My wife and I are thinking of taking a cruise to Alaska. From what I can find there are 4 main options. Leaving from Seattle, leaving from Vancouver, and then each has "inside" and "outside" routes.

Has anyone taken these cruises, and can recommend one over the other? What is the difference between the inside and outside routes?

Besides the glacier views, we also noticed that different cruises stop at different towns, so would like recommendations of shore trips too. We are in our 50s so we aren't looking for strenuous activities, but we love to walk, whether it's nature trails or city streets.

thanks

63tb

Kurt · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2006, 10:34:28 AM »

You got lucky 63tb, I've worked for a major Cruiseline for 14 years, I can probably kinda help you out...

First of all, the itineraries... The only difference between an Inside passage cruise and a Gulf cruise is that one goes from Vancouver and ends up in Anchorage (or somewhere near there) - This would be a gulf cruise and the other goes back to Vancouver (or San Francisco, or Seattle etc.) (inside passage)

The Gulf cruises can be done northbound, or you can fly up to Anchorage and sail southbound... Normally the same towns and such, just in reverse.

For a first trip, its not going to be critical which itinerary you choose, you're going to get glaciers, neat little towns, totems and all that regardless.

The Gulf cruises are especially usefull if you're planning on taking a tour into Mt McKinnley, Fairbanks or something of that nature because they put you in position up there.

If you've never cruised before, your best bet is to see a travel agent that specializes in cruises, they will be best able to answer your questions (you've likely got many of them).

Kurt · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2006, 10:38:22 AM »

P.S. Most of what I've heard and seen says that all of the little towns the cruiselines visit are worth seeing, You kinda can't lose in that regard... Again if it is a first trip and you don't have any preconceived notions going in, you're going to be impressed regardless...

Sitka is especially interesting if you can get in there, it retains a lot of its Russian heritage, Skagway is a staple port that most itineraries visit, its a neat little gold rush town with a lot of messy naughty history.

There are tons of others. But those two jump to mind since you asked about specific towns.

eskimo2 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2006, 11:21:02 AM »

Definitely cruise one way and fly the other. This will allow you to visit Denali or whatever. From Anchorage you can rent an RV (make reservations) or a car and bring camping gear or stay in lodges. Unless you are 75 you don’t want to be stuck on a boat the entire time; there’s just too much to do in Alaska. Any cruise will miss some coastal towns but hit others. They are all cool and unique.

nuchpatrick · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2006, 03:37:01 PM »

63tb,

I took one this year on Holland America. And did the 7day cruise w/ inside passage(Seward to Vancouver) . Some of our stops were Glacier Bay, Hoona, Katchkan, Skagway, Juneau.

All I can say is the inside passage is great, it left me completly speachless!! A must to a visit the Yukon Territory!! Red Dog Saloon is worth stopping in @ Juneau.

Feel free to send me a pm if you have any questions I'll try to answer them..

Golfer · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2006, 06:53:27 PM »

My folks went on a cruise a year and half ago or so up there. They LOVED it. PM if you need more info but things are looking up

63tb · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2006, 08:35:15 AM »

Thanks folks! We are going to go to a travel agent this weekend. However some people at work said we may be too late for this season since the cabins on the "view" side of the boat are usually booked way in advance.

Damn - we may have to go to Hawaii again!

63tb

Kurt · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2006, 09:47:19 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by 63tb
Thanks folks! We are going to go to a travel agent this weekend. However some people at work said we may be too late for this season since the cabins on the "view" side of the boat are usually booked way in advance.

Damn - we may have to go to Hawaii again!

63tb

There is no such thing as the 'View' side of the ship.

The inside passage has lots of good stuff on both sides, Glacier bay is an inlet with stuff on both sides, and when in port there is no predicting which side will have the better view.

Alaska is seeing strong booking activity this year on all cruiselines, but there are tons of good cabins still available.