Alaska Cruises

Question: Do you have any alaska cruise advice? ncl?

(Posted by: p84b on 2009-10-06 21:55:06)

7 Day Sawyer Glacier on the Norwegian Star (Seattle, Cruise Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Prince Rupert, Seattle) Or 7 Day Glacier Bay on the Norwegian Pearl (Seattle, Cruise Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Cruise Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle) May, June, July, or August? Better ship? All adults, no children, not really interested in partying, interested in food & shows. Definitely interested in seeing wildlife (especially whales!) and the Northern Lights if possible. Tips or suggestions on choosing a room or activities or sights to see? THANK YOU! *I didn't mean that we wanted to avoid kids. When I said "All adults, no kids " I meant we are a group of adults & no children are with us.

Posted by: palmyrafan on 2009-10-07, 15:31:25

For your 1st Alaskan cruise I would choose Glacier Bay cruise. We took the cruise this past May on the Pearl and we had a blast. We didn't take children (ours our grown) and there was plenty to do. As for what to do: The shows are great as are most all the restaurants. Skagway: Take the Yukon Pass Rail Road Tour. It is like 3 hours but it doesn't disappoint. There are restrooms on board and the train is very nice. The other stops you can visit Mendenhall Glacier either on foot or on a fly over in a helicopter. You can mush with the sled dogs or watch the whales via private catamaran. The choice is up to you. The excursions are rated according to what level of energy they require (1, 2, 3, etc.) with 1 being the easiest and so on. We went May 9th and we are going back in 2010 for the Sawyer Glacier tour on the Pearl. We're even in the same stateroom (14514) on the Garden Villa Suites. If you can afford it, check out the Garden Villa Suites. The other rooms are very nice as well, but if this is a once in a lifetime event, go for the suites. However you choose on anything, you won't be disappointed. Also, go to cruisecritic.com where you can register for free and sign up for Roll Call and chat with others who have chosen the same ship and destination for the same week you have. By the way, take some lip balm with you so your lips don't get chapped, especially if you go in May. Good luck and Have a great time!

Posted by: ? on 2009-10-06, 22:21:51

First, you will not see the northern lights during the summer. They are only seen during the winter. If you want to see bears and salmon, then go in August. If you want the warmest weather, go in July. In May you will see the best prices, and the least amount of kids, but it is a little cooler then. June is a fine time to go, but don't expect it to be without kids. Finally, pack clothes that can be layered. I always pack silkies(silk long underwear), a warm hat and gloves, then jeans and T-shirts and a light weight jacket. Layering really comes in handy while at Glacier Bay where it is rather cool.

Posted by: Cruise on 2009-10-07, 04:04:57

I recently spend a holiday in Kosher Cruises Alaska. It is a amazing tour in my life. Visit slkosher.com and get all the information about Alaska Cruise.

Posted by: rick d on 2009-10-07, 05:03:10

Hi; Ms Time Traveler gave you some good advice. Just afew things to add. Either cruise will be fine. I have cruised with NCL and enjoyed each cruise. I have been on 29 cruise cruise tours to Alaska and prefer to go in May or Sept. Not just because the fares are lower or that in Sept. all shops have their 50% off sales. But, for the reason you stated. Less kids. Northern Lights in the winter outside of Fairbanks. You will see wildlife from the ship. Mostly whales, bald eagles, seals & possible bear on shore. As for a cabin many will say a balcony however I prefer an inside cabin as I spend very little time in there. Plus, the views are better from the deck. Each day you will receive a daily planner in your cabin which will list activities, ports of call,menu etc. Tips; excursions choose them once in port to see how you feel, weather etc. If you go on whale watch may sure you choose one that is guaranteed. Souvenirs-buy in port they are much cheaper. Example T-Shirt on ship $15.00 in port $5.00. In Ketchikan go to Salmon Mall at end of pier many shops, great prices. Take a good camera. You will meet people from all over the world, see Amazing Scenery. Enjoy. You will also find that all cruise lines will stop at the same ports of call.

Posted by: MomSezNo on 2009-10-07, 07:49:05

I wouldn't go on either of those cruises if I wanted to avoid kids and because it's NCL. But I definitely wouldn't go on the Star. If you want a quality cruise experience, take a look at Celebrity or Holland America. They are classier, will have fewer kids and are geared more toward adults, although they both have children's programs. You will not totally avoid kids in the summer. If you cruised in early May or in September, the kids will be in school. Many people like to add a land tour to Denali, etc. either before or after their cruise, if it's not a round-trip cruise. I suggest you look for some books on cruising in general and on Alaska cruising to help you make choices - there are lots to be made! You might also want to take a look at CruiseCritic.com. Click on "Member Reviews ", "Cruise Styles ", and "Boards " [the "Ports of Call ", etc.].