another newbie profile

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SJB001

Guest
I've been reading the thread regarding newbies, but our profile is a bit different, so I thought I'd start a new thread. We are very interested in an Alaskan cruise this summer. Below is our profile: I'd love any information on perhaps the best cruiseline to fit our needs, best month to cruise, etc. I have been on one cruise, my family has never cruised.

-We are limted to summer months
-Husband and I are in our 40's and pretty physically active
-Two teenagers; ages 14 and 17, one loves wildlife, the other has little interest in it
-We all LOVE to eat, and appreciate "fine cuisine" Husband travels alot and isn't very tolerant of what he refers to as "wedding food"
-We all love to kayak
-Husband likes casinos
-Kids would like teen acitivies for evenings, maybe video game room or live entertainment for their age group (not ice shows)

A couple of specific questions. Someone in another post mentioned bugs. Is it very buggy in August? If so, what kind of bugs?
What would the temp. be like during the day/night in July or August?

Thanks in advance for your responses!
 
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BSeabob

Guest
Sounds like any old ship will do you guys.... Seriously though a good deal on a Major line would suit you just fine. So I would let your budget do the most of the planning. You get what you pay for generally speaking in the Alaska market. Pick a newer ship and go for it. You can of course "DO" Alaska round trip from South to North from Vancouver , Seattle and even San Fran., depending on your budget. There are also one ways with land tours optional before or after. Hope that helps you get started. Find a good TA and or do a lot of looking on line.
 
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halfdome86

Guest
IMHO choose a ship that goes to Glacier Bay. This will reduce your ship options by a lot but it's awsome there.

We've gone in August 3 times and the only time we encountered bugs at all were some flies at the top of the Mt. Roberts tram in Juneau. Never did experience any of the famous Alaskan mosquitos.

Some folks will complain about the food and others will rave about the same food. Your enjoyment of the meals will depend on your personal tastes. Just remember that these aren't 5 star restaurants you'll be dining in. Personally I thought the food's always been really good.......except for the lunch buffets.

There's kayaking in Ketchikan and I think in front of the Mendenhall glacier in Juneau. You should be able to easily find access to a kayaking excursion.

We sailed on 3 different lines and they all had a special "club" area for the teens. Music, drinks (soft), dancing. The times I passed by they did seem to be having a great time socializing with their peers. There will be video game rooms as well.

Temps will vary a lot. One trip it was in the high 70's in Juneau and Skagway and we were overdressed. But sometimes on the water it'll be pretty chilly. I remember it being really cold at the Hubbard Glacier. If you have a balcony you might need to bundle up at times.

As you'll read in these boards...in Alaska.....dress in layers. The temps can vary greatly and in a relatively short time.
 
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