Need some recommendations

P

Polar Bear

Guest
Hello; Total newbies here. My wife and I are looking to book a June 2006 cruise. This may be the only time we go to Alaska so we want to get it right. We are looking for probably 10 days (or something in that neighborhood) , possibly a round trip from a US port, but that's not carved in stone. Definitely want to see Glacier Bay and take the train trip up to Denali. We've cruised the Caribbean so we know - midships with covered balcony suits us best. We like the formal dining but buffets are fine too. The fewer little kids around is probably better as I have a tendency to earn my nickname :).
Thanks in advance for any and all help, Charlie (a.k.a. Polar Bear)
 
H

halfdome86

Guest
Round trip from a US Port means Seattle although I think the Regal Princess (at least this year) is doing a round trip 10 day cruise from SF. Less scenic in the inside passage from Vancouver but still terrific. Round trip from Seattle, SF, or Vancouver means no Denali. The one way trips to/from Seward or Whittier are the cruises that you would use to add a land tour.

Good choice with Glacier bay. A must IMHO, especially for a first timer in Alaska. Spectacular! Photos don't do it justice. This will limit your choices of ships and lines too. Celebrity doesn't go to Glacier bay. HAL, NCL, and Princess do have itineraries to Glacier bay. Not sure about RCL.

Since rain will happen most likely sometime during the cruise I feel a covered balcony is a must. It seems the the newest Princess ships such as the Saphire and Diamond have many uncovered balconies. Balconies above you look right down onto your balcony as well. So if you're choosing Princess make sure of your location.

If you can't get to Denali and still want a train trip take the White Pass in Skagway. Great scenery and history combined. It's really nice.

There will be many kids on an Alaskan cruise. It is summertime after all. And in spite of any ship rules, the kids will be in the pools and jacuzzis.

Good luck with your research. An Alaskan cruise can't be beat.
 
P

Polar Bear

Guest
OK, first, THANKS for the recommendation and the vote of confidence. Now, I think I got a cruise - June 19, 2006, HAL, 14 day tour cruise on the Ryndam, outside cabin with covered veranda. Booking through AAA. I'll keep everyone advised as we go through this process.
Thanks again, Charlie (a.k.a. Polar Bear)
 
Top