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I have just booked my second trip to Alaska on the Island Princess. First was round-trip Vancouver which is why we are doing a second.   Everyone I have talked to suggests that the full Alaska experience means going across the Gulf of Alaska to or from Seward.

I would strongly advise a balcony cabin - Alaska is all about the magnificent scenery.
Would also advise Princess or HAL.   Glacier Bay is, IMHO, the highlight of the trip and the other lines don't have permits for entering Glacier Bay. We have been on both Princess and HAL many times - decision might come down to size of ship.   HAL ships are usually somewhat smaller than Princess.

Since you are going to stay afterwards in BC, sounds like flying to Anchorage and doing the southbound is for you.   We'll be on the July 31st Island - maybe we'll see you. Other Alaska cruisers have advised me to go in late July/early August when the salmon are running and there are more bears to be seen.

Hope this is helpful! Email if you have other questions.

Sandy

<blockquote data-quote="jensun" data-source="post: 714561">I have just booked my second trip to Alaska on the Island Princess.&nbsp; First was round-trip Vancouver which is why we are doing a second.&nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone I have talked to suggests that the full Alaska experience means going across the Gulf of Alaska to or from Seward.I would strongly advise a balcony cabin - Alaska is all about the magnificent scenery.Would also advise Princess&nbsp; or HAL.&nbsp;&nbsp; Glacier Bay is, IMHO, the highlight of the trip and the other lines don't have permits for entering Glacier Bay.&nbsp; &nbsp; We have been on both Princess and HAL many times - decision might come down to size of ship.&nbsp;&nbsp; HAL ships are usually somewhat smaller than Princess.Since you are going to stay afterwards in BC, sounds like flying to Anchorage and doing the southbound is for you.&nbsp;&nbsp; We'll be on the July 31st Island - maybe we'll see you.&nbsp; Other Alaska cruisers have advised me to go in late July/early August when the salmon are running and there are more bears to be seen.Hope this is helpful!&nbsp; Email if you have other questions.Sandy</blockquote>

[QUOTE="jensun, post: 714561"] I have just booked my second trip to Alaska on the Island Princess. First was round-trip Vancouver which is why we are doing a second. Everyone I have talked to suggests that the full Alaska experience means going across the Gulf of Alaska to or from Seward. I would strongly advise a balcony cabin - Alaska is all about the magnificent scenery. Would also advise Princess or HAL. Glacier Bay is, IMHO, the highlight of the trip and the other lines don't have permits for entering Glacier Bay. We have been on both Princess and HAL many times - decision might come down to size of ship. HAL ships are usually somewhat smaller than Princess. Since you are going to stay afterwards in BC, sounds like flying to Anchorage and doing the southbound is for you. We'll be on the July 31st Island - maybe we'll see you. Other Alaska cruisers have advised me to go in late July/early August when the salmon are running and there are more bears to be seen. Hope this is helpful! Email if you have other questions. Sandy [/QUOTE]