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Cruise Tips For Alaska
One of the most popular cruise destinations in the world is Alaska, an overwhelming landscape of glaciers and endless forests, towering mountains and isolated villages, whales, bears, and the rare bald eagle.
When should I go to Alaska?
The cruise season in Alaska runs from May to September, with July and August the most popular months. May is best for wildflowers and September is great for the fall foliage, but the weather may be fickle.
How do I choose an itinerary?
There are two major routes. The first is the seven day Vancouver-to-Vancouver cruise that includes stops at Juneau, the capital of Alaska;  Ketchikan, a colorful fish packing port; Glacier Bay National Park; and Sitka, the former Russian frontier outpost. This is a good introduction to the scenic wonders of southeastern Alaska and Glacier Bay, although some ships call on Hubbard Glacier instead. The other major route is a seven to 10 day itinerary from Vancouver to Seward (or the reverse), which takes in more glaciers and more of the Alaskan scenery north of the Panhandle. If you plan to take in a land tour of Alaska, then this itinerary is a better choice.
How do I choose a ship?
More than 30 ships from 13 cruise lines sail in Alaska's waters. The ships range from the medium size (800 to 1500 passengers) to mega-size (2000 and more) to smaller, nature-oriented ships with fewer than 200 passengers. The medium size and mega-ships are floating resorts with a wealth of entertainment facilities and organized activities. The focus of these cruises as much on the shipboard activities as it is on the passing landscape of Alaska. The smaller ships are focuses more on nature and cultural activities. They can also get closer to shore and enter some fjords that may be too small for the larger liners. However, the small ships do not have the resort facilities of the larger ships such as nightclubs, casinos, shops and spas. Therefore, you should choose your ship on the basis of what kind of cruise experience you want.
Pre- and post-cruise travel
In Alaska, Denali National Park is the major attraction. The cruise lines offer various optional land packages that include train trips to Denali; stays in lodges there or near Mount McKinley and animal spotting treks into the wilderness. All are worthwhile and the only limit is your time and budget.
Shore excursions
You can fish for king salmon in Ketchikan, fly over the Mendenhall Glaciers near Juneau, pan for gold in an ice cold creek outside of Skagway, enjoy Native American and Russian in Sitka, and learn about wildlife through talks by naturalists. These can be booked on board the ship, but some lines do allow you to pre-book the more popular excursions. The prices range from about $20 for a half day city tour to the more expensive helicopter rides and adventure trips.
When to book
Quite simply, now is the time. Alaska cruises are limited in number and season, and good cabins often sell out by spring. Cruise lines also offer the best discounts to people who book early.
If you have any further questions please call us Toll-Free (U.S.A. & Canada) at 1-800-663-1389.
E-mail us at info@cruisealaska.com.
Is cruising expensive?
Just do the math. Compare a one week cruise against a week at a resort. With a cruise vacation, your meals, accommodations, entertainment, and most activities are included in the fare. It's easy to stick to your budget. Plus, on a cruise you get to visit many different ports of call. Unpack once and settle in for a journey that can take you anywhere you want to go. At the end of the day, retreat to your own floating resort to enjoy fabulous cuisine, world-class entertainment and be lulled to sleep at sea.
What about seasickness?
Today's cruise ships are engineered with state-of-the-art stabilizers that greatly reduce ship motion. If seasickness is a concern, choose a cabin towards the center of the ship where ship movement is less pronounced. Also, consult your doctor about medications you can take in case of motion sickness.
What is there to do on the ship?
Lots! How would you like to go ice skating, rock climbing, practice your golf swing, shoot a few hoops, go to the casino, see a Broadway-style show, do some shopping, workout at the gym, relax at the spa, take a dip in the pool, log onto the Internet, all without ever leaving the ship! Plus, there are some fantastic innovations such as Royal Caribbean's new Voyager of the Seas, which will feature an ice skating rink and rock climbing wall. Every ship has a Cruise Director whose job it is to make sure each guest has the opportunity to make the most of their vacation. In fact, there are so many things to do that you will probably book a longer cruise next time.
Are there different classes of service?
Every guest can enjoy the use of any of the ship's facilities. The price and category of staterooms are based primarily on size and location. Whichever category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, dining, activities, and entertainment as everyone else.
What is there to do in port?
So much that you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancient native villages or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or listen to live bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time (and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a folklore show. Play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim or catch a record marlin. Go to a nightclub or glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation and you never have to pack and unpack - the destinations come to you. Don't forget that we can book you on almost any cruise in the world, not just to Alaska!
How about family cruises?
25% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines offer special programs, facilities and activities based on age. Children and teens not only get to meet kids their own age but often travel at a substantially reduced rate.
What about the night life?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, and the Late Night Buffet (for that one last bite to tide you over 'til breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. For the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with our cruise consultant to be sure.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. Most cruise lines will include a tipping guideline in your stateroom; a general rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, about half that amount for your busboy. A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will inform you. Other ship board personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
If you have any further questions please call us Toll-Free (U.S.A. & Canada) at 1-800-663-1389.
E-mail us at info@cruisealaska.com.
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