Alaskan cruise - ?'s

14 years ago

Hi. I know several people on here have done Alaskan cruises. This is the very beginning stage of a possible, maybe, can we really make it happen vacation plan.

I have so many questions, but one is, who was it on here that had their picture taken in front of the Cornelia Marie? What port or stop were you at when you saw the boat?

Can anyone recommend a company to go with, for instance Carnival etc. Happy with the ship you were on? Happy with the price? Any recommendations of what to look for, what to ask?

Did you book it yourself online or did you go to AAA?

Sorry so many questions, and I'll also apologize now for all the other questions I'll probably ask.

Thanks anyone who can help.

Katlan

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Comments (12)

houstonmom_gw
14 years ago
We are scheduled for an Alaskan Cruise Tour next June. I have found a wealth of information on Cruise Critics forums.

There are specific forums in regards to different ports, cruise lines, 1st time cruisers, etc...Just scroll all the way down to see how many different boards they have. The Alaskan board is slower right now because cruising has ended for the season.

From what I have read, Princess and HAL are the 2 "main" cruise lines for Alaska.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cruise Critics
glenda_al
14 years ago
7 day Alaskan cruise with GS this past June on the Golden Princess and had a mini suite. Absolutely NO complaints.

First Alaskan cruise was on the Celebrity and we did cruise and land. Was not thrilled with Celebrity.

I'm done with Alaska, but if I went again, absolutely Golden Princess in a heartbeat!

One recommendation: pick your excursions early cause the favorite ones are the first to go. And you can change your mind later if you decide on another. But better to have it booked, than waiting closer to the sailing date and it's closed. You can get on the waiting list, but better to book early and cancel.

Oh and I booked with my travel agent and got in on a special sale for a mini suite and an upgrade with an extended balcony.
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Alaskan Cruise
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Comments (12)
I have only been on one cruise and that was in Alaska. I decided that I am not a cruise person, but that said, I would repeat the Alaskan cruise in a heartbeat. There is nothing to compare to being in front of a glacier when it calves (splits off). The sight and sound is unbelievable. My favorite excursion was the helicopter ride landing on a glacier. Again, beyond description. Before I went, I obsessively checked out all the excursions and the safety record of the various helicopter companies (I guess one doesn't become TKO by chance!) so I was confident in my selection. We sailed with Holland America (S.S. Statendam) one way down the inside passage. We went in late May 2000. I'm "cutting and pasting" a trip report I sent to someone from one of the message boards I had visited before my trip. I wish I could remember which one it was, but alas, my memory just isn't what it used to be! If there is anything else you'd like to know, I'll dig up my stuff from the trip and try to help you out. Here it is: Well Karl, I'm back! Where to start... Now first of all, remember this was my first cruise so I have nothing to compare to. I was however traveling with friends who have been on five other cruises... The ship is beautiful, with many lovely common rooms. The staterooms seemed quite spacious to me. I had an outside cabin on the main deck. I really enjoyed having the window! The Crow's Nest was gorgeous. From there you have a 365 degree view. We often had a pre-dinner drink there while soaking up the view. The entertainment was good. I particularly enjoyed the ventriloquist--he was incredible! I missed the banjo player, but EVERYONE raved about him. I did not play bingo or go to the casino. I did enjoy the movies a few times and they provide popcorn! I indulged myself with a massage--it was heavenly. Glacier bay was wonderful. The glaciers are just beyond words. Dress warm--in order to really appreciate them you need to be outside and bundled up! I hear it's the same in the summer. I had earmuffs, gloves, heavy socks, warm boots and a very warm coat and I was quite comfortable. Many were unprepared however and really couldn't be outside to enjoy the view. So much of the glacier experience is the sound, which of course you miss if you're viewing it from behind a window! Now the ports. Sitka is the most delightful city. I walked around, hiked a bit in the park and visited the Rapter Center which I thoroughly enjoyed. We did it all on our own. It was about a 30 minute walk to the center and we were happy for the exercise! We did not go to the Russian dancers--those that did said they were good. It is a very manageable town and you need not sign up for the excursions on the ship if you want to ride to these places. All arrangements can be easily made in town for less money. Of course, we were not there at the height of the season so I don't know what it will be like in July. If you decide to buy any of the Russian crafts (nesting eggs, lacquer boxes, etc.), wait until you get back on ship if they're advertising a sale on them that night. I didn't believe it, but the ship's prices really were significantly less expensive! In Juneau we took the "Pilot's Choice" helicopter ride and landed on two glaciers! It was absolutely the highlight of my vacation. Others took the wildlife cruise with Larry of Orca Enterprises (at my suggestion, off the cruise list) and said it was absolutely unbelievably wonderful (does that sound enthusiastic enough?) You book that yourself when you get off the boat. It cost $95. I was sorry I hadn't arranged to do both. Dress warmly if you go. In Ketchikan we did the Misty Fjords seaplane and cruise. It's a 25 minute flight over beautiful landscape, land in the fjord at a dock, catch a boat and see the view from that angle. It was great, but I wished the boat ride could have been shorter--the whole adventure took 4 hours, 3 hours on the boat, and it was a bit too long. I had done the national park wildlife cruise in Seward (great) before departing so I think I was a bit "boated out". The scenery was breathtaking though. Now the downside....I found the food to be average. I don't eat meat, so I was limited to fish and pasta, but it just wasn't anything to write home about. Others said the beef entrees were consistently good, but my friends felt it was the worse food they had ever had on a cruise. If you like desserts, the pastry chef is great--that's where most of my calories came from! The mango sorbet was to die for! Maybe my expectations were too high. I had been lead to believe I'd be getting 5 star meals every night and that was certainly not the case. I didn't starve mind you, I just wasn't overly impressed. I also found the service to be only okay. Examples: despite the fact that our table of 6 asked for more bread every night, it wasn't until the fifth night that it was automatically brought. The servers never introduced themselves (their names were on a card on the table, but they never stated them themselves). One afternoon in the Lido, I selected a dessert, but before the server even picked it up, I realized it was not chocolate, and changed my selection. He rolled his eyes. Our wine consistently arrived midway through dinner. My friend ordered a latte at the Java Cafe right before 5 o'clock when they were about to close--she was given it, but it was gently slammed down on the counter, as if to make a statement. Again, maybe I was expecting too much, this is the type of service I receive at home regularly, but I thought it would be different on the ship. Our room steward however was efficient and pleasant. Our room always looked great. All in all, I really did have a great time, but I think my bubble was burst regarding the quality of food and service. It was only the second sailing of the season, and obviously some of the crew is new (the gentleman sent to bring us to our cabin didn't know where it was!) so perhaps it will improve. I hope so. Hopefully my comments were helpful and not too negative. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. Alaska is too gorgeous to do otherwise! If you have any specific questions, please feel free to e-mail me. As you can see, I'm still jet lagged--it's nearly 2 am! Good night, Debbie
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caroleoh - in Juneau I would suggest: 1. The Princess Alaska GAstineau Mill & Gold mine tour - is great, and young ones really like it also "A half-day tour visits the ruins of a hard-rock gold operation that operated from 1915 to 1921, then goes 360 feet into one tunnel for a mining demonstration. Guests also get to pan for gold from the mine's tailings." I think it can be booked through Princess Tours, 151 Mill St - Phone 907/463-3900. It was locals and miner's that actually established this tour, however. 3. If you don't want to spend $60 per person but are interested in mining...take a walk out to a beautiful area called Basin Road. Or taxi out ($6.00)and walk back. Snuggled in the mountain side are the original minining buildings and equipment called the Last Chance Mining Museum ( about $3.00). From Frommers " On the site on forested Gold Creek where gold was first discovered in Juneau, the museum preserves old mining buildings and some of their original equipment, including an immense 1912 air compressor and a layered glass map of the tunnels. This was once a nerve center for one of the world's biggest hard-rock mines. The highlight is its energetic and learned guide, Renee Hughes, who lives above the compressor with her husband Gary Gillette. Both are leaders of the Gastineau Channel Historical Society. Ask Renee about the cave-in of the Treadwell Mine to hear her riveting storytelling. The entrance to the site -- which contains relics and buildings spread over several acres -- is a bridge over the creek, which leads to a steep trail up to the buildings." Check for the open times before you go out there. 2. Mendenhall Glacier - is awesome and cheap. http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/webcam.html. There are a couple of $10 RT Glacier Express buses (in contrast to the "expensive tours" - the $10 RT bus is all you need). It generally runs every half hour in both directions - takes 20minutes to get to the glacier. The glacier is free, as are the trails there. There are a couple very short ones trails , and a 3 mile trail. The glacier visitor's center is informative (costs $3-$5 per person) but you do not need to even go in it if you don't want. The beauty is outside! Plus there is a bear lookout there (free).. and in August bears can frequently be seen trying to get the salmon. 4. Fish Hatchery is another inexpensive possibility - and is really interesting to see when the fish are coming in (usually August). http://juneaualaska.com/visit/stories/12jun_dipac.shtml For this .. you also do not need to take an expensive "tour" - the city bus goes very close to it - maybe a block 1/2 away .. and the entry fee is $3-$5. IMO the helicopter tours and dog sled tours are very unique but extremely overpriced. As for safety, when compared to the number of flights it is probably pretty good. Does that mean there are not ever any incidents? No - there are but the majority of flights are problem free. Scary problems exist on cruise ships too ... keep a sharp eye on your child! Have a fun trip .. and make sure you have rain gear .. it could be sunny every day or it could rain 24/7.
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Oh yes, the towel animals were one of the best parts of our cruise too! Our cabin steward, Alf, left one every night after turning down our bed and tidying up. I put them on our window sill where I had a zoo going and Alf would leave them there until there were too many to fit and then he'd take them away. I was very disappointed that Alf didn't leave a towel animal on the last night of our cruise. About an hour later, hubby pointed at one of the upper cabinets and said, "Look!" I couldn't believe that it took so long for one of us to notice it!
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vala55
14 years ago
I used a local company out of Wichita called Jim and Cindy's Tours. If I were to go again I would use the same company. They are a bit more expensive than other tour companies here because their tours are very nice. They use Princess lines, stay in very nice hotels, etc.. We spent a week in Denali doing guided land tours. I opted for a flight around McKinley Mountain and it was awesome. Then we boarded the train and stopped at McKinley Lodge for a night. The next day we boarded the train again which took us to the ship. By doing that we didn't have the long tiring train ride all in one day. I hope I got the details right. Another thing about this tour company is when on a cruise with them, usually the husband or wife is always available in the Atrium/coffee shop for any questions you might have.

They can book your airlines flights from your city and meet up with you along the way or in the final destination.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alaska
nelles_gw
14 years ago
My only suggestion is if you are planning on doing a land tour plus a cruise, do the land tour first. You can then really relax on the ship.

Ellen
Jodi_SoCal
14 years ago
Katlan, I was the one who posted the photo of the Cornelia Marie. It was in one of the boat harbors in Kodiak. If you want a great tour and of Kodiak, a tour where basically your wish is his request, see the guy who took us around in his wonderful tour van, Dake, owner of MemoryMakers Tour & Guide Service. He was so great!

The Cornelia Marie was not part of the tour but he asked if there was anywhere or anything we wanted to see. Being the first time on Kodiak Island we didn't have a clue, and then I remember someone here at the KT (Flamingo I believe) challenged me to find a Deadliest Catch boat.

So I asked Dake if he could take me to the "Catch" boat that called Kodiak home. He said that would be the Cornelia Marie and that he would take me there but could not guarantee that it was docked. We said, no problem, let's go!

It was raining hard and sideways because of the wind. But it was still the best tour experience I've ever had in all my travels.

Me and Dake.

This guy was watching as we checked out the boat.

Jodi-
patti43
14 years ago
Jodi, I love your trip pictures!
glenda_al
14 years ago
Pictures on the Aleutian Ballad from the Deadliest Catch. Now retired and does excursions from Ketchikan

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
Jodi_SoCal
14 years ago
I meant to say that "your wish was his command" not 'his request' ... sheesh. Fibro fog time.

By the way, Dake took us (my friend Marilyn and I) all kinds of other places as well.

Jodi-
carol_in_california
14 years ago
DH and I went on Princess and took the cruise and land tour. We flew to Vancouver, BC to board ship and then flew home from Anchorage.
On ship our favorite was the talks by the naturalist.
We had a balcony room and it was well worth the money. We could sit on the balcony wrapped up in blankets, order coffee from room service and see the sights out of the cold weather.
The land tour part was the best part of the trip.....we saw Denali with no cloud cover and it was an awesome site.
We didn't sign up for many tours....but our favorite one was the bus tour from Skagway to The Yukon. We liked it better than the train option because the bus driver would stop if he saw anything out of the ordinary. He also took us to a beautiful lake not on the tour.
We booked through AAA.....our travel agent was a big help.
We went in early May....the weather was pretty good....not too cold, not much rain, no mosquitoes.
Take your time in choosing......and if you can afford it, have a balcony room.
Jodi_SoCal
14 years ago
I forgot to mention how I got to Alaska.

The first time was an 18 day Holland America Statendam cruise from Japan to Russia, Alaska, the Inside Passage, ending in Vancouver.

The next year I flew into Anchorage for the Iditarod and rented a car for a week.

The year after that I cruised from Los Angeles to Alaska for 14 days on the Celebrity Mercury.

Loved Celebrity. Holland America, not so much. It had several mechanical breakdowns and a fire which was near our stateroom. All outside and stateroom doors on our side of the deck were opened to air everything out. We knew that there was a fire but had no idea our room was affected because we were at dinner. After dinner, when we got to our room, the doors were all still open (including the ones to the outside) and it was freezing cold. Fortunately I always use the room safe or I would have really been concerned about personal effects.

Jodi-
Happyladi
14 years ago
We did a land and cruise trip on Princess Sapphire. We did the whole trip through them but honestly, we could have easily did the land part ourselves. The did a good job, though.

We did the land part first and I liked doing that way. They had us flying into Anchorage late one day and leaving the next morning on the land tour. We flew in a day early so we had an extra day and a half there.

We took a train to Denali, that was fun. There are a couple of tours on Denali State Park, one goes much further into the park then the other. The one we took started early in the morning and lasted about 12 hours. It was great. Try to get a seat on the left side of the bus, it has better views. We saw lots of animals.

We also got lucky and Denali was completely out, it's so often covered with clouds.

On the boat we had a mini suite. Our kids (ages 21 and 16) shared an inside cabin down the hall. Having the suite was helpful with 4 people. I suggest at least getting a balcony but you will have a good time even if you get an inside room.

We really loved Glacier Bay, the boat spent all day there. Not all boats go there, I recommend it.

In Skagway we rented a car (reserve in advance) and drove ourselves into the Yukon. It was so much cheaper then having someone else drive you and the road was fine. I recommend doing this, with your own car you can stop and go as you please.

Take plenty of warm clothes but also take some lighter clothes. We had a couple of days in the 70's on land but a couple of days on the boat were cold. I was fine with a winter coat, hat, and gloves.

I also like the anytime dining option that Princess has. We could eat anytime we liked. We could make reservations or just walk in. We never had a long wait if we didn't have a reservation.
BobbiD
14 years ago
If it is in the checkbook you might consider Regent Seven Seas. We cruised with them a number of times and love the smaller ships and higher level of service. They even provided pre-programmed iPods in our cabins. One of the best trips we did was flying over the fjords to Misty Fjord National Monument. My husband went halibut fishing and I'll be darned if he didn't get one, 200 pounds worth!

Our travel agent friend designed a tour for us, based on exactly what we wanted to do, just as she has for over 20 years around the world. So our 9 day cruise and our tour ended up being a 30 day sojourn in the Pacific Northwest.

Alaskan cruise - ?'s

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houstonmom_gw

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