Which Alaskan cruise is right for you?

There are so many to choose from, ask yourself these initial questions to help determine which Alaskan cruise company is right for you?

There are so many Alaskan cruise options, it might be hard to choose the right fit for your trip to Alaska.  While most vacationers visit Alaska aboard a cruise ship, there are unlimited options to consider how to make the most of your vacation.

There are ships that cater to families and lines that don’t allow children under certain ages.  Sizes range from a dozen people to several thousand onboard.  Some itineraries include stops in Hubbard or Glacier Bay.  While this may drive the cost up due to permits and entry fees, it also allows nature lovers to experience the Alaska they’ve dreamed of.  There are cruises that spend more time in port and of course, endless itineraries with endless ports.

Some ships are really set up to entertain, while others are focusing on wildlife viewing and unique experiences.  There are always themed cruises as well as multi cultural and multi generational tendencies to consider.  Sometimes it may seem mind boggling figuring out how you will get the best value for your vacation dollar.

Start by listing the experiences you hope to enjoy like, visiting Glacier Bay, or kayaking excursions.

If you hope to explore every port with adventure sports and guided excursions, choose one of the upscale all inclusive type ships.   Otherwise, you should consider those additional excursion costs to the cost of the cruise itself for a true comparison.

If you prefer to spend your time onboard relaxing or doing some shopping in port, you might prefer a cruise line with a more a la carte plan.  Like me, you may enjoy local self guided walks, which can easily be planned in advance using the internet, and with or without travel guides.  Most visitor information centers also provide great walking guides for their community.

Which ports should you visit?

We will consider the ports that you want included on your itinerary and those you might not be interested in.  Generally, port visits will be for a half day or longer.  Be sure you will have the time you need to accomplish the things you want to do. On a cruise, most stops give you a bird’s eye view of wonderful towns and locations, you will surely want to return on a land vacation if you didn’t plan to extend your cruise.

Do you want a round trip cruise to avoid or simplify your travel arrangements or do you prefer to start or end in Alaska and extend your vacation?  If so, will you participate in a cruise tour with a visit to Denali or other places at the end of your cruise or plan independent travel?

Maybe you would prefer to skip the dining experiences on board.  Instead, make your Alaskan adventure a land only package with just a day or two excursion out to sea. We can easily arrange these with a number of tour providers; each with a personality to target different groups of people.  A travel professional can help you choose the one or maybe the combination that’s right for you.

Do you hope to get the warmest weather or least rain?  Is it important to see the salmon or baby cubs?  Waterfalls are also more abundant in spring and salmon fishing will need to take place in summer or later in the season.

Most cruise lines and ships differ in obvious and not so obvious ways.  If you haven’t been on a ship before, professional advice from an experienced travel advisor is a must to help with choices.  If you have sailed before, you may use a travel agent to be sure you don’t miss out on any added value or sale items you don’t already know about.

Questions about visiting Alaska? Contact me, give me a call at (603) 434-8100, or email me at [email protected]

Categorised in: Alaska, Antarctica and Polar Region, Worldwide Cruises