Lbirk49

That's the great thing about the 'net, so much info to look through that can take you on a great journey just on the screen. I'm finding some recommended sites have too many pop ups though - don't have patience to wade through all that, makes me just move on to the next thing. Thanks for all the positive comments and welcomes :)

Yes, now that the booking is figured out, I look forward to 1. surprising the parents with the news that we are taking them on their first cruise (hope they are still intrigued by the idea!) and 2. looking into excursions etc.

We ended up choosing the Coral Princess 4 night Vancouver to Ketchikan return "sampler" that sails May 2-6, 2015. We figured it was the perfect situation for us all to get a taste of cruising and not have to worry about flights etc, since we live in the Vancouver lower mainland area. Although, I have the feeling I'll want to go do a more full version of Alaska the next time, and I hope at least one of the others who travels with me feels the same way so I have a companion for the next Alaska trip :)

Just an update to my very successful visit with the travel agent yesterday where we felt that we found 'the one' to help us with this booking. Matthew ended up spending almost two hours chatting with us! and never made us feel rushed or any less than the most most important item on his agenda at the time. He came across as so enthusiastic, sincere, kind, and transparent, and we found that he had excellent answers to our questions, much more insight and in-depth knowledge from his 25 cruises, and access to rooms that other ta's we had spoken with didn't seem to have. For example, others told us that "to get these prices you must book guarantee rooms" - whereas Matthew said it's whatever you want.

While originally he was able to specify some good insides, we ended up deciding on 2 balcony rooms because they were so reasonable and we felt this was a such a good opportunity to experience being able to stand outside our own big sliding doors, given the prices. I came to the personal conclusion that I prefer the idea of specifying the room rather than being at the guarantee mercy of the room assigner in this case, especially since we’re taking my parents. And Matthew was able to reserve the exact rooms I was interested in - BB, side by side, sort of mid ship but slightly forward from the elevators, above and below floors with other cabins, and on the side of the ship which did not face the inside room doors, and no view obstructions. He also reminded us that the balcony could be opened to share with my parents.

His agency had some simple perks including a coupon book and lower deposit and he was able to combine them with an OBC credit per room of $50 that was offered by another site. And he was very upfront about saying they would track the prices and adjust accordingly if they came down, and also make arrangements if they came down after putting down the final money.

I’m quite proud of myself the way I researched for him and the way it worked out, and I hope that when the whole trip is said and done that I can look back and be very satisfied that he truly was there advocating for us both monetarily and if needed, in a problem solving capacity as well. I have a good feeling about this. I can’t wait for May 2015!

I am learning what to look for and which questions to ask in part from this great community and helpful replies. For example, finding my "ally" ta, as EatSleepCruise describes in their blog, and maximizing the perks through attentive researching sounds like what I am starting to realize. For example, this person I am meeting tomorrow said their agency currently offers a lowered deposit and some kind of coupons but would also honour the OBC that came with the original offer from another site. To me, it's like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, for those of us who have the time, patience and curiosity to see the beautiful picture at the end. Thanks again everyone for the welcome and the info. Hmm, I may even expand to posting in the ROLL CALL! lol

I too tend to be a planner and researcher on trips (I know everything about Vegas!) because it's so fun to unearth tidbits that add to the (subjective) worth of the actual trip. For sure, the planning is often almost as fun as the trip.

Perhaps my need for ta is more to add a sense of security to my first time ...

I think I may actually have now found a ta who might fit my wish list. We've emailed a few times and will be having a meet and greet on Wednesday. Already from our electronic communication I did learn a little gem, when I questioned why the tax he was quoting was lower than that quoted by another advisor. Apparently the former included an undisclosed user fee. Little things like that irk me, and remind me why I am choosy. My fingers are crossed that this person will be 'the one' :)

Yes, I'm slowly joining the ranks of the boards and info obsessed. I can tell because I'm checking and writing this while sitting in a waiting room. Ha ha

I will certainly keep Conde Nast and in mind - cheers for that.

Thanks everyone for your welcome comments and valuable input. I appreciate the travel agent and Princess opinions. Yes, I have the feeling I'm going to be one of those cruise-addicted folks after my first trip. It will be interesting to know what the rest of my family think.

I'm starting to wonder how does one go about finding the perfect TA? (other than word of mouth, which we don't have). We're typically very open and easy to work with. We've sat down and chatted with a few cruise advisors found through flyers and in storefronts, but have not yet come across one of those golden TA's I read about - the professional, experienced, advocating, caring, forthright ones that are keen to work with you as a team. Rather, those we have encountered either did not seem too knowledgeable or experienced in cruising themselves, or they didn't seem to take us seriously.

I am arranging chats with a few more people in the area this week through Google researching and I'm sure I'll find the right person soon. And at least the cruise we want is fairly uncomplicated.

Hi all, I’m new to Cruise Critics and new to posting and wanted to say hello. Like many of you, am trying to learn as much as I can so I make the most of my first cruise experience. My partner and I (49 & 57) want to bring my parents along with us to try it out and see if we like it - sort of a “taster” cruise. I’m a decent researcher online, although there is SO much info out there it’s a bit overwhelming.

Given the parameters of wanting to keep it simple, we’ve decided that the Princess Coral 4-night Alaska sampler Vancouver-Ketchikan return in May 2-6, 2015 would be the best. Price is decent, it's not too long, no flights involved since we live in Vancouver area, and only one land stop-off in a pretty area of lower Alaska (even if it rains :) We have agreed we are all fine with inside cabins to start with, unless there is a magical upgrade to something with a window. I guess you could say I’m a bit “budget”, especially since I am paying for my parents as well.

Currently I’m trying to decide whether to book online or with a travel agent and have read about the benefits of each. I hope the prices don’t go up while I’m trying to decide.

This seems like a great site with lots of nice folks posting helpful information. I tend to be a bit of a shy poster, but look forward to getting more involved.

Wishing you well in your cruising and dreaming/planning!