Hello,
I have a question as a first (and, perhaps last) time cruiser to Alaska. It will be my wife and I planning to go next August/September
I have narrowed our trip to two cruise ships with two different itineraries and would like some advice.
1. Holland America Noordam sailing September 14 - 28, 2025 (14 Nights). Itinerary is: Vancouver, At Sea, Sitka, At Sea, Anchorage, Kodiak, Valdez, At Sea, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Sailing the Inside Passage, Vancouver. We are looking at a Signature Suite.
2. Cunard Queen Elizabeth sailing August 28 - September 8, 2025 (11 Nights). Itinerary is: Seattle, At Sea, Ketchikan, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Haines, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, At Sea, Victoria, Seattle. We are looking at the Queen Suite.
Most interested in glaciers (Glacier Bay for sure), scenery and wildlife, particularly want to see Whales and Bears up close!
I know it's pretty late in the season, so any comments relative to timing? We need to sail in August and/or September.
I noticed that relatively fewer ships visit Anchorage, Kodiak and Valdez. Are these worth adding these ports to our itinerary?
I hope I've posted this in the right spot! Thanks for your help!