Carlyzmom

5 hours ago, Mehroswitha said:

I couldn't begin to address any question about the "best" cruise line for Alaska, but since you asked about "favorite" line, here goes:

 

We've been to Alaska twice and are going again next week, so we must like it! Our first trip was with Princess (2003); second time we switched to HAL (2016) because traveling companions strongly preferred it, and 2023 will be HAL for the same reason.

 

Both were great trips, with Princess having the edge (in our opinion) on entertainment, specialty dining, and onboard enrichment program. We preferred HAL for MDR meals and "atmosphere," by which I mean no kids allowed to run wild, fewer adults who over-imbibed, and a bit more serenity overall. None of those issues were a real problem on either trip, though. And I understand HAL has recently upped their game in onboard enrichment. We'll see next week!

 

Left to our own devices, we might have booked this return to Alaska on Viking, our current favorite line, but cruising with our friends is more important on this trip than what line.

 

Whatever line you choose, I have two strong recommendations. First, do a cruise tour if at all possible so you experience a bit more of Alaska. Denali Park is a magnificent experience, and the trip from there to your embarkation port (or vice versa) in one of the domed rail cars is not to be missed! HAL and Princess both operate their own lodges at Denali, and we liked the Princess one better simply as a matter of personal preference. Not sure whether other lines have their own. Second, try to choose an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay. Number of cruise ships allowed there each day is limited, and I believe Princess and HAL have most of the slots locked up.   

 

Hope that helps a bit! Decide to make the most of whatever it is that the line you choose does best and try to overlook the things they don't. You can't go wrong with Alaska so don't waste your emotional energy second-guessing yourself!

Thank you for your input!! Like I said, this is completely new territory for me and as a Type A planner, I would love to get the most out of my trip! I don't know anything about Alaskan ports or excursions and this gives me a great place to start. I appreciate it!!

10 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

There are many threads here discussing this or very similar issues. It is one of the most commonly asked questions here.

 

If you love Carnival,  it will be essentially the same product in Alaska. Same for RCI. 

 

"Best" is totally subjective and different from "favorite". If you look around,  you will see many discussions of the fact Princess and Holland America have the largest presence in Alaska,  have been there the longest, and along with NCL have the vast majority of the permits for Glacier Bay. You absolutely can't go wrong with either Princess or Holland America. 

Thanks so much for your input. I knew it was dicey to ask, but I honestly didn't see any posts on this. Guess I needed to do a search. I haven't used these forums in years. But thanks for being kind! 

I have only done Caribbean cruises and only done Carnival (which I love) and one RCCL. I am open to trying something new and have heard Princess is great for Alaska. It would my my husband and myself. Early 50s. This is new territory for me, so I want to choose the best cruise like for the trip. Thanks!

This is a serious question. Is the water on the cave tubing trips freezing? I cannot stand cold water. Looks like it may be cold. I don't want to be miserable LOL Thanks!

Very cool fact! As a Texan, I can believe it!

We did the behind-the-scenes tour on Carnival Freedom late last year. One thing they won't run out of is Dr. Pepper and ice tea. They said the Texas Port is unique,that it's people required to have those things on board. Because they are the most consumed beverages. A little fun fact.

 

 

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My sister ran out of diapers for her baby once. She had to do some math to convert pounds to kilograms so she would buy the right size! Haha!

You did an amazing job! I'm sad it's over. I shall start again from the beginning!

Excellent review!! We loved the Magic when we sailed on her in 2012!

That was great! Kind of makes me want to bring our drone!

San Luis has an AMAZING pool area with a nice swim up bar! Plus you can see the beach! The pool area reminds me of some places I've been in Vegas.

About half way down this page there is a few wine menus, Featured MDR wines, Wine Menu, and Wines by the glass:

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.net/menus/CarnivalCruiseLineMenus.htm

 

 

 

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Excellent! Thanks so much!

Out of Galveston I purchased my cheers online ahead of time. They just charge your for 6 days instead of 7 at the lower rate. Then it doesn't go into effect until day 2. Day 1 is a good time to take advantage of that bottle of wine you can bring on and the free bottle of water they give you.

Thanks for the info! Yes, I was thinking that too about the bottle of wine.

Does anyone know where I can look at a list of wines and prices? This will help me decide.

A good ole steroid shot will fix you up! Also Zyrtec!

Very nice! No..you're not "weird"...you're addicted! Each cruise will be a unique experience! Enjoy!

LOL you've got that right!! Yes, the family one will be full of fun and adventure. The BFF one will be relaxing with lots of wine and girl talk!

We have a cruise booked for Spring Break next year! My husband, myself and our two teenagers. So, today I booked a cruise with my BFF since I was a kid - for 3 weeks later!! March on the Freedom, April on the Breeze. Has anyone cruised this closely? I am SO excited but for some reason a little nervous too. Maybe I am being weird. LOL And, before you ask, because of timing and things going on, we only had these 2 months to book them.

Hanging on to every word!!

I know a lot of trip insurance questions are asked, but I am wondering when to buy. Do you purchase as soon as you book, OR before your final payment is due? Seems like the latter would be sufficient.

Be aware that Bubba Gump's, Landry's and Willie G's are all owned by the same corporation and the food is more alike than different. Some of us are not fans as the price always exceeds the quality.

Agreed. They price definitely exceeds the quality. But it's not awful.

There is Landry's Seafood (more high end) then there is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. I've had the coconut shrimp at Bubba Gump and it is great. I don't eat oysters, so I can't comment. Also Willy G's right next to the cruise port. Gaido's is a long time restaurant on the beach side that is very popular as well. You can look these up and see the menu items.

I'm truly enjoying this review! I am SO glad I found it. We were debating between Breeze and Freedom - leaning toward Freedom because of the itinerary. We've done the one of the Breeze SO many times and were looking for something new. I LOVE your sense of humor! Similar to mine. And t-shirts are my life!

HI everyone! My family of 4 is trying to plan a cruise for Spring Break next year. We sail out of Galveston. We have cruised a few times (twice with kids) and always seem to do the same itinerary - Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica. We are looking at 2 ships available that week, the Breeze and the Freedom. The Breeze is obviously the newer, fancier ship BUT it goes the same itinerary we have always done. The Freedom goes to Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan which would be new for us. Our kids will be 17 and 14. I'm sad the Freedom doesn't have waterworks, but the kids say it's not a deal breaker. SO here's the question:

Freedom with NEW itinerary or

Breeze with same itinerary?

Input and comments would be SO appreciated to help us decide!!

I prefer Belize and Roatan to Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Grand Cayman basically has 7 mile beach and the sting rays...nothing "new" to do once you have done those. And while Jamaica is beautiful and the people as whole are fantastic, I do not like the pushy anything for a $ mentality of some of the population that target the tourists.

 

Belize is a "water activity" port and offers a much wider variety of shore excursions from private beach breaks, to shark or reef snorkels to cave tubing but it also offers Mayan ruins and the zoo. It is not a port for those who do not wish to get out and see, explore and do as the port area is very small, there is no beach, and you are spending 20 minutes to tender there.

 

Roatan is our favorite port. This is a beautiful island that just begs to be seen. There is wonderful snorkeling and a nice beach at Tabayana. There are animal encounters from monkeys to iguanas to birds to sloths. There is zip lining. Gumbalimiba par and gardens. Again, someone could get off here, go to the Carnival sponsored shops, spend a day on their beach and miss out on so much.

 

Try this trip and get out and explore!

OK, you had me at birds! I want to see tropical birds. I'm a bird freak. LOL I would like to try new ports. Just the unknown is always scary.

Interesting! I am enjoying the input. I just always love Cayman because it is so clean and nobody annoys you LOL

I have done Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica multiple times. How does this compare to Cozumel, Belize and Mahogany Bay? I'm up for something different, but I know the first route well. Opinions? Suggestions?