aknursemom

My sons' first cruise was to Alaska on Princess. They were 10 and 12 at the time. They spent a lot of time in the pools and hot tubs - both indoor and outdoor. The weather was variable. They made lots of new friends that they hung out with at the pool. They loved dressing for dinner, especially for formal night. That cruise was in early August. No rain - very lucky.

Fast forward a few years and I was cruising with 9 and 12 year old girls in mid-June. No rain again. We all came home sunburned! Lots of time at the pool on that cruise.

Both trips, the kids had a great time. They spent very little time at the kids' clubs.

Even with the extended daylight, there is still significant crime in the city. Anchorage has a high and rising crime rate with many assaults and an ever increasing rate of theft. I would be aware of your surroundings and walk with someone. Around 8 pm in the summer should be fine, but please be aware, that crime rates are overall up in the summer time across the country and daylight is no guarantee of safety. People have been victims of horrific crime even downtown in a crowded area in broad daylight. The links below will give you an idea of the crime rates, type of crime, etc. The muni.org site will direct you to a link where you can look at a map and analytics by city and you can plug in whatever dates you want.

http://www.muni.org/Departments/police/stats/Pages/Crimemaps.aspx

https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ak/anchorage/crime

http://www.ktuu.com/content/news/450024433.html

I have a question for People who say its easier to go to sleep when it is pitch dark and don't have to worry about the sun coming thru waking you up in the morning. Do you have some sort of black out film on your windows at home so that the light does not come through in the morning? The ships are usually pulling into the ports about 8:00, so what time do you sleep too? I don't really see where the outside light would be a factor when you go to bed at night even in an outside or balcony cabin because out at sea it is pitch dark once you close the curtains just as it is in an inside cabin. With that said do go to bed for the day while it is still daylight out and then sleep in the next day well past sun up?

I'm not trying to be funny but that is what it sounds like to me. I'm just asking.

 

RCI would probably think this thread is funny as heck because no matter how much the pros and cons are debated here they are sailing full in every category so there is enough room for whatever type people like.

In Alaska many people have something over their windows to block out light. They also go to bed when it's still daylight and wake up well past sun up. If we didn't we wouldn't get much sleep in the summer! Sometimes I wish my bedroom didn't have windows in the summer! ;-)

2005 Sapphire Princess Alaska

15. one five. !!!

By far the best place to purchase authentic craft items is the gift shop at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Not only are the items the real deal (instead of some touristy crud, mass-produced in Asia) but the hospital itself is well worth a visit - without a doubt the most remarkable collection of Native Alaskan art there is. Just wander the halls for a little while and you'll see what I mean. Plus, of course, you're doing a good deed with your purchases.

ANMC has some beautiful things in their gift shop.