Gaither Alaska Cruise

We are the rookiest of rookies in the cruise scene. We were given a "Gaither Alaska Cruise" by my wife's relatives, and being a former teacher, I like to get all the info I can prior to jumping in with both feet. I'd specially like to hear from anyone who has taken the Gaither Alaska Cruise, but welcome any help I can get!

Some questions, if you will:

1. How is the seating determined for the concerts? (two each night, I'm told)

2. Do shore excursions interfere with the concerts?

3. Are the bars and casino open during the cruise?

4. Are there any special devotional times offered?

5. Anything else a genuine Newby should know/avoid/look for?

We're po' folks, basically, and have found the shore excursions quite expensive. We'd sure like to maximize our experiences, so would also welcome any suggestions in that regard. We're scheduled for:

1. Juneau - 9.5 hours

2. Skagway - 11 hours

3. Ketchikan - 6 hours

4. Victoria, BC - 6PM-11PM

I know I'm asking a lot in one thread, and don't really mean to play the "poor folks" game, but at our age, it's important that we get the best of what's out there.

Thanks in advance...............

-jwcusa-

There's a thread on the Alaska board entitled "Can't afford excursions" or similar and there are lots of low-cost ideas for seeing great stuff in Alaska without breaking the bank. Here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1016318

Can't answer any of your Gaither questions.

We're po' folks, basically, and have found the shore excursions quite expensive.

Alcohol can be pricey and casinos aren't there to make the passengers rich. You can always wander around the small towns and take in the atmosphere without a Shorex.

Ship internet is *expensive* and you can do lots better in the ports. Ship anything is expensive.

We are the rookiest of rookies in the cruise scene. We were given a "Gaither Alaska Cruise" by my wife's relatives, and being a former teacher, I like to get all the info I can prior to jumping in with both feet. I'd specially like to hear from anyone who has taken the Gaither Alaska Cruise, but welcome any help I can get!

 

Some questions, if you will:

 

1. How is the seating determined for the concerts? (two each night, I'm told)

2. Do shore excursions interfere with the concerts?

3. Are the bars and casino open during the cruise?

4. Are there any special devotional times offered?

5. Anything else a genuine Newby should know/avoid/look for?

 

We're po' folks, basically, and have found the shore excursions quite expensive. We'd sure like to maximize our experiences, so would also welcome any suggestions in that regard. We're scheduled for:

 

1. Juneau - 9.5 hours

2. Skagway - 11 hours

3. Ketchikan - 6 hours

4. Victoria, BC - 6PM-11PM

 

I know I'm asking a lot in one thread, and don't really mean to play the "poor folks" game, but at our age, it's important that we get the best of what's out there.

 

Thanks in advance...............

 

-jwcusa-

Which ship will you be sailing? This board could help with ship specific questions, I guess.

The ports of call board are an excellent source for more information on Alaska's beautiful ports.

Having been to Skagway only twice...

First time, in 2007, we just walked around town and shopped and explored. We were interested in the train trip, but it was sold out for our time frame available.

Second time, just a few days ago, we took the White Pass and Yukon Railroad trip (which we did book through the ship). It was a bit pricier to do through the ship desk (but our trip included more than just the train ride). We learned from a fellow CC'er that she purchased her tix in town for a much better rate on the day of our stop. Also, one show in town offers cheaper tix with their show tix (Soapy Smith's Days of '98, I believe).

Juneau -- many suggest whale watching (pricey). The price of the Mt. Roberts Tram has gone up this season to $27.00 per person. DH and I had the TourSaver 2 for 1 coupon, but I'm not sure it would have been worth $54 for 2 people. If you are in good physical shape, you can access Mt. Roberts by trail (climbing yourself) and get a free ride down.

Ketchikan -- we've been four times now (usually exploring on foot), and we went with a cab company this time and saw areas we had never experienced before. Creek Street is an easy walk from the ship -- certainly not to be missed. The Heritage Totem Center is near enough to Creek Street/Married Man's Trail to do on foot. We also enjoyed a Duck Tour in Ketchikan in 2007 -- gave some interesting background information on local attractions.

Victoria -- been twice, but didn't really do anything in port either time.

I love the Gaithers Tours, but I have never been on a cruise with them. I envy you. The beauty of Alaska... and the inspiring music, too!

There's a thread on the Alaska board entitled "Can't afford excursions" or similar and there are lots of low-cost ideas for seeing great stuff in Alaska without breaking the bank. Here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1016318

 

Can't answer any of your Gaither questions.

Thanx for the link! I had run about every search I knew of, but somehow missed that one.

-jwcusa-

Welcome to CC. I'm interested to hear about your Gaither cruise. Let us know what you find out about the concert schedule.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Enjoy your Alaskan cruise.

Which ship will you be sailing?

Ms Zaandam

Second time, just a few days ago, we took the White Pass and Yukon Railroad trip (which we did book through the ship). It was a bit pricier to do through the ship desk (but our trip included more than just the train ride). We learned from a fellow CC'er that she purchased her tix in town for a much better rate on the day of our stop. Also, one show in town offers cheaper tix with their show tix (Soapy Smith's Days of '98, I believe).

If you are in good physical shape, you can access Mt. Roberts by trail (climbing yourself) and get a free ride down.

Ketchikan -- We also enjoyed a Duck Tour in Ketchikan in 2007 -- gave some interesting background information on local attractions.

Victoria -- been twice, but didn't really do anything in port either time.

Thank you very much for sharing what you've experienced! We're Okies-not-so-far-from-Muskogee, and have never traveled much of anywhere except to weddings, funerals and graduations, so are looking forward to this time with the Gaithers..............

-jwcusa-

Welcome to CC. I'm interested to hear about your Gaither cruise. Let us know what you find out about the concert schedule.

Called the phone link (Thanks jtl513!) and got SOME answers.

1. Seating is determined by color-coding on our conference badges. Each concert will seat a different color nearer the front, and they say each person is assured two "priority" seatings. Not having been aboard the Zaandam, I don't have a feel for the size of the Mondriaan Lounge, where the concerts are held, but I'm guessing the "priority" seating is better than my seats for the Tulsa Talons! (Arena football team - you had to be there to appreciate the comment);)

2. They're in the process of scheduling to concerts even now, and are trying to work around shore excursions.

3. Bars and the casino will be closed.

4. There will be morning devotionals, and possibly others will be scheduled.

5. In addition, the Gaithers are planning a concert 0ff-ship in Skagway, but no details are available yet. Kind of puts a kink in our plans for Skagway, but the Gaithers are worth it!

Now, if I can just get used to the idea of formal dinner wear..............:o

-jwcusa-

That sounds like a great cruise with the Gaither's.When are you cruising??Is the whole ship for the Gaithers??

Now, if I can just get used to the idea of formal dinner wear..............:o

 

-jwcusa-

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

And if really don't feel like dressing up at least to that level on formal nights, you can use room service (free, but they do appreciate tips) or go to the Lido, where you will find much like company! :)

That sounds like a great cruise with the Gaither's.When are you cruising??Is the whole ship for the Gaithers??

Leave Seattle on 14 August. Return Seattle 21 August.

I assume the whole ship is "for the Gaithers," as it was booked as a Gaither Alaska Cruise. I think the sailing route is the same as other cruises, but the ship is booked to folks who are interested in the Gaithers. Of course I guess anyone else could also book the cruise, but the emphasis here is on the gospel music.

We have a good number of friends who have taken this cruise in the past, and from their input, it looks to be a highlight of our retirement! Blessed, we are!

-jwcusa-

You're wife's family must really love the two of you.....Alaska and the Gaithers!!!!! Wow!

Welcome to CC and enjoy your cruise to Alaska!

I assume the whole ship is "for the Gaithers," as it was booked as a Gaither Alaska Cruise.

Don't worry about that. HAL's official policy is:

 

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours.

On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

Yep. It's time for the Sunday-go-to-meetin' attire, it is! ;)

Thanks for the reminders!

-jwcusa-

You're wife's family must really love the two of you.....Alaska and the Gaithers!!!!! Wow!

Actually, we were blessed with my wife's mother for the last seven years of her life, and the family decided the Gaither cruise would be a token of their appreciation. It's just a stereotype that mother-in-laws are a horror, because this lady was a real joy even to the end of her 98 years. She's missed, she is.

-jwcusa-

Welcome to CruiseCritic-your Gaither cruise sounds wonderful.

If you want to save money I would suggest for Skagway and Ketchikan you just wander around town. They are small but lovely-lots of things to see (people watching always fun) and since you will have a concert in Skagway you wouldn't want to take the White Pass train and miss the music.

For Juneau you might want to consider renting a car for the day. Rent-a-Wreck will pick you up at the dock and take you out to their office, set you up with a car (reasonably priced) give you a map and off you go. It's fun to ride to the end of the road, you really can't get lost. I have seen whales while riding along but I was there in Sept so I won't promise that but there are several interesting stops along the road-the rental place will suggest some for you. I love Mt. Roberts' tram but yes $27 is pretty pricey although you can go up as many times as you want and the views are fantastic. Also you can stop at Mendenhall Glacier and walk around for free.

As far as Victoria-I did book the tea at the hotel which was expensive. It included a bus tour of the town but since we arrived so late it was already dark and there was not much to see. Also being so late in the season Butchart Gardens were not open that late in the day. Just have to go back I guess.

Enjoy your research-all the planning is half the fun!

St. Louis Sal

... the rates being charged by the one TA selling it are about triple the norm.

OUCH! :eek: "Triple?" Shows what a rookie knows, huh?

But yeah, we had to buy it thru Inspiration Cruises. Considering our affection for the Gaithers, though, we figure we're getting our money's worth. We'll see, I guess.

Funny I wasn't able to find many reviews online for the Gaither Cruises. Perhaps I didn't look in the right places, but there is a dearth of readily available information. I hope we can provide some meaningful critique of this particular style of cruise, so that others won't go into such as unprepared as are we.

We really appreciate all the comments and guidance ya'll have provided hereabouts!

"Triple," huh...........................

-jwcusa-

If you want to save money I would suggest for Skagway and Ketchikan you just wander around town.

I've sent for some touristy stuff from those towns, and your suggestion might just be a good solution.

For Juneau you might want to consider renting a car for the day. Rent-a-Wreck will pick you up at the dock and take you out to their office, set you up with a car (reasonably priced) give you a map and off you go.

As far as Victoria-I did book the tea at the hotel which was expensive.

Again, thanx for your input, St. Louis Sal.

-jwcusa-

(emphasis mine -jwcusa-)

 

OUCH! :eek: "Triple?" Shows what a rookie knows, huh?

 

But yeah, we had to buy it thru Inspiration Cruises. Considering our affection for the Gaithers, though, we figure we're getting our money's worth. We'll see, I guess.

 

Funny I wasn't able to find many reviews online for the Gaither Cruises. Perhaps I didn't look in the right places, but there is a dearth of readily available information. I hope we can provide some meaningful critique of this particular style of cruise, so that others won't go into such as unprepared as are we.

 

We really appreciate all the comments and guidance ya'll have provided hereabouts!

 

"Triple," huh...........................

 

-jwcusa-

Since HAL won't be making money off the bars and the casino (and believe me, on "regular" cruises they make BIG bucks there), they have to charge alot more to compensate. Part of the 3 times goes to HAL, but part of it goes to the Gaithers and the people organizing the charter.

Since HAL won't be making money off the bars and the casino (and believe me, on "regular" cruises they make BIG bucks there), they have to charge alot more to compensate. Part of the 3 times goes to HAL, but part of it goes to the Gaithers and the people organizing the charter.

My drinkin' days are long gone and my grandkids have got all the $$ I might use in the casinos, so HAL wouldn't like me much on a regular cruise anyway. But I don't mind my $$ going to the Gaithers, as we've always found ways to go to their concerts at VERY high prices, considering..............

In fact, we've booked seats in Tulsa for the Gaither Tour there in November.

Thanks for the observation, though.

-jwcusa-

Just can't get enuf' of those gospel folks, I guess...............

We returned to the Rent-a-Wreck office in Juneau and they drove us back to the pier but if I remember correctly leaving the car at the pier was an option but it may have cost a bit more. You had to leave it at the pier if you wanted to keep the car past their office hours.

One thing that is neat in Juneau and free is the Shrine of St. Therese which has a lovely labyrinth to walk and some of the best scenery to boot. It was another place where I saw whales.

St. Louis Sal

. . . but I'm guessing the "priority" seating is better than my seats for the Tulsa Talons! (Arena football team - you had to be there to appreciate the comment);)

I grew up in T-town but the Talons didn't exist way back then. The only game in town was the Golden Hurricane who ran a close second to the "professional" team down the turnpike...you know who I mean. :D

Have a great cruise. Alaska is spectacular!!

Diane

I grew up in T-town but the Talons didn't exist way back then. The only game in town was the Golden Hurricane who ran a close second to the "professional" team down the turnpike...you know who I mean. :D

I got in trouble when we first moved here. I'm a Longhorn fan, and in some places in OkieHoma, that'll get you cut low. But I referred to "TU" and was promptly informed that "TU" was for Tulsa University. "UT" was for the University of Texas, and I'd best not be using THAT phrase too often in mixed company!

As for the "professional team" to which you refer............I WAS an avid DC fan - pre-JerryJones. Now, my favorite team is whichever is playing the Cowboys that week.............

But thanks for you good wishes on the upcoming cruise. I have really gained a lot of information on this board. And unlike some other boards, I haven't been flamed for being a rookie................

-jwcusa-