Thinking of Alaska

[DrFood]

Another cruise newbie here.

 

My partner and I are thinking about taking our first cruise July 4-11 to Alaska using Seattle as our embarkation/debarkation point. Neither of us has been on a cruise and honestly we know nothing about choosing a cruise line. I have a real distaste for using travel agents (several really really bad experiences with corporate travel agents) so I would prefer to stay away from them if at all possible.

 

I see there are several cruise lines who go out of Seattle but don't really know which one would be our best bet. I've read about Holland American and they look like a very good company, but maybe a bit stuffy.

 

So if you would indulge me I have some questions.

 

1. How gay friendly are cruise lines? Or does it really matter?

2. Are we planning this trip too late to do a July 4 departure?

3. What cruise line(s) are the best for the Alaska trip? I know everyone has an opinion, but I'd like to get some Cliff's Notes versions of pros and cons.

4. We are thinking an inside room simply because it saves money and we are going to spend time on deck doing the sightseeing anyway. I've read threads about balcony vs inside and know the pros and cons. If we go with an inside room is there a better deck to stay on? And where should we stay...midship?

 

I'm sure I will have more questions after I start getting feedback.

 

Thanks for the information and advice.

[sparky-elpaso]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Princess, Royal Caribbean and Holland America have the best reputation for Alaska. Check out their websites to see what's offered.

 

Hurry - July is coming fast. You'll probably have to pay the whole amount at this point. You have to make full payment by 70-90 days out on most lines.

 

Inside should be fine - you probably won't spend much time there. Alaska is port intensive. We had an inside on Radiance of the Seas for Alaska and it was fine for the 2 of us. It's amazing how well designed the cabins are - they take advantage of every square inch.

 

My pics of Alaska are in the link in my signature if you would like to see what you're in for - amazing scenery. :)

[mahassiddasairy]

Another cruise newbie here.

 

My partner and I are thinking about taking our first cruise July 4-11 to Alaska using Seattle as our embarkation/debarkation point. Neither of us has been on a cruise and honestly we know nothing about choosing a cruise line. I have a real distaste for using travel agents (several really really bad experiences with corporate travel agents) so I would prefer to stay away from them if at all possible.

 

I see there are several cruise lines who go out of Seattle but don't really know which one would be our best bet. I've read about Holland American and they look like a very good company, but maybe a bit stuffy.

 

So if you would indulge me I have some questions.

 

1. How gay friendly are cruise lines? Or does it really matter?

2. Are we planning this trip too late to do a July 4 departure?

3. What cruise line(s) are the best for the Alaska trip? I know everyone has an opinion, but I'd like to get some Cliff's Notes versions of pros and cons.

4. We are thinking an inside room simply because it saves money and we are going to spend time on deck doing the sightseeing anyway. I've read threads about balcony vs inside and know the pros and cons. If we go with an inside room is there a better deck to stay on? And where should we stay...midship?

 

I'm sure I will have more questions after I start getting feedback.

 

Thanks for the information and advice.

 

I read a review of Carnival that reported the reviewer and her partner were discriminated against because of their sexuality. The review is dated 2008, so Carnival may have taken steps to ensure such things don't happen again; however, the review definitely left me with the impression that it wasn't Carnival's fault so much as the employees' more traditional cultures showing through. To be honest, I'd ask around and try to find reviews from other homosexual couples before you put any money down on a cruise.

[Assateague Island Princes]

Try scanning the "Special Interest" threads - Gay and Lesbian Cruising - to seek opinions of which lines may or may not be more to your liking.

 

We are big fans of Holland America - have sailed to Alaska twice with them are about to embark on our third Alaskan cruise with them (this coming Monday :D!!!!)and there were several gay couples that we happen to enjoy cocktails with some evenings - they loved the ship and really enjoyed themselves. As a previous poster said, Alaska is so port intensive and nothing like a warm weather cruise where the nightlife is key. Often after dinner and a drink or two, we were comfortably ensconsed on our balcony, fighting of yawns or were sound asleep. Your time aboard ship can be as activity filled or vegged out as you prefer.

 

Its all about Alaska - the magnificent scenery and wildlife, the time spent in ports seeing sights you've likely never seen before, and just the essence the Great Land inspires - well, at least in us! Its captured our hearts and we'll go back again and again! Hope you find what you're looking for!

 

Also check out the 'Ports of Call' section and read the threads on the Alaska boards for additional information, suggestions and advice. Hope this helps. Happy Alaska Sailing! Enjoy!

[clinthi]

Carnival has "Friends of Dorothy" meetings on every ship from my understanding??? And I saw several gay couples on our Alaska cruise out of Vancouver. (Carnival Spirit)

My photos are here:

http://thealderins.blogspot.com/2009/07/alaska-was-beautiful.html

 

Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

Alaska is BEAUTIFUL!!! I hope you decide on a cruise :)

[Essiesmom]

I have only sailed on HALs Vista class ships, Oosterdam and Westerdam. I see Oosterdam has three sailings out of Seattle in July, and Zuiderdam is sailing from Vancouver. I recommend (if available) to do one of these in a J or K class cabin on main deck. These are insides, but are HUGE. Much more space than I had with my OV cabin on Oosterdam. With the OV, the head of the bed was under the window and you couldn't get up to the window to really see much. EM

[cruzeluver]

My partner and I have 9 cruises under our belts across several cruise lines and have never felt discriminated against, or even made to feel uncomfortable. So I really wouldn't be concerned there.

 

Alaska is fantastic! We went this past September and loved it!

[cjbmli]

My partner and I have been on 3 previous cruises and are celebrating our 25th anniversary this September on Ruby Princess. We cruised to Alaska aboard Sun Princess about 3 years ago. We loved it! And like cruzeluver, being a gay couple has never been an issue for us.

 

Have a blast!

[tiyana4]

IMO NCL is the most gay/alternative lifestyle friendly of any cruiseline I have seen. Not only do they advertise the events in the dailies, but numerous private parties are also hosted onboard. The NCL Pearl is a beautiful ship (ncl.com or cruisedeckplans.com) and sails the Alaskan itinerary.

 

One word of caution though about your dates.....Alaska shore excursions are often booked months in advance and often are very pricey. It is easy to spend upwards of $1k/pp for a week on just excursions; and this is booking independently. Between flightseeing, whale watching, glacier landing, etc. it can add up very quickly. This price can be more if you book excursions thru the ship.

 

With regard to booking, if you prefer not to use a TA then I would book directly with the cruiseline. Personally, we use a TA but she is a "Cruise Specialist" meaning that they only book cruises. Not only are our prices much less than what the cruiseline charges, but we typically get a couple hundred bucks for OBC, a bottle of wine, and free insurance. No perks come from booking direct w/cruiseline except being able to make changes to your booking.

 

Definitely do the inside cabin if you will be OK with having no natural light from the outside. This will save a tremendous amount of money. Whatever ship you choose, just be sure that you have cabins above and below your deck so you won't be disturbed by nightclub music or other late night venues. Alaska is an amazing place, and going once is simply not enough!

[whciv]

I think you will find that all groups of people are accepted on cruise ships these days. We've seen both gay and straight couples on almost all of our cruises and both seem to being having a great time.

 

It might be pushing it to book a trip now, but you never know. Some cruise lines are having problems filling all cabins and are offering some great deals. I suggest you look at RCCL, NCL or Princess as they all offer the best Alaska cruises... in our opinion.

 

My family always prefers staying in the chepeast, smallest inside room. The fact is you are not there all that often. We've always said we prefer travel cheap and spend the money on our excursions or even future cruises. We also don't worry about what deck we are on as none are worth more $$ than others. Movement is only minimally different between floors so save your bucks.

 

We have more information on our cruising experience on the reference site.

 

Have a great time!! :)

 

Reference Site:

www.*****