Alaska Cruise Poll - your opinion needed!

[SanFranBayCruiser]

I'm cruising with a small group next summer - meaning 2006 - we have committed to a cruise vacation but, the destination is up in the air. Please take a moment to take the poll and if possible leave an explaination to your answer too! Our group ranges from 5 years of age to 75 years old. Thanks!

[Druke I]

The youngsters would probably enjoy the Children's Program more than the scenery, but I think the Alaska cruise is one of the best available.

[jimbug]

My hubby and I went to on the Sapphire last year to Alaska, and were both 22 years old. We LOVED it!! The scenery was amazing, and the shore excursions were as active or as sedentary as you wanted them to be. We had several children on our saililng, and they all seemed to be enthralled with the whales, dolphins, and the warm weather we had which meant they could use the outdoor pools. (The Diamond & Sapphire do have indoor pools, as well).

[Deloresgardella]

My daughter (44) and I (66) went last year from S.F. 10 days on the Regal. :) We had a great time there was about 28 kids on board and they seemed to be having a great time. Were very well behaved. The scenery is beautiful. :cool: We booking all our tours indepentally except for the dog sled on wheels. The weather was great most of the kids and a lot of the adults were swimming.:cool: That was one of my best cruises. Of course going under the golden gate was awsome.:)

Delores

[Coral]

I would choose Alaska over the Caribbean any day!

[dosi]

I really think you need to consider where these people spend their winters. Even though the scenery is spectacular, if I lived in North Dakota I think the Caribbean would be more appealing to me for a vacation. If most of them live in Florida then Alaska would most definitely be a change of pace.

[Coral]

I really think you need to consider where these people spend their winters. Even though the scenery is spectacular, if I lived in North Dakota I think the Caribbean would be more appealing to me for a vacation. If most of them live in Florida then Alaska would most definitely be a change of pace.

I live in Nebraska and we have very cold winters and very hot summers (our climate is similiar to North/South Dakota). In the winter, I want to go to warm places and in the summer, I want to go to cool places. The times I have been to Alaska - the majority of the temps have been in the 50 - 70's and to me - that is perfect weather! Alaska is incredible and everyone I know who has gone, has fallen in love with the state.

 

Dosi - have you been to Alaska yet?

[tomcarson]

I really think you need to consider where these people spend their winters. Even though the scenery is spectacular, if I lived in North Dakota I think the Caribbean would be more appealing to me for a vacation. If most of them live in Florida then Alaska would most definitely be a change of pace.

 

I don't think where you live has anything to do with where you vacation. We fell in love with Alaska and it ranks as one of our favorite cruises and destinations. And we live in a cold winter climate area.

[LARGIN]

I would choose Alaska over the Caribbean any day!

 

I agree.. Clean, crisp air, spectacular views and no MUTS

[Casey12]

I admit, I reluctantly went to Alaska to satisfy my spouse's nagging. I knew I would hate it and just couldn't get excited about going. Boy was I wrong about Alaska. It is so beautiful and there is so much to do. Our kids prefer Alaska to the Caribbean. They think the Caribbean is boring now.

[cactusrose]

I love the Alaska Cruise. We've been twice and are planning another one. That said, I enjoyed the one we took in conjunction with a land tour more than the one without. I also don't have a clue how children would respond to it. Alaska is unique. Everyone should see it once.

[Casey12]

How can kids not like dog sledding, glacier landings, whale watching, Mount Roberts tram, lumberjack shows, bear watching, gold panning, canoeing, train rides, nature hikes, etc ?

[Budget Queen]

How can kids not like dog sledding, glacier landings, whale watching, Mount Roberts tram, lumberjack shows, bear watching, gold panning, canoeing, train rides, nature hikes, etc ?

 

 

Very true- But you need to BUDGET fully for these costly excursions. And if you don't you are getting only half a trip. :) I think for young children however, never consider cruisetours- just too much time in transit bored silly. :) Far better and a much better deal for the money is to go independent. I never recommend any one way cruise without adding another week- take advantage of being all the way there. :)

[Genessa]

I think the question you need to ask of the participants is what do they want to do on this vacation.

 

If they want to go somewhere and spend time together chatting, catching up, relaxing in the sun, then Alaska is probably not the place to go.

 

If they want to go and be active and split up into smaller groups and don't mind someone interrupting them mid-sentence with "quick, look over there" and "did you see that ..." then Alaska is for your group.

 

I love cruising and I love Alaska, but cruising in Alaska is different than other cruises. I usually take as many books with me as my cruise is long and sometimes have to buy a book in the airport on my way home. I love to lounge on deck or on my balcony reading. In Alaska, there was no time to read. I read on the plane to Alaska and I read on the plane on my way home, but the only reading I did on the ship was flipping through my guide books and patters.

[Coral]

I usually take as many books with me as my cruise is long and sometimes have to buy a book in the airport on my way home. I love to lounge on deck or on my balcony reading. In Alaska, there was no time to read. I read on the plane to Alaska and I read on the plane on my way home, but the only reading I did on the ship was flipping through my guide books and patters.

 

So true. I ususally read 4-5 books on a Caribbean cruise. I didn't make it through 1/4 of a book on my 2nd Alaskan cruise - now I just bring a book to read on the plane.

[SanFranBayCruiser]

Thanks for all the input so far - Alaska does sound great but, perhaps some of you would care to elaborate why Alaska is such a wonderful cruise. Here are some of the misconceptions and ideas running through our group that need to be answered:

 

- It's going to be cold and wet (we plan on sailing in July - but if there is a "better" time to go, let me know)

 

- Yes, we've heard Alaska is beautiful but how many trees and mountains can one look at before they all start looking the same (I keep saying that when we cruise the caribbean all we do is look at water when we're at sea, at least this way there is passing scenery)

 

- Alaska Cruises are for "old" folks (kids and teens protesting here), we won't even be able to go swimming in the outdoor pool

 

- We're not the "outdoorsy" type (Brother and Sister-in-law protesting - they are living in NYC), neither of them like hiking or canoeing and could care less if we see a bear eating fish out of a river. We don't want to pan for gold or eat salmon on picnic bench...."what exactly are WE to do?"

 

- I have mobility problems (older member of the group) and need a wheelchair to get around. I won't be able to go on any tours and be stuck on the ship.

 

 

So, as you can see I have some resistance to the idea. Can you help correct the misconceptions my group has about Alaska Cruising.

 

Thanks!

[Genessa]

Thanks for all the input so far - Alaska does sound great but, perhaps some of you would care to elaborate why Alaska is such a wonderful cruise. Here are some of the misconceptions and ideas running through our group that need to be answered:

 

- It's going to be cold and wet (we plan on sailing in July - but if there is a "better" time to go, let me know)

 

It just might be. There is no way to guarantee the weather and the Caribbean in July is hurricane season - could be hot and wet.

 

- Yes, we've heard Alaska is beautiful but how many trees and mountains can one look at before they all start looking the same (I keep saying that when we cruise the caribbean all we do is look at water when we're at sea, at least this way there is passing scenery)

 

It's not so much the trees and mountains, but the glaciers. And they don't ever start to look the same. And the trees and mountains have eagles flying overhead.

 

- Alaska Cruises are for "old" folks (kids and teens protesting here), we won't even be able to go swimming in the outdoor pool

 

Go on a cruise with a covered pool - Island or Coral. There were many kids using it on our cruise.

 

- We're not the "outdoorsy" type (Brother and Sister-in-law protesting - they are living in NYC), neither of them like hiking or canoeing and could care less if we see a bear eating fish out of a river. We don't want to pan for gold or eat salmon on picnic bench...."what exactly are WE to do?"

 

Do they like sitting in hot tubs? Enjoying all the things cruising is known for (shows, dining, service) except lounging on a hot deck.

 

- I have mobility problems (older member of the group) and need a wheelchair to get around. I won't be able to go on any tours and be stuck on the ship.

 

They can definitely go on the White Pass Railroad - which is an incredible train ride.

 

So, as you can see I have some resistance to the idea. Can you help correct the misconceptions my group has about Alaska Cruising.

Thanks!

 

It sounds like you are beating a dead horse. With this much resistance already, are you going to be able to enjoy your cruise even if you convince them to go? Take the cruise to Alaska yourself and book another someplace they do want to go and save yourself aggravation.

[alans]

My wife and I have our fifth Alaska cruise booked for May of his year. We always have a good time and find new things to do in each port.

[AZPam]

We were on the Star Princess in July, 2002. While it was a beautiful trip that we enjoyed since you just can't go wrong with any cruise, it was a little to "calm" for us. We are use to the hussle and party type cruises you find in the Caribbean. There were many nights on the ship when we would be walking around looking for something to do after the shows about 11-11:30 and the place was empty. Even the casino and Skywalkers. While we enjoyed the chilly (50's) weather since when we left home it was about 105 degrees, I could see why some people is the colder climates might not enjoy chilly temps in the summer. I have never slept so much or read so many books on a cruise before! Just goes to show, that every person is different. Another big factor for us was the cost of most of the excursions. The really interesting one like dog sledding and such were really pricey. Having said all that, did I still have a good time? You bet!

 

My husband and I were in our late 30's at the time of this trip and I don't think I would book another Alaska cruise until we are in our late 60's. Been there, done that, if you know what I mean. Think we will stick to the Caribbean until we grow up some more.

[travelhound]

I guess I'll be the wet blanket! We've been on 16 cruises, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, a couple in Europe, and many Caribbean. Last summer for our 15th anniversary we went to Alaska. Since our anniversary was in the summer we decided it would be a perfect time to go to Alaska. Although I'm glad we went and we enjoyed the trip, it isn't anywhere that we'll be rushing back to in the near future.

 

Unlike many others that have posted, I'd pick the Caribbean over Alaska anyday. However, I do think that one of the PP was right in saying that it depends on where most of your cruisers live. We live in Minneapolis and spend some vacation time on the north shore of Lake Superior. That area was formed by glaciers and with the exception of actual ice glaciers, has the look of Alaska, albeit on a smaller scale. We did a 10 mile hike to a glacier in Skagway off the train and I would have sworn we were "up north." Again, it's not that we didn't enjoy it, it was just too similar to our everyday surroundings. Aqua blue water and white powder sand is harder to come by in MN and we enjoy the warmth, regardless of the season, the steel drum music, and the laid-back feeling of the Caribbean. And being from MN, I'd rather not pack coats and gloves for vacation. I get six months of that here.

 

There were kids on our cruise and I don't think it was as fun for them as it is in the Caribbean. Kids love water, whether it's the beach or the pool and there is neither in Alaska. We were on a very pricey whale watching tour in Juneau and the 6 or so kids that were on that tour were really distruptive, running around the boat, playing with each other. I'm sure they never saw a whale and they made it rather stressful for some other (and I'm not a kid hater!) I just saw the kids on our Alaska trip being a little bored. I'm sure to some kids it would be great, you just have to know your kid.

 

You also seem to be fighting an uphill battle seeing your cruise mates comments. Some of those are valid concerns and if they feel "talked into" Alaska, they'll all be true, whether they are or not.

 

If you do choose an Alaska trip, be sure to include a day sailing in a glacier area, Hubbard, Glacier Bay, etc. That was our most spectacular day and certainly not something we can see at home.

 

Sorry this is so long, but since no one had really given this point of view, I'd though I'd share our experience.

[spongerob]

Thanks for all the input so far - Alaska does sound great but, perhaps some of you would care to elaborate why Alaska is such a wonderful cruise. Here are some of the misconceptions and ideas running through our group that need to be answered:

 

- It's going to be cold and wet (we plan on sailing in July - but if there is a "better" time to go, let me know)

 

- Yes, we've heard Alaska is beautiful but how many trees and mountains can one look at before they all start looking the same (I keep saying that when we cruise the caribbean all we do is look at water when we're at sea, at least this way there is passing scenery)

 

- Alaska Cruises are for "old" folks (kids and teens protesting here), we won't even be able to go swimming in the outdoor pool

 

- We're not the "outdoorsy" type (Brother and Sister-in-law protesting - they are living in NYC), neither of them like hiking or canoeing and could care less if we see a bear eating fish out of a river. We don't want to pan for gold or eat salmon on picnic bench...."what exactly are WE to do?"

 

- I have mobility problems (older member of the group) and need a wheelchair to get around. I won't be able to go on any tours and be stuck on the ship.

 

 

So, as you can see I have some resistance to the idea. Can you help correct the misconceptions my group has about Alaska Cruising.

 

Thanks!

 

All of the above could be legitimate concerns in the Caribbean. I can't begin to tell you how to please everyone since that is an impossible task. All I can say is that many of the comments made are the same comments I made before our very first cruise, which was by the way to Alaska. That was less than 4 years ago. We've been on 7 since, and have 2 more booked. I think there is less danger of being disappointed, and more danger of being addicted using my own experience as a guide.

 

Good luck!

[whale-watcher]

We live in far northern Minnesota, and we have been to the Caribbean and Alaska with Princess. Both are wonderful destinations, but my vote would go for Alaska. We cruised with 3 children, then aged 13, 11, and 5, and they were NEVER bored; when they had their fill of the scenery, they could always visit the kids zone, or play minigolf, or shoot baskets, or grab yet another piece of Pizza....at no additional cost!

My kids still talk about the humpback whale that leapt out of the water over and over again, and they stood transfixed at the rail with the rest of us as the huge chunks of ice came crashing off the glaciers.

We were lucky with the weather, and took some time for swimming while we were in port, but I think they would have enjoyed the cruise in cool and cloudy weather as well.

I also think that Alaska would be a perfect choice for someone with limited mobility -- so much to see from the ship itself, and many fantastic shore excursions that don't require any physical effort (the scenic train in Skagway, the Tram in Juneau...)

[babsee101]

Give the members of your group information on what each destination has to offer for them. (including the young ones) Then take a vote on which type cruise that they prefer.

[wander]

I think I would think twice about taking this group anywhere together! You won't win. They may be great people as individuals, but it certainly sounds like they are so varied in their interests that is will be hard to please them with any one trip. IMHO, the Caribbean and Alaska are so different that they are impossible to compare. Some will prefer one and some the other.

 

That said, I live in the Pacific Northwest and am presently sitting at a desk where I look out on water and the Olympic Mountains. This is about as close to Alaska scenery as you can get and I still find Southeast Alaska awesome.

 

Now, in July in Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchican) it could be cold and rainy or hot and sunny. In fact, over the course of a 7 day cruise it can be all of those at some time.

 

One point the kids brought up - they will be able to swim in the pool. With the sliding domes over the swimming pools on all but the Prisendam, the kids can swim to their hearts content regardless of the weather.

 

Good luck. I think that another poster maybe had the best idea. Go to Alaska yourself and let the others plan for something they can all agree on. Then you go to that as well. Just a thought.

[DOTTYCAN]

My daughter (44) and I (66) went last year from S.F. 10 days on the Regal. :) We had a great time there was about 28 kids on board and they seemed to be having a great time. Were very well behaved. The scenery is beautiful. :cool: We booking all our tours indepentally except for the dog sled on wheels. The weather was great most of the kids and a lot of the adults were swimming.:cool: That was one of my best cruises. Of course going under the golden gate was awsome.:)

Delores

 

Thanks for the information - what month did you go to Alaska on the Regal? We are planning to take one of our grandkids this Summer - June - I think the smaller number of kids would be great.

 

dottycan