planing first time cruise to Alaska for couple

[chefT2]

Hello all planning first time cruise to Alaska in May or June

This is intended to be a romantic getaway for me and my husband. We want to relax and not interested in packed days. I am a chef so theculinary exp is very important. As is bed comfort and size still probably shooting for outside trying to keep whole vacation under 4000. Want to round trip from Seattle. Torn on cruise lines. Royal carribean Princess and Carnival we are in our 40s we want fun but somewhat self directed. Also I don't care for regular American food

[cb at sea]

I doubt you will find anything to exciting, foodwise, on either line. RCI's beds will probably be better than Princess (RCI upgraded the bedding on all ships recently)....but food on Princess may be more to your liking than RCI. Don't think for a minute that either will give you much more than 2-star dining.

 

Alaska is a true sightseeing venue.....most folks go there to SEE Alaska....so your port days, should you choose to get off the ship, will be pretty packed! I can't imagine going there without trying to see all I could! Now, the Caribbean is a different thing....not THAT much to "see", so relaxing is easier to do!

[chefT2]

Now don't get me wrong we want to do several things. But we are not get up at 6 and go all day kind of vacation people. Alaska has always been a dream of mine.

[sail7seas]

Of the cruise lines you mention, I would not get hopes up to high for outstanding 'culinary experience'. It will be adequate and some may be good but don't count on five star dining. IMO

 

If you want fine dining, you need to look at the more luxurious cruise lines. On mass market cruise lines, the food is more like (good) banquet than fine.

 

IMO

[Keith1010]

If you want a better culinary experience there are other lines to consider such as Celebrity or you could check out luxury lines that sail there.

 

Be sure to also visit the Alaska Ports Of Departure Board.

 

Keith

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

The majority of the cruise lines have American food. Even the speciality restaurants (which cost extra) still offer American food.

You need to check out the smaller cruise lines.

[dorisis]

Hello all planning first time cruise to Alaska in May or June

This is intended to be a romantic getaway for me and my husband. We want to relax and not interested in packed days. I am a chef so theculinary exp is very important. As is bed comfort and size still probably shooting for outside trying to keep whole vacation under 4000. Want to round trip from Seattle. Torn on cruise lines. Royal carribean Princess and Carnival we are in our 40s we want fun but somewhat self directed. Also I don't care for regular American food

 

If food is what you want, then Oceania is the cruise line for you!! The ships are small but very elegant and the speciality restaurants are free but need reservations.Jacque Pepin is the executive chef and occasionally is aboard.Tthey also have excellent cooking classes on the 2 larger ships.

 

~Doris~

[sail7seas]

If food is what you want, then Oceania is the cruise line for you!! The ships are small but very elegant and the speciality restaurants are free but need reservations.Jacque Pepin is the executive chef and occasionally is aboard.Tthey also have excellent cooking classes on the 2 larger ships.

 

~Doris~

 

 

I haven't researched to see if they sail Alaska, but you could look at Seabourn, Silversea and even Crystal as you should expect a higher dining experience on those lines........... of course, except for those who pay for high suites, you will pay more for even a mid-range or lower category cabin. Azamarra and Oceania are options for better dining. Pay more though..........again, unless you have planned to pay for a high suite on a more mass market line.

 

What do you define as regular American food? If you mean mac and cheese and bugerys then yes........... But even mass market ships serve more sophisticated and tasty choices than that. :)

 

[skandls]

In your price range of $4000 the best cruise would be on the Celebrity Solstice which will be sailing round trip from Seattle next year. Aqua Class - has a small restaurant just for AQ cruisers. We found the food to have more ethnic offerings than the main dining rooms or other cruise lines. The food was very good but not 5* restaurant.

[chefT2]

Thank you for the tips I will check them out and by American I mean chicken fried anything. I love seafood and I'm not looking for five star just unique and made lovingly. Now as first time cruiser should I go to a travel agent. Or can I broker a great deal on my own. What is everyones favorite cruise for nice staterooms in regular class. How about entertainment.

[skandls]

Please look at the prices for Aqua Class on the Celebrity ships. I do think the food choices will be more to your liking than the traditional cruise lines. The cabins are 'regular' but you pay a little more for the Blu restaurant and access to the spa for breakfast.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Thank you for the tips I will check them out and by American I mean chicken fried anything. I love seafood and I'm not looking for five star just unique and made lovingly. Now as first time cruiser should I go to a travel agent. Or can I broker a great deal on my own. What is everyones favorite cruise for nice staterooms in regular class. How about entertainment.

 

Since it is your first cruise, I would advise you to seek out the help of a "cruise specialist," a travel agent who specializes in cruises. Go in and talk to one and tell them what your needs are. But it does sound like you should consider the more premium lines if you're picky about quality. But here's one thing about Alaska: it's a scenic type of cruise. Often the glacier cruising (which is often the highlight for most people on this itinerary) is in the morning, usually starting around 7am. The TA can look at the schedule for a potential cruise and let you know if it'll have a morning or afternoon trip through the glaciers.

[chefT2]

Thank you. Now which cruise ships have the best rooms in the reqular class. Is an outside that much better than an inside. Can u see enough from the deck? Lots are suggesting RoyalC . Celebrity seems about a thousand more for us. The couple. What ones ha e more up front cost but less you have to spend on during the cruise