Just starting to think about Alaska

[Texas_Diver]

All of our cruises have been Caribbean but we recently started thinking about an Alaskan cruise.

 

Are the different Alaskan ports known for particular sites/activities? For example, being avid divers, we would never expect to dive in Jamaica. But Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Roatan all offer excellent diving. In the same way, are certain Alaskan ports known for particular things?

 

(Before anyone asks, we know that we won't be diving in Alaska.)

[Assateague Island Princes]

Actually, you can snorkel in Ketchikan!:D Close enough?

 

Of the "usual ports" here is what they're known for

 

Juneau - whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, kayaking, helicopter to glaciers for dog sledding, goldrush history, fishing

 

Ketchikan - Misty Fiords Flightseeing, bear viewing via float plane dependent on time of year, kayaking, fishing, totem pole parks...and yes, even snorkeling.

 

Icy Strait Point - Bear Watching (without having to fly) and whale watching, zip lines, kayaking

 

Sitka - Marine wildlife, Raptor Center, Russian heritage, Totem park, sea kayaking, fishing

 

Skagway - Whitepass Railroad to the Yukon or rent a car and drive yourself, goldrush history, hiking, helicopter to glaciers

[momof4boys]

Along the same line.... (since we also are starting to look at an Alaskan cruise----hope I can live without the beaches) ...

 

We have always booked suites on our cruises...but they are mid ship. Where is the best place to book a balcony/suite on an Alaskan cruise??

[Budget Queen]

There are only 6 Alaska cruise ports available on the usual 7 day cruise. Each is very different from the other and offers a unique range of activities. Very UNLIKE the Caribbean. :) You may want to head to your library and look for Alaska tour books, especially Alaska By Cruiseship.

 

With any Alaska cruise, you may want to really pick apart the itinerary, since this is the priority for some people. You have to know what you are looking at first though. People who don't sometimes have an error in assumptions. With you on this board, it would appear you would be willing to do this.

 

With a cruise selection, points to consider are the ports, glacier, time in ports route. You may want to keep that in mind with your reading. This isn't the place to skimp on tours, in my opinion. And the budget must be a lot bigger than the Caribbean. Very different touring as well. It is not the place to step off the ship and "look for an island tour". :) Having plans and needed reservations in place before you go, can make the best use of time.

[Budget Queen]

Along the same line.... (since we also are starting to look at an Alaskan cruise----hope I can live without the beaches) ...

 

We have always booked suites on our cruises...but they are mid ship. Where is the best place to book a balcony/suite on an Alaskan cruise??

 

Overall, rave reviews are for the aft. BUT, these are far from ideal for wildlife watching. :) It doesn't matter what side, unless, going to Glacier Bay and you wanting to ONLY view from your cabin and won't be going out on deck. Then you need a port side, so that the commentary lines up with what you are seeing