Alaskan cruise recommendations

[fairweather]

We are planning our second cruise in Alaska and would like some opinions on which Princess ships and itineraries people have enjoyed best. Our first was on HAL but we found the night life sort of lacking. Never sailed Princess before but have heard only good things from others whom we have cruised with of late.

 

We are looking at cruising in the summer of 2015 or 2016.

 

Thanks for your sharing your thoughts. Which ship would give us the best of Princess and Alaska.

[dorisis]

My thoughts on an Alaska cruise:i would book on a small ship because they can get into places the large ship can not. I would also want a land tour of Mainland Alaska or a longer cruise that included some of the lesser cruised ports. I find the inland passage to be far to commercial and it doesn't give a true impression of the real beauty of Alaska.

[welly world]

We went on the Coral a few years ago and also did an inland tour. It was wonderful! :D We learned so much about Alaska from the naturalists on board and from the cruisetour director. If you go to Denali, try and do the Tundra Wilderness Tour--it is 8 hours but you get to see sooooooo much! We were able to photograph bears and moose-up close and personal! :p The lodges from Princess are top notch and provide every comfort.

[janetz]

We are looking at Princess for Alaska. Check out the Alaska board also. :)

[New York Nana]

Our first cruise EVER was to Alaska in June 2011. We did a 5 day land tour followed by a 7 night cruise on the Island Princess. I have my review and copies of the Patters from the cruise as well as from the Fairbanks, Denali and McKinley Princess lodges. If you are interested, email me at beh614@gmail.com and put "Alaska" in the subject. I'd be happy to send them to you. I will say you can't go wrong with Princess. They really impressed us - so much so that we are going back this June! (as well as a couple of other cruises since then!)

[birdiebill]

My wife and I did a five day land tour followed by a southbound cruise on the Diamond Princess in August 2010. Agree about the Tundra Wilderness tour at Denali. You see so much more on the 8 hour tour than the shorter one that is standard. We saw grizzlies, a wolf, caribou, moose, fox, dall sheep. Glacier Bay was the highlight of the cruise for us.

 

We also did a northbound cruise from Vancouver to Whittier in June of 2013 on the Sapphire Princess followed by a six night land tour in Alaska. We found both very interesting. Again we made the usual stops at Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

 

We will be on the Coral Princess for Panama Canal this coming February. So we can not compare the experience on the Coral versus Diamond/Sapphire.

[geoherb]

We've enjoyed three cruises to Alaska on Princess. The first two were round-trip cruises from Seattle. The big advantage of that is the savings on airfare. It's a lot cheaper for us to fly to and from Seattle. The downsides include sailing west of Vancouver Island, you don't get to go into the heart of Alaska, and, for many itineraries, not getting to see Glacier Bay. Tracy Arm is beautiful, but our most recent cruise from Seattle (in 2010) did not get as close to the glacier as we had before (in 2003).

 

If you decide on a one-way cruise from Alaska to Vancouver or vice versa, plan to spend at least four nights in Alaska before or after your cruise. We flew into Fairbanks in 2012 and had five nights on our cruise tour before getting on the ship. Princess has the land portion down to a science. We also upgraded our Natural History Tour to the Tundra Wilderness Tour and I highly recommend doing so. The Natural History Tour doesn't go far enough into the national park. The people on our cruise tour who did it were disappointed once they heard how much we had seen.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I've sailed to Alaska six times and have enjoyed each one! Alaska is beautiful and most hit Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. There are various glacier experiences and I enjoyed Glacier Bay the most.

 

I really love the inside passage better than anything because you see land on both sides.

 

There really is no bad cruise to Alaska. Every time I comment on it- I start wishing I was going there again. It's so beautiful period.

Edited January 26, 2014 by rebeccalouiseagain

[fairweather]

Thank you to everyone for responding so quickly.

 

While we have a good deal of time to plan for 2015 or 2016, it's never too early to look into options. Princess doesn't seem to disappoint in any way. From your comments, I don't think we could go wrong no matter which way we book with Princess.

 

We did a btb from Vancouver last time and loved both the Inside Passage, the smaller ports like Haines and the train trip to Whitehorse. You have certainly sold me on the a cruise tour this time. We will make sure we do the Tundra Wilderness tour and maybe look into the cost of flying into Fairbanks to get more time in the interior.

 

I assume that Princess has plans to switch out ships as their fleet grows and make more upgrades on the current ones. Would you recommend a ship like the Sapphire over an older build? Which ships have been renovated recently? Has anyone ever taken the Alaskan cruise out of San Francisco? I believe only Princess does that.

 

We have seen Glacier Bay and College Fjord (twice because of the btb) and want to see the Hubbard Glacier. Are the Sawyer Glaciers comparable? Is Icy Strait Point anything like Haines?

 

I'm off to do some research of the ships mention on the the CC member reviews. I'll go over to the Alaska thread after getting your additional thoughts. Really appreciate your advice.

[fairweather]

Glad that you are getting a second Alaska experience, too. I'll take you up on the offer of sharing your Platters. Thanks for offering. I will send you an email.

 

It's funny, but we seem to be getting tired of Caribbean islands. But I don't think I could ever get enough of Alaska's scenery and wildlife. Then maybe it's been seven years since our last cruise there?

[fairweather]

Hope you enjoy your canal cruise. One of my husband's Granduncles was an engineer working in Panama while they built the first one. We have a letter that he sent home talking about the "flying machines" that would pass over the site. Are they going to keep the old one open after the new on is completed? Maybe we should think about going there next.

[RetiredNTraveling]

My wife and I first cruised to Alaska in May of 2007 as our retirement present to ourselves. The Sun Princess was our selection and it was a truly fantastic cruise. By reading comments on Cruise Critic, we decided that the starboard side was our best shot for great views both in and away from ports.

 

The balconies are great because you can step out on the deck and check out the sights while always being able to quickly return if it is too cold. We never had that problem and really took advantage of the deck.

 

In the fall of 2012 we booked a return visit to Alaska on board the Star Princess. (One almost small and one large and both were just great!) Again we booked starboard side, but this time we booked a mini-suite. However, just 2 weeks before sailing we received the opportunity to upgrade to a starboard side suite which just spoils the heck out of you. :eek:

 

Regardless of what side or which balcony stateroom you select you will love Alaska! Bon Voyage !

Edited January 26, 2014 by RetiredNTraveling
spelling!

[Guest Nellsmom58]

Glad that you are getting a second Alaska experience, too. I'll take you up on the offer of sharing your Platters. Thanks for offering. I will send you an email.

 

It's funny, but we seem to be getting tired of Caribbean islands. But I don't think I could ever get enough of Alaska's scenery and wildlife. Then maybe it's been seven years since our last cruise there?

 

We also are wanting to do the Far North over the Caribbean, as you say, but haven't yet been to Alaska. We want to go next year (2015) for my 60th birthday celebration, since that has been a lifelong dream. We are looking at an extensive trip with cruise and long cruise tour. Princess looks to be the best for some, but others say HAL. What have you found out so far? (And we need to keep in touch ;)

[fairweather]

We also are wanting to do the Far North over the Caribbean, as you say, but haven't yet been to Alaska. We want to go next year (2015) for my 60th birthday celebration, since that has been a lifelong dream. We are looking at an extensive trip with cruise and long cruise tour. Princess looks to be the best for some, but others say HAL. What have you found out so far? (And we need to keep in touch ;)

 

What a Happy Birthday it will be for you. Could not think of a better way to celebrate.

 

I've been only checking out ship reviews right now, but will be researching land tours next as that's where we did not go last time and want to explore it now.

 

HAL had the best glacier itineraries when we went in 2007. That was our emphasis. When going to Alaska you need to prioritize what you want to see most and then find a ship that has good reviews which offers those elements.

 

As our goal was to see as many glaciers as we could, we did a btb on the Zaandam that took us to both Glacier Bay and College Fjords twice, as well as stopping in Juneau twice where the Mendenhal Glacier is located. On one of those stops we flew over the Harding Ice Field and saw numerous glaciers and waterfalls from above. At the turnaroud in Seward we took a small ship excursion into the waters of the Kenai National Park to sail up close to several smaller glaciers and see lots of whales and wildlife. We also hiked to the Exit Glacier there and got to experience it by land.

 

This time we want to see more of the interior. Princess seems to be the expert on land tours. While the other cruise lines offer similar tours, I'm told that Princess owns many of the resorts you will be staying at in Denali and the trains that take you there. If you are their personal passengers, I can only assume that they treat you accordingly.

 

Start by figuring out what you want to see most. And then plan a trip that makes it possible. Once you decide on the cruise line and ship you are interested in, go to one of their Alaskan presentations when a local travel agency offers them in your area. They will give you lots of materials to look through and sometimes a really attractive discount or perks.

 

We thought HAL was very elegant and their service was top notch. However, we found the evening entertainment lacking. But as you are usually tired from a full day of excursions, I suppose that would not be too big of a problem unless you were on a btb for 14 days like we were.

 

This line also targets to an older client base. We are in our late 50s and early 60s. If you are used to Caribbean cruises, you will find it a little tame and the music dated...like mostly Rat Pack not 70's or 80's. But maybe this has changed on HAL in seven years?

 

I'm excited just hearing about what others have done on Princess. :)

[BRANDEE]

 

I'm excited just hearing about what others have done on Princess. :)

 

 

My husband and I did a 14 day land/cruise on the Sapphire the end of July 2008. It was fantastic.

 

We started in Fairbanks heading south to Anchorage. We used Princess lodges in Fairbanks, Denali, McKinley and Anchorage, also their trains and buses. We were very pleased with all accommodations and transportation. Everything was very organized, we had keys to our room in hand before arriving at the lodges.

 

We took an escorted tour that was hosted by our travel agent (he does two a season). All our tours were arranged by Princess and our TA. The Tundra Wilderness Tour was 8 hours, long but worth it. We took preplanned tours and also had free time. We were in a group of about 140 (3 bus loads). Our escorted tour included meal vouchers for breakfast and most of our dinners. Food is not usually part of the package on land tours. Dinners at the lodges were expensive if not vouchered. At the time the extra $35 pp for the escorted tour with our TA was a steal.

 

Once in Whittier, we boarded our ship and on our own, except for two cocktail parties hosted by our TA. Our southern cruise was Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Vancouver. We used princess tours in all ports. We stayed an extra day in Vancouver, Princess and TA made hotel reservations. What a lovely city, wish we had stayed two days!

 

On our cruise , our TA put all (140) on the starboard side. We were not facing the shore. We had sun from 10am to 10pm on our balcony. The port side was 25 to 30+ degrees colder. We were on Carib deck with a partial covered balcony. We played cards, read, had lunch and just relaxed while floating by glaciers and waterfalls. Unbelievable! One day we were in shorts!

 

On the morning of Glacier Bay the best view was the top of the ship to feel the magnitude of the bay. Gloves, hats, sweat shirt, wind breaker and thermal underwear...it was freezing, windy and wonderful!

 

The conservatory..covered pool area..on the Sapphire extended the ships usable size in cold weather. I would definitely recommend a ship with a covered pool in cold weather cruises.

 

In 2012, our friends did the same cruise and were equally pleased. One of our friends has mobility problems and he was very satisfied with Princess and their tours.

 

We are slowly checking off our "bucket list", this cruise was a favorite.

Edited January 27, 2014 by BRANDEE
added

[fairweather]

My husband and I did a 14 day land/cruise on the Sapphire the end of July 2008. It was fantastic.

 

We started in Fairbanks heading south to Anchorage. We used Princess lodges in Fairbanks, Denali, McKinley and Anchorage, also their trains and buses. We were very pleased with all accommodations and transportation. Everything was very organized, we had keys to our room in hand before arriving at the lodges.

 

We took an escorted tour that was hosted by our travel agent (he does two a season). All our tours were arranged by Princess and our TA. The Tundra Wilderness Tour was 8 hours, long but worth it. We took preplanned tours and also had free time. We were in a group of about 140 (3 bus loads). Our escorted tour included meal vouchers for breakfast and most of our dinners. Food is not usually part of the package on land tours. Dinners at the lodges were expensive if not vouchered. At the time the extra $35 pp for the escorted tour with our TA was a steal.

 

Once in Whittier, we boarded our ship and on our own, except for two cocktail parties hosted by our TA. Our southern cruise was Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Vancouver. We used princess tours in all ports. We stayed an extra day in Vancouver, Princess and TA made hotel reservations. What a lovely city, wish we had stayed two days!

 

On our cruise , our TA put all (140) on the starboard side. We were not facing the shore. We had sun from 10am to 10pm on our balcony. The port side was 25 to 30+ degrees colder. We were on Carib deck with a partial covered balcony. We played cards, read, had lunch and just relaxed while floating by glaciers and waterfalls. Unbelievable! One day we were in shorts!

 

On the morning of Glacier Bay the best view was the top of the ship to feel the magnitude of the bay. Gloves, hats, sweat shirt, wind breaker and thermal underwear...it was freezing, windy and wonderful!

 

The conservatory..covered pool area..on the Sapphire extended the ships usable size in cold weather. I would definitely recommend a ship with a covered pool in cold weather cruises.

 

In 2012, our friends did the same cruise and were equally pleased. One of our friends has mobility problems and he was very satisfied with Princess and their tours.

 

We are slowly checking off our "bucket list", this cruise was a favorite.

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks for sharing what appears to have been a well planned and executed tour by Princess. I planned much of our shore excursions on the HAL btb cruise we took to Alaska in 2007. But going into the interior I don't think that would be as easy. Best to stick with the experts who have the best accommodations and knowledge when it comes to the land portion.

 

Very much enjoyed hearing about the details of your sea and land tour. I was already leaning towards the Sapphire. It sounds like it doesn't disappoint.

 

Just reading your review, I can feel the wind and sleet hitting my face again from the one day we spent in Glacier Bay. The other day spent there was warmer and allowed us to spend almost the entire day on deck. I really think the key to a great Alaskan tour is getting to spend as much time there as you can.

 

Your bucket list is hopefully our retirement cruise tour.

[xltiny]

My wife and I cruised on Celebrity Century in 2011 and Island Princess in 2013. The 2011 trip was in mid May while the 2013 trip was the 3rd week of September.

 

Comparing the two, we found that the amount of information (lectures, guides) were significantly more concise and informative on Princess over what we saw on Celebrity, in fact they had several NPS Park Rangers on board as we entered towards the Hubbard Glacier to provide commentary and answer questions that people had.

 

Weather wise May was sunny and warm while September was wet (even by Vancouver standards). I can't comment on sailing all the way to Whitter, as both trips were inside passage round trip Vancouver, but because most of the cruising is done while shielded by Vancouver Island it is generally quite calm other than the 1 day passing by the Queen Charlotte's which have on both occasions been rough.

 

Port wise, Juneau, and Ketchikan are included on all itineraries, and whether you get Skagway, Sitka, Icy Straight Point, Victoria BC, all depend on which itinerary you choose.

 

We found Skagway to be interesting albeit a small town, never been to Sitka, and Icy Straight the big draw was the zip line. Being local to Victoria, it never really was a consideration in booking.

[fairweather]

My wife and I cruised on Celebrity Century in 2011 and Island Princess in 2013. The 2011 trip was in mid May while the 2013 trip was the 3rd week of September.

 

Comparing the two, we found that the amount of information (lectures, guides) were significantly more concise and informative on Princess over what we saw on Celebrity, in fact they had several NPS Park Rangers on board as we entered towards the Hubbard Glacier to provide commentary and answer questions that people had.

 

Weather wise May was sunny and warm while September was wet (even by Vancouver standards). I can't comment on sailing all the way to Whitter, as both trips were inside passage round trip Vancouver, but because most of the cruising is done while shielded by Vancouver Island it is generally quite calm other than the 1 day passing by the Queen Charlotte's which have on both occasions been rough.

 

Port wise, Juneau, and Ketchikan are included on all itineraries, and whether you get Skagway, Sitka, Icy Straight Point, Victoria BC, all depend on which itinerary you choose.

 

We found Skagway to be interesting albeit a small town, never been to Sitka, and Icy Straight the big draw was the zip line. Being local to Victoria, it never really was a consideration in booking.

I'd like to see Sitka because of the Russian culture and architecture there. I would do it over Icy Straight Point. I'd also like to visit Victoria BC to experience the British influences there and the gardens. Would it be better to take the ferry from Vancouver or take a cruise that stops there?

 

I've never cruised Celebrity before but it would seem from your experience that Princess would be the better choice for Alaska as others have told us.

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You seem to be have cruised Alaska often in the last few years, so I really value your advice.

[Quiltgardenlady]

What is btb?

 

 

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[BroncoLvrs]

What is btb?

 

 

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It is a back to back cruise. For example: 1st cruise from Vancouver to Whittier, 2nd cruise (don't get off the ship) from Whittier to Vancouver. This allows you to get round trip airfare in and out of the same airport.