Alaska first time

[desertmoon]

We're looking at our first Alaska cruise in May, July or September.

Is there any big difference from one to another?

 

Several lines offer Alaska cruises. We've sailed on most major lines

around Mexico and the Caribbean, usually on larger ships, Any

suggestions on the Alaska options in terms of entertainment,

amenities, food, etc?

 

In the Caribbean it's always better to book your own shore excursions,

with many locals now offering internet reservations. Do the Alaska

ports have similar options and are there any excursions you recommend?

 

Any preference between Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm itineraries?

 

Do you recommend a balcony or ocean view outside cabin?

 

Than ks for your advice.

[CruiserBruce]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Come over to the Alaska board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

 

where all of your questions are discussed daily.

[Essiesmom]

Glacier Bay, hands down. EM

[shipgeeks]

Oceanview cabin. The best views, by far, are from the open decks, not balconies.

[DRS/NC]

A balcony is great if it's in your budget -- you never have to miss the scenery - even when you're getting dressed!

 

Glacier Bay -- a MUST!

[blueteam]

We're looking at our first Alaska cruise in May, July or September.

Is there any big difference from one to another?

 

Several lines offer Alaska cruises. We've sailed on most major lines

around Mexico and the Caribbean, usually on larger ships, Any

suggestions on the Alaska options in terms of entertainment,

amenities, food, etc?

 

In the Caribbean it's always better to book your own shore excursions,

with many locals now offering internet reservations. Do the Alaska

ports have similar options and are there any excursions you recommend?

 

Any preference between Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm itineraries?

 

Do you recommend a balcony or ocean view outside cabin?

 

Than ks for your advice.

 

I have heard that May is bad for weather and the whole infrastructure is a little "rusty" from the long winter break. It's probably cheaper, though.

 

I think the shore excursion situation is pretty similar. Always options to find on your own that are cheaper and possibly more risky than the ship-booked excursions.

[norfolk53golf]

We went on Radiance in May and loved every minute, the weather was great everywhere except Ketchikan which was raining. Definitely balcony as we were able to sit on our balcony with a drink and see heaps. Excursions - every port there were private tours available.

[FTLcruisers]

we had a balcony on our last Alaska cruise and thought it was a waste. It was too cold to sit out there for any length of time plus we could only see what was right in front of us. It was much better to be up on the open deck so we could see all around - plus look down into the water for whales, etc.

 

Marianne

[RuthC]

Any preference between Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm itineraries?

Glacier Bay is lots of glaciers and icebergs, in a scenic cruising setting. Tracy Arm is scenic cruising up a fjord, and there is a glacier at the end. The focus of the day is entirely different.

The chances of getting to the face of Sawyer Glacier in May are low, since the fjord can be blocked with ice so early in the season.

 

If possible, go in late May, or very early July---both times are closer to the Summer Solstice. Those days are longer, with the lingering twilight that seems to never end.