R/T or N/S bound to Glacier Bay on Princess?

[styme123]

Trying to make my final decisions before booking a family cruise for 7 this July coming from NY. I'll be footing the bill for pretty much everything so budget is a real concern. I'm a newbie to traveling so I've been trying to read a lot or reviews and posts from more experienced travelers than myself. It's a little overwhelming but I'm trying to educate myself and be as informed and prepared as I can be. We are pretty much set on the itinerary needs to include Glacier Bay. I didn't want to take a chance on not getting into Tracy Arm either.

Here are my options:

1. Seattle/Seattle on the Crown Princess to Glacier bay stopping in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway.

2. Vancouver/Whittier A/k Northbound on the Island Princess.ports the same

3. Whittier/Vancouver Southbound on the Star Princess.ports the same

My questions.

1. The Crown is a much bigger ship holding I think 1,000 more passengers. The others much smaller. Any pros and cons to that or did anyone like traveling one over the other? Did the ship seem more crowded?

2. The flights into Seattle are a little cheaper and more nonstop than the others but the one way trips have more opportunities for glacier viewing. In Seattle we would be flying in at least a day or two in advance. Is it worth the air travel troubles to cruise one way? My DD thinks I should just do the easier in/out of Seattle since it's my first time traveling, less moving parts so to speak.

3.Could we do a flight plane excursion on the R/T Seattle cruise and see the same Glaciers as you would on the one way trips?

4. How easy it to fly into and get to the cruise from Anchorage? If we wanted to stay over to make sure there were no delays are the hotels expensive there and in Vancouver? Seattle we found one for about $120 a night. I need 3 rooms.

The price of the cruises are about the same with the one way being a little cheaper, but the airfare is a little higher so I think price wise it's about the same I think.

Since the cruise is about $10,000 and the airfare $3,500 from NY I don't have much money really left over to spend much on extending the cruise in either Anchorage or Vancouver at each end. So not sure if it's worth the one way trip? Sorry so many questions.

[CruisinKiki]

We have done RT from Seattle 4 times for the reasons you site, easier to coordinate flights and a little less expensive overall. It is an absolutely gorgeous trip. If you aren't comfortable making a lot of arrangements, I do think it is easiest. If it saves you some money which you could use for excursions, IMHO, that is worth it. For me, it's important to get out of the touristy towns and into the countryside in Alaska.

 

Enjoy your trip. Alaska is awesome!

[Alessandrina]

It is more simple to organise a roundtrip out of Seattle and likely a bit cheaper. I'd suggest doing it that way.

 

Vancouver, a lovely Canadian city, is quite expensive for accommodation should you stay near the pier at Canada Place.

 

As for Anchorage, you'll need to get to Whittier where the cruise ship docks - I reckon it's an hour+ on bus or train.

 

Good luck and enjoy your cruise to Alaska.

 

Cheers.

[ppeckham]

Round trip may be easier to arrange, but you miss out on the beauty of Glacier Bay and College Fjord. It's not difficult to get one way flights or even multi-city.

 

If you opt for one way, I highly recommend northbound. Views become more spectacular as you go north!

 

We did northbound in 2008 and are repeating the trip with other friends this summer.

[Budget Queen]

In Seattle you can find a lot of more reasonable lodging. Not really the case with Vancouver, and $200/night is a lower cost in Anchorage. You'd also need to add in the 1 1/4 hour transfer to Whittier.

 

Port times and Princess has the double glacier itinerary, are the plus points with a one way. I never consider them, however, without adding at least another week. I also greatly enjoy the round trip Seattle sailings.

 

I think, you may want to take a look at activities you wish to include. You mention flight seeing, spectacular options to look at on both itineraries.

 

For a basic cruise, your prices seem high to me, if these are inside cabins. Not for everyone but a good place to save some money. :)

[styme123]

@Budget Queen

Yeah the $10,000 was for all interiors no balconies. There are 7 of us so that's about $1,430 pp. I thought it was about average:( I saw cheaper to Tracy Arm but went for the extra to see Glacier Bay. We also got $150 cruise credit per stateroom so it was an extra $600 to spend. We are locked into the 2 summer months due to work. What do you think it should have been?

[Budget Queen]

@Budget Queen

Yeah the $10,000 was for all interiors no balconies. There are 7 of us so that's about $1,430 pp. I thought it was about average:( I saw cheaper to Tracy Arm but went for the extra to see Glacier Bay. We also got $150 cruise credit per stateroom so it was an extra $600 to spend. We are locked into the 2 summer months due to work. What do you think it should have been?

 

Yikes, I just don't pay those fares. :)

 

Sounds like you are booking 4 cabins, so essentially you are paying for 8? Any chance of 3/4 options. Would significantly lower your costs.

 

I don't want OBC's I want lower fares. :) So I never look at those -as "spending". Cashing out at the casino may be another option to consider.

[styme123]

Any suggestions on how to get better fares? I feel like I've been on the web for the last 2 weeks.Yeah it stinks about the 7 th person (I should of had an extra kid:)and rounded it out) but all the 3 room inside cabins were sold out everywhere. We can't use the OBC at the casino, but we will probably a little on some of the more fairly priced excursions. A few aren't that far off from what we would spend if booked it ourselves.

[Budget Queen]

Any suggestions on how to get better fares? I feel like I've been on the web for the last 2 weeks.Yeah it stinks about the 7 th person (I should of had an extra kid:)and rounded it out) but all the 3 room inside cabins were sold out everywhere. We can't use the OBC at the casino, but we will probably a little on some of the more fairly priced excursions. A few aren't that far off from what we would spend if booked it ourselves.

 

Every July sailing has no 3rd person rates?

 

You have chosen what cruise? You might want to look at several other cruises? There isn't any "perfect" cruise and all will offer you a great trip.

[idahospud]

Any suggestions on how to get better fares? I feel like I've been on the web for the last 2 weeks.Yeah it stinks about the 7 th person (I should of had an extra kid:)and rounded it out) but all the 3 room inside cabins were sold out everywhere. We can't use the OBC at the casino, but we will probably a little on some of the more fairly priced excursions. A few aren't that far off from what we would spend if booked it ourselves.

 

Sounds like one of the cabins only has only one person in it? If that's the case you are paying double for that one person. If no interiors for three are open you might want to see if an obstructed ocean view cabin for three or four is open. Could be cheaper moving up to an obstructed view and putting three/four people in that cabin than paying for a single person in one cabin.

Edited March 2, 2016 by idahospud

[Coral]

Yikes, I just don't pay those fares. :)

 

Sounds like you are booking 4 cabins, so essentially you are paying for 8? Any chance of 3/4 options. Would significantly lower your costs.

 

I don't want OBC's I want lower fares. :) So I never look at those -as "spending". Cashing out at the casino may be another option to consider.

 

Princess's Twice As Nice sale had OBC as a promotion. It is not the TA who is giving their reduction in OBC.

 

Ironically - it specifically states that you can not take the money out in the casino. Not sure if they are sophisticated to prevent this but there is a disclaimer that it can not be used at the casino or withdrawn at the casino.

[styme123]

I thought of the option of getting a 3 person obstructed window room but the increase to all 3 people made it a more expensive option than paying for the single. The cruise lines said those are the first ones to go often as families with younger children take those often and there aren't as many of them. I tried to even think of other family members to go to fill up the room but no good candidates;)

@ Budget Queen I had looked at a bunch of different cruise lines and itineraries and there were only a few that met the mark for my restrictions. I wanted Glacier Bay, Seattle/Seattle, toward the beginning of July, the ports didn't matter as much but was leaning away from Icy straight and Sitka.

I had focused also on Princess and HAL as many reviewers said they were the best to go to Alaska with. HAL was more expensive and went to Sitka. HAL also seemed to be for an older clientele.

[Coral]

I thought of the option of getting a 3 person obstructed window room but the increase to all 3 people made it a more expensive option than paying for the single. The cruise lines said those are the first ones to go often as families with younger children take those often and there aren't as many of them. I tried to even think of other family members to go to fill up the room but no good candidates;)

@ Budget Queen I had looked at a bunch of different cruise lines and itineraries and there were only a few that met the mark for my restrictions. I wanted Glacier Bay, Seattle/Seattle, toward the beginning of July, the ports didn't matter as much but was leaning away from Icy straight and Sitka.

I had focused also on Princess and HAL as many reviewers said they were the best to go to Alaska with. HAL was more expensive and went to Sitka. HAL also seemed to be for an older clientele.

 

You may do better to do a last minute cruise. After final payments are made, prices may go down. It all depends on availability. Not sure if that works with people's schedules but most of my cruises are booked 60 days out.

 

Also, make sure you are checking with an agent who discounts their cruises.

Edited March 2, 2016 by Coral

[dijid]

Any suggestions on how to get better fares? I feel like I've been on the web for the last 2 weeks.Yeah it stinks about the 7 th person (I should of had an extra kid:)and rounded it out) but all the 3 room inside cabins were sold out everywhere. We can't use the OBC at the casino, but we will probably a little on some of the more fairly priced excursions. A few aren't that far off from what we would spend if booked it ourselves.

 

Ways to get better fares: Book farther in advance, go at another time of year (May or September) when fares are lower. Look for "Kids Sail Free" promotions. Look at all cruise lines and not just Princess.

 

You can save on airfare by using frequent flyer miles. Some credit cards will give you 100,000 points (which can be transferred to frequent flyer miles) as sign up bonuses. You may have to pay a $450 annual fee, but book far enough in advance, and that could get you 4 round trip domestic tickets. (Those cards usually also give you $200-$400 worth of airline credits which can be used to purchase gift certificates which then apply to the airfare.) And the open jaw ticket of home to Vancouver; Anchorage to home counted as a 25,000 mile trip for my family. Hotels in Vancouver don't have to be expensive. Look at the cost of the Victorian hotel.

 

You can do the trip for less. You just may not be able to do it this July for less. (I know what I'm talking about. My family is going to Alaska on the Norwegian Sun May 30th. Two nights in Vancouver pre-cruise and two nights in Alaska post-cruise. Private whale watch in Juneau, taxi tour in Ketchikan and renting a car in Skagway. Total cost, including parking at our home airport will be less than $5500 for my family of five.)

[Coral]

Ways to get better fares: Book farther in advance, go at another time of year (May or September) when fares are lower. Look for "Kids Sail Free" promotions. Look at all cruise lines and not just Princess.

 

 

I think last minute bookings are the way to go.

[TexasBorderAussie]

You may want to take a look at both Celebrity and Norweigian. Not sure about Celebrity including Glacier Bay but I do know that Norwegian does and I know both have round trip and one way tours.

[Budget Queen]

I thought of the option of getting a 3 person obstructed window room but the increase to all 3 people made it a more expensive option than paying for the single. The cruise lines said those are the first ones to go often as families with younger children take those often and there aren't as many of them. I tried to even think of other family members to go to fill up the room but no good candidates;)

@ Budget Queen I had looked at a bunch of different cruise lines and itineraries and there were only a few that met the mark for my restrictions. I wanted Glacier Bay, Seattle/Seattle, toward the beginning of July, the ports didn't matter as much but was leaning away from Icy straight and Sitka.

I had focused also on Princess and HAL as many reviewers said they were the best to go to Alaska with. HAL was more expensive and went to Sitka. HAL also seemed to be for an older clientele.

 

Demographics are way more similar in Alaska on ALL the cruise lines, with HAL an excellent choice. But, I'd also suggest you look at the NCL Pearl.

 

I do a lot of late booking, you do have to book right when you see a price dump. All the cruise lines are possible, with Carnival- not seen as frequently.

 

I'd suggest- you may want to focus less on the "reviewers best". You are going to see rave reviews on all the Alaska cruises. :)

[styme123]

I looked at a bunch of the other cruise lines but each of them had something that wasn't a good fit as far as dates/price/ports.

 

Celebrity, Carnival- doesn't go to Glacier Bay from Seattle

RCC-not great ports

HAL,NCL-more expensive than Princess

 

My "kids" are all above 18 so I couldn't benefit from the "kids free" promotions. I saw that there were cheaper rates but not on the dates that I could go. The best weeks that everyone could go all together was the first 2 weeks in July. Otherwise we are working and can't go. Unfortunately prime pricing time. It is kind of a catch 22 with waiting till closer to the cruise time as the airfare keeps going up. So whatever I saved on the cruise I spent on air:( as it is the air far went up anywhere from $75-$100 more per ticket since I started looking.

[Budget Queen]

I looked at a bunch of the other cruise lines but each of them had something that wasn't a good fit as far as dates/price/ports.

 

Celebrity, Carnival- doesn't go to Glacier Bay from Seattle

RCC-not great ports

HAL,NCL-more expensive than Princess

 

My "kids" are all above 18 so I couldn't benefit from the "kids free" promotions. I saw that there were cheaper rates but not on the dates that I could go. The best weeks that everyone could go all together was the first 2 weeks in July. Otherwise we are working and can't go. Unfortunately prime pricing time. It is kind of a catch 22 with waiting till closer to the cruise time as the airfare keeps going up. So whatever I saved on the cruise I spent on air:( as it is the air far went up anywhere from $75-$100 more per ticket since I started looking.

 

"Kids sail free" is for ANY 3/4 person. not just "kids", any age.

 

Does every one have that 2 weeks to take? Or are you looking to use only a week?

 

IF you all can be gone that 2 weeks- you can block that time, with your flights- and IF you were more flexible, and considered any round trip cruise- very likely you could snag a last minute deal. (I do this every year, over many, 2014 picked up 7 cruises with only one booked "regular" (ahead), last year, picked up 3 with a 4th booked ahead). I most often seen the price dumps with Princess, HAL, and sometimes NCL, RCI and Celebrity. Rarely Carnival.

 

My bookings have the significant advantage of flying nonrev, but blocking time can work almost as well, with flexibility and several cruise options.

[thinfool]

I would add this....there are travel agents who are holding the rooms that you want (3 and 4 person rooms).

 

Princess.com has no access to these until the travel agents turn them in if they cannot sell them. This is usually about 75 days prior to sail date.

 

I suggest that you call around and see what you can find.

Edited March 2, 2016 by thinfool

[Budget Queen]

I just got an email from a large agency, with excellent deals on Celebrity, correct, they don't go to Glacier Bay, but, has many positives- 2 of the top 3 ship naturalists, as example.

 

Their round trip Vancouver is a great itinerary, and running, $899pp inside + $100 obc /cabin.

 

The savings are considerable in the above case, over what is previously posted with Princess. Just an option. :)

[idahospud]

@Budget Queen

Yeah the $10,000 was for all interiors no balconies. There are 7 of us so that's about $1,430 pp. I thought it was about average:( I saw cheaper to Tracy Arm but went for the extra to see Glacier Bay. We also got $150 cruise credit per stateroom so it was an extra $600 to spend. We are locked into the 2 summer months due to work. What do you think it should have been?

 

Those of us who have cruised Alaska can tell you that you are overpaying for an interior cabin. Big time. I would highly recommend looking at alternatives or waiting until the date gets closer (but before final payment) before settling on the specific ship and date.

 

If your heart is set on this voyage, keep checking the prices for your cabin category. Prices do change and if it drops before final payment is due you can ask for a price adjustment.

[styme123]

Wow didn't know that about the travel agency holding rooms, doesn't seem fair. I was nervous that I would wait too long and get shut out of getting anything:( When I spoke to the different cruise companies they made it sound like it was urgent. (I am sure they have a hidden agenda) I guess they don't fill up as fast as I thought. When I checked Princess before they had about 120 inside cabins left on the ship. I'm not sure if that's a little or a lot not knowing much about cruises. I have till April 25 to give them the final payment I guess I can shop around and see what else is out there. I don't want to over pay for something I can get for cheaper, but I don't want to get shut out either. I am all about the bargains normally but not having cruised or traveled much at all before I don't know all the ways to get the sales:( I am learning though with your guys help:)

[Budget Queen]

Wow didn't know that about the travel agency holding rooms, doesn't seem fair. I was nervous that I would wait too long and get shut out of getting anything:( When I spoke to the different cruise companies they made it sound like it was urgent. (I am sure they have a hidden agenda) I guess they don't fill up as fast as I thought. When I checked Princess before they had about 120 inside cabins left on the ship. I'm not sure if that's a little or a lot not knowing much about cruises. I have till April 25 to give them the final payment I guess I can shop around and see what else is out there. I don't want to over pay for something I can get for cheaper, but I don't want to get shut out either. I am all about the bargains normally but not having cruised or traveled much at all before I don't know all the ways to get the sales:( I am learning though with your guys help:)

 

Alaska is popular and cruises do sell out. With you wanting lower rates, you have to be more flexible and willing to consider all the cruises available in your time frame.

 

Have you determined the dates, for everybody? IF a good sale happens, you aren't going to have time to decide then with 7 people. As I suggested, an option would be to block your time and flights now- as long as you can take at least 10 days, having numerous cruises possible. Staying in Seattle/Seatac is reasonable with good public transportation and easy options to get to Vancouver, if needed. This is assuming you have determined , a round trip cruise?

 

IF your choices are only for Princess and only 2 cruises, then you are at significant risk of not getting a price drop/bargain.

[styme123]

I already know that everyone can go from July 1 until the 16th. with adjustment on each end if needed. My husband can take any 2 weeks in the summer but only 2 weeks. How do I book a flight without knowing what the exact dates would be? What if I book say the 9-16 flight and the cruise I want is July 1-8?