Alaska

[TheRampantSnail]

We are thinking of an Alaska cruise. We are British and mainly cruise on Azamara where tipping and drinks are included. We enjoy wine with dinner and a cocktail or two in the evening.

 

What extra costs (tipping, drinks as above) apart from excursions, should we plan on for, say, a 7 day Vancouver to Vancouver cruise.

 

Many thanks.

[Blondie008]

We are thinking of an Alaska cruise. We are British and mainly cruise on Azamara where tipping and drinks are included. We enjoy wine with dinner and a cocktail or two in the evening.

 

What extra costs (tipping, drinks as above) apart from excursions, should we plan on for, say, a 7 day Vancouver to Vancouver cruise.

 

Many thanks.

 

I booked my Alaska cruise during the 1-2-3 promotion which does come around to UK from time to time. Free drinks,. free grats, and On board credit.

You just have to keep an eye out for the right deals.

We are doing the Seattle route though - so added 3 x days in Seattle as there is so much we want to see and do there.

We have purchased some excursions and tours, as well as speciality dining for one night (we are in BLU in Aquaclass but also like Murano) - so I gues each month have paid upfront for something so when the time comes- we can do all we want to do and not have a huge tab to bring home :)

Right now I think Free drinks are on offer - that's worth a pretty penny!

We upgraded our free drinks package from classic to premium - it was £113 for two of us for the week to upgrade - peanuts!

[dkjretired]

Tipping is $12.95 a day pp in a standard stateroom. If you have a drink package your tipping is included in the package, if not they add on 18% to the bill.

 

Just be advised that excursions in Alaska tend to be quite expensive.

 

We also did the Solstice trip which does not have the best itinerary of the three Celebrity ships in Alaska but it is still a great trip. We also spent three days in Seattle and contrary to what most people report, we did not like it. Beautiful city, nice sights but too many beggars.

 

If you want to go for the itinerary, do the ships out of Vancouver, if the ship, do Solstice.

Edited March 12, 2016 by dkjretired

[az_tchr]

There are almost always promotions that include at least drinks and gratuities included. As for shore excursions you can do it literally for almost nothing - Ketchikan city bus is free for seniors and can take you quickly and easily to the Totem Bight Park. The NFS museum in town is excellent and also free as is walking Creek Street. Skagway - rented a car shared by 4. Was able to drive the train route, go into Canada, visit Dyea and drive everywhere for under $25 each. On the flip side you can charter an airplane to fly over and land on the glaciers for $1000 or more.

 

Millenium has by far best route and you need two days in Seward. Kenai fjords full day boat tour is a must. lots of places within walking distance of the pier and harbor.

 

Getting active on a roll call wil provide you a choice of private tours that can do the same things and cost little

[florisdekort]

If you can afford it, check Seabourn's 2017 Alaska itineraries.