travelbug4 Posted August 24, 2017 #1 Share Posted August 24, 2017 We are thinking about a cruise to Alaska, August 2018 with our 15 and 13 year old. Does anyone have any suggestions on ships? Our priority is obviously to see the amazing scenery in Alaska. But I wanted to also choose a ship that might have a few fun things to do when not sightseeing. We want to definitely be on a ship that does Glacier Bay National Park...which I've noticed eliminates a bunch of ships. And I'm thinking we want to depart and return to the same port. Thanks for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1025cruise Posted August 24, 2017 #2 Share Posted August 24, 2017 Alaska is all about the itinerary, not the ship. Figure out your itinerary, then find the ship that fits it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atanac Posted August 25, 2017 #3 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Have a look at the description for Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Sea. It has a lot of onboard diversions your kids might enjoy. Voyages on this ship to Alaska doesn't call at Glacier Bay but Tracey's Arm is spectacular as well. The 138,000-ton Explorer of the Seas is loaded with recreational amenities: an ice-skating rink, in-line skating track, rock-climbing wall, television studio and full-size, open-air basketball court. The Royal Promenade, which runs through the center of the ship, is longer than a football field and wide enough to accommodate three lanes of traffic. Here you'll find restaurants, shops, entertainment and street performers. The basketball court converts to a volleyball court, and there's also a golf simulator, nine-hole miniature golf course and jogging track. Adventure Beach, just for families, has its own pool. Spots for socializing include a champagne bar, cigar club, sports bar, jazz club, dance club and a cocktail lounge at the top of the ship. Hungry? There's a casual grill, ice-cream parlor, the Windjammer Cafe and Johnny Rocket's, modeled after an authentic 1950s diner (complete with jukebox). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted August 25, 2017 #4 Share Posted August 25, 2017 I think that RCI, Celebrity and Princess would be good options for the family. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted August 25, 2017 #5 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Have a look at the description for Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Sea. It has a lot of onboard diversions your kids might enjoy. Voyages on this ship to Alaska doesn't call at Glacier Bay but Tracey's Arm is spectacular as well.. Honestly -this ship has the worst itinerary in Alaska. If you want to see Alaska, pick something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxo Posted August 26, 2017 #6 Share Posted August 26, 2017 We are thinking about a cruise to Alaska, August 2018 with our 15 and 13 year old.Any chance you can do the trip a few weeks earlier in July.... August starts to get statistically wet.http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/skagway/alaska/united-states/usak0225 At this time.... I like Princess ships for that age group. Good idea to skip the pixie dust for Glacier Bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1025cruise Posted August 26, 2017 #7 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Another thing to keep in mind, activities such as rock walls, slides, flowriders, etc are outside. The weather in Alaska is not like the Caribbean. Really, pick a ship for the itinerary you want. The teens will find something to do while on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelbug4 Posted August 27, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted August 27, 2017 All great info! Thank you!! I've heard the weather in July is much better but unfortunately, we can't get away until after the 6th of August. I'll keep studying itineraries and length of time in port. I'm beginning to realize that maybe a one-way with a three day land tour (before?) may be the way to go? All of the week cruises that include Glacier (and return to the same port) are only in port three of the seven days. Unless they depart from Seattle then they drop in Canada for a day...Must be that rule where a ship leaving the US has to stop in a foreign port? Is it best to add a land portion to get the most out of the trip? This will probably be a once in a lifetime trip for us. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1025cruise Posted August 27, 2017 #9 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Yes, the PVSA requires that non-US flagged ships sailing round trip from US ports stop in a near distant port. That's why the one ways operate to/from Vancouver. Most of the round trips go to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway (with the stop in Victoria). Some of the one ways also may go to Sitka. This is the norm for an Alaskan cruise. As to whether or not to do the land tour? If I could, I would. But I would make my own tour, and not do a cruise line one. If all you can do is the 7 days, I would just do a round trip out of Seattle and call it a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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