Alaska Recommendation- Rough Seas & Big Boats

[efuller1026]

Hi! My husband and I are looking at going on an Alaskan cruise next year (2021) for our anniversary. We are loyal to RCCL and are looking at trips on either Quantum or Ovation of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas. I need some help/suggestions on deciding on an itinerary.

 

Things to consider: 1) I am prone to seasickness--though I have never actually been seasick on a cruise and I have been on about 10 to Caribbean and Mediterranean. I and am a bit concerned about the Gulf of Alaska that I think would inevitably be a part of the cruise if going with Quantum/Ovation of the seas (vs. Serenade which travels the inside passage). If the seas get rough, is this experienced for the full duration of the cruise or for a few hours of travel? 2) We are definitely interested in things to do on board and know the selection on Quantum/Ovation if far superior. For those that have cruised Alaska- did you spend much time actually doing onboard activities? 3) We are obviously excited for the scenery. Deciding between visiting Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on Quantum/Ovation or Tracy Arm Fjord on Serenade. Suggestions for which is better? I have a preference for waterfalls and wildlife. Also, any insight as to whether the "sightseeing" days are more difficult on a larger ship because the masses of people? 

 

We are looking to travel in August/early September and will likely be getting a Grand Suite if that influences answers. Any other input regarding boat/itinerary preference is helpful!

 

Thank you!

[CruiserBruce]

Seas can be rough anywhere, any time. The size of the ship matters very little...they all have stabilizers, but when the seas move, ships move.

 

That being said, you will spend a lot of time in the Inside Passage, which is generally calmer most of the time.

[Glaciers]

I haven’t looked at this thoroughly although it does not appear any of those ships cross the Gulf of Alaska. Quantum & Ovation do sail from Seattle to the west of Vancouver Island that can sometimes be rough. If avoiding seasickness is a priority then the Serenade would be a better choice round trip from Vancouver.

 

We’re not into onboard activities while cruising Alaska but did tour the Quantum last summer. Just an amazing ship.

 

I do understand loyalty but RCCL itineraries can be a bit lackluster in comparison to lines like Princess & Holland who stop at Hubbard Glacier & Glacier Bay.

[Heidi13]

1 hour ago, efuller1026 said:

Hi! My husband and I are looking at going on an Alaskan cruise next year (2021) for our anniversary. We are loyal to RCCL and are looking at trips on either Quantum or Ovation of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas. I need some help/suggestions on deciding on an itinerary.

 

Things to consider: 1) I am prone to seasickness--though I have never actually been seasick on a cruise and I have been on about 10 to Caribbean and Mediterranean. I and am a bit concerned about the Gulf of Alaska that I think would inevitably be a part of the cruise if going with Quantum/Ovation of the seas (vs. Serenade which travels the inside passage). If the seas get rough, is this experienced for the full duration of the cruise or for a few hours of travel? 2) We are definitely interested in things to do on board and know the selection on Quantum/Ovation if far superior. For those that have cruised Alaska- did you spend much time actually doing onboard activities? 3) We are obviously excited for the scenery. Deciding between visiting Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on Quantum/Ovation or Tracy Arm Fjord on Serenade. Suggestions for which is better? I have a preference for waterfalls and wildlife. Also, any insight as to whether the "sightseeing" days are more difficult on a larger ship because the masses of people? 

 

We are looking to travel in August/early September and will likely be getting a Grand Suite if that influences answers. Any other input regarding boat/itinerary preference is helpful!

 

Thank you!

 

1) If prone to seasickness, suggest avoiding any cruises out of Seattle, which on a 7-day R/T spend about 3 days in the Pacific Ocean, to the West of Vancouver Island. Seattle is 100 miles further to Alaska and those ships must stop in a Canadian port, so have less time in Alaska.

 

Vancouver ships have open waters for 5 hrs on departure, but even if the wind blows it is generally NW in the summer. Most times it doesn't cause too much motion. The first night is spent in the Inside Passage (Johnson Strait), but most of day 2 is spent in Hecate Strait, which can be a little rough at times, but not too often in the summer.

 

2) In Alaska the destination is the highlight for most people. Having completed 2 full Alaska seasons and numerous additional cruises, we still focus on the scenery and would have no interest in ship activities.

 

3) Have never been to Endicott Arm, so can't comment on that one. Tracy Arm is spectacular, if the ship can get in and up to the glacier. However, ice often blocks access. Of all cruises to Alaska, I have only made it in to the glacier once. For glaciers, I prefer the Glacier Bay experience with onboard Rangers and Hubbard Glacier.

 

Mega ships have more people, but the ship's design greatly impacts the viewing experience. How many viewing areas are available - open decks below the Bridge (Coral/Island Princess), above the Bridge, Prom Decks, etc. Personally, we only sail on small ships with < 1,000 pax, so it isn't an issue.

 

If considering a Grand Suite, for the same money, I would suggest checking out some of the smaller luxury/premium ships, which get into smaller ports to see more of Alaska, rather than just Ketchikan, Juneau & Skagway, etc.

[Aquahound]

I recommend Serenade. 

 

One, as the other said, the R/T out of Vancouver takes you through the Inside Passage.  Seattle cruises can be rough because they transit open ocean west of Vancouver Island.  

 

Two, the Viking Crown Lounge on Serenade makes for a great viewing lounge.  Even outside of that lounge, Radiance Class ships have so much glass, it's hard to beat them for taking in the scenery.  

 

I sailed in a Grand Suite on Radiance once.  I have to say, it was a nice experience.  That is a beautiful class of ships.  

[efuller1026]

47 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

1) If prone to seasickness, suggest avoiding any cruises out of Seattle, which on a 7-day R/T spend about 3 days in the Pacific Ocean, to the West of Vancouver Island. Seattle is 100 miles further to Alaska and those ships must stop in a Canadian port, so have less time in Alaska.

 

Vancouver ships have open waters for 5 hrs on departure, but even if the wind blows it is generally NW in the summer. Most times it doesn't cause too much motion. The first night is spent in the Inside Passage (Johnson Strait), but most of day 2 is spent in Hecate Strait, which can be a little rough at times, but not too often in the summer.

 

2) In Alaska the destination is the highlight for most people. Having completed 2 full Alaska seasons and numerous additional cruises, we still focus on the scenery and would have no interest in ship activities.

 

3) Have never been to Endicott Arm, so can't comment on that one. Tracy Arm is spectacular, if the ship can get in and up to the glacier. However, ice often blocks access. Of all cruises to Alaska, I have only made it in to the glacier once. For glaciers, I prefer the Glacier Bay experience with onboard Rangers and Hubbard Glacier.

 

Mega ships have more people, but the ship's design greatly impacts the viewing experience. How many viewing areas are available - open decks below the Bridge (Coral/Island Princess), above the Bridge, Prom Decks, etc. Personally, we only sail on small ships with < 1,000 pax, so it isn't an issue.

 

If considering a Grand Suite, for the same money, I would suggest checking out some of the smaller luxury/premium ships, which get into smaller ports to see more of Alaska, rather than just Ketchikan, Juneau & Skagway, etc.

Thanks! I am prone to seasickness and that is a big concern for me...but I am equally as concerned about the 2 days cruising in the itinerary and then another 1 or 2 days of "sightseeing" without docking. This equates to a lot of time on the ship. My husband and I are in our early 30s if that makes a difference in your thoughts about needing things to do on board.

 

Also, we have a future cruise credit to use with RCCL, which is why we are trying to stick with them this time around. 

[efuller1026]

12 minutes ago, Aquahound said:

I recommend Serenade. 

 

One, as the other said, the R/T out of Vancouver takes you through the Inside Passage.  Seattle cruises can be rough because they transit open ocean west of Vancouver Island.  

 

Two, the Viking Crown Lounge on Serenade makes for a great viewing lounge.  Even outside of that lounge, Radiance Class ships have so much glass, it's hard to beat them for taking in the scenery.  

 

I sailed in a Grand Suite on Radiance once.  I have to say, it was a nice experience.  That is a beautiful class of ships.  

We have sailed in a Grand Suite on Brillance out of Tampa (we live here) and the first night out was actually the roughest we have ever experienced. I am wondering if sailing out of Seattle is anything like our gulf down here? Our experience could have been a fluke, but I wouldn't want to deal with that for 3 days. I agree that the glass on the ship is absolutely beautiful and it was recommended to us to do Alaska on a Radiance class ship because of this. I am just so worried that we will be bored on the cruising days (we were when we did Brillance to the Caribbean).  

[efuller1026]

2 hours ago, Glaciers said:

I haven’t looked at this thoroughly although it does not appear any of those ships cross the Gulf of Alaska. Quantum & Ovation do sail from Seattle to the west of Vancouver Island that can sometimes be rough. If avoiding seasickness is a priority then the Serenade would be a better choice round trip from Vancouver.

 

 

 

We’re not into onboard activities while cruising Alaska but did tour the Quantum last summer. Just an amazing ship.

 

 

 

I do understand loyalty but RCCL itineraries can be a bit lackluster in comparison to lines like Princess & Holland who stop at Hubbard Glacier & Glacier Bay.

 

Would love to know what you have done on the "cruising" days if not onboard activities? We would potentially have two cruising days and at least one "sightseeing" day that would vary in length. I can't imagine us sitting on our balcony for 6 hours looking outside, but maybe we would? Is this what people do? I really am curious to know as my experience is very go-go-go with things to do at many ports in the Med or relax on a beach in the Caribbean. Alaska would be very different for us!

 

Also, I was planning to stick with RCCL because we have a future cruise credit to use!

[reallyitsmema]

We have done Radiance southbound Seward to Vancouver and have Quantum roundtrip Seattle booked for 2021.  We liked Radiance (Serenades sister ship) and have sailed all the ships in that class, but found the onboard activities lacking on our Alaska cruise.  There was trivia and movies most days and some shows at night, but not much else.  Even the casino was shut early most nights, typically by midnight, if not earlier.  On sea days, we were out on deck or on our balcony watching the scenery.

 

We are doing Quantum this time so we can fly nonstop to Seattle and not deal with a lot of flights, people and airports.  We have not sailed Quantum but have sailed Anthem five times and love that class of ships.  There are lots of activities in the Seaplex and more food choices on that class of ship compared to Serenade.  There is plenty of places to watch the scenery, whether you want to be inside or out on deck.  We are hoping the nighttime entertainment is better on Quantum too.

 

I am just hoping there is an Alaska season in 2021. 🙂 

[wolfcathorse]

1 hour ago, efuller1026 said:

 I can't imagine us sitting on our balcony for 6 hours looking outside, but maybe we would? Is this what people do?

 

If you're there during whale season that's absolutely what people do! Then there's scouring the shores for bears and eagles. There will be educational seminars (and I don't mean the port shopping or Park West ones) about the area and culture that you can attend if you're bored with mountains, whales, eagles, otters, sea lions, bears... 

[NancyIL]

For me, the reason to Cruise to Alaska is to see Alaska, and the ship is secondary.  Ovation and Quantum have a lot of bells and whistles, but their Alaska itineraries are among the least impressive of any. Both visit  just 2 Alaskan ports (as well as Victoria) and a minor glacier.
 

I’d book a one-way cruise on Radiance, plus spend at least a few days on land in Alaska before a southbound cruise or after a northbound cruise.  A round-trip from Vancouver on Serenade would still have a better itinerary than Ovation or Quantum. 

Edited August 16, 2020 by NancyIL

[George C]

Would definitely pick a larger ship disagree that stabilizer will solve rough seas , several years ago we did a cruise from nyc to Bermuda extremely rough seas many people didn’t make it to mdr , there was a much larger ship doing same cruise that passengers said sailing was fine. Also entertainment is way better on larger ships , ice show , aqua shows etc etc.

[Jimbo]

When cruising in Alaska, it may not  be best to be Loyal to Royal.

 

Look at itinerary for Princess Sapphire on September 15th   2021, 10 Night cruise, Vancouver to Vancouver.

 

4 free perks are included from Princess, well kind of , price differs with how many you pick but price for those perks is greatly reduced.

 

Don't really care how the ship is, when going to Alaska, the glaciers & ports are the main thing and this itinerary has it all!

• • Day 1: Vancouver
  • Wed Sep 15 2021 | Depart 04:30 PM
• • Day 2: At Sea
  • Thu Sep 16 2021 |
• • Day 3: Juneau
  • Fri Sep 17 2021 | 01:30 PM To 09:00 PM
• • Day 4: Skagway
  • Sat Sep 18 2021 | 06:00 AM To 08:30 PM
• • Day 5: Glacier Bay
  • Sun Sep 19 2021 | 07:00 AM To 03:30 PM
• • Day 6: Hubbard Glacier
  • Mon Sep 20 2021 | 07:00 AM To 01:00 PM
• • Day 7: Icy Strait Point
  • Tue Sep 21 2021 | 07:00 AM To 06:00 PM
• • Day 8: Sitka
  • Wed Sep 22 2021 | 07:00 AM To 05:00 PM
• • Day 9: Ketchikan
  • Thu Sep 23 2021 | 08:00 AM To 06:00 PM
• • Day 10: At Sea
  • Fri Sep 24 2021 |
• • Day 11: Vancouver
  • Sat Sep 25 2021 | Arrive 07:30 AM

Edited August 16, 2020 by Jimbo

[molsonschooner]

19 minutes ago, George C said:

Would definitely pick a larger ship disagree that stabilizer will solve rough seas , several years ago we did a cruise from nyc to Bermuda extremely rough seas many people didn’t make it to mdr , there was a much larger ship doing same cruise that passengers said sailing was fine. Also entertainment is way better on larger ships , ice show , aqua shows etc etc.

I would agree that with a larger ship you might get a better ride but I will also say that the roughest trip we have ever had was on Oasis

[BirdTravels]

6 hours ago, efuller1026 said:

Hi! My husband and I are looking at going on an Alaskan cruise next year (2021) for our anniversary. We are loyal to RCCL and are looking at trips on either Quantum or Ovation of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas. I need some help/suggestions on deciding on an itinerary.

 

Things to consider: 1) I am prone to seasickness--though I have never actually been seasick on a cruise and I have been on about 10 to Caribbean and Mediterranean. I and am a bit concerned about the Gulf of Alaska that I think would inevitably be a part of the cruise if going with Quantum/Ovation of the seas (vs. Serenade which travels the inside passage). If the seas get rough, is this experienced for the full duration of the cruise or for a few hours of travel? 2) We are definitely interested in things to do on board and know the selection on Quantum/Ovation if far superior. For those that have cruised Alaska- did you spend much time actually doing onboard activities? 3) We are obviously excited for the scenery. Deciding between visiting Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on Quantum/Ovation or Tracy Arm Fjord on Serenade. Suggestions for which is better? I have a preference for waterfalls and wildlife. Also, any insight as to whether the "sightseeing" days are more difficult on a larger ship because the masses of people? 

 

We are looking to travel in August/early September and will likely be getting a Grand Suite if that influences answers. Any other input regarding boat/itinerary preference is helpful!

 

Thank you!

We sail Alaska every year, mostly R/T Seattle. You will be in open seas on your second and last days. It can get bumpy depending on the weather on any size ship (just like in the Caribbean). i would not worry about it. Once you get near your first port, you will be in protected, calm waters until you head back home. The R/T Vancouver avoids some of the open ocean and has better whale watching. 
 

Tracey and Endicot are about the same and should not drive any decisions. There is a lot of times that ships scheduled for Tracey end up in Endicot because of excessive ice in the water. Both are spectacular views. 
 

We sit for hours on our balcony watching for whales, dolphin and other sea life. If your objective is to sit at a bar and drink until you can’t stand, go on a Caribbean cruise. Alaska is for the scenery and wildlife. 
 

We’re booked in a GS on the Quantum to Alaska next year. We selected it for the itinerary (not the ship). We sailed on the Norwegian Joy (roughly the same size ship) last year. 
 

Glacier watching day requires a heavy coat, hat and gloves. All worth it. Starboard side is better for both Tracey and Endicot. On the Quantum, glacier watching starts early in the morning which would be a perfect opportunity for breakfast on the balcony watching the Alaskan beauty. 

[efuller1026]

2 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

We sail Alaska every year, mostly R/T Seattle. You will be in open seas on your second and last days. It can get bumpy depending on the weather on any size ship (just like in the Caribbean). i would not worry about it. Once you get near your first port, you will be in protected, calm waters until you head back home. The R/T Vancouver avoids some of the open ocean and has better whale watching. 
 

Tracey and Endicot are about the same and should not drive any decisions. There is a lot of times that ships scheduled for Tracey end up in Endicot because of excessive ice in the water. Both are spectacular views. 
 

We sit for hours on our balcony watching for whales, dolphin and other sea life. If your objective is to sit at a bar and drink until you can’t stand, go on a Caribbean cruise. Alaska is for the scenery and wildlife. 
 

We’re booked in a GS on the Quantum to Alaska next year. We selected it for the itinerary (not the ship). We sailed on the Norwegian Joy (roughly the same size ship) last year. 
 

Glacier watching day requires a heavy coat, hat and gloves. All worth it. Starboard side is better for both Tracey and Endicot. On the Quantum, glacier watching starts early in the morning which would be a perfect opportunity for breakfast on the balcony watching the Alaskan beauty. 

Thank you- this is super helpful. 

 

My husband and I are definitely NOT the drink 'til you can't stand types, but do enjoy exploring the on board activities (trivia, shows, etc.) and I was curious as to whether the availability of these options was in fact superior on a Quantum class ships. From the reviews that I have read, it seems at least the talent is better on the Quantum ships. 

 

Can I ask what itinerary you chose and what made that decision for you? Was it a specific port or glacier experience? If so, what one? As someone who regularly cruises Alaska, any advice on what port is a must-see, which glacier experience is the best, or excursion is a must-do? We are in our 30s traveling solo and very active. We love hiking, kayaking, etc. 

[Glaciers]

6 hours ago, efuller1026 said:

Would love to know what you have done on the "cruising" days if not onboard activities?

I’m pretty boring.  Up early and in a forward viewing area with a cup of coffee, sometimes for hours looking for wildlife, primarily whales.  We do enjoy trivia every now and then. If we are close enough to land or cruising places like Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm or the such, we’re on deck looking for wildlife and the scenery. We don’t usually get a balcony and would never stay there when there are things to see as you’re always missing something on the other side of the ship. Taking it to another level, the small ship cruises like Uncruise or Alaskan Dream have no onboard entertainment but they are exceptional as they are all about Alaska and not about the ship.

[cruiseguy1016]

19 hours ago, efuller1026 said:

Things to consider: 1) I am prone to seasickness--though I have never actually been seasick on a cruise and I have been on about 10 to Caribbean and Mediterranean.

 

Thank you!

 

If you have never been seasick on a cruise ship in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, you may not need to worry about a cruise in Alaska. Did you experience rough seas on any of your previous cruises? If not on a cruise ship, where HAVE you experienced seasickness? A little family runabout or even a large charter fishing boat will react in rough seas a lot differently than a cruise ship will. 6' swells will make a charter fishing boat bounce all over the place but a cruise ship will not be affected by them. Take dramamine or bonine every day to be on the safe side and you will probably be alright. 

[twangster]

Five cruises to Alaska on different itineraries and its never been any different than the Caribbean for me.    It's not like the Bering Sea you see on shows like 'Deadliest Catch'.

 

Biggest advice when booking Alaska to review the arrival and departure times in each port before booking.  Some arrive in Victoria at 6pm and depart at 10pm - hardly a great time of day to visit any port.  

 

When it comes to Alaska I forgo the ship entertainment and spend as much time as I can on the outer decks taking it all in.  

[NeedsVitaminSea]

40-somethings with 2 kids (12 & 9).  We sailed Ovation to Alaska last year and we had a really good time.  We had some unpleasantly rough seas on the second night that smoothed out as soon as we hit the inside passage.  This was our first cruise with RCCL.

 

I chose Ovation because I wasn't sure how much entertainment we would need.  We saw the evening shows and enjoyed some of the bars in the evening but it turns out that I wanted to spend most of my time looking outside since it stays light so late.  I couldn't tear myself away from the windows.  The scenery is really peaceful and beautiful and you are close to it for most of the cruise.  I enjoyed the ship but felt like the trip itself was more of a teaser for Alaska.  I hope to go back on a different itinerary that spends more time there.

[efuller1026]

17 minutes ago, NeedsVitaminSea said:

We had some unpleasantly rough seas on the second night that smoothed out as soon as we hit the inside passage. 

 

 I hope to go back on a different itinerary that spends more time there.

Any estimate for about how long the rough seas lasted hour-wise? Was it enough that you felt you needed to go back to your room?

 

Can I ask what your itinerary looked like? 

[efuller1026]

9 hours ago, cruiseguy1016 said:

 

If you have never been seasick on a cruise ship in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, you may not need to worry about a cruise in Alaska. Did you experience rough seas on any of your previous cruises? If not on a cruise ship, where HAVE you experienced seasickness? 

We experienced some pretty rough seas on my first night sailing out of Tampa to the Caribbean. It was enough that the curtains at dinner were swaying pretty drastically and I had to excuse myself before food came to go lay down. Other than that I've never had a problem.

 

I've been seasick on MUCH smaller boats- sailboats and catamarans. On the bigger boats my issue tends to be more anxiety about getting seasick rather than actually getting seasick...I always have dramamine and ginger drops with me just in case though. 

[NeedsVitaminSea]

The rough seas we had lasted probably mid-afternoon until about 3:00 am.  I know this because I remember my fitbit registered that I fell asleep not by when I went to bed but when the ship stopped rocking!

 

The movement we felt was pretty extreme but is not the worst I've experienced.  (That was on NCL Epic off the coast of the Bahamas because the swells were too large to dock. We watched the horizon going up and down)  We maxed our Bonine dose and still went to dinner.  Food actually settled my stomach that night.  I was more queasy waiting for the food to arrive.  The worst of it was when we tried to watch the show in 270.  Sitting in that big room with everything visually still but feeling the motion was not so comfortable.  

 

The rest of the trip was smooth as glass so I wouldn't let this deter you if everything else points to a big ship out of Seattle.  Just have medication at the ready in case you need it.

 

The itinerary had us in Juneau on Day 3, Skagway Day 4 and Endicott Arm on Day 5, Victoria Day 6.  All were beautiful!  I just wish we had at least one more day on land to see more of Alaska.  

[NeedsVitaminSea]

8 minutes ago, efuller1026 said:

I've been seasick on MUCH smaller boats- sailboats and catamarans. On the bigger boats my issue tends to be more anxiety about getting seasick rather than actually getting seasick...I always have dramamine and ginger drops with me just in case though. 

Maybe you should try Sea Bands as well.  We wear them all the time.  I don't know if they actually work or if it's just the power of suggestion but it may help you feel less anxious.  Also, Bonine doesn't cause drowsiness so you can just take one per day to be safe.  I have to take them now at the end of the cruise to avoid having sea legs on land!

[HappyCruiserettu]

16 hours ago, twangster said:

 

Biggest advice when booking Alaska to review the arrival and departure times in each port before booking.  Some arrive in Victoria at 6pm and depart at 10pm - hardly a great time of day to visit any port.   

Yes. I've always wondered why so many ships make only a short evening visit to Victoria. We were on Ovation from Hawaii to Vancouver in 2019. We had a longer stop scheduled for Victoria, but it had to be cut to a few afternoon hours, because we had to get to Vancouver to pass under the bridge by 7 PM. It was Ovation's first visit to Vancouver, and the captain had to carefully time the arrival. Next time to be able to pass under the bridge was on departure the next day.