RC to Alaska...?

[NavyCruiser]

Looking at RCCL's Serenade of the Seas' Alaska cruise for next summer 2022 for family reunion cruise for 40 cruisers.

Our parents who are huge Princess fans, & have done numerous Alaskan cruises on Princess, have been pushing hard for our group to book Princess.  However, the Serenade is $800 - $1500 less expensive for 7 night cruise, so that's a biggie for most of us.  Also, we're Diamond on RCCL, so it's an easy decision for us.

We've heard the Princess & HAL are huge & has great long-time experience in Alaska, but not too familiar with RCCL's in Alaska. 

The Serenade is an older & smaller ship than most others, but still pretty good, we think.

It's round-trip Vancouver to Vancouver, so should be a good cruise.

Thoughts...?

[firefly333]

Usually vancouver route is cheaper than seattle, because of airfare. I can remember seeing princess offseason starting at 399 pp plus taxes advertised. It's no bargain. 

 

I was looking at quantum solo cabins, but they were only cheap when it first came out, not now. 

 

Any cruise to alaska is special, whomever it's on. 

[smplybcause]

It depends what you want to see. Royal doesn't do Glacier Bay which is pretty damn awesome. But there's one itinerary Royal has on a RT out of Vancouver than hits Hubbard which only happens on a 7 day with others that I've seen if you do a one way. 

 

Also Alaskan excursions are a lot more expensive if you're used to the Caribbean. That 800-1500 less could be some pretty bad ass excursions. I choose not to do the helicopter or plane rides because of the cost, but they're definitely on the bucket list for one trip. I spent $500 on excursions and I often don't even hit $200 on a Caribbean cruise. 

 

While the ship I was on happened to be NCLs newest, I don't think it changed a whole bunch. I had a bit more to do on the sea days, but I spent a ton of time relaxing in their observation lounge as we cruised along. And wasn't out quite as late most nights due to early port times. 

Edited July 11, 2021 by smplybcause

[Ashland]

RCI Serenade is a great ship for Alaska. We've done the RT Vancouver an amazing option a couple of times. Our extended family is booked to do this exact cruise next September.

[Ourusualbeach]

8 hours ago, NavyCruiser said:

Looking at RCCL's Serenade of the Seas' Alaska cruise for next summer 2022 for family reunion cruise for 40 cruisers.

Our parents who are huge Princess fans, & have done numerous Alaskan cruises on Princess, have been pushing hard for our group to book Princess.  However, the Serenade is $800 - $1500 less expensive for 7 night cruise, so that's a biggie for most of us.  Also, we're Diamond on RCCL, so it's an easy decision for us.

We've heard the Princess & HAL are huge & has great long-time experience in Alaska, but not too familiar with RCCL's in Alaska. 

The Serenade is an older & smaller ship than most others, but still pretty good, we think.

It's round-trip Vancouver to Vancouver, so should be a good cruise.

Thoughts...?

With 40 people you should find a TA that can handle that for you.  They may have a group on that sailing (cheaper prices than Royal with a refundable deposit and OBC) and depending on the TA they may pass along the Tour Conductor credit (1 credit for every 8 cabins...cruise fare not including non commissionable fees as well as taxes)  First date in July I checked and the group rate for a balcony was $250pp cheaper

Edited July 11, 2021 by Ourusualbeach

[NavyCruiser]

Thanks everyone for your inputs.  Very informative.

We've went ahead & booked 21 cabins on the Serenade of the Seas for next June.  Got a great group rate.  Booked all the balconies on forward Deck 7, 8, 9, with a few all together, so hopefully we can open the balcony dividers & make super-balconies.  Spending a few extra days in Vancouver should be nice also...

[Ashland]

4 hours ago, NavyCruiser said:

Thanks everyone for your inputs.  Very informative.

We've went ahead & booked 21 cabins on the Serenade of the Seas for next June.  Got a great group rate.  Booked all the balconies on forward Deck 7, 8, 9, with a few all together, so hopefully we can open the balcony dividers & make super-balconies.  Spending a few extra days in Vancouver should be nice also...

I think you'll be happy you booked Serenade....However I don't believe the balcony dividers open on the Radiance class ships...but regardless enjoy your cruise !!