Which Alaska Itinerary?

[blloydtbird]

Hi folks,

 

My wife and I are still somewhat new to cruising, having done 3 thus far, all with Princess. We are looking at another cruise and are thinking Alaska this summer.  There are a few options in terms of itineraries, round trip inside passage options versus one way north/south that travel much farther north in Alaska. 
 

Are there any key pros/cons for the round trip itineraries versus the one way options that we should consider? No concerns with perhaps higher airfare for the one way option. We did notice the Discovery is doing round trips this summer and we do like its sister ship, the Enchanted. But we don’t want to decide based on ship and think northern Alaska may be great to visit. 
 

Thanks much 

[snoozecrooze]

Include Glacier Bay in any itinerary you're looking at. That tends to be my first recommendation, regardless of where the route starts and ends.

 

I think one-way itineraries work best when you pair a land tour with it (either at the beginning or the end, depending on where you start). Princess sells something called "cruisetours" and you can find them very easily on the website. Otherwise, you could do a one-way trip up north, for example, and then rent a car to drive around Denali/Fairbanks/etc. at your own pace. However, if doing a Princess cruisetour, most recommendations I've been given and have seen is to do the land part of the cruisetour first so that you can then have the cruise part to wind down (and flights leaving out of YVR tend to be more abundant and/or convenient).

 

But round-trip itineraries are the most convenient and that's why they're the most popular option. The 7-day RT options are the most obvious ones to choose from, but if you have the time and budget and don't feel the need to drive around Alaska, then do the 14-day roundtrips from Vancouver instead -- you get the same ports twice, which gives you double the opportunities to do things you want to do but can't cram in one day.

 

As for where to leave from, I'd choose Vancouver over Seattle any day, and that's because you can sail the Inside Passage along the eastern side of Vancouver Island on most of the ships sailing from Vancouver (note that Royal-class won't do this, so stick with Grand-class or smaller), while you won't even get that from Seattle. Don't cruise the Royal-class for Alaska; it's my preference, but I think you get the better bang for your buck sailing on the smaller Grand-class ships as you'll have a lot more space to get up close to the scenery without as many obstructions. If you don't mind that and want to stick with a Royal-class, then I'd recommend Majestic Princess simply for its Hollywood Conservatory, which is a complimentary top-deck observation lounge (as opposed to the Sanctuary, which you have to pay for).

Edited March 20, 2023 by snoozecrooze

[wallyj]

Hi @blloydtbird, Princess also has some interesting 10 and 11 day roundtrip Vancouver itineraries that I don’t remember they have offered before, which are not the 7 day northbound/southbound B2B that I think the previous poster is referencing as 14 day. I have done the 14 day B2B Vancouver and it is nice to know you will repeat many ports so less stress about trying to do it all, since you will be back.

[Moondogy]

6 hours ago, blloydtbird said:

Hi folks,

 

My wife and I are still somewhat new to cruising, having done 3 thus far, all with Princess. We are looking at another cruise and are thinking Alaska this summer.  There are a few options in terms of itineraries, round trip inside passage options versus one way north/south that travel much farther north in Alaska. 
 

Are there any key pros/cons for the round trip itineraries versus the one way options that we should consider? No concerns with perhaps higher airfare for the one way option. We did notice the Discovery is doing round trips this summer and we do like its sister ship, the Enchanted. But we don’t want to decide based on ship and think northern Alaska may be great to visit. 
 

Thanks much 

We did Discovery last year and loved her. I'd love to do the cruisetour, I think I would do the train part first. I was disappointed we had to miss Skagway though, we had the train excursion there schedule, but the landslide screwed that up.

[CruisingWalter]

7 hours ago, blloydtbird said:

There are a few options in terms of itineraries, round trip inside passage options versus one way north/south that travel much farther north in Alaska. 

 

One Way cruises will get you to more places than round trips. But if you really want to go to Alaska with Princess, do a Cruise Tour. That's what we did. Fairbanks, Denali, Copper River for 7 days then a 7 day cruise on Sapphire Princess at the time that ended up in Vancouver. We're so thankful we worked with an amazing TA who suggested that option. 

 

Princess owns their own lodges and hotels so it was literally a 'cruise experience' from the moment we touched down in Fairbanks. Princess met us at the baggage claim, took our bags and we just went on the bus. 3 days in Fairbanks (we added a day), train ride for 2 days in Denali (AMAZING), 2 days in Copper River (Best Salmon EVER), and then we met the ship in Whittier. We never touched our luggage anywhere along the way, Princess moved it from place to place just like on the cruise ships. We even separated our luggage so we had one piece that went with us on land and Princess held the rest of our luggage just for the ship. Spending time on land really gave us a sense of the Alaskan frontier.

 

Once on the ship, we did Harv and Marv's Whale Watching in Juneau, Temsco Helicopter tour to a glacier in Skagway, (it was supposed to be to a dog sled camp in the mountains, but the clouds were too low), and then we had a bush pilot plane scheduled for Ketchikan but again, the clouds were too low for safe flying. In Vancouver my wife added 2 more days in a hotel so we could explore the city, it was awesome.

 

If you're going to do round trip on just the ship, look for 10 or 14 day itineraries so you get more time to see more areas. You might even look at sister company Holland America that has some really nice 14 and even 28 day itineraries. 

[PEB]

If you only want a 7 day cruise I would do a one way cruise. Even though the flight might cost you more you will see more of Alaska. If you have enough time I would do either a B2B north then south one way or do one of the longer 10 or 11 day. If you decide to do a land and cruise I would do the land first than the cruise south.

 

I have cruised Alaska 22 times so far and will be doing so again this year. I have done most every route I could find. I really prefer the longer routes. B2B's are nice because you do not have to rush in every port to see things you can relax more knowing you will be back on the return run.

[mtnesterz]

Never done the round trip. But the one we looked at was a revisit of the ports in the opposite order. If you missed an excursion you wanted, you have a second chance.

You say it doesn't matter to you, but for several reasons, we believe smaller ships are better in Alaska. The Sapphire would be our choice.

If you choose the northern Cruisetours. We did the Explorer package, but wish we had bought the Connoisseur as meals are included. Food was very expensive there.

[sunviking90]

9 hours ago, snoozecrooze said:

Include Glacier Bay in any itinerary you're looking at. That tends to be my first recommendation, regardless of where the route starts and ends.

 

I think one-way itineraries work best when you pair a land tour with it (either at the beginning or the end, depending on where you start). Princess sells something called "cruisetours" and you can find them very easily on the website. Otherwise, you could do a one-way trip up north, for example, and then rent a car to drive around Denali/Fairbanks/etc. at your own pace. However, if doing a Princess cruisetour, most recommendations I've been given and have seen is to do the land part of the cruisetour first so that you can then have the cruise part to wind down (and flights leaving out of YVR tend to be more abundant and/or convenient).

 

But round-trip itineraries are the most convenient and that's why they're the most popular option. The 7-day RT options are the most obvious ones to choose from, but if you have the time and budget and don't feel the need to drive around Alaska, then do the 14-day roundtrips from Vancouver instead -- you get the same ports twice, which gives you double the opportunities to do things you want to do but can't cram in one day.

 

As for where to leave from, I'd choose Vancouver over Seattle any day, and that's because you can sail the Inside Passage along the eastern side of Vancouver Island on most of the ships sailing from Vancouver (note that Royal-class won't do this, so stick with Grand-class or smaller), while you won't even get that from Seattle. Don't cruise the Royal-class for Alaska; it's my preference, but I think you get the better bang for your buck sailing on the smaller Grand-class ships as you'll have a lot more space to get up close to the scenery without as many obstructions. If you don't mind that and want to stick with a Royal-class, then I'd recommend Majestic Princess simply for its Hollywood Conservatory, which is a complimentary top-deck observation lounge (as opposed to the Sanctuary, which you have to pay for).

This exactly. I would add that if you decide to do the one way 7 day, do the southbound. This way you’ll have the pleasure of sailing through the southern inside passage and Seymour Narrows in the evening. The scenery is beautiful, and this is the area where we have usually seen the most whales.

[nini]

There are some fabulous itineraries out of Vancouver:

11 day on the Sapphire

14 days on the Grand

 

We did a long one on the Grand last September and we love that ship!

Keep in mind that Hubbard Glacier is fabulous and I actually prefer it over

Glacier Bay. Some of these do both. I would prefer September because you

have more chances making it all of the way into the fjords.

[Torfamm]

If time and money allowed, I would do a northbound 7 day, a rail tour, then a southbound 7 day. Having a second chance at ports or scenic cruising in case of bad weather would be ideal.
 

Realistically a land tour followed by a southbound cruise that includes Glacier Bay is what I think is the best option to get a good overview of Alaska.

 

I did a Princess Lodges rail tour that was completely separate from my cruise and loved it. There was no bus travel nor were there lots of organized group excursions or planned meals. We could pick the excursions we wanted at each lodge or book something on our own.
 

To me it was the best of all worlds - hotels, train tickets and transfers arranged, leave luggage outside your door each departure morning and find it in your room at the next destination but spend each day as you wish. I much preferred traveling every leg by train rather than doing half by bus on a cruise tour.
 

https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-rail-tours/learn/

 

I chose this unescorted 6 night tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage and would highly recommend it. 

https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-tours/itinerary-3ts/?from_search_query=dG91clR5cGU9ZXhwbG9yZXImc2VhcmNoT25seT0w#3TS

 

 

[victoriaj]

On 3/19/2023 at 9:55 PM, snoozecrooze said:

Include Glacier Bay in any itinerary you're looking at. That tends to be my first recommendation, regardless of where the route starts and ends.

 

I think one-way itineraries work best when you pair a land tour with it (either at the beginning or the end, depending on where you start). Princess sells something called "cruisetours" and you can find them very easily on the website. Otherwise, you could do a one-way trip up north, for example, and then rent a car to drive around Denali/Fairbanks/etc. at your own pace. However, if doing a Princess cruisetour, most recommendations I've been given and have seen is to do the land part of the cruisetour first so that you can then have the cruise part to wind down (and flights leaving out of YVR tend to be more abundant and/or convenient).

 

But round-trip itineraries are the most convenient and that's why they're the most popular option. The 7-day RT options are the most obvious ones to choose from, but if you have the time and budget and don't feel the need to drive around Alaska, then do the 14-day roundtrips from Vancouver instead -- you get the same ports twice, which gives you double the opportunities to do things you want to do but can't cram in one day.

 

As for where to leave from, I'd choose Vancouver over Seattle any day, and that's because you can sail the Inside Passage along the eastern side of Vancouver Island on most of the ships sailing from Vancouver (note that Royal-class won't do this, so stick with Grand-class or smaller), while you won't even get that from Seattle. Don't cruise the Royal-class for Alaska; it's my preference, but I think you get the better bang for your buck sailing on the smaller Grand-class ships as you'll have a lot more space to get up close to the scenery without as many obstructions. If you don't mind that and want to stick with a Royal-class, then I'd recommend Majestic Princess simply for its Hollywood Conservatory, which is a complimentary top-deck observation lounge (as opposed to the Sanctuary, which you have to pay for).

Totally agree Grand Class is  the way to go. The scenery along the eastern side of Vancouver Island is spectacular and even though  I live of Vancouver Island I so enjoy the sight of  fishing boats, pleasure boats, pocket freighters delivering goods to the remote communities as well as so many small islands and wildlife. We usually do B2B for a total 14 day cruise, never the same Northbound/ Southbound, people would say why would you do B2B going over the same route, believe me always something different, weather, wildlife and of course glacier calving and travellers. The first time my husband and I went was after 10 years of cruising in 2003, had not felt we needed to see it as we lived in a rain forest, we were wrong and since 2003 did this route 12 times all B2B or 7/10 day roundtrip. My husband passed away at aged 88 last August just 11 days after our last cruise together to Alaska with four generations of our Family,  Happy that he got to hold the young sled dogs once more and see the Glaciers calve. I have 2 more Alaska cruises booked for this year with family and am looking forward to seeing what  Alaska offers us this year, always beautiful, always different.  I sincerely hope you enjoy your Alaska Cruise, I have not done the landtour to Denali but have heard very mixed reviews from fellow passengers on their experience so perhaps someone will comment on their experience.  Happy Cruising !!!

[nini]

When we were on the Grand last September, we departed from Vancouver and due to a part needed in the engine room, we did not leave port until about 10:00 pm. Therefore, it was dark going through that beautiful portion of the Inside Passage.

[KKB]

We did the 7 day SEA-VAN on the Discovery (lovely ship) last Sept.

Ketchikan-Juneua-Skagway/Sitka are your usual stops.

Inside Passage was fantastic.

We also did Dawes Glacier viewing--also amazing.

Plenty of wildlife to see.

The weather was comfortable--50s. The only time we really needed gloves & several layers was on the balcony during the glacier viewing.

Timing for northern lights was perfect but the clouds didn't cooperate sadly.

Alaskan cruises are more casual & quiet down a bit earlier than Caribbean cruises.

 

[sunviking90]

51 minutes ago, victoriaj said:

Totally agree Grand Class is  the way to go. The scenery along the eastern side of Vancouver Island is spectacular and even though  I live of Vancouver Island I so enjoy the sight of  fishing boats, pleasure boats, pocket freighters delivering goods to the remote communities as well as so many small islands and wildlife. We usually do B2B for a total 14 day cruise, never the same Northbound/ Southbound, people would say why would you do B2B going over the same route, believe me always something different, weather, wildlife and of course glacier calving and travellers. The first time my husband and I went was after 10 years of cruising in 2003, had not felt we needed to see it as we lived in a rain forest, we were wrong and since 2003 did this route 12 times all B2B or 7/10 day roundtrip. My husband passed away at aged 88 last August just 11 days after our last cruise together to Alaska with four generations of our Family,  Happy that he got to hold the young sled dogs once more and see the Glaciers calve. I have 2 more Alaska cruises booked for this year with family and am looking forward to seeing what  Alaska offers us this year, always beautiful, always different.  I sincerely hope you enjoy your Alaska Cruise, I have not done the landtour to Denali but have heard very mixed reviews from fellow passengers on their experience so perhaps someone will comment on their experience.  Happy Cruising !!!

Living here in BC, I agree with everything you say. I am always amazed at the beauty. I am sorry for your loss, but what wonderful memories.

[victoriaj]

13 minutes ago, nini said:

When we were on the Grand last September, we departed from Vancouver and due to a part needed in the engine room, we did not leave port until about 10:00 pm. Therefore, it was dark going through that beautiful portion of the Inside Passage.

What a shame I hope you will try again. Don and I were on the Grand August 3-17, 2022. It was our 50th cruise with Princess who we always came back to after many other cruise lines and have sailed exclusively with for many years through many oceans/countries now as I prefer their itinerary in most cases. 

 

[victoriaj]

5 minutes ago, sunviking90 said:

Living here in BC, I agree with everything you say. I am always amazed at the beauty. I am sorry for your loss, but what wonderful memories.

Thank you and making Memories is what keeps me going just got back from Caribbean Cruise with friend. Going as long as I can as often as I am able and enjoying every minute!!!!

[victoriaj]

2 hours ago, victoriaj said:

Totally agree Grand Class is  the way to go. The scenery along the eastern side of Vancouver Island is spectacular and even though  I live of Vancouver Island I so enjoy the sight of  fishing boats, pleasure boats, pocket freighters delivering goods to the remote communities as well as so many small islands and wildlife. We usually do B2B for a total 14 day cruise, never the same Northbound/ Southbound, people would say why would you do B2B going over the same route, believe me always something different, weather, wildlife and of course glacier calving and travellers. The first time my husband and I went was after 10 years of cruising in 2003, had not felt we needed to see it as we lived in a rain forest, we were wrong and since 2003 did this route 12 times all B2B or 7/10 day roundtrip. My husband passed away at aged 88 last August just 11 days after our last cruise together to Alaska with four generations of our Family,  Happy that he got to hold the young sled dogs once more and see the Glaciers calve. I have 2 more Alaska cruises booked for this year with family and am looking forward to seeing what  Alaska offers us this year, always beautiful, always different.  I sincerely hope you enjoy your Alaska Cruise, I have not done the landtour to Denali but have heard very mixed reviews from fellow passengers on their experience so perhaps someone will comment on their experience.  Happy Cruising !!!

We did 2-7day B2B so Vancouver-Vancouver March 2022 and a 7 day Vancouver-Vancouver August 2022. Ports included Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier with Glacier Bay , College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, John Hopkins Glacier and several other glaciers which the names escape me at the moment 

[Thrak]

Our first cruise - and the one that got me hooked on cruising - was a 10 day round trip Alaska cruise out of San Francisco. We've done 4 cruises to Alaska. That first cruise, a 12 day round trip out of Vancouver (hated embarkation in Vancouver), and 2 Connoisseur Cruise Tour cruises - a 13 day and a 15 day - that both included a 7 day southbound cruise ending in Vancouver. (Had no issues with disembarking in Vancouver.) I am partial to those Connoisseur Cruise Tours but they aren't for everyone.

 

All of our cruises included Glacier bay and 2 included Hubbard Glacier as well. The last one - the 12 day round trip out of Vancouver also included Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier which was stunningly beautiful scenic cruising.

 

Whichever cruise you book I will agree with others above - I would choose a Grand class ship over any of the newer Royal class ships as the Grand class can actually transit the Inside Passage. I realize the newer Royal class ships advertise "Inside Passage" cruising but they aren't actually allowed to do the "real" Inside Passage route.

[nini]

4 hours ago, victoriaj said:

What a shame I hope you will try again. Don and I were on the Grand August 3-17, 2022. It was our 50th cruise with Princess who we always came back to after many other cruise lines and have sailed exclusively with for many years through many oceans/countries now as I prefer their itinerary in most cases. 

 

 

No worries... it was our 5th Alaska cruise. The first one also departed from Vancouver.