Would people who LOVE the Caribbean like Alaska?

[Les & Carin]

Every year we talk about booking a cruise to Alaska and every year we decide against it - we're afraid we're going to be bored. We normally book Royal Caribbean but, we do cruise Princess on occassion and, since Princess is tops in Alaska, it would be our cruise line of choice to book for an Alaska cruise.

 

Here's our main concerns about Alaska:

 

- The weather. We know certain ports, I believe it's Ketchikan, it's ALWAYS raining. What type of activities and shore excursions are offered in a port where rain is a "given"?

 

- Repetition. Doesn't it get boring? How many bears can one see or even vistas without it all blurring into one?

 

- Older passengers. I know I'm going to get some negative feedback about this one, and, hopefully I am sterotyping but, aren't Alaska cruises usually for the over 60 crowd?

 

In order to get some really honest answers I'm making a poll so you can vote if you liked it, loved it, tolerated it or hated your Alaska cruise.

 

Thanks for your time.

[A Hoya Oh Boya]

I'd like to know the same things. I think I would enjoy but am worried about the age of the cruisers, the weather and if it will be boring after the third day. Glad you posted it, especially with that poll for the 2009 CC group now posted, it has me thinking I might book it but I want to see how things result here first.

 

Great poll, thanks for posting it for those us too shy to ask

[LonghornKJK]

We went for the first time last August. There was nothing boring about it! The only rain we had was a little drizzle in Juneau -- we had more rain in Roatan in December. To me, the fantastic scenery could never get boring. Plus, we went on a boat to see whales in Juneau, hiked in a beautiful forest in Skagway, drove into the fantastically beautiful Yukon, went on a seaplane and flew over pristine land near Ketchikan that had little or no evidence of man, and saw close-up views of glaciers in Juneau and Tracy Arm. We enjoyed great meals in Juneau, Carcross, Skagway, and Victoria, and fell in love with Alaskan beer.

 

I didn't notice the passengers being older than on any other cruise but I can't imagine how it would affect me if they were. But we don't cruise for the nightlife so maybe we'd feel differently if we did. Whenever we were seated with others at lunch, there were all our age (early 50s) or younger but we've always enjoyed people of all ages.

 

I've never been bored on the three cruises I've taken but Alaska was certainly the most active cruise I've taken.

[cruisinbuddy]

I voted other, because I have no desire to go there, yet anyways. I'm not tired of the Caribbean yet.

[mother of twins]

I personally would not enjoy it...reasons being I am a sun bunny! A vacation to me HAS to have sand and sun-oh-don't forget the cold drink...lol...

I know people that have done the alaska trip and love it...but i think it's a personailty thing. Maybe when I'm old (i'm not being rude..i'm only 36) and i have time to travel all i want and have seen all of the pretty beaches, then maybe....but for now i need the R&R on a sunny beach...

just my opinion,,,,,don't bash me please,,,,

[mother of twins]

my aunt and uncle (mid 50's) got back yesterday...they were on a carnival ship...the really loved the ports but they got bored on the ship....they are not enjoy a good book, work a puzzle, etc...kind of people. they met some really nice people but my aunt said there was only so much to see and do on the boat that they got bored. she said her bar bill was out the roof!!!! lol....at least they are not big casino people...they did have a balcony room and uncle enjoyed it alot but she said it was too cold and rainy for her to enjoy it...

that's what she told me this am...hope it may or may not help...

best wishes in making you decision...:D

[bowlcoach]

Well, I am one of the few who probably didn't like Alaska. Maybe that's a little strong. I just won't go back. After 18 cruises we finally decided to try Alaska. I didn't find much there for me. Sure the scenery was great and some history, but I'll take the Caribbean every time over Alaska.

Even better, I'll take Europe.

[Faith77]

I've been twice--the first time (my first cruise) was a 2 week trip on a 50 year old ship out of Vancouver. Lots to see and do on this trip including active excursions. My most recent Alaska cruise was on the Star Princess, my first 'monster ship'. Because the ships/trips were so different, sometimes I forget that I've been to Alaska twice.

 

I'm not crazy about hot weather cruises. On my Mexico cruise after 3-4 hours in port I was ready to come back to the air conditioned ship. I'm not one of those people who spend hours on deck laying out in the sun.

 

Alaska is not a boring cruise. I definately plan to go again.

 

Faith

[Coral]

I only went to Alaska the first time because I had a free cruise and "I didn't think I would ever pay to go there".

 

I feel in love with Alaska. I ended up doing 6 cruises in 4 years in Alaska. I am to the point where I would rather do an Alaskan cruise over a Caribbean cruise. For me, there is just so much more to see in Alaska compared to the Caribbean.

 

I am now bored in the Caribbean and really have no desire to return and I so love Alaska!

 

For those who think they won't like it and don't want to try it - don't knock it until you try it. It is just incredibly beautiful there!

[Creeks]

Three out of our twenty cruises have been to Alaska,

and we enjoyed all three with very little rain. Very busy

days (we aren't stay up all night people), mix of people

onboard. Its a nice change from Arizona, and we will

probably go again - BIL wants to go again with a land

tour included, maybe next year if we can get schedules

to match.

 

We've been to Europe, inclulding River Cruise on Danube,

self drive & B&B twice in Ireland, and several transatlantic

cruises, as well as a RT to Hawaii - we're presently

looking to repeat that.

 

Each cruise is different, everyone has a different cruise

even on the same ship - that is what is so great about it -

we all get to choose what to do where :)

[diego]

I have been on 8 caribbean cruises. Loved every one and still not bored. My husband on the other hand is tired of the caribbean and wanted a change. We booked the Island Princess from Vancouver for this past May. I love the beach, sun, tropical drinks, etc., so I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. It turned out to be the most amazing vacation. I loved every minute of Alaska and can't wait to go back and see new things. We had a couple of days with rain, but the rest of the trip was beautiful and sunny. Excursions (and a perfect day in Glacier Bay) really made the trip for us so research everything available and narrow down what looks good to you. The Alaska boards have a ton of helpful information.

We are in our early 40's and were not bored for one minute.

Next year we are heading back to the caribbean but we will definitely be going back to Alaska in the next couple of years. ;)

[gambit57]

Here's our main concerns about Alaska:

 

- The weather. We know certain ports, I believe it's Ketchikan, it's ALWAYS raining. What type of activities and shore excursions are offered in a port where rain is a "given"?

 

- Repetition. Doesn't it get boring? How many bears can one see or even vistas without it all blurring into one?

 

- Older passengers. I know I'm going to get some negative feedback about this one, and, hopefully I am sterotyping but, aren't Alaska cruises usually for the over 60 crowd?

 

My wife is a total sun lover. She ended up loving Alaska, but I voted "liked it, and maybe would go again." She had fun, but I don't think I'm gonna hear her begging to go again and again. Then again, the your fears about alaska are problems the Caribbean have. My wife's not that anxious to go back to the Caribbean either. She's all about going back to Hawaii to avoid the disadvantages the Caribbean has that I'll get into.

 

Weather: you have a good chance of rain, but not necessarily. We went in the later half of May. Didn't get a stitch of rain. Freaking gorgeous. In the Caribbean, we dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Rita. Some regular rain is nothing compared to a hurricane. Our personal opinion now is we'd be stupid to want to deal with that again, even tho it was sunny for nearly all our cruise. Dealing with hurricanes just aren't worth what the Carib has to offer. Not when Hawaii is an option.

 

Repetition: Alaska actually has a wide variety of scenery. Yes, we thought College Fjord started getting boring in the end. However, the final glacier was REALLY impressive. The main glaciers are so grand, huge, and colorful, that you can't help but be impressed. Might be a one and done deal for many people, but you shouldn't be bored during that week. I mean, how different are the beaches in the Carib? To be blunt, the Carib is pretty ghetto. People hassling you to buy crap all the time. Nice beaches, but once you get beyond the sand, the poverty is kind of a downer. Tough to enjoy as much if you've ever been to Hawaii where the poverty isn't so oppressive.

 

Old people: just do the active stuff. Hiking, kayaking, bike riding, etc. It's not a big deal. We're under 30. It was fine.

[Sea and Me]

We love the Caribbean:) have been there many times. We never get tired of the sun and the beautiful islands. When we booked the Alaska cruise on the Dawn for 5/31-6/10 I thought WHY??? Now I know why it was a beautiful cruise. Yes it is different from the Caribbean but has so much beauty of its own. The only rain we had was Sitka and it was a light drizzle. In Ketchikan it was 76 degrees and sunny!! Juneau and the Mendenhall glazier was absolutely spectacular. It was a 10 day cruise out of San Francisco, sailing under the Golden Gate was another awesome experience. While on the ship I asked my husband would he do it again and before I got all the words out he responded YES in a heartbeat. We really liked it and pictures do not do it justice. So we voted yes and plan to do it again (God willing). OH and we had a mix of passengers, hey just because people are 60+ they still can "get around", I should know:)

[LonghornKJK]

Everyone has his or her own likes and dislikes so I would never argue with someone's opinion. But I am curious about the comment that the ship itself was boring. There are only two things I can think of that were different about the Alaskan and Caribbean cruises and those are pool activities and MUTS. Being from Texas, we enjoyed the outdoor activities more on the Dawn because we get a little tired of hot and sunny and we have a pool at home. So we walked the Promenade Deck every day without getting all hot and sweaty and relaxed almost every evening before dinner with a glass of wine in one of the aft hot tubs (which were never crowded -- in fact, we were usually by ourselves.) We loved the cooler weather, again, because it was August and we were sick of Texas weather.

 

But the Patter was full of activities, including afternoon movies, Bingo, wine tastings, art auctions, trivia games, the casino, evening parties -- no shortage of activities that I could tell. So the only reason I can think of that someone would find the ship itself more boring is if they prefer to hang out at the pool all day -- not that there is anything wrong with that. :)

[PescadoAmarillo]

Alaska was our first cruise. It was the only way I could get my husband on a cruise, as he was certain he would hate cruising, but I knew he'd love Alaska. He did love Alaska...he LOVED cruising, so much so that our second cruise was a 15 night transatlantic. We've since been back to Alaska a second time by cruise.

 

Every dollar we spent for both Alaska cruises was worth it just for the excursions. We see the Rockies from our house, we have gold mining history all around us, but we would never take the time here to do the fun and adventurous things we did in Alaska. The best was the seaplane trip over Misty Fiords National Monument (from Ketchikan), but riding mopeds up White Pass to the Yukon Territory from Skagway was pretty fun too. We saw so many eagles in Haines that we stopped taking photos, ditto the whales from the ship. Every summer we swear we'll get back to Alaska...one year we will.

[Tina G]

Alaska is for you if you enjoy scenery :D , photography, wildlife (including whales), outdoor activities, and cultural excursions. It is not for you if your main interests are shopping and swimming. We've done it twice, and it is still DH's favorite cruise.

[miss honey]

I have cruised the Caribbean 6 times and love it. My husband wanted to cruise to Alaska, I wasn't so sure. We both loved it. We cruised the Diamond Princess May 2006. It seems like the cruisers on this trip were more laid back. We are in our early 40's and were proablay the average age. They are so many different excursions you would have to go several times to get to do and see everything. It was a great vacation. We booked again for next May. Carol

[mother of twins]

Everyone has his or her own likes and dislikes so I would never argue with someone's opinion. But I am curious about the comment that the ship itself was boring. There are only two things I can think of that were different about the Alaskan and Caribbean cruises and those are pool activities and MUTS. Being from Texas, we enjoyed the outdoor activities more on the Dawn because we get a little tired of hot and sunny and we have a pool at home. So we walked the Promenade Deck every day without getting all hot and sweaty and relaxed almost every evening before dinner with a glass of wine in one of the aft hot tubs (which were never crowded -- in fact, we were usually by ourselves.) We loved the cooler weather, again, because it was August and we were sick of Texas weather.

 

But the Patter was full of activities, including afternoon movies, Bingo, wine tastings, art auctions, trivia games, the casino, evening parties -- no shortage of activities that I could tell. So the only reason I can think of that someone would find the ship itself more boring is if they prefer to hang out at the pool all day -- not that there is anything wrong with that. :)

I think you are asking about the comment that i made,,for my aunt and uncle it was their first cruise and honestly I think it's just their personalities. I was not with them so I'm just going on what they told me. They did LOVE the days at port and the excursions they booked.. Me personally, I only get one vacation a year and while it might be a wonderful trip, I'm still hooked on the sun, beach, pool thing. Maybe later in life, I would love to go but for now, I'm not ready. I have heard that it is beautiful and some day I would love to see it...just not ready yet...

[stired]

Just got back from our 1st Alaskan cruise in June. My husband didn't want to even go to Alaska and definitely didn't want to cruise. It ended up being the best vacation either of us had ever taken. We did an 8-day independent land visit and then a SB cruise from Whittier to Vancouver on the Coral. It was absolutely amazing.

 

We only had rain the 2nd day we were there, in Seward. We had beautiful weather in Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway - so the comment that it rains every day is not true. Late May, early June tend to have the least rain.

 

Alaska was the most interesting, beautiful place I've ever been and we intend to go back as soon as we can!:)

[Bases5]

We are in our mid 40's. Never wanted to go to Alaska and thought it was for older people and said 1 day maybe. We went last July and it was the best cruise of our 19. I would do it more if I could aford it. It was great and we had a blast.

 

here are our pictures.

http://community.webshots.com/user/bases5

[Kruznut]

I've never been to Alaska and from all of the pictures, and shows on the Travel Channel I've seen I think it's a very beautiful and interesting place. Still I don't seem to have a special desire to go there. I guess the Caribbean is still my favorite place to go.

[jannandjohn]

We are Aussies and have been to Alaska twice, with plans for a 3rd trip..it's a long way from home , but we loved it..!!

As for the Caribbean...we went in April ( further from home)and we hated it.

We live near the beach , so that was not the reason for us going..we thought it would have been an interesting place, but we were let down..it's just like BALI.(.close to Australia) too dirty and run down down for us., we hired a car on Antigua, and it was disgusting...fron Hertz too..full normal price ..the roof inside was torn, the steering wheel held together with duct tape, and pieces of timber where the door handles should have been..the first thing the rep. showed us was where the tyre changing equipment was....enough said about the roads coming up!! potholes a car could get lost in.

keep the Caribbean..give us Alaska anyday.

[Host Caroline]

Here's our main concerns about Alaska:

 

- The weather. We know certain ports, I believe it's Ketchikan, it's ALWAYS raining. What type of activities and shore excursions are offered in a port where rain is a "given"?

 

- Repetition. Doesn't it get boring? How many bears can one see or even vistas without it all blurring into one?

 

- Older passengers. I know I'm going to get some negative feedback about this one, and, hopefully I am sterotyping but, aren't Alaska cruises usually for the over 60 crowd?

 

In order to get some really honest answers I'm making a poll so you can vote if you liked it, loved it, tolerated it or hated your Alaska cruise.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

I purposesly did NOT read the rest of the answers before I put my two cents worth in.. live in the south and been goin' to Alaska every other year since 1991.. new DH is hooked and we'll be moving up there summers to work beginning in two years..

In re your questions:

Personally I have never been rained on in Ketchikan and have pictures in the sun or just cloudy at the rain gauge from every trip.. in fact, only been rained on 3 times in all these trips and not at all in the last 3. We go late May/early June and I know I must have some Irish weather god charm hidden on me somewhere but that time of year we have been incredibly lucky.. So rain is not a "given" i.e. look at the Princess webcams.. lots of nonrainy days in Ketchikan this year so far.

It never gets repetitive and unless you go inland you probably won't see any bears or they will be way far off on some beach near Glacier Bay/ etc. I personally don't see how anything as gorgeous as Alaska could get boring and some folks with us last month who were not expecting to fall in love with the place were just blown away at how incredible it was.. so personally don't see how it coudl in just one cruise.

Ah, no re over 60, least not on Princess. there were families, some young couples on honeymoon.. yes, there were 60 and overs but it's a destination cruise and a cross section from around the world head to Alaska.. Entertainment is good although on every Alaska cruise I've been on compared to the 20+ Caribbean things "tend" to wind down earlier bec. everyone -- young and old-- want to be up and get ashore etc. The disco was pretty busy, dance club in Club Fusion etc. nearly every evening.. so do not feel that the over 60 should be a huge issue.

Now I'm gonna go read what everyone else said :)

[DeRon]

A friend of mine just got back from a cruise to Alaska. Even though they had a great time, he said the ship seemed too crowded because it was too cold for people to hang around outside, but noone wants to stay in their room. He said all the public rooms were too crowded for them. They prefer the caribbean. They are also young though.

[Tina G]

A friend of mine just got back from a cruise to Alaska. Even though they had a great time, he said the ship seemed too crowded because it was too cold for people to hang around outside, but noone wants to stay in their room. He said all the public rooms were too crowded for them. They prefer the caribbean. They are also young though.

Unless you are in a bathing suit, most Alaska summer days are NOT cold - more like San Francisco. I usually wore khakis and a short sleeve shirt, with a sweater for nights. Now, Glacier Bay is cold, but that is only one day. If you go on wild man excursions (DH loves them), you will need a jacket. Stomping around those glacier fields is chilly fun. Of course, DH had to take us all the way to Prudoe Bay to see the pipeline. :eek: It was our 25th Anniversary, too. I am SUCH a good sport.:rolleyes: Oh, yes, he went snorkling in Alaska, too.