1st Alaska cruise...suggestions please

[thelemalove93]

Hello everyone- My husband and I are talking about going on an Alaskan cruise in 2009, however I am so confussed about which ship would be a good fit for us. We will be in our late 20's at that time. We are not big party people (and really aren't big on Carnival). We are looking for a smaller ship with great service and great food. We don't eat fish or pork but do enjoy going to the dining room. We also are intersted in trying anytime dining. Anyhow, any suggestions would be appreciated. Also a ship with an indoor pool would be great cause we love to swim, but know that Alaska will be cold. Any suggestions would be great....

[star117]

I would suggest HAL.

[NancyIL]

Our first Alaska cruise was on the northbound Coral Princess this past June, between Vancouver and Whittier, and it was wonderful. We then rented a car and drove around Alaska for 8 days, which was also fabulous. We loved Anytime Dining on Princess, and at 1970 passsengers, the Coral didn't seem too big. If you read the review about the Island Princess on Cruise Critic's home page - that is the Coral's twin sister.

 

I'll be on HAL's Veendam in July 2008, also heading north from Vancouver. That ship is older and smaller than the Coral Princess, with 1266 passengers.

[OPPIE2003]

If this is your frist cruise to Alaska pick`em . every cruise line will be great . then on your next cruise to Alaska you can take your time and maybe say an extra week and realy see Alaska..

[gambit57]

You sound like us. Princess would be fine. With HAL and Celebrity, it's a bit more likely that you'll get a much older crowd. If that bothers you. Wouldn't bother us (we're in late 20s and aren't party people either), but some might feel like the odd duckling.

[Budget Queen]

There are no party ships in Alaska, and Carnival passengers are similar to all other lines, middle aged and above will be the majority. They especially run an excellent itinerary in May and Sept, including Glacier Bay.

 

Do your homework, you are a long way off, so do not look to decide now, sorry, but you are going to change your ideas over and over and over, so don't get locked in.

 

In your search, first you need to consider if you want a one way or round trip cruise, this cuts down the list. :) Especially with a one way, do consider adding another week for fantastic interior Alaska touring. It is well worth the time and taking advantage of being there anyway. :)

[qiangf2]

sounds like either Princess or NCL are two of the candidates