Alaska Cruise on Island Princess - Concerned I'll be bored.

[aggie182]

My parents, brother, wifey and I will be going on the Island Princess (I am pretty sure that's the one) in a bit over a month. We're going to Vancouver a few days early to enjoy the sites and sounds and then boarding the ship on Monday the 16th of June. Everyone is super excited about it. I am too, but I am a bit concerned. I enjoy beach-y or Vegas-y vacations quite a bit so I am a bit concerned I will find the Alaskan cruise a bit slow and boring, for me. The wife and I did a cruise for our honeymoon to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel on Carnival's Conquest ship and it was a great time. But it was sun and fun - not Alaska-y type of weather or scenery. Since then, we have been back to Jamaica for a week and we also visit Vegas a few times a year. I enjoy seeing big buildings and other impressive man made structures of some sort over nature; it's just the way I am. I also enjoy sitting on the beach, doing nothing, going for an occasional swim and drinking cocktails, beer, or whatever concoction comes by way. My mom (who is a lurker here - maybe she will come out of lurker status) has said, "Oh, you will enjoy the beautiful glaciers and mountains". Problem is - I don't find that kind of stuff appealing, at all.

OK, so convince me I am wrong and that I'll have a super blast on the trip. Hopefully someone can relate that how I am feeling when they were approaching their 1st Alaskan cruise.

[Druke I]

Not sure how to best answer your concerns.

 

I've cruised many parts of the world, and do think Alaska is stunning. I've never been bored on a cruise ship, and do not need a lot of organized things to keep me occupied.

 

I'm perfectly content to find a good chair, a good book, and watch people, the scenery, and the ocean.

[SingerEsq]

Can I go in your place?

 

It's difficult to answer your question. I presume you're going regardless. We love the Island Princess and sailed her sister, the Coral, to Alaska. It was a GREAT cruise, but it was a lot of scenary watching, looking for wildlife, visiting with family (there were 9 of us), etc. I guess there's always the casino .... :(

 

I would suggest a kayaking excursion and a sea plane or helicopter over the glaciers. We did both and they were excellent "adventure" type excursions. Maybe if you start focusing on your land-based activities, it will get you more excited.

 

I predict you'll have a great time.

[ShelbysMom]

We went to Alaska in June 2005 and had a wonderful time. We did a cruisetour and greatly enjoyed getting to see some of the interior of Alaska as well as Mt. McKinley. My husband is a nature lover who has influenced his wife and kids enough that we all "oohed and aahed" at the glaciers and whales and bald eagles and moose.

 

My parents and sister and brother-in-law went on a similar trip a few weeks later. My parents have cruised a lot, but mostly to warm weather destinations. I had to tell my mother to take binoculars as she hadn't even given it a thought to take them. They are very much party types over nature anyday. I really didn't know why they chose this itinerary to go on, other than the fact that my sister wanted them to go along with her. As I would have predicted, they did not enjoy this cruise half as much as their "normal" cruises.

 

Honestly, if I felt the way you did, preferring man-made over nature, then I don't think I would choose to go on this cruise. Sounds like you don't have a choice, so I see two options for you.

 

1. Be willing to give nature a chance. Go out on deck and view the wildlife and glaciers. Let your biases toward manmade go for the time you're on the ship and see what happens. If you like adventure, do what SingerEsq suggested and take some high energy excursions.

 

2. Treat it like a cruise to Jamaica with bad weather and decide that you are going to spend the majority of your time in the bars and casino. It's still a cruise, after all. You're not working, someone else is cooking and cleaning for you and you're with your family.

[aggie182]

Thanks for the responses so far. I too predict I will have a good time, but I am concerned a bit so I was looking for outside opinions. As the above poster said, someone else will be doing the cooking and cleaning - heck that's enough for me. I didn't have to go, but with it being a family vacation, and not seeing my bro, sis, and parents all at once very often along with my wife really wanting to go, we are going. Since booking, my sister has become pregnant and didn't want to travel 7 1/2 months in, so she's staying behind (heck, I don't blame her). I could come back a changed guy and think nature > city, but who knows. It will be a change of pace for sure, but maybe a good one, we'll see. I am definately not going in to it thinking it will be terrible. I am going in with an open mind.

[britsbest]

If there's as much going on as there was in April (Panama) and you are bored there's only one person to blame...........and its not the Captain!

[SailAways]

Will you please be sure to come back and tell us how you really felt about Alaska? We have been on one cruise, flew in once (to Skagway), and have driven twice - beautiful experiences, all.

 

I can't imagine that you will be bored. But, on the other hand, maybe I can. I hate big cities. If I never see another place larger than our little Montana town (population 1500 - less than most cruise ships) that will be perfect.

 

Guess we are all so different that it is pure silly for one of us to tell another what they may or may not like.

 

So, just disregard this. But do come back and let us know how it worked out for you.:) :) :)

[aggie182]

Will you please be sure to come back and tell us how you really felt about Alaska? We have been on one cruise, flew in once (to Skagway), and have driven twice - beautiful experiences, all.

 

I can't imagine that you will be bored. But, on the other hand, maybe I can. I hate big cities. If I never see another place larger than our little Montana town (population 1500 - less than most cruise ships) that will be perfect.

 

Guess we are all so different that it is pure silly for one of us to tell another what they may or may not like.

 

So, just disregard this. But do come back and let us know how it worked out for you.:) :) :)

 

I will for sure. I will do a full report after the cruise and link my photos to it as well.

 

If it were up to me, I'd live in a 50 story high rise on the top floor and have a view of downtown somewhere. No grass, trees, shrubs, or any form of yard work to take care of. I despise that stuff currently at our house. I dislike being out in the country. A lot of people (most) think I am crazy for this, but it's just how I am, and like you said, we're all different.

[LisaH]

Alaska is a totally different type of cruise. You cruise Alaska for the scenery and believe me it is spectacular. When someone asks me what my favorite cruise has been I always have two because Alaska cannot be compared to any other type of cruise.

 

You will LOVE it. The shows are the same as other cruises but the demographic will probably be older which we love. There are not pool activities and games but you will forget all about that once you see the scenery and beauty of Alaska.

[SingerEsq]

I will for sure. I will do a full report after the cruise and link my photos to it as well.

 

If it were up to me, I'd live in a 50 story high rise on the top floor and have a view of downtown somewhere. No grass, trees, shrubs, or any form of yard work to take care of. I despise that stuff currently at our house. I dislike being out in the country. A lot of people (most) think I am crazy for this, but it's just how I am, and like you said, we're all different.

 

I'm also a city person for the most part. If I had the money to enjoy it, I'd live in Manhattan. Heck, I work in downtown LA and wouldn't mind living downtown here. But I LOVED Alaska (and Central America, and Tahiti, etc.) Wouldn't want to live in Alaska, but Glacier Bay is hard to beat.

[Grannycb]

DH before going to Alaska:

What is there to do besides look at snow? I've seen snow. I've seen mountains. What do I want to go to Alaska for any way? I'd rather go to the beach.

 

DH after going to Alaska:

You should have seen those glaciers! They GLOWED! The icebergs were BLUE! We heard whales BREATH! There were EAGLES catching FISH! We saw the most amazing scenery along the RR on the way to the YUKON! The sled dogs were AMAZING! And the SALMON were JUMPING! Wish we had more time for hiking in Juneau - it was beautiful! And on and on and on...

 

Alaska exceeded his expectations. Now he’s talking about a return visit. You won't be bored if you do a little research and planning.

 

One other note: I believe the Island Princess still has pottery wheels and pottery classes. It's a nice ship with lots to do.

[LEtue]

My parents, brother, wifey and I will be going on the Island Princess (I am pretty sure that's the one) in a bit over a month. We're going to Vancouver a few days early to enjoy the sites and sounds and then boarding the ship on Monday the 16th of June. Everyone is super excited about it. I am too, but I am a bit concerned. I enjoy beach-y or Vegas-y vacations quite a bit so I am a bit concerned I will find the Alaskan cruise a bit slow and boring, for me. The wife and I did a cruise for our honeymoon to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel on Carnival's Conquest ship and it was a great time. But it was sun and fun - not Alaska-y type of weather or scenery. Since then, we have been back to Jamaica for a week and we also visit Vegas a few times a year. I enjoy seeing big buildings and other impressive man made structures of some sort over nature; it's just the way I am. I also enjoy sitting on the beach, doing nothing, going for an occasional swim and drinking cocktails, beer, or whatever concoction comes by way. My mom (who is a lurker here - maybe she will come out of lurker status) has said, "Oh, you will enjoy the beautiful glaciers and mountains". Problem is - I don't find that kind of stuff appealing, at all.

 

OK, so convince me I am wrong and that I'll have a super blast on the trip. Hopefully someone can relate that how I am feeling when they were approaching their 1st Alaskan cruise.

 

I hope I'm wrong and the rest of the responders are right....but I don't have a good feeling about your Alaska experience.....

 

I have sailed to Alaska three times and last year some friends that love the Caribbean joined us. They were bored and ready to go home half way through the cruise. Port times weren't long enough, they didn't like the cruising days, Glacier Bay was gloomy, the weather wasn't warm enough to enjoy the pool, you name it - they didn't like it. :mad:

 

We were on the Island Princess and I thought the cruise was outstanding!! So, I really do hope you enjoy your cruise :D

 

Please post about your trip when you get back!

[LoriPhil]

Even in Alaska vegging by the pool (or warming up in the hot tub) is great fun as well. Then there's the spa, the bar, the shows, the casino... On shore if you don't want to roam through the landscape there's shopping, some great local breweries (Skagway Brewing Company was yummy), restaurants, art galleries, local music etc.

 

Although DH and I are dazzling urbanites (;) ) we've signed up for a B2B next year on the Coral because our first experience was so great.

 

Have a great time walking on the wild-side. The best part will be sharing the experience with your family.

[kayguz]

We did Alaska on the Coral last Sept with my parents and inlaws. We cannot wait to go back and take all the kids. If you aren't a nature lover, you will be when you get back. It is truly awe-inspiring and pictures cannot begin to do it any justice. The experiences are very unique-- don't just wander the towns- go dogsledding, helicopter tour, seaplane ride, etc... Even with drizzly weather, when the sun breaks thru it makes it all the more spectacular! There is always the spa, casino, shows, and a good book to occupy you anytime you get bored with the amazing scenery!

[riteonglor]

I have to believe you will absolutely think its the best crusie you have ever been on. The scenery you see is just amazing and the ship looms huge over these little quaint town's. It's almost like your dreaming. Woke up at 5:00AM we were docked in SKagway, we had a cabin at the aft of the ship and the way we were docked we were right in town. Just breaking day, the ship was quiet, the old lamp posts in the town were glowing, a few working on the dock, securing the ship. It was like something you see in the movies. Best cruise we have ever been on. Both DH and I want to go back again. IMO it makes the Carribean cruises look way below par. We went in August, temps were about 75 degee's all 7 days, no rain, a little mist one day. Perfect cruise.

[flynrph]

I love the Caribbean! I love warm hot cruises! But the best cruise I've ever had was Alaska! I tell every cruiser I know, Alaska is a must do! It was cool and cloudy most of the time, but the most awe inspiring trip I have ever had. To this day, glaciers, are unbelievably massive and powerful. The scenery is second to none in my cruising experience so far. You only have to be slightly curios about nature to enjoy this. The whales, dolphins, salmon, sea lions, and eagles are a bonus. If you can afford it, the helicopter that lands on the glacier! When you get back, post on this thread to let us know how it went. :cool:

[patsina55]

Some of my best vacations have been trips that I was neutral or unenthused about before going - one that comes to mind was a trip to San Antonio, which I wound up absolutely loving. I think it's great that you're trying something which is such a radical departure for you, and if it turns out not to be your thing, at least you can spend quality time with your family. Let us know how it goes!

[aggie182]

Hey folks, thanks a lot for all of the responses and kind words. To be honest, I was a bit worried I'd be flamed for my concerns. Once again thanks to those who have responded and I look forward to more. I will definately do a trip report when we return.

[chasetf]

My parents, brother, wifey and I will be going on the Island Princess (I am pretty sure that's the one) in a bit over a month. We're going to Vancouver a few days early to enjoy the sites and sounds and then boarding the ship on Monday the 16th of June. Everyone is super excited about it. I am too, but I am a bit concerned. I enjoy beach-y or Vegas-y vacations quite a bit so I am a bit concerned I will find the Alaskan cruise a bit slow and boring, for me. The wife and I did a cruise for our honeymoon to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel on Carnival's Conquest ship and it was a great time. But it was sun and fun - not Alaska-y type of weather or scenery. Since then, we have been back to Jamaica for a week and we also visit Vegas a few times a year. I enjoy seeing big buildings and other impressive man made structures of some sort over nature; it's just the way I am. I also enjoy sitting on the beach, doing nothing, going for an occasional swim and drinking cocktails, beer, or whatever concoction comes by way. My mom (who is a lurker here - maybe she will come out of lurker status) has said, "Oh, you will enjoy the beautiful glaciers and mountains". Problem is - I don't find that kind of stuff appealing, at all.

 

OK, so convince me I am wrong and that I'll have a super blast on the trip. Hopefully someone can relate that how I am feeling when they were approaching their 1st Alaskan cruise.

So what can we say.... You seem to like sun, sand and concrete..... very little of that in Alaska. Instead you will see glaciers, majestic mountains, the inside passage, eagles, bears, whales, trees galore..... but no sand and concrete. :rolleyes:

[julia]

Aggie....

 

I guess my thought here is.... "what is wrong with being bored?" "Bored" is a state in which you can kick back, reflect. relax, unwind, and totally ENJOY THE MOMENT. "Bored" is a blessing that most people can't even begin to appreciate! I personally can't WAIT to go on our Alaskan cruise and be "bored stupid" by the ship, the scenery, the ports. my balcony, etc....

[caribill]

I didn't have to go, but with it being a family vacation, and not seeing my bro, sis, and parents all at once very often along with my wife really wanting to go, we are going.

 

 

With all those relatives along with you, I do not see how you would be bored unless you will be trying to avoid being with them.

[Crusin Karen]

OP, I am SO GLAD you posted this because all my cruises have been to Caribbean islands, and oh, how I love palm trees, white sand and the turqouise sea...we booked a B2B to AK for NEXT YEAR because I just figured "it was time to experience what everyone is talking about." I have since watched Discovery Channel's shows on AK and just think it is breathtaking, BUT, like you, I wonder if I'm not going to be aching for a nice sea day sitting on Lido with a DOD and slathering on suntan lotion. Plus I HATE being wet and I have Reynaud's Syndrome which makes my toes and fingers numb in the cold, so this is going to be quite an experience for me. Really enjoyed reading all the comments. And can't wait to hear all about your cruise!

[chasetf]

OP, I am SO GLAD you posted this because all my cruises have been to Caribbean islands, and oh, how I love palm trees, white sand and the turqouise sea...we booked a B2B to AK for NEXT YEAR because I just figured "it was time to experience what everyone is talking about." I have since watched Discovery Channel's shows on AK and just think it is breathtaking, BUT, like you, I wonder if I'm not going to be aching for a nice sea day sitting on Lido with a DOD and slathering on suntan lotion. Plus I HATE being wet and I have Reynaud's Syndrome which makes my toes and fingers numb in the cold, so this is going to be quite an experience for me. Really enjoyed reading all the comments. And can't wait to hear all about your cruise!

Congratulations on breaking your "Caribbean" mold. Alaska is well worth the time and effort. Cruising the Inside Passage" is a great "sea day". We sat on the fantail, sipping cappucinos watching the scenery go by. I recommend taking binoculars also. You will get to see those eagles up close and personal.

 

After Alaska... I challenge you to consider other itineraries. There are so many beautiful and different areas of the world to cruise. What is it..... 70% of the earth is water :D ;) . After the Inside Passage, there are the fjords of Norway and New Zealand, the Tahitian Islands, Panama Canal, the Med, British Isles, Asia, Hawaii, .........

 

There is even riverboats......like a Mississippi Paddle-wheeler. Just think.... sitting in a rocking chair on the bow as you sail up / down river.

[aggie182]

So what can we say.... You seem to like sun, sand and concrete..... very little of that in Alaska. Instead you will see glaciers, majestic mountains, the inside passage, eagles, bears, whales, trees galore..... but no sand and concrete. :rolleyes:

 

You're right, what can we say? I don't have the same interests as you. I don't consider mountains majestic and eagles, bears, whales and trees don't really do it for me. Like I said, I am hoping I have a killer time and change my opinion completely on these things, or at least broaden the horizon when it comes to vacations. It might be one of those things for me where when I came back, I can have the enjoyment of saying I have been to Alaska or better yet, I will really enjoy it. Time will tell and I am hoping to have a blast. I was only voicing my concerns, not saying that we should all feel the same.

[bubbadog]

just go to town and visit the local bars,and shoot some pool with them,and you will have a great time, go zip-lining, see if the bears will chase you lol,go dirtbike riding, or take a helicopter ride,you will be fine;)