Is Alaska only for the Silver Set?

[CruisinFools]

This is not meant to offend anyone, but I have a rather tough situation. My DH and I will be cruising to Alaska for the first time this summer. We usually go somewhere tropical, and enjoy the island atmosphere that goes along with a Caribbean cruise. I understand that an Alaskan cruise can be just as enjoyable, but in a different way. I hear it's beautiful, majestic, relaxing, etc., which we would truly appreciate, but I wonder if we might be the only folks onboard who aren't retired. We don't have grandchildren (we don't even have kids), our "good ole days" were the 80's, not the 40's or 50's, we still like loud music and staying up late. We just hope that we find other cruisers with whom we can share common interests. I know that age has nothing to do with common interests, but the last time we experienced a similar situation (no one under the age of 45 on the cruise), we tried finding something other than grandchildren to talk about, but the conversation always seemed to wind it's way around to subjects of interest of which we just, well, weren't interested, as they were areas of discussion better suited for another generation. Is it the truth or just an urban myth that Alaska cruises are MUCH better suited for the Silver Set and less so for a younger crowd. Thanks for the honest info and again, I apologize for any hurt or insulted feelings. Just trying to make sure we fit in on an Alaskan cruise and can enjoy it as much as everyone else. THANKS!!

[Keith1010]

Lots of people go to Alaska at all ages. Maybe 20 to 25 years ago it was different but nowadays more and more people cruise, they have already been to the caribbean several times, so they cruise to Alaska. Unlike the caribbean, people also cruise to Alaska for the beautiful and varied scenery but you will find a diverse set of passengers cruising there. As is the case with any cruise, the mix of passengers by age can also be affected by which cruise line you select and what time of year you go.

 

Keith

[celle]

This is not meant to offend anyone, but I have a rather tough situation. ...... Is it the truth or just an urban myth that Alaska cruises are MUCH better suited for the Silver Set and less so for a younger crowd. ..... Just trying to make sure we fit in on an Alaskan cruise and can enjoy it as much as everyone else. THANKS!!

 

DD and her DH - both just turned 30 - just returned from an Alaskan cruise.

 

They had a ball!

 

They did things on shore that we never considered last year, such as a 4WD tour out of Ketchikan, and they saw plenty that we missed.

 

I don't know how much night life they enjoyed, because they were so active during the port stops that they were tired out by late evening.

 

I think an Alaskan cruise is what you make it. The scenery is unbelievable and the port activities range from very active to more sedate. To me, the dinner table conversation is just a very small part of the whole experience.

[G'ma]

This is not meant to offend anyone, but I have a rather tough situation. My DH and I will be cruising to Alaska for the first time this summer. We usually go somewhere tropical, and enjoy the island atmosphere that goes along with a Caribbean cruise. I understand that an Alaskan cruise can be just as enjoyable, but in a different way. I hear it's beautiful, majestic, relaxing, etc., which we would truly appreciate, but I wonder if we might be the only folks onboard who aren't retired. We don't have grandchildren (we don't even have kids), our "good ole days" were the 80's, not the 40's or 50's, we still like loud music and staying up late. We just hope that we find other cruisers with whom we can share common interests. I know that age has nothing to do with common interests, but the last time we experienced a similar situation (no one under the age of 45 on the cruise), we tried finding something other than grandchildren to talk about, but the conversation always seemed to wind it's way around to subjects of interest of which we just, well, weren't interested, as they were areas of discussion better suited for another generation. Is it the truth or just an urban myth that Alaska cruises are MUCH better suited for the Silver Set and less so for a younger crowd. Thanks for the honest info and again, I apologize for any hurt or insulted feelings. Just trying to make sure we fit in on an Alaskan cruise and can enjoy it as much as everyone else. THANKS!!

 

As with all cruises, an Alaska cruise will be the experience YOU want it to be. Nobody is in charge of your enjoyment. Demographics aside, it is a beautiful itinerary.

[jimbo5544]

I agree with the other comments. While I do have to say that there are more silver hairdo's on an Alaskan cruise than a Carib. cruise and there probably will not be a steel band playing on the deck during any sea days, it is fun. We did an Alaskan a couple of years a go and are scheduled on one 7/2 this year. We found as much fun on the ship as we needed.

[kaudrey]

I can let you know when we get back...we are on the Coral in July and we are in our mid-30s/early 40s (4 of us). My mid-60s aunt and uncle are going too...and we plan to make our own fun.

[ddg64]

We just cruised last week and while most people were in their 50's and older, there were people of all age groups. As someone else said, this may vary with the cruise line. We were on Princess.

 

If you are looking to party and see how drunk you can get, this is not the cruise for you. If you want to enjoy the scenery, relax, visit some wonderful places, and have fun, then you will enjoy yourself and be ready to go back to Alaska again - or even stay. You will find lots of excursions that appeal more to a younger crowd, although not exclusively, such as a bike ride or rafting.

[wrp96]

I'm 30 and just returned from my first Alaska cruise. It was probably my best cruise yet.

[bjksgk]

As most everyone who has responded has already said, there is a wide age span on Alaskan cruise nowadays. Last year on RCCL, we (a couple in out early 40's) found many multi-generational families onboard, with ages ranging from teens to 80's. Although the cruiselines do provide activities during the day, we found it a very different experience from our usual carribean cruising, and though bars, casino etc were open at night, we were usually so exhuasted we we sleeping by 11ish and wanted to be up early to experience Alaska the next day in port. We also found that most people we met felt the same...less drinking, partying, etc going on then a usual cruise experience, although the facilities ARE there should you wish to partake. We loved the Alaska cruise experience so much we're going back again this year ! I am sure you will find plenty of fellow cruises your age to enjoy. Have a great time!

[Putterdude]

Our experinces are that the Alaskan cruise caters to all demographics particualarly with so many children out of school for the summer. Many of the shore excrsions are for younger people...or at least the young at heart.

[RetireeWannabee]

While I do have plenty of silvers coming in, I'm not quite that mature and have been to Alaska. I think I was 40.

 

Frankly, this isn't something I would spend any time thinking about. Whoever is on board is on board. You will either find some people you enjoy or you won't. Either way, the glaciers will still be breathtaking.

 

Alaska is much more affordable than it used to be, so more people can go see it and can afford to bring the kids.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Even though may see a lot of older peole on Alaskan cruises, there will still be lots of the younger ones on as well. On our May 11 Westerdam cruise we even had 88 children on board!!

[UlvaZell]

We saw people of all ages on our cruise...

[Miss Tracey Lacey]

Me DH and I are booking an Alaskan cruise for '09 and come cruise time we will be 27 and he 29

[Janan]

My wife and I went to Alaska on our Honeymoon (12 years ago...when we were 37 and 40) we had a blast, we went on Princess the old Crown Princess ('96). There is much more to do now then there was back then....and although more reserved than the Caribbean there were people from every age category (some more than others) but since there weren't many pool games...the lounges were rockin'

 

Andy

[grandmato4]

Every week has slightly different demographics so obviously no one can tell for certain what you will find on your own cruise. You will not be the only folks on board that aren't retired or not having grandchildren but you will be in the minority. Many of those that fit your demographics will be traveling with relatives that do fit the older demographic. On most evenings I would say that it is safe to say that you will tend to find things fairly quiet by 11 pm, although that's not to say no one will be up and about. The beauty of Alaska really had to be seen to be appreciated and it is all about the scenary which is breathtaking. I think other's have given great advise about choosing more active excursions- it may be a great way to meet others similiar to yourselves.

 

For you, I do think that your enjoyment of your sea time is going to depend upon what you make of it.:)

[hajekfam]

We found that the nightlife on an Alaskan cruise was lacking - but that was because the port days were early and active. A lot of the shore excursions can be rigorous - kayaking, hiking, dog sleds, etc - so a lot of people have dinner, see the show and then bed for an early start the next morning.

We found the same to be true for a Med cruise - long port days with a lot of touring.

[Texaswinediva]

An Alaskan cruise is certainly different from a Caribbean cruise.

You won't be laying by the pool in the sun all day or taking your

excursions to a beach for the day.But you will certainly have plenty

to do. It is a different adventure all together.

I have seen all ages on the cruise to Alaska that I was on.

But you may want to think of taking a cruise with Carnival perhaps.

They may have a few more younger passengers on board and the

night life may be a little livelier.;)

Unless you are strictly a beach person then I would think you would

enjoy the scenery and adventures.

I can have fun and enjoy myself on any cruise I am on.:p

[CruisinFools]

Thank you SO MUCH, folks! I haven't been to these boards in a couple of years; actually, once I started my employment with a major cruise line (would prefer to leave unnamed), I haven't had time to cruise!! LOL! But, as with all my previous cruises, CC'rs have always given fair, mature and honest answers to my questions, for which I am truly appreciative. I never thought of the fact that, after a day of "vigorous" sight-seeing, we might actually be too tired for any late night partying (hey, we're not that young!!) Thanks again for all your comments - I'm sure we'll have a blast. I just think I'm going though anxiety over possible beach withdrawal!

[chasetf]

........Is it the truth or just an urban myth that Alaska cruises are MUCH better suited for the Silver Set and less so for a younger crowd. ..........

This could be said about almost any cruise. The Silver Set (of which I guess I have to claim membership) have more disposable income, more leisure time, and less obligations at home tying them down (kids and jobs for instance).

 

Particularily this is true, and you will find the Silver Set on longer cruises and those that get off the beaten paths of Mexico and the Caribbean.

[critterchick]

I agree with the other comments. While I do have to say that there are more silver hairdo's on an Alaskan cruise than a Carib. cruise and there probably will not be a steel band playing on the deck during any sea days, it is fun. We did an Alaskan a couple of years a go and are scheduled on one 7/2 this year. We found as much fun on the ship as we needed.

 

I've found as many silvers on our Caribbean cruises as on our Alaska ones. I have no silvers myself, thanks to regular visits to the hairdresser.:)

 

We usually shut the ship down on the Alaska itineraries, though. By midnight there were few people up and around the ship. People (even the silvers) stayed up later in the Caribbean. But we did tons of active stuff on both itineraries.

[love2relax]

I'm 49, so I guess I'm pushing silver. Alaska was a very port intensive itinerary. We had three generations in our family group. Just be very selective as to the crusieline. We thought we were going to have a wonderful cruise on a quality line, but the night life was non-existent on the ship. I'm sure some of the others, like Carnival, NCL, or RCCL would probably have more happening. We had to really scrounge for evening entertainment, but we LOVED our days and can't wait to go back (on another cruiseline). The cruiseline we took before did have a lot more silvers. It just wasn't for us due to the ship itself, not the passengers (but we did have awesome cabins).

[whale-watcher]

Alaska has long daylight hours most of the cruising season, and if you cruise on a line with an on-board naturalist (which is a BIG plus), you will find that people of all ages choose to spend the early evening watching for scenery and wildlife and listening to the narration of the naturalist...after all, this is the reason most of us chose to come to Alaska in the first place.

 

I think it has very little to do with age, but more to do with interests.