Alaska cruise is perfect preparation for a retirement home

[CruisinFools]

My husband and I are in our late 40's. We are certainly no spring chickens, but we aren't quite ready for "the home" either. We just returned from our first (and probably last) Alaskan cruise and I just wanted to leave some honest feedback for anyone (our age) who might be considering this itinerary. On one hand, the scenery is gorgeous. We were blessed with perfect weather in all of our port stops (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Victoria). Our staff, table mates and cabin (mini-suite) were fabulous! The food was par for the course of a Princess cruise, however, the activities menu, especially on sea days was AWFUL! Every day at 10:30am, "Hot Boullion & Crackers" was scheduled. Whoopie! "Self-Led Discussion" was also scheduled (I just call that "conversation".) The daily Arts & Crafts activity fell just short of raw macaroni and Elmer's glue. In the evening, events and shows were scheduled for 9:15pm - 9:30pm - certainly not enough time for late diners, especially when a large majority of the audience had already been sitting there for 2 hours (there really wasn't anything else to do), saving entire rows of seats. The staff couldn't do anything about this as the majority of people in the audience were saving seats.) Games were either scheduled only once, or during the earlier morning hours (prior to the exciting hot boullion event!) Because of the cold weather, the outdoor decks were never utilized, which made tables in the Horizon Court very scarce. Many folks would simply find themselves a nice table and sit there with the same cup of coffee for 3 hours while others looking for a place to sit and eat would have to hunt down an empty table; naturally, letting their food get cold until they could find one.

If anyone wants to spend 10 days listening to "elevator music" and watch people (the average age is 75) sleeping, playing cards or passing gas, take an Alaskan cruise. As they say, live and learn. As for us, it's back to the islands!

[SeattleCruiselover]

Sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise, but I am about to leave on my fifth cruise to AK in one week, and I have never found that demographic t be the case on any of the trips that we took. I am, to be sure, older than you, but only by a few years; travel with my daughters--ranging from 21 to 28.

 

On our last trip there were nearly 600 children aboard, of all ages.

 

Sure, seniors like to go to AK and some ships (mostly HAL) have an older demographic. I'm guessing that, since you left in late August, you did not see as many children/young people as there normally are simply because it is time for school to start again, so families are at home getting ready for that, and college agers are on their way back to class as well.

 

Try it again in mid-summer (July/August) and you may find that you feel differently about it.

[2Oregonians]

I agree that if you go in the middle of the summer it would be a different story. We went July 19th on the Golden and there were plenty of younger people and families with kids. We're mid to late 40's and we had an awesome time. It is what you make of it.

[CC Help Michell]

Have fun in the Caribbean!

 

Honestly, what more is there to say? One could comment on the ageism and prejudice only too clear from the original post, but it's not going to change his/her mind, so why bother?

 

I will say that my SO and I are in the same demographic as the OP (mid-to-late-40's), we sailed HAL this summer for 14 days, and we thought Alaska was breathtaking. We wouldn't change it for yet another day at yet another ho-hum, been-there-done-that, same old same old, Caribbean port for anything.

 

Wow... to the OP... guess that means what's right for you isn't right for us, and vice versa? :rolleyes:

[medcruiseplanner]

I think it depends on what you are looking for out of the trip. We just booked our first Alaska trip. We aren't that big on cruising itself but love scenic type trips as well as all inclusive resort island types trips. We also adore Hawaii, although we would never cruise there - only land trips. We are both 30.

 

Last year we went to Europe on a 13 night with Celebrity. The crowd was not our age. We didn't care. We didn't really do many "ship activities" and honestly we don't really look to make friends on vacation. We work a lot and like being alone together in a beautiful place. :rolleyes: Guess we aren't very friendly. . . .

 

That said, I can certainly see where the cruise crowd or this particular vacation wouldn't suit all. I thought it over before we booked as well but we love scenic trips and trips with hiking/adventure type stuff. We thought the ports and our planned excursions would fit this bill. It really depends on what type of atmosphere, activity, and dynamics you are seeking.

 

I am a sucker for the islands though:D

[penelope42]

We are about the same age and we went in early July on HAL and had no such problems. We saw many multigenerational families of cruisers on our Alaskan adventure. Honestly on our port days we were very active and busy so we actually ended up skipping the evening shows and with early excursions planned we were ready for bed between 11:00 and 12:00PM. I will admit activities were a little slow on our sea days but in Alaska there was a lot more to see on a scenic cruising day than in the Caribbean. I also took advantage of the slower pace on the sea days to relax and rest from our active days in port.

[PennyAgain]

Once the kids have to go back to school and the families are at home, the average age of the Alaskan cruise market does go up...and up.

 

If you think of the boat as transportation to hard to reach places, then you will think it is OK.

 

Some of what the OP saw was cost cutting by the cruise lines. A fact of life these days.

[Snookum]

We have been three times and my sons want to do it again next summer even though we just got back. Their ages are 29 and 34. They along with me and my husband and my young son's fiancee all love alaska and cruising there. I really don't pay any attention to whose on the ship although I always notice people our age and younger. I just enjoy the time as a family in such a beautiful place with so much to do and see. So sad the activities and age of other cruisers ruined it for you. Maybe you should try RCC next time because they are nothing like what you said you experienced. I never heard of bouillon being served on their ships.:eek:

[kenish]

It sounds like the OP wanted the experience of the ship and unfortunately chose the wrong one for their needs. We went on HAL (an even older demographic than Princess) and had a great time. I just turned the Big 5-0 and my son is a teenager. We both made friends of all ages, despite my son's accurate assessmet that the ship was a "floating retirement home". Yes, the onboard programs were somewhere south of "lame", but we were there to experience Alaska, not the ship.

 

Also, cruises are not for everyone. Some of my friends love it, others decide it's not their cup o' tea. Just as some of my friends love timeshares and I couldn't imagine myself doing that.

[sammamishcruiser]

My DH and I are both in our mid 50's, no spring chickens but also not ready for the home. We chose to cruise to Alaska in 2006 in mid sept just BECAUSE all the kids were back in school - we didn't want to spent all our hard earned money and have some very upset child ruin it for us. Don't get me wrong or come after me, I LOVE children, have four of my own (all Adults) and can"t WAIT to be a grandma, that being said, I also like to enjoy and relax on my vacation! We are going back to Alaska in 16 days:) and to the Med in oct of 2009. We enjoy cruising so much, can't wait to go again. And defintely will not let ANYTHING ruin my cruise! I'm so sorry that the OP had a bad experience, give it another try.

 

Melody:D

[kathyRW]

Frankly, I've been on one younger demographic boat (Carnival to Mexico) and hated it. I didn't fit in with the drinking, dancing scene. I got tired of looking at drunk 20-somethings roasted to a crisp by the pool. So I understand where you're coming from.

 

My tastes are for peace and quiet, no children, no games. I don't want to be entertained or busy every minute. I go on cruises to spend time relaxing and getting pampered. I chose HAL specifically to get a nice quiet cruise hopefully with folks with similar needs. My trip on HAL to Alaska in 2 weeks should be perfect.

 

But there's a boat for everybody. If I were you, I'd decide just what you want and spend some time researching to find the line and itinerary that will give it to you. It's out there.

[inkmahm]

Once the kids have to go back to school and the families are at home, the average age of the Alaskan cruise market does go up...and up.

 

If you think of the boat as transportation to hard to reach places, then you will think it is OK.

 

Some of what the OP saw was cost cutting by the cruise lines. A fact of life these days.

We just cruised August 23-30 and there were very very few kids on the ship. We joked that two boys in the pool were in heaven because they had the whole pool to themselves! I never thought about the lack of kids being due to the time of the year we cruised. Last time we cruised at the end of May and there were also very very few kids. I supposed then we were too early in the season for kids to be there, either.

 

As for the OP, I'm not sure what your expectations were going into the cruise. We were in Alaska not for ship activities but to see the beauty and to see wildlife. We got what we went to see. The ship was just our floating hotel room to get us to where we wanted to be. I saw the soup on the schedule each morning and thought it was a great idea as an alternative way to keep warm on deck rather than coffee or hot choc. Since we had a mini-suite, we didn't go on deck much but used our balcony quite a bit. I never made it to the soup station, but wish that I had. The soup we had in the dining rooms for dinner was excellent. The French Onion was actually the best French Onion soup I've ever had anywhere, hands down.

[CruisinFools]

Thanks to all of you for your thought-provoking responses. I agree with one of the posters that, while I adore children - and appreciate the parents of those whom they do not let run wild around the dining rooms - I still consider cruise ships as The Love Boat and enjoy a romantic, beautiful and fun get-away with my DH. We, too, do not seek to meet our next "BFF's", but we respect the importance of compatible and friendly table-mates, of which we have always been assigned. This past cruise, we dined with a lovely couple in their mid-60's, who kept the entire table in stitches every night. Several nights we met up with them in the Casino (which we seldom visit on our prior cruises, but this was the most active place on the ship). Our other tablemates were a mother and daughter (ages 70 and 31, respectively) with whom we enjoyed 2 of the shows that were scheduled in time for us to attend after dinner. For us, the cruise itself is just as important as the itinerary - if not more. Certain aspects make the difference for us, in our enjoyment of the vacation. As I stated in my OP, most of our expectations were met overall: our fantastic crew who provided us with some of the best service ever received, the absolutely enjoyable tablemates, the beauty of the places we visited (and the extra bonus of wonderful weather!) The one area that did not meet our expectations was the totally one-sided, one targeted group offerings of any form of activities or "entertainment" while on board. I have no doubt that the gentle folks of the Silver Set (no offense intended - I just don't want to be accused of any personal age-bigotry) enjoyed themselves tremendously. For those folks who may have been younger, or traveling with family members, well, when you travel with friends and family members, you sort of bring your own activity crew. For the two of us, we had hoped for a little more support from the Activities/Entertainment department in regard to age-appropriate activities, rather than "scheduling" a conversation group as part of our afternoon "fun". No, I am not looking to drink Jell-O shots off the top of my DH's head (or whatever other silly games one might find on a lower class line), but I do expect a little more than just transportation and relaxation when I take a cruise vacation. I expect a little liveliness. Like on a Caribbean cruise!

[Budget Queen]

Well now you know, Alaska isn't for you. Overall, most of what people sail Alaska for is outside the ship. Activities are usually far less than the Caribbean.

 

I have never been on sailings in Alaska with 600 kids. Overall that too is still rare. Expect far fewer than the Caribbean anyway, demographics of visitors is more, middle aged and above.

 

I cruise for itineraries, after 58 cruises, the activies and food are very old and unimporant to me. Cruiseships are transportation and a bed. :)

 

Make your travel choices for your desires, and enjoy your next vacation.

[Coral]

CruisinFools - you work for Princess, don't you?

 

What you described on your cruise out of SFO is definitely not what I experienced on my 7 night cruises that were out of Vancouver or Whittier. I am younger then you and have never been bored on the ship though I have to agree that what makes Alaska cruises is outside the ship.

 

Maybe the age/activities out of SFO is older.

[NancyIL]

If anyone wants to spend 10 days listening to "elevator music" and watch people (the average age is 75) sleeping, playing cards or passing gas, take an Alaskan cruise. As they say, live and learn. As for us, it's back to the islands!

 

You had 3 more days on the ship than on the typical Alaska cruise, and they were all sea days. Perhaps that 10-day itinerary attracts fewer families and younger people, or maybe it was just the lateness in the season. I certainly wouldn't give up on another Alaskan cruise because of a few boring days at sea! Next time - choose a shorter cruise during a more active part of the summer. Add a land trip to it - and you'll have a fabulous vacation.

[NancyIL]

I will say that my SO and I are in the same demographic as the OP (mid-to-late-40's), we sailed HAL this summer for 14 days, and we thought Alaska was breathtaking. We wouldn't change it for yet another day at yet another ho-hum, been-there-done-that, same old same old, Caribbean port for anything.

 

 

Well said.

[2ndguesser]

Ha ha ha. Your post made me laugh. Sounds like you picked the wrong cruiseline. We just got back from Alaska on Norwegian with a group of 16 ranging in age from 1 to 73. There were over 500 kids on the ship (even though I hardly saw any kids :). It was hardly preparation for retirement! There were funny comedians, dances, alcohol tastings, all kinds of tournaments (pingpong, soccer, basketball, putting contests). No elevator music :)

[PennyAgain]

Ha ha ha. Your post made me laugh. Sounds like you picked the wrong cruiseline. We just got back from Alaska on Norwegian with a group of 16 ranging in age from 1 to 73. There were over 500 kids on the ship (even though I hardly saw any kids :). It was hardly preparation for retirement! There were funny comedians, dances, alcohol tastings, all kinds of tournaments (pingpong, soccer, basketball, putting contests). No elevator music :)

 

Obviously your cruise was during the time that the schools were out for the summer vacations.

 

I've never been on a 'party' cruise to or from Alaska. As far as alcohol tastings, etc. Never saw those either.

 

The entertainment dept is being hard hit by cost cutting on all cruise lines. Fact of life.

[NancyIL]

Obviously your cruise was during the time that the schools were out for the summer vacations.

 

I've never been on a 'party' cruise to or from Alaska. As far as alcohol tastings, etc. Never saw those either.

 

The entertainment dept is being hard hit by cost cutting on all cruise lines. Fact of life.

 

Our HAL Veendam cruise had "mixology classes" as well as culinary arts demonstrations on the sea days. Our 7-day Princess cruise on the Coral last year also had plenty of activities. Maybe it's just the 10-day that was the dud!

[2ndguesser]

Never said it was a party ship but my point was there was a ton of stuff to do - for all ages. And yes - you did have to pay for them - but there were several alcohol "tastings". We had a great cruise on Norwegian Pearl and I highly recommend it. And - we went 8/24th to 31st. Some schools were in session already and some (like ours) started 2 days after we got home. I did not see a walker the entire cruise and only 2 scooters - both for people with broken bones.

[Coral]

Never said it was a party ship but my point was there was a ton of stuff to do - for all ages. And yes - you did have to pay for them - but there were several alcohol "tastings". We had a great cruise on Norwegian Pearl and I highly recommend it. And - we went 8/24th to 31st. Some schools were in session already and some (like ours) started 2 days after we got home. I did not see a walker the entire cruise and only 2 scooters - both for people with broken bones.

 

Not sure if this was out of Seattle but schools in the NW start later then schools in the midwest. My friend's schools always start after Labor Day.

 

I have had tons of activities on my Princess 7 night cruises and there were tons for all ages. Again, I am in my 30's so I would probably recognize if it was a retirement home.

[inkmahm]

Obviously your cruise was during the time that the schools were out for the summer vacations.

 

I've never been on a 'party' cruise to or from Alaska. As far as alcohol tastings, etc. Never saw those either.

 

The entertainment dept is being hard hit by cost cutting on all cruise lines. Fact of life.

The Diamond Princess cruise 8/23 SB had alcohol tastings. Wine for sure and I'm 99% sure martinis, too. I wasn't interested in alcohol activities since I'm not a drinker. I DID go to afternoon tea two days though and really enjoyed that, even though I'm not normally a tea drinker!

[CowPrincess]

Alaska cruise is perfect preparation for a retirement home

 

Well sign me up for THAT retirement home!

 

I'm really sorry your cruise didn't meet your expectations (or perhaps it did, given that you had a thread about "Is Alaska just for older people?" or similar). As others have pointed out, "different strokes for different folks". For me personally, the "onboard entertainment" on an Alaska cruise is the eagles, the land, the whales and the absolutely fascinating people I get to meet. However, while that meets my needs, it doesn't meet everyone's.

 

I truly hope you enjoy your next cruise more. It's a shame when a vacation doesn't meet expectations.

[VillaHappy]

Was there a meet and mingle - or whatever they call it on Princess - for this particular cruise?