Royal or Carnival

[cw2go]

We have our land tour planned and now we are planning the cruise portion out of Seward/Whittier

 

We have cruised with RCCL and Carnival to the caribbean. We found one to give us better service and the dinners were more tasty but we are looking for the best option for Alaska with our son.

 

Royal's

board Seward

Hubbard Glacier

Juneau 9-9

Skagway 7-830

Icy Straight 7-4

Ketchican 9-6

Inside passage

fly out of VC

 

Carnival's

board Whittier

Prince William Sound/ College Fjords

Sitka 830-7

Juneau 7-11 long day

Skagway 7-430 Lynn Canal

Ketchican 11-8

Inside passage

Fly out VC

 

The two are similar from my point of view but I have not yet seen Alaska, so this is what we are looking at

 

My son is 12 and he will want entertainment, such as arcade and kids programs, pool tables and putt putt but I want to get the most out of Alaska and have nice accomodations as well. So I am doing my best to find the right fit for all of us. I am sure he will be fully engaged in ports I am only concerned with sea days. He absolutely loved RCCL and all they offered for him to do. I have found Carnival to be $1700.00 less expensive with Mil Discount and that makes excursions more affordable.

 

What are the main differences going to be and what will I get with one and not the other? I guess is it in a nutshell???

 

One final question is which month for this SB route is best for weather and wildlife? My son also wants to see bears and I am under the impression they will not be out during the early months for the excursions?

 

Thank you so much for all your help and thoughts,

Patty

[thinfool]

Sorry to be a little spoiler, but go on Princess and go to Glacier Bay. Your son will enjoy the Rangers who board to narrate the voyage and they have some cool souvenir stuff from the National Park Service.

 

The rest of a Princess cruise will have an onboard naturalist who will narrate many of the interesting sites that you see as you sail by.

[Budget Queen]

Of your two choices, I definately recommend Carnival, they do an excellent job in Alaska. However, neither is going to be like the Caribbean, with endless activites. I suggest your son may be better off, involved in the Alaska planning and open to plenty of down time on the ship. :)

 

As for your wildlife priority, absolutely, get to Denali park, your best "bear" bargain around, however these are NOT the larger Coastal Bears. Kenai Fjords boat tours are also the "must do" for Alaska wildlife. With your Sitka port if you choose Carnival, go on an independent boat tour, again, excellent varied wildlife potential.

 

Hopefully, you have alloted at least 5 days for Interior Alaska travel?? You can look at any timeframe June/August for excellent wildlife interior Alaska.

[cw2go]

Well, we are not going to be able to make it to Denali, that is going to be another trip. Time and money play a major factor. It came down to either a long Land tour or a cruise and we just cannot do both. My son is most excited about the cruise than Denali and my husband and I plan to make a trip out in the future on our own for interior Alaska. So yes we are going to spend some time in Seward (2 nights) and then do the cruise. This is right up his alley. I know I am making many decissions based on my son but I really am open to all of the options so whatever makes him and my husband happy is fine with me. I have no preferences, maybe after I have been there I will sing a new tune. LOL!!!

 

So as far as weather and wildlife for the cruise portion what month is best recommended? We were looking at doing a bear excursion in one of the ports but will weather and bears accomodate eachother? What will be the difference in the Glacier viewing between the two cruises? Also between Sitka/Icy Straight?

 

Thank you again for all your help,

Patty:)

[cw2go]

I did look into the other cruiselines but they only have 3 ports verses 4, I also thought that Carnival did have a Naturalist/Speaker come on board as well. Is that not true? I know my son and he will want ports with lots of excursions, that is why I considered a less expensive cruise company so we can put the funds towards tours.

 

Thank you for your input and help,

Patty:)

[vegs1]

We haven't traveled on our cruise yet. We're doing the Northbound sailing on Carnival next July 2009 and then spending 5 days touring afterwards heading to Denali for a couple of days.

 

I have been on most of the cruise lines but never to Alaska - until next year! We picked Carnival as our 10 year old daughter LOVED their kids program and also the fact that they visited the port of Sitka which we have heard is wonderful. They also supposedly have an excellent naturalist named Michelle on board.

 

We have involved our daughter in the planning and in Sitka, we are doing a tour with Captain Davey on the Esther G which was highly recommended. My daughter wanted to see sea otters, puffins and whales. She also really wanted to go and see the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre in Sitka which we will do after our cruise tour.

 

As for the bears, we have booked Island Wings to Anan to see the bears. This was something we all wanted to do but my daughter was really interested in somewhere she could see them easily. We will be doing Denali but if they aren't right near the bus, she'll probably have a hard time actually spotting them so we figured Anan would solve that.

 

Good luck with your planning.

[cw2go]

Thank you,

 

Seems like we are both planning around the kids. I figure this is a vacation for all of us but I want him to get the most out of Alaska. I have learned if he is enjoying the site-seeing and activities the more fun for me. As for the speaker who comes on board can you tell me if this on sea days only?

 

I totally agree with regards to Denali, it is awesome and something to feast your eye's on but I see him loosing interest in about an hour into the tour. We all have to decide what will best suite our personalities, time and budget. One thing I have learned you cannot do Alaska in one vacation it would be like trying to do the whole Caribbean in one trip. It will not happen.

 

This board never let's me down and the information from some of these cruisers just amazes me, many thanks again.

 

Patty

[Budget Queen]

Well, we are not going to be able to make it to Denali, that is going to be another trip. Time and money play a major factor. It came down to either a long Land tour or a cruise and we just cannot do both. My son is most excited about the cruise than Denali and my husband and I plan to make a trip out in the future on our own for interior Alaska. So yes we are going to spend some time in Seward (2 nights) and then do the cruise. This is right up his alley. I know I am making many decissions based on my son but I really am open to all of the options so whatever makes him and my husband happy is fine with me. I have no preferences, maybe after I have been there I will sing a new tune. LOL!!!

 

So as far as weather and wildlife for the cruise portion what month is best recommended? We were looking at doing a bear excursion in one of the ports but will weather and bears accomodate eachother? What will be the difference in the Glacier viewing between the two cruises? Also between Sitka/Icy Straight?

 

Thank you again for all your help,

Patty:)

 

If you must see bears, then you definately need to look at mid July into beg. of Sept AND opt for a fly in bear tour out of Ketchikan (black bears) or Juneau for browns. IF you go with RCI, then you do have a possibiltiy of bears, with a drive in, but I would look more at August for this, AND going independent. You are not likely to see bears otherwise.

 

Not sure for you<< but neither is the "best" glacier option. With one ways, if glaciers are the priority, then you would do best to pick up a 2 glacier sailing, with Glacier Bay and College fjords. Depending on your routing, I highly recommend a Prince William Sound boat tour, for superior glacier viewing, then you don't have to worry what your cruiseship will offer. :) You will get a glacier view out of Seward, so that may also be enough for you. Since you claim to want 4 ports, I suggest you look at what Sitka, vs Hoonah can offer you and go with what will suit you best.

 

Your focus on weather is moot, there is no way to predict and foul weather can and does happen the entire season. 2007 August was horrific, this season, mid Sept was bad etc etc etc. You will be far better off, going in a timeframe of your tour priorities- bears and BE WELL prepared in your attire. There is no other advice to give you. :)

[Budget Queen]

I did look into the other cruiselines but they only have 3 ports verses 4, I also thought that Carnival did have a Naturalist/Speaker come on board as well. Is that not true? I know my son and he will want ports with lots of excursions, that is why I considered a less expensive cruise company so we can put the funds towards tours.

 

Thank you for your input and help,

Patty:)

 

For clairfication, Carnival has a full time Naturalist- Michelle- :) hopefully, that is on the boat all season.

 

A National Park Ranger comes on board and escorts ships into Glacier Bay and narrates the trip.

 

RCI, has guest lectures/naturalists, but NOT on all ships/sailings and no way to predict.

[cw2go]

Thanks super bunches,

 

You answered all my questions and I think I have it... finally.

 

We are leaning towards Sitka and doing lots of tours. I have read many of your other posts and realize weather will be what it is. We have always made the best of what we are given and will do so in Alaska.

 

Thanks again,

Patty

[kellywhitehills]

We have our land tour planned and now we are planning the cruise portion out of Seward/Whittier

 

We have cruised with RCCL and Carnival to the caribbean. We found one to give us better service and the dinners were more tasty but we are looking for the best option for Alaska with our son.

 

Royal's

board Seward

Hubbard Glacier

Juneau 9-9

Skagway 7-830

Icy Straight 7-4

Ketchican 9-6

Inside passage

fly out of VC

 

Carnival's

board Whittier

Prince William Sound/ College Fjords

Sitka 830-7

Juneau 7-11 long day

Skagway 7-430 Lynn Canal

Ketchican 11-8

Inside passage

Fly out VC

 

The two are similar from my point of view but I have not yet seen Alaska, so this is what we are looking at

 

My son is 12 and he will want entertainment, such as arcade and kids programs, pool tables and putt putt but I want to get the most out of Alaska and have nice accomodations as well. So I am doing my best to find the right fit for all of us. I am sure he will be fully engaged in ports I am only concerned with sea days. He absolutely loved RCCL and all they offered for him to do. I have found Carnival to be $1700.00 less expensive with Mil Discount and that makes excursions more affordable.

 

What are the main differences going to be and what will I get with one and not the other? I guess is it in a nutshell???

 

One final question is which month for this SB route is best for weather and wildlife? My son also wants to see bears and I am under the impression they will not be out during the early months for the excursions?

 

Thank you so much for all your help and thoughts,

Patty

 

We did the S/B cruise with Carnival in JUly 2007..It was a really nice cruise with some pretty decent weather..There were quite a few kids on the ship and they were always doing something..But most were younger than your son...

 

WE flew into Anchorage the day of the cruise and getting to the ship was a snap with the Carnival transfers..Going through Customs in Vancouver was pretty painless also..

 

To me what makes this Carnival cruise so attractive is your port times and Sitka..Your port time in Juneau allows you to do a day trip through Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier via small boat..Having been to Alaska twice that trip was the best most memorable thing we did in Alaska...WE saw Orcas, humpbacks, eagles, seals, bears, mountain goats, huge icebergs and got with in what seemed like rock throwing distance of the Sawyer Glacier..

Here is a link to my Alaksa photo Albums..There is also an album there with the Southbound Capers so you can get an idea what is offered on board during the cruise..

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

 

Have fun planning!

 

Kelly

[cw2go]

Thank you, we are leaning towards Carnival as well. It seems we may sacrifice a few of the amenities like, putt putt, b-ball courts and stuff like that for my son but we the ship is our transportation, sleeping quarters and a few meals so we will be fine. How rough can it be living on a cruise ship in Alaska for one week? LOL!

 

Do you remember if the pool area is covered or heated? Can kids use it or is that researved for adults only? He would enjoy that in his down time. When all else fails he will have the ipod.

 

Thanks again,

Patty

[vegs1]

Thank you,

 

Seems like we are both planning around the kids. I figure this is a vacation for all of us but I want him to get the most out of Alaska. I have learned if he is enjoying the site-seeing and activities the more fun for me. As for the speaker who comes on board can you tell me if this on sea days only?

 

I totally agree with regards to Denali, it is awesome and something to feast your eye's on but I see him loosing interest in about an hour into the tour. We all have to decide what will best suite our personalities, time and budget. One thing I have learned you cannot do Alaska in one vacation it would be like trying to do the whole Caribbean in one trip. It will not happen.

 

This board never let's me down and the information from some of these cruisers just amazes me, many thanks again.

 

Patty

 

Hi Patty,

 

No matter which cruise you do, I"m sure you'll have fun.

 

For us, we're trying to plan around our daughter and our elderly parents. No easy task but these boards have been great and I've pretty much finalized all of our plans because of the wonderful people on here.

 

I know that for us, our daughter is really excited as we've had her input on shore excursions and now she's been reading up on Alaska and some of the ports. I think she's going to have a blast!

 

Good luck!

[kellywhitehills]

Thank you, we are leaning towards Carnival as well. It seems we may sacrifice a few of the amenities like, putt putt, b-ball courts and stuff like that for my son but we the ship is our transportation, sleeping quarters and a few meals so we will be fine. How rough can it be living on a cruise ship in Alaska for one week? LOL!

 

Do you remember if the pool area is covered or heated? Can kids use it or is that researved for adults only? He would enjoy that in his down time. When all else fails he will have the ipod.

 

Thanks again,

Patty

 

The pool is covered and heated..I saw kids swimming in it on the July cruise..I didnt pay much attention to the pool area when we went last month..:)

I believe the pool or hot tub in the fantail area is adults only..The Lido pool is for everyone..

 

I think they had a movie on a big screen somewhere with popcorn...If you read the Capers it should be listed there..

 

Kelly

[Chat Noir]

If you care for glacier viewing, I'm one of those who will highly recommend you add an independent glacier excursion to any cruise itinerary with only one glacier sailing. Seward, Whittier, and Juneau (with the right port-time) all offer excellent excursions with glacier viewing opportunities.

 

I speak from experience. Two of our 3 Alaskan cruises had only one glacier viewing day on the itinerary. One didn't make it to the glacier area at all, College Fjord, due to mechanical damage (we also bypassed Sitka). The other didn't make it anywhere near the glacier, Hubbard, as it was iced-out with only distant viewing; certainly not close enough to see or hear calving.

 

I am not trying to be doom and gloom:), our adventures seem to be rarer than not (maybe it's just us???). Wanted to point out some facts to consider so you can plan a bit for the 'what if's...' just in case glacier viewing does matter to you.

[Budget Queen]

If you care for glacier viewing, I'm one of those who will highly recommend you add an independent glacier excursion to any cruise itinerary with only one glacier sailing. Seward, Whittier, and Juneau (with the right port-time) all offer excellent excursions with glacier viewing opportunities.

 

I speak from experience. Two of our 3 Alaskan cruises had only one glacier viewing day on the itinerary. One didn't make it to the glacier area at all, College Fjord, due to mechanical damage (we also bypassed Sitka). The other didn't make it anywhere near the glacier, Hubbard, as it was iced-out with only distant viewing; certainly not close enough to see or hear calving.

 

I am not trying to be doom and gloom:), our adventures seem to be rarer than not (maybe it's just us???). Wanted to point out some facts to consider so you can plan a bit for the 'what if's...' just in case glacier viewing does matter to you.

 

 

These are excellent points to consider and I definately advocate the PWS boat tours for fantastic and far superior glacier viewing. :)

[funcruises]

We went on Spirt and were very happy, southbound. We also did 7 days land before hand too. Alaska cruises are not like the caribbean. It's more laid back, you don't have to dress up. Much more relaxing. If going saves you money for more things you can do on shore, GO FOR IT!! You will not be sorry.

[SOMBRERO6]

We were on the Spirit S/B Alaska 9/03/08. We absolutely loved it. Michelle the Naturalist will keep you informed of whatever wildlife you might see from the ship. We saw whales from our balcony. We saw several bears in Juneau at the Mendenhall glacier. We also saw many Baluga whales on our bus ride from Anchorage to Whittier. We booked the sea otter and wildlife tour in Sitka and were able to see whales, bald headed eagles and of course, many sea otters. We prefer cruises with more ports and less sea days, so this was a great choice for us. It's good to save something to see the next time...you won't ever see it all! Hvae fun planning!