Why alaska?

[Mrs Charmin]

We're thinking of planning an Alaskan cruise and I've been reading everyone's comments and questions. However, I can't seem to get excited about it. We're Canadians and live in cold weather for approximately six months of the year. So, we like to take warm weather (tropical) vacations to get away from part of our cold winter. The thought of having to wear a winter jacket, hat, mitts, etc. has dampened our enthusiasm for this area.

 

If we plan an Alaskan cruise we'd have to give up a tropical vacation for that year to celebrate a special anniversary in early July. I've seen so many comments from people who have taken Alaskan cruises and want to go again and again. Is it the scenery, the wildlife, the cruise itself? Can anyone enlighten me on the joys of a cruise in this area?

 

This would be our 2010 vacation. We've only cruised with Princess in the Caribbean and we liked it. We also love Hawaii and we go to Florida frequently. We've done whale watching (Hawaii) and lobster boat touring (Maritimes). We're too old and out of shape for very active tours (zipline, dog-sledding). We're not casino people, but do enjoy nice scenery and good food and wine.

 

Thanks in advance. I hope this will generate some interesting discussion.

[Sauvignon]

We're thinking of planning an Alaskan cruise and I've been reading everyone's comments and questions. However, I can't seem to get excited about it. We're Canadians and live in cold weather for approximately six months of the year. So, we like to take warm weather (tropical) vacations to get away from part of our cold winter. The thought of having to wear a winter jacket, hat, mitts, etc. has dampened our enthusiasm for this area.

 

If we plan an Alaskan cruise we'd have to give up a tropical vacation for that year to celebrate a special anniversary in early July. I've seen so many comments from people who have taken Alaskan cruises and want to go again and again. Is it the scenery, the wildlife, the cruise itself? Can anyone enlighten me on the joys of a cruise in this area?

 

This would be our 2010 vacation. We've only cruised with Princess in the Caribbean and we liked it. We also love Hawaii and we go to Florida frequently. We've done whale watching (Hawaii) and lobster boat touring (Maritimes). We're too old and out of shape for very active tours (zipline, dog-sledding). We're not casino people, but do enjoy nice scenery and good food and wine.

 

Thanks in advance. I hope this will generate some interesting discussion.

 

You do raise on interesting point. One does tend to take for granted what they have on their doorstep. I live in a absolutely beautiful place which attracts many many tourists yet alot of local people feel the need to travel to far flung places often only to be able to say that they have been to this place or that place. Yes broaden your horizons and visit and explore something new, but do always do it for the right reasons and always appreciate what you have on your own door step.

[SeaDawg]

The ports, the scenary, the wild life and the glaciers. If you have no interest in those things then I would not recommend a trip to Alaska.

[vbmom87]

For us it was the scenery that captivated us. We couldn't get enough of it. I understand your thoughts about winter jackets, hats, gloves etc. We traveled in mid-June to the first of July. By the end of our vacation (both land and sea) I told my husband I was tired of being cold. I was ready to go home after 18 days and experience some Michigan warmth ;). However, we had a great, great time. We chose a very scenic itinerary, which, to our surprise, included the "small craft" route through the Inside Passage. I would go back in a heartbeat if the funding was available. My DH and I love scenery and that is always a priority for us when picking a vacation destination. In general we stay away from the warmer climates for vacation. Going to a tropical location would be less desirable to me than going to a colder climate.

 

Most people love Alaska. However, I have read of some who did not put it at the top for their favorite vacations. We are all different in our likes. If cruising to a rain forest does not appeal to you, then vacation somewhere you know you wil like.

[Sauvignon]

The ports, the scenary, the wild life and the glaciers. If you have no interest in those things then I would not recommend a trip to Alaska.

 

 

I think you miss the point, it is not about 'interest' or not. Alot of places have the features you describe, with perhaps the exception of glaciers, what makes Alaska different..my earlier post refers.

[mdeane]

We did not do Alaska for many years thinking it was not our "thing". We live in NC and I am not a fan of being cold. We finally did an Alaskan Cruise last year with our 2 oldest grandchildren and we all loved it. For us it was the wildlife that we do not see here. We loved the dog sledding and the bears which we hiked into the forest to see them catching salmon in the creek. The scenery was outstanding but I imagine you see a lot of the same in your own back yard. We were very cold in July and August. I wore "long johns" everyday and we also had some rain.

 

I did love Alaska and may return someday but will mostly stay in the warmer climates of the caribbean and warm blue water. Good luck on your decision.

[cocos]

Continue with your tropical vacations. They have a plus for you and what you're acostumed to view and experience!

 

We're thinking of planning an Alaskan cruise and I've been reading everyone's comments and questions. However, I can't seem to get excited about it. We're Canadians and live in cold weather for approximately six months of the year. So, we like to take warm weather (tropical) vacations to get away from part of our cold winter. The thought of having to wear a winter jacket, hat, mitts, etc. has dampened our enthusiasm for this area.

 

If we plan an Alaskan cruise we'd have to give up a tropical vacation for that year to celebrate a special anniversary in early July. I've seen so many comments from people who have taken Alaskan cruises and want to go again and again. Is it the scenery, the wildlife, the cruise itself? Can anyone enlighten me on the joys of a cruise in this area?

 

This would be our 2010 vacation. We've only cruised with Princess in the Caribbean and we liked it. We also love Hawaii and we go to Florida frequently. We've done whale watching (Hawaii) and lobster boat touring (Maritimes). We're too old and out of shape for very active tours (zipline, dog-sledding). We're not casino people, but do enjoy nice scenery and good food and wine.

 

Thanks in advance. I hope this will generate some interesting discussion.

[cjnky]

I only went to AK because it was husband's dream - I hated the idea of the cold. But guess which one of us is looking forward most to going back? :) The scenery & the wildlife are just awesome! We went the last part of August. I think glacier bay was the only place that I would really say was cold - and I even had shorts on several days!

[CowPrincess]

HAH! Winnipeg and cold :D I live in the Rockies, where it is cold and DARK for 6 months, AND we have a 60 day growing season. At least in Winnipeg you can grow tomatoes!

 

Now that I've done the "weather whine-a-thon", :D I go to Alaska because of the awe-inspiring majesty of the area, and because some part of it touches my soul. I feel connected to things I'll never know or understand. Being in Alaska makes it easy to be in touch with "myself" and "the universe". For me, it is a spiritual experience.

 

However, if the main reason you travel is to escape bad weather, not to enjoy different experiences and new places, you do need to reconsider Alaska as a destination. My DH took his first cruise to Alaska last year and felt that it was "a lot like home" (weather AND scenery). And I totally GET that for many of us in Canada, a winter vacation to a warm climate is the only thing keeping us sane.

[Yukon]

We're thinking of planning an Alaskan cruise and I've been reading everyone's comments and questions. However, I can't seem to get excited about it. We're Canadians and live in cold weather for approximately six months of the year.

 

I'm in Whitehorse, where the Winter is a LOT longer than yours, and I'm about to book Alaska Cruise #5 :D

[Stellaglide]

We're thinking of planning an Alaskan cruise and I've been reading everyone's comments and questions. However, I can't seem to get excited about it. We're Canadians and live in cold weather for approximately six months of the year. So, we like to take warm weather (tropical) vacations to get away from part of our cold winter. The thought of having to wear a winter jacket, hat, mitts, etc. has dampened our enthusiasm for this area.

 

Not trying to be wise guy and I'll admit I've never been to Alaska but does someone from Winnipeg need to wear a winter jacket, hat, mitts etc. in 50-70F temps?

 

Alaska is certainly cold in the winter, how much more so than Winnipeg, I don't know. However the average summer temps according to weather.com for the major port cities aren't that much different than Winnipeg in June and July.

[vbmom87]

Not trying to be wise guy and I'll admit I've never been to Alaska but does someone from Winnipeg need to wear a winter jacket, hat, mitts etc. in 50-70F temps?

 

Alaska is certainly cold in the winter, how much more so than Winnipeg, I don't know. However the average summer temps according to weather.com for the major port cities aren't that much different than Winnipeg in June and July.

 

I am from Michigan where we get our share of cold, snowy winters. I went to Alaska prepared with long johns, fleece, windpants, wool socks, earmuffs, waterproof jacket, etc. Yes, I was still cold. Mid June last year actually saw some record low temperatures. The temps in the rain forest climate just seem so much colder than the same temperature back home. Even on land the temperatures were unseasonably cold. I survived, enjoyed Alaska to the fullest, but still wished I had seen more sunshine and had warmer temperatures.

[flamomo]

I have finally booked an Alaska cruise, after several years of warm climate cruise destinations.

I'm the first person to say "I HATE to be cold", therefore live in Florida and LOVE the hot humid summers. I grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania, and do know all too well what winter is like.

But, last year I was one of the fortunate who got to cruise in the South Pacific, and found so much beauty there that I think finally understand why people choose to cruise in Alaska. Because of the sheer beauty. That's what I found in French Polynesia, and that's what I expect to find in seeing a bit of Alaska. I've talked to fellow cruisers who do Alaska cruises over and over because the beauty there is unlike what one might find anywhere else.

So I caved in and decided to risk being cold, booked a cruise, and cannot wait to get there and see what so many others rave about. I have no thoughts that I might be disappointed. Maybe a little cold at times, but seeing more of nature's beauty will make it worthwhile.

[BayStateguppy]

I completely understand where you are coming from.

I want winter to go away, too.

 

Alaska wasn't my choice of vacation spots either. But when I asked the family "Where should we go on vacation?" and they answered Alaska!.... well, my first reaction was maybe I shouldn't have asked!!

 

But in all my years, I have learned you can't travel for the weather. Anything could happen anywhere. The tropics could have a hurricane, windswept rain and rough seas. It's a roll of the dice.

 

I spent 9 days in Ireland last year -- it rained every day. But I had a great time and would go back again in a minute. An old Irish gentleman told me (insert brogue here) "You don't come to Ireland for the weather."

 

After researching Alaska cruises, I am now very excited about our upcoming trip. There's more to Alaska than just cold.

[daffodiliaz]

It is an interesting question, why someone in Canada would cruise somewhere with pretty much the same climate.

I chose a second cruise to Alaska for the cool, crisp, fresh air. I'm just going to sit out on the balcony and breathe. If northern Europe or Antarctica were a little closer, I'd do those instead of Alaska a second time. I love the cold...probably because I've never lived in it.

[mr green]

We are just finishing a loooong Canadian winter in the interior of BC, but we are going back to Alaska for the 6th time, B2B at that.

The fact is that most places are too hot for us, so the cooler weather does not hurt any. It is an area where most people look at the scenery, more, than any other cruise. Another plus, once off the ship there is no gumbo to tread in.:)

 

john

[CowPrincess]

It is an interesting question, why someone in Canada would cruise somewhere with pretty much the same climate.

 

And yet no one questions someone from Florida cruising the Caribbean, or someone from LA cruising Mexico.

[daffodiliaz]

And yet no one questions someone from Florida cruising the Caribbean, or someone from LA cruising Mexico.

 

Did think of that, just didn't ask since this is an Alaska board. But very good question indeed. Must be because it's cheaper to cruise from homeports, with no airfare involved.

[cardbucfan]

Did think of that, just didn't ask since this is an Alaska board. But very good question indeed. Must be because it's cheaper to cruise from homeports, with no airfare involved.

You got it baby! We are branching out this year though and flying alllll the way across the country from Florida to see Alaska and be cold!

[negc]

When we were in Alaska in late May and early June some years back, we actually experienced weather and temperatures that were remarkably similar to what our friends and relatives were experiencing back home in Boston at the same time. Weather is variable and while average temperatures in the summer may be somewhat lower than what you might find in the lower 48, it can be quite moderate and, on occasion, quite warm. Just check out the high and low temperatures recorded in place like Fairbanks in mid-summer. The extra hours of daylight also make for a remarkable experience and I can recall seeing the sun rise at 3:30 in the morning and not set again until well after midnight the following day. My wife was of the opinion that as a native New Englander she didn't need to go all the way to Alaska to experience cold weather or to see mountains. Once she went, she couldn't wait to return. I think she is as keen on our next trip there as I am.:)

[tacotam]

Why Alaska?

 

It's the prettiest state in the USA! (my personal opinion)

[kenish]

I've been lucky to see a lot of the planet. Alaska is the first place that looked as good or better than the photos in the travel brochures. One of the most amazing things is realizing what a vast, untamed wilderness it is. There were 4 or 5 hour stretches on the cruise where I saw NO sign of human activity.

 

OTOH, everyone is different; if you dislike the natural setting around Vancouver then Alaska may not be your cuppa tea (the Vancouver scenery is great but a subdued version of Alaska IMO).

[Disneyworld]

A couple of years ago, DH and I went on an 11 night Hawaiin cruise. We live in Florida. I must admit that a lot of the oooo's and aaaah's from the people on board were of the same or similar flowers etc. that we have here. We went in Sept. and most were returning to much cooler climates, we were returning to temps in the 80's. So, there was definitely some things that we live with all the time, but honestly, the beauty of the islands, once you got past the tshirt shops, was uniquely Hawaii.

We will be doing B2B to Alaska this July, and although it will be cold (something we don't like either, that's why we moved from Massachusetts to Florida) we are looking forward to the wildlife and scenery.

While in Hawaii, we embraced the different culture and history. I think if you did a lot of research before you go, you'd find things uniquely Alaskan history. We have done Caribbean cruises, etc. and again, still similar to Florida, but enjoyed it immensely anyway.

But, do what you enjoy, everyone has different likes and dislikes and ideas of what a vacation really is. So go with your gut feeling. If you do something you really don't want to do, you will find yourself constantly comparing, ie "well, on our Caribbean cruise, we could sit out at night by the pool, this one we are freezing!!" Go for the beauty, not the weather if you choose Alaska, as another poster said, if Vacation to you is great weather, than maybe you should rethink Alaska.

[sweetpea2009]

We also live in the Interior of BC and yes, it's been a looooong winter this year. My Mom and I are going to Alaska this summer. Like you, I would first probably choose a warm and tropical vacation, just to feel warm again :rolleyes: but we didn't want to fly anywhere (I'm leaving the two kiddies with DH so I didn't want to be gone too long) and we really just want to relax and enjoy all the amenities of being on a cruise ship for a week.

 

Having said that, what may seem really cold (toque, mitts, ear muffs) weather to those living in the south, to us might seem quite pleasant. Remember, this is summer we're talking about. It's not going to be like Winnipeg in the winter. We went to Vegas in March and a lot of people on trip advisor were saying it wouldn't be warm enough in March to swim in the pools. Well, let me tell you, 22 degrees and sunshine is definitely warm enough for a Canadian to swim!! Likewise, if we do get lucky and get 18-19 degree weather with some sunshine on our cruise, then I'll be perfectly happy in my capris and a cardigan with a tshirt underneath.

 

Take heart, we may be pleasantly surprised by the weather, and I'm really looking forward to the beauty of Alaska and the glaciers. The way things are going they may not be around that long, so I'm happy to be able to see them up close.

 

Good luck with your decision.

Kim

[gertz]

The question should be why do the Caribbean with its huge ships and crowded ports?

 

It is not cold in Alaska in the summer.

 

Or maybe the question should be why do you keep coming back to Alaska?

A few of the reasons could be: Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, College Fjords, the nice people, wildlife, birds and the magnificent Eagles that are as plentiful as seagulls. and on and on.

 

Be there in August, 4th time.

 

Jack

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