Five things you must know BEFORE you start planning an Alaska Cruise-

Having just returned from a wonderful 7 day Alaska cruise I wanted to share with you some of the very important things you need to consider when selecting your perfect Alaska cruise. Here you go….

Step 1: Find a friendly travel advisor to find the perfect fit and price for your Alaska cruise. Save time, money and make your life easy. 

Step 2: Choose the type of cruise – There are three varieties of Alaska cruises:

Inside Passage Cruise – These 7 day cruises usually depart  Vancouver or Seattle and are often round-trip cruises, departing and returning to the same port. Usually they stop at three or four port towns, such as Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and maybe Haines or Sitka. Inside passage cruises usually spend a day in Glacier Bay or another glacier, and two days at sea.These are usually the most cost efficient tours as you save a lot on airfares. The downside is you often have to cruise for several days up and several days back to reach into a limited number of destinations. Also the cruises departing from Seattle often sail out in the ocean and miss the inside passage. 

One-way cruises (commonly called Cross Gulf of Alaska Cruises) – These cruises usually sail northbound or southbound between either Seattle or Vancouver, BC to Anchorage (via the port towns of Whittier or Seward and then by bus to Anchorage). Itineraries include many of the same stops that a round-trip Inside Passage cruise does, plus some extra smaller ports and glaciers such as Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. These are a little more expensive because the airfares are higher.

One-way cruises adding a land extension – Many people want to get deeper into Alaska and they add on to one-way cruises with a 4-7 day land tour that departs from Anchorage up into the Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount McKinley. Adding a land tour is a blast as I usually take the Alaska Railroad train from Anchorage to Fairbanks and stop at Denali along the way. Adding a land tour really lets you experience the majestic mountains, large wildlife, amazing tundra and, most importantly, meet with the Alaskan people. 

Step 3: Choose the size of ship, amenities and ports of call – Cruise ships traveling to Alaska come in various types and sizes, each offering different experiences. Here are the main categories:

Large Cruise Ships: These hold 2,000 to 5,000 passengers with extensive amenities, including multiple dining options, entertainment venues, pools, and activity options. They often visit major ports and popular attractions. Examples include Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class, Princess Cruises’ Royal-class, and Carnival’s Vista-class. These offer the best bang for the buck but are not very intimate.

Mid-Size Cruise Ships: These hold 1,000 to 2,000 passengers with a good balance between the amenities of large ships and the intimacy of smaller vessels. They offer a good mix of comfort and access to less crowded ports. Examples include Holland America Line’s Vista-class and Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class.

Small Luxury Cruise Ships: – These hold 100 to 1000 passengers. These provide an upscale experience with a high staff-to-guest ratio, luxury accommodations, and personalized service. They often visit smaller ports and offer unique shore excursions. Examples include Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Expedition and Yacht-like ships: These cruises hold 30- 200 passengers . These are designed for adventure and exploration. These ships are equipped for close-up wildlife viewing and excursions into remote areas. They often include educational programs and guides with specialized knowledge. Examples include Lindblad Expeditions, Hurtigruten, and National Geographic.

Step 4: Book early as the best discounts and cabins go fast.

Step 5: I really recommend you consider upgrading your cruise experience to Alaska by spending a few dollars more – My Alaska cruise adventure on the ultra-luxury small ship experience of the Seabourn Odyssey was simply the best way you could ever experience Alaska. The service, experience, food and tours, drinks and amenities are worth every extra penny you pay. Having been on over 58 cruises I am looking to find the best of the best. No hassle, no mess. That is Seabourn. 

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