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While the most popular cruise regions in the world will likely always remain the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there are some amazing destinations beyond those regions, including Alaska. Reindeer sausages are a quintessential Alaskan taste, often devoured by locals on a bun with mustard. You may also find the sausages in omelets, as a side at breakfast or topping a pizza. You can improve your chances by heading pre- or post- cruise up to Fairbanks, which is inland, closer to the Arctic Circle and a prime worldwide aurora borealis-viewing location. Staying up late and staring at the night sky can be like watching paint dry. Fortunately, your ship will have a sign-up list for a wake-up call should the lights appear in the clear sky.
Day 4 Freestyle Daily
If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. Whoever said, “there’s nothing 6 gallons of ice cream can’t fix” has clearly never had to disembark a cruise ship, but I did my best to enjoy my giant sundae from Coco’s anyway. I hope I don’t exceed my onboard spending budget of zero dollars.
Night 3 Dinner in the MDR
Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle. These solo cabins get our vote because they're located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Lone travelers can also meet their shipmates while waiting to hop into a race care on the ship's go-kart track, at a showing of "Jersey Boys" or over a muddled drink at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Ships also do a lot of maneuvering, including turning complete circles designed to give everyone on board access to the amazing views. Unfortunately, those tight turns can contribute to nausea for some people.
What Size Ship for Your Alaska Cruise?
We also reviewed each ship’s cruise itinerary, dining and wellness options, and the types of experiences and excursions available to guests. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the cruise line has collected any accolades in recent years. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.
For an even more customized experience, consider a private cruise on smaller ships like yachts and sailboats. Oceania’s cruise ships offer a five-star experience – not quite as decadent as some of the ultra-luxury ships sailing in the Alaska region, but a clear step above mainstream cruise lines in terms of service, decor, dining options and more. One of the most magical ways to explore Alaska’s expansive coastline, stunning snow-capped mountains, mystic fjords, lush rainforests, awe-inspiring glaciers, and protected wildlife is by sea. And that’s precisely why so many people who visit Alaska do so via a cruise. Plus, it’s the best way to experience the iconic Inside Passage, the most popular route for cruise ships departing from Seattle and Vancouver from May through September.
And 99% of the staterooms on Celebrity Edge have king-size beds, featuring Celebrity eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses. Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink), as well as sofabeds and bunks to sleep four in a cabin. Disney-themed restaurants and attentive wait staff take the stress out of family mealtimes. Royal Caribbean is known for its floating megaresorts, which carry thousands and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, high-tech shows and lavish spas.
Least Favorite Spot On The Bliss
When cruise lines send a fleet of ships to Alaska for the summer, the older, smaller ships tend to offer more reduced prices than you'll find on the lines' larger and newer ships. The line will send six ships to Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage. However, it's the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam that offers some of the most interesting cruise tour itineraries out there.
You don't have to stick with ship-sponsored shore excursions in every port in Alaska. On my last Alaska cruise, we booked kayaking independently for our stop in Ketchikan. We were guaranteed an on-time return to the ship and paid far less than for the ship's kayaking excursions. It's worse in midsummer, but even on shoulder season sailings, you may not find space on the excursions you hoped to do if you wait until you're on the ship to book.
Princess Cruise Line Alaska Family Cruise Review - Parents
Princess Cruise Line Alaska Family Cruise Review.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure. The city itself is steeped in history, with landmarks like the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum offering glimpses into its past.
The area is a historical goldmine, featuring landmarks like Creek Street and buildings dating back to the early 1900s. We also visited Totem Bight State Park, a cultural hub showcasing indigenous art and history. From its natural wonders like Port Frederick and Mud Bay to adrenaline-pumping activities and convenient amenities, this port offers a well-rounded Alaskan experience.
Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Radiance of the Seas is one of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Alaska, despite being older than her Quantum-class sisters which also cruise in the region. Alaskan-owned and -operated Alaskan Dream Cruises dates back to 1970 when its parent company, Allen Marine, founded by Bob and Betty Allen, launched with the St. Michael. In those days, Bob ran the boat while Betty and her children served treats and tea to their guests. Today, Allen Marine operates 30 vessels, including the five ships that make up the Alaska Dream Cruises fleet, all of which accommodate between 12 and 76 cruise passengers. Knowledgeable expedition leaders serve as personal guides on every voyage, sharing their expertise in biology, geography and ecology, as well as sharing about the lifestyles and legends of Southeast Alaska’s local cultures.
Grand Princess is a good choice for all passengers – solo, couples and families. There’s plenty to do onboard, and the service is very good, but it’s not a party ship and has quite a relaxed vibe onboard. Young kids might get bored, but the Camp Discovery club is popular.
You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all native Alaskan owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagoff Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports.
Most ships boast a “Music Walk,” a section home to venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (a dueling piano bar), Lincoln Center Stage, and Rolling Stone Rock Room. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board the ship for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap at the dueling piano bar to jam out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John. All of the above make HAL a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, onboard our summer sailing, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents. However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck.
A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
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