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LiveLifeLoud

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    1st ever cruise, balcony or not?

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    Our first cruise was a last minute decision and we didn't do our homework. There wasn't all of this online wonderful information that we have now. We did an inside cabin and we were miserable! We said we would never cruise again. I felt claustrophobic and didn't like being able to walk outside to check the weather, know how to dress, etc. Other people love the inside cabins so it is a personal decision. We wanted to go explore Alaska so tried cruising one more time. That was in 2015 (7 years after that first cruise). Our TA told us for Alaska that she highly recommended a balcony. We were hooked on cruising after that trip. I would wrap up and sit on the balcony with breakfast. There was always something to see. In 2016 we did a cruise to the Western Caribbean. Made the mistake of upgrading to a suite. Oh my!! I have the cruising bug really bad now. We are heading to Alaska again this year in a suite. For us, a balcony is a must. I love the outdoors and enjoy the peacefulness of being on our private balcony. It is a personal decision. That is why you are getting so many answers.

     

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    Northern lights

    in Alaska

    Posted

    Sorry the first time was disappointing for you, but just because it didn't meet your expectations doesn't mean you should stop looking - I've seen better than what you describe (green bands of light - and the photos did look better than what we saw with the naked eye), but never a really spectacular show so a (land) trip to the far north in winter for several days remains on the bucket list.

     

    For OP - not bothering because someone else reports a 'meh' experience would be like never going whale-watching because someone told you they did see whales, but not bubble-netting or breaching. Or never eating out because most restaurants are not Michelin-star quality. As long as your expectations are appropriate, you won't be disappointed (in this case, as said above, expect you'll see nothing at all on your trip so any chance of aurora viewing is a big win).

    That is how we are going about it! It is on our bucket list, but I am now expecting to see them. If we do get to see them that would be awesome!

     

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    Northern lights

    in Alaska

    Posted

    Don't be too disappointed about missing the northern lights. I too, had always wanted to see them. Finally, last September at 2:00 a.m. I saw what looked like streaks of a smeary white cloud against the dark sky from my balcony on a TA cruise while circling Iceland. In fact, it wasn't until other passengers told me that their longer exposure photos showed the colors that I was even sure what I saw were the northern lights. Back home, I read that most often, to the human eye, the lights appear white. So... glad I finally saw them but they were nothing like I expected.

    That really makes me feel so much better! Thank you.

     

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    Northern lights

    in Alaska

    Posted

    I am pretty much always in Alaska in this time frame. Sorry but pretty close to a zero chance of seeing any aurora. I've had spectacular sightings in March. :) End of April is already getting iffy.

    Then we will just have to schedule another trip at a different time. Last time we had rain most of the week and we had an amazing time. Not seeing it this time will just be a reason to go back again.

     

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    Northern lights

    in Alaska

    Posted

    We live in Fairbanks. My birthday is in late April, and I don't ever recall seeing an aurora either on my birthday or on the nights soon after. While you can always hope, I also hope you have realistic expectations asI doubt you will see one. Sorry for being such a "downer."

    Don't worry! I am very realistic. This is our 2nd time to your beautiful state. Last time we knew we had to go back again. We weren't able to see the glaciers that trip because of icebergs. It sure didn't ruin our vacation :).

     

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    Northern lights

    in Alaska

    Posted

    Seeing (or not seeing) the northern lights depends on 3 things:

     

    • Dark skies
    • Clear skies
    • Aurora activity

    Clear skies just depends on the weather, which is random luck. Fairbanks tends to have more days with clear skies, so it's a popular spot for the northern lights.

    Aurora activity is also random luck. It can only be accurately predicted a few days out. You can see whats going on here: http://www.softservenews.com/

    Dark skies: This is why you won't have much luck in mid-May. In mid-May, the sun (in Fairbanks) will sit just below the horizon from about 11:30pm to about 4am. If there was aurora and you were up at the darkest time around 2am, you might, might, might be able to see it. But it would be pretty faint.

    Thank you! We will ask for a wake up call if that happens:). We are just excited to be there.

     

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    Northern lights

    in Alaska

    Posted

    We are doing a 14 day land/ cruise tour starting may 15th 2017 with Holland America on the Zaandam. We will be doing the land portion first. Is there any chance ( even if it is a small one) of seeing the Aurora while we are on the land portion?

     

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    Are Alaska Cruises currently priced high?

    in Alaska

    Posted

    Yes, we are cruising early in the season. But perfectly OK with that. :) I have cruised Alaska in mid June and loved it, weather was great, but ports were busy. Cruising with my mom and sister, looking for a low key relaxing getaway. We are from Washington State so we are perfectly OK with not so great weather. We are well seasond! lol....No kids, No husband, just us a veranda and endless bottle of wine!

    Happy to cruise "early" season!! More space for us! some of the stops we will be the only ship. Yahoo for that

    We are going in mid May. I am excited as well! First time we went mid July. It rained almost every day that trip in 2015 and it just didn't matter to us :). We had a great time.

     

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    Please help on excursion suggestions for the Zaandam Land/Sea!

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    We've been to Alaska many, many times including two 7 day cruises, three 14 day cruises (all on HAL), as well as 2 land only trips to Homer and Denali, and 1 land only trip to Denali/Fairbanks/North Pole to view the northern lights. For our next adventure, we're in the midst of planning our land only trip to Haines for August of 2017, a tiny southeast town we haven't had the pleasure of visiting before. We're renting a lovely house on the shore of Paradise Cove for 10 days, with views of the Rainbow Glacier and mountains all around. I 've been pouring over excursions and sights to see for that neck of the woods. Here is an excursion we've booked - Takshanuk Trail 4X4 trek up a mountain in a Rhino-type drive yourself vehicle. It looks like a ton of fun (we've done a similar excursion in Sitka - it was a blast!). We're renting a car, so we intend to drive up the Haines Highway into Canada and visit all the state/national/provincial parks in the area in the hopes of seeing bears feasting on salmon. If you're interest in wildlife, there is a Kroeschel (spelling?) Wildlife tour, which has many, many Alaskan animals for up close and personal looks. The folks who run the place rescue many of the animals, and then train them for use in movies and documentaries. Google both to see if these suggestions might be of interest to you. Haines also has wonderful opportunities to get out on the water - kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, etc - something for everyone. We love the small town feel of Haines, and are so looking forward to this next adventure. To the OP - hope you enjoy every moment of your cruise and find something fun and interesting to do in Haines that suits your wishes!

     

    Off topic - Hey Sean, I see you (and Mike?) are going back to Alaska again next year - woo-hoo! Haven't won the lottery yet, so our deal of sharing the wealth isn't to be just yet - though we're still trying. I have a question about the cemetery you mentioned in Haines - do you know if that is the one where John Schnaible, the grandfather of Parker Schnaible from the Discovery TV show "Gold Rush" is buried? We're big fans of the show and are hoping to pay our respects at his grave site while we are in Haines next year.

    I see a lot of research for excursions in my very near future! This is one of the things that I most enjoy about having a vacation planned. I am also a huge fan of the show Gold Rush. The relationship between Parker and his grandfather was so special.

     

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    Please help on excursion suggestions for the Zaandam Land/Sea!

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I love Skagway but have been there many times. I'm looking forward to visiting Haines in 2017. It's too early for the Eagle Preserve rafting excursion but there will probably be a few eagles in the trees. Haines will be less touristy and less crowded than Skagway. Check out the suggestions for Haines on the HAL destinations page.

    Thank you for the suggestion! This is our 2nd time to Alaska, and our first time on HAL. Our first trip was a 7 day round trip inside passage on princess. We have already been to skagway so I would love the opportunity to see Haines. I am learning so much from the people on this site.

     

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    Please help on excursion suggestions for the Zaandam Land/Sea!

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Have you looked on the HAL website under your booking number to see what HAL offers? You will definitely have some time on your own at Denali. You might want to go rafting or go see Jeff Kings Husky Homestead. You will also have time to visit the park visitor's center which is free. It looks like you have time in Seward for the Kenai Fjords excursion which is excellent or you may want to see other places on your own like the Sealife Center or Exit Glacier.

     

    The times that HAL offers excursions are also the free times that you will be available for your own activities.

     

    Thank you so much for this information. I will check these out!

    Please help on excursion suggestions for the Zaandam Land/Sea!

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Below is our itinerary for our cruise coming up this May. Do we need to book excursions on the land portion? If we do, please tell me where to look for them. Looking at this it seems that there are already activities planned? Any suggestions will be so appreciated.

     

    Day

    Itinerary

    15May

    Fairbanks - Arrive at your downtown hotel (no meals included on land)

    2

    Fairbanks - Take a step back in time aboard the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery (lunch included), and pan for gold at historic Gold Dredge 8

    3

    Denali National Park - Today it's off to Denali for a two night stay at this magnificent national treasure

    4

    Denali National Park - Today features the unforgettable Tundra Wilderness Tour. This 6-8 hour fully narrated sightseeing excursion is a deep dive into Denali National Park — the very best chance of seeing both the mountain itself and Denali’s iconic wildlife (snack included)

    5

    Anchorage - This morning, board the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer bound for Anchorage

    6

    Seward - Enjoy a memorable motor coach tour along scenic Turnagain Arm to Seward, then have time to explore on your own

    7

    Seward -Take an optional excursion into spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park before you board your ship

    8

    At Sea (Gulf of Alaska) Enjoy a leisurely day of cruising

    9

    Glacier Bay Cruise the ice-studded fjords of this national treasure for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrates

    10

    Haines The best of two ports — stay in Haines for an uncrowded experience,

    10

    Skagway or go to Skagway for excursions and shopping

    11

    Juneau Enjoy a full day of exploring Alaska's capital — choose from exciting shore excursions and still have time to shop

    12

    Ketchikan Explore this uniquely Alaskan port, famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing, and scenic Misty Fjords

    13

    At Sea

    Relax and enjoy a full day of scenic Inside Passage cruising and immerse yourself in Holland America Line elegance

    28May

    Vancouver Your Land + Sea Journey concludes this morning in Vancouver

    Sell me on a Neptune Suite

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I have booked a Neptune suite and am very excited about the benefits we are getting. We booked the land/ sea tour. We will be arriving on the ship on 5/21/17. We booked in October with a TA during a sale. In addition to the explore 4 package, we have our gratuities paid for, $200 of free internet, and also have a $300 OBC

     

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