Hi everyone,
I'm trying to get myself together to plan our dream trip and it's so overwhelming! We are not new to cruising, but new to Alaska and this is a BIG bucket list trip for us both.
Firstly, hello all, We are Samantha and Dean from Australia. Mid 50's and love to travel.
Our plan is in June/July 2025 to do the Rocky mountaineer train and explore Banff, Lake Louise etc, then join a cruise ship from Vancouver to sail Alaska.
I've narrowed it down to either HAL or Princess.
When I ask myself what's the most important things of the trip, it's the following (in no particular order) - Wildlife, Scenery/Glaciers, Dog sledding, history/education and food!
I'm lost with trying to choose the right itinerary and ship. I can't distinguish between Northbound and Southbound, so am thinking we should do both?
Is it right that I can't choose a Grand class Princess ship as that doesn't do the inside passage?
I've spent the entire weekend reading trip reports and watching you tube videos but I'm now more confused than ever. I think I'm at information overload point!!
For anyone who has sailed both Princess and HAL to Alaska, which ship/itinerary was your preference?
Thank you so much for any advice you can offer!!