12Lawman

Did you decide if you are going on the Volendam? I looked at ocean view and lower prom with the sliding glass door. The balcony units tend to be suites on this ship. Settled on an ocean view, so we can at least peek out. My husband likes to be on the move, so we don't spend much time in our room. I have enough people walking by my condo all the time, so the sliding glass door didn't interest me. Besides, we are going all out on expensive excursions.

No decisions yet..Still need perfect alignment of all the stars before it can happen..

Thanks guys!

I sort of agree w you. I agree that the balcony is not worth the cost. However, I do need outside light so I would not take an inside cabin. We always take an outside window cabin - a good compromise in my opinion.

 

DON

You say you need outside light..I was thinking just the opposite..I think I would sleep better with no light but I wonder if inside cabins might contribute to sea sickness for some..I went on a cruise many years ago and experienced a little..

Balconies Definitely comes at a premium. The thing about Alaska is that at about any time there can be something to see compared to other destinations where you mostly see water. So it’s “nice” to have the ability to see without going. But there are a lot of people who choose to save money and use the lounges for watching.

Thanks for the links!

All makes sense..I've always been a value conscious person and I have a hard time paying more for something than it's worth just because a lot of others are willing to... Thanks!

Looking at an Alaskan cruise next year and see that balcony rooms are thousands of dollars more than an inside cabin..Doesn't seem worth it to me..While cruising during daylight hours why not just sit in a deck chair recliner instead? Don't get me wrong..The privacy of a balcony would be nice but $2000.00 seems like a high price to pay..Looking for comments here..Thanks..

Very different options.

 

Others will disagree with me as this is all personal preference, but Solstice probably wins on the ship, as long as you are OK with big ships. But, that itinerary isn't the best - it misses glacier bay (all Celebrity ships miss it) and doesn't hit Hubbard either. And, you leave from Seattle while most prefer to leave from Vancouver. It's not bad, and you're sure to have fun, but I'd only go this route if put a premium on the ship.

 

Nieuw Amsterdam wins on itinerary, with what I'd consider the best Alaskan itinerary right now. The ship is still very good, but may not have the wow factor that the Solstice has. I'd go this route if you put a premium on the itinerary.

Interesting...Before posting I thought I wanted as large a ship as I could find but after reading what others say here I am reconsidering..Perhaps on this particular cruise a smaller ship might be better..

That's it. Wow...booking up fast. Are you calling HAL directly? I am going August 15th. I would choose August over September. " Chance" of better weather vs September. Wanted to make sure Tracy Arm would be assessable for the small boat excursion that HAL offers so I wanted to go later in the season.

 

Also, if you book with HAL, you can always transfer your booking to a travel agent before final payment.

Why would one want to transfer booking to a travel agent?

Thanks a ton....Lot's of good info. !

Thanks for your help..My problem is turning loose of $7000.00 and having nothing to show for it a week later..;p..;)

8 vessels that were built in the late 90s/early aughts for Renaissance cruise line. They fit 680-720 passengers, depending on configuration. It's a great size for us.

 

I should note that I don't cruise often. When I do, it tends to be a first overview of an area I've not been before to see where I might want to do more in depth exploring. Except Alaska -I cruise Alaska because it's a great way to see the area. I don't need entertainment or 17 restaurants and a water slide. I'm happy with my binoculars, a book, a bottle of wine and my balcony. I like being able to get to places quickly and not have to walk and walk down corridors. I like when a ship can sail up the river and dock in town in Bangkok or turn around in one of the smaller inlets in Glacier Bay (as the R class ships can do). Just my personal preference.

 

 

HAL ships go from 2666 down to 1258. The lovely Maasdam, the first cruise I took with my husband ;-)

So for you the balcony is worth the $..I would think that especially on this particular cruise the balcony might be worth the money..thanks..

Seems that the round trip Holland America from Vancouver would be a good choice. Looks like 4 options as follows: Nieuw Amsterdam, Aug. 11 $1989.00 verandah.....2. Nieuw Amsterdam Sept. 8, $1299.00 ocean view.... 3. Volendam Aug. 22, $1199.00 inside ..4. Volendam Sept 12. $999.00 inside.... Suggestions???? Thanks!

I am going on the Volendam/HAL. I chose it for the R/T out of Vancouver. I know the entertainment is probably kinda blah. That's ok. I hear the food is decent and it only holds about 1400 passengers. Maybe you would like NCL for their entertainment if that is what is important to you. Be sure and save $$$ for the excursions. That is what Alaska is all about I have read.

I notice Princess offers all the excursions on line and they can be selected at the time of booking..Pros and cons?????

Depends on what you're looking for. I love the R class ships on Princess but they're down to just one now - I won't sail on the larger ships. I love the smaller ships on HAL - we went on Westerdam through the Panama Canal and at 1900 or 2000 pax it's just larger than we want. We thoroughly enjoy both lines in general - as I noted earlier, I'm picky about ships, and size is VERY important to me. I've been on Princess and HAL in Alaska and would easily pick either again if the price, itinerary & ship were what I was looking for.

What is "R" class ? I'm thinking I would prefer a larger ship just because there would be more to see and just to simply enjoy the majesty of it..What do you like about smaller ships and dislike about larger ones?

I haven't found a list for 2019, but in 2018, the only lines that have a concession for Glacier Bay access are Princess, HAL, and NCL.

 

I know in the past Crystal was able to get a few passes. Not sure I've ever seen Disney or RCI with access but I'm happy to be proven wrong on that. Access is VERY limited.

Looked at the Princess website..Looks like a lot of options and prices really seem to vary a lot between cruise lines and even with the same cruise lines..Gets very confusing..Lots of options with Princess..Just wondering if Princess is as nice as Holland America..

If your priority is for good shows and round trip from Vancouver, I recommend Disney. The Disney Wonder will sail round trip from Vancouver in 2019.

I notice the 7 night Disney Cruise from Vancouver does not go to Glacier Bay..I've been told Glacier Bay is a "must see"..Yes or no??

If your priority is for good shows and round trip from Vancouver, I recommend Disney. The Disney Wonder will sail round trip from Vancouver in 2019.

Thanks!

Round trip Vancouver cruises sailing between Vancouver Island and the mainland provide smoother seas and more scenic cruising.

This may make more sense for us....Wondering which of those cruise lines that offer this option have good on board shows...

Looking at Holland America why are the cruises from Vancouver more expensive than cruises leaving from Seattle?

I only have one week but that week could be any time..We prefer round trip from Vancouver but don't know which lines offer that option..I will check out Holland America..Thanks!

Just found the Alaska board...Thanks!

Have cruised before but not for many years..Wanting to plan an Alaskan cruise for no more than 7 nights leaving from either Seattle or Vancouver..We are a married couple in early 60's and think we want to do the Inside Passage....We think we prefer a larger ship with good on board show..Suggestions on ship, itineraries, best time to travel, things to do, things to see, things to avoid, and everything else really appreciated..Thanks..

Have cruised before but not for many years..Wanting to plan an Alaskan cruise for no more than 7 nights leaving from either Seattle or Vancouver..We are a married couple in early 60's and think we want to do the Inside Passage....We think we prefer a larger ship with good on board show..Suggestions on ship, itineraries, best time to travel, things to do, things to see, things to avoid, and everything else really appreciated..Thanks..