Hi!
We are a mid-30s couple looking to book our first cruise to Alaska. We are first-time cruisers and it’s our first time to Alaska!
We have narrowed it down to the below cruises and would like some help picking one. We are quite adventurous and will take part in a bunch of shore activities.
The cruises are not exactly comparable (Seabourn vs Princess e.g.) but we are planning to get the basic (Ocean View Suite) on Seabourn and the 2nd to highest cabin on others (e.g., Mini Suite on Princess or Signature Suite on Holland America)
We would spend a few days in Anchorage visiting Denali and Katmai (either before or after the cruise) and a do a daytrip to Glacier Bay NP as well. So, we don’t mind missing out on Glacier Bay on the itinerary.
Some concerns we have:
1. Would be significantly younger than the clientele of these cruises? Is so, which would be the closest to our age group?
2. How formal is Seabourn? Do we need suits/tuxes and evening gowns?
3. We are not big drinkers, so we don’t particularly care for the drinks’ packages. We do like to enjoy good food.
4. On-board entertainment is welcome but not a deal breaker. We are happy reading a book.
5. Is one of these itineraries significantly better than the others? E.g., Seabourn has kayaking and zodiac options with the chance to visit the Inian Islands. That sounds like something we would like.
6. We want to prioritize wildlife viewing.
7. Our budget does not stretch to Uncruise / Lindblad.
Cruise Options:
1. 4338 7-DAY ALASKA FJORDS & CANADIAN INSIDE PASSAGE (seabourn.com)
2. 4341 7-DAY GLACIERS & ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE (seabourn.com)
3. 7-day Cruise to Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway from Seward, Alaska on Norwegian Jewel (ncl.com)
4. 7-day Cruise to Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway to Vancouver from Seward, Alaska on Norwegian Spirit (ncl.com)
5. 7 Nights Southbound Glacier from Seward, Alaska | Celebrity Cruises
6. I352 7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY SOUTHBOUND (hollandamerica.com)
7. Cruise Details - 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Southbound) - Princess Cruises
8. Cruise Details - 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) - Princess Cruises
Thanks for reading!
Ashish