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I love a balcony but would settle for an ocean view if that’s all that’s available. An inside makes me claustrophobic! a balcony is a luxurious perk in my opinion and I am thankful for that luxury in my senior years. For those who are unable to book a balcony, you should feel thankful you can cruise! There are plenty of opportunities to be out and about so you will be a able to enjoy a wonderful experience.

While I agree with KELLIE IN TEXAS for most comments, I would just add that while most food and beverages come with your cruise fare, there are charges for alcoholic and soda beverages…. both of which can add up quickly if you don’t keep track! I usually take advantage of the water, ice tea and lemonade in the windjammer.

My dining wear is a basic black with different scarf and/or jewelry. Who, including table mates, really takes notes or judges repeats?

Yup, cooler than Texas and anywhere in the “lower 48” right now! 🥵 ✔️light weight but warm layers and a waterproof windbreaker.

Been to Alaska, Iceland and New Hampshire…..😉 Pack then unpack half and you should be good . 🤣 Alaska and ships have stores for about anything you might not pack. Hair dryers etc in you stateroom. The previous reply should just about cover your clothing items. The ability to carry-ons only is fab! The fear of lost luggage that is my worst nightmare! I add a tiny bit of laundry detergent for unmentionables …wash, rinse, dry overnight. Rewear, mix and match. Clothes don’t get very dirty on a cruise. A personal bag for meds, money, paperwork, camera, disposable poncho(s). Good luck!

Just checked out the website. Very informative!

First, hindsight is easy…so I think you might stop worrying about the negative / others’ booking choice. Since you surely won’t cancel the cruise over this point, go into it with a positive attitude and excited anticipation! It’s not like you’ll be confined to your cabin. You’ll still see the great outdoors of Alaska from any window or deck on the ship. You could even find yourself self wondering “what’s on the other side” while sitting on a starboard side balcony. Being out and about assures you’ll see it all with just a turn of your head. The heliport is a great viewing location! I do admit tho, that having a balcony on any cruise adds to my enjoyment, especially for my morning coffee! But in Alaska the weather just might force you inside anyway.

dd57, that should be a bucket list trip for folks wanting to seeing Alaska! Happy for your experience. But doing only a portion of it would not disappoint! We are driving (4days) Anchorage to Homer to Seward before our cruise in September. So looking forward to it, rain or shine! (Previously drove Anchorage to Seward, with a KenaiFjords excursion then back to Anchorage for Denali tour and cruise to Vancouver.)

Many changes in 13 years! We took a Princess cruise-tour and loved everything about it. Reportedly Princess is quite experienced with Alaska trips. As many have suggested, do your research for cruise line, relatively smaller ships and itineraries. I agree with comments about comparing best itineraries and times in port. Much to consider and plan for this amazing destination! Get started! 😉🤔

Also, BELLSALASKA for mile by mile info.

I would do the drive first then R&R on a cruise… with excursions to see even more! So much to see north of the embarkation ports (Whittier/Anchorage or Seward). Denali, Fairbanks, Kenai Peninsula are all worth a visit and the routes are easy to follow. Check out the MILEPOST ALASKA for route info/sights. It’s very informative!! Kenai peninsula has the Sterling highway to Homer and the Seward Highway to Seward that you might travel at the end of your time on land as you head to your port. Just triple check where a motor home rental can be picked up and dropped off!! That may help determine your route. How lucky for you to take this trip. Enjoy!! ( Not a cheap trip, so save your $$$ between now and then! No Christmas gifts this year. 😉🤣)

Ship shape dollars! 😲🤣🤣 On our first cruise in 1993!! we would “earn” ShipShapeDollars for participating in certain activities… dance classes or morning walks for example. We’d collect a dollar from a crew member after every trip around the track during the morning walks. We even got the husbands to go to dance classes or “ morning stretch” to earn dollars! With the dollars we “ bought” logo items included SHIP SHAPE t-shirts. Wish I still had mine! Was fun competition and motivation to work off those ( now nonexistent) midnight buffets!

Round trip you say? So seems likely what you don’t see going up, you’ll see coming down? 😉

How lucky are you to travel with your grandchildren! How lucky are they!!! I hope you all enjoy this trip together… not missing social media or a theme park. Geography, history, exploration, excitement for all !

2 more cents worth…. Wear what’s comfortable for restaurant dining on a cool evening or blasting a/c. We have even worn short sleeves in Alaska…saves packing another heavy shirt. Just throw on your daytime cardigan that you’ll bring for “sea days”. Multipurpose everything to help with overpacking. Outside chilly doesn’t necessarily mean inside chilly.

Go ahead and request via phone or email. If given your choice, be sure to get a written confirmation. No matter what, go directly to the dining room once on board. Chat with staff to confirm/make the reservation . Include your preferred time as well. You should also be able to check out your table at that time. Ask nicely. 😉

Had an inside twice…claustrophobic for me!! (once on an upper deck when my son took me along and once on deck 2 with spouse) Prefer any window anywhere (tho a balcony will spoil you!) Had to accept the deck 2 cabin and found it quite noisy for reasons not truly identified. (“had to accept “ because our TA didn’t follow up with final pmt and could only get the deck2 inside to get us rebooked! Book myself ever since!)

Since the time zone in Alaska is 4 hours earlier than mine, I try to reset my body clock before heading there. ( did so for a trip to Europe. ✔️) Starting a number of days ahead of heading to Alaska, I stay up a little later each night and wake a little later in the morning. ( Tho if you have to get to work, your boss may not understand!) It might seem to make for long days , but you’ll be ready for the early hike or bus/train/boat/plane excursions! And don’t forget the late sunsets over the mountains… especially Denali!! Make time to rest when you’re back home. 😉

In my opinion… never let the weather slow you down! It’s predictable yet unpredictable. Monthly averages are just that…averages. Light weight but warm layers are all you need other than a rain jacket and hat. (Assuming you’re not going in the winter!). My heavy weight sneakers might have gotten wet on a long hike, but dry overnight. Most any clothes will dry overnight. If MotherNature hands you a weather challenge, then your ship is your shelter with perks! Dress code on board is pretty casual day and night. ( think spring/fall ) Alaska is such an enormous area, that getting even a small taste of it just might make you want to return. Expensive shore excursions? For the most part, yes. (Perhaps splurge on one that might really strike your interest.) Views from the ship… great! Walkable ports, yes!! Read up on them and you will surely find something unique at each one that you can visit along your walk. And best of all, Alaska is part of the USA!!

Wonder if the 12 year old will actually find it easy to sleep, even in silence, with glorious Alaska floating by! Get up, view, learn , feel the good life!

Hmmm, just read on another post that there is still a roadblock, so that may be the final answer. But why not get in touch with the National Park Service for updates. Denali ( the park and the mountain on a clear day/evening) is beautiful, so be thankful to see whatever you can.

That doesn’t sound correct. We took the “longer” tour several years ago… Princess excursion. More $$ , but so worth it! I wonder if perhaps a recent rock slide that apparently blocked the road at one point, might be a cause to limit the tundra tours. Keep investigating… repeat your inquiry with another Princess agent perhaps.

Do all three. You should love each one! If the timing of the excursion is right, you’ll still have a chance to walk around and self explore during port time. You will find ports are interesting on their own.

Thanks for much great info and descriptions! Just what I was looking for! Helps immensely in planning. Now to find ( convenient 😉🤣) flights west to east that won’t break the bank! 😬

Obviously not a cruise question, but taking a shot for thoughts on our idea following Alaska cruise… We have family in Portland, Oregon so thinking of doing Amtrak from Vancouver to Portland then fly to Boston.. ( possibly cheaper in the long run then $$$$$ flight from Vancouver to Boston!😬) suggestions/opinions??