SirTomster

Back in 2012, my wife and I did a round trip cruise from Seattle to Alaska.  It was in September.   The sea day (day 2) to get up to Alaska hit rough weather.   The ship was moving significantly.   Luckily, my wife and I were fine and we went up to the Crows Nest (HAL Westerdam) and had a blast with the ship pitching up and down.   We stayed up there so long that the MDR and Lido had closed for dinner before we scrounged something to eat.  It was also fun walking about as the ship did have a lot of motion.  The joke was that the only people walking straight were those that were very drunk.   While everyone not drunk could not walk a straight line to save them with the ship's motion.   We luckily did great and had a blast.   It helped make our 1st cruise a blast.

A large percentage of the passengers were in their rooms or in their room's bathrooms because they did not enjoy the motion.  The crew also were affected.

So Yes, but as stated above, it does depend on the route.  RT Vancouver has the most protected path to Alaska and likely has very little or no sea action affecting the ship.  I also believe larger cruise ships leaving Vancouver go outside the inside passage.   RT Seattle goes outside Vancouver Island and can be affected.   Then the one-way (northbound or southbound) will do the Gulf of Alaska and will also be affected.

I booked the Steller Inn.  I will not know how nice it is until after our trip next month though.  It looked nice and the price was good.

4 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

They have a certain schedule they keep. The people doing the assigning are assigning for the entire fleet...going out of order encourages errors.

 

As mentioned, the GTY assignments can come anywhere, in our experience, from 28 days out, to 2 days out. The average seems to be around 7 or 8 days out. 

31 days out and I will be checking every day.  Multiple times a day.  Nothing better to do 🙂

8 hours ago, disneyochem said:

Fly in a couple of days early, take the train to Seward, go on a Kenai Fjord wildlife cruise, take the train back to Anchorage (if you have time stay one night in Seward), and then depart from Whittier on a Princess cruise.  Princess goes to Glacier Bay and has a better Alaskan enrichment program onboard.

We are doing almost this. We are renting a car and driving to Seward for 2 nights.  Doing the Kenai Fjords cruise and then back to Anchorage for a ride to Whittier.

But the cruise ship will be the HAL Noordam.

I have heard so many good things about Kenai Fjords.   

Recommend Princess too for Glacier Bay.   

Going on the Noordam next month and noticed a new item under the pay-for-dining options.  Alaskan Seafood Boil.  It is available one night in the Lido Market.

Now I am not a seafood person but my wife is.   I am wondering if I booked it for her, if I could also sit with her but just get my food from the normal Lido Market?  The description makes me think they will set up a special area for those who pay for the Seafood Boil and therefore, I feel I would not be able to eat with her.

Has anyone done this and what was their experience?

When I was researching what to do, I found one piece of information that sold me on Seward.  That was a comment by someone who said the Kenai Fjords Cruise was the highlight of their Alaskan cruise.  But that is not on the cruise!

So I hope I can say the same thing in 40 days.

I am going to post my itinerary to give you some ideas.  Note, this is my 2nd Alaskan Cruise and the 1st was 12 years ago.  So I am NOT experienced.  So take this with a grain of salt.

Cruising Holland America MS Noordam Southbound   Whitter to Vancouver

6/13   Fly into Anchorage and stay the night.  Actually flying in at 1:45 AM on 6/14 and sleeping a few hours.

6/14   Go back to the Airport for a car rental for 2 days

6/14   Driving to Seward.  Stopping at multiple stops on the way including Sightseeing on Turnagain Arm, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier Cruise, and other various points to stop and gawk.  I like to take pictures so will be stopping a lot :).   

6/14   Hotel in Seward for 2 nights

6/15   Kenai Fjords cruise.  Taking the 8-hour Northwestern Fjord cruise

6/16   Drive back to Anchorage and drop off the car

6/16   Get on a tour that will end up at the cruise docks.  Stops include the same spots on Turnagain Arm, Lunch in Ayleska including a tram ride to the top.  Another stop at the Wildlife Conservation Center, and then on to Whittier to get on the ship

6/17   Cruise by Hubbard Glacier

6/18   Cruise Glacier Bay (I loved it 12 years ago and consider this a must for any Alaskan cruise)

6/19   Skagway:  Taking a bus/train trip all the way into the Yukon and back

6/20   Juneau:  Whale Watching and then walking around town

6/21   Ketchikan:  Walking around town

6/22   Sea Day

6/23   Arrive in Vancouver.  Hop on a bus to Seattle because flights out of Vancouver are insane.  Or I am just cheap.

6/23  Stay the night in Seattle and maybe go down to the waterfront in the evening.

6/24  Fly Home.

So I have a do it yourself land portion that I am really excited about.  I have read reports that the Kenai Fjords is an awesome time and a highlight of a cruise when it isn't even on the cruise.

Also, if you have the time read this thread if you have not.  Lots of great discussions.

The board here have highly praised both of them. (Harv and Marv and Jayleen) I do not think you will do wrong with either.

The big thing I would look for is the time on water.  Both groups above have you on the water for 3 hours.   I think there are some others out there that have less.   Watch out for that.

49 days until we fly to Anchorage to start our Vacation.  I am almost to the "printing out everything stage".  I got the folders.   Next week starts the "ordering the misc cruise items" I have on my wish list.  I keep reviewing items to look for any updates I want to make.  We are still just winging it in Ketchikan at this point.  But Skagway and Juneau are set.

Let the adventure begin!  I want it to be tomorrow but then also do not want it to be over either.

Look into the Kenai Fjords and the tours available.  Out of Seward.

My wife and I are flying in 2 days early to go to Seward to do this tour before we return to Anchorage to take a ride to Whittier for our cruise.   I have read some great things about Kenai Fjords.

On 3/7/2024 at 11:47 AM, MississippiMom said:

Like you two, we live too far away to ever go a second time to Alaska,

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.   I do recommend looking into a land portion. Which might be taking a one-way cruise.   My wife and I are flying into Anchorage a few days before the trip to drive to Seward and do a one-day cruise to the Kenai Fjords.  As part of the drive, we will hit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, and other various stops on the way.    I feel doing this will greatly enhance the trip.  Even if it is adding a few thousand to the trip due to the items we are doing.  If Denali was more open you could consider that, but that likely will not be for another year.  There are other options around Anchorage as well.   Matanuska Glacier where you can walk on the glacier without having to pay an arm and a leg for a helicopter.

The one way will also generally get you more time in the ports to explore.  Another bonus.

First, you need to see what times you are in the ports.  Not all ships stay in the ports the same amount of time.  This will impact what you can do.  Since you are hitting Victoria, I assume you are doing a round trip from Seattle.  Definitely pay attention to the port times.

Juneau is a popular spot for Whale Watching.  Harv and Marv or Jayleen are often mentioned.  The boats are small so only a few people better than the larger boats with a lot of people.

Skagway has the Train.   You can book directly with the company.  But there are many options.  My wife and I are doing an 8 hour bus/train.  Taking a bus all the way into the Yukon to Emerald lake then back to a spot to get on the Train back to Skagway.  Chilkoot Charters.  They also have shorter options.  We are in port 14 hours so can do the 8 hour option.  

Ketchikan.   I am looking into the rainforest hike.   But last time we just walked around town.  Could be the best spot for biking.  But I do not know.

Victoria.  Check the time in the port.   It is required for the "1 foreign port" rule, and you might only have a few hours there.  Not sure if it is worth it. Also, many times it is in the evening.

2 hours ago, LisaLeone said:

We are on Holland and my agent said that we can only use the cruise transfer if we arrive that day (which, especially from the east coast, would be insanity) or have booked a hotel package.We are planning on getting in on the 20th or 21st of June. We sail the 23rd. The packages are pricey and also waitlisted.

 

This is weird.  I have a HAL cruise in June.  We are arriving 2 days before to do some exploring before the cruise.  None of which is through the HAL.  But when I log in I can book an Airport Transfer.  Anchorage to Whittier.  It was under Flights and Planning, but it was there.

But it is $69.00 pp.  Shoot.  ACT Bus is cheaper by $20 pp.    If you just want a transfer.

Another option if you are interested in Glaciers is Phillips Cruises in Whittier.   https://phillipscruises.com/

A couple of options

Lowest I found:  https://alaskacruisetransfer.com/rates/  

More expensive:  https://www.salmonberrytours.com/tour/anchorage-to-whittier-transfer-and-tour/

By train!:  https://www.alaskarailroad.com/

Additional:  https://www.anchorage.net/plan-your-trip/transportation/cruise-transfers/?view=grid&sort=qualityScore&bounds=false

Lots of options depending on what you want.   I am doing the Salmon Berry one to visit some sites on the way to the ship.

3 hours ago, deenalf said:

I booked Holiday Inn Express- 4411 Spenard Road. Is this downtown? We're getting in around 11pm off the Alaska Rail from Seward and than have 2 full days in Anchorage before flight home. Safe? TIA for advice and tips! We are a family of 4 including 2 college aged. 

I have not been to Anchorage, so take what I say with a grain of salt.  And only one cruise to Alaska, or anywhere for that matter.  So I know squat.  I just have researched a lot of options for my upcoming cruise.

If I were arriving in Seward from your ship, I would stay in Seward.   The next day (or same day depending on when you arrive), take a 4 to 8 hour Kenai Fjords tour, then either another night in Seward and then the Train to Anchorage for the flight home.

I have heard so many good things about Kenai Fjords.   I am doing a southbound in June and flying in 2 days before to rent a car to drive to Seward to do the Kenai Fjords cruise, then back to Anchorage to get on a bus to Whittier for my cruise.   

Now there are things to do around Anchorage, but from what I have read, I would pick the Kenai Fjords option over something else.

And who knows, once I complete my cruise I will have completely different advice.

22 hours ago, Parissa said:

•  My husband and I will be in Skagway on July 4th. 1st time in AK.  Tryring to decide besides the 6.5 hr Chilkoot tour or renting a car?  Renting a car would be cheaper, but am trying not to base my decision  just on price-  I Would really appreciate your opinions. Thanks 

As the person who would be driving if I rented a car.  I would miss out on many sights because I was focused on driving.   So I would not want to drive.   I will be there in June and doing the 8 hour Train/Bus tour.   I get to focus on enjoying the sights.  No on what is in front of me on the highway.

On 1/23/2024 at 4:21 PM, bulldog said:

The train arrives in Seward at 11:30 AM and we board the ship at 5:00 PM.

I would look into a Kenai Fjords cruise.   One of the shorter ones since you arrive at 11:30.

There are a couple of companies that offer tours there.   Major Marine and Kenai Fjord Tours are the ones with some larger boats.  I believe there are some companies with smaller boats as well.

I expect they will store your luggage for you while on the boat but I would double-check.

56 minutes ago, aquidneck1 said:

I am curioius.  Why do you advocate this?

So some of this is based on what I have seen on YouTube.  I think popular Youtuber "Tips for Travellers" mentioned this in one of his Alaska videos.

But also, you can find locals with a plane that will offer the option, but how maintained is their aircraft?  It is one thing to hire someone to drive you around and another to hire someone to "fly" you around.  

I had assumed that the cruise lines would have more requirements for the tour operators they work with to ensure their equipment is well maintained.   Cruise lines do not want to be associated with their passengers dying while on a cruise line excursion.

But now I am not so sure.  I did a quick google search on "Alaska cruise excursion plane crash" and there are unfortunately a few hits. Including people suing the cruise line for plane crashes.  One article did seem to imply that there are no additional requirements to be a tour operator for a cruise line besides adding the cruise line to their insurance.   So do they vet these people and ensure their aircraft are safe?  I had assumed so, but now.. I wonder.

Here is a cruise critic article from 2019 that discusses this.   https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/q-a-are-flightseeing-shore-excursions-safe

So I will be doing 3rd party operators for my pending Alaska cruise, (Whale Watching, Skagway Train) but if I ever want to get into a helicopter or plane, I think I would go through the cruise line just to be a little safer.  Not that this means you are safe, you are flying in a small craft.  

I first recommend that you research what the cruise line offers  These are likely the most popular options available in those ports.

Then as you identify things you want to do, you can then research those items in the port you are in.

IE Whale Watching in Juneau is big.  Then if you search here on Cruise Critic there are a LOT of posts about Whale Watching in Juneau and the groups that people recommend.

Pro Tip:  Many cruise line excursions are large groups.  As in their Whale watching will be on a catamaran with 100+ people.  But you can get on a boat with 6 other people (plus the Captain) for a cheaper price.  Which sounds better to you?  For some, the Catamaran does sound better.  Not to me though!

Another item, if you pick a flying excursion, be careful.   That is one I lean towards going through the cruise lines.   Also, cruise lines offer guarantees that the ship will not leave without you.  If you go out on your own, no guarantee.   Keep that in mind.  Now most operators have some guarantee to get you to the next port but that is not fun.  So there is a little bit of dice rolling involved.  

7 hours ago, Cruising on a Sunday afte said:

I want to do the reverse, Anchorage airport to Whittier via Wildlife Center.  Because our flight arrives at noon, we have been advised we cannot make the 12:30 bus, so I am trying to find private transportation for my family of six. Has anyone used Aurora Limo in Anchorage? Any other suggestions? Salmon Berry has quoted a very high price.

I recommend you fly in the day before the cruise.  Any hiccups on your flight to Anchorage and no Cruise for you!   So be smart and get in the day before.  Then you can choose more options to get to Whittier.

A cheaper option is the ACT Bus:   $70.00 per person and it includes the Wildlife center.  Or a cheaper version that is direct to the port.   https://alaskacruisetransfer.com/rates/

I can only recommend ensure that your cruise includes Glacier Bay.

Went in 2011 going back this year.  Glacier Bay is magical.  I will never do an Alaskan cruise without it.

We are stepping it up this year and doing a Southbound to include Hubbard Glacier.  And a quick pre-cruise visit in Alaska.

My wife and I did Harv and Marv back in 2011 and it was fantastic.  I have booked them for 2024 as we are heading back to Alaska.

They are very popular on this board from what I have seen.  Also, there is another boat but I cannot remember the name.  

I loved it as it was a boat of 6 people.  Not some catamaran with my closest 150 friends.   

But you can search Juneau Whale Watching and find many discussions on it.

I have no experience to give but I have booked Salmon Berry Tours to take me from Anchorage to Whittier.  You want the reverse and they have that option.

So good luck in which ever option you decide.

I had the same question and ended up doing bus first.

For two reasons:

1)   I assume that if there is going to be wildlife, it is more likely to be seen in the morning and therefore I wanted the option that could stop to see the wildlife.  AKA the bus.

2)   Starting at 9:30 AM instead of 7:30 AM sounds better to me :)

So for #1, that is just a pure assumption on my part and could be completely the opposite of what happens. I have no facts to back up my assumption.  I might miss out on wildlife because of my assumption since 7:30 AM is earlier, so I might miss out on early morning wildlife.