First-Time Cruise for Family of Four

[mll1013]

I know this is a rambling post, but we are really trying to collect our thoughts on a first-time cruise to AK, and appreciate everyone's insight on this...

 

We have determined that we are going to explore AK next summer, but are still trying to decide how we want to go about it. We've never been to AK, and are leaning on doing a cruise for the convenience. Here are some details about our family:

 

* We live in Seattle, making an AK adventure as convenient as possible

* Our children are 10 (boy) and 12 (girl)

* We love nature, and do a lot of car camping for most of our vacations

* We also prefer our own itinerary (a drawback of cruising)

* We're somewhat private people, and prefer our vacations to be more peaceful and less crowded (another drawback of cruising)

* We also aren't likely to use many of the cruise ship amenities, while we know we are paying for (e.g. showrooms, casinos, bars, spa, etc.)

 

That said, we are still interested in the cruise for the following reasons:

 

1) A 7 day NB cruise is about the same price as RT airfare to Anchorage alone! (what gives with airfare pricing anyway... it seems to be out of control!)

2) It's also cost-effective compared to renting a small RV and driving the AK marine highway ourselves, which we had also considered

3) The kids are excited about the thought of doing something they've never done before

 

We talked with a travel agent this week and she steered us towards Princess/HAL for our family. She also found us great rates on the following NB itinerary:

 

http://fwd4.me/6sv

 

I did have my heart set on a balcony, as I've heard that it is worth the money on an AK cruise, plus I thought that would give us our own personal retreat on the ship to find some peace and solitude. However, the deal she found for us on an inside cabin is about 1/2 of what the balcony would cost, so we can't really justify the balcony after all... I wonder if that's going to radically alter our experience or not.

[Yukon]

I suggest that the TA you talked to wasn't listening to what you want - that Northbound costs much more when you figure in air back to SEA. It's only a good idea if you want to add a land tour to it, and I didn't see that in your comments. A round-trip gets you a very similar experience at a much lower cost.

[Assateague Island Princes]

Can you spare 14 days? If so, might want to consider HAL's new 14 day on the Amsterdam - roundtrip Seattle. It includes three "new" ports of Anchorage, Kodiak, and Homer, along with the usuals - Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, BC. Also includes both Glacier Bay and the mighty Hubbard Glacier. You could get a nice ocean view cabin - cheaper than a balcony (which are even more expensive on the smaller Amsterdam) and still gives you an outside view. Perhaps an oceanview on the Promenade Deck so you could have easy acces to the largest "balcony" on the ship? Just something to consider!

 

We too aren't into crowds or touristy type stuff. Have cruised AK twice before, and usually do our own thing in port - booking independent excursions almost 90% of the time. We feel it gives us a more personal, less crowded excursion. For instance, we've gone whale watching in Juneau with Harv and Marv (small, six-pax boats) which was absolutely amazing!!!! Very personalized, and so cool to see those huge whales up close and personal, so to speak! We liked it so much, we've booked H&M again next year on this 14 day itinerary I spoke of. Renting cars in Skagway and Anchorage next year as well - so we can go off on our own. Took the Mt. Roberts tram in Juneau one year, then spent several hours hiking the trails up there. Again, away from the crowds, out and about seeing a bit more of what we feel is the real Alaska. Went sea kayaking in Sitka, which was awesome! Did the Rhino 4X4 excursion in Sitka once as well - really tons of fun and saw so much amazing scenery. We did an independent floatplane trip with Michelle of Island Wings in Ketchikan. Soaring over Misty Fjords and landing on a quiet inlet was an unforgetable experience. Lots of things you can do on your own in Alaska if you know what it is you are looking for. Many are inexpensive (or free!) such as hiking, renting a car, taking walking tours of each port, renting kayaks, etc.

 

Research some travel books - Fodors and Frommers are my favorites. Check out each port's website for things to do and see that appeal to you and your family. Take some good pairs of binoculars, park yourself on a forward viewing deck or up in the Crows Nest and scan the seas for whale spouts, Dall porpoise riding the wake, etc. Spend all your time out on deck while at the glaciers - the experience is so tranquil and humbling.

 

You don't have to go with the flow, you can do it your way. Look at the ship as your floating hotel with a place to lay your head at night, good and abundant food to eat (room service on your balcony in Alaska is an awesome experience!) and entertainment available IF you want it. You will LOVE Alaska from what I can tell in your original post. The wildlife, scenery and very essence of Alaska sounds like its right up your alley! Go, enjoy - I guarantee you'll go back!

[mll1013]

I suggest that the TA you talked to wasn't listening to what you want - that Northbound costs much more when you figure in air back to SEA. It's only a good idea if you want to add a land tour to it, and I didn't see that in your comments. A round-trip gets you a very similar experience at a much lower cost.

 

Yukon:

 

I here ya' on the airfare. I was stunned when I discovered that we can take a 7-day NB cruise for $2500, and then fly a few hours back to Vancouver for $1600! Ridiculous! Turns out, if we go this route, we would strongly consider taking a shuttle from Seattle to Vancouver, and then flying back to Seattle anyway (for about $1000.)

 

But... we actually steered the TA towards NB, for the following reasons... correct me if I'm wrong on these... since I haven't been, I don't know if this makes sense:

 

1) If we do RT out of Seattle, it seems like we lose time at sea, whereas starting in Vancouver (where there seems to be fewer RT iteneraries) gives you more time seeing what you want, since it's already closer to AK.

 

2) On a RT, you see the same stuff twice! The NB cruise would also add on some new exploration (e.g. College Fjord, Seward, Anchorage.)

 

3) We would consider doing our own land exploration in So. AK (not an organized cruise tour, per se. We would prefer to rent a car and explore on our own) for a few days after the cruise ends, to get an even greater AK experience.

 

I understand that this is a more expensive route to take, so we need to weigh whether it's worth it or not:

 

Can you spare 14 days? If so, might want to consider HAL's new 14 day on the Amsterdam - roundtrip Seattle. It includes three "new" ports of Anchorage, Kodiak, and Homer, along with the usuals - Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, BC.

 

Yes, I did consider this... right after how much I saw the airfare back from Anchorage would be. Why on earth would I spend $1600 on a SB flight, when I just spent $2500 on NB cruise. So, I looked into the 14-day cruise, but discovered it is quite a bit more expensive. The NB w/ airfare comes to ~$4000, but the 14-day RT is priced at nearly $7000 on expedia. So, I don't know if we can justify it.

 

That said, I'm super excited about the AK cruise based on feedback so far... Thanks for the replies and keep those ideas coming!

[Mrs007]

I suggest that the TA you talked to wasn't listening to what you want - that Northbound costs much more when you figure in air back to SEA. It's only a good idea if you want to add a land tour to it, and I didn't see that in your comments. A round-trip gets you a very similar experience at a much lower cost.

 

I agree with Yukon. Since you are in Seattle to begin with, you have the option of taking a r/t from Seattle or possibly taking the bus or train to Vancouver to catch a cruise from there - which in my own opinion, I would prefer. The HAL Zuiderdam is a possiblilty. For one thing, you will be sailing the inside passage and not the open ocean out of Seattle. Plus, you get scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and a wonderful day sailing in Glacier Bay. Although the Juneau port time is later in the day, it stays daylight until 10:00 p.m. at that time of the year (Yukon, correct me if I'm wrong).

 

From how you described your family, I would definately splurge on the balcony. You will be able to enjoy the scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm on the comfort of your own balcony (call room service and order some hot chocolates :D ), plus you won't be trying to find a space near the railing to catch some of the views. (It sounds like you are not into crowds)

 

And, remember, you don't have to do all the expensive tours (200 - 500/pp for helicopters, dog sledding, flightseeing, etc). Juneau, you can catch the Blue Bus out to Mendenhall and there are hiking trails there, or catch the tram up Mt. Roberts and there are hiking trails there. The same for Skagway, nice hiking trails - or rent a car and drive to the Yukon yourself for less that 4 tickets through the cruise line would cost. Ketchikan is a wonderful town to walk as well, and has the Totem Park. I think I have also read on these boards that people have seen native salmon fishing in the creek and asked if they could try out their pole??

 

If you are not going to do an extended land portion, I see no reason to have to fly home from Anchorage.

[Mrs007]

Just as an FYI, round trips DO NOT repeat ports. Round trip just means it leaves and returns to the same port and not just one way.

[poolwife]

BEing you are taking kids, I would do some research on HAL and the kids program. HAL seems to have alot of older people on it such as 60 years and up.

 

This last August 28 - Sept. 4 we just did northbound from Vancouver to Seward on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. Really enjoyed that ship and its size. Not as small as the Ryndam but not huge either. Personally I prefer sailing southbound, doing our land touring first and then cruising south. From Sept. 4 - 9 we did some touring on our own, but found out that I definitely prefer sailing southbound.

 

We also like to do our land touring independently by renting our own car (you would probably need a mini-van for 4 and luggage). We like going where we want when we want. Mini-vans, however, are not cheap for rental in Alaska.

[mll1013]

Just as an FYI, round trips DO NOT repeat ports. Round trip just means it leaves and returns to the same port and not just one way.

 

Agreed, but don't they repeat much of the same passage way?

[Mrs007]

Agreed, but don't they repeat much of the same passage way?

 

Yukon or Budget Queen can tell you more about specifics of which routes are cruised. But, look at it this way - if you are on your balcony, you see one side going up and the other side returning :p Plus, from what Budget Queen says, you want port side for the Glacier Bay viewing, as that will be the information the naturalist will be commenting about.

[Yukon]

Agreed, but don't they repeat much of the same passage way?

 

The amount of the route that's duplicated is not that great (and no ports are duplicated on a rounder), and looks completely different every time you see it in any case. There may be the odd person who'd say "hey, I've seen that mountain before!" but they're the exception.

[Assateague Island Princes]

Just an FYI that on HAL Alaskan cruises, you can book the third and fourth person in the cabin (in this case, your two kids) for only $99.00 each. And please don't buy into the myth that HAL is only for senior citizens - not true. Particularly for Alaska, which is so port intensive! We've seen tons of kids on both our previous Alaskan cruises taking part in Club Hal and having a ball - swimming, doing crafts, having a scavenger hunt, playing ping pong or basketball, a dance party, etc.....or just traveling and experiencing the trip with their families without participating in Club Hal - again, having a ball.

 

Cruising to Alaska is not like a warm weather cruise with the same old, same old on sea days or in the evenings when kids tend to get bored. There is so much to see right outside the ship with glaciers, whales, sea otters, eagles, mountains, etc. Its not about the ship experience, its about ALASKA! Yeah, there may not be a rock climbing wall or ice skating on HAL ships, but there is plenty to keep an active kid busy if they so desire. Princess also offers and excellent product for Alaskan cruises, as does Carnival, RCCL, NCL, etc. Pick a ship or cruiseline for the ports and/or glaciers YOU want to visit, not for the activities offered on the ship. Then decide by the times in port - for instance, if you want to do whalewatching and hiking in a port, be sure you are in port long enough to accomplish both. Once you narrow down YOUR interests and the interests of your family, you'll be able to pick a cruise (or a self-planned land tour) that is right for YOU!

 

Good luck, and please, don't stop picking the brains of the good folks on this board. You will get good, reliable information, honest opinions, and great suggestions from the experts who've been there, and done that, numerous times - like BQ, PennyAgain, Yukon, Wolfie, AK Susan and a host of others. Happy Alaska dreaming!

[Travalerie]

Just an FYI that on HAL Alaskan cruises, you can book the third and fourth person in the cabin (in this case, your two kids) for only $99.00 each. And please don't buy into the myth that HAL is only for senior citizens - not true. Particularly for Alaska, which is so port intensive! We've seen tons of kids on both our previous Alaskan cruises taking part in Club Hal and having a ball - swimming, doing crafts, having a scavenger hunt, playing ping pong or basketball, a dance party, etc.....or just traveling and experiencing the trip with their families without participating in Club Hal - again, having a ball.

 

 

I agree! On my sailing out of Seattle on May 23, we did not pay even the $99 cruise fare for the kids on the Oosterdam;. $0 for the cruise fare, and we just paid taxes and fees for the kids. I am not sure it was a special that is still going but it was incredible deal on a balcony. If you provide your email I can tell you how much we paid.

[mll1013]

BEing you are taking kids, I would do some research on HAL and the kids program. HAL seems to have alot of older people on it such as 60 years and up.

 

I believe you are right that HAL isn't the most kid-friendly, but we actually would prefer an older crowd, as it would give us the more quiet experience that we are looking for. Of course, I also know that this is AK and NOT the Carribean. ;)

[mll1013]

Pick a ship or cruiseline for the ports and/or glaciers YOU want to visit, not for the activities offered on the ship.

 

Great point! :)

 

Which brings me to my next question. How do the glacier experiences compare between Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Hubbard, and College Fjord?

 

Many thanks!

[Assateague Island Princes]

I like the way you think....take in a bunch of info, chew on it for awhile, then on to the next question. :) Great idea- it will help in your decision making process.

 

We've been to Hubbard twice - amazing and HUGE! BUT it was much better when we went the third week in September. Thunderous calving every few minutes, oohs-and-aahs coming from all around (kinda like watching the fireworks in a crowd!), and just stunning to see. We also got very, very close to the glacier that time, so it made the experience even more memorable. Then when we went the first week of June in 2008 - not so spectacular. We couldn't get near as close, didn't hear the roar of the calving, and the calving, such as it was, was few and far between.

 

I hear Glacier Bay is really something, haven't been there yet, so we are most looking forward to that on our cruise next year. But its a different experience than Hubbard from what I understand because its sailing down a scenic passage with several glaciers. Sounds stunning to me and I cannot wait! Can['t answer your questions about Tracy Arm or College Fjords, sorry. Keep in mind that if you have a long port time in Juneau from early am into the pm, you could take the Adventure Bound (I think that is what its called....) excursion by small boat up Tracy Arm. That has gotten rave reviews on this board, and apparently you get a much better, up close and personal experience than you would ever get from your cruise ship. I hope to go on this excursion at some point in the future, but next year's cruise won't allow it due to port time and our already scheduled whale watch. I'm sure others will chime in with more info about Tracy Arm, College Fjord and Glacier Bay.

[MysticalMagic]

I know this is a rambling post, but we are really trying to collect our thoughts on a first-time cruise to AK, and appreciate everyone's insight on this...

 

Hi mll1013! I wondered if you have come to any conclusions?

 

We are a family of 4 with similar interests/concerns but live on the east coast. Our daughters are 8 and 14 and are rather reserved (I hate saying shy) and would not be too interested in going to the kids clubs alone, etc. We are currently in the process of deciding and booking a cruise.

 

One of the big things my husband wanted to see was Glacier Bay.

We also decided we wanted a balcony cabin (for many of the reasons you described).

This would be our first cruise so 7 days in one cabin would be enough.

We also needed to go during our summer vacation.

 

Having these 4 variables decided it really narrowed down our cruise options....

Only Holland America, Princess, NCL and Cruise West (I think that's all!) go to Glacier Bay.

Cruise West was too expensive.

Only one NCL cruise went to Glacier Bay and it didn't have a great itinerary. On Holland America only the Zuiderdam (RT Vancouver) and the Oosterdam(RT Seattle) have quad balcony rooms (non-suite).

Princess had multiple one way options and a RT Seattle.

RT Seattle itinerary on HAL was better then Princess.

 

We really have it down to three options 1)HAL Oosterdam RT Seattle 2)HAL Zuiderdam RT Vancouver 3) Princess One-Way SB (there are 3 ships most likely the Island Princess)

 

We will most likely go on one of the HAL boats because of the added expense and time of flying to ANC. I don't know if our 8yo is quite up to that adventure starting in Western NY.

 

I was talking to a travel agent and he was really steering me away from HAL because 'non-child attitude of the passengers'. I really don't know how to take that.

 

What have you come up with?

[vbmom87]

I was talking to a travel agent and he was really steering me away from HAL because 'non-child attitude of the passengers'. I really don't know how to take that.

 

What have you come up with?

 

We were on a HAL Alaskan Cruise in 2008 and there were quite a few families, but the ship was not overrun with children. If my children were young, I think it would have been very much to our liking.

 

Read post #8 on this thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=21243480#post21243480

[mll1013]

I was talking to a travel agent and he was really steering me away from HAL because 'non-child attitude of the passengers'. I really don't know how to take that.

 

What have you come up with?

 

That's interesting. I, myself had wondered if there were cruise lines where children would be frowned upon, but I didn't anticipate HAL being one of those for several reasons:

 

1) Why would they offer the 3rd/4th passenger specials that are running through the end of the year if they worried about irritating their existing clientele.

 

2) Why do they have Club HAL at all, with special areas designated just for children, youth, and teenagers?

 

I think most people have to admit that the cruise industry has evolved in the last generation. You're going to find more families on cruise ships, and if you don't like it, then there are other lines which do cater most specifically to the more mature, refined, and sedate crowd, I'm sure.

 

That said, our TA didn't have any reservations about putting us on HAL with our 10/12 yr olds. In fact, after listening to our family profile and our interests, she specifically steered us towards HAL and Princess, just as you are considering. Both have rich AK cruising history, and as such are the cream of the crop for AK as I understand.

 

As to your original question... we still have not decided. We are weighing the 7-day RT out of Vancouver, or the 7-day NB... although the latter is losing steam on account of airfare.

 

Best wishes... let us know how you decide! I'll update the thread when we have our decision as well.

[MysticalMagic]

Actually, the travel agent indicated that HAL was trying to encourage families to travel on their ships, but that the passengers on board might not appreciate children. That many choose HAL because they have a reputation for no families. I really don't know this TA or if he knows what he is talking about (it sounds like not). (and of course while I was talking to him my younger one fell and started crying in the background)

 

Right now it sounds like the HAL Oosterdam RT out of Seattle is the winner. One of the big things is that we wouldn't have to travel from Seattle to Vancouver - which doesn't sound huge but adds just one more step that with a family might not be a wise idea. If there was a bigger difference in the itineraries we would do it but they don't seem too much different. We also like going to Juneau for a full day (7a-8p) vs. the afternoon arrival of the Vancouver ship (2:30-10:30). Sitka looks nice as well.

 

If you do do the one way, look at the SB Princess. You can see Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay in one trip. I think if my younger one was a little older we might have chosen that one. And if your feeling particularly rich, look at the Lindblad Expeditions cruises. That was what we originally wanted to go on last year - before we wised up (finically speaking, it's a great cruise otherwise).

[MysticalMagic]

We were on a HAL Alaskan Cruise in 2008 and there were quite a few families, but the ship was not overrun with children. If my children were young, I think it would have been very much to our liking.

 

Read post #8 on this thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=21243480#post21243480

 

Thanks so much for that link vbmom! That was exactly the type of review I needed. Usually when discussing kids on cruises, people immediately say how great the kids clubs are. Well, I really don't see my girls going to them more then an hour or two the whole time. I was previously discounting the entertainment, thinking it wouldn't be family friendly. We may be too tired anyway from the days at port.

[vbmom87]

I was previously discounting the entertainment, thinking it wouldn't be family friendly. We may be too tired anyway from the days at port.

 

We never got to any entertainment on our cruise. We went in June when it stayed light, so we wanted to be out on deck or in the Crow's Nest Lounge with its panoramic viewing, rather than being stuck in a theatre where you couldn't see outside. We watched the beautiful scenery until it was bedtime. Our port times were all early, so we needed to get a good night's sleep so we would be ready for a busy day in port. Had we gone later in the year when it turned dark earlier, I am sure we would have taken advantage of the entertainment. With a Seattle sailing you won't have the scenery at the beginning of your cruise, so you may be able to take in some entertainment if it appeals to you.

[Travalerie]

Actually, the travel agent indicated that HAL was trying to encourage families to travel on their ships, but that the passengers on board might not appreciate children. That many choose HAL because they have a reputation for no families. I really don't know this TA or if he knows what he is talking about (it sounds like not). (and of course while I was talking to him my younger one fell and started crying in the background)

 

Right now it sounds like the HAL Oosterdam RT out of Seattle is the winner. One of the big things is that we wouldn't have to travel from Seattle to Vancouver - which doesn't sound huge but adds just one more step that with a family might not be a wise idea. If there was a bigger difference in the itineraries we would do it but they don't seem too much different. We also like going to Juneau for a full day (7a-8p) vs. the afternoon arrival of the Vancouver ship (2:30-10:30). Sitka looks nice as well.

 

If you do do the one way, look at the SB Princess. You can see Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay in one trip. I think if my younger one was a little older we might have chosen that one. And if your feeling particularly rich, look at the Lindblad Expeditions cruises. That was what we originally wanted to go on last year - before we wised up (finically speaking, it's a great cruise otherwise).

We are on the Oosterdam from Seattle. We just could not beat the price. We are in a quad balcony. We have two girls 2 and 5 so younger than yours...don't worry about how people will receive your kids. We had a great experience on Eurodam. I am observant but not overly preoccupied with how I am being perceived. I just conduct myself in a way I can be proud of and have the same expectations of my kiddos! That way I know that if someone is acting ugly, its about them, not me.

[lauriebird]

Thanks to everyone on this thread. I have been trying to put my thoughts together this morning with all of my questions and confusion and in the right way am happy to see other people (family of four, and working out the financial part along with the ports and excursions) seem to be

spinning in circles as myself.

 

I am organized by nature which can be good but trying to plan this cruise (do I have to say 1st) is turning me into some crazy obsessive in house TA. lol.

 

Yes I have all the books, yes I troll this site and Trip Advisor like a professional stalker, and I have spread sheets (that only make sense to me) from there I have signed up with Kayak to try and figure airfare in all of this. Do I have to tell you how frightened I am of future decisions (Tours at ports, cabin choice,etc)

 

I finally decided after pouring over my spread sheets to go with the Princess South Bound, it seemed great and probably is in many ways. Then as I said I started figuring in airfare, even from San Francisco and have had to start over again. I know I am rambling and do apologize but hope this will be at the very least therapy to get it out.

 

Here is the latest:

 

1. Check out HAL since they have a RT out of Vancouver even though my TA is trying to tell me that our 16 and 19 year old will be bored spitless.

 

2. Fly into Seattle and do the train trip to Vancouver if that will save air fare. With the hope of saved money can go toward excursions.

 

3. Check reviews about the Zuiderdam. Some reviews about other ships have made me want to stay home and watch the travel channel.

 

Would love any input.

Hope this therapy session won't cost too much. lol

L

[vbmom87]

Thanks to everyone on this thread. I have been trying to put my thoughts together this morning with all of my questions and confusion and in the right way am happy to see other people (family of four, and working out the financial part along with the ports and excursions) seem to be

spinning in circles as myself.

 

I am organized by nature which can be good but trying to plan this cruise (do I have to say 1st) is turning me into some crazy obsessive in house TA. lol.

 

Yes I have all the books, yes I troll this site and Trip Advisor like a professional stalker, and I have spread sheets (that only make sense to me) from there I have signed up with Kayak to try and figure airfare in all of this. Do I have to tell you how frightened I am of future decisions (Tours at ports, cabin choice,etc)

 

I finally decided after pouring over my spread sheets to go with the Princess South Bound, it seemed great and probably is in many ways. Then as I said I started figuring in airfare, even from San Francisco and have had to start over again. I know I am rambling and do apologize but hope this will be at the very least therapy to get it out.

 

Here is the latest:

 

1. Check out HAL since they have a RT out of Vancouver even though my TA is trying to tell me that our 16 and 19 year old will be bored spitless.

 

2. Fly into Seattle and do the train trip to Vancouver if that will save air fare. With the hope of saved money can go toward excursions.

 

3. Check reviews about the Zuiderdam. Some reviews about other ships have made me want to stay home and watch the travel channel.

 

Would love any input.

Hope this therapy session won't cost too much. lol

L

 

If this is your family's first cruise, they will have nothing to compare it to. ;) I know I have read about the ships with the rock climbing and ice skating etc, but frankly, I went to Alaska to be entertained by what was outside the ship, not by what the ship had to offer. Others will need a ship with lots to entertain them as they are going more for the cruising experience rather than their destinations. If you involve your children in the planning of port activities things will go much smoother for you. Perhaps you could get them some books to read about Alaska so they know what to expect. THe more they are involved in the trip, the more they will feel ownership of this vacation. Only you know your children. There will be tours, classes, programs, entertainment, etc on the HAL ships. I doubt everything will appeal to them, but hopefully some things will. THey have an exercise room, that on our HAL ship had windows facing forward. YOU could actually exercise and see the beautiful scenery as you worked out. They had a covered pool and an outdoor pool, sport courts, etc. Also had video game rooms if I am remembering correctly. I really think they will be okay, unless they are the type that need to have planned activities every minute of every day and aren't good at entertaining themselves.

[bwater]

ANOTHER FAMILY OF 4- 2 BOYS 5 &8.. flying from east coast-ouch- going back and forth for the same reasons as many of you..

 

here's where we are at:

 

fly to Seattle- relatively cheap-

train to Vancouver- NB cruise on Statendam or coral princess, whichever has the best fares- they have the exact itinerary, will wait to see where prices go

 

maybe go to denali a couple of days.. Knock on Wood- right now there is REALLY cheap airfare o/w from Anchorage

 

My only thought is this could be my 1 trip there, so will try to see as much as possible..

 

I have taken others advice and reserved cars and airfare WAY early - as deals are definitely much better that way

 

PS- THE HAL KIDS CLUB ACTUALLY LOOKS PRETTY GOOD- MY KIDS WERE EXCITED BY INDOOR POOLS AND GAME ROOMS..