Great info for Planning Cruise to Alaska

[olemissreb]

I had that concern in 2008 and so did not do as many small boat tours as I could have. I ended up regretting it. We fell in love with Alaska's magnificent scenery, especially from the small boat tours, and could not get enough of it. We are now going back to Alaska on the 14 day HAL tour and we are going to spend lots of time on the water. We have the Misty Fjords Boat tour in Ketchikan, a whale watch in Icy Strait, a glacier tour out of Whittier, a transit boat in Homer (it will take us to a bay where we will be on a tour with a ranger), possibly kayak in Kodiak, but that is still in the planning stage, and a wildlife marine boat tour out of Sitka. I know we will love it all.

 

I have been on the Kenai Fjord tour and from what I understand the Misty Fjords tour to be, I am expecting it to be a different kind of boat tour. Kenai Fjords is all about wildlife. I am expecting the Misty Fjords to be more about scenery. I will know better this August and will be sure to write a review.

 

Enjoy Alaska!!!

 

Thanks! I look forward to reading your review.

 

I've still got a long time to plan before booking anything. I'm hoping that my kids will have a better idea then of what they'd really like to see and do (they will be 17 & 13 when we sail). In the Caribbean, we kept the excursions to only a half day because I just knew they'd get bored, but that won't be the case in Alaska just in case we don't ever get back.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[vbmom87]

Thanks! I look forward to reading your review.

 

I've still got a long time to plan before booking anything. I'm hoping that my kids will have a better idea then of what they'd really like to see and do (they will be 17 & 13 when we sail). In the Caribbean, we kept the excursions to only a half day because I just knew they'd get bored, but that won't be the case in Alaska just in case we don't ever get back.

 

Enjoy your trip!

 

You do have time, but if you find that you are interested in any of the small, independent vendors, book as soon as you can as they do fill up. Of course learn their cancellation policies and make sure you can live with it.

 

With teens you may have to plan a little differently. In general I would say they would be more receptive to trips with wildlife as the focus. For the Kenai Fjords tour, be well prepared with precautions for motion sickness. It can get rough out there. Good idea is get them some books to read. If they have input as to the activities, they are more likely to enjoy the trip.

 

Happy planning!

[olemissreb]

You do have time, but if you find that you are interested in any of the small, independent vendors, book as soon as you can as they do fill up. Of course learn their cancellation policies and make sure you can live with it.

 

With teens you may have to plan a little differently. In general I would say they would be more receptive to trips with wildlife as the focus. For the Kenai Fjords tour, be well prepared with precautions for motion sickness. It can get rough out there. Good idea is get them some books to read. If they have input as to the activities, they are more likely to enjoy the trip.

 

Happy planning!

 

Actually all I'm really looking at are the independent vendors for our excursions. We started booking independent on our Celebrity cruise (only 1) and loved the tour so much that we booked all independent (except 1) on our last cruise! The only exception might be Icy Strait Point (based on the itinerary for the ship we are currently planning on taking). The boys really enjoyed helping pick out excursions last time so I'm sure they will enjoy it again. I know my oldest would love to see some of the volcanos that are in Alaska, but I'm not sure we could work that in this trip - especially with my mother along (she doesn't like to travel long distances in a car too much any more).

[vbmom87]

Actually all I'm really looking at are the independent vendors for our excursions. We started booking independent on our Celebrity cruise (only 1) and loved the tour so much that we booked all independent (except 1) on our last cruise! The only exception might be Icy Strait Point (based on the itinerary for the ship we are currently planning on taking). The boys really enjoyed helping pick out excursions last time so I'm sure they will enjoy it again. I know my oldest would love to see some of the volcanos that are in Alaska, but I'm not sure we could work that in this trip - especially with my mother along (she doesn't like to travel long distances in a car too much any more).

'

 

If interested in a wildlife/marine independent tour in Icy Strait F.I.S.H.E.S comes highly recommended. I am trying them this August.

 

http://www.visithoonah.com/fishes.html

[mapleleaves]

bump

[Traveller20074]

*bump*

 

 

and

 

 

*subscribe*

 

:D

[Rysam]

This really should be a sticky.

[mapleleaves]

I agree.

[Rysam]

Just trying to keep it current :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[mapleleaves]

in lieu of a Sticky, here's a bump.

[WeRockChalkKU]

Thanks for the link. More info is always appreciated.

[fleckle]

Another great source of Alaska information is Mellicon's collection of Alaska bookmarks, thanks to GMoney, a cruise critic contributer.

 

He provides labeled "Tags" on the right side that take you directly to the information for whichever place you want.

 

Mellicon's Alaska Bookmarks

 

[Rysam]

Just got back - has a fabulous cruise - Thanks to CC and TA !!!

[Prnsessmoi]

Very interesting reading, with all the links and info. Glad it stayed "bumped" so I didn't miss it.

[mapleleaves]

bump

[Rysam]

Keeping it current - thanks to this link - we had a great cruise.

[Shermhugh]

Came across this and found it helpful... Bumping in case you do, too.

[Cat54]

Great resource..

[Vonodin]

bumping for others

[Rysam]

bump