help with choice of ship

[gkeep]

We are looking at booking a 7 day Alaska cruise round-trip out of Seattle, with Glacier bay, in mid May for May 2013. It will be 3-5 couples,leaving the kids behind. So no extra land days. We have various levels of finances, so we are trying to keep the cost down so as not to exclude anyone. So that is why the choice of round trip out of Seattle ( some are driving).

 

There are three choices of ships that fit what we need.

 

Norwegian Pearl sails on May 19 th

 

Holland Westerdam sails on May 11 and 18th

 

Star Princess sails on May 11th

 

Prices are very close with Holland being slightly higher.

Itineraries on Norwegian and Princess are almost identical ( just times are a little different),

Holland is the same except for going to Sitka instead of Skagway.

 

I have cruised a number of times but not Alaska yet. This will be kind of a reunion of friends, we love to have fun, do all the entertainment options, dance, games, etc, but do not drink. Ages are 30's and 40's. I have read that Sitka is a nicer option than Skagway, but wondering if Princess might offer us more on the ship.

 

Wondering if any one has some input on which ship you would choose and why? Thank you!!

[bonvoyagie]

I prefer NCL - but only because they are the only line I have cruised on. With their Freestyle dining you and your friends will be able to share a table with only each other - or not. The NCL approach to the MDRs is like going out to eat at home - simply show up and they will seat you. There are no set times. You also have other choices - as to Princess and HAL.

 

Sitka has not succomb to the tourist trade and therefore does not have that many cruise ships calling - you must also tender in. Sitka is know for its Russian Orthodox churches. Frankly I think there is much more to do in Skagway - but you will have to make up your own mind.

 

Here is a website that might help you with the ports http://cruiseportinsider.com/index.html

[Sandi3667]

Personally, I would look first at the two cruises that go to Glacier Bay. It's a National Park, and only a few permits are offered for cruise ships to enter. The HAL & Princess itineraries both visit Glacier Bay.

 

Between Princess & NCL, you have more time in Juneau & Skagway with Princess. We really enjoyed Sitka when we were there on the Oosterdam last year.

 

I've seen others comment, and have to agree, that Alaska is so port-intensive that you're up early most days, and spending most of the time in port off of the ship.

 

We sailed the last week in May, and there was still enough snow on the ground on Mt. Roberts that we weren't able to explore much up there.

 

Enjoy your cruise - I would gladly sail any one of these, just to get up there again.

 

We had 2 41-year olds, and 2 early 50s, but had all ages on our HAL ship.

[Budget Queen]

Personally, I would look first at the two cruises that go to Glacier Bay. It's a National Park, and only a few permits are offered for cruise ships to enter. The HAL & Princess itineraries both visit Glacier Bay.

 

.

 

So does NCL Pearl.

[Budget Queen]

I suggest you take a comprehensive look at the priorities for port activities, and rank priorities of tours.

 

Find out about Sitka, and Skagway- determine which is of more interest?? Take a vote, and enjoy the sailing. All of these cruises will offer a great trip. I've sailed all these lines to Alaska, IF a ship naturalist is important- NCL doesn't have one. All Glacier Bay sailings are escorted in, with National Park rangers who give commentary.

 

I also have to say, if sailing the Pearl in an inside cabin- the clear superior location to be in Glacier Bay is your mid open deck. The upper decks are some of the crappiest I've sailed in Alaska, very limited viewing.

[Okie1946]

As many posts all over - check your ports of call first, then the activities available in each port before making your decision. Have heard pros and cons to each one.

 

Personally, we found Sitka was more appealing than Skagway, but that was our choice. Most everyone talks about the Church in Sitka but they fail to mention the various totem parks AND my favorite, the Raptor Center.

 

What every ship you do eventually chose, I know that you will have a great time. Alaska is a beautiful place to cruise.

 

Previous Cruises:

Alaska - Westerdam - September 2009

Alaska- Rotterdam - September 2010

Mexican Riveria - Oosterdam - April 2011

 

[gkeep]

Thanks for the info!

 

Will take it all into consideration. We will have a number of first time cruisers with us. Just mostly wondering about the quality of the ships, food, entertainment, options for activites, etc. I have read some reviews and watched you tube videos and what not, but still it is hard to get a feel for the ships.

[Sandi3667]

So does NCL Pearl.

 

Thanks. The site I pulled up the itineraries did not show Glacier Bay. They just had it listed as another sea day.

[hogwildcruzers]

We have done NCL,Celebrity and HAL.......this year we are on Golden Princess and out of them all I can not really say which is better, they all offer a great cruise and differ in their own ways......many people prefer a certain line and I understand that, but really they all offer about the same in Alaska......just check out the ships and see if they have just what you like to do, and which spends the most time in the port you want the most time in.

[Assateague Island Princes]

Agree w/Hogwildcruzers 100%! Forget about line loyalty - each cruise line sailing there will provide a wonderful experience. Its all about ALASKA - times in port, glacier viewing, and ports visited, NOT what is onboard the ship. Very port intensive cruise - get the best bang for your buck by choosing from the abovenoted criteria - not the "perks" a specific line might offer you as a past cruiser. In other words, keep your eye on the prize;) - what is OUTSIDE the ship, and all around you - magnificent Alaska.