Family Reunion Alaska Cruise

[Dadschum]

I am starting to plan a potential Alaskan family reunion cruise for the summer of 2016. Thus far this branch of the family tree has had one very successful reunion in the summer of 2012 at an Inn on Cape Cod and we will return there for a 3 night stay in late June of this year.

A bit about us: About half of the family is located in MA, one group from NY and most of the rest from the West Coast. At the Inn, I have booked anywhere from 15 – 20 rooms so I would expect 15-20 cabins.

We have a few singles, couples, young families and more mature travelers. By 2016 age range will run the gamut from 2 yrs to near 80. As of now the 2 oldest are in good health and mobility. If all families with kids go, we would have 5 boys age 12-15, 3 kids age 6-8, 2 4 year olds and 2 2year olds.

We are a fairly low maintenance group, down to earth, casual, easy to please, fun loving and unpretentious as they come. We like nice things but are not stuffy. We have a couple of foodies, a few who enjoy fine antiques, folks who like sports and most of us like a good drink but are not into the heavy duty party scene. Some have cruised before, many have not.

Budget will be a consideration so I think sticking to a 7 day cruise will work. I figure there will be West Coasters who may be able to drive to the port so sticking with an itinerary that starts and ends in the same place might be best, unless I can be convinced otherwise.

I’ve reviewed a number of options and, though I know ships can change itineraries etc, I’ve narrowed it down to:

Cruise Line

Ship

Carnival

Miracle

Celebrity

Century

Celebrity

Solstice

Disney

Wonder

HAL

Amsterdam

HAL

Volendam

HAL

Zaandam

HAL

Westerdam

HAL

Zuiderdam

Norwegian

Jewel

Norwegian

Pearl

Princess

Golden

Princess

Grand

RCCL

Rhapsody

 

I’ve cruised 20 years ago when I was in my 20’s – 2x Carnival and once each RCCL and NCL so I am familiar with the concept though some things have changed. I am also familiar with the reputations and atmospheres of the cruise lines, though there may have been changes.

One of my cousins who has cruised several times, including to Alaska, gives high praise to HAL. After reading their literature, I see that it is one of the finer of the mass market lines . What does concern me though is the older and “stuffier” cruiser it attracts as well as the notion of dressing to the nines for dinner. Not sure I’d get anyone in this group into a tux or a sequined gown. I think they would prefer at most sport coat and khakis and dress pants or nice skirt/blouse. Am I off base with the dress code on this line?

As for Carnival, last time I cruised it – it was a huge party boat. As we are travelling in the summer I don’t think we want to be around the party til you fall down crowd. But I have heard that the Alaska cruises are more sedate.

I think we would like some nightlife, maybe shows, some casino, or just hanging out in a lounge making our own fun.

So based on all that, what do you folks recommend? Of what I have listed what would work, or is there anything I have not thought of?

Many thanks. I look forward to the replies.

[mapleleaves]

For Alaska cruises, itinerary is the most important factor. Make sure the ship is going to ports that will support your interests and that you are in port long enough and at the appropriate time of day for your planned activities. A port time of 7am to noon isn't great, noon to 5pm is better, and 7-7 is better yet.

Also, if you have specific activities in mind, like bear viewing or fishing, you need to be aware of the peak periods of time for those activities.

Since you have the time, do some research. The more you know, the better your trip will be. There are books specific to Alaska cruises. Ann Vipond has "alaska by cruiseship' and Fodor has ' alaska ports of call'. They provide info on cruiselines, ships, itineraries, ports, activities, etc. Perhaps your library has them. Borrow other Alaska travel books in order to learn about the ports; there are less than 10 so not a lot of research to do.

Also, visit the STICKY above called 'alaska cruise reviews for 2013'. Reply #45 has all the reports sorted by cruiseline and ship. There are one way cruises, RT cruises from Vancouver or Seattle, cruisetours, DIY tours. The reports are quite detailed and will provide you with lots of useful info.

Good luck! and have fun planning!

[cruisin0218]

I Agree With The Previous Post And Think Itinerary Is Most Important. Since You Know That You Are Looking For A 7 Day Roundtrip Cruise You Need To Decide Whether Sailing Out Of Seattle, Can Francisco Or Vanvouver works Best For Your Group. Once That Is Determined Then I Would Narrow Down The Ships Sailing Out Of That Port By Deleting Those That Do Not Go To Glacier Bay Becsuse I Really Prefer Glacier Bay Over Hubbard Glacier (However That May Not Be Important To Your Group). Then I Would Look At Which Cruise Gives Me The Most Time In Each Port. If Is Important Yo Your Group To See Glacier Bay Then That Narrows The Cruise Lines down To HAL, Princess And A Few Ships From NCL.

 

As Far As The Dress Code Is Concerned, You Will Find That Day Time Dress Is Casual On All 3. I Believe That NCL Is Casual Dress In All Dining Rooms Each Evening. On HAL And Princess You can Choose The Main Dining Room which Is Dressier Or The Buffet For More Casual Dining Each Night. We Have Sailed several Times On HAL And We Dress For The Main Dining Room On Casual Nights With the Men In Khacki Pants And Polo Type Shirt With Women Wearing Slacks And A Blouse. On Formal Nights The Men wear khacki Pants, A Dress Shirt And TiE With A Sports Coat. Women Still Wear Slacks And Just Add A Sparkly Top. There Will Be Activities For All Ages On Any Of The Cruises. We Have Found HAL To Be Quieter With Fewer Activities After About 10 Pm But We Don't Mind That Because In Alaska We Tend To Get Up Earlier For Shore Excursions.

[bonvoyagie]

With that many people and cabins you would easily qualify for a group rate discount - at least with most cruise lines. I would try to find out more about the group sales department.

 

We recently cruised AK on the Norwegian Pearl and I learned that they have a person who deals exclusively with large groups (thank you CC M&G) Most cruise ships have meeting rooms that you could use for a private party or reception - I am sure that any cruise line would bend over backwards to make your family reunion a memorable one.

 

SD Mike - another CC member did a family trip on the Norwegian Jewel last summer in AK - look for his review and photos. He did not have as many people, but did have a wide age range.

 

I would also suggest that when in port that you don't worry about sticking together - let everyone do their own thing - it makes for much better dinner conversation :D

[Budget Queen]

I am starting to plan a potential Alaskan family reunion cruise for the summer of 2016. Thus far this branch of the family tree has had one very successful reunion in the summer of 2012 at an Inn on Cape Cod and we will return there for a 3 night stay in late June of this year.

A bit about us: About half of the family is located in MA, one group from NY and most of the rest from the West Coast. At the Inn, I have booked anywhere from 15 – 20 rooms so I would expect 15-20 cabins.

We have a few singles, couples, young families and more mature travelers. By 2016 age range will run the gamut from 2 yrs to near 80. As of now the 2 oldest are in good health and mobility. If all families with kids go, we would have 5 boys age 12-15, 3 kids age 6-8, 2 4 year olds and 2 2year olds.

We are a fairly low maintenance group, down to earth, casual, easy to please, fun loving and unpretentious as they come. We like nice things but are not stuffy. We have a couple of foodies, a few who enjoy fine antiques, folks who like sports and most of us like a good drink but are not into the heavy duty party scene. Some have cruised before, many have not.

Budget will be a consideration so I think sticking to a 7 day cruise will work. I figure there will be West Coasters who may be able to drive to the port so sticking with an itinerary that starts and ends in the same place might be best, unless I can be convinced otherwise.

I’ve reviewed a number of options and, though I know ships can change itineraries etc, I’ve narrowed it down to:

Cruise Line

Ship

Carnival

Miracle

Celebrity

Century

Celebrity

Solstice

Disney

Wonder

HAL

Amsterdam

HAL

Volendam

HAL

Zaandam

HAL

Westerdam

HAL

Zuiderdam

Norwegian

Jewel

Norwegian

Pearl

Princess

Golden

Princess

Grand

RCCL

Rhapsody

 

I’ve cruised 20 years ago when I was in my 20’s – 2x Carnival and once each RCCL and NCL so I am familiar with the concept though some things have changed. I am also familiar with the reputations and atmospheres of the cruise lines, though there may have been changes.

One of my cousins who has cruised several times, including to Alaska, gives high praise to HAL. After reading their literature, I see that it is one of the finer of the mass market lines . What does concern me though is the older and “stuffier” cruiser it attracts as well as the notion of dressing to the nines for dinner. Not sure I’d get anyone in this group into a tux or a sequined gown. I think they would prefer at most sport coat and khakis and dress pants or nice skirt/blouse. Am I off base with the dress code on this line?

As for Carnival, last time I cruised it – it was a huge party boat. As we are travelling in the summer I don’t think we want to be around the party til you fall down crowd. But I have heard that the Alaska cruises are more sedate.

I think we would like some nightlife, maybe shows, some casino, or just hanging out in a lounge making our own fun.

So based on all that, what do you folks recommend? Of what I have listed what would work, or is there anything I have not thought of?

Many thanks. I look forward to the replies.

 

You are making several wrong assumptions. Demographics are not what you think with HAL. They are very similar to all the other cruises sailing Alaska with the exception of Disney. (which with your budget concerns, would be your most costly)

 

FIRST, you should find out about Alaska, not be looking as ships, in my opinion. find out about EACH of the ports, what they are noted for, activities to occupy your time. Alaska is NOT about hanging around the port area and doing nothing. :) At least some of your group would have the priority of Alaska. :) There are only 6 inside passage ports, each is very interesting and very different from the others Take a vote of the group, then find a cruise with the preferred ports. Do your homework on the glaciers=- very different options, again importation for an Alaska visit. budget fully for excursions- you get half a trip without them. :)

 

Take your time with decisions. Have each group, make their own touring choices, forget the "group" touring. :)

 

As mentioned, group rates may be available, but you are way ahead of that now. Spend your time finding out about the ports, routes, activities. Take your time in the ship selection, compare and compare some more. :)