Where to start? for a cruise

[easyswimmer]

I have always been interested in seeing Alaska. When would be a good time to see it? And, also, where does one begin in getting a ship, rates, etc. Do, I need a travel agent?

 

Also, due to health issues, I am waiting now on results for 2 weeks to see if I got lymphoma again, and then, if so, would have to be staged, tests, etc so, the time frame with this could be another month plus. Of course, then, if rads will be used on my eye or chemo. If so, I guess it won't be this year.

 

But, any and all advice on this would be appreciated.

 

I really need a vacation... :D Also, a single cruise if possible.

 

Thank you.

Edited August 10, 2016 by easyswimmer

[Crew News]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

My preferred time for Alaska is early May with very few kids, much lower prices for the cruise and airfare, no mosquitoes yet, new baby animals on the scene, less rain than most summer months, and still snow on the higher elevations.

[easyswimmer]

Thank you for your quick response.

 

:)

 

I am very excited about planning this out.

I only have 3 requirements:

 

1) To kiss an eskimo

2) To pet a polar bear

3) To walk on an iceberg...

 

:D

 

I saw you are from New Mexico, my son is getting married the

beginning of Oct there in NM.

[Buck Turgidson]

We went in July, great cruise , follow these boards and all your cruise questions will be answered:)

[SPacificbound]

This is the best place to get info on Alaska.... :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

[easyswimmer]

Thank you! :)

[Cruisin' Chick]

Alaskan cruises usually run from early May to late September. There's one ways (eg Vancouver to Anchorage, or the reverse) and round trips from Seattle, Vancouver, SF.

 

What I recommend is going into a local travel agency (esp. one that advertises itself as a cruise specialist). You'll be talking about 2017 the earliest so if you have a preference for month, budget, type of itinerary (including do you want a land tour added), bring in any of that info. This service shouldn't cost you anything (make sure they don't charge any cancellation charges...a good TA won't) and a good TA can give you great advice and help you book the cruise (maybe even the airfare...but make sure to arrive in your starting point at least a day early).

[Chocolate Rose]

We booked our Alaskan cruise for next May pretty much based on the itinerary. I would recommend looking at different itineraries and find the one that most matches what you want to see and do. Then start looking at which cruise line has the itinerary and what the available dates are. (I'm a first time cruiser so you may not want to listen to me).

[Crew News]

Thank you for your quick response.

 

:)

 

I am very excited about planning this out.

I only have 3 requirements:

 

1) To kiss an eskimo

2) To pet a polar bear

3) To walk on an iceberg...

 

:D

 

I saw you are from New Mexico, my son is getting married the

beginning of Oct there in NM.

 

Hopefully, he is not getting married the first week of Oct since hotel rooms here in ABQ will be very scarce during Balloon Fiesta.

 

No eskimos or polar bears near any cruise stops. Walk on a glacier in Juneau but no icebergs are big enough where the cruise ships sail.

Edited August 11, 2016 by Crew News

[wheezedr]

Thank you for your quick response.

 

:)

 

I am very excited about planning this out.

I only have 3 requirements:

 

1) To kiss an eskimo

2) To pet a polar bear

3) To walk on an iceberg

NM.

 

Having both lived and cruised in Alaska I can honestly tell you that the likelihood of any of the above three is minimal. Maybe you can find a willing Eskimo but I doubt it.

[easyswimmer]

:D One can always hope!

[paul929207]

Polar bears are big and dangerous. They live in the far north, so You are unlikely to encounter any, which is just as good.

Icebergs are floating in water that is barely above freezing. Trying to get on one is not a good idea.

 

Weather is best in June, July and August, BUT Alaskan weather is very unpredictable. We just returned 2 weeks ago from Alaska. We had high temperatures somedays in the 70's and others in the 50's.Most days high in the 60's.

 

There are two main types of Alaskan cruises. There are 7 day cruises that are round trip from either Vancouver or Seattle. These go thru the inside passage. Frequent ports of call include, Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway. Seattle cruises also stop at either Victoria or Vancouver.

 

The other choice is a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Whittier/Seward (Anchorage) or the reverse. These are called Voyage of the Glacier or similar). These usually stop at some of the ports above plus sightseeing at some of the glaciers. Since these cruises start or end in the Anchorage area, cruise lines offer a variety of cruise tours. These are about 3 to 10 day tours offered either before southbound cruises or after northbound ones.

 

We did a cruise tour on Princess last month. We were surprised how nice the facilities on the tour were. We spent 2 nights and the Princess Denali Wilderness Lodge and 2 nights at the Princess Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge. The Denali facility holds 1500, while Mt. McKinley Lodge holds 900.

[easyswimmer]

I am serious about a cruise to Alaska but, was kidding about the 3 things.

 

;)

 

Yet, I thank you for your responses.

[easyswimmer]

I better keep my day job! :D

[skrufy]

First, I envy you, we have cruised many times and to this day have never made it to Alaska. Sounds like you are new to cruising.Call a good travel agent. They will give you loads of information so you can make a choice. Cruise critic has lots of good info. Go to the Alaska boards theres plenty on alaska cruises. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Good luck, and enjoy Alaska. Its a great cruise.

[easyswimmer]

I don't think I was ever told before in my life that I was ever envied! :D

 

This would be my first cruise. I had a chance to go a couple years ago but, due to unforeseen circumstances I had to back out.

 

I am hoping I will get a chance this time. I am picking Alaska. Maybe, look into the price of an igloo. ( I am a license RE agent.)

 

I lost my husband due to a service-related illness so, I am not a "we" just a " me."

 

I have crossed many bridges in my lifetime and take each day for what it is worth. I am asked, " how do you do it?" Simple. Don't underestimate insanity, it WORKS! ( just kidding folks) ;)

 

I am looking forward to this alot. I do have a knack with animals, been called, Snow White...

 

I wasn't versed on who Snow White was and had to look it up.