First time to Alaska

[PoppyandNana]

First time to Alaska in 26 cruises. Going on HAL'S 14 day from Seattle. We have a choice between June 5, June 24 and July 3. Rates are comparable.

 

What can we expect would be the differences between early June and early July in terms or mosquitos, rain and temperatures, and kids?

 

What would JC do?

[Krazy Kruizers]

All those dates will have some children on the cruise.

We have done your cruise a couple of times -- late June and early July.

We had very few children on that cruise.

Have never had a problem with mosquitos on any of our Alaskan cruise and have done quite a few -- all months.

Yes have had rain during those dates. Hard to predict how much rain you will have.

Our first Alaskan cruise -- back in the 80's -- early July -- we had a heat wave -- many days in the 80's.

That is a great itinerary.

[bUU]

From what I've read, if the salmon run factors into your plans, then early July is better than early June.

[towhee]

We love this itinerary; we've done it four times.

 

Predicting the weather in Alaska six months before hand is impossible. You can have rain or snow or heat or cold or fog or clear or sun or clouds. We've been in Juneau in July and it snowed on the other hand we've been in Juneau in July and it was in the high-70's.

 

Mosquitoes are rare along the coast because of the breezes; inland is another story. Don't worry about mosquitoes, but do pack sun screen since the reflection off the water or snow can be intense.

 

The salmon run starts in late June. It's quite an experience to see it in Ketchikan (Creek Street) and Sitka (Indian River in the Sitka National Historical Park).

If school is out the kids will be on board. There will be fewer kids on the 14 day than on a 7 day, but the the kids on the 14 day seem to be better mannered (or better managed) the the kids on the 7 day.

 

Quite frankly you should have a wonderful time during any of the three times you've chosen.

[Tom O.]

I have done an early June cruise before, and the weather was perfect. We were told that there is less rain that time of year.

Never saw a mosquito.

Early season cruises may not have access to some "scenic cruising" if there is still too much ice in some bays. We had Glacier Bay replaced by the Tracy Arm (Sawyer Glacier), but it was terrific.

[RuthC]

The beginning days of the June 24 cruise will be longer than the last days of the July 3 cruise, if time of sunrise/sunset, and lingering dusk matters to you.

The July 3 cruise will offer a better chance of seeing salmon up close and personal.

 

Either cruise will have a good chance of sun, but don't count on it. I've had all sorts of weather in each month from May through September.

 

Whichever date you cruise, this is a fantastic itinerary. Have a great time in The Great Land.

[PoppyandNana]

From SeaTac is it easier to just grab a cab rather than go through all the hassle of the ships buses, trying to get 50 people and their bags from point A to B?

[VennDiagram]

From SeaTac is it easier to just grab a cab rather than go through all the hassle of the ships buses, trying to get 50 people and their bags from point A to B?

 

Please tell me you are not planning on flying in the day of your cruise. :eek:

[crystalspin]

First time to Alaska in 26 cruises. Going on HAL'S 14 day from Seattle. We have a choice between June 5, June 24 and July 3. Rates are comparable.

 

I too am researching this cruise and accidentally learned of a company putting together their own group on the July 3rd sailing. It's a travel (agent) company so I can't link, but search '30th Anniversary Cruise to Alaska Holland America' -- ignore the ads and the notice of HAL's 70th anniversary of visiting Alaska...

 

No way to tell how big this group will end up being. One thing is, they may have blocked out a large number of cabins hoping for a big turnout, which may or may not become available as the time gets shorter... around final payment date.

[PoppyandNana]

Please tell me you are not planning on flying in the day of your cruise. :eek:

 

No, not at all. In fact my question is pretty stupid in view of the fact that we are flying in from NJ. Of course we will come at a minimum the day before. After I do some research on what there is to see and do we may come in two days early.

[VennDiagram]

No, not at all. In fact my question is pretty stupid in view of the fact that we are flying in from NJ. Of course we will come at a minimum the day before. After I do some research on what there is to see and do we may come in two days early.

 

I'm relieved to read that :)

[crystalspin]

Haha, I retraced my steps and discovered I learned about the 30th Anniversary group from a Cruise Critic mailing! The company is Cruise Specialists and they are offering exclusive cocktail parties (which means some venu or other will be taken over by them... good if you book through them, otherwise not so much) and some other incentives.

[joekerstef]

Was on this itinerary this year, departed 6 June. The weather was perfect (maybe an hour of rain right after we left Icy Strait Point), never saw a mosquito, did get a nice sunburn in Homer. There were very few children and the ones that were there pretty much stuck together and were well-behaved. The only (minor) negative is that we were too early to see the salmon spawning. We also didn't get to go up Tracy's Arm because of ice; we did Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier instead, lots of seals. Also no port was crowded; think there were three ships in at Ketchikan and Juneau but neither were overrun with tourists. Doing it again, and given relatively equal costs, I might at least try the July 3 departure to have a better chance for the salmon, but I think you'll be happy with any of those dates. Enjoy!

 

edited to add that grabbing a cab to Pier 91 in Seattle is very easy. and i found the check-in at Seattle to be very easy.

Edited December 28, 2016 by joekerstef

[Sea Belle]

We are looking at the Sept. 11 out of Seattle on the Amsterdam. Anyone have thoughts on that one? Weather, etc..

[Marianne]

I usually cruise Alaska the first or second week of September -- Why? Well, I used to live in the Pacific Northwest and that is when the weather settles. Both times on this cruise we've had good weather -- maybe a short rain on one day. Also, if you have concerns about children on cruises, there are usually none, since school starts right after Labor Day. Another plus is that prices are less at that time of the year. This is an excellent itinerary and you will enjoy it no matter what time of the year you take it.

Marianne

[Sea Belle]

Thank you for the info.. When we were on the K in Oct. we were told the same. Any suggestions on a reasonable hotel for 1 night stay. We would like to have shuttle service from airport to hotel and to cruise port next day. Then we would book another night when we return with the same transportation needs but in reverse. We are 77 and 82 so like to have everything as simplified as possible. ;)

[VacationCharlene]

From SeaTac is it easier to just grab a cab rather than go through all the hassle of the ships buses, trying to get 50 people and their bags from point A to B?

 

I highly recommend AJ Towncar Services while in Seattle. AJ is so nice, I know, because we have used him a few times for transportation needs while in Seattle. His number is (206) 697-5577. He is happy to give you a quote over the phone but I know he has a towncar that seats 4 comfortably that I think is $55 from the airport to Pier 91 or $45 to Pier 66 downtown...also hotels downtown. He has a SUV that is $65 from airport to Pier 91. I also think he has a 10 passenger van that is $12 per person (minimum 7 people). We have had him pick us up from Pioneer Square and also downtown Seattle and was ALWAYS on time, friendly, and great competitive prices. Here is his website that I just looked up. http://www.seatactowncar.com You will be happy you gave him your business Hope this helps you and others looking for transportation reviews. Tell him his friend from San Diego....Charlene....says helllooooo

 

Enjoy your cruise!!!! We stay usually at hotels at Pioneer Square area or Downtown to be able to walk to a lot of places like Pike Market etc...

Edited December 29, 2016 by VacationingCharlene

[PoppyandNana]

We booked the 14 night sailing on July 3rd. Terms were $300 pp deposit, non refundable. Anyway my wife and I have talked about this for a week. Today I told her everything is ready to go in terms of category research, airfare etc. "Thats nice she says"

 

So far so good. So I go ahead and book it. She gets her female things in a wringer. Why didn't I tell her I was going to book it? Nothing was decided, etc. etc.

 

So I call the online TA and explain the situation. Three hours have now elapsed since I sent the email to my guy to book it. I call him, he is gone for the day. I get his supervisor on the phone, real nice. She calls HAL who says: We may or we may not agree to refund the clients $600. We will let you know in a week.

 

My initial plan was to buy cheap insurance but the best deal I could find would only 50% under the cancel for any reason clause.

 

Moral of the story: do all the research then let your wife do or not do as her current whim dictates.

[crystalspin]

Poppy,

HAL had a non-refundable deposit? You should be nowhere near final-payment date for July 3 (we just passed FP for 11 March...). Maybe it's the online TA who wants to keep your deposit?

[PoppyandNana]

Poppy,

HAL had a non-refundable deposit? You should be nowhere near final-payment date for July 3 (we just passed FP for 11 March...). Maybe it's the online TA who wants to keep your deposit?

 

No, it is HAL. They are running a special promotion where the deposit is only half - $300 per person. Plus the actual fares are about $300 less. The deposit however is non refundable.

[crystalspin]

No, it is HAL. They are running a special promotion where the deposit is only half - $300 per person. Plus the actual fares are about $300 less. The deposit however is non refundable.

 

Ah, I didn't notice that small print! Well, I think Nana should reconsider and force herself to go! That's a great cruise!

[crystalspin]

Originally Posted by PoppyandNana View Post

No, it is HAL. They are running a special promotion where the deposit is only half - $300 per person. Plus the actual fares are about $300 less. The deposit however is non refundable.

 

I wonder if the deposit can be MOVED to a different cruise, something like a Future Cruise Credit?

[PoppyandNana]

Having never cruised from Seattle before what would be the earliest I could book a return flight to NJ? Not familiar with time and hassle factors with disembarkation, getting a taxi to SeaTac, how long a trip it is, what security is like.

 

Any information would be appreciated.

[Caribbean Chris]

Thank you for the info.. When we were on the K in Oct. we were told the same. Any suggestions on a reasonable hotel for 1 night stay. We would like to have shuttle service from airport to hotel and to cruise port next day. Then we would book another night when we return with the same transportation needs but in reverse. We are 77 and 82 so like to have everything as simplified as possible. ;)

 

We were on this wonderful itinerary last year (first two weeks of September) and loved it. Will live on in my memory as one of the best (of 30+ Cruises.)

During planning, I learned that Seattle is an expensive hotel city and the airport was a fair distance from downtown.

 

We ended up doing a first for us - having our travel agency add Holland America's pre-cruise package for two nights (downtown Sheraton) and post cruise package for one night (airport Hilton) to our booking. So glad we did.

 

It was not much more in cost vs booking the various elements ourselves, but it was SO relaxing. Everything was done professionally - we were met at the airport, assisted with luggage to the transfer vehicle, had a very good hotel experience, great location for sightseeing, and smooth as silk transfer arrangements to the pier. Our bags were taken from our hotel room and we next saw them in our stateroom.

 

By the way, we booked the air ourselves using frequent flyer miles. So the packages are available with or without HAL's flights.

 

It's worth considering - it will give you the simplified experience you want.

Edited January 2, 2017 by Caribbean Chris