Alaska vs Hawaii cruises

[don't-use-real-name]

Thank you everyone for your assistance. After thinking and talking about it, my wife and I have picked Alaska. Now it's a choice: the cruise that leaves and comes back to Seattle or the cruise that goes from Vancouver to Seward.

 

The NCL BLISS is a new large -AWAY class ship being introduced into this market this year and does the

exclusive Seattle round trip cruise.

A smaller ship the NCL PEARL also does this circuit.

Both of these ships have variable ports of call but primarily Ketchikan Juneau Skagway and Victoria BC

as for the Glaciers some go to Glacier Bay and the other Tracy Arm Sawyer glacier.

The NCL JEWEL does the full regalia Vancouver to Seward and return on another 7 day trip.

 

With that in mind - the closed loop Seattle trips - you need to find round trip transportation to Seattle.

For the Vancouver and Anchorage (Seward) trips - you need to plan to fly into Vancouver and then

back out of Anchorage or Fairbanks if taking a land package.

Note flights into Vancouver are or maybe pricy - think about flying into Seattle and taking surface transportation

to Vancouver (it really is not all that complicated and will save a few dollars). The Anchorage to the lower 48

flights are competitive with Alaska Airlines having the most resources to get you down into the lower 48.

 

The Alaska cruise season is about 4+ months long - peaking in late July early August - fares and flights will

of course be peak also. For the best rates but not necessarily the best of Alaska weather the start of the

season in early May and the end late September are the bargain hunters market.

NCL is not the only game in town - Princess and Holland-America also are in this market.

There is more to just cruising the Inside Passage there are a variety of Land Excursion packages that can be

added pre and post cruise.

If your cabin stateroom needs are basic - no need to rush out and book something although don't wait until

the last minute to book and expect to get a balcony stateroom. If your stateroom needs are upscale - thinking

of a suite - book soon the good ones go very fast if not already booked.

 

Get crackin you don't want to see the last ice cube glacier melt into the ocean - just jesting LOL !

[Let Me Travel!]

Ok...we went on Carnival Legend and loved it...we booked the suite at the back of the ship where the balcony actually wraps around the back and side of the ship...we went the last week of May...evenings quite chilly...daytimes...mid to high 60s....did an excursion virtually every day...book the "chefs table" if you are early enough...you have to specifically request it.

We're not typically Carnival fans ...or we weren't...too many loud drunks...not so on the Legend...this is a more "grown-up" cruise...filled with fun people who are really interested in the destination rather than an enclosed party. We were delighted with the whales, bears, eagles and seals. The glaciers demonstrated how really small we are in relation to the majesty of nature...the white pass tour and train was absolutely great, had no idea how delighted sled dogs are to just run! They love it!

We will never forget that cruise...I'm hoping our upcoming NCL Pride of America trip to Hawaii will be just as memorable! Have fun!

[amc155]

Thank you everyone for your assistance. After thinking and talking about it, my wife and I have picked Alaska. Now it's a choice: the cruise that leaves and comes back to Seattle or the cruise that goes from Vancouver to Seward.

 

As for that it's all about ports/times and also if you want to see any of the rest of AK. I would highly recommend seeing Denali if you have the time to do a land portion. We did Anchorage, Alyeska (resort is pretty, wouldn't need to stay there again though), and Talkeetna. Loved it in Talkeetna and wish we had had more time there and at Denali. The glass dome train was really neat too.

[sss08pea25bee69]

So after months of discussion, we are looking at a 11-day Alaskan cruise/landtour. As mentioned before, we're looking at going some time from May to August of next year. What month would be best?

[sss08pea25bee69]

So after months of discussion, we are looking at a 11-day Alaskan cruise/landtour. As mentioned before, we're looking at going some time from May to August of next year. What month would be best?

I looked back and I did not mention when I wanted to go.

[Budget Queen]

I have also done both cruises- multiple times. I go to both locations every year, with extended stays. I no longer do the cruise in Hawaii- since I've gotten very specific where I want to go in Hawaii and simply spend a week++ each on 2 islands usually. (not Oahu :) ) The Hawaiian cruise is NCL's revenue maker with typically, consistent, very high fares.

[Sauer-kraut]

So after months of discussion, we are looking at a 11-day Alaskan cruise/landtour. As mentioned before, we're looking at going some time from May to August of next year. What month would be best?

Do you want snow, black flies, bears or whales?? :D

[BostonGal35]

weve done both Alaskan itineraries.

our preference was the one that sails Glacier Bay.

i would do this on a smaller ship (not the Bliss)>

[pe4all]

We did Hawaii on NCL - fantastic cruise. Spent 2 days pre-cruise in Honolulu. I know many people complain about the "American crew's lack of service/attention" but we experienced none of that. We did Alaska with Carnival, and again had a fantastic cruise. Spent 2 days pre-cruise in Seattle. Did Alaska in August 2012, and had temps ranging from 40 to 50 degrees in most ports, and then 80 degrees in Ketchikan! We did Hawaii during Christmas 2016. Both trips were bucket list trips, and worth every penny we spent.

[SanFranCruzer]

experienced both-

two completely different animals!

Hawaii is more of a hotel on the water with way more land time and less ship time. Taking you to four islands easily.

Alaska has incredible sights only seen from a ship.

Alaska ship is more traditional "cruising" with casino on board and great service. POA has no casino and because it is a US ship, staff is not as service based.

I's a personal choice about what is important to you on this particular vacation.

 

whichever you do- have a blast!!!

[BostonGal35]

Thank you everyone for your assistance. After thinking and talking about it, my wife and I have picked Alaska. Now it's a choice: the cruise that leaves and comes back to Seattle or the cruise that goes from Vancouver to Seward.

 

we did vancouver to seward on teh Sun. ideal scenario (which we couldnt do) is to book a few days in Denali at the end.

[Budget Queen]

So after months of discussion, we are looking at a 11-day Alaskan cruise/landtour. As mentioned before, we're looking at going some time from May to August of next year. What month would be best?

 

 

Be certain you know all the DETAILS about the mainland tour. There are some "surprises" that the uninformed don't expect. Frankly this is a short add on, if possible add time. Transit times are underestimated and shorter tours are a negative for time at destinations. Be certain you have 2 nights at Denali Park- that is your highlight- and it's imperative you get INTO the park. The NHT does not nearly far enough. (what I consider a waste of time :) )

[sss08pea25bee69]

I have mentioned before that I am leaning towards Alaska but was curious as to the price of excursions for both Alaska and Hawaii. I have heard the excursions in Alaska can be pricy but how are the excursions in Hawaii?