joeandsara04 Posted January 20, 2023 #1 Share Posted January 20, 2023 My wife and I are planning an Alaskan trip for our 20th Anniversary in the Summer of 2024. We want to do our own land tour for 4-5 days before and then a one-way, 7-night cruise to Vancouver after. Here are the three options we've narrowed down to. Would love any feedback or thoughts from those with more experience than us. Thanks in advance, everyone! Possible Cruise Options: Princess Cruise Line: Voyage of the Glaciers Southbound Date: July 13, 2024 Ship: Sapphire Princess Whittier @ 8:30PM - July 13 Hubbard Glacier @ 3PM-8PM - July 14 Glacier Bay @ 9AM-7PM - July 15 Skagway @ 7AM-8:30PM - July 16 Juneau @ 6:30AM-4PM - July 17 Ketchikan @ 10AM-6PM - July 18 AT SEA - July 19 Vancouver @ 7:30AM - July 20 Inside Cabin Cost: 1367/pp (3700 total) Balcony Cost: 2517/pp (6200 total) Holland America: Glacier Discovery Southbound Dates: July 7-14, 2024 Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam Whittier @ 8PM - July 7 Hubbard Glacier @ 4PM-6PM - July 8 Glacier Bay @ 8:30AM-6:30PM - July 9 Skagway @ 7AM-8PM - July 10 Juneau @ 8AM-5PM - July 11 Ketchikan @ 11AM-7PM - July 12 AT SEA - July 13 Vancouver @ 7AM - July 14 Inside: 1064/pp with HIA = 3718 total Oceanview: 1414/pp with HIA = 4658 total Balcony: 2214/pp with HIA = 6018 total Celebrity Cruises: Alaska Southbound Glacier Dates: July 12-19 Ship: Celebrity Summit Seward @ 7PM - July 12 Hubbard Glacier - July 13 Juneau @ 10:30AM-9PM - July 14 Skagway @ 7AM-8PM - July 15 Icy Strait Point @ 7AM-3PM - July 16 Ketchikan @ 10AM-6:30PM - July 17 AT SEA - July 18 Vancouver @ 7AM - July 19 Inside: 699/pp with All Included = 3229 total Outside: 1299/pp with All Included = 4429 total Balcony: 1999/pp with All Included = 6229 total Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1025cruise Posted January 20, 2023 #2 Share Posted January 20, 2023 Either Princess or HAL due to the inclusion of Glacier Bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Ferry_Watcher Posted January 20, 2023 #3 Share Posted January 20, 2023 Agree with @1025cruise, HAL or Princess. If at all possible, go with the balcony - it would be a special way of celebrating your 20th Anniversary. HAL also folks to purchase gifts for passengers, like flowers, champagne, or even extra OBC. It might be fun if anyone asks about a gift idea that they could send you something while you are onboard. We have had friends do that for us and it's really appreciated. Also, I know that HAL does offer a Vow Renewal, that might be something to consider. Happy Anniversary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted January 20, 2023 #4 Share Posted January 20, 2023 If you are looking at an inside on HAL, get one of the very large inside cabins on Main deck. EM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted January 21, 2023 #5 Share Posted January 21, 2023 I’ve been on several AK cruises and I’m familiar with all 3 ships. I recommend Holland America. One, it goes to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. Two, because HAL is a really nice cruise line with a nice layout on their ships. The Crows Nest is the perfect spot for viewing from inside. The Princess cruise itinerary is equally great but I do not like that ship. That class of ships feels crowded, is dated, and has small cabins. You don’t get a couch in your room unless you upgrade to a mini suite. Celebrity is a really nice cruise line and I really liked the Summit, but the itinerary isn’t as strong as the other 2. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zcorvette1989 Posted January 22, 2023 #6 Share Posted January 22, 2023 Hi and Happy 20th Anniversary! I loved HAL due to their wonderful service, activities options, dining menus, and shore excursions. In Juneau, we did the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier. The breathtaking views and the helicopter ride were nothing short of amazing. In Ketchikan we opted for the Totem Pole National Park tour. It was a great and memorable experience. We had the inside stateroom. We should have booked a verandah. I'd definitely go again on HAL and book the Verandah second time around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted January 22, 2023 #7 Share Posted January 22, 2023 I have sailed both Princess and Holland to Alaska. They both do an excellent cruise. Princess for more nightlife and Holland for more serenity. Contrary to above opinions I always sail Alaska from an upper deck inside cabin. Yes they can be small but the crow’s nest or the outside observation decks, where the naturalists hang out, are a step away. It is good to view with others as you have multiple eyes for wildlife spotting and with the observation deck/crow’s nest you can enjoy multiple vantage points plus the beverage of your choice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allesonwonderland Posted January 27, 2023 #8 Share Posted January 27, 2023 Congrats! I'm planning a similar trip in Summer 2024 for our 30th Anniversary! I thought I had it narrowed down to the Princess Sapphire and just needed to figure out which land part to do (and for how long), but some of these comments make me think I should do some more research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hancock Posted January 28, 2023 #9 Share Posted January 28, 2023 I believe the only actively growing glacier is Hubbard Glacier. I would not consider an inside cabin doing Alaska. You will spend hours just looking out to see the whales while being in your cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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