Alaska Questions

[Donbar]

We are a couple in our 60s and looking at an Alaskan cruise for September 2024. I realize it is late to book but we are hopeful that we can. We have cruised several times but they were all southern and all Disney. We are trying to find the best itinerary and the best cruise line. I realize that it is an overwhelming question with many variations but just trying to gauge the highlights we must try for. We want to leave and return to Vancouver.

 

We would get a balcony room and we aren't interested in excursions that involve much physical activity as my husband uses a cane and has some mobility challenges. He can walk but not do extensive hikes. We are not interested in large ships with multiple activities. 

 

We are mostly interested in scenery, getting off in the towns to explore, dining, and onboard activities such as trivia, etc. I don't mind researching but there are so many choices that I am hoping for some advice to narrow the search. What are the absolute must-do things?  Thanks so much!

[leaveitallbehind]

I am certain you will get many great suggestions and ideas from experienced cruisers here.  But my honest response would be to talk with a cruise specialist travel agent who IMO would be in the best position to recommend the right options for you that will fit your budget, itinerary preferences, and cruise style expectations.  They also would be able to search out the available itineraries and stateroom options with access to the best fares for your timeframe and do all that legwork for you.  JMO.

Edited May 3 by leaveitallbehind

[wcook]

Not a popular opinion, but the mainstream cruise lines are more similar than they are different. There aren’t a ton of choices for r/t Vancouver. Pick one and enjoy. 

[Host Kat]

1 hour ago, Donbar said:

We are a couple in our 60s and looking at an Alaskan cruise for September 2024. I realize it is late to book but we are hopeful that we can. We have cruised several times but they were all southern and all Disney. We are trying to find the best itinerary and the best cruise line. I realize that it is an overwhelming question with many variations but just trying to gauge the highlights we must try for. We want to leave and return to Vancouver.

 

We would get a balcony room and we aren't interested in excursions that involve much physical activity as my husband uses a cane and has some mobility challenges. He can walk but not do extensive hikes. We are not interested in large ships with multiple activities. 

 

We are mostly interested in scenery, getting off in the towns to explore, dining, and onboard activities such as trivia, etc. I don't mind researching but there are so many choices that I am hoping for some advice to narrow the search. What are the absolute must-do things?  Thanks so much!

 

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[Essiesmom]

Try cruisetimetables.com and Vancouver as your departure port.  And of course, choose when you wish to sail.  Remember that if a ship does a one way from Vancouver to Whittier or Seward, you can always book the return trip as a B2B.  There are quite a few choices.  Suggest you also use cruisedeckplans.com to research the size of the ship.  The ports are pretty standard across all of the cruise.  EM

[1025cruise]

I think you will be limited to NCL in September. In all honesty, I would wait and go next year.

[capriccio]

3 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

I think you will be limited to NCL in September. In all honesty, I would wait and go next year.

 

What makes you think that?  I just pulled up the Skagway Port Schedule for September (https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/skagway-port-408?month=2024-09#schedule) and ships of just about every cruise line will be making over 75 port stops.

 

@Donbar after 3 Alaska cruises with Princess I would still pick an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay.  The scenery is fantastic.  Princess and HAL have the most permits (only 2 ships a day IIRC are allowed).  National Park Service rangers board the ship at the mouth of the bay and give a running commentary.  Princess (and HAL I think) have full time naturalists on board who give presentations in the theater and narrate wildlife sightings from the bridge.  You can get more info on the Princess North to Alaska program at https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/north-to-alaska-cruise-activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Aquahound]

On 5/3/2024 at 11:51 AM, Donbar said:

We are a couple in our 60s and looking at an Alaskan cruise for September 2024. I realize it is late to book but we are hopeful that we can. We have cruised several times but they were all southern and all Disney. We are trying to find the best itinerary and the best cruise line. I realize that it is an overwhelming question with many variations but just trying to gauge the highlights we must try for. We want to leave and return to Vancouver.

 

We would get a balcony room and we aren't interested in excursions that involve much physical activity as my husband uses a cane and has some mobility challenges. He can walk but not do extensive hikes. We are not interested in large ships with multiple activities. 

 

We are mostly interested in scenery, getting off in the towns to explore, dining, and onboard activities such as trivia, etc. I don't mind researching but there are so many choices that I am hoping for some advice to narrow the search. What are the absolute must-do things?  Thanks so much!

 

I very highly recommend a cruise that goes to Glacier Bay, especially if this might be your one and only Alaska cruise.  

 

I'm a little confused by your activities comment if Disney is your line of choice but if you truly want to avoid the amusement park atmosphere, Holland America sounds like it might fit your needs.  Koningsdam is cruising out of Vancouver, is a beautiful ship, and hits Glacier Bay.  

[Donbar]

Thanks everyone. Although Disney is our choice usually, it is because we find the service to be excellent. We spend our time in the adults areas, which are plentiful. I know it sounds strange, but it works for us. Holland America does sound like the best choice for us. With the timing, it may be better to wait until next June as was suggested. I'll keep planning and then decide. Thank you all for your help!

[tatabea]

The weather in Alaska in September is still beautiful; just bring a jacket. Have been many times including in September. Don’t worry about putting off til next year. 

[BeasleysMom66]

16 hours ago, Donbar said:

With the timing, it may be better to wait until next June

 

Do not put it off.   I watched my parents keep saying "next year, when the kids are [older, grown, graduated], when I have more time off" and the list went on.  They finally realized that 3 of their 4 kids had saved their own money and been to Europe before age 18 and they had never been.  They planned a 25th wedding anniversary to England, Ireland and Scotland.  The day they were supposed to depart is the day we buried my mother. She was only 49.  Dad learned quickly that tomorrow never gets here and never put off traveling or anything he wanted to do for baseless reasons.  He did take the trip with our youngest brother who was 10 (late baby) when we lost her.  

 

Book the cruise.  You won't regret it.

[crystalspin]

On 5/3/2024 at 12:51 PM, Donbar said:

We would get a balcony room and we aren't interested in excursions that involve much physical activity as my husband uses a cane and has some mobility challenges. He can walk but not do extensive hikes.

Try to get a balcony room (Verandah in HAL terminology) near midships if on the Koningsdam. You may still have occasion to walk the length of the ship, say from the Crows Nest to the Main Dining Room, but most treks will be only half the length or less!

 

The K'dam is one of three of HAL's largest ships, but still smaller than I believe ANY Disney ship. She has added venues over the smaller HAL ships. I say go in September and then go back in June for the long hours of daylight!

[Essiesmom]

22 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

Try to get a balcony room (Verandah in HAL terminology) near midships if on the Koningsdam. You may still have occasion to walk the length of the ship, say from the Crows Nest to the Main Dining Room, but most treks will be only half the length or less!

 

The K'dam is one of three of HAL's largest ships, but still smaller than I believe ANY Disney ship. She has added venues over the smaller HAL ships. I say go in September and then go back in June for the long hours of daylight!

The four Vista ships of HAL are the same size as Disney Magic/Wonder.  Koningsdam is larger, but not that much …100,000 as compared to 83,000.  EM

[crystalspin]

6 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

The four Vista ships of HAL are the same size as Disney Magic/Wonder.  Koningsdam is larger, but not that much …100,000 as compared to 83,000.  EM

I stand corrected! I thought the Disneys were mega-ships.

[Essiesmom]

8 hours ago, crystalspin said:

I stand corrected! I thought the Disneys were mega-ships.

Disney Dream and Fantasy are 130 k, Wish and Treasure 144k.  EM

[mammajamma2013]

9 hours ago, crystalspin said:

I stand corrected! I thought the Disneys were mega-ships.

Still a good idea about mid-ship room.