specific alaska questions

[uscunc]

after much research on this site, i now have some specific alaska cruise questions.

i have als (lou gehrig's) and use a wheelchair. i'm able to walk small distances w/assistance and can go up/down small flights of stairs.

 

1) is hal and princess my best options? i noticed carnival is a little cheaper.

2) seattle or vancouver? i think roundtrip would be easiest as far as air travel. leaving from columbia, sc.

3) july or august (2007)?

4) should i arrange shore excursions thru cruise line or directly w/company.

i'll be using a travel agent.

 

thanks in advance for advice.:o

[DEL67]

1) is hal and princess my best options? i noticed carnival is a little cheaper.

 

I would choose based on itinerary rather than cruiseline.We have sailed all

3 and enjoyed them all. Of the 8 Carnival ships we have been on,

the Carnival Spirit was our favorite. The HC cabins on Carnival tend to be

smaller than those on HAL and Princess, but they are equally well

equipped. In fact the HC bathroom we had on the Spirit was one was one

of the best we have had.

 

2) seattle or vancouver? i think roundtrip would be easiest as far as air travel. leaving from columbia, sc.

 

I agree that round trip would be easier. In addition to more complicated

air arrangements if you go one way, you also have to get to or from

Seward; however, you do not get up to Denali

 

Either Vancouver or Seattle is fine. Both are great cities if you want to

spend a few days there before or after your cruise. Airfare to Seattle is

usually less expensive than Vancouver; however, cruises from Seattle have

to make an extra stop in Canada because of the Jones Act. As a result,

you lose some time in one of the Alaskan ports.

 

3) july or august (2007)?

 

Either are find. July tends to be a little warmer, but you can hit good, or

bad, weather any time. From what I have read, you have a better chance

of seeing a bear in August, but the odds are not good in either month.

 

4) should i arrange shore excursions thru cruise line or directly w/company.

 

I arrange my own excursions because my husband can not longer

get on a bus. Doing so also gives us more flexibility to see what we want,

for as long as we want. In addition, it often reduces the amount of

walking because the drivers take us as close as they can. However going

through the cruiseline is the easiest way. Just be sure that they

understand your limitations and that the excusion is appropriate for you.

[katisdale]

As far as choosing a cruise line you need to act quickly and take which ever line can put you into a handicapped room if you wish to cruise in 2006. These rooms book up quickly.

[JSR]

Seattle or Vancouver- I would definatly go with Vancouver unless it is a 10 day out of Seattle...You see more of Alaska when you depart from Vancouver.

Have you considered Royal Caribbean or Celebrity? The Serenade out of Vancouver has excellany handicap rooms and is a beautiful ship.

 

Jean

[Shebbieal]

A big thing to think of ,,

 

Royal Caribbean/Celebrity is the ONLY cruise/tour company that has handicapped access (an elevator) to the glass-domed area of the train.

 

Sherry