Ten easy ways to save on an Alaska cruise

[SCUBA Mark]

USA Today came out with an interesting article yesterday on the above subject.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2007-05-30-alaska-cruise_N.htm

 

 

It looks like pretty good advice for the most part.

[fti]

Thanks for the link. Pretty good advice but some can be penny wise and pound foolish. Like eating onboard - if you are on an excursion in say Juneau and went whale watching, to come all the way back to the ship just to eat before going to Mendenhall (just an example), you wasted a ton of time in port to save a few dollars on a meal.

 

Most of their tips are publicized here as well - book independent shore excursions and do your own land tour for example.

[Yukon]

Normally, I find articles with that sort of title to be a bunch of nonsense. In the case, though, I agree with everything that she says.

 

Murray

[Yukon]

Most of their tips are publicized here as well - book independent shore excursions and do your own land tour for example.

 

 

To the point that I wonder if Erica is a member here.

[NancyIL]

I especially agree with this:

 

4. Don't automatically book the cruise line's land tour

 

Many cruise lines, especially Holland America and Princess, offer pre- and post-cruise land-tour packages to their customers. You can tack on extra days to see the interior of the state and visit Denali National Park, Talkeetna, or even Fairbanks. Before you automatically increase your cruise bill, check out the do-it-yourself options. It's not hard to rent a car or book train travel in Alaska—it is the U.S., after all. You can probably find a better deal by creating your own land tour.

 

 

Her point about Alaska being in the U.S. is very true, and yet it surprises me that so many people think they have to do a cruisetour to see the interior. Alaska isn't Europe, and they speak English and drive on the right side of the road there - where there are roads!

[sea_u_onboard]

#3 appears to be right on - Book late for 2007 voyages - "For the first time in years, Alaska cruises are not selling out months in advance".

 

Except you really don't need to book late - just keep an eye on those cruise prices and when they drop you get the benefit of having the cabin you want at the last minute price. I got my 3rd adjustment last night. The price on my quad went down enough to give me $1026 of OBC (a 26% discount) and I made final payment a while ago - one of us is cruising FREE.

 

NOW THAT'S NICE :D

[gambit57]

Pretty good advice, however, I didn't find my shoulder season cruise to be any cheaper.

 

Also, I totally disagree with the advice about not splurging on a balcony. It's too freaking cold and/or crowded in the free public areas. I thought my port side balcony was worth its weight in gold, even if food did get cold really quick out there.

[qiangf2]

I totally agree

8. Ignore souvenir shops

Your onboard shopping specialist will inevitably point you toward tacky souvenir shops and expensive jewelry stores (never mind the fact that diamonds are not a local Alaska product). Unless you really need to bring home T-shirts for the kids or buy a diamond ring in every state you visit, the cruise-recommended shops in Alaskan port towns are not worth your while. Seek out locally owned shops for authentic gifts (perhaps start your research online before you go), or go shopping once you arrive in Anchorage. Smart shoppers not only save money, but they have less junk to fit in their suitcases for the flight home.

 

But not sure #9 is really a wise advice.

9. Skip the tours

It's true that the best adventures lie outside the port towns in Alaska. But, you can certainly spend happy (and less expensive) days in port rather than splurging on an organized day tour. Sitka, for example, has several cultural museums, cute shops, and a National Historical Park complete with totem poles that can keep you occupied for hours. Other towns offer museums, cultural centers, free walking tours, and trailheads for nearby hiking paths. You don't always need a guide to see the sights, and the more independent you are, the less money you'll need to give away.

[qiangf2]

My own top 10 list.. :)

 

1. Comparison shopping for lowest cruiserate. Check for latest cabin rate constantly until you are ready to pay the booking in full: ask for rate adjustment if one is available.

 

2. Come to Cruisecritic board often to seek self excursion suggestion or review of independent tour operators

 

3. Prepare everything early. You always end up paying more for the last minute shopping.

 

4. If you are wine drinker, try to bring your own on board. (of course, crossing off this idea if you are to impress your significant other for a special occasion)

 

5. Rent a car is always cheaper when you have a group of 4 or more people, than riding a bus tour. And you have more freedom.

 

6. Spend more time on the deck, looking for surprise wildlife encountering.

 

7. Use your daily planner, try not to miss any of those nightly shows: most of them are good. You have paid for it, better enjoy them..

 

8. Don't buy bottled water on board before you leave for the port. Get the water from convenient stores, which are very close to dock any way

 

9. Bring enough film, battery, memory card for your camera: those accessories are expensive in the photo store on the cruiseship.

 

10. Do use their formal dining room (don't spend every meal in the buffet place). It sure makes a budget travel feel like a luxury one.. :)

[Roxilla]

Great suggestions...I'll add just one:

 

Save money where you can but always remember that it's only money ...so don't "skimp" and miss out on things you would really like to see and do. You may not get to come this way again.

[fti]

But not sure #9 is really a wise advice.

 

9. Skip the tours

It's true that the best adventures lie outside the port towns in Alaska. But, you can certainly spend happy (and less expensive) days in port rather than splurging on an organized day tour. Sitka, for example, has several cultural museums, cute shops, and a National Historical Park complete with totem poles that can keep you occupied for hours. Other towns offer museums, cultural centers, free walking tours, and trailheads for nearby hiking paths. You don't always need a guide to see the sights, and the more independent you are, the less money you'll need to give away.

 

Actually if I snag a great last-minute deal for a cruise in August, I will be taking this advice. For first time cruisers I would not recommend this option. But having been on an AK cruise already and been to AK several times, I am finding lots of interesting things to do in the ports that are free or inexpensive and would do many of them if the August cruise materializes.