Galapagos vs Alaska

[tjk]

My husband and I are planning two big trips - two different extremes. Out of curiousity, has anyone been to the Galapagos AND Alaska? If you've been to both, which one did you like better? What cruise line did you use for the trip to Alaska?

 

Thanks

Tricia

[Queeniecruiser]

We sailed on the Radisson Voyager (now Regent) to Alaska in 1993, small ship 750 passengers. We will be sailing on the Celebrity Expedition on June 22 to the Galapagos. The senery in Alaska is breathtaking! I think everyone should do both cruises. I will let you know how the Galapagos is when I return on July 3.

[mason525]

Tricia-

I have done both Alaska & the Galapagos. My immediate family sailed the Golden Princess to Alaska in 2002(?) & my had a family reunion cruise on Celebrity's Summit 7/06. My college age son & I went on Celebrity's Expedition in 1/06. What can I say -both destinations were amazing. The Galapagos trip was exotic & mainly centered around viewing wildlife that is found nowhere else on earth. Alaska's main draw is incredible scenery. And there's also tons of wildlife. I can't say that I enjoyed one destination more than the other but having the entire family together was really a blast. I travel a lot & would say that both were "trips of a lifetime". Enjoy.

Meg

[12B@C]

We have done both. Both on small ships. We loved the sight of glaciers calving in Alaska, kayaking amongst the ice floats, and watching several humbback whales having a feeding frenzy right around our ship. BUT . . . .

 

The experience in the Galapagos Islands is one we will never forget. To be close enough to touch (but nerver did, nor were allowed to) albatros, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, iguanas and sea lions is something you have to do before you die.

There is web site with lots of details of the Xpedition in Galapagos. You might want to have a look at

http://www.*****.com/Galapagos.html

[Mysteryreader]

We've been on both cruises--Summit to AK and the Xpedition to Galapagos. It's very difficult to compare the two--it's an apple and oranges thing.

 

The scenery in AK is spectacular. We did a cruisetour and thought the Denali portion was definitely a highlight. The cruise itself is more traditional--casino, evening shows, formal nights, etc.

 

The entire Xpedition experience was superlative. We loved the smaller ship. We enjoyed getting to know the other pax. We went on every excursion we could and never got bored. The staff--both on land and water--was great. Casinos? Broadway show tunes? Dress clothes? Who needs 'em. Our sole complaint is that they expected us to leave after 7 days. (We talked mutiny, but it never materialized. <g>) I don't think we'll ever have another vacation to equal it.

 

We would do both again in a heartbeat. If it really is an either/or situation for you, flip a coin.

 

M/R

[Mysteryreader]

The Xpedition cruise is truly all-inclusive. We did the 10-night, and except for souvenirs (you're definitely going to want to get an X sun hat), everything was included. Beer, wine, cocktails, sodas, great lemonade--no addl charge, gratuities included too. Those extra charges can add up on a regular cruise. On the land portion of an AK cruisetour meals are not included, and AK is not cheap.

 

M/R

[SheilaNC]

We, too, have done both. Alaska on Galaxy and Mercury (2nd one with children and grandchildren) and Xpedition to Galapagos. Agree with previous posters that both are wonderful. I'd vote for Galapagos because it is truly a trip of a lifetime - for me, a life changing experience. Loved every minute and we, too, did the 10 night trip including Quito. Alaska, on the other hand, was wonderful but more easily accommodated - many ships, lots of options in terms of length and cruiseline and amenable to group travel. Can't go wrong with either as my thousands of pictures can attest to... Enjoy!

[tjk]

Thanks to all of your for your points of view. I know someone mentioned that comparing the two places is like comparing apples and oranges, and I agree with you.

 

Thanks 12B@C for the fabulous pictures - I love them!

 

I truely can not wait for either trip, although I have a feeling that will I love the small ship feel on the Expedition, so Im looking for a smaller ship that sails to AK.

 

If any of you have sailed on smaller ships to AK, please let me know your exeriance and cruise lines!

 

Thanks again

Tricia

 

P.S. Anyone recently returning from the Galapagos please let me know if you have any pictures online - I would love to see them!:)