Which cruise? Hal Westerdam or GoldenPrincess

[lbr20]

Hi

First time cruisers from Australia looking for info on cruises to Alaska from Seattle.

We will be sailing September 20 or 21, 2008.

Unsure whether book on the Westerdam or Golden Princess.

The Westerdam goes to Glacier bay and the GP to Tracy Arm.

We have been offered L312 on the Golden Princess. Is this a good cabin or would it be to noisy etc being near restuarants etc and an Aft cabin on the Westerdam.

We are mid 30s and aren't hardcore party animals.

Also what is included in the price and what isnt? and how expensive are things on board that you need to buy.

Are these the last cruises for the year and if so is that an advantage or disadvantage?

Any other tips or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks all in advance for any help.

[deadzone1003]

If you wish to see glaciers, go on the Westerdam. You will see glaciers only from a distance in Tracy Arm aboard the Golden Princess. If you wish to tour Tracy Arm, take a day cruise from Juneau which is the only way to see Tracy Arm which I would highly recommend. Alaska generally have an older crowd and more so during September when kids are back in school. Expect very little if any nightlife on any cruiseline in Alaska. The date you gave indicates that it will be the last trip of the season. Not all stores/shops will be open as they start closing up for the end of the season. The weather is not as good as you go into September. Bring appropriate clothing. The advantages of touring Alaska in September is that prices for cruises are much lower and it is not as crowded.

[Coral]

I would also go on the Westerdam - better itinerary.

 

Can you go any earlier? You are going very late in the season (think rain).

 

You will need to pay about $10/day in tips per person. Add drink prices along with casino and shops onboard. Plus excursions.

[Budget Queen]

Definately HAL. You also are best advised, you are going in a timeframe for the worse potential weather. Averages are 3 days of rain, temps 40-50, and dusk by 7pm- can impact greatly on touring.

 

I've only gone on these trips when they were giving them away at big discounts, not the case any longer. Earlier has always been better for me.

[Crusin Karen]

What about booking a cruise 2 weeks BEFORE that (but a year later!!) specifically 9/9/09. We like the itin of the CCL Spirit sailing in Sept. vs. their summer itins. Is booking a few weeks after "the season" really going to make that much difference in weather?

[Budget Queen]

Is booking a few weeks after "the season" really going to make that much difference in weather?

 

Yes, it most certainly can.

[Toyz711]

2nd week of sept, 2006...

sea day...sunny, highs of mid 50s

juneau..overcast, rain all day, with sleet at times. highs mid-40s

skagway...heavy morning fog turning to slightly overcast. high in low-50s

glacier bay..warmest day of cruise. high in high 50s to low 60s with sun

ketchikan..heavy rain..temps in high 40s to low 50s. water was pouring off the rood

is was dark by 7pm, since our ship docked in juneau from 2pm to 10pm..the late tours was cancelled.

at the port stores, the shelves were close to bare..long lines for all the bargain prices.

in fact, about 5 days after we were up there, they got their 1st snow.

[lbr20]

thanks all for your help, TA has booked us ont golden princess leaving 20 Sept.

Is there any must do's that anyone can recommend, both on board and shore exursions and like wise any that need to be avoided.

Are on board activities free or do you need to pay extra?

What about drink cards/coffee cards? are they worth it and what other extras do you need to buy that isnt included?, i'm assuming all food is included.

Thank you all for your help...

[Toyz711]

some of those questions are best asked on the princess boards:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=197

they can help with your questions about the ship.

just be sure to pack for layering, with a good water-proof for the top layer.

[Budget Queen]

thanks all for your help, TA has booked us ont golden princess leaving 20 Sept.

Is there any must do's that anyone can recommend, both on board and shore exursions and like wise any that need to be avoided.

Are on board activities free or do you need to pay extra?

What about drink cards/coffee cards? are they worth it and what other extras do you need to buy that isnt included?, i'm assuming all food is included.

Thank you all for your help...

 

Do your homework. Look over a shore excursion list and narrow down your interests. There are 100's of excellent tours to consider. List your top choices for detailed information.