Making a mini info book...need more ideas

[laycj18]

We are taking my in-laws on an Alaskan cruise next year, even though the cruise isn't 'till Aug it is their Christmas present this year. They have never been on a cruise before (they actually NEVER travel period) and I'm making a book to give to them so they can read up on the ship, the excursions, Alaska, ship policies, little tips for cruising, etc...

 

I think I've racked my brain so I wanted to pick yours - what would you include? Any tips for first timers going to Alaska? We are sailing on the Star - and little bits of advice about that ship? Where would older people enjoy "hanging out" on her? Any little snippets of info would be appreciated!

 

Thanks!

[time2cruise1]

You could go the the CC review section and cut and past some of the positive comments and suggestions from prior Star Alaska cruises.

[calmac]

If you think they would be interested in seeing menus prior to their cruise then this link would be helpful or they might just like an "idea" of what is available at each of the different restaurants.

 

http://jade08.sellie.de/Menus/index.html

 

A copy of the deck plans, highlighting THEIR cabin? This would also give them a "feel" of the layout ahead of time. This is one of the better places that I've found for deck plans.

 

http://www.ncl.eu/fleet/star/deckplans.htm

 

What about a list of the excursions available at each port of call? They would be able to read what the ship offers and get an idea of what they might want to do, albeit potentially through an independent operator.

 

A note of sunrise / sunset times at each port.

[rrobynec]

I actually have broken it into two books or sections--Ship and Ports:

SHIP:

Boarding Tips

Public Areas--atrium, lounges, pools, casino, bars

Dining --info on each restaurant, plus general tips

Onboard Activities

Drinks

Entertainment

Additional Tips

 

Ports

List each port separately--and include the following:

Ship Excursions

DIY--tour company recommendations, public transportation, highlight of sites, obtaining tickets ahead of time, restaurant suggestions, shopping

 

List of helpful websites and additional reading

[old sole]

Here's a link to the State's Vistor Information Center pertaining to the Inside Passage section of Alaska. There might be some ideas there.

http://www.travelalaska.com/Regions/RegionHome.aspx?RegionID=20

 

 

When we booked our Alaska cruise more than a year in advance, we took out a one year subscription to Alaska Magazine. It's published 10 times a year as I remember and was full of stories that kept us excited as well as having lots of ads for stores/restaurants/points of interest/excursions we could check out. Their website is www.alaskamagazine.com

[watchdiva]

What about a section on packing tips? You wouldn't want them to forget binoculars, gloves, scarves, hats, etc. I know it sounds crazy since you're cruising in the summer but trust me on this. My son was stationed in AK and you will be glad to have brought "winter" wear.

[laycj18]

Thanks for all of the ideas.

 

I did a list of excursion since DH and I will be paying for them to go on one or two...we are letting them pick which ones they want. And I did use the NCL website deckplans to show where their room is....although I think I'll leave out how to get to our room - LOL j/k (when I called to make the reservations DH and I had already had our AB booked and the NCL CC I spoke with was trying to get us all into a suite - I was like "Oh god no....I am supposed to be on VACATION!" LOL)

 

I like the idea of listing helpful websites - MIL loves to look things up on the internet!

And I'm looking into a subscription to the Alaska Magazine - FIL would love that!

 

Thanks so much!!

[garycarla]

I have done this for Christmas presents before.

 

Few pictures of Alaska and ship. Deck Plans. Flight plans. Stops along the way. Some excurision information.

 

List of places to visit on the web to read even more, if they are so inclined. Maybe even sign up a userid on CruiseCritic for them. Laminate like a Seacard with their userid and password.

 

See my tips below, some might help.