I have lived in AK for 15 years (2 separate stays) and originally moved here because I was so blown away the first time I visited--which was via cruise ship. Layers, layers, layers. That's the best advice I can give to anyone travelling here on vacation. Several lighter layers (short sleeve tee, long sleeve tee, hoodie, cardigan, jacket) will be warmer than one heavy layer and far more customizable to changing temps and activity levels. Thanks for your vid! I'm actually going to cruise Alaska (3rd time) in May. Come see the most beautiful season on Earth---an Alaskan summer!
I know this is a old video! However for those of you plannin a trip up here in 2023, here’s some helpful tips from a local resident! Juneau, Sitka, and the other non main island ports of Alaska, are full of people and tourist traps. Juneau is tiny, and EXPENSIVE! Juneau isn’t worth it UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO TOURISTY THINGS! Sitka, again, expensive and tiny. It too is full of tourist traps. I will say, technically everywhere in Alaska is expensive but, some places are worse than others. A meal for 2 in anchorage could be 35 bucks while a meal for two in Juneau may cost 45+. Seward, has the same type of restaurants, same types of stores, the sealife center, and it’s closer to the “main lands” for easier accommodations Fly into anchorage anytime between end of April to early September. Take Washington weather “rules” and apply it up here. This is prime shorts/ jeans and a tshirt weather. However, the probability of you wanting just a sweatshirt and some jeans is higher! Bring sunscreen, fun fact it gets hot up here! Summers, in Anchorage can get up to 80 degrees. In Fairbanks it can get close to 100degrees. Girdwood is about 45 minutes away. Girdwood has a local Ski resort. At the resort they have Ski/ Snowboarding, hiking, and beautiful scenery at the top of the tram. You cannot snowboard and ski in the summer. It doesn’t snow year round. There’s also a resturaunt at the top of the tram or on top of the mountain! Whittier you can hop on a day cruise and go see 20+ glaciers (with a meal) or walk around the town. While Whittier is small and there’s not much to do if you’re a Diver (scuba or free diver) you can dive in Whittier! (drysuit diving only up here) do other wildlife day cruises, and they have a couple (very small) restaurants. If you drive a little past Whittier you can get to the Alaska Wildlife and Conservation center! A local wildlife center with all sorts of Alaskan style wildlife. All the Animals are in enclosures based off Alaskan nature. Open spaces and large enclosures for all the animals. This goes for our state zoo in Anchorage! The enclosures are built to closely, within certain safety precautions, represent the most natural and closest environment to the animals! I will say though the Otters/ Sea Lion enclosure is horrible and I’ve brought it up numerous times, forewarning! Or go the opposite way, go to Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Ttalkeetna, is a small tourist trap but, it’s a town full of rich and fun history, ask about the mayor!!! Like anywhere in Alaska you don’t have to search hard to find wildlife! Especially up towards Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. Denali, is a massive National park. Hiking, waterfalls, rivers, and of course you guessed it, wildlife! Fairbanks you can scuba/free dive (again drysuit diving unless free diving), local eateries (stay away from el dorado it’s not good whatsoever 2/5 stars) but, the main attraction is when drive up the street 15 minutes and take a left turn into…… SANTAS NORTH POLE WORKSHOP! In North Pole, Alaska Santa chills year round in a festive manner. The workshop is a year round Christmas store that you can take pictures with Santa! Yes parents YEAR ROUND! Inside you’ll find candy, hot chocolate, ornaments, and other Christmas items you want! There’s so much more than just the tourist trap towns! If anybody has any other questions feel free to comment and I’ll answer them 🙂🙂 Happy Cruisin, Stay Safe, and have a Magical day 😌😌
I did an Alaska cruise with my kids years ago on RC. The cruise was great, and the excursions were all amazing with the "Glacier Point Wilderness Safari" being the most memorable. The ship had a ton of activities for my pre-teen kids, and the views from the ship were amazing. The biggest "let down" with the cruise was the limited time you are able to actually spend on the ground in Alaska... the cruise is just a sampler that makes you want to go back by land.
I did the Alaska cruise years ago but did the land then the sea. I can’t even explain how beautiful it was visiting the the parks as we traveled by luxury bus & train and then getting on the ship with land excursions. Just amazing & would highly recommend to anyone with more time & money to spend...you won’t regret it!
Great video! There are more than one place to board a Cruise in Seattle. This gentleman experience was on the waterfront cruise dock. The other a little north is much better on getting people in and out of the ship.
@@jja413 Sorry never got notice of your question. It was Princess Cruise & we did the land first (don’t do sea first it’s too exhausting) then sea. We flew into Fairbanks then travelled down for 4 days (cruise train & luxury bus coach) staying at Denali, Mt McKinley, talkeetna & Whittier, then on to cruise to 5 ports ending at Vancouver for a total of 11-12 days. You can look up what they offer, but seriously only consider land to sea, bc it’s so much better. Before you leave home you’ll tag your separate luggage for the land portion & the sea portion. Every step of the way on land they move your luggage to the next destination so you are only carrying a day bag until your next stop where your luggage is waiting for you. And then your sea luggage will be in your cabin when you arrive on the ship. Plus we did the last calendar trip offered (sept?) & while at Denali experienced the “termination snow” which closes down the park bc snow appears on the mtn tops. Each land/sea port had different excursions planned, which is a must do too. Even at Skagway we took a Jeep tour into the Klondike in Canada & went 4 wheeling & one of our sea excursions was a Cessna floatplane where we landed in a fiord & had a sea otter swim up to us. Just the best & most beautiful experience ever. Hope you’re able to try it some day.
My Alaskan cruise was nothing short of spectacular ! We were blessed with perfect weather (not cloudy & raining) and it was a subdued and relaxed environment on board. I too recommend it and was not disappointed.
I was fortunate to cruise 5 times to Alaska. I only had 2 cruises to the same port. It was my total relaxation cruise. The Anchorage Zoo is the best rescue zoo!
I have done many Alaska cruises. My favorites have been departures from Vancouver. The bonus, besides a smoother boarding process is sailing on the inside of Vancouver Island instead of the outside that the Seattle departures do. Dreamy to watch the sunset and moonrise along the inside of the island on the last evening of cruising. And do love those Canadian (and a few Scottish) cruisers. So friendly and kind.
After 27 years of cruising the Caribbean I'm finally going on my first Alaskan cruise next month, out of Seattle. I know I'm going to love it and am already looking at the next one to be out of Vancouver!
I've been living in Alaska for a few years and yes things are much more expensive up here, but there are experiences up you will not find in the lower 48. I did a wildlife tour out of Seward and saw otters, seals, bald eagles, puffins, sealions, orcas and a pod of grey whales to name a few. The tour concluded with sailing up to glacier. Best money I ever spent. Recently did a flight sighting tour over Denali. It was over $300 but where else can you do that. My advice to anyone visiting Alaska is to do things that are unique to Alaska (for instance you can pane for gold and go white water rafting in a lot of places in the lower 48). And don't try to be a cheapskate. You will regret it.
Just got back from a cruise to Alaska. Everything stated is exactly as stated. Had a great time on the rear deck of our ship as well as the forward lounge over the bridge. We had a great time.
I just did Alaska and when I think about it, the time spent cruising to the next port is usually filled with gorgeous scenery, so it is not necessary to arrive at 7 am like on a Caribbean cruise. For those there is nothing to see „along the way“ and the „entertainment“ starts when you dock. But Alaska offers scenery along the way and then when you dock at 11 am or even later, the next bunch of „scenery“ begins when you go on an excursion. Having the midnight sun was really cool and really extended the time to be out seeing things. Loved it!
Thank you so much for this info. I’m less than a month away from embarking on my very 1st cruise ever and it’s to ALASKA… and it will be my 50th birthday as well. You’ve got me so excited ✨🤩✨
We did an Alaska cruise some years back in May, from Seattle to Alaska was "one in a hundred years" good weather thus many passengers were on the decks even some in Jacuzzis!! The trip from Vancouver back to Seattle was scary and rough had a 28' wave take out a few cabins!! All in all it was awesome
Loved it when he said. " in the Caribbean a cruise ship is the highest point around. That's so true I live in Antigua and when a cruise ship is in port its the tallest build on the entire island
I drove to and lived ten years in Fairbanks and Anchorage. I recommend the alcan. I've never been on a cruise before and I probably won't go on one. But the moose, bears and wolves you'll see driving is real and it's spectacular!
We did our Alaskan cruise on Holland America and it was fantastic! Much better than the Carribean cruise we took. But we were told multiple times by the guides that the weather was unusually good for the week we were there.
I too am an Alaskan. I retired from the Alaska Marine Highway System. I mostly ran ferries between Skagway, in the north, to Bellingham, WA in the south. It never got old for me, the scenery is and was awesome to behold. The most beautiful part of the inside passage is in the far northern reaches of it, which begins at about Petersburg, AK. The glaciers pop out like crown jewlels on the mountains and take your breath away on both sides at times of your ship at the same time. From Juneau north, up Lynn Canal is the most spectacular of all; I speak of the routes taken between our ports of call, and not excursions into Glacier Bay, Tracey Arm or LeConte glaciers. Cruise ships almost always gather their tourists back aboard the ship late in the evening in Juneau and "slow bell" it on up to Skagway (70 miles or so), in the dark of night, with mostly tired, but happy passengers sound asleep, so they will be ready for the "big spend" at the morning opening of the (cruise ship owned) T shirt shops in Skagway. I see them passing my house at night, all lit up, heading north, and feel sad for what they all are missing along the way!
Thank you for this info. My husband and I have thought of taking the ferry with our truck camper up to AK someday and do a tour of whatever we can see before we get tired of being on "the road". Is Skagaway a good place to start? Or, would it be better to continue a bit further on?
@@parkcaro My wife and I did some of this when we still lived in Oregon, but putting myself in your shoes (where are you, by the way?) here's what I would do. Drive up to Prince Rupert and take the AK ferry to Ketchikan and points beyond. Before you get to Rupert, take a "side trip"to Hyder, Ak/Stewart BC (quirky little towns w/ glaciers, bears scenery). Not well known. Expect rain in Ketchikan, but nice folks. Wrangell.......blue collar town, pretty and nice. Petersburg, Norwegian right down to the ludafisk...Wrangell Narrows nice and just north of there in Fredrick Sound a TON of whales.....whales...whales. Not all ferries go to Sitka, so check and definately worth the trip even if you don't get off there. All ferries go to Juneau, but check your schedules....and from Juneau north (Lynn Canal) the glaciers are abundant. If you plan to not get off the ferry in one of these ports, (they usually stay a least an hour......or more (Sitka 6 usually) ask the ferry workers to let you drive off (give them lots of warning when you load initally). Most ferries dock downtown (except Juneau, Sitka) so you can walk ashore when the ferry docks. In the interior Whitehorse, YT (great museum McBride Mus.), Atlin, BC worth a side trip. Farro and Ross River, worth the trip(s) and Dawson and the Klondike. I envy you for you upcoming first time eye popping sights! Plan your trip and make ferry reservations!!!
@@markpatterson5250 THANK YOU!! My husband and I just read your comment and plan to do exactly this route. We are in Oregon and have been to Vancouver BC many times and a little north of there but that's all. We thought of going to Banff in 2020 but that was obviously derailed. Your route sounds super interesting and just our speed (fewer tourists/off the beaten path). Not sure when we can swing this, but it is officially on the bucket list :)
@@parkcaro Hi Caroline and husband. My wife and I moved to Juneau in 94 from Fall Creek, OR and it was right for us. The prices on the ferries are high sometimes. You might want to see about spending a couple of days in a few places along the way...like Juneau.....lots to see and do here as well as other places (not to mention Fred Meyer's, Costco, Home Depot, etc in Juneau). I checked out a youtube video on Hyder, AK a while back.... The tourist folks in the Yukon Terr. have great maps, etc for up there (Miles Canyon a must see). Whitehorse for some reason, the lay of the land along the Yukon River, I don't know, but always reminds me on Pendelton, OR. If you're looking for a non touristy drive, a few years ago my wife and I drove from Watson Lake, YT to Carmacks, YT a few years ago on the Cambell hwy. For 250 miles (the "highway" is like an OR logging road...not bad)..along the way we saw....not a house, not a cabin and during that drive we saw three trucks going the opposite way......not even a con trail in the sky overhead.....lakes, rivers, wildlife galore.....and it stretched to the distant horizon. There's a shorter route there, the Canol Hwy (100 ? miles) from Johnson's Crossing to Farro......heard good things and saw a video of it too. This is a rain forest (along the coast, but not inland), so expect light rain, drizzle, mist......never rains hard here...just dress in layers. Our dryest months are probably May or Aug. Aug means salmon runs in the rivers and streams, hence bears (black and brown) to see. SE Alaska is like the very old NW with cell phones and the internet, if that appeals to you. Start checking out the videos......Tee Harbor drone video flies right over our house here (can't see it though). My wife and I moved here for the beauty of the land,.........but it was the beauty of it's people that kept us here!!! Take care.
@@markpatterson5250 Fall Creek is a beautiful area. Took my husband to the Round Up last year (he's from the east coast) and had lots of fun. We can't thank you enough for all the info from a local's perspective. I am going to keep a copy of this message so we can refer to it. Will check out the videos you mentioned. Thank you for all the inspiration and take care as well.
61 years, and born in Alaska, you couldn't have said it better. I've traveled all over America. 42 States. I'm still in awe of the Great Land. Insider hint. A cruise only scratches the South East Coast.
I’ve done and Alaskan cruise and can confirm all of these comments and would add that the air is clean and it made us tired. After our first excursion we said we’d take a quick nap before dinner and ended up waking to watch the sunrise instead. Haha 1000% would recommend
I just assumed the weather would be cool and wet on an Alaskan cruise. I wish someone had told me how hot and soupy the Caribbean would be 24 hours a day. I couldn't even be outside for more than 5-10 minutes without getting overheated! Yet the outdoor spaces were packed with people! I might not have gone on that cruise if I'd known. I'd much rather be cold than hot.
Don't go too late in the season. no later than July or August. Whales head south after that and wildlife less prominent. Get a starboard (right)side room if getting a balcony room. You see ports of call and scenery better. Our length of time at ports of call was short so don't delay in getting off the ship. Have fun!
We have cruised to Alaska twice. The last time the ship sailed in July so we spent our last day in Alaska traveling to Katmai National Park to view the bears. That alone was as good or even better than the cruise itself.
I'm from the UK, returned from Alaskan cruise a month ago, sailed with Celebrity cruises had a great time. Your comments are correct. I had an amazing time. Layer up and enjoy yourself.
We just got home from NCL encore, last week in October. During rainy season but we luckily had perfect weather. Some people did see the N lights. Orcas, big horned sheep and otters. Port visits were all very short. The only problem was booking flights through NCL. Not recommended, will book our own for next time.
I made this video to share with all the tourists that are going on a trips to Alaska and stopping one day in Skagway. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MGFId71pXzM.html One day is not enough to really understand Skagway’s rich history. You will better appreciate what they are about to see and get more in-depth things to do with your 1 day visit. Outstanding in-depth history of Skagway and the mountain passes to Yukon Gold Rush of 1887-89 - “as good as any Ken Burns Video This video is created by someone who spent a day in Skagway and wanted to give everyone a deeper understanding of Skagway’s rich history. Took me about month to create. Enjoy, and thanks for sharing. I make educational videos for fun, non-profit, with over 300 videos. Google: “mike wick minnesota videos”
I have only sailed once from Vancouver on Disney. The boarding process wasn't as bad. Being from the Caribbean and not being a fan of the cold I chose an Ocean view Stateroom, which was great for keeping my 9yo's sleeping schedule. Great view, no cold veranda breeze. It was wonderful, but you are right about the time difference, daylight hours, heat, cold and rain. The cold winds up top were brutal when underway. Taking pics took grit and gumption out there. The sports and outdoor activities areas were empty because it was just too chilly. We did not do port excursions but we did enjoy wandering around, shopping and getting a feel of the place as well as got good advice on what to do on our next cruise from the locals and Castmembers. You are also right about deck activities. The Disney Classic Ships' pools are all heated, but it is really cold out there in the shade. And you need to dress warmer and bring along a blanket or two if you want to stargaze way late at night. It was very disconcerting to find out that Funnel Vision Movie at Night is not because the sun is still up. It was also great that Room Service was 24hrs and included because eating at different times became a thing for us. There were enough activities to keep us entertained on board, but settling in at home after the 7nt Cruise, was really tough for us. We now know to take a day or two after to acclimate. I think the Cruiseline and Ship really matters because most of the things people associate with cruising is not a thing on an Alaskan Itinerary, and there were not as much kids on board because school was in for most. My sons pretty much felt that they had the place to themselves at the kids clubs. Having included limitless cold beverages and icecream was also not as much fun. We spent more on that cruise because most heated specialty beverages were additional costs, and we bought more clothing souvenirs that will come in useful in the future like Rain Jackets, Parkas, Hats and Scarfs. We needed more than 1 because things stayed wet and we would have 1 in the dryers while wearing the other out and about. Alaskan Cruises requires more luggage I guess, and yes, you still should pack sunblock and sunglasses for everyone.
I've been to AK twice w/Princess out of Seattle with no delays or waiting in the lines you experienced--best to cue up early or late as to boarding time. Noon to 2PM is crowded for most embarkation days.
Gooooood. I don't want to have a party vibe on an Alaskan cruise...and I don't think people going to somewhere so cold and scenic is looking to party. Body clocks vary all over the world... that'snothing new.
i have sailed out of Seattle 9 times to Alaska, the last being September 2021 andI have never experienced a long wait time to board. But maybe the fact Im on Holland America and there is not 5000 people trying to board makes a difference. The airport can be hectic but I take advantage of the luggage service on HAL that picks up your luggage the last night on the cruise and the next time you see it is at your final destination. Makes things a lot easier. Ive learned to travel light. One piece of luggage. No carry on. The beauty of Alaska is breathtaking to me so I don't knit pick.
Ha! Me too! Over 7 days I took 1,600 photos and 600 short videos. You just can't quite capture the feeling of the mountains towering over the ship and being all around you.
We left Seattle port 91 on Celebrity Solstice. We had an appointed time to board and we were in the ship within 20 minutes . Departing we were out of the ship, thru customs and in our limo in 30 minutes. Only thing I would change is not killing 14 hours in town waiting for the red eye.
On a Caribbean cruise having an inside cabin is acceptable because you're never in your room. Booking an exterior cabin with a balcony is an absolute must on an Alaskan cruise. Surprised that wasn't the first tip that was given.
Returned from traversing the Alcan highway by boarding the Alaska Marine ferry at Skagway destined for Bellingham, Washington. No casino, swimming pool nor hot tubs and the room steward had, by his own admission, eaten the mints meant for my pillow. An honest working boat with tearful arrivals and departures, tall tales, skallywags posing as CIA agents and so forth. Also had no jumbotron but there's one easily ten miles ahead uglifying the landscape.
Alaska is a don’t miss! I didn’t cruise - conference in Anchorage. Fight seeing of Denali was incredible. Did a nature cruise from Seward (southeast of Anchorage’s). Do what you can n see what you can. You’ll not be disappointed!
Did an 11 day land/sea cruise several years ago on Holland America. The only way to see interior AK. Flew to Anchorage from SeaTac then lots of busses and trains and stops and overnights to Denali, Fairbanks. several towns in Yukon. The thing about HAL is they take care of all your luggage for you, all the excursions (lots) were in our cruise price and we saw LOTS of places, wildlife on Denali tour. The Whitehorse narrow gauge railroad from Whitehorse to Skagway was breathtaking. We didn't cruise til we got to Skagway and it was only 4 days to Vancouver. They no longer have the land/sea tour we took, but it was amazing. If you really want to see AK, take a land/sea tour. The HAL ships are smaller than the others and not as much to do onboard, but they can go to places larger ships can't. We went at the end of June and the only place it rained was Juneau (expected) and it was 100 in Dawson City!!
We did an Alaskan cruise on Carnival Spirit 11 years ago. We traveled as a family of 4. We splurged and got an aft wrap cabin and another balcony cabin on the other side so we had balconies on 3 sides of the ship. Came in very handy. We saw a bear on the shore from our balcony while the ship was sailing. We did a private whale watch so there were the 4 of us, 1 other couple and the captain on the boat. We saw a mother humpback teaching her calf how to feed. They were doing all these jumps, it was amazing. We also saw the "little guys" aka Orcas. We spent 3 days in Seattle before the tip and it is still my favorite vacation we have ever done, and we travel a lot.
@@Lady4Life I definitely recommend a balcony. There are times where you will need a jacket but for Alaska a balcony is a must in my opinion. So much to see.
Just got back from Alaska on Quantum of the Seas. Restaurants and bars were awesome. The steaks/cuts were great @ chop. Super awesome staff. Wish I hadn’t overpacked though. Just bring one warm jacket for off the ship just in case. Otherwise just bring a couple nice outfits and plenty of socks and lightweight casual/comfy clothes because the ship was very well climate controlled. I would recommend the food package so you can eat @ the restaurants for free most of all, paid for itself in the first two days. Had so much fun, very calm seas too. Vikas the waiter @ Chops is the best!
Just got back from San Francisco originated cruise. Can see why it’s always recommended by those who’ve went. I would suggest people pack lighter as the cost of windbreakers and fleece lined raincoats in Skagway were much more reasonable then expected. Would also suggest early in the season to maximize waterfalls.
I have done 7 ? Cruise into Alaska usually spring since water falls are more active and less icebergs so ships are able to get closer in for glazer viewing, but then also in early June where weather is more copertive more likely to see wildlife along shores and have actually had few days to sunbath. July thru August school out expect more family and kids aboard. But 1 trip early Sept, in Skagway our ship was second to last to dock in Skagway and found that gift shops had most of their products discounted in attempt to clear shelfs, I came home with 12 boxes of smoked salmon for cristmas gifts at 70% off . Truthfully main draw back to Alaska for me is each of my trips seam to be a new adventure instead of repeat. But then some just may not agree.
Really good information. We have cruises to Alaska twice round trip out of Seattle. We would cruise to Alaska again. Grandma Sarah in remote northeastern Montana
Thanks! Loved listening to your video. That’s our next cruise. My husband wants to go back to Alaska where he used to live, so that’s our next cruise. We’ve always enjoyed Holland America. They’re smaller which we like. Never really thought about more indoor activities because of the weather. Good point. 😊
Sept - Oct 2021. NCL Encore out of and return Seattle. Big ship. Low capacity. COVID test in the terminal area. Time slots for check-in. No delays. Lines were indoors and kept moving at all times. There were clusters of people who had incomplete documents; arrived well before scheduled time slots or had not scheduled; and some got anxious about waiting 15 minutes for COVID results and hovered at the waiting room exit creating shifting blockages. Terminal staff did reasonable attempts at getting those groups out of line and processed and keeping the line moving around the clusters. Low capacity, scheduled check-in, on-line "paperwork," Less paper and more digital in the terminal (staff with tablets in a larger room were going to the queues and talking next-in-line aside to process. Felt faster than looking for next counter agent waving a "NEXT" sign). Yes, go for the view, not the party. Although, in each port there are places to drink and be loud. As you said - be prepared for cold and rain, or sun and hot. Get outside or a place inside with big windows for sunrise, sun set, seeing the costal landscape. In the Caribbean sunset and sunrise usually happen with an empty horizon. Alaska sunrises and sunsets usually have close in mountains, glaciers, forests, and a good chance of seeing land and sea animals.
So glad you went before we do lol we actually live 3 hours from Seattle, done 2 cruises from there and cruises from other places, but actually never done an Alaskan cruise. Our cruise is in 90 days on Quantum of the Seas as well.
I'm going on my 1st cruise with my boyfriend to Alaska in August from SF. I'm super excited! The excursions are a little too pricey for us so we Have decided to venture out on our own.
i lived in Alaska for over 22 years, most of it calling Ketchikan home. Pack some good rain gear and water proof footwear and bring a lot of socks. Have fun and be safe!
I just cruised on Discovery out of Seattle 2 weeks ago. Ship is beautiful. We had the 11am check in for ship. Our boarding process was seamless and no problems. We had perfect weather in every port. No rain at all. I really enjoyed it. It is a more laid back experience vs a Caribbean cruise experience.
My reason for an Alaskan cruise is simply because I want to see the Inland Waterway. I figure to get cold because I intend to sit out on the balcony with my camera, binoculars and spotting scope. The ship is just a mode of travel that I don’t have any responsibility for. I intend to search for whales, but also scan the shoreline for bear, etc. 1300mm lens on my camera, on a tripod. I can sit on my balcony, step inside to warm up if need be. I also have a service dog, so the private balcony means she doesn’t have to spend the day leashed and vested. Let it rain.
You mentioned having to wait to board the ship. This type of waiting and lines are typical whenever ships leave from the Baltimore port to go to the islands. The lines and waiting are endless. When I took a ship from NY, it was quick, easy and no hassles. Ms. B. Churchill
We sailed from Seattle back in 2018, and the boarding process was a cluster at that time also. We were in a RCCL Grand Suite and there was absolutely no accommodation for any suite guests during the arrival and boarding process, despite what was promulgated by the cruise line in advance. The chaotic and frustrating boarding process was nearly exceeded in disappointment by the disorganization of the Seattle airport security queue on go-home day. One would think that they would have had a better plan in place to handle the thousands of cruise passengers arriving in hoards shortly after the morning disembarkation process. I have avoided Seattle since that bad experience four years ago and the evidence shows that the situation has not improved at all at the cruise port albeit I do realize that they are dealing with more stringent documentation requirements per passenger since the restart of cruising. It is my opinion that the cruise port facility is woefully inadequate to process the number of embarking passengers on a timely and well organized basis. The folks working at the terminal were giving it their best efforts but were not able to overcome the deficiencies of the terminal size and design.
It makes for a much more relaxed start and finish to arrive 2 days early, enjoy the port, see the sites, eat out, lose your tiredness and jet lag from travel. On our return we rent a car and stay in Seattle area and see islands areas, national park venues, Mt. Rainer, even Vancouver or Victoria, or go over the mountains to Tacoma and arid areas. The evening before our flight out, we return our car at the airport and stay at a nearby hotel w/ a shuttle service. We return home to the East coast relaxed and refreshed with a sense that we managed our own land tour--so much to see and do in Seattle, Vancouver and even Victoria. Hurrying home is a hassle.
Great video! There are more than one place to board a Cruise in Seattle. This gentleman experience was on the waterfront cruise dock. The other a little north is much better on getting people in and out of the ship.
I took my first cruise to AK on Carnival Splendor in May 2022. There are not enough adjectives to describe the beauty of our 50th state. We did the whale watching excursion at Icy Strait Point and had great success,since the herring were running and whales were feeding (humpbacks). Saw an orca in the bay and bald eagles nesting across from the pier. Also took excursion to see Sawyer Glacier @Tracy Arm Fjord. Absolutely spectacular! Only misstep? The salmon bake at Juneau, very overpriced and overcooked, dry salmon. Ketchikan has a great lumberjack show. Have fun!
To each his on--I hate heat, humidity, sunburns, sweaty people, crowded pools and beaches and enterprising 'vendors.' Caribbean ports are not so great when compared to other parts of the world.
The vibes of an Alaska cruise look like they’re exactly my style! Everyone interested in the views and it’s peaceful and serene. Unfortunately the ship I’m going to be on doesn’t have an indoor pool or sports areas, but it does have a solarium. Kinda surprising given that the ship (Discovery Princess) was made for cruising to Alaska.
I boarded in Vancouver. The system went down as I got to check in. I’m doing back to back. The people getting on in Anchorage had a terrible walk to get on.
I used to work in Skagway, and the best piece of advice I have, is to wear layers that are easy to take off and carry. So many times people would come in my store, overheating in their layers of clothing but didn't want to take anything off, because it was too hard to remove or they'd have to carry it. "They told me to dress in layers, and I'm absolutely roasting!" Was a phrase I heard over and over.
Southeast Alaska is a rain forest, called the Tongass National Forest. It is the size of West Virginia and only has around 75,000 people. The first town you will come to in Alaska is likely Ketchikan, they AVERAGE around 11-12 FEET of rain per year. Yes, you read that correctly, 11-12 FEET OF RAIN PER YEAR. The bugs will eat you alive if the sun does come out and a high temperature during the day will be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Plan accordingly and leave the high heels and other nice shoes at home and pack the flannel shirts and pajamas instead.
"The vibe is subdued" Major understatement. I did my first Alaskan cruise last September. Walking into the boat in Seattle is like walking into a funeral. The sights were beautiful, but never again. Something about packing socks and jeans on a cruise is just not right.
My Alaska cruises was the coldest cruise and sometimes it rain. The local people wear rain rubber boots. They have rain forest. Nature at his finest. Bald eagle, bears, moose and whales
Honestly, any balcony will have great views. I will say I had an "obstructed view" balcony that was half taken up by a lifeboat. (Bought a guaranteed rate cabin and that's what was assigned.) Won't make that mistake to Alaska again.
And yes the excursion price was definitely sticker shock. If you’re spending $150/person in the Caribbean you’re taking the big boujee excursions. However, Alaskan excursion for $150/person were a steal
Something that disappointed me- all my life Alaska has meant calving glaciers. We went about 1/3 of the way up the Endicott Arm on our way to a glacier. Iceburgs were blocking the channel so the Capt turned back. Noooo! Then I noticed a small boat come alongside and pic up people for an excursion right from the cruising ship! The tour boat was small enough and quick enough to go see the glacier. If I’d have known my dream of seeing a calving glacier was in danger, I’d have booked that excursion! Next time!
The best place from the deck of a cruise ship to see glaciers calving is probably Glacier Bay. It’s important to know that not all ships are able to sail in Glacier Bay. It’s national forest land; and, due to environmental concerns, they limit the number of ships going in.
The best place to see glaciers calving from the deck of a cruise ship is probably Glacier Bay. It’s important to know that not all ships are able to sail in Glacier Bay. It’s national forest land; and, due to environmental concerns, they limit the number of ships going in. You can check the ship’s schedule before you book your trip. Other places you can see glaciers calving are narrower, and often the large cruise ships can’t make it past a certain point.
It is cold in Alaska in the summer! The water is cold and the wind is cold! Bundle up. The front of the ship can be freezing while the back of the ship in the sun can be very warm. Bring layers for both seasons!
Two key words--silk long-johns! They re a necessity for glacier viewing and enjoying time out on the deck! Knit hat and gloves and wind and waterproof jackets are equally enjoyable layers.
Tides and access times to arms/fjords and regulated access to Glacier National Park and other federal regulations greatly affect port times. Times will vary on similar itineraries!
Which is your preference? We are looking at a cruise this summer and our choices are Holland or Princess. Difference, Princess goes to Skagway, Holland goes to Icy point and Sitka instead. Everything else is the same.
So the reason that the big ports (like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway) are trying to recover from essentially not having a cruise season the last 2 years. So ships are only allowed to either port in the morning or the evening. This was slightly disappointing because when I was in Juneau it was only 7:30-1:30 and our excursion was 7:30-1:00 which was all aboard time.
I’m going on my first ever cruise in the Caribbean this October. But we are going to plan an Alaska trip in the next year or two, possibly on or for our 30th anniversary. I was wondering if there are any suggestions as to excursions that are must see
It depends on what you want to see. The cruise through southeast Alaska is a rain forest with whales, eagles, otters and sea life. Anchorage and farther north to Fairbanks is an inland, drier climate and you can see Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, and Mt. Foraker, the "smaller" 17,000 footer next to it, with a lot of caribou, moose and bear. Go all the way to Barrow on the top and you can help the natives land a whale and distribute whale meat to the villagers. Go west to Nome and see how they dry salmon in drying houses on the coastal regions. You can spend a month and not see it all. I spent over 22 years and missed some...
