Unfortunately our planned trip to the USA and Canada in September last year got put on the backburner for various reasons. We're planning to do our trip in September/October 2012. We're now also looking at doing a 7 day cruise to Alaska. This will cost just around $2,000 each for a veranda room. I can't see the point of going on a cruise ship and staying in a room with no windows or a room without a balcony so we're happy to pay extra for one with a veranda/balcony. Just wondering who's done this cruise and is it worth the money?
Who's done an Alaska Inside Passage cruise?
- Thread starter kiwi2768
- Start date
- Status
Just back from a 7 day Alaska cruise - fantastic !!! I dont think you will use your balcony a lot on an Alaskan cruise - we had a suite with floor to ceiling windows and was perfect to be able to sit in the warm and see all the stunning scenery with wine in hand - just magic. You will love it
Being from the bottom of the south island of NZ originally, we like cold. Alaska just looks like such a beautiful place, it would be a shame to travel all that way and not do the cruise. I think we'll have to book an extra week of holidays and fit the cruise in, probably at the start of our trip.
Adelaide_Matthew
Junior Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2009
- Posts
- 33
Did one a couple of years back - superb, would recommend it highly (Alaska is a wonderful place).
It can be pretty cold, and indeed we spent a bit of time looking out the window but little time on the verandah itself.
Depending on the itinerary, you may find (we did) that most days you are in a port and travelling overnight, so there won't be that much sightseeing from the room.
It can be pretty cold, and indeed we spent a bit of time looking out the window but little time on the verandah itself.
Depending on the itinerary, you may find (we did) that most days you are in a port and travelling overnight, so there won't be that much sightseeing from the room.
Brisbane Flyer
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2008
- Posts
- 479
Fantastic cruise!
Did the 7 day inside passage 2 yrs ago, had 3 interconnecting veranda's (big family trip), used the veranda everyday.
Once in a lifetime trip, high recommended.
Did early July, so temps in the low teens.
Did the 7 day inside passage 2 yrs ago, had 3 interconnecting veranda's (big family trip), used the veranda everyday.
Once in a lifetime trip, high recommended.
Did early July, so temps in the low teens.
tuapekastar
Established Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2005
- Posts
- 4,424
Another recommendation for an Inside Passage cruise! Did a 7 night cruise out-and-back from Vancouver about 10 years ago, and it remains the best 'scenery' I have ever witnessed. It actually made the Rocky Mountains train trip a few days later a bit of an anti-climax. We did have excellent weather, something that is not always guaranteed.
Bugalugz
Member
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2006
- Posts
- 238
- Qantas
- Platinum
- Virgin
- Platinum
- Star Alliance
- Silver
Another South Island Kiwi living in the Pilbara! 
When we were in the USA last year, we done a Carnival Cruise around the Bahamas (I know a bit more tropical) But the service really was top notch and any problems were dealt with immediately. Would cruise with them again and they did have Alaska Cruises ex LA last year cheap.
Agree, I don't know who would want to go on a cruise with no window?? You don't stay at a Hotel without a window!
When we were in the USA last year, we done a Carnival Cruise around the Bahamas (I know a bit more tropical
) But the service really was top notch and any problems were dealt with immediately. Would cruise with them again and they did have Alaska Cruises ex LA last year cheap.Agree, I don't know who would want to go on a cruise with no window?? You don't stay at a Hotel without a window!
shearsense
Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2005
- Posts
- 193
As one who dreaded the idea of being cooped up in a pitching and yawing metal container for 7 days after being pushed into it by Ms Shearsense, I can honestly say that it made me a cruising convert. I went in with a negative attitude and still managed to have one of the best holiday experiences that I can remember. I can now completely recommend this experience to even the most jaded of travelers and provided even more ammunition for my better half to claim that she is always right
drron
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2002
- Posts
- 34,578
And how I can relate to this.According to mrs.dr.ron I have only made 1 right decision in my life!As one who dreaded the idea of being cooped up in a pitching and yawing metal container for 7 days after being pushed into it by Ms Shearsense, I can honestly say that it made me a cruising convert. I went in with a negative attitude and still managed to have one of the best holiday experiences that I can remember. I can now completely recommend this experience to even the most jaded of travelers and provided even more ammunition for my better half to claim that she is always right
Alaska is truly worth it.Though I would have to say much better to do it in a small boat-we did it in an 8 pax boat-kayaking with the whales etc watching the Cruise ships pass silently in the distance.
But also spend some time in Alaska itself-Denali,Kennecott etc are just fantastic.
RB
Established Member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2004
- Posts
- 4,112
We went to Alaska in 2010. I am inclined to think along the lines of drron. You need to look at the size of the ship you are going to be on. Our choice was using the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway to give us independence and I highly recommend it-depends on the style of trip you want.
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2005
- Posts
- 1,312
As it is their summer in September/October you can expect the temperature to be warm to hot so the balcony will get a work out. I am in Vancouver at least every two years, have seen the great looking Holland Line cruise ships downtown, but never been on the cruise. In saying that, I have not met anyone who has not enjoyed the cruise although a windbreaker jacket might be your best friend on some days.
ellen10
Established Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2008
- Posts
- 3,108
We did a Holland America 7 day Inside passage cruise a few years ago and loved it!.
It was the first time on a cruise for us and it went way above our expectations. We went late June had a veranda and used it every day. In fact we ordered room service breakfast every day and sat out on our veranda and ate it, sheer bliss not having to get dressed for breakfast and just enjoy the early mornings in the sun. The sun rises very early that time of year.
Glacier Bay was a highlight enjoyed on deck watching the glaciers calving and soaking up the panorama. Night cap in the Crows Nest bar watching spectacular sunsets capped off perfect days.
Best highlight was a helicopter trip landing on a glacier and dog sledding in the beautiful Canadian Rockies words can not adequately describe the amazing feeling at seeing the view of the majestic Rockies listening to classical music through headphones.
Go for it you will not be disappointed.
It was the first time on a cruise for us and it went way above our expectations. We went late June had a veranda and used it every day. In fact we ordered room service breakfast every day and sat out on our veranda and ate it, sheer bliss not having to get dressed for breakfast and just enjoy the early mornings in the sun. The sun rises very early that time of year.
Glacier Bay was a highlight enjoyed on deck watching the glaciers calving and soaking up the panorama. Night cap in the Crows Nest bar watching spectacular sunsets capped off perfect days.
Best highlight was a helicopter trip landing on a glacier and dog sledding in the beautiful Canadian Rockies words can not adequately describe the amazing feeling at seeing the view of the majestic Rockies listening to classical music through headphones.
Go for it you will not be disappointed.
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.
We did the Inside Passage cruise with Princess Lines - and had an outside cabin with a balcony. Used it a couple of times - BUT - spending the morning on the balcony while in Glacier Bay was 120% worth the extra money - not just seeing but hearing the ice crack and fall was a memory to last a lifetime. They did a fantasic item on champagne breakfast with smoked salmon, pastries etc - sitting in the cold while watching the ice pass bye - heaven!
If you can do it - we did a 7 day inland tour as well - Mt Denali, etc - that was fantasic and can HIGHLY recommend: you feel as if you got to know Alaska, rather than just a cruise ship.
If you can do it - we did a 7 day inland tour as well - Mt Denali, etc - that was fantasic and can HIGHLY recommend: you feel as if you got to know Alaska, rather than just a cruise ship.
In fact we ordered room service breakfast every day and sat out on our veranda and ate it, sheer bliss not having to get dressed for breakfast QUOTE]
Hmm, wasn't that a bit chilly - had something nice and warm on while eat on our balcony! Still, each to their own!
Another Pilbara (Newman) cruiser here! We are doing the Norwegian Pearl cruise of Inside Passage next year, spending about 10 days seeing LA and surrounds prior.We went for the balcony cabin also. We go mid May - so looking forward to it. Just waiting on a good price for our flights now.
ellen10
Established Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2008
- Posts
- 3,108
Hmm, wasn't that a bit chilly - had something nice and warm on while eat on our balcony! Still, each to their own!
Haha - yes the cruise line gives you this very nice plush dressing gown so that we may enjoy the ambiance
We did one for our honeymoon 8 years ago. It was DH's first cruise and we have been on 5 since so I think that says it all!
Cheers
Timmi
Were the other 5 in different locations ? I'm just starting to think of a cruise for next year (first timer)
- Status
Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!
From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)
Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..