I am looking around the internet for Alaska cruises. It is all very confusing. What is the difference between inside passage and glacier cruises? Between Tracey Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay? If it does not embark and debark in the same port, do you have to get one way plane tickets each way? The price difference between inside cabins and balconies is a lot. Would it be so terrible to book an inside cabin to go to beautiful Alaska? And last, is it cold up there even in the summer? What about May and September? Any and all input is welcomed!!!
May and Sept. are the beginning and end for cruising in Alaska, usually a bit colder and priced lower. You will get nicer weather in between, but still could have some warm days. Last time I went in July and saw 70 degree weather.
If at all possible, a balcony is awesome for an Alaska cruise, so many beautiful sights. Yes, there are cruises that just go one way and you'd need the open jaw airfare for these cruises.
Alaska is a great place to cruise to. I have cruised Alaska once and I want to do it again.
You need a good tarvel agent to help you navigate you through all your questions.
TM
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You need a good tarvel agent to help you navigate you through all your questions.
TM
Absolutely! Get a TA to go over all the options and show you pictures of Glacier Bay/Tracy etc. If you do the one way (start or end in Anchorage) you will need the open airfare which is good to have a TA arrange for you as well.
We did the roundtrip Glacier Bay from Vancouver in September. It was pretty cold to us, more so as you went up the Pass on the bus/train.
We do suggest a blacony. There is so much to see all day long. Order some hot chocolate or a bottle of wine, sit on the balcony and watch it all.
Do a search here for pictures of Alaska and you can see what GB/TF look like.
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You really have to know your likes and dislikes to while choosing an Alaskan cruise. And even things such as are you prone to motion sickness? I'm a "must have balcony" person for Alaska, and the balcony must be covered. Many disagree with me since it leaves less in your budget for tours, etc. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the balcony and enjoying nature, even on rainy days. And you'll more than likely get a day or two of some rain. For others it's not worth the cost as they prefer to be out and about with the other passengers or going to events. Many use the cabin as a place to sleep, bathe, and change clothes only.
Some things we figured out. Round trip Vancouver more likely to have smooth seas than round trip Seattle or the one way trips. You're in the Inside passage longer which blocks rougher seas. But you are on the ocean so it can get rough anywhere. I would also suggest Glacier Bay for a first Alaskan cruise. Spectacular and photos don't do it justice. 2nd choice Hubbard Glacier and last choice Tracy Arm.
Check the cruise line websites. Check travel sites like Travelocity. I would book only through a cruise travel agent however.
Weather can change a lot. I had no lightweight clothing with me on our first Alaskan cruise and it was over 80 degrees in Juneau while we were there in August. Layering is the way to go.
Whatever you choose....it's awesome up there and no choice is a bad choice when choosing.
The various glacier experiences in Alaska each have their own charm. The question about them is asked so often that I made up a page with some pictures of Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, and Mendenhall, along with my opinions.
The various glacier experiences in Alaska each have their own charm. The question about them is asked so often that I made up a page with some pictures of Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, and Mendenhall, along with my opinions.
Alaska - So confusing!!
Alaska glacier experience
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