Differences between a Alaskan cruise and a Caribbean cruise.

[Truck Cruiser]

I realize that the sights will be different and the tempeture and the weather over all. But I am sure there is alot of difference in the way the cruise ship operates in a colder weather climate then a warm weather one and was wondering if some of the folks could explain a few of the main differences I will see when I cruise to Alaska in 2013.

How the cruise ship operates
What is there to do on deck
swim pool/hot tubs open?

These are a few of the things i am wondering about.

tnx
Tim

[Marc]

Actually, I didn't find too many differences. Observation Lounge is a little more crowded as sightseeing is on both sides of ship and it got a little cold at times to be on weather decks. Pool and hot tubs were open though not very crowded. Hot chocolate was served when everyone on deck for Hubbards Glacier instead of the normal tropical drinks in Caribbean. Also, a large part of the passengers did a cruise tour on the Alaskan end of the cruise; so different packing scheme.

My Alaskan cruise was wonderful and hope to do another someday.

Oh, by the way, that picture was not taken on Alaskan cruise.

[ruthlessboss]

I've been on a Sept. cruise, weather cooling down. What I noticed is a more adult atmosphere in general, far more time spent gazing out at the beauty of Alaska, listening to narrations of wildlife as the naturalist on board spotted things to point out to us.
On one board, someone asked if they had to dress warmer for indoor activities because of the outdoor climate. No, the ship inside is climate controlled.

[Henry43]

We were on an Alaskan cruise in May 2008 .The temperatures were in the high 70's .

[sptrout]

Originally Posted by Henry43

We were on an Alaskan cruise in May 2008 .The temperatures were in the high 70's .

Henry43's comment really points out that it can be very difficult to know what to expect. It can be very cold one week and very warm a week or two later. In our case, we sailed in late May and the weather was cool, but fairly dry. A couple weeks later I was reading posts from folks that were reporting temp's in the 90s. We would have been in big trouble if we had had that warm of weather with all our coats and fannel shirts that we packed. You need to keep a constant check on the weather forcasts right up until very near your departure date to make sure that you are properly packed. Or do like my wife does and just take everything that is not bolted to the floor at home.

BYW - - During our trip the pools were closed since the temps were so cool they would not have been used anyway. (I think that the hot tubs were open.) Also, the deck activities were near zero because of the temps and fog & rain when we were at sea. Luckily, the weather was very nice when we were in port.

[Truck Cruiser]

Very interesting, thank you all for your comments.

How are the heaters in the Staterooms? If you had a balcony, did you use it much?

What kind of activities did they have onboard during the day if the weather was bad?

thanks again all

Tim

[Manuel]

The staterooms have a thermostat and you can keep them as warm or as cool as you like.

TM

[Donna]

Hi Tim,
You have a regular thermostat in your cabin, temps should be just fine. As for the balcony, YES, you will use it a lot, especially in Alaska.

There are still the usual activities onboard during sea days, but normally, on a port day, most cruisers are off the ship doing excursions, so not much going on.

[ruthlessboss]

I wouldn't go to Alaska without a balcony, unless you are content to miss a lot of scenery or spend most of your time on deck itself.

[gottacruz]

Alaska is just so beautiful!! I've always gone in Sept on the last cruise, but have been thinking of going in May, more snow on the mountians. The bald eagles are great to see, also the glaciers. Go book a cruise there now, you won't be sorry!!

Virginia