Buying Guide to Alaska Cruise Vacations
But purchasing a travel itinerary can be a bit confusing. Here are some essential questions to ask yourself before buying an Alaskan cruise ticket.
1. How long do I want to travel? Most Alaska cruise itineraries run from 7 to 10 days, with some voyages lasting 2 weeks. If the cruise you are interested in is a bit shorter than you’d like, ask about adding on a tour package arranged through the cruise line. Many of the large lines invite passengers to stay at exquisite accommodations in port cities like Skagway, Sitka, Juneau, Whittier, or Ketchikan. They’ll be picked up after several days by another ship operated by the cruise line, and taken back to their port city at a designated time. Note: these tours are not cheap by any means, and they may cost you twice as much as your cruise ticket itself.
2. What is my vacation budget, and am I willing to splurge? Alaskan cruises are not the most affordable cruises around, but the sites are impeccable, and opportunities for adventure abound. Expect to pay almost twice as much as you would for a cruise with a Caribbean itinerary. Keep in mind that the price you are quoted does include: food, lodging, and world-class entertainment while you are on the ship. The price of travel does not include: airfare to and from your city of embarkation (unless specifically arranged), activities once you are off the ship at port cities, tips for cruise wait staff (unless otherwise noted), alcoholic drinks, or spa services available on the ships.
3. Will I like going on a cold-weather cruise? If you’ve cruised before to a tropical destination, you’ll definitely have to decide if traveling north is for you. Alaska cruises typically run May through September, and the average daytime temperatures can range from 64 degrees (high) to 39 degrees (low). Not freezing by any means, but you will be chilly at night with the ocean breeze. It’s best to talk with someone who has taken this kind of cruise before, or contact a travel agent who may have some seasoned advice to offer, in case you were wondering if an Alaskan cruise is just right for you.
You’ll generally get a better deal booking through a travel agent than online at the cruise line’s website. Private agencies get access to special deals, and may offer you additional incentives for booking through them like complimentary cabin upgrades or onboard credit. They can take care of your plane reservations as well, so you’ll have a flight that arrives in your port city (generally Seattle or Vancouver) well ahead of embarkation. Also, an agent can put in special requests for you, like dining times, or help you celebrate a special event like a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary.
If you are ready to buy an Alaskan cruise, I’d recommend the following cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean: It’s hard to beat Royal Caribbean when it comes to cruising. With classy decor, delightful dining, and a rep for treating their guests like royalty, these cruises have a lot to offer guests of any age-great kids/teens programs, too.
Princess: This company has a great reputation in the field, and was my travel agent’s recommendation for a great honeymoon cruise to Alaska. Many of this line’s guests are older travelers, younger to middle-aged couples, or families.
Celebrity: A newer line in the industry, Celebrity cruises have a great reputation with younger travelers in their 20’s and 30’s. These are classy ships, and you may find their prices to be a bit higher than others. But you get what you pay for, and guest praises of these Celebrity cruises have been highly favorable.
Carnival: As an honorable mention, I’d recommend a Carnival cruise for younger guests or singles who are looking to have a good time. Known as “party ships,” Carnival’s fleet is bright, lively, and affordable-but not worth the price if you are looking for a quiet, intimate getaway with your significant other.
Buying an Alaskan cruise doesn’t have to be a sticky ordeal. With the help of an agent and some thoughtful pre-planning, you can purchase tickets and be on your way to the adventure of a lifetime.
