07/21/2024
Let’s talk about cruising to Alaska! Q&A!!!
Q: when should I Cruise? A: it depends on when you want to see. My favorite month is August because of the likelihood of seeing bears, salmon running and humpbacks. June/July have long days. May has a lot of glaciers. September is fall colors that are stunning. Weather is crazy. It can be upper 70’s or snow, even in July.
Q: what route is best? A: typically, 3 routes. 1. RT Seattle, 2, RT Vancouver or 3. One way, departing from Seward AK or Vancouver BC. Most people assume leaving out of Seattle is the best but actually you miss a lot. Ships from Seattle go on the west side of Vancouver Island, and then in the Pacific Ocean far from coast. Ships leaving from Vancouver go up the inside passage along the east side of Vancouver Island. One-way cruises allow you to go further north and see more wildlife, but it requires a flight back from Anchorage and a 90 minute bus ride. If you plan on doing additional travel in Alaska, one-way cruises are the best option.
Q: I have a tight budget, is a balcony necessary? A: no but if you were to have a balcony for any cruise, in the world, Alaska would be the one. There is so much to see all the time and being able to step out on your balcony at any moment does make a nice difference.
Q: what shore excursions do I pick? A:
That depends on you and what you want to see. I would discuss with your friends and your travel professional. You do not need to sign up for any. You can just get off the ship and walk around town. There are a few that I highly recommend and I would book prior to getting on the ship.
Q: Do I need a passport? A: Yes!!!! do not even consider traveling without one. There are a few exceptions, but I would never,ever, recommend traveling without a passport.
Q: do I need fancy clothes or dress up on the cruise? A: no. However, some cruise lines require collared shirts in the dining room and no hats. You have the option to dress up for dinner, but it’s not required.
Q: what do I pack? Do I need a coat? A: I would bring clothes that you can layer and yes, you need a coat. Some solid walking shoes would be advisable and make sure your jacket is waterproof. Sunglasses and a swimsuit are also advisable.
Q: What are gratuities and how do I pay them? A: in addition to your cruise fare you need to pay gratuities, which is a daily charge to your onboard account. There are approximately $18-20 per day, per person. You are welcome to tip above that amount if you choose. You can also pre-pay prior to getting on the ship. There is additional tipping on board that is expected, like your bar bill or in the spa. Just be prepared for it and included as part of your budget.
Q: which cruise line do I pick? A: that depends entirely on you and who you’re traveling with. There is really no bad cruise line, but they offer different options. The larger ships like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have a lot more amenities on board and offer a lot for families. Princess, Celebrity and Holland America focus on the scenery and a lot more low-key. The smaller exclusive cruise lines visit different smaller ports And can get closer to the glaciers.
Q: when should I book ? A: to get the best deals and really plan out your vacation, I would recommend 12 to 18 months in advance. If you live local and are looking for a fun getaway 30 to 60 days prior is good but expect your first choice may be sold out or more expensive. cruises are very full right now and jumping on a cruise last minute is still possible, but very few cabin options are available.
Q: how do I book a cruise? A: call me!!! You can call the cruise line directly or book online if you feel comfortable doing so. However, a travel professional can give you tips on how best save money and find the cruise right for you. We can also help you out if you have questions. I also have additional incentives not offered by the cruise line that I can share with you.
I hope this Q&A was helpful ! Please give me a call if you have additional questions or send me a message! I would love to make your Alaska cruise dreams a reality!!!
