Alaska Cruise...Need some help

At least MINE can, and in 4 wheel drive to boot!!!!.....BWAHHHHHHH!!!

 

Mine is already comfortably in the promised land......

 

We flew up there in 02, went to just about every town in the inland passage area. You might want to consider using Alaska Airlines, and booking hotels in each city you want to see. A lot better than a cruise ship.

Once you've seen one of these cities, you've seen them all. However, the scenery is something else. Make sure that you take the various tours on the trip, the view is something you'll never forget.

The plane trip was amazing, but I learned a lesson: what works up there are just two types of planes: jets for travel, and slow single engine planes on floats. The weather sucks, and if you've got something that doesn't have great ice protection, and can't fly very slowly, you're going to get into trouble up there.

Art

 

Rick,
We may have been on the same cruise, 1st week of August? Our first cruise, and we were all skeptical about 1 week on a boat. At the end, none of our group of 7 wanted to get off the boat. Tons of activities for all ages, and great side-trips. Opt for the flexible food plan so you aren't stuck in the big dining room only, as there are 4 nice restaurants to choose from. The Sapphire Princess was brand new in May 2004, made by Mitsubishi, and it was spotless and very smooth. We had a couple of suites on the back of the boat, and the views were outstanding, especially coming in and out of the ports. You only have 2 at sea days, and there is plenty to do at each port. We ended with 5 hours in Victoria, and the Buschard Gardens was spectacular. I am a very antsy person, and never felt the least bit cooped up or bored on ship. Good shows, movies, casino, and even stayed up with the kids in the disco til 3 one night. It was total luxury and spoiled us all. Go for it!
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Hey Phil (DIGMAN52),

I think we were getting on as you were getting off (our cruise was 8/8-15), so we were the proverbial ships passing in the night.

I agree with your assessment of the cruise. In addition to the off-ship excursions, we also did some interesting onboard tours (e.g., kitchen/galley, backstage). On the backstage tour, I was amazed at the state-of-the-art installation with computer-controlled scenery and lighting (and the dancer gal that led a portion of the tour was pretty nice scenery as well).

-- Rick --

 

****, I'm planning on going to Alaska in June....all the way from the UK!

 

Anthony Griffin (FChatter) sent me an email and suggested that his wife at Design Travel should book the trip. I called her and she got me a BOM deal for me and my buddy. I can't wait. We leave on 9/3 for 7 days and hit Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

For those that have visited these cities, I would like to know what we should not miss while visiting these cities and the following:

1) What are the hours of daylight the top of September?

2) Aside from the casino on the boat, how much should I expect to spend on the boat?

3) Can I bring my own liquor?

4) I trust the rooms have US AC outlets, because I will bring my own coffee maker.

5) Is there a jail on the boat if my buddy kills me in my sleep when I snore?

6) How good is the internet service on the boat (and costs) / business center?

7) Do I need to bring a suit and tie for any special dinners?

8) I am on the 9th deck or above. Will I notice I am on a boat?

9) What should I stay away from doing or bringing on the boat?

10) Gratuities are included in the fare. Is that enough ($68 per person)?

11) Should I bring Darth550 as my body guard?

 

I just did the Princess to Mexico.

Tips are included but it is person PER day

$25 for unlimited soda's PER PERSON

Plan on $30-40 per day for baller style.

Cruising is cashless so bring a lot of $5's for tips above and the included. You will get better service.

 

Whats a 'Baller Style'? Is this some sort of weird sex act I'll have to perform on the boat? Maybe I SHOULD bring Darth!

 

95% of the passengers do not tip with cash since they feel it is included.

When you tip with cash, the person gets the whole tip. They do not have to share. Hence, you get the baller label.

When you order room service, tip with cash and do not put anything on the slip. You will get your food within 5 minutes rather then 30-45

You taking princess?

Casino sucks.

 

1) Don't bring a flashlight.

11) Find someone "beefier".

 

Why not a flashlight? I always travel with one.

 

Sun will be up.

 

In SE Alaska in Sept, you will see about 12-13 hours of daylight, so not too out of the ordinary. Alaska is over 1800 miles north to south, so the "midnight sun" is not state-wide, even in June.

Here is some help on the things off of the boat:

http://www.themilepost.com/insidepassage.html
http://www.alaska.com/about/weather/story/4481284p-4773632c.html
http://www.anchorage.net/583.cfm

 

I used to work as a tour guide in Alaska, (including on cruises)

PM if I can help.


John

 

How about seeing the Northern Lights? Will I?

 

Certainly possible, but unpredictable. The most active times are after increased solar activity (sun storms, solar flares). However, usually April and Nov are the peak times. Also, the farther north, the better the chances.

That being said, they can appear at anytime in anyplace, so look for them, but don't schedule staying up all night to see them.

 

In case you don't see them, here is a tease:
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Nice tease. That is insane! If I see that, I'll think I'm on acid drinking scotch with Darth!