Timeline for planning your Alaska cruise or Alaska Cruisetour

You've worked hard to save for your Alaska Cruise or Alaska Cruise Tour and you want to cover all your bases as you get ready to go. However, planning can be stressful if you don't know where to start. Here are some tips for pulling off a glitch-free getaway.
Thinking about an Alaska Cruise or Cruisetour vacation
- Read travel magazines and shop for travel guidebooks.
- If you don't already have one, find a travel agent who specializes in world cruise vacations and begin a discussion about how to plan the best cruise vacation that will meet your interests and desires.
- Ask family and friends for suggestions.
- Decide on what you would like to see and do on your cruise. Do you want to climb glaciers and kayak in Alaska, helicopter on to a glacier, or visit historic Skagway on your trip to Alaska?
- Visit cruise line websites or contact the cruise lines directly to request brochures and pricing information.
Six months or more ahead
- Settle on a budget for the cruise. Make sure to take into account every possible expense: plane tickets, transportation to the pier, hotels, shore excursions, spa treatments, shipboard activities, bar bills and even cruise wear.
- Book your trip through your travel agent. A good travel agent , experienced in Alaska travel, will keep you on track and help you sort through everything from stateroom choices to visa requirements.
- Select your ship and stateroom. Cabin choices range from butler-staffed suites to inside staterooms without windows, and they're priced accordingly.
- Consider signing up for a travel protection plan to protect your vacation if the unexpected should happen. Research travel protection plans offered by the cruise line, your credit cards, travel agent or an independent agency.
- Obtain your passports and visas. This is especially important for individuals on world cruises that stop at various ports around the globe.
Two months ahead
- Make sure you have a camera and luggage ready for the trip. If you buy a new camera, learn how to use it before leaving on the cruise.
- Start researching your ports of call and your opportunities for shore excursions. To avoid disappointment, book popular tours in advance on the cruise line's website.
One month ahead
- Make a packing list.
- Reconfirm all reservations.
- Start making arrangements for pets and home care.
- If you're on any medications, make sure you have plenty of your prescription on hand for the trip, and be sure to have a second pair of glasses if you wear them. Carry all medications with you (do not put them in checked luggage) in their original prescription bottles to avoid any difficulty at customs. Some locations may require you to have documentation from your doctor to allow you to travel with your medication. Square this away with your physician before leaving.
Two weeks ahead
- Collect travel documents (cruise tickets, airline flight information). Read all material carefully to make sure the information is correct. If it's not, your travel agent can correct it.
- If you don't want to use your credit card on your trip, consider obtaining traveler's checks (store the check numbers someplace safe in case the checks are lost or stolen).
- If you will need any foreign currency on the trip, consider exchanging some dollars before you leave.
- Keep plenty of one dollar bills on hand for tips to crew members, tour guides and taxi drivers.
One week ahead
- Touch base with your house and pet sitters to reconfirm arrangements. Arrange to have mail held at the post office and stop newspaper delivery for the duration of your trip.
- Print a copy of your itinerary and contact information and leave with family or friends.
- Make two to three sets of photocopies of your passport, credit cards, insurance, traveler's check numbers and any other paperwork you would need if your wallet were lost or stolen. Give one copy to a family member or friend.
- Set out clothes to pack and buy what you need.
Three days ahead
- Reconfirm all flights.
- Make sure you have reading material for your trip.
- Make arrangements for your rides to and from the airport.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary and a set of house keys with a relative or close friend in case of emergency.
- Check weather forecasts for your destination.
- Prepare your house or apartment for your departure - eat or dispose of perishable food, water plants, set timers, pay bills, etc.
One day ahead
- Reconfirm domestic flights.
- Make sure all your luggage, including carry-on luggage, is labeled both on the outside and inside with your name, flight information, hotels, cruise itinerary and phone number.
- Change your voicemail and e-mail messages at work to let others know that you will be away.
A little organization can make your pre-trip planning easy and stress-free, leaving you to embark on your cruise vacation with a big smile on your face.

See the most of Fairbanks on Alaska Cruise Tours

See the most of Fairbanks

on Alaska cruise tours

 

Fairbanks, Alaska

 

Located in the Tanana Valley, Fairbanks was once a hotspot for the 20th century gold rush and is today the hub of Alaska's interior. Nicknamed the "Golden Heart City," Fairbanks exudes a light and quaint air, as many of the locals welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality. During the summer, the sun barely descends below the horizon, and this vibrant city is more than just a gateway for Alaska shore excursions to Denali National Park - it is the heart of The Last Frontier.

Fly to the Arctic Circle
Just north of Fairbanks is the White Mountains National Recreation Area, which boasts a wild river and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. This remarkably remote region covers more than 1 million acres and offers a peaceful and quiet getaway for passengers on Alaska cruises. During the summer, visitors to the White Mountains can participate in gold panning activities or short fishing trips.
Lucky cruisers with Princess, however, can book an unforgettable aerial journey over one of the most beautiful mountain regions in North America. The snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains are a hiker's ultimate challenge. Passengers who bring along a pair of binoculars should scope out the mountainside for these brave athletes.
While careening over the majestic landscape, visitors will tour the expansive Yukon River Valley and the Brooks Mountain Range, which is the northernmost and tallest section of the Rockies.
Cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers
Passengers booking Alaska cruisetours have the chance to board the only remaining Alaskan sternwheeler, which smoothly makes its way down the waterways of the Chena River State Recreation area. This classic steamboat-like boat takes visitors through the protected wildlife reserve, so passengers should have their cameras poised and ready to capture the grizzly bears and beavers that frequent the shoreline.
During this three-hour cruise, tour guides will talk about the rich history of the region, from its illustrious gold past to the exciting Iditaroddog sled race. Princess passengers will be taken to the home of the late four-time Iditarod champion, Susan Butcher, a lifelong Fairbanks resident who epitomizes the nature-loving people of this beautiful city.
Just a few minutes further down the river, visitors can take a tour of the Old Chena Indian village, which features traditional huts and cabins. Passengers will have plenty of time to take photos and wander through the historic village.

Anchorage, Alaska, offers something for everyone

The worst part of an Alaska cruise is when it's over. Fortunately, travelers looking to extend their vacation can do so either before arrival or after they disembark with land vacation packages in the city of Anchorage, Alaska.
For a combination of nature and culture, try the package that includes a trip to both the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center and the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. The conservation center will allow travelers a chance to get up close and personal with a wide variety of species, while the museum offers exhibits on art, history, science and more.
Those who aren't interested in a tour have plenty of options as well, including simply taking some free time to explore Anchorage on their own. There's plenty of opportunities here for dining, shopping and all sorts of other fun before the ship takes off again.
Travelers who chose an Alaskan cruise in order to avoid cities and civilization have some options as well. Anchorage provides the opportunity to explore the nearby Portage Glacier, a massive mountain of ice. Cruises in Prince William Sound offer plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of the unique wildlife that calls the area home, and self-sufficient explorers can even rent kayaks to plan their own treks.

What's the real difference between a Holland America and a Princess Cruise Tour of Alaska?

“ What's the real difference between a Holland America and a Princess Cruise Tour of Alaska? ”

My husband and I are considering taking an 11 or 12 day 'Denali National Park' cruise tour with either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both cruise lines itinerary are very similar - 7 night cruise including visiting Glacier Bay, a Tundra Wilderness tour of Denali National Park,  a night in Fairbanks, and 2 nights in Denali.  However the cruise lines brand their rail travel, expressing that they are "exclusive", the McKinley Explorer, for Holland and the Denali Express for Princess. Is there an advantage to doing the rail by Princess over Holland America?

We also noticed that, for what looks like a similar cruise vacation, it costs much more on Holland America, costing almost $1300 more per person for a verandah ( balcony ) cabin vs. Princess' balcony that sells for around  $2500 per person. My husband thinks we can even get a suite for less that Holland America charges.

What do we need to know before we choose which cruise line to see Alaska? Could you explain why there is such a difference between Princess Cruises and Holland America, not only on price but amenities as well?

OK, here's what you need to know before you go....

The Cruise Ships That Sail Alaska
Each cruise line's ships that sail Alaska have a "personality" of their own and you should review the amenities, onboard programs, entertainment and dining options to decide which cruise ship best fits your lifestyle. Holland America tends to attract a more "senior" traveler, while Princess tends to attract travelers of all ages, especially middle age couples and families.
When it comes to choosing a cruise ship to sail Alaska, the difference between seeing Alaska and understanding Alaska is what the cruise line brings to life , while onboard.  Onboard enrichment programs introduce the real Alaska for a personalized perspective of America's last frontier. As an example, Princess cruises brings aboard speakers to share their Alaska adventures, such as the grueling 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race. In Skagway, you'll enjoy the entertainment of an Alaskan storyteller. And in Ketchikan, a U.S. Forest Service naturalist will present a program about the largest forest in the country, Tongass National Forest. Alaska's intriguing flora, fauna and geology come to life by the full-time onboard naturalists who sails with you the entire length of the cruise. While in Glacier Bay National Park, rangers from the National Park Service will board the cruise ship to serve as tour guides and answer questions about this national treasure. Rangers also lead our Junior Ranger and Teen Explorer programs in Glacier Bay, which teach kids about the wildlife and scenery in a fun and entertaining way.

Dining onboard spotlights local specialties like fresh Alaskan Seafood. You will also like the Taste of Alaska Buffet, a festive on-deck Fish Barbeque and a Reindeer Chili and Rockfish Chowder Cook-Off. The Chef's Alaskan Dinner and Glacier Bay Gala Buffet are highlights of your Alaska cruise. Or indulge in a romantic Glacier Bay Champagne Breakfast served on your own balcony onboard Princess Cruises.

The Rail Services
Now when you disembark the ship, the difference between Princess and Holland America become more clear.

First, Princess Cruises docks in Whittier, Holland America in Seward. Whittier is much closer to Anchorage, when most northbound cruise tours begin.  So, travel time is significantly reduced.  If you are headed direct to Denali and will not be visiting Anchorage, Princess offers a real exclusive: "Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service".

Princess Cruises exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness service allows you to step off your cruise ship in Whittier onto the Princess rail service cars and arrive at their Princess Wilderness Lodge that same afternoon. Or, on southbound itineraries, guests leave the Denali area and board the train for a direct link to your awaiting cruise ship in Whittier. Because fewer transfers and less time waiting makes for a more relaxing and hassle-free trip,  Princess exclusive cruise ship-rail-lodge connection takes you straight to Denali National Park. While others  like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Holland America are still in transit, you'll be enjoying more time at one of Princess' two Denali area lodges. The connection is seamless. You step directly from your ship onto your waiting railcar. Sit back, read, chat, dine and marvel at the panoramic vistas from their domed observation lounge. You arrive at Denali that same day ready to experience the wonders you've traveled so far to see.
If reaching your destination nearly a full day earlier than with any other cruise tour company is important to you. Then consider Princess Cruises. It could mean more time to sit by the fire, linger over grilled salmon and soak up the comfort and luxury of Princess Cruises, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

A word about the train. If the rail portion of your cruise tour departs from Anchorage, you will notice that Holland America's rail cars, marketed as the "McKinley Explorer" and Princess Cruises railcars marketed as "McKinley Express" actually travel together on the same train. The train's engine is operated by the Alaska Railroad, which "pulls" the private rail cars of Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.  So, for everyone the view out the window or on the observation decks is the same.  There are some differences on the rail cars themselves, but each cruise line offers glass dome views, onboard dining options, expert guide service and commentary along the way.

Denali National Park

Sightseeing inside Denali National Park is operated by the National Park Service, so the tours in the park are identical no matter what cruise line you travel with.

With Princess,  you can choose your own park tour!  Most Princess Alaska land and sea vacations include a tour through the park, plus Princess offers the flexibility to choose your preferred experience from three unique tour options. Park tour options include: Denali Natural History Tour, Tundra Wilderness Tour and Kantishna Experience. Your itinerary and time constraints may limit your options.

Denali Natural History Tour

Duration: Approximately 6 1/2 hours

Tour Highlights:

• Fully narrated tour that focuses on the rich history of Denali National Park
   
• Travels to Primrose Ridge (Mile 17) for scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities
   
• Includes a screening of “Across Time and Tundra”, a film that depicts development of the park road and early visitor experiences
   
• Stop at Savage Cabin to visit a rustic, back-country shelter used by rangers for decades
   
• Alaskan Native Presentation
   
• Possible opportunity to see Mt. Mckinley (weather permitting)
   

Recommended for:

• Passengers who are interested in Denali’s history, culture and nature
   
• Passengers who have limited time in Denali and want to more thoroughly experience their lodge and/or land excursions
   
• Passengers who prefer to have more free time in Denali
   

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Duration: Approximately 9 hours

Tour Highlights:

• Comprehensive, fully narrated tour that travels deep into Denali National Park (Mile 53)
   
• In-depth information about the history of the park with plentiful wildlife and photography opportunities
   
• Travels over Sable Pass to scenic Polychrome Overlook
   
• Stony Hill Overlook provides opportunities to see Mt. McKinley (weather permitting)
   
• Note: The Teklanika Tundra Wilderness Tour is seasonally offered in place of the Tundra Wilderness Tour when the park road is not fully accessible due to weather.
   

Recommended for:

• Passengers with 2-night stays at Denali
   
• Passengers who want a deep Denali Park experience
   
• Passengers who enjoy motorcoach travel
   

Kantishna Experience

Duration: Approximately 14 hours

Tour Highlights:

• All day tour that travels to the end of the park road (Mile 91)
   
• This tour is guided by a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger
   
• Explore the old gold mining town of Kantishna and learn about its history
   
• Stop at the restored home of Fannie Quigley and learn about the early settlers
   
• Visit the Eielson Visitor Center and Wonder Lake
   
• Abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing
   
• Possible opportunities to see Mt. Mckinley (weather permitting)
   
• Limited space availability
   
• Note: This tour does not operate when the park road is not fully accessible due to weather.
   

Recommended for:

• Passengers with 2-night stays at Denali
   
• Passengers who want to travel to the end of the park road
   
• Passengers who enjoy motorcoach travel
   

Other Helpful Information
 

• Don’t wait; availability is limited. Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all requests can be accommodated.
   
• A snack and hot beverage is provided on the Natural History Tour.
   
• Box lunches and beverages are provided on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and the Kantishna Experience.
   
• Wheelchair accessible buses are available, and all stops are wheelchair accessible.
   
• Children under 4 years and/or 40 pounds are required to be in a child safety device (car seat) to ride on buses. Passengers must bring their own child safety device.
   
• Tour buses are school buses and are not equipped with restrooms. Buses will stop approximately every 90 minutes for restroom breaks.
   
• Park road is not paved and travels through beautiful Alaskan wilderness – wildlife is not guaranteed.
   
• Privately owned vehicles are not permitted into the National Park.
   
• Suggested items to bring include warm clothes, rainwear, insect repellant, camera, binoculars, and personal medications as necessary

Hotel/Lodge Accommodations

Where you stay in Alaska may matter to you. Both Holland America and Princess offer lodges and hotels in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali. Princess also offers accommodations at Cooper River and Kenai. There are differences between the two cruise lines. First, Princess owns their own lodges. ( visit www.princesslodges.com ) So, the  hotel/lodge staff are employees of Princess. This is important, for seamless continuity of service. Holland America and the other cruise lines, contract out hotel space for their guests.
Getting around Alaska, with the exception of the rail services provided, is by motorcoach. Grayline of Alaska provides the bus transportation for Holland America. Princess provides its own transportation. Both offer driver/guide commentary along the way.
For more information and to compare Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise tours of Alaska, visit Alaska Cruises Direct. www.alaskacruisesdirect.com

Fresh mountain air and quaint natural beauty that's Skagway, Alaska

Alaska cruises

 

Now that the summer has brought warm weather to the Northern hemisphere, many American travelers have decided to explore the country's largest state – Alaska. While touring the Last Frontier can allow travelers to discover a number of wondrous sights, vacationers can see more of the area by booking Alaska cruises. Among the myriad sites to explore, vacationers should make sure that their itinerary includes a stop in the beautiful borough of Skagway.

Located on the Alaskan Panhandle, Skagway was originally considered a city before being incorporated as a borough in 2007. The town first sprung up in the late 1800s at the height of the Yukon Gold Rush and has since become the hub of tourism in the region thanks to its lush mountain scenery and numerous historical attractions.

One of the best ways to explore the region aboard a scenic steam train, and Skagway lies on the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad. A holdover from the prospector days, the train line was originally used to haul away gold ore but now serves as a 41-mile tour for travelers looking to explore the area's hills and mountains during the summer months.

Mountains pervade the area, but the one that interests most travelers visiting Skagway on an Alaska cruise is the Klondike Summit. Also known as the White Pass Summit, this peak stands 3,292 feet above sea level, and the path that leads to is offers stunning views of towering waterfalls, postcard-quality vistas and excellent glimpses of the original Dead Horse Trail and Tormented Valley.

Nature lovers will want to head out of town to check out the beautiful neighboring borough of Haines, which boasts a wealth of natural beauty and a thriving animal population. Though the area is home to a number of majestic species, it is perhaps best known for its bald eagle population. Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, and travelers can see these rare creatures at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

It's easy to catch up on the cultural heritage of Skagway at the Red Onion Saloon. A popular bordello during the Klondike Gold Rush, the saloon has since softened its image and is now a lively bar/restaurant and a National Historic Building.

Alaska is also a natural destination for outdoor adventures. While the winter is ideal for skiing and dog sledding, the summer opens opportunities for hiking, nature watching, ziplining, flightseeing and more.

Finding and Comparing Alaska Cruise Vacations

 

Cruising Alaska can be an exciting and affordable vacation option. Of course, it's important to find the right cruise for your getaway. There are more than 16 ships that sail in Alaska, in the fleets of the 6 major cruise lines and thousands of itineraries for Alaska. Here's what to consider when looking for the perfect Alaska cruise vacation.
Style of ship and cruise line
Cruise lines have their own distinct personalities and ships that reflect them. The size of a ship really does matter - large ship cruise lines provide a party atmosphere with glitz and high energy. Small ship operators focus on quiet luxury and a more refined experience. There are several lines with a mix of big and small ships in their fleets.
So, how do you choose? There are some questions to ask yourself: do you like structure or do you balk at too many rules? Do you need a lot of personal space? Are you more interested in fancy dinners and theatrical shows or wildlife?
Another item to consider is that dining rules vary on different lines. On some world cruises, you're required to eat dinner at a set time every day at the same place, while others allow you to dine around and make your own restaurant reservations.
Your goal is to find a ship and cruise line that is comfortable to you. To make sure a line's regular clientele, ship and activities are a good match for you, read over the line's brochures and website and ask a knowledgeable travel agent for advice.
Where to cruise
Cruise ships can take you almost anywhere in Alaska, so explore the possibilities before settling on a preferred route. When you've found a trip you love, go over the schedule carefully. Make sure you have valid passports, visas and any required immunizations.
If you need to fly to your cruise port, make sure you allow enough time to get to the ship. Ideally you should try to get to the port at least a day in advance. This added buffer allows you to start off your cruise vacation with less stress.
When to cruise
The summer is peak season for Alaska, which usually means higher prices. The shoulder seasons of mid-May and early September offer great Alaska cruise deals and may be even more appealing than peak season.
Just before and after shoulder season, cruise lines move their ships from one home port to another in a strategic fleet movement that's called "repositioning." Of course, those ships don't move around empty. Instead, what you get is a "repositioning cruise" - a unique, Alaska one-way itinerary that is available only once a year. Repositioning cruises are often highly discounted, meaning they are a great value.
Lastly, some of the best values come during Alaska's start and end of  season, particularly in May and September.
Choosing the right stateroom
Consider your itinerary when reserving a stateroom. If you can afford to splurge, a balcony stateroom provides you a private space to relax and get away from the crowded decks. The appeal of a balcony on an Alaska cruise,  is the amazing scenery that should not be missed. Smaller inside staterooms are adequate for budget-minded cruisers who prefer to spend most of their time utilizing the ship's public spaces.
It's important to study the ship's deck plan to find the right stateroom location for your needs. Passengers with disabilities might want to book rooms near elevators. Watch out for staterooms with obstructed views - usually the lifeboat deck and those with close proximity to more active areas like lounges, discos, theaters, pool areas, room service and steward service areas. Staterooms midship on lower decks are best for those prone to seasickness.
Cruise costs
Cruise lines offer travelers a host of discounts, so consider every source when looking for a deal. Check out your credit card, as many offer discounts or points toward cruises. Look at all the clubs you belong to, from AAA, airline frequent flier programs and college alumni associations to union memberships - see if they offer any deals or special rates for members. Also, if you've previously cruised with a line, you may be in for a repeat cruiser discount.
The majority of cruises are booked by travel agents. Big online agencies may offer competitive prices on a number of cruises. Still, many people prefer to use a local travel agent, but make sure you shop around. Visit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at Cruising.org and search by ZIP code. When you talk to an agent, ask about last-minute specials and if they are holding any group space on Alaska cruises.  Keep in mind the best prices are often booked months in advance for popular itineraries.
Finding and comparing cruise vacations doesn't need to be a difficult process. If you do a little research, you can board the ship without a care in the world, and that's the only way to cruise Alaska.