We went to Alaska in May of 2022 on Carnival. Once was enough for us as we had a balcony as we normally do.and didn’t really get to use. The trip was costly and weather so unpredictable on clothing needed. Excursions were very expensive and limited to time allowed enjoying tours. We really never enjoyed the ship unless we stayed inside because of cold,rain,wind. Went on balcony momentarily to take pics and then back inside cabin to warm up. Scenery and waterfalls were fine but like I said ,never again. Enjoyed only small parts of ship due to temperatures. Give me sunshine and beaches and warm water snorkeling any old time. 👍
This is really an amazing video. Alaskan cruise has been always on top of my list and I feel like this video has expediated the process for me. Thank you!
We're looking forward to our Alaska cruise on the Ruby princess out of San Francisco at the end of June. Having seen this video, we're going to plan our excursions today while we can still book a helicopter tour!
I’m so excited my mom aunt and I are going to Alaska for the 3rd time on Koningsdam In September. Can’t wait! It’s been 15 years since I’ve been. This was a helpful vid, thanks!
Hello, thank you for the video, very informative for a “never have done a cruise before rookie”! How can you tell if the cruise line 7 day cruise you pick will cruise thru Glacier National Park? When I review the itinerary is hard to tell exactly where they are sailing. Looking at the 7 day Glaciers and Inside Passage cruise for mid Aug in 2025 aboard the Seabourn Cruise Line.
Booked on the Sapphire Princess for April 2023 (first ship of the season from Princess) prices were insanely good! For 3 people with princess plus came up to less than $5000 canadian total
We just booked the Discovery Princess for Sept. 2023. It will be our first time on Princess and going to Alaska. Can’t wait! Also, we chose Seattle to Vancouver so we could visit Vancouver before flying back. Since you’ve been on Discovery, how is evening wear? Do they have a formal night?
We are in mid-June 2024, is it too late to book a Princess cruise to Alaska in September 2024? I’m thinking of booking a balcony cabin on the Royal Princess for September. I’m concerned about cabin location. Any other things to consider booking 3 months out?
Super helpful thank you! We are looking at Alaska summer 2023 and might want to try Princess. We have never cruised to Alaska or with Princess,but are not new to cruising. So far we have sailed Disney & Royal Caribbean. We are a bit worried about Princess as we have an almost teen who loves the kids clubs onboard, but thinking there should be at least some kids/teens on Princess in the summer. You recommended Discovery Princess and that looks great, but then you recommended Glacier Bay itinerary, which we could get on Royal Princess. We want to start our Princess experience with a 7n round trip. Which would you recommend?
So for a 50 yr old couple, 1 is having a birthday; wants a bigger ship, but lower budget; and GREAT FOOD, would you say Royal, Princess, Carnival, or NCL or something else?
How big do you want the ship to be, 2,000 people or 4,000 people?. If you are looking for midsized (around 2K), we would lean toward HAL doing an itinerary that stops at Glacier Bay National Park. If you are looking for mega-ship, then NCL Encore or Bliss, but know you will want to mostly eat at the specialty restaurants.
I would like to know more about how you get off the ship cruise ship and get into the port and visit and get back in time I’m afraid to do that so I might just stay on my ship
Koningsdam out of Vancouver in 10 days. Really struggling to pick even one shore excursion. Must be very low exertion as I can't walk far or keep up with a group. Traveling solo. Looking for friends. *_But I must eat crab!_* *Edit, booked AYCE seafood feast in Ketchikan and plan to visit Tracey's and the Red Dog in Juneau.
Yes I’m researching Norwegian specifically because they have solo rooms. They still cost the same (or close) to an interior room, but if you’re solo it is what it is!
Question about Canadian currency for time in Victoria -- are a few small bills for incidentals needed, or can I use my no foreign transaction fee credit card for everything? Thinking about a small snack or things that may be under $10
When we went to Victoria a few years ago you could use USD to make the purchase but your change is in Canadian. Credit and Debit cards also work as long as you informed your bank of your trip.
I’m a Canadian. You will have no problem using your credit cards in Canada, same as in US. The dollar exchange is in your favour. Often small shops will only accept US dollars at face value. There are plenty of banks with ATM machines.
There are always independent tour operators or you can explore on your own. If you have your heart set on a particular excursion though, we suggest you book in advance.
We have stopped taking our camera on most trips because our phones take "good enough" photos nowadays. However, we still bring our camera and zoom lenses to Alaska particularly for the wildlife sightings.
It does not get dark enough in the summertime to see the northern lights. Only chance to see them would be very earliest or very latest cruises of the Alaska season. Also clear skies are least likely along the coast.
Do you have any other Alaska cruise tips or hacks to add to our planning guide? Leave them below.👇🏻
We went to Alaska in May of 2022 on Carnival. Once was enough for us as we had a balcony as we normally do.and didn’t really get to use. The trip was costly and weather so unpredictable on clothing needed. Excursions were very expensive and limited to time allowed enjoying tours. We really never enjoyed the ship unless we stayed inside because of cold,rain,wind. Went on balcony momentarily to take pics and then back inside cabin to warm up. Scenery and waterfalls were fine but like I said ,never again. Enjoyed only small parts of ship due to temperatures. Give me sunshine and beaches and warm water snorkeling any old time. 👍
Booked with Cunard June 2023. So excited 🎉
I feel silly for asking questions on previous videos and then having them answered later.... Thank you for ALL of your information!!
Glad you were able to get your questions answered.
We are going on Alaska cruise next month after 14years. I cannot wait. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching. Enjoy your trip. 😀
How was the tour
Just booked the Celebrity Eclipse for May 2023. This is our second Alaska cruise. Can’t wait!
Have a great trip
We are going on the Eclipse June 11
Great video. We are in the process of planning an Alaskan cruise for next year with some friends. This was very helpful.
This is really an amazing video. Alaskan cruise has been always on top of my list and I feel like this video has expediated the process for me. Thank you!
Glad you found the video helpful.
Best Alaska cruise video ever. Congratulations, very well done. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of us.
Thank you for the compliment. Glad you found this video helpful! 😀
We're looking forward to our Alaska cruise on the Ruby princess out of San Francisco at the end of June. Having seen this video, we're going to plan our excursions today while we can still book a helicopter tour!
Have a fantastic trip.
great info, I am doing a NCL Bliss to Alaska this May. Looking forward to it.
Me too!
@@lauragwillim1055 nice, we are leaving May 6th.
So good! I loved this video so much! I love that you gave all the options and the pros and cons of each. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Glad you found it helpful. Happy cruising.
I’m so excited my mom aunt and I are going to Alaska for the 3rd time on Koningsdam In September. Can’t wait! It’s been 15 years since I’ve been. This was a helpful vid, thanks!
After 15 years, you are due for a return trip! Have a great time.
Thanks for the great video! I'm heading on my first Alaska cruise in 26 days and I found your video very informative! Can't wait!
Thanks for watching. Enjoy your time in Alaska- it's beautiful!
we're planning our first Alaska Cruise and this video was very helpful
Glad you found it helpful.
Hello, thank you for the video, very informative for a “never have done a cruise before rookie”! How can you tell if the cruise line 7 day cruise you pick will cruise thru Glacier National Park? When I review the itinerary is hard to tell exactly where they are sailing. Looking at the 7 day Glaciers and Inside Passage cruise for mid Aug in 2025 aboard the Seabourn Cruise Line.
Booked on the Sapphire Princess for April 2023 (first ship of the season from Princess) prices were insanely good! For 3 people with princess plus came up to less than $5000 canadian total
That sounds like a great deal. Have a fantastic cruise.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I hope so too! 11 days for that price is insanely good.
@@CrusifoxMedia what website did you use? I live outside vancouver and am looking for a good site for Alaskan cruises.
@@tsmith4719 I went through my travel agent and she booked directly with Princess
Very informative. Thanks for all the info.
Thanks for watching Carolyn!
This really helped me with my AK cruise picking What line do you suggest for solo cruisers?
Thank-u for posting.
We just booked the Discovery Princess for Sept. 2023. It will be our first time on Princess and going to Alaska. Can’t wait! Also, we chose Seattle to Vancouver so we could visit Vancouver before flying back. Since you’ve been on Discovery, how is evening wear? Do they have a formal night?
Which princess cruise ship do you recommend for being best Glacier Bat Natl Park ?
We prefer larger ships, but as long as you are going to glacier bay it doesn’t matter. The programming that day is the same regardless of the ship.
We are in mid-June 2024, is it too late to book a Princess cruise to Alaska in September 2024? I’m thinking of booking a balcony cabin on the Royal Princess for September. I’m concerned about cabin location. Any other things to consider booking 3 months out?
Will the new Real ID work in place of a passport for the ports in Canada?
Super helpful thank you! We are looking at Alaska summer 2023 and might want to try Princess. We have never cruised to Alaska or with Princess,but are not new to cruising. So far we have sailed Disney & Royal Caribbean. We are a bit worried about Princess as we have an almost teen who loves the kids clubs onboard, but thinking there should be at least some kids/teens on Princess in the summer. You recommended Discovery Princess and that looks great, but then you recommended Glacier Bay itinerary, which we could get on Royal Princess. We want to start our Princess experience with a 7n round trip. Which would you recommend?
I have to think about one thing I have a disability so I have to make sure that I have those things too ❤😅
So for a 50 yr old couple, 1 is having a birthday; wants a bigger ship, but lower budget; and GREAT FOOD, would you say Royal, Princess, Carnival, or NCL or something else?
How big do you want the ship to be, 2,000 people or 4,000 people?. If you are looking for midsized (around 2K), we would lean toward HAL doing an itinerary that stops at Glacier Bay National Park. If you are looking for mega-ship, then NCL Encore or Bliss, but know you will want to mostly eat at the specialty restaurants.
Any suggestions for a travel agent that works with Princess cruises or do you have another suggestion? Reserching for a Sept cruise for 4 adults.
How do you recommend getting a certified cruise travel agent? Do you need a separate agent for each cruise line you are looking at?
Would you please recommend which travel agent to book with?
I would like to know more about how you get off the ship cruise ship and get into the port and visit and get back in time I’m afraid to do that so I might just stay on my ship
If you book an excursion with the cruise line they will ensure you return in time or the ship waits.
Research the ports before you travel and you won't worry so much. RUclips the port of call.
Is it acceptable to bring our own wine
Koningsdam out of Vancouver in 10 days. Really struggling to pick even one shore excursion. Must be very low exertion as I can't walk far or keep up with a group. Traveling solo. Looking for friends. *_But I must eat crab!_* *Edit, booked AYCE seafood feast in Ketchikan and plan to visit Tracey's and the Red Dog in Juneau.
Some places have trolley tours, if that interests you.
Tracy's and the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau are great options. We haven't tried the AYCE seafood feast yet though.
How long how long it takes to get to the cruise ship from the airport and return..?
That depends which airport and if you are cruising from Seattle, Vancouver, or an Alaska port.
Does any cruise line offer any larger beds for tall people?
Hi, is there an excursion company you would recommend for the bears watching experience? Thanks in advance.
We booked with the cruise line.
Question : i am single how do i avoid paying for 2 people?
Unfortunately, all cruise lines charge a supplement for singles. Norwegian offers some ships with studio rooms designed for just one person.
Silversea is the most single friendly.
Yes I’m researching Norwegian specifically because they have solo rooms. They still cost the same (or close) to an interior room, but if you’re solo it is what it is!
Question about Canadian currency for time in Victoria -- are a few small bills for incidentals needed, or can I use my no foreign transaction fee credit card for everything? Thinking about a small snack or things that may be under $10
When we went to Victoria a few years ago you could use USD to make the purchase but your change is in Canadian. Credit and Debit cards also work as long as you informed your bank of your trip.
I’m a Canadian. You will have no problem using your credit cards in Canada, same as in US. The dollar exchange is in your favour. Often small shops will only accept US dollars at face value. There are plenty of banks with ATM machines.
My home is Alaska, ask me anything
With the new REAL drivers license, would we still need to bring a birth certificate or passport? Seattle rt.
You need a passport to get off the ship in Canada.
Planning on 2025.
Can you book excursions when you get off the ship?
There are always independent tour operators or you can explore on your own. If you have your heart set on a particular excursion though, we suggest you book in advance.
At 6:37, what excursion or site is that waterfall?
That was Nugget Falls at the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.
Is taken a large camera worth taking when we all have iPhones.
If by large camera, you mean large telephoto lens, then yes, especially if you're hoping to capture wildlife images.
We have stopped taking our camera on most trips because our phones take "good enough" photos nowadays. However, we still bring our camera and zoom lenses to Alaska particularly for the wildlife sightings.
You didn’t mention anything about the Northern lights…
It is really hit or miss if you see the Northern Lights.
It does not get dark enough in the summertime to see the northern lights. Only chance to see them would be very earliest or very latest cruises of the Alaska season. Also clear skies are least likely along the coast.
Have you sailed on Disney Cruise Line?
Not yet. We have Disney Wish scheduled for this July. Stay Tuned.
Very generic information. This information can be found on all the cruise ship web sites. How about personal recommendations? Very disappointing.
Don't go on anyone, waste of money and time.
Absolutely not true.
That may be true for you, that does not mean it will be true for everyone, not everyone wants or enjoys the same things.