How to Plan for an Alaskan Cruise
- 1). Choose the size of the ship and the cruise line you wish to travel on during your cruise. Large cruise ships, like Celebrity and Holland America, hold 700 to 3,000 people and include many extra amenities. Small ships hold less than 200 people, but also offer a more intimate view of Alaska and its scenery. Small ships allow you to view wildlife, like humpback whales, up close. However, large cruise lines are generally less expensive.
- 2). Make a list of sites and destinations you want to see. Study the cruise lines and itineraries. Make sure the cruise line you choose stops in the ports you want to see and also gives you ample time to explore. Small ships can get close to sites such as Misty Fjords National Monument. Other ports of call include Ketchikan, Anchorage, Prince William Sound and Cordova.
- 3). Decide how long you want your cruise to last. Alaskan cruises can last anywhere from three to thirty days. The most popular cruise is a seven-day cruise through the storied Inside Passage with stops in historic towns and up-close glimpses of glaciers. Most cruises travel through Glacier Bay National Park through the Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska.
- 4). Add a land tour. Many cruises offer optional land tours that may be included in the package. Explore Denali National Park, Mount McKinley and cities such as Juneau and Anchorage. You can also spend a week pre- or post-cruise in Seattle, Vancouver or San Francisco, where most Alaskan cruises dock and depart.
- 5). Book early. Alaskan cruises fill up quickly due to the shortened cruise season. Contact a travel agent or cruise line as soon as possible to make your reservation. A deposit is normally required to reserve your space.
Source...