Posted:
#1
So my girlfriend has been wanting to go on an Alaskan cruise for a while now. I've never been on a cruise, anyone have any cruise advice?? Anyone ever been on an Alaskan cruise?
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Alaskan Cruise, any advice??
Posted:
#2
Larry, I have been on 4 cruises and they kind of suck in my opinion. The boat gets old after a few days and they're usually loaded with blue hairs and/or kids. If my parents weren't forking the bill for the last 2, I def wouldn't have gone.
But, I have never been on an Alaskan cruise, so they might be a little better.
But, I have never been on an Alaskan cruise, so they might be a little better.
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Posted:
#6
Quote Originally Posted by KQC:
Why Alaska? From Mass, you could easily hop on a cruise to Caribbean, Bermuda and I think Nova Scotia (among other places probably).
Why Alaska? From Mass, you could easily hop on a cruise to Caribbean, Bermuda and I think Nova Scotia (among other places probably).
Well no shit, man. Georgraphically that makes sense. However there is a factor involved called box, and makes men do illogical, irrational, and crazy things sometimes.
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Posted:
#7
I have been on two cruises both of the Caribbean and enjoyed them immensely. The ship usually stops at 3 or 4 places for about 8-10 hours and you can get off the ship and explore the city for a reasonable price. The advantage of this is that you get to see places which you probably would not visit otherwise on its own. The ship is usually associated with a tour company and you can book your tours with them or you can leave the ship and hire a local cab or tour bus and they will take you wherever you want to go. The latter will be a bit cheaper. You can also stay on the ship if you are not interested in exploring that city. There is plenty of shopping, food and bars right outside where the ship docks.
There is plenty to do on most ships no matter what your interests are such as shows, casino, lots of unlimited food in the buffet, shopping, bingo, gym, spa, bar, restaurants, pools, sports and play area, comedy club and more. Drinks can get expensive so my advice would be to order a couple of bottles in advance from them and they will give it to you when you board.
There are two main places to eat on ships- the main dining room and the buffet area, some ships call it the Lido. There is usually at least one formal optional night for dinner where everyone dresses up so take appropriate clothes. There are usually also some specialty places such as ice cream parlours, deli's, pizza etc. Make sure when you port that you are back in time before the ship departs because if you are not they will not wait for anybody and you will be responsible for getting to the next port of call. If they say that they are leaving at 6pm then be back for 5:30 just in case. There is internet access but its very expensive and very slow. Also do not use your cell phone as it is very expensive. One guy was telling me that on his previous cruise he used his phone for 20 minutes and it cost him $150.
There is no cash exchanged on the ship other than in the casino. You will have a onboard account created for you when you submit your credit card at the beginning of the cruise. You can share your account with your girlfriend or have individual accounts. Anytime you want to buy anything you just give them your onboard card and they swipe it. Gratuities are usually $10-15 per person and these must be paid at the end of the cruise. You can add more to it if you feel you received exceptional service.
Also get a balcony room if you can or at least a room with a window, it will be a bit more expensive but well worth it. The ship is pretty smooth but when in rough waters it does rock a little bit. If you have a weak stomach then you can get these patches that you can wear behind your ear which help prevent sea sickness. The majority of people are fine without the patches and chances are you will not need it but it is a good idea to take them especially for your first cruise.
Let me know if you have more questions.
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Posted:
#10
I've been on one cruise -- Caribbean last year. I was skeptical, but the gal pal said I needed a break after three years of balls to the wall without a vacation.
I took my laptop and cell, but never used them. Instant vacation. I liked that. Service was great, the staff and crew all very friendly and professional.
Skip the formal wear: bring classy casual, but that's all you need unless you're going to have one of those formal portraits taken.
Don't pay for the upgrade to the nice restaurants. All the food is made in the same kitchen. At least it was on Princess. The restaurants that were part of the package on Princess were excellent.
Pay extra for a room with an outside balcony, and spring for a breakfast on the balcony with your lady. Very nice.
If you want, smuggle your own booze on board. It will save you money.
The downsides of the cruise is that it's hard to explore anyone place to deeply.
If it's available on your cruise, watch the morning rise and shine show on the closed circuit tv channel. You'll likely pick up tips about the ship and your stops that may make your trip more rewarding. I found out about a restaurant off the beaten track in Cozumel I never would have known about or stumbled across otherwise It was worth the trip.
Some people will tell you to arrange any off-board activities through the ship. Others say do it on your own. I say go through the ship. Saves you time, unless you really know what you're doing. We did a deep sea fishing tour, and a couple who had arranged one privately wound up joinging us because their trip fell through and they lost their money on the deal.
I thought a cruise would suck, but it wasn't bad at all. I've heard only good things about the Alaskan cruises, and probably will do it in the next couple of years.
Good luck!
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Posted:
#11
My new wife and I did a 7 day Alaskan cruise in Sept. for our honeymoon...round trip out of Seattle. This was my first cruise and I liked it, the only downside was we took the last cruise of the season due to our wedding date, and the weather was overcast or raining each port, and the first full day at sea we had 17 foot swells and a lot of people (including some crew members) got seasick, so go earlier in the season.
Also, we booked a whale-watching trip ourselves with a group of folks I met on cruisecritic.com, and that was a good move as we had a boat of 12 versus the cruise-booked groups which put you on larger boats
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Posted:
#12
My wife and I have been on 2 cruises, a 14 day Western Mediterranean on Norwegian for our honeymoon and a 7 day Eastern Caribbean on Carnival. Whatever you do plan your own shit, don't book anything on the boat and if you're a drinker find a way to sneak alcohol on. I prefer cruises to all-inclusive Caribbean resorts because the food and entertainment are infinitely better. I always find a way to sneak alcohol on so I don't really care about the no free drinks. I'm not a person who can sit by a pool or on a beach all day every day. I enjoy seeing the world.
The casinos usually have terrible odds vs the house but there is nothing like tourists at a poker table even if the rake is ridiculous.
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Posted:
#13
Cruising is fun but like everything else, not everyone's cup of tea.
My parents said Alaska was a SICK time. They had some helicopter excursion they said was insane (ok I'm paraphrasing).
No worries of a DWI although the alcohol isn't cheap. I'd definitely trying cruising twice (especially to the Caribbean also)
Pick some fun excursions with your woman and just kick back. Also don't eat off the ship if you can help it, that's a rookie move.
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Posted:
#15
Larry went on an Alaskan cruise a year ago august 2010. It was with a company called Cruise West, unfortunately they have ceased operations in Alaska. It was incredible. Overall it was a 10 day deal with 1.5 days in Fairbanks, 4 days in Denali National Park (a must see) 1 day in Anchorage, and the rest was on the boat cruising Prince William Sound. It was awesome! Alaska is a beautiful state and I would highly recommend going in August. The Aurora Borialis is awesome to see. I could go on and on about this trip but whatever you do go see Prince William Sound and Denali National Park.
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Posted:
#19
Ive gone about half a dozen cruises mostly through carnival...
Some pretty good advice here...
1. If you get sea sick bring meds/patches... I dont get sea sick, my girlfriend at the time did... the meds dried her out (literally) so I actually had to go to the infirmary and ask for lubricant/KY and they refused to hand it out... It might not be a bad idea to bring some if she is taking bonine and or the scopolamine patch
2. When you have a chance to leave the boat always do so... the little towns and gift shops are nothing special, but there are some great activities... I think your cruise should have the dog sledding excursion...
3. I know on carnival cruises food is free, but you can order more then one entree or dessert... It is implied that you can only order one, but I often would order multiple entrees or double up on something good... desserts are the same deal... you might get a chance to pick early or late dining and I would recommend later in terms of being seated with people you might get along with... Early is sometimes less effort, but it is all a gamble you get seated with...
4. Another thing if you are on the carnival cruise is that if your significant other has been on a cruise you get invited to an alcohol free for all hour where they just have tons of drinks on trays and you can drink as much as you like... other then that I think you pay per a drink with your card/tab... even though my girlfriend at the time was on her first cruise she crashed the event so if you hear about just go...
5. Dont flush the toilet while seated...
Cruises are fun especially with the casino and the ability to completely relax with out worry because all your needs are taken care of... have a great time...
Some pretty good advice here...
1. If you get sea sick bring meds/patches... I dont get sea sick, my girlfriend at the time did... the meds dried her out (literally) so I actually had to go to the infirmary and ask for lubricant/KY and they refused to hand it out... It might not be a bad idea to bring some if she is taking bonine and or the scopolamine patch
2. When you have a chance to leave the boat always do so... the little towns and gift shops are nothing special, but there are some great activities... I think your cruise should have the dog sledding excursion...
3. I know on carnival cruises food is free, but you can order more then one entree or dessert... It is implied that you can only order one, but I often would order multiple entrees or double up on something good... desserts are the same deal... you might get a chance to pick early or late dining and I would recommend later in terms of being seated with people you might get along with... Early is sometimes less effort, but it is all a gamble you get seated with...
4. Another thing if you are on the carnival cruise is that if your significant other has been on a cruise you get invited to an alcohol free for all hour where they just have tons of drinks on trays and you can drink as much as you like... other then that I think you pay per a drink with your card/tab... even though my girlfriend at the time was on her first cruise she crashed the event so if you hear about just go...
5. Dont flush the toilet while seated...
Cruises are fun especially with the casino and the ability to completely relax with out worry because all your needs are taken care of... have a great time...
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Posted:
#23
More geriatrics take the Alaskan cruise b/c they've already done the Carib cruises and there are fewer kids. Depending on the time of year, the decks are less decked out with things to do b/c of the potential for cold weather.
It's more a a sight seeing and relaxing cruise than a booze cruise but it is what you make it.
Have fun regardless.
It's more a a sight seeing and relaxing cruise than a booze cruise but it is what you make it.
Have fun regardless.
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