Tips from an Alaskan

Wow, it's been snowing in Juneau and Skagway this week, with expectations of snow in Ketchikan !  I noticed Anchorage temps got down to -2 one day this week !  I have an apt on my cell phone that keeps me informed of the weather in Alaska.

In “My Alaska” Newsletter, from TravelAlaska.com this month, there were some tips from Alaskans.

　

Seward

is a cute little town. I love visiting here ! Mostly I love the mountains and seeing all the sail and motor boats in port. Besides cruising from Seward on many a cruise ship, I have taken a boat tour into the Kenai Fjords to see many more glaciers; and from here, headed towards Anchorage, I have been to Exit Glacier twice, and love Portage Glacier and the Wildlife Preserve.
See what Paul Paquette has to say on Seward. http://www.travelalaska.com/Experience%20Alaska/Alaska%20Locals/Paul%20Paquette.aspx?utm_source=3141&utm_medium=ad
　

Juneau is always fun. I love walking the streets; shopping; going to Mendenhall Glacier (by bus and I have paddled a canoe there); taking the tram over top the city; and feasting on Dungeness Crab ! Also visiting the Red Dog Saloon to listening to the music and view their décor.
See what Bill Spear says about what he loves about Juneau:http://www.travelalaska.com/Experience%20Alaska/Alaska%20Locals/Bill%20Spear.aspx 　

Fairbanks offers much history. If I’m including this in my itinerary, I always love revisiting the River Boat Discovery and Gold Dredge.
See what Dermot Cole says in what to do in Fairbanks:http://www.travelalaska.com/Experience%20Alaska/Alaska%20Locals/Dermot%20Cole.aspx 　



Where is your favorite destination in Alaska ?

During Winter, does Alaska really get colder than the lower 50 states ?

Posting a day early this week, with tomorrow being Thanksgiving.  Happy "Turkey day"; eat plenty !

 

 

Alaska weather ...

 

Well, if you are comparing their weather to states like Arizona and Florida, then I have to answer yes, it typically gets much colder.  However, what I personally tend to compare the Alaska area to, is my own local city, Lynchburg, VA.

With Alaska being a deep love of mine, I keep its weather postings on my cell phone.  This way I can see daily, the temps for Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage.

More than just often, Seattle and Lynchburg have compatible temperatures.  Yet lately, with Lynchburg being cold, I notice that Seattle has been warmer; and Juneau and Skagway often running more neck and neck with Lynchburg.  WOW, if Lynchburg is colder, then if I can receive the same temps in Alaska, WHY NOT be on vacation, is what I keep telling myself.

At present, 2am, I am looking at the temps:  Lynchburg – 41; Seattle – 51;  Ketchikan 42; Other port, 20’s.    With time difference, it’s not really comparative, but at an instant look, it will do.

Though I have been to Alaska 12 times, with the cruise season being May through September, and my first time there was immediately after high school, then summer is truly the only time I have experienced Alaska.  I have one client who flies up out of season.  I’m not so sure I could actually handle all the darkness associated to winters in Alaska.

No matter, I would love to be there, JUST TO VIEW THE SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS ! 

What about you ?  Or share a different reason for dreaming to be in Alaska right now ?

 

 

 

When to book your 2013 Alaska Vacation ?

Didn't post last Thursday, with being in Fla with my folks for Thanksgiving.  Today is the first day I have connected the "net" to my new lap top, since down here with my folks.  Thanks for understanding.

It’s already end of November.  Most cruise lines have had available, since at least summer, cruise pricing.  With select dates already sold out, the time to commit is NOW.  Remember, cruises only sail from May to September; with peak season being June through August, these particular months will tend to sell out more quickly. 

Know that there are many cruise line cruise tours to choose from.   However, there are limited number of packages sold for each tour.  Tours are more of a “supply and demand” than even the cruises.

98% of the cruises are 7 nights (see my website for a few of the available sales) and land packages are available for up to another 7 nights (see these best, right on the cruise line website).  Know, that even though Alaska is a cooler climate, balconies are still the first type cabins to become scarce; especially the suites; more specifically, family suites are often done before pricing ever comes out. 

Industry is claiming, 2013 is the year for Alaska.

Norwegian's Alaska - Ask & Answer. Be aware of where you are getting your "cruise advice" !

Yes, I am back from my Sandy Hurricane Cruise to Bermuda.  As soon as I have time, I will post experiences.  Am sharing this today, instead of waiting to post here on my Alaska Blog on my regular week day of Thursday. 

Today, I received an email from Norwegian Cruise Line.  I noticed a section that said, Alaska - Ask & Answer.  I saw questions like, what is a good hotel to use near Seattle, etc, and thought, hmmm, this might be good info.

Well, I begin reading the questions; then the answers; these answers are NOT from an expert; not even an NCL representative !  Consumers are answering these questions.   UGGH ! 

Please, beware !  Do NOT rely on just any person answering your questions.  Your answers need to come directly from the cruise line or more specifically, the agent you are buying from, or better yet, from a CRUISE SPECIALIST !


Feel free to check out some of the questions/answers ....  I only looked at 3 and STOPPED !
http://www2.ncl.com/cruise-destination/alaska/questions


Example, one asked, can you smoke on the ship.  One person answers, I "think" you can.  Excuse me, I "think" does NOT warrant that person answering at all !

Another was, Do I need a passport ?  There were yes and no answers.  SORRY, this is NOT GOOD ENOUGH.  I would NOT want my clients reading info and getting 1/2 answers such as this.  And ...I am totally shocked that NCL makes this available on thier website.  I guess they are trying to be like Cruise-Critic, where folks are actually only "passing thier opinion" !  UGGH again !



FOLKS ... Non-Expert opinions is NOT what you need or want to go by !