Friday, April 12, 2013

The cruise lines I do and do not choose in Alaska



Regent Silver Seas – Because of all the complimentary shore excursions; the cruises are all-inclusive !

Princess Cruises – Many times, they have been known to offer the best times in port.  Princess is one of the kings/queens of Alaska – Been in Alaska for a long time, compared to other cruise lines.  Princess is actually one of my very favorite lines to sail on; it’s like the “love boat”; makes me feel like a Princess !  She is also the only cruise line, so far, that I am willing to do “Open Dining”; they seem to do it with ease “and” you can call that morning a reserve an exact time and can have the same waitress/waiter, table. Also, their hotels, promise a great view.  Princess Denali lodge was one of the 1st hotels to offer a hard top surface, so you didn’t have to roll your suitcase in the dirt; I love the creek below, with this hotel !  For me, if you want a well-rounded product, choose Princess in Alaska !  Remember, balconies sell out quick on Princess ! I've been on several Princess cruises in Alaska !

Holland America – I’ve sailed with them, because they often, offer some great deals.  It is so easy to find their specials on their website, to include, Alaska land packages that are offered.  Years back, you could not get a balcony unless you were doing a land package in Alaska; last year, this was different; will be interested in seeing what lies in the future !  I have sailed many a time to Alaska on Holland America !

Royal Caribbean – I’ve had some great reviews of their land packages, though they have not been in Alaska, offering packages, for the extent of time, as Princess and Holland America.  They do not have as many packages to choose from, so it makes it easier to sift through the options !  But they often, leave out one of the main ports of calls in Alaska, so I will not choose them when they do.  On the land packages, sometimes, they do not offer enough rail for me !   I’m not a lover of their ships up there, because my main reason for loving Royal Caribbean is for their bigger ships of 160,000+ tons, which are magnificent !   Stay tune for a 2014 opportunity about to unroll !

Celebrity Cruises – Their land packages are exactly like Royal Caribbean; so one you review RCI’s itineraries, you don’t have to repeat, and read all the ones for Celebrity too.  Maybe I would choose a Celebrity ship over RCI, only because they are a 5 star.  My clients who love Celebrity, “really love them” and continue to want to sail on them; they don’t make me jump up and down, but I am so happy they please my customers !  And yes, I have been to Alaska on Celebrity a couple of times !

Carnival – Years back, I “may have” chosen her, because the itinerary offered Skagway & Sitka both; today, they do not.  Also, in the past, she offered, simple choice land packages; so folks, who were looking for some lowest rates in Alaska, often choose her; today, she does not offer land packages.  Basically the “reason” to choose Carnival, is price !

Cruise West – Years back they existed, I enjoyed my cruise in Alaska with them !  I love the getting up close; the dress, one time a day; the minimal clothes to take with you !  They were expensive, but I really enjoyed it.  There are some smaller ships in Alaska, and I would consider them; however, do not buy your room, in what I call “the dungeon”; buy an oceanview.

Norwegian  - Sorry, not my choice at all.  They just began land packages in Alaska; so they are newbies.  Years back, NCL was one of the worst cruise lines for agents to have to deal with; I must say, they are getting better.  I have customers who love NCL and those that don’t !

Crystal.  Though I have not done them in Alaska, I would have no problem choosing to sail with them !

 
Alaska is a very important destination for me; sense of "freedom" and "peace" with the mountains and the atmosphere.  My desire, would be to go there at least 3 times a summer, if not, all summer !  I'm particular about times in port and which glacier, when I choose my cruises there !

2013 season is about to begin !  Don't miss the opportunity ! In some cases, sailings are tours are sold out, months back, however, in other instances, there are still some great deals out there.  CALL TODAY !



 

 

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