Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Best Cruises in Alaska. What will you choose ? There’s so many options !




What will you choose ?

I’ve been to Alaska 13 times.  Most everyone who knows me, knows that Alaska is my favorite destination !  Though I have been many times, it still MATTERS TO ME, which option I choose !

First, I decide, which type of cruise line atmosphere am I looking for ?  Maybe a 6 star cruise line this time (more complimentary amenities, atmosphere & more) ?  Or will it be a 5 star ?  What are my other cruise line options ?

Next I think, which Glacier must my cruise include ?.  Do I want to go to the National Park, to Glacier Bay ?  Or at last make sure my cruise includes Hubbard Glacier ?  College Fjords ?  Will Sawyer Glacier-Tracy Arms satisfy me this cruise (usually r/t Seattle).

I also think … Do I want one glacier or two on my cruise ?

Next, which ports ?  Well, it must include Ketchikan and Juneau, or I’m most definitely not choosing a cruise that does not !  Then do I want Sitka or Skagway this time ?  I have to admit, Skagway is truly my all time favorite.  I could go here every Alaska cruise.  I have been to Sitka about 3 times.  But I tend to do the same thing there, and should choose a new excursion, next time I am there. 

Reminder, you must tender in Sitka !  The tide changes here on a specific type of schedule, which is why !

If the cruise offers more than 3 ports, for me, that’s just an extra for me and not actually a necessity !

Times in port are important to me !  Will I have to leave Ketchikan by 12pm ? 12:30pm ? 1pm ? Though these times are often offered on my cruise line choices, I can get really excited even more, if my cruise allows me to stay in Ketchikan till 4pm or later !

Though I might  not start of, deciding based on  cruise line ?  Which ship ?  Once I’ve narrowed down my choices, I’m not looking for value !   

Lowest prices doesn’t necessarily mean better value !  This is when I turn to cruise line/ship !  I’m looking for good food !  Good entertainment !  Great atmosphere.  If it means a little more money, to have these options, that’s I will choose !

I’m not looking for the cheapest in Alaska.  I’m looking for HOW IT MAKES ME FEEL !  I want better in Alaska … Or any exotic destination cruise !

Check out U.S. News … “Ranks 26 Best Cruises in Alaska based on an analysis of reviews …. ”.
Silver Shadow with Silversea Cruises is ranked #1 !    You can go here and read more:  http://travel.usnews.com/cruises/best-cruise-ships/alaska/?pg=1
I have to admit, I’m somewhat shocked over some ship rating higher than other ships on the list and those ships that didn’t make this list !  Ratings actually came from CruiseLine.com (we own).  Which in turn, it’s based on the number of folks who actually write reviews upon their return !

#1

Silver Shadow, Silversea Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.5-stars
Ship Price: $$$$

#2 is a Tie

Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.5-stars
Ship Price: $$

Seven Seas Navigator, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.5-stars
Ship Price: $$$$

#3

Disney Wonder, Disney Cruise Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$ - From Vivian, this may be a little pricier than this !

#4  - 5 ships in the running …

Jewel of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $

Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

ms Oosterdam, Holland America Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

Coral Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#5 – Another tie …

Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

ms Noordam, Holland America Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#6 … 3 in the running ….

Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Cruise Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $

Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $

ms Volendam, Holland America Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#7 … 3 choices ….

Carnival Legend, Carnival Cruise Lines, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $

ms Westerdam, Holland America Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

ms Zaandam, Holland America Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#8 … 3 in the running …

ms Amsterdam, Holland America Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

Golden Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

Grand Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#9 …  A tie ….

Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Cruise Line, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $

Pacific Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#10 … Another tie …

Crown Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

Star Princess, Princess Cruises, Overall Rating: 4.0-stars
Ship Price: $$

#11

Regatta, Oceania Cruises, Overall Rating: 3.5-stars
Ship Price: $$$

#12

Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Cruise Line, Overall Rating: 3.5-stars
Ship Price: $


What will you choose ? There are many more ships out there, loved by many !



No comments:

Post a Comment