Alaska Tip. Folks ask, which cruise line ? Do I (for myself) choose Alaska cruise based on cruise line personality or added value benefits ?

Usually, when customers call for their first cruise, I’m trying to find out their own personality, in trying to match up with a specific cruise line.  Unless folks only looking for price.

In some cases, with Alaska, folks still looking, just for price. However, in my opinion, you can miss out on some of the essentials or popularities, if only choosing by price.

Such as, price can leave you with …

•             Missed main ports
•             Minimal times in port
•             Not the most popular glacier to see

 

Yet, that’s not always the case.  You could actually just choose your favorite cruise line and miss out on added value available !

Whether adding a land package or not, I tend to look deep at what the different cruises are offering, before deciding which cruise.  Then I turn to look at the land offers.

However, I keep in mind, when I’m including a land package, I tend to look more at Princess or Holland America, because their train portion, involves Denali (or near) to Anchorage or to the ship. Where as other cruises lines do not.

I have a total “set way” of dissecting the many different packages, before deciding which one for myself (and guiding others).  I’m looking for parts of the puzzle to be included.  So I’m not as specific, to which cruise line, till I see the puzzle, I’m including a land package.

When you’re ready for me to help you too, with the puzzle, call me !  Alaska continues to be my most favorite destination. And try to get there every other year, if not every year.
 

Call me.

I’m here till Nov 29, 2016 … Then sailing the new Carnival Vista & return Monday, Dec 12.
 (434/800) 237-3832.  Mention you saw my blog !

Next Alaska Blog Article, Dec 21, 2016 - See you then (smile).  Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Which cruise in Alaska ? Which Cruise Line ? What if I just want the cheapest Alaska vacation ? How long do I have in deciding 2017 ? Avoiding January Rush !

Alaska is on so many cruisers bucket list.  And many returning cruisers !

When’s the time to buy ?  What to choose ?  Which cruise line ?  Do I include an Alaska Land Package ?  Before or after cruise ?

So many needed answers !  Choosing Alaska is not as simple as choosing a Caribbean cruise.  Or at least, not how I look at it.  Unless … You just want the cheapest.

Today, that’s what I want to talk about … How to find the cheapest (Your most needed goal) ? 

If cheapest is not #1, call me.  Let’s talk about value.  How to see & choose the best options !  What you’re getting/what you’re not !

Keep in mind, with any cruise, if going only after the cheapest, it may means … No choice in …

*Cruise Line
*Itinerary
*Embarkation/Disembarkation port
*No added land package (except you need to go one day early – hotel purchase) – See further down if want to include a land package
*Vacationing May/Sept (For Alaska)
*Cabin Location/Room #
*Flying from your hometown, if looking for cheapest flights

Before going further in finding the cheapest, like any cruise, ask yourself these 6 questions, prior to seeking additional answers (+ a 7^th question):

*When are all the times you can go (Alaska season is May to Sept) ?
*How long can you go for (best to plan, minimum 8 days for Alaska, or it’s not really worth going) ?
*Who will be going ?
*How many in each room ?
*Do you want a suite, balcony, oceanview, or inside cabin (no winder) ?
*What is your budget ? 
*If able to vacation May/Sept, are you willing to accept the possible colder weather ?
 
How to see the cheapest 7 Night Alaska Cruise: 
You’ll go here (see other info below): www.VivianWebb.com
Please note, instructions below are for desk top computer, lap top, ipad, etc – On cell phone, you will get our app and does not show info as easily !
Once here, see Cruise Finder. 
Choose Itinerary (Alaska – All).
Choose 6-8 nights.
Choose a month (Only available months will come up).
Press Search.
Once on next page, you’ll see, Sort by Price (low to high).  The page will auto change.
You’ll now see cruise line, ship name, dates, lead in pricing.
Please know … If you see more than one date … It does not mean, all these dates are same price. What it means is, all these dates have the same itinerary !
See the word ‘Select’ to the right ? If you are using a ‘mouse’, right click and open in a new window.  This will keep the original page intact, so you can go back and look at other choices.  If you don’t have a mouse, just choose select, and you can back page, when want to go back.
Or go here, See all 7 Night cruises for 2017/2018.
Remember, don't buy from my website (this only a source of info for you).  Call - I buy for you - Making sure we know all the rules, any amenities, etc, before buying.

So you want a land package with your cruise ?

We need to talk.  Again, so I can show you value.  Certain things you’ll want to consider, not skimping on, with land.

When do you buy ?  Avoiding ‘Last Minute January Rush’

Whether you want the cheapest or want value, please know, space has been selling since at least 1^st quarter of 2016, for 2017.  Every day that goes by, more folks are buying. 
 
Note, 70% of my clients, will have their 2017 vacation booked, before end of year (that’s my suggestion to you too).  Those who wait to buy their vacation in January are buying in the ‘Last Minute Rush’.  Phones ring off the hook.  Harder to get thru to the cruise lines, and cabin space, land packages, and pricing can often change, during the middle of a phone conversation !

There are other folks who want the cheapest … So these cabins go quick.

Many folks who want to include land packages … These go quicker.
Other folks who need 3 or 4 in a room … They sell out faster than cabins for 2.
Many folks want balconies & suites … They often sell out 1^st !  And some cruise lines don’t offer balconies, unless you’re also buying a land package.  And those who do offer balconies for just a cruise, hoards out many balconies, to be saved for those buying land packages.  Either way, balconies & suites become scarce … Quickly !

With all the sales going on … Space continues to sell, as I write this.  Making space less available for you.

So whether you want the cheapest … Or you want to fulfill your Alaska Bucket List in 2017 …
The time to call is NOW … Before Nov 29 (then I’m sailing on the new Carnival Vista).

(434/800) 237-3832

It’s a voip machine.  I’m on the phone with other cruisers (smile).
Please listen to options.
Return calls, M-F, 12noon to 6pm, Eastern Time.  When I call you back, have your computer in front of you please.  I will show you what you need to know (smile).
Watch for & visit me again for my next Alaska Article, December 14,2016
Happy Thanksgiving !