Alaska Cruise. Totally different than a Caribbean cruise. And just an “airfare away” !

No Blog article next week …  I’ll be cruising the Celebrity Constellation with my mother for 9 nights !  She’s been going through a few hard times over the last 2 months … And it’s time to get here away !

-------------------------- 

 

I hear so many folks talk of wanting to take an Alaskan cruise, yet they’ve still haven’t ventured to do so.

Why ?

Depending on what you want to do while there … Alaska may just be a “airfare away” !

It’s true, if you want to go up into the land of Alaska and you have 2 weeks or more in vacation time, and want to see as much as you can on the first time, then yes, this could be costly.

However, if you’re thinking 7 nights, then the cost in airfare, may be your major difference, versus going on another Caribbean cruise !  Airfare can be within reason, if choosing a round trip cruise from Seattle !

Call a Travel Professional and find out, what to look for in a cruise … What you want to be sure you’re not missing !  Such as ports of call, glacier, and times in port !

Think about it !  Move further towards your bucket list in 2016 !

Though I've been to Alaska 13 times, my personal “wish list” is ... Cruising in Alaska, 3 times every season !
Call today !

 

Alaska Tip: How many days to plan at Denali ?

I'll be sailing on the new NCL Escape next week ... No Blog post.  See you Thanksgiving week !

 

 

 

 

 

Many packages through the cruise lines offer one or two nights, and possibly three.

 

 

There’s a few advantages in choosing a minimum of two nights.

·         Possible longer package into the park

·         Opportunity to take advantage of a Denali dinner & show !

·         Time to explore around your hotel

·         Participate in additional excursions, such as a flight plane, horseback riding, river rafting and more

 

One of the reasons people choose to go into the land portion of Alaska is for Denali Park.  An opportunity to see the land and it’s many roam-free animals.

Why not consider at least two nights in your package !   You're already there.  Will you have an opportunity to return ?

Alaska Tip: Will you choose the "cheapest" cruise or cruise/tour or will you end up with value ?

 

I guess I could say, that no matter what package or cruise you choose for Alaska, at least you got to go.  But I will not 100% say, that choosing the cheapest is best !  When maybe another $100pp could give you more value !

Don’t get me wrong … I’ve been to Alaska 13 times.  So if I found a price, that save me $500 pp, I might take it (?) … And probably have, which is why I’ve been so many times.

But most folks think, they will only go once.

 

If that’s the case … Wouldn’t you be upset, if you missed …

1)      One of the main ports of call ?

2)      A main “land based tour” while traveling Fairbanks to the ship ?

3)      Didn’t see one of the main glaciers ?

4)      Had such a short time in port, that you didn’t even have time to visit the port itself (unless maybe you plan 2 tours that day … which is a better choice !)

 

Remember, not all travel agents have been to Alaska !  And if have, lucky to have been once, right ?  And it would be a “needle in a hay stack” if an agent at the cruise line has been !

Don’t be cheap on your Alaska … But of course, you don’t have to pick the most expensive either.  You need to “learn” where the value is … What you don’t want to miss … The important parts of the puzzle.  It can be done economically, if you are willing to put in the time. 

 

Start with getting some education from someone who has been there many times !

 

It's to your disadvantage, if you just call an agent and say ... "How much is it ?" ... Or ... "What will air & everything cost me ?". It's more to it than that.  Alaska is a bigger pictures.  It's not like going to the Caribbean & just pick one. 

 

You want to give this task "more time" and value !  Once you get some education, just insight like airfare, you can look up on your own, till you're ready to  make a decision on the package.  The cruise or the package comes 1st !  Do yourself justice !

ALASKA TIP: You and friends hoping to cruise & travel inland in 2016 ? Not yet booked ? Heads-up, 2017 !

Sorry, no article next Wednesday, October 28 ... I'll be sailing with 80 others, out of Norfolk, to Bermuda, on Carnival's only 7 night cruise in 2016 !  You should have planned to go with us !

-------------------------------

Are you and friends hoping to cruise & travel inland in 2016 and not yet booked ?

Why are you waiting ?

Folks have been booking since LAST MAY !  Peak season for booking was September !

Know what that means for you ?

As each day goes by, your choices become more limited !  Whether it’s tour package choice or cabin location.  Whether it’s sailing southbound or northbound.  Whether you’ll pay higher cost or hook up with a different cruise line offer.

Planning Alaska isn’t something you can do in 5 minutes.  Not even in 12 hours.

First you’ve got to learn, choices.  What you’re getting out of the package or “not” ! Then you must see, if what you wish for, is still available for the dates you can travel.  Then you’ve got to determine, which cabins are still available.  And if you’re traveling with more than just your cabin, you’ve got to discuss this with everyone else !

After you book your tour, then you need to decide if you may should come in a day early, in not missing your first day of the package.  Then airfare.  Now you can calm down a little.  The worst part is over !

It’s a true education process !  Get the hard part out of the way, as early as you can (decision making before you are booked).  Then have months to “savor”, that you’re on your way to Alaska !

 

Instead, planning for Alaska in 2017 ?  Rates aren't yet out.  In your spare time, look at cruise line itineraries now.  Start talking to family/friends now ... As to what you want to do and how long you can be away.  Then mark your calendar (and tell your friends/family NOW) ... That you want to get yourself booked in May of 2016 for 2017 !

Viv's Alaska Tip: Sitka

Reminder ... For the port of Sitka ... Passengers must tender to get into port.

In this port, the water levels rise/lower at different times of the day, partially causing the reason for visiting this port, by way of tender.

 

Alaska Tip: Pre & post nights before cruise.

Consider flying into your cruise destination a day or two prior.  This way, you may, not only have a little time to rest after your flight, but maybe you can see a few sights in the area you flew into.  If not two days, a minimum of one, so you are there in plenty of time for your cruise or your land package.

 

Who wouldn’t want to see a little of Seattle, Anchorage, and others !

Also the same on the return.  It can help you better prepare for that flight home, especially if you have cruised “North Bound”.

Optional cruise/tours packages to consider, “outside of the cruise line realm” for your Alaska/Canadian cruise tours venture. Globus Tours/Cosmos

Unbeknown to many, Alaska/Canadian cruise tour packages can be purchased through Land Tour Operators.  To name just two, there’s Globus, and one of it’s family of brands, Cosmos.

 

Globus to Alaska.  Best of both worlds—the relaxation of a cruise combined with the excitement and cultural discovery of a guided land tour. Marvel at the spectacular glaciers and stunning scenery as you cruise to Alaska’s small towns. Keep your eyes out for whales, soaring eagles, seals, bears, and more wildlife. Watch for glaciers calving into the sea and hear the thunderous sound that accompanies it!   You’ll also enjoy time staying overnight on land—in such exciting places as Anchorage and Denali National Park. Plus, Globus Cruise & Tour vacations include special features such as a visit to an Iditarod champion’s home and kennels, where you can play with the sled dogs.

Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles

VIP Access
Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.
Perfect Hotels
We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.
Tour Directors
Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.
Transportation
Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Learn how Globus is reducing transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

Go here, Globus Tours:  http://www.globusjourneys.com/Vacation-Packages/Cruise-Tour/North-America/

Cosmos to Alaska.  When considering more budget in your Alaska adventure, consider one of Globus family of brands, Cosmos.  Imagine the thrill of hearing the thunderous roar as glaciers plunge into the sea, seeing a bald eagle soar overhead, and spotting captivating wildlife in their natural environment. On a value-packed, Cosmos escorted tour through Alaska and the Yukon, sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery while Cosmos handles the details—all at an affordable price. Ride the legendary Alaska Railroad, enjoy an exhilarating glacier cruise, explore the largest cities, and learn about the history and native cultures of the region—there is no other place like Alaska and the Yukon!

Go here, Cosmos: http://www.cosmos.com/Vacations/North-America/Alaska-Yukon/

 

Whether you choose one of the packages offered by the cruise line or an adventure through a “name brand” Land Tour operator … SEEK FIRST >>> A cruise/travel agent !  You want this adventure to run smoothly and you want to work with an agent who has a rapport with your brand of choice !