Aquafest Alaska Cruise on NCL Pearl

May 31st, 2009
miamimike13 asked:


Alaska Cruise on board NCL Pearl. We cruised with Aquafest which is a group of *** and ******* passengers on board a mainstream cruise.

Maria

Alaska Cruise

May 30th, 2009
rshackelfordgribble asked:


August 2008 Alaska cruise to Juneau, Hubbard glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria BC, and Seattle

Maria

Alaskan Cruise - An Icy Adventure

May 23rd, 2009
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


While considering a cruise, one of the most vital things to be considered is the itinerary. Some of the most popular cruise destinations are the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and the Bahamas. These offer a very different experience, particularly for beginners.

On the other hand, connoisseurs of cruises look for something that is very different from the experience offered by the previously mentioned cruise destinations. If they visit the same places they visited earlier, albeit on another cruise ship, the element of surprise and the unknown is absent.

If you fall under this category, and are seeking a cruise out of the ordinary, then an Alaskan cruise holiday is right up your alley. You can hope to see new vistas, new people and cultures and other things which will leave an indelible mark in your heart.

In case you are wiling to try something different, go on the Alaskan cruise. It’s an ideal destination for a long cruise as well as a short expedition.

Alaska occupies 570,374 sq. miles of land and is the biggest of the states of the United States of America. It is large enough to completely cover Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado. In spite of its large dimensions, its one of the least populated regions on the planet.

Alaska is surrounded by natural borders like rivers, streams and mountains. One of the biggest draws of Alaska is its glaciers, which form an ideal backdrop for a cruise. A cruise along its long coastline will enable you to fully appreciate its beauty.

If you choose a cruise with Glacier Bay as a part of the itinerary, you will be rewarded with the site of glaciers calving. The process of the glaciers breaking off from the cliff of ice and falling into the ocean is termed as calving. This happens many times an hour if the glacier’s large enough.

Watching glaciers calving may induce you to go and touch the ice. Luckily, some cruise lines offer you the services of a helicopter and hiking on ice, which enables you to get on to the glaciers. This experience has no other equivalent in the world.

While on the Alaskan cruise, you may want to visit Tracy Arm Fjord as well. This is a branch of the sea which stretches inland for a few miles. Here, you can truly understand the majesty of the granite cliffs, and the waterfalls cascading off the cliffs from a different perspective.

The ideal time to go on an Alaskan cruise is from May to September. Here, you will experience much lower temperatures than in the south during summer.

The most famous Alaskan cruises are the Inside Passage cruise and the Gulf of Alaska cruise. The former goes through Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan and lasts for about one week. On this cruise, various supplementary excursions are possible as well. The latter is also called as the Glacier Route Cruise. On this cruise, you can visit Glacier Bay and at times, the Hubbard Glacier as well.

Immaterial of which cruise you choose, all cruise lines will give you the required flexibility on your cruise. Smaller vessels are available, usually with a capacity of about 150, to help you get closer to the glaciers without doing a Titanic.

Everything depends on the choices you make. If you are of an adventurous nature, you may want to book a smaller cruise ship even if it costs more. On the other hand, if you’ll be satisfied with only sightseeing, then a larger ship is preferable. Whatever you choose, remember to expect the unexpected.

Everything is right before your eyes – what Alaska is and what it can offer you. Once you begin the cruise, you will never remember your worries. Happy cruising!



April

Getting to Know Alaska Cruises

May 22nd, 2009
Paolo Basauri asked:


Alaska Cruises are sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. Setting off from the port you are embarked on a journey with beautiful sights and lots of fun inside as well as outside the cruise ship itself.

Alaska is located in the northwest edge of America. This portion of land is part of the United States of America, and is one of its most beautiful jewels in terms of natural beauty. When you want to go on an Alaska Cruise, you have basically two options for the cruise’s route: around the Inside Passage, or one-way along the Gulf.

Going around the Inside Passage, you will visit places like Glacier Bay, Juneau and Skagway, all of them beautiful on their own. On the other hand going along the Gulf (Glacier cruises) you’ll explore Fox Island or visit Kenai Fjords National Park. What’s the best option? Well I think both of them are! Any option you choose will be full of great memories and fun stuff to do. If you can take both in your life and you’ll know what I talk about.

About the lines that offer Alaska Cruises, we have among them Princess Cruises, Holland America Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. These lines offer top cruises, often called “floating cities”, because of all the things they have inside: casinos, lounges, movie theatres, libraries, health clubs and more. So you can rest assured that the stay at the cruise will be an experience by itself.

There are also small cruise lines that offer a more specialized type of Alaska cruises, like Linblad or American Safari, that specializes in wildlife exploration of Alaska or in special adventure activities such as kayaking or hiking.

What more can be said? Alaska cruises are an experience you’ll never forget, so if you are interested don’t forget to bring your camera, because of all the beautiful things you’ll fin there guaranteed.



Loretta

There’s something for everyone in Alaska

May 21st, 2009
Alison White asked:


Alaska has been a cruise lovers’ favourite for many years. Many cities and sites are inaccessible by road, and a cruise ship provides passengers with a view of many natural wonders that cannot be seen from land. Over 750,000 cruise passengers will sail Alaskan waters during the short 5 month cruise season, attracted by the prospects of seeing towering glaciers, charming small towns, and all manner of wildlife.

The sheer ease of cruise travel is one reason for its popularity. You take in the scenery from your ship, disembarking to visit ports of call or to engage in sports activities.

This compares to less than 40,000 who visit Antarctica during its short cruise season. Sixteen major cruise lines will send more than 40 diverse ships to Alaska, ranging in size from 12 passengers to over 2600! Ships sail roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle to the southeast panhandle of Alaska. Cruises usually include famous Glacier Bay National Park, home of 16 magnificent glaciers.

More cruise ships than ever are sailing Alaskan waters. Alaska is one cruise destination that is very high on most cruise lovers’ list. Alaska’s cruise season generally runs from May through September, although some smaller ships start up in April. May and September are considered the shoulder seasons, when lower rates and more aggressive discounts are offered.

Summer is the big vacation season in the northwest, and many non-cruisers also choose to head to this beautiful part of the world. Cruisers go to Alaska to see the magnificent mountains, beautiful bays, and wonderful wildlife.

Many cruisers realise that if you love nature, you might be able to appreciate it more on a small ship. There is a wonderful variety of small ships sailing to Alaska, and each has something special to offer cruise lovers. Small or alternative ships are best suited for people who prefer a casual, crowd-free experience that offers passengers a chance to get up close and personal with Alaska’s natural surroundings and wildlife.

On the other hand, the megaships look and feel like floating resorts. Big on glitz, they offer loads of activities, attract many families and seniors, offer fancy casinos and fully equipped gyms, and provide a wide variety of meal and entertainment options.

Over the last few years, the number of Alaska shore excursions and activities available for cruise passengers has doubled. Today, shore options are focusing more than ever on adventure and outdoors activities: Kayaking, bicycling, dog sledding, river rafting and sport fishing are possible in the scenic wilderness of this great state, alongside more traditional tours focusing on culture and history.

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, has a great variety of things to see and do. A number of memorials are situated along the waterfront and boardwalk and the famous Red Dog Saloon is nearby; state and city museums and government buildings are a short walk, with shops all along the way.

Mendenhall Glacier, a 20 minute drive from downtown, is the most accessible glacier to any town on the Inside Passage. Active adventures abound in Juneau. This is an excellent spot for whale watching, wildlife viewing, kayaking and river rafting. Some whale watching companies actually offer cash refund if you don’t see a humpback or orca whale during your tour.

Sitka, on Baranof Island, has one of the most picturesque settings of any Alaskan port. Sitka is the former Russian capital of Alaska, which combines native culture, Russian history and Alaskan wilderness.

Famous for the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Skagway is known as the “Garden City of Alaska”. Garden enthusiasts should visit Jewell Gardens, which includes a miniature town site and train within the gardens. The gold rush cemetery is a fascinating spot just a short walk from town.

Every spring and summer, a spectacle blooms unlike anything else on Earth - Alaska cruising means thundering glaciers, temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, majestic peaks, untamed wildlife, and so much more.



Colleen

The Top 10 Reasons To Cruise Alaska

May 18th, 2009
Tom Sample asked:


For many people the world over the chance to cruise Alaska is a dream come true. With its unbelievable sights, rich history and outdoor activities, few cruise destinations can compare with a trip that includes cruising Alaska.

There are so many reasons to choose to cruise Alaska, it’s almost impossible to narrow them down. But, there are some things that stand out more than others for those who choose to cruise Alaska. Let’s look at a Top 10 list of reasons to decide to cruise Alaska on your next vacation:

* Perfect for families. Cruising Alaska is an ideal family vacation. With onboard pampering and outdoor fun around every bend, there are few vacations that are better for entire families. No matter a person’s age, cruising Alaska can be a blast. With activities designed for everyone and sites that are to die for, cruising Alaska brings with it memories to last a lifetime.

* Onboard activities. Cruising Alaska comes with the perks of onboard activities. From live entertainment to contests, games and more, there’s never a dull moment for those who choose to cruise Alaska.

* Food. If anyone says half the fun of cruising Alaska isn’t the food, they’re probably lying. With buffets and special spreads available at all hours of the day and night, cruising Alaska comes with a five-star floating restaurant. Plus, there are light snacks and room service around at all times.

* No need to do anything. One of the best things about an Alaskan cruise is the fact a passenger doesn’t have to do anything they don’t want to. With staff around to do everything, you don’t have to do anything but wake up and enjoy.

* Ports of call. The ports of call available for those who choose to cruise Alaska are amazing. From Anchorage to Denali and beyond, the ports of call on Alaskan cruises are varied and incredible. Stops can include places that are rough and tumble and those that are a bit more upscale and civilized.

* Wildlife. The wildlife viewing opportunities for those who cruise Alaska are amazing. From bears and seals to whales, eagles and more. There’s something new to see around just about every bend.

* Historic sites. The state of Alaska is loaded with historic sights. From those dedicated to the history of the state itself to Native American sites, there’s lots to explore.

* Whale watching. This is perhaps one of the biggest draws for those who choose to cruise Alaska. Side trips are available to take people into the heart of the water where whales can be seen going about their everyday lives.

* Fishing, hunting, camping, skiing and more. There are side trips available that involve all kinds of outdoor activities. Cruising Alaska is ideal for just about anyone who loves the great outdoors.

* Unbelievable views. The No. 1 reason why many choose to cruise Alaska are the breathtaking views the state offers. From rugged mountains to beautiful glaciers and incredible sunsets, there’s nothing like cruising Alaska for seeing things that are considered once in a lifetime.

Cruising Alaska brings with it all kinds of incredible perks. From the pampering onboard to the rugged outdoors, cruising Alaska is an experience that’s worth having.



Calvin

An Introduction To Caribbean Cruises

May 17th, 2009
Thomas DeSimone asked:


Caribbean cruises are a popular vacation choice for adults, couples and families alike. One reason for this is the convenience of planning a cruise. Another reason is that Caribbean cruises visit a variety of destinations and last for a various amount of days. You can take a 3-day cruise to Cancun or a 10-day cruise with excursions to a number of places. You can virtually set up a cruise to meet your time and financial needs.

The benefit of taking a Caribbean cruise is that you get to visit multiple locations in one trip. You will enjoy fine dining, meet new people, experience adventure, have a wide variety of experiences and see some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Plan the Perfect Vacation with a Caribbean Cruise

Caribbean cruises are the perfect vacation for couples, honeymoons and family vacations because each cruise is tailored to meet your traveling needs. A family cruise typically offers babysitters (at an hourly rate), adventure camps and playgroups for kids. This allows kids to have fun at their own level while adults get some free time of their own to explore.

Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Caribbean cruises depart regularly from Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Houston, New Jersey, New York and Cape Canaveral. Just as you can plan the kind of activities on your cruise, you can plan the types of excursions you want too have too. There are many counties, cities and islands you can incorporate into a Caribbean cruise:

* Alaska cruises Stop in Alaska for scenic arctic tours, glacial waterfalls, wilderness adventures and salmon fishing.

* In Asia try exotic foods; see the worlds tallest building, and visit local markets and beaches.

* In the Bahamas enjoy warm temperatures, sandy beaches or swim with the dolphins when you stop in the Bahamas.

* In Mexico roam the colonial city of Mexico or enjoy sandy beaches, coral reefs and tropical fish.

* In Hawaii catch the waves, surf, hike through the rain forest, see volcanoes or stretch out on the beach.

* In Europe experience the culture, history, art and architecture of European cities.

All Inclusive Cruises

Sometimes you can find an all inclusive Caribbean ruise. Not only does an all inclusive cruise save you money, but it saves a lot of time and effort you would have had to put into planning the vacation otherwise. You can find deals that include your meals, drinks, taxes, tips, airport transfers, water sports, cruise entertainment and select activities on excursions.

Last Minute Caribbean Cruises

Travelers can save a lot of money with last minute cruise deals. Cruises that have limited spaces left open them up to the public at a discounted rate just to fill the empty spots. This allows people to travel in luxury for as little as $100 to $150 per night, which is less than a fine hotel without all of the perks.

The Luxury of a Caribbean Cruise

Cruise ships come in difference size, decor and price ranges. Each ship offers a variety of room choices, as well, from inside cabin rooms to rooms with a window and a private balcony. One thing that will not leave you disappointed is the food on your cruise. Large buffets of food are set up throughout the day and well into the night. Its hard not to overdo it, but as long as you remain active on the cruise ship and participate in offshore activities, you will not have a problem.



Virginia

Alaska Cruise - A Sensational Experience!

May 16th, 2009
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


If you are planning for a vacation then the best place would be to take an Alaska Cruise. If you want to make it to the great wonders and majestic place come for an Alaska Cruise. It is one of the most recent members of the United States of the America.

There may be doubts in most of the minds whether Alaska Cruise exists or not. This is due to the fact that whenever one talks about the cruise the people think that they are talking about the exotic and beautiful beaches of the tropical heaven like the Caribbean islands. The Alaska Cruise also exists for that matter and you can spend your holidays there also and relax with all the comfort and services. So it’s similar to that enjoyed in the Caribbean.

Alaska Cruise differs to that of the Caribbean in the sense that they provide a lot many different things to the vacationers than that provided in the Caribbean. So if you like enjoying something different then try the Alaska Cruise.

One of the wonderful features of the Alaska Cruise is that it allows you to experience each pleasurable moment onboard and it also gives the kids opportunity to have fun and visit the exotic places of Alaska. Thus this type of vacation is perfect for the entire family members.

The forty ninth American state is Alaska and it is famous for the excessive cold. There are whole lots of things that can be enjoyed in the state of Alaska. In view of many people the beauty and the experience it gives while traveling and knowing different places in Alaska cannot be experienced any where else. Alaska is the biggest state with area extending upto 586,000 square miles. It is beyond the imagination which can be found in such a state.

There is a list of things you should look out for when traveling to Alaska.

a. Helicopter Trip

b. Wildlife

c. Train Rides

d. King Salmon Fishing

e. The Bus Journey to Denali State Park

In normal circumstances it will probably take 2 lives to discover all these beauties of Alaska. But worry not; the Alaska cruise will help to experience all these thrills within a week.

Alaska ha s huge Wilderness and with such varied wildlife you can have chance to look to the Mother Nature both from closeness and from a distance. A large population eagles can be seen in this part of the world. It will simply be breath taking when you see them doesn’t matter whether you are a nature lover or just a simple person. Every one has got something for them.

Across the United States the one of the largest tropical forest is found in Alaska. You would be fascinated to know and learn about these. Apart from these dense forest the Alaska also houses huge snow covered mountains and large glaciers.

Thus if you have decided to go for an Alaska cruise you are sure to witness all these. Seeing the formation of the glacier and wonderful waterfront city and town will definitely invite every nature lover to explore the place unique beauty. You can enjoying climbing a glacier and can take a trip on port of call towns.

The one of the best chances to witness these is to go for Alaska cruise and take the path called Inner Passage. Thus if you happen to go for Alaska Cruise then it is the best way to explore and discover the beauty of the Alaska cruise in its wholeness and completeness and that too in style and comfort.

The vacationers are taken special care in terms of good food, accommodation and transportation. It is being beautifully handled and you can choose to pursue your activity of choice.

If you wish you can have the chance to go the helicopter tour and climb over a glacier or you may watch a whale; the sea queen . You can also enjoy taking a ride to the Pass Railroad which is simply amazing. You can break free while taking a jeep trip on various road trail and roads.

Each town of Alaska which you will visit has their own unique culture and beauty and has a great history. Thus you will surely not want to miss all these. The Museums are the best place where you can know about the history of the towns in greater details.

Thus it is believed that Alaska has got all the beauty and wonder that nature can bestow to any place.

The fantastic display of light of Aurora Borealis can be witnessed in Alaska which will make you fall in love with the place.

With all of this on table, it is expected that Alaska will soon become one of the most famous and favorite cruise vacation destination of every traveler.



Sam

Find a Alaska Cruise - Great Cruise Destination

May 11th, 2009
Bryan Burbank asked:


When choosing to go on vacation you should consider taking a cruise and one of the most popular cruise is to Alaska. This is such a great cruise because the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking. There is also many shore excursions that you can take when on an Alaska Cruise adventure.

Learn how to find a: Discount Cruise

If you like adventure then make sure that you check into the Alaska Excursion packages because they are exciting and you will only find them in Alaska. If you would like to go dog sledding this the best place to give it a try and you can learn the history and how the dogs live and hunt. Maybe you like to fish and would like the adventure of fishing for Wild Alaska Salmon because it is a rare opportunity to catch one of these beauties.

Get some Advice about: Cheap Cruises

Maybe you would like to visit a mine and learn how the miners lived and worked in Alaska’s sometimes harsh conditions. If you are the outdoor type there is also many hiking and wilderness tours that will allow you to take in the beauties and smells of the Great Alaska Wilderness.

Not to worry because after a great day of shore excursions then you can entertain yourself to all that the ship has to offer on board. There is a casino so if you like to gamble this can be a great option for you. If you like the nightlife then you may want to check out the dance scene.

Remember that when you are looking at your next vacation then make sure you add an Alaska Cruise to the list.



Joann

Alaska Cruise Highlights

May 9th, 2009
ggg11333 asked:


Highlights while cruising the Inside passage, southbound, aboard Diamond Princess. 09-08/15-07 her last cruise of the season.

Eva