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Alaska CruisingCruising Alaska's Inside Passage seems to be on most people's "to do"list. Every year we send many people off to achieve their dream - and without exception, they have all returned thrilled by their once in a lifetime experience. In June I joined the ranks of the Alaska fans when I sailed on the elegant Seven Seas Mariner from Vancouver to Seward. Whilst I would consider myself well travelled, I was genuinely surprised by Alaska. Our cruise began with a spectacular sunlit afternoon departure from Vancouver Harbour. The first part of the journey from Vancouver through British Colombia to Alaska is very green. We sailed through passages barely wider than the ship which provided a beautiful view of the landscape from the comfort of our stateroom balcony. Within the first 24 hours we have seen porpoises swimming in the wake of the ship and eagles flying overhead. As you cruise further north the scenery slowing morphs before you eyes and you begin to see snow on the mountain tops, and the mountains, and eventually glacial peaks and icebergs in the water! Our visit to the Hubbard Glacier was a definate highlight. From a distance you can see this massive glacier as though it were very small. The glacier then rises up before you as you sail towards it - the captain being very careful to chart a course through the icebergs which have calved off. As you sit silently within the Glacial bay, you can hear the thunderous crack of the ice as it calves from the glacier into the icy waters below. We chose the Radisson Seven Seas Mariner because of their "Luxury goes Exploring" signature. This all-suite ship also guaranteed that even at the "from" price, we would be accommodated in a balcony suite. The Radisson cruise fare also includes gratuities, complimentary mini bar set up, and wine with dinner. KAREN'S TOP TIPS FOR CHOSING THE RIGHT ALASKAN CRUISE EXPERIENCE FOR YOU. There are now more then 30 ships cruising the Inside passage. They range in size from small ships carrying no more than 100 passengers, to state-of-the-art Superliners carrying more than 2500 passengers. The itineraries on these cruises range from very detailed, deep inside passage cruises, to one way journeys from Vancouver to Seward. The prices on these cruises vary as much as the size of the cabins, ships and itineraries. The Alaskan cruising season begins in May and ends in early September. The best months to view wildlife such as bears, deer and moose are July and August. In chosing the right Alskan cruise for you there are some important considerations - The size of the ship and the cabin type - inside, outside or balcony. The itinerary - whether to cruise from Seatle, Vancouver, or a port within Alaska. The style of the cruise - how active you want to be and how luxurious you would like your cruise experience to be. The price - which cruise will offer the best value for your needs - keeping in mind that companies such as Radisson include gratuities and alcohol in their cruise fare. What land excursions do you want to include - both from the ship - and before or after your cruise. Regardless of which cruise you chose you will be amazed by the vastness and the beauty of the Alaskan Wilderness! |
