Cruising Alaska...The Facts

Alaska Cruise Resources

Cruising Alaska is one of the most rewarding vacation settings the world has to offer. Alaska is unique in that it lacks the beauties of the tropics; however, it opens into majestic awe inspiring majestic wonderlands. From the glaciers tumbling into the Pacific Ocean to the massive wildlife, there's something for everyone who visits Alaska. And what a better way than to cruise Alaska aboard one of the luxury cruise ships.

You can join us in our Cruising Alaska Adventure. We've put a little chronological encounter of our cruise to help shed some insights into cruising Alaska.

Cruising Alaska is one of the most popular cruising routes. Gone are the days when you could book at the last minute and hope to find great cruising deals. Now, booking is done six or seven months out. Some people are already booking into the 2006 season.

Nothwesterners are taking advantage of the Alaska cruise, it's so simple. There's no air transportation expenses and hassles, the cruise ships are close-to-home.

The 2005 cruise season, four major cruise lines will offer service from Seattle to Alaska - Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. The season extends from May through September.

If you're on a budget and prefer the more casual cruises, check out Norwegian Cruise Line. They also offer the eat-anytime in various restaurants throughout the ship.

Holland America and Celebrity Cruises are more upscale and serene. You'll pay for the additional upscale.

If you're looking for more glitz and entertainment, check out Princess Cruises.

Ten Tips To A Discounted Cruising Alaska Trip

1. Organize your cruise for the "off-season". Stay away from the "peak season". If you can schedule your time even a few weeks before or after the peak season you'll save substantially. For example, cruising Alaska will have it's peak season during July and August. If you can sail before or after those dates you'll save.

2. Decide which cruise line you want to sail on. Some travel agencies tend to push a specific cruise line for various reasons, one reason is the agency receives a higher commission. Norwegian Cruise Lines, for the most part, will yield a better savings. Do a little homework and check out the amenities on each vessel to make sure it meets your expectations.

3. Don't be miss-led when you see advertised specials such as "Cheap Alaska Cruises, $599". These advertisements are usually for off-season and do not include port fees and taxes.

4. Get a cruise quote that includes port fees and taxes. If the agency is unable to give that information to you then find another agency. Your interest should be the bottom line, the total cost with NO Hidden Fees. Port fees can run a couple hundred dollars per passenger, just be aware.

5. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time in your cabin, get an inside cabin. An inside cabin, without a window, is by far the cheapest. The drawback to an inside cabin, you'll never know what time of day it is sense no "day light" comes into your room. Make sure to have a clock.

6. Cabin rates are typically based on a 2-person occupancy. In other words, the first 2-people in the cabin will pay the full-fare, additional people will pay 1/2 the fare. If you plan on having more than 2-people in a cabin, make sure you are NOT paying full fare for the extra 2-people. If so, find another agency.

7. Cruise insurance is often recommended by the agency when booking your cruise. Don't purchase cruise insurance from a travel agency, get it from an insurance company. You'll not only save money but you'll probably get a better policy too. We recommend the insurance because with the correct policy you are covered for trip cancellation either on your part or the cruise line, medical and luggage.

8. Cruising with a group does not always save you money on your cruise. If you are cruising with a group because you want to save money, think again, you may not be saving at all. The organizer of your group, if the group consists of 8-cabins, will usually get the cruise for free. They are the true savers.

9. Check out your Sunday paper's travel section long before you cruise. It'll give you an idea of what the market is like.

10. We highly recommend: Putting a price on happiness. The best rates - 110% guaranteed - at CruisesOnly. They are the world's largest cruise agency and many travel agencies use them, including the famous Best Fares. They offer the discount luxury cruise because they purchase "bulk" tickets directly from the cruise lines.
    

If you have any questions regarding Cruising Alaska, contact us at cruise@Travel-to-Oregon-Tips.com, we reveal the FACTS.