You are spot on Tony! Everybody needs to cruise to Alaska. In 2015, I did a cruise /land tour with Princess that was fabulous. I flew from Tampa to Seattle, princess provided a bus into Vancouver, where we sailed from. Every port we stopped at, Juno, Skagway, Ketchikan was full of history, amazing scenery and easy tours… in Juneau we got a bus tour for $10 that went around the route of five different places and you could get off and get back on as you chose. There was an amazing stop at an historic “gold miners” cemetery. We took a mountain path that seemed to go on forever, and just when I thought I wasn’t going to make it, I began to hear the sound of the waterfall that was just ahead. That mountain was majestic, and it looks like the waterfall just came out of the heavens. Princess did a wonderful job on the land tour as well, they had a bus from Whittier, where we got off the cruise, into Anchorage. From there a train took us all along into Denali national park. We stayed at two lodges, and did a nine hour Dinali tour. Then another train took us into Fairbanks where we did a river cruise with a lunch, and then went panning for gold. There was so much involved. And I haven’t even mentioned sailing through glacier Bay national park! I can’t do all the flying anymore, but I’m so thankful that I’ve been to Alaska. I’m also thankful that I live in Florida and can manage to cruise where I don’t have to fly. I did an amazing Panama canal cruise, and several Caribbean cruises. I’m 75 years old and I’m not done yet - in May I’m doing a southern Caribbean on the celebrity equinox! Only difference - this is going to be a sit back and relax cruise (even though we do have an excursion booked at every port…) but we’re booked in a suite and I’m looking forward to all those amenities. Keep doing what you’re doing Tony and Jenny, I love watching your Vlogs!
Sitka is a great Alaskan port for the history buff. I cruised Holland America to Alaska recently because I wanted to return to Sitka. I was also charmed by our stop in Icy Strait Point. This was my third trip to Alaska but my first Alaskan cruise. Tony, you are right to say that an Alaskan cruise is really for everyone! I am looking forward to my next Alaskan cruise on Discovery Princess in May. The ranger at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan told me that May is a good time to see migratory birds in the area.
I’ve cruised so many times in the Caribbean and now rarely get off the ship, but with Alaska, it’s always different. Sometimes you see brown bears sometimes you don’t. Once in a while you get to see orca, sometimes you see whale tales, sometime’s blows and once in a great while you get to see a full breach! Nothing like seeing a 40 ton animal launch it self completely out of the water. Mush dogs on a glacier, do a mile long zip line, hike the national park, spend time in Denali National Park, see the northern lights, see and hear and hear a glacier calving.….it’s different each time you go. It’s never boring, not like seeing the same Caribbean island no matter which one you go to. Do a cruise tour and start in Fairbanks and experience the white nights…..go go go, you gotta go
I’ve been twice and can’t wait to go again. Beautiful and by far my favorite cruise location. We did less adventurous/see the scenery excursions the first time. The second trip we did more of the adventurous…. I stood on a glacier and mushed a sled dog team! Both trips were fantastic and completely different.
I've done Three 7 day cruises and One 14 day cruise to Alaska. I love the history, the wildlife, the photo opportunities (which are bountiful), the culture, and the amazing food! I love it all!
I'm usually the cruiser who likes to be moving all the time but on my Alaskan cruise I just wanted to sit on my balcony with a hot pot of tea or a bottle of wine and watch the world go by. It was perfection!
We went about 10 years ago. I'd love to go back. I'm a history and culture cruiser (no laying around the beach for me!). I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it was refreshing to watch your videos (especially since the weather here in Texas is still hot and dry).
Great advice Tony, I would add one more, since Cruising to Alaska is almost all in protected Inland waters with little or no open ocean involved, if you are concerned you might get seasick, your chances are much less on this Cruise. Absolutely book a cabin with a balcony! Mostly you are only a few hundred yards from the wilderness shore and chances or sighting bears and bald eagles are high. I love to sit on my balcony and sip a hot beverage watching the scenery go by and it is nonstop. I've been on Cruises almost everywhere in N. America, but not yet to the Mexican Riviera, and Alaska is by far my favorite. Prepare for some rain, it's possible here, but celebrate when it's sunny. Bring Binoculars!
Yee-Haw! Alaska has been on my must-do list above any other cruise, and it's been cancelled so many times. I've got Alaska rebooked for 2022 (including land tour portion up to Denali) & 2023 (out of San Francisco to go under the Golden Gate Bridge) - but wait just a minute... I am so happy to say I just returned from ALASKA after picking up a "drop & go" on Majestic Princess out of Seattle. I loved my trip 9/19-26/2021. It was everything I'd hoped for and more! Thank you for always keeping us hope-filled and inspired, Tony. Dream it, Do it!!
We are basically doing the same cruise you went on but on the NCL Bliss. I'm 50 and haven't been on a cruise since I was 16. It looks like it's going to be a totally different vibe. Back then there was just one or two dining rooms, you had to pick a time to eat, and it was always dressy attire. I was shocked to see all the different restaurants but disappointed that they weren't all included in the price. My husband has never been and when I asked him what he wanted to do he said he would like to try a cruise. We are both cold weather people and they were offering such great deals because of the pandemic we couldn't pass up booking one to Alaska. We booked in December 2020 and we are going April 2022.
Been there, done that. Missed some important things (like small boat whale watching) and given the chance, I will definitely go again! The mountains are majestic. It's worth the land tour including Denali and the train trip too. Too bad you and Don couldn't do that part this year.
One of the reasons I like cruising is that I can go out and explore. Explore. Then go back to the ship. Have drinks and dinner ready. There’s a comfort. I would like to see more late evenings or overnights in some ports. May need to back a few times. Alaska is on our list.
Our 1st cruise was an Alaska cruise tour 10 yrs ago. We had no idea what to expect, but we know we didn’t miss much. It was our 25th Anniversary and didn’t worry about a budget. I could still talk about those 2 weeks for hours. That started us on this cruise life. Keep up the great work Tony!
Because of all the videos from you, parodeejay and Alyssa&Griff we are booking an Alaskan cruise!! Yours on Princess, Parodeejay on Royal and Carnival, and A&G on NCL all look fantastic! We are Celebrity fans so we are booking Celebrity Solstice for Aug 2022. It will be my husband's 78th birthday. I just hope we didn't wait too long. Thanks Tony for being the pioneer and convincing us it's time to go to Alaska!!
Hello, my husband and I are also booked on the Celebrity Solstice in August 2022. We can't wait and have been also enjoying all the other TH-cam videos recently.
We did a Princess land/sea cruise a few years ago and for sure, want to go again. It’s the majestic scenery that got to me…and going in the summer to the “land of the midnight sun”.
We went to Alaska out of Seattle on RCCL Ovation. The wife and I have been on a lot of cruises out of every port from Galveston to Miami. Being from Alabama, it was hard to think of a cruise with no beaches and not being hot most all the time. To us, Alaska did not fit the mold of what cruising is. But for our 20th anniversary and my wife’s 50th birthday we bit the bullet. All I can say is WOW! The only thing I can say is we felt like we were in a Thomas Kinkade painting at every stop. Alaska is definitely in our top 2 prettiest places we have ever been… and likely is number 1! The only other place in the running would be Trunk Bay. Nevertheless, we would go back in a second, however air fair from Alabama to Seattle Washington isn’t cheap. But everyone should see Alaska if at all possible.
I went to Alaska once, it was awesome. I loved walking around the Port towns, feeling transported in time. My favorite thing to do though was watching for whales :)
Alaska is just so beautiful, you need to make several trips to really enjoy it. You also need to spend several days on land in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage for the ultimate trip.
Tony, you really captured so many reasons for going to Alaska. I think each of us has a little adventure, history, photography, nature, thrill-seeker, foodie bug buried deep inside. I will be going back someday! Thank for your blog, we get to relive and imagine new adventures because of you!
I'm booked on a Double Denali land/sea cruise to Alaska and the Yukon at the beginning of the next season with Holland America. I live on Vancouver Island and cruise a lot, but decided to keep Alaska lower down on my list while I travelled longer distances. Well now, thanks to the pandemic, a cruise that starts and ends in Vancouver is perfect!
I have cruised to Alaska quite a few times and loved each one. I would like to encourage people to look at the Princess Cruise-tours. I have done the Denali to Seattle (tour part first cruise from Anchorage to Seattle second) and it was fabulous. The excitement of Denali and the train to Anchorage is great and the you can relax a bit on the cruise from there to Seattle.
Just got off NCL Encore to Alaska last week, and can't wait to go back again. Alaska is my go to cruise, if I want to go on a quick easy trip (I live on the west coast), but it's also one of my favorite places to cruise. I could sit and take pictures non-stop all day of all the gorgeous scenery. My last cruise was to Alaska was before Covid, and my first since.
A smaller ship like Holland America can dock in Sitka and Glacier Bay which I highly recommend. I took my 18 year old granddaughter on the round trip Alaska cruise out of Seattle with her best friend and Sitka was her favourite port. The cruise director had activities for older teen’s like a Prom night that they loved and every photographer wanted to take their picture. It was magical!
My one and only cruise was to Alaska in 2019. It wasn't just life affirming, it was life changing. We're going back in Jun 22 and I'm trying to get into shape so I can hike Mt. Roberts. My favorite part? All the waterfalls
Cruised Alaska twice. On the old Crown Priness in 1995 and Radiance of the Seas in 2003. Our 3rd trip there was canceled in May 2020. Will book again in 2022. Videography and Scenic/ Naturalist photography is my bag.
Alaska is One of my most favorite places to cruise to. Everyone should plan a cruise to Alaska. I have gone almost every year and all seasons. All the reason you said why you should go to Alaska is right on. Thank You Tony.
I met you on the first day of the Alaskan cruise by Guest Services. It was my first time seeing Alaska and I totally agree with everything you said. I've been wanting to go, so was really looking forward to it and it exceeded all my expectations! Great port cities and the most unbelievable views of nature! I'd go again in a heartbeat. Maybe next year. 🤔
I lived there first from 1958-1962. It became a state on my birthday while I was there on Jan 3, 1959. I have been back 5 more times...King Salmon, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Barrow, Nome. Love the state, just too cold for me. Love the summers there though. Bring mosquito spray LOL.
The land/sea package tours to Alaska that are offered by the cruise lines are well worth it. The ship only gives you a taste of the state. Traveling through the roads (and seeing a moose beside them); staying in very cozy lodges; and seeing cities that are not accessible by ship as well as the largest national park in the country (Wrangell St. Elias) make the extra time and expense worth it.
We've been doing Alaska Cruises almost every year as its an easy trip for us as we live close to the port No airfare or hassles at TSA. Our first Alaska Cruise was in 1980 on the Alaska Marine Ferry system and at that time, the White Pass & Yukon was operating all the way to Whitehorse Yukon. So we got off the ferry in Skgway and took the train to Whitehorse. Were still talking about that trip as it was magical. Everyone should go to Alaska and Antartica at least once in their lives
We've cruised Alaska 3 times- all fabulous! Beautiful scenery! Lots of fun things to do! Favorite excursion-Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter. Walked all over glacier- beautiful! Alaska is a must-go-to for all cruisers.
We have gone twice. First time we did the cruise only. BIG mistake. So we had to go back to add the land portion as well. We did the Princess, Off the Beaten Path, package! Just absolutely beautiful! It is a bit tiresome as you are moving daily, but SO worth it! Recommend you do the land portion first, then board the ship. We took a float plane excursion and landed on a remote glacier lake (bring bug spray!). We also climbed up a glacier, not far from Valdez! Hope to go back one day!
Went to Alaska about 6 years ago and I would go again in a heartbeat. Would love to do a land and sea package, but honestly I would do the exact same trip again with no hesitation.
I sure agree with you on every one of your points. I want to go back. Alaska is haunting me. Add in memory making with your family, and it’s the whole package.
Inside passage cruises are a great way to dip your toe in Alaskan tourism. Now Tony, next year you need to go on a land/sea cruise! Book for Mid June to through July sometime. You'll miss the rainy season in the interior and should have nice weather. Alaska has 2 distinct ecosystems - The rainforest, the taiga, and the tundra. You only scratched the surface of the rainforest on this interior cruise. Getting off the ship and doing the land component will allow you to see things you can't see anywhere else in the world. Different Alaskan native cultures, foods, environments - it's wildly different everywhere you go. Many cruise lines also have a rail package (Princess and Holland America have their own rail cars) with spectacular views of Denali and all through the interior. If you can only do one cruise, the inside passage is great. But if you can, do a land/sea package as well. You won't be sorry
I was stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka in the early 90's and absolutely loved my time there. Was able to visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak. I've actually signed up for a 'Coastie Cruise' for August 2022 with about 100 retired coasties for an 8-day trip---can't wait!
Loved this! My husband and I will be first time cruisers and our cruise is to Alaska. We talked about it for 20 years and finally booked it in 2019 to go in Aug 2020 ☹️ We decided to take the cruise credit and skipped booking 2021 to go in August 2022. Praying cruising continues to get better with time. Watching your videos, I know one thing I need to get back to walking or the cruise is going to kick by bootie.
Living in cold Canadian winters I didn't feel the need to cruise to Alaska and then 4 years ago it hit me, i wanted to see whales and enjoy the snowy mountains views. Well a couple of delays due to pandemic but we will be sailing to Alaska from Vancouver in 2022. So i've totally enjoyed your videos and took notes for our trip . Thanks!
I leave for my 3rd Alaskan cruise a week from tomorrow. It's definitely a different environment than a Caribbean cruise, and I don't mean just the weather. While the Caribbean cruises seem to be all about the sun and sand and party life, this is about the views and the nature as you alluded to. I have some trepidation about my specific ship, the NCL Encore, as it doesn't seem like the right kind of ship for this kind of itinerary with it's limited outdoor space. I can't imagine many people wanting to use the water park, or even the go kart race track, which takes up MOST of the upper deck, as opposed to people who would like to be outdoors enjoying the views, the whales, and taking videos and pics.
We went on the Norwegian Bliss ( sister to Encore) a few years back to Alaska. It was a fantastic cruise! They have a huge ceiling to floor observation deck that is great for viewing that beautiful scenery! They also have an outdoor restaurant area called the Waterfront that wraps around the ship giving additional viewing opportunities 👍
@@PharmDMarKai Well I knew about the forward observation lounge, but I'm a bit of a shutterbug who likes to be outside to take pictures. I'm seeing more and more ships don't have those forward open air viewing spots like the older, smaller ships and I really missed that on my last cruise on the ms Koningsdam. But I have a balcony and that will help a lot. Despite my trepidation, I am very excited about it.
Was on ncl Bliss, the sister ship to Encore, for Panama canal. The observation lounge on deck 15? I think, is a wonderful spot to watch the sea go by. Check it out, I think you will be happy on that ship. The class is great.🥰
@@debbie8935 I just love being out on the open deck, and I know I'm going to miss that. But with the bigger ships, especially those with "attractions," it seems like the open deck area is dwindling. With the Encore a lot of it is taken up by the Haven and Beach Club as well. You can have open deck, but hey you have to pay extra for it. In general, I'm REALLY pretty opposed to the big ships, but I figured with the lower capacities and decent fare, it was time to check one out.
Been 2x in college we took the intercanal ferry system you got off different cities hiked camp For 35th wedding anniversary took princess just as awesome just different experience We are approaching 50th anniversary and planning. To do whole ball of wax. Land cruise tour
AK was on my mom's bucket list. I worked as a travel agent at the time and I got my mom a great deal on a Princess cruisetour. I went with her and fell in love with AK. I am a beach fan but love nature.the best part is that AK doesn't have snakes.
I went on an Alaska cruise in 2006 & enjoyed it. For me, it was a bucket list vacation, but the cooler weather was not my ideal situation. I prefer warmer cruise destinations, but I think Alaska is a great alternative vacation & definitely great for adventure! I am taking another Alaska cruise in 2022 on Princess to enjoy their Alaska cruise experience. The ports are definitely unique and the wildlife is incredible, so I think being 16 years older, I will enjoy Alaska more this time. By the way Tony, thanks for the SurfShark tip! I have downloaded their VPN on all of my devices for security when I travel, since I had a bad experience with public wifi on my last cruise vacation.
We have only been to Alaska once but plan on going again. One of our ports was not in Alaska but Victoria, BC. If you get the chance to stop, I highly recommend Butchart Gardens. It was so beautiful.
Your Alaska list? 10 👍 thumbs up! I’m going to add one ….. Yes it’s a destination for the physically fit but I believe a cruise ship offers the physically challenged an opportunity to discover as well. My last trip (had been 6 times prior) was in a mobility scooter following an accident. The views from the ship, of course, were extraordinary. Yes, you are limited ashore but there are still opportunities of discovery, even in a scooter. Onboard we selected an aft-facing balcony cabin as always. It offered views of everything. At sea I spotted whales from our balcony and with an excellent pair of binoculars I spotted animals when close to shore. If you can physically stand the travel to get there (almost 12 hours for us from the East Coast), you will find your ship a comfortable oasis. You can choose a land segment,I suggest you book a cruise tour where your luggage handling and transfers are included from arrival in Anchorage to departure in Vancouver.m My 2 cents. 😃
We took an Alaska cruise few years ago from San Francisco. I have to say that it was the most interesting, beautiful, eye-opening, rejuvenating cruise we have ever taken. We were suppose to go again in 2020 but...tried twice, cancelled twice. I highly recommend going to Alaska. It is so different and wonderful! Thanks for sharing :)
Loved this video Tony! And so happy that you appreciate Alaska like all of us commenting here, do.You saw the light! Alaska is breathtaking- next time with Jenny, book it a little earlier- July or August- much better and warmer weather.
You presentedd your experience beautifully. If you want a little Alaska history mixed with contemporary life in a less boring form, try reading some of the Kate Shugak murder mysteries by Dana Stabenow. She grew up in the state, & presents one facet of life there in each of her books, from fishing to working on the Alaska pipeline. You pick up historical background almost by osmosis while enjoying a rollicking good story.
1st cruise was on NCL Joy Haven in Aug 2019 and it was cold and wet. 😆 I was so cold the entire time I wore most of the clothes and outerwear that I brought all AT THE SAME TIME and I moved around and still shivered. My teeth chattered several minutes even after I went inside. Ports and scenery were great but I couldn’t stand being outside while ship was moving b/c of wind. I’d go again but only in July.
Alaska is on my must do list in the next 5 years. Most of these classifications fit me perfectly. The most important things to me when I travel are the history, architecture and also the natural. You're absolutely correct that learning about where you are travelling to will really make for a better trip. Also I love the tours/excursions from the local guides. But hey - I also just like to go to a great restaurant, pub, bar, beers on the beach, etc. I think a good vacation should be a mix of both.
I LOVE Alaska!! My kids were stationed there and we got to know it very well. We’ve done two cruises there as well and will do our third one next year with Don!
Every time I want to go on a cruise, I check Alaska first. I’ve been there 5 times. I will go as many times as I can. That’s why there are always 4-5 ships or more there all season. The best.
I went in 2016. Our ship missed up we had to skip a port it was Skagway. Need warmer clothing. I learned to several thing on what not to do. Like number one Book closer to the port even if it cost more you spend the extra in getting places. Second don't rent a car with married people that fight all the time. When I go back I like to go on Princess. I am the photographer.
We lived in Anchorage for several years and we've sailed to Alaska probably 5 or 6 times...have another scheduled for next summer. Alaska is beautiful!
You are spot on Tony! Everybody needs to cruise to Alaska. In 2015, I did a cruise /land tour with Princess that was fabulous. I flew from Tampa to Seattle, princess provided a bus into Vancouver, where we sailed from. Every port we stopped at, Juno, Skagway, Ketchikan was full of history, amazing scenery and easy tours… in Juneau we got a bus tour for $10 that went around the route of five different places and you could get off and get back on as you chose. There was an amazing stop at an historic “gold miners” cemetery. We took a mountain path that seemed to go on forever, and just when I thought I wasn’t going to make it, I began to hear the sound of the waterfall that was just ahead. That mountain was majestic, and it looks like the waterfall just came out of the heavens. Princess did a wonderful job on the land tour as well, they had a bus from Whittier, where we got off the cruise, into Anchorage. From there a train took us all along into Denali national park. We stayed at two lodges, and did a nine hour Dinali tour. Then another train took us into Fairbanks where we did a river cruise with a lunch, and then went panning for gold. There was so much involved. And I haven’t even mentioned sailing through glacier Bay national park! I can’t do all the flying anymore, but I’m so thankful that I’ve been to Alaska. I’m also thankful that I live in Florida and can manage to cruise where I don’t have to fly. I did an amazing Panama canal cruise, and several Caribbean cruises. I’m 75 years old and I’m not done yet - in May I’m doing a southern Caribbean on the celebrity equinox! Only difference - this is going to be a sit back and relax cruise (even though we do have an excursion booked at every port…) but we’re booked in a suite and I’m looking forward to all those amenities. Keep doing what you’re doing Tony and Jenny, I love watching your Vlogs!
Sitka is a great Alaskan port for the history buff. I cruised Holland America to Alaska recently because I wanted to return to Sitka. I was also charmed by our stop in Icy Strait Point. This was my third trip to Alaska but my first Alaskan cruise. Tony, you are right to say that an Alaskan cruise is really for everyone! I am looking forward to my next Alaskan cruise on Discovery Princess in May. The ranger at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan told me that May is a good time to see migratory birds in the area.
I have a solo trip booked next June on the NCL Spirit, 16 days including Hawaii and Alaska. Packing will be a challenge but I can’t wait!
I’ve cruised so many times in the Caribbean and now rarely get off the ship, but with Alaska, it’s always different. Sometimes you see brown bears sometimes you don’t. Once in a while you get to see orca, sometimes you see whale tales, sometime’s blows and once in a great while you get to see a full breach! Nothing like seeing a 40 ton animal launch it self completely out of the water. Mush dogs on a glacier, do a mile long zip line, hike the national park, spend time in Denali National Park, see the northern lights, see and hear and hear a glacier calving.….it’s different each time you go. It’s never boring, not like seeing the same Caribbean island no matter which one you go to. Do a cruise tour and start in Fairbanks and experience the white nights…..go go go, you gotta go
Exactly! As a solo female travel, I can explore within the safety of the cruise ship!
Cruised the Inside Passage and loved it. I definitely hope to go again. Incredible scenery and a variety of great shore excursion opportunities.
I blew up my credit card and went on a solo supp in 2006.
Best decision ever! 👍🏻
I’ve been twice and can’t wait to go again. Beautiful and by far my favorite cruise location. We did less adventurous/see the scenery excursions the first time. The second trip we did more of the adventurous…. I stood on a glacier and mushed a sled dog team! Both trips were fantastic and completely different.
I've done Three 7 day cruises and One 14 day cruise to Alaska. I love the history, the wildlife, the photo opportunities (which are bountiful), the culture, and the amazing food! I love it all!
I'm usually the cruiser who likes to be moving all the time but on my Alaskan cruise I just wanted to sit on my balcony with a hot pot of tea or a bottle of wine and watch the world go by. It was perfection!
We went about 10 years ago. I'd love to go back. I'm a history and culture cruiser (no laying around the beach for me!). I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it was refreshing to watch your videos (especially since the weather here in Texas is still hot and dry).
Great advice Tony, I would add one more, since Cruising to Alaska is almost all in protected Inland waters with little or no open ocean involved, if you are concerned you might get seasick, your chances are much less on this Cruise.
Absolutely book a cabin with a balcony! Mostly you are only a few hundred yards from the wilderness shore and chances or sighting bears and bald eagles are high. I love to sit on my balcony and sip a hot beverage watching the scenery go by and it is nonstop. I've been on Cruises almost everywhere in N. America, but not yet to the Mexican Riviera, and Alaska is by far my favorite. Prepare for some rain, it's possible here, but celebrate when it's sunny. Bring Binoculars!
Yee-Haw! Alaska has been on my must-do list above any other cruise, and it's been cancelled so many times. I've got Alaska rebooked for 2022 (including land tour portion up to Denali) & 2023 (out of San Francisco to go under the Golden Gate Bridge) - but wait just a minute... I am so happy to say I just returned from ALASKA after picking up a "drop & go" on Majestic Princess out of Seattle. I loved my trip 9/19-26/2021. It was everything I'd hoped for and more! Thank you for always keeping us hope-filled and inspired, Tony. Dream it, Do it!!
We are basically doing the same cruise you went on but on the NCL Bliss. I'm 50 and haven't been on a cruise since I was 16. It looks like it's going to be a totally different vibe. Back then there was just one or two dining rooms, you had to pick a time to eat, and it was always dressy attire. I was shocked to see all the different restaurants but disappointed that they weren't all included in the price. My husband has never been and when I asked him what he wanted to do he said he would like to try a cruise. We are both cold weather people and they were offering such great deals because of the pandemic we couldn't pass up booking one to Alaska. We booked in December 2020 and we are going April 2022.
Been there, done that. Missed some important things (like small boat whale watching) and given the chance, I will definitely go again! The mountains are majestic. It's worth the land tour including Denali and the train trip too. Too bad you and Don couldn't do that part this year.
One of the reasons I like cruising is that I can go out and explore. Explore. Then go back to the ship. Have drinks and dinner ready. There’s a comfort. I would like to see more late evenings or overnights in some ports. May need to back a few times. Alaska is on our list.
I’ve been to Alaska a number of times , & now have a b2b booked to go back again next year . SO MUCH TO SEE & ENJOY !!
Our 1st cruise was an Alaska cruise tour 10 yrs ago. We had no idea what to expect, but we know we didn’t miss much. It was our 25th Anniversary and didn’t worry about a budget. I could still talk about those 2 weeks for hours. That started us on this cruise life. Keep up the great work Tony!
Because of all the videos from you, parodeejay and Alyssa&Griff we are booking an Alaskan cruise!! Yours on Princess, Parodeejay on Royal and Carnival, and A&G on NCL all look fantastic! We are Celebrity fans so we are booking Celebrity Solstice for Aug 2022. It will be my husband's 78th birthday. I just hope we didn't wait too long. Thanks Tony for being the pioneer and convincing us it's time to go to Alaska!!
Hello, my husband and I are also booked on the Celebrity Solstice in August 2022. We can't wait and have been also enjoying all the other TH-cam videos recently.
@@janiebupp8011 we are the doing Aug 12th sailing. If you are on the same one perhaps we can meet up and have a coffee or drink?
@@bmlaurent32137 Awww shucks, we are sailing on 8/5/2022. We will wave to you as we are leaving the ship LOL.
@@janiebupp8011 😪😪👋👋
Thanks Marlene!
We did a Princess land/sea cruise a few years ago and for sure, want to go again. It’s the majestic scenery that got to me…and going in the summer to the “land of the midnight sun”.
We went to Alaska out of Seattle on RCCL Ovation. The wife and I have been on a lot of cruises out of every port from Galveston to Miami. Being from Alabama, it was hard to think of a cruise with no beaches and not being hot most all the time. To us, Alaska did not fit the mold of what cruising is. But for our 20th anniversary and my wife’s 50th birthday we bit the bullet. All I can say is WOW! The only thing I can say is we felt like we were in a Thomas Kinkade painting at every stop. Alaska is definitely in our top 2 prettiest places we have ever been… and likely is number 1! The only other place in the running would be Trunk Bay. Nevertheless, we would go back in a second, however air fair from Alabama to Seattle Washington isn’t cheap. But everyone should see Alaska if at all possible.
I went to Alaska once, it was awesome. I loved walking around the Port towns, feeling transported in time. My favorite thing to do though was watching for whales :)
We went bicycling in Juneau and Skagway. Loved both adventures.
Alaska is just so beautiful, you need to make several trips to really enjoy it. You also need to spend several days on land in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage for the ultimate trip.
Having been to Alaska twice, I can say it’s God’s backyard!
This August was our 2nd cruise to Alaska. It was great! I totally agree with you! Looking forward to return.
My first and only cruise so far, was to Alaska on the Golden Princess in 2019. It was glorious. I can't wait to go back. The beauty was breathtaking
Tony, you really captured so many reasons for going to Alaska. I think each of us has a little adventure, history, photography, nature, thrill-seeker, foodie bug buried deep inside. I will be going back someday! Thank for your blog, we get to relive and imagine new adventures because of you!
Going on an Alaska cruise May of 2023 and I am beyond excited about it! This will be a thrill of a lifetime
What cruise line?
@@bobliddell6996 carnival
I'm booked on a Double Denali land/sea cruise to Alaska and the Yukon at the beginning of the next season with Holland America. I live on Vancouver Island and cruise a lot, but decided to keep Alaska lower down on my list while I travelled longer distances. Well now, thanks to the pandemic, a cruise that starts and ends in Vancouver is perfect!
I have cruised to Alaska quite a few times and loved each one. I would like to encourage people to look at the Princess Cruise-tours. I have done the Denali to Seattle (tour part first cruise from Anchorage to Seattle second) and it was fabulous. The excitement of Denali and the train to Anchorage is great and the you can relax a bit on the cruise from there to Seattle.
Just got off NCL Encore to Alaska last week, and can't wait to go back again. Alaska is my go to cruise, if I want to go on a quick easy trip (I live on the west coast), but it's also one of my favorite places to cruise. I could sit and take pictures non-stop all day of all the gorgeous scenery. My last cruise was to Alaska was before Covid, and my first since.
A smaller ship like Holland America can dock in Sitka and Glacier Bay which I highly recommend.
I took my 18 year old granddaughter on the round trip Alaska cruise out of Seattle with her best friend and Sitka was her favourite port.
The cruise director had activities for older teen’s like a Prom night that they loved and every photographer wanted to take their picture. It was magical!
My one and only cruise was to Alaska in 2019. It wasn't just life affirming, it was life changing. We're going back in Jun 22 and I'm trying to get into shape so I can hike Mt. Roberts. My favorite part? All the waterfalls
Cruised Alaska twice. On the old Crown Priness in 1995 and Radiance of the Seas in 2003. Our 3rd trip there was canceled in May 2020. Will book again in 2022. Videography and Scenic/ Naturalist photography is my bag.
Alaska is One of my most favorite places to cruise to. Everyone should plan a cruise to Alaska. I have gone almost every year and all seasons. All the reason you said why you should go to Alaska is right on. Thank You Tony.
My husband & I cruised there a couple of years ago. We had the best time of our lives. Can’t wait to go back.
I met you on the first day of the Alaskan cruise by Guest Services. It was my first time seeing Alaska and I totally agree with everything you said. I've been wanting to go, so was really looking forward to it and it exceeded all my expectations! Great port cities and the most unbelievable views of nature! I'd go again in a heartbeat. Maybe next year. 🤔
The scenic views and beautiful towns. Going back 2nd time May 2022.
Great show!! We have friends leaving tomorrow, Friday on a Princess ship, inside passage!!!
Pretty sure I checked all the boxes....yep, booked for August 2022
I lived there first from 1958-1962. It became a state on my birthday while I was there on Jan 3, 1959. I have been back 5 more times...King Salmon, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Barrow, Nome. Love the state, just too cold for me. Love the summers there though. Bring mosquito spray LOL.
The land/sea package tours to Alaska that are offered by the cruise lines are well worth it. The ship only gives you a taste of the state. Traveling through the roads (and seeing a moose beside them); staying in very cozy lodges; and seeing cities that are not accessible by ship as well as the largest national park in the country (Wrangell St. Elias) make the extra time and expense worth it.
We've been doing Alaska Cruises almost every year as its an easy trip for us as we live close to the port No airfare or hassles at TSA. Our first Alaska Cruise was in 1980 on the Alaska Marine Ferry system and at that time, the White Pass & Yukon was operating all the way to Whitehorse Yukon. So we got off the ferry in Skgway and took the train to Whitehorse. Were still talking about that trip as it was magical. Everyone should go to Alaska and Antartica at least once in their lives
Have cruised to Alaska twice. Plan on going in 2022. Best cruise vacation I think! Thanks for this Alaska series.
We've cruised Alaska 3 times- all fabulous! Beautiful scenery! Lots of fun things to do! Favorite excursion-Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter. Walked all over glacier- beautiful! Alaska is a must-go-to for all cruisers.
We cruised there three years ago. In 2022 we are mixing things up and taking a cruise/land tour. Can’t wait!
We have gone twice. First time we did the cruise only. BIG mistake. So we had to go back to add the land portion as well. We did the Princess, Off the Beaten Path, package! Just absolutely beautiful! It is a bit tiresome as you are moving daily, but SO worth it! Recommend you do the land portion first, then board the ship. We took a float plane excursion and landed on a remote glacier lake (bring bug spray!). We also climbed up a glacier, not far from Valdez! Hope to go back one day!
Went to Alaska about 6 years ago and I would go again in a heartbeat. Would love to do a land and sea package, but honestly I would do the exact same trip again with no hesitation.
I sure agree with you on every one of your points. I want to go back. Alaska is haunting me. Add in memory making with your family, and it’s the whole package.
We went in 2009 and really enjoyed it thanks to a lot of good weather. Our highlight was a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier.
Princess Cruisetour planned for June 2022 since June 2021 was canceled, my 2nd time in Alaska, my husband's first trip, can't wait
Love Alaska! Boarding tomorrow- crazy times for cruising for sure!
We are planning an Alaskan cruise for my friends 40th birthday. We’re excited!
Can't wait to go! Love photography, food, adventure, new sights!!!! I am ready!!!!!! ♥️
I do fit into at least 2 categories! I am looking at September 2023!
Inside passage cruises are a great way to dip your toe in Alaskan tourism. Now Tony, next year you need to go on a land/sea cruise! Book for Mid June to through July sometime. You'll miss the rainy season in the interior and should have nice weather. Alaska has 2 distinct ecosystems - The rainforest, the taiga, and the tundra. You only scratched the surface of the rainforest on this interior cruise. Getting off the ship and doing the land component will allow you to see things you can't see anywhere else in the world. Different Alaskan native cultures, foods, environments - it's wildly different everywhere you go. Many cruise lines also have a rail package (Princess and Holland America have their own rail cars) with spectacular views of Denali and all through the interior. If you can only do one cruise, the inside passage is great. But if you can, do a land/sea package as well. You won't be sorry
We booked our Alaska 2022 cruise right before you left for yours, so I was so excited to follow along with you! We can’t wait!!
I was stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka in the early 90's and absolutely loved my time there. Was able to visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak. I've actually signed up for a 'Coastie Cruise' for August 2022 with about 100 retired coasties for an 8-day trip---can't wait!
Went there Sept 2018. Going back in 2 weeks. Getting so excited for our upcoming cruise.
Going on my third Alaskan trip in June of 2022. Would have done more but several were canceled. I enjoy both land based and Cruises.
Loved this! My husband and I will be first time cruisers and our cruise is to Alaska. We talked about it for 20 years and finally booked it in 2019 to go in Aug 2020 ☹️
We decided to take the cruise credit and skipped booking 2021 to go in August 2022. Praying cruising continues to get better with time. Watching your videos, I know one thing I need to get back to walking or the cruise is going to kick by bootie.
Great review. I want to go again and do more exploring.
Went to Alaska two years ago as our first ever cruise 🚢. Looking forward to returning someday, beautiful area!!
Living in cold Canadian winters I didn't feel the need to cruise to Alaska and then 4 years ago it hit me, i wanted to see whales and enjoy the snowy mountains views. Well a couple of delays due to pandemic but we will be sailing to Alaska from Vancouver in 2022. So i've totally enjoyed your videos and took notes for our trip . Thanks!
I leave for my 3rd Alaskan cruise a week from tomorrow. It's definitely a different environment than a Caribbean cruise, and I don't mean just the weather. While the Caribbean cruises seem to be all about the sun and sand and party life, this is about the views and the nature as you alluded to. I have some trepidation about my specific ship, the NCL Encore, as it doesn't seem like the right kind of ship for this kind of itinerary with it's limited outdoor space. I can't imagine many people wanting to use the water park, or even the go kart race track, which takes up MOST of the upper deck, as opposed to people who would like to be outdoors enjoying the views, the whales, and taking videos and pics.
We went on the Norwegian Bliss ( sister to Encore) a few years back to Alaska. It was a fantastic cruise! They have a huge ceiling to floor observation deck that is great for viewing that beautiful scenery! They also have an outdoor restaurant area called the Waterfront that wraps around the ship giving additional viewing opportunities 👍
@@PharmDMarKai Well I knew about the forward observation lounge, but I'm a bit of a shutterbug who likes to be outside to take pictures. I'm seeing more and more ships don't have those forward open air viewing spots like the older, smaller ships and I really missed that on my last cruise on the ms Koningsdam. But I have a balcony and that will help a lot. Despite my trepidation, I am very excited about it.
Was on ncl Bliss, the sister ship to Encore, for Panama canal. The observation lounge on deck 15? I think, is a wonderful spot to watch the sea go by. Check it out, I think you will be happy on that ship. The class is great.🥰
@@debbie8935 I just love being out on the open deck, and I know I'm going to miss that. But with the bigger ships, especially those with "attractions," it seems like the open deck area is dwindling. With the Encore a lot of it is taken up by the Haven and Beach Club as well. You can have open deck, but hey you have to pay extra for it. In general, I'm REALLY pretty opposed to the big ships, but I figured with the lower capacities and decent fare, it was time to check one out.
Went there in 2019....was amazing. Had lots of rain ofc but it also had a certain charm to it. Would love to go back some day for sure.
Been 2x in college we took the intercanal ferry system you got off different cities hiked camp
For 35th wedding anniversary took princess just as awesome just different experience
We are approaching 50th anniversary and planning. To do whole ball of wax. Land cruise tour
Just returned yesterday, Friday, Oct. 8th. Unseasonably fine weather - even in Ketchikan!
Been there, done that and going again next year. One of our favorites
You were dead on with your blog.
Going 2023 for our 20th anniversary and can't wait, it my bucket list.
Me for sure. Will be back next year.
AK was on my mom's bucket list. I worked as a travel agent at the time and I got my mom a great deal on a Princess cruisetour. I went with her and fell in love with AK. I am a beach fan but love nature.the best part is that AK doesn't have snakes.
I should go… so I am .. August 2022!!!! 🙋♀️. Thank you for your video!! I will be a first time Alaska cruiser too!
I went on an Alaska cruise in 2006 & enjoyed it. For me, it was a bucket list vacation, but the cooler weather was not my ideal situation. I prefer warmer cruise destinations, but I think Alaska is a great alternative vacation & definitely great for adventure! I am taking another Alaska cruise in 2022 on Princess to enjoy their Alaska cruise experience. The ports are definitely unique and the wildlife is incredible, so I think being 16 years older, I will enjoy Alaska more this time. By the way Tony, thanks for the SurfShark tip! I have downloaded their VPN on all of my devices for security when I travel, since I had a bad experience with public wifi on my last cruise vacation.
We've been to Alaska 3 times. In July 2022 we're going back, can't wait. Best cruise of all !!!!!!!!
We have only been to Alaska once but plan on going again. One of our ports was not in Alaska but Victoria, BC. If you get the chance to stop, I highly recommend Butchart Gardens. It was so beautiful.
Alaska is on the top of my cruise wish list! I am attracted to the history, natural beauty, opportunity to see wildlife, and...cooler weather!
Been there twice, always something new to see/experience!
Your Alaska list? 10 👍 thumbs up! I’m going to add one …..
Yes it’s a destination for the physically fit but I believe a cruise ship offers the physically challenged an opportunity to discover as well.
My last trip (had been 6 times prior) was in a mobility scooter following an accident. The views from the ship, of course, were extraordinary. Yes, you are limited ashore but there are still opportunities of discovery, even in a scooter.
Onboard we selected an aft-facing balcony cabin as always. It offered views of everything. At sea I spotted whales from our balcony and with an excellent pair of binoculars I spotted animals when close to shore.
If you can physically stand the travel to get there (almost 12 hours for us from the East Coast), you will find your ship a comfortable oasis.
You can choose a land segment,I suggest you book a cruise tour where your luggage handling and transfers are included from arrival in Anchorage to departure in Vancouver.m
My 2 cents. 😃
Great add thanks!
My first cruise was to Alaska. We have been there 2 times since. Love it!
We took an Alaska cruise few years ago from San Francisco. I have to say that it was the most interesting, beautiful, eye-opening, rejuvenating cruise we have ever taken. We were suppose to go again in 2020 but...tried twice, cancelled twice. I highly recommend going to Alaska. It is so different and wonderful! Thanks for sharing :)
Loved this video Tony! And so happy that you appreciate Alaska like all of us commenting here, do.You saw the light! Alaska is breathtaking- next time with Jenny, book it a little earlier- July or August- much better and warmer weather.
You presentedd your experience beautifully. If you want a little Alaska history mixed with contemporary life in a less boring form, try reading some of the Kate Shugak murder mysteries by Dana Stabenow. She grew up in the state, & presents one facet of life there in each of her books, from fishing to working on the Alaska pipeline. You pick up historical background almost by osmosis while enjoying a rollicking good story.
1st cruise was on NCL Joy Haven in Aug 2019 and it was cold and wet. 😆 I was so cold the entire time I wore most of the clothes and outerwear that I brought all AT THE SAME TIME and I moved around and still shivered. My teeth chattered several minutes even after I went inside. Ports and scenery were great but I couldn’t stand being outside while ship was moving b/c of wind. I’d go again but only in July.
I fit in all 10 reason Tony. I always look at Alaska cruises but just trying to fine the best n right time to do it so I get the most out it
My second cruise to Alaska will be July 4,2022. My friends first time. He is very excited. Def going to do a whale watch.
My very first cruise will be to Alaska in August 2022. Sailing on the NCL SUN!!!
Alaska is on my must do list in the next 5 years.
Most of these classifications fit me perfectly.
The most important things to me when I travel are the history, architecture and also the natural.
You're absolutely correct that learning about where you are travelling to will really make for a better trip.
Also I love the tours/excursions from the local guides.
But hey - I also just like to go to a great restaurant, pub, bar, beers on the beach, etc.
I think a good vacation should be a mix of both.
Did it once, really enjoyed it. But I’m one who enjoys the balcony, can’t do that much in Alaska. BUT glad I did that cruise that one time.
Alaska is one of my favorite places to cruise. Going for the 5th time in September 2022 .
been 3 times each time found something different. it something every one should try .
I LOVE Alaska!! My kids were stationed there and we got to know it very well. We’ve done two cruises there as well and will do our third one next year with Don!
Or Tony
@@julieb7882 or Tony? Is he part of Don Terris’ group cruise next year? That would be AWESOME to meet them both!!
@@BethCampbell-b9c i had a brain fart. Thought you were calling Tony, Don.
@@julieb7882 😂😂 oh man! You got my hopes up that we were going to be able to meet them all!!
Every time I want to go on a cruise, I check Alaska first. I’ve been there 5 times. I will go as many times as I can. That’s why there are always 4-5 ships or more there all season. The best.
I’m basically all of these except maybe number 5 I hope to do an Alaskan cruise in 2023
I went in 2016. Our ship missed up we had to skip a port it was Skagway. Need warmer clothing. I learned to several thing on what not to do. Like number one Book closer to the port even if it cost more you spend the extra in getting places. Second don't rent a car with married people that fight all the time. When I go back I like to go on Princess. I am the photographer.
Alaska was my 1st an only cruise.. BEAUTIFUL (doesn't give it justice) place..
We r booked for sept 2024 and think we fit a lot of those categories.
Great list. Don't have to like all 10, but it is a great trip. You have to try land/cruise tour. Can't wait to go back.
We lived in Anchorage for several years and we've sailed to Alaska probably 5 or 6 times...have another scheduled for next summer. Alaska is beautiful!