We just returned from our first cruise - 4 days to Bahamas. I opted for a short one for the first trip, just in case we didn't like it. We were wrong and would've loved to stay longer.
Had to fight hubby on this one since he wanted to do the Alaskan cruise. I won that battle but I want to start planning the next one for him - to Alaska.
Any recommendations?? Cruise line?? Summer vs Fall??
Cheryl glad you had a wonderful vacation. Personally, I could live on a cruise ship. Something about all you can eat whenever you want, a casino aboard, and women in bikinis if your in the carribean, man thats like a dream come true!!!
But you and your husband will love Alaska. We went on Holland America's Statendam. It was the smallest ship I have ever been on and the first one I have ever felt when the sea's got bad one night but it wasnt too bad. I will say this though, we did the 4 day land, 7 day cruise and I think to truly experinece Alaska you have to take the land part as well. Or atleast spend 2 days in Denali State Park and then go on our cruise. Holland America and Princess offer the most land/cruise packages that I saw. I know Royal Carribean (my fav cruise line by the way) doesnt offer land there and I was told that they are one of several cruise lines who arent allowed into Glacier Bay. Dont know the exact reason other than environmental reasons but anyways.
The food on Holland America failed in comparison to me to Royal Carribean. The dining hall food was good, the buffet was only ok, and the desserts absolutely sucked but being in Alaska and seeing it totally makes it worth a lousy pudding or cheesecake somewhere.
I really enjoyed it and from what I was told by cruise staff and by people there who have taken the Alaska cruise several times, is that July is indeed the best time to see everything. I know they only offer cruises there May thru Sept. If your husband wants to go fishing, then I have the best hookup for him. The company I did it thru was great.
Personally, if it were me, I would try and book it thru Princess probably. I have never been on a Princess cruise so I dont know, maybe someone here has. I will say this though about Holland America: The staff was really nice and helpful and on the land deal with all the hotel/bus/train transfers, it was actually very smooth and very well organized. I would give it a 8 only b/c of the food which I thought was mediocre and b/c I like the bigger ships alot more than the smaller ones.
Hope that helps. Feel free to ask any specific questions if you have them.