Sunday, March 31, 2024

Seattle Begins Milestone Alaska Season With Norwegian Cruise Line Ship

alaska cruise norwegian

Personally, I only think the drink package is worth it if it’s included with the Free At Sea Package. With the current Cruise Deals offered with Norwegian’s Free At Sea, the unlimited drink package is already included. If you enjoy some boozy drinks on your vacation, you might consider adding the drink package to your Norwegian Jewel Alaska Cruise. The best part about cruising is the all-inclusive package that is included. This means you can eat your little heart out which usually equates to putting on a few pounds on your vacation. Just like that our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise review had come to an end.

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Review – Day 6

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NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly. Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay. In order to avoid having to micro-manage the onboard activity fees during our sailing, we purchased each of our 3 children a set amount of onboard credit. Standard options include interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, and upgraded options include The Haven spa suites, penthouse suites, and 2-bedroom family villas.

Night Alaska - Seattle (Sea/Sea) sailing on the Norwegian Bliss

In the morning there is usually trivia or bingo, afternoon some fun family games, and in the evening some very talented shows. On an Alaskan Cruise where the majority of the cruise is about sightseeing, it can be nice to have a space all to yourself. Many of the top decks were packed with people and not everyone got a railing, so you had to interchange places so everyone could get some unobstructed photos and videos. But with third parties like Viator or Get Your Guide, they can likely find cruise-specific tours and often have all the necessary details for getting you to and from your cruise port dock. Alaskan Cruises are typically only offered from May through September. If you want the best weather July and August will provide warmer temperatures and typically sunnier weather.

The Best Way to Experience Alaska is with Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line staff will place a tag on your bag with the correct room number to deliver to later. The Vancouver Cruise Port is located right in downtown Vancouver and is easy to get to by foot or public transportation. Once you make it to the port, continue walking toward the end of the pier. Here you should see signs guiding you toward the check-in point.

In our signature day-by-day Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise review, we detail our time sailing the region with NCL. Great for those who like a smaller ship experience with modern enhancements. As an older ship, there are some excellent cruise fares, starting as low as $400 per person for week-long sailings. The biggest difference will come down to availability and price on specific sailings, as well as preferences for ports. Norwegian Bliss visits Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, whereas Norwegian Encore sails to Glacier Bay National Park.

alaska cruise norwegian

The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024, From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler

The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024, From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours Condé Nast Traveler.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history buff, this port has something to captivate you. From its natural wonders like Port Frederick and Mud Bay to adrenaline-pumping activities and convenient amenities, this port offers a well-rounded Alaskan experience. But Sitka isn’t just about history; it’s a food lover’s paradise. Downtown is teeming with local food trucks offering mouth-watering crabs, salmon, and more. Many stores, including fur shops, offer locally sourced products. For more tips on what to pack, check out our detailed Alaska cruise packing list and tips.

Norwegian Alaska Cruise Reviews

If you are taking the train from Frasier down to Skagway, you will want to sit on the right side as this is where most of the landmarks are located. However, if the weather allows, passengers can also venture outside on to the platforms for sightseeing and photos. Around 1 PM, we re-boarded our bus to head back into town for our visit to the Red Onion Saloon. Here, one of the madams gave us a “quickie tour” of the former brothel along with some insight into what it was like living and working here during the gold rush times. After collecting our earnings, we had a few minutes to explore the area before it was time for the salmon bake.

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.

Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Only Norwegian offers incredible culinary experiences with this much freedom and flexibility on a fleet of ships specially built with restaurants from bow to stern. Some of my favorite days on the Norwegian Jewel Cruise Line were the scenic days at sea. We were able to explore Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier via the cruise ship. Next on our list was to finally spend some time in the thermal suite beyond just taking photos and videos of it. We spent just under 1.5 hours here, alternating between the heated loungers and the experiences.

On a warm summer day, this might hit the spot, but we weren’t really impressed with the quality of food offered here. One benefit of a Norwegian cruise line is the wide variety of options for different restaurants and cuisines offered. So doing some light math, let’s say you start drinking in the early afternoon and have one drink per hour. Then you go to dinner and switch to wine, let’s say you have 2 glasses ($9 + $15). Finally, you go to a show and have 2 more cocktails ($10 + $14).

It was rare for many people to be “sunbathing” on the pool deck. And with this area being largely unused meant that passengers were disproportionately concentrated in other areas. We were overall happy with our experience on the Norwegian Jewel Alaskan Cruise. And actually, a cruise ship is probably the best way to get to many of Alaska’s remote coastal destinations. Personally, we were most interested in seeing and experiencing Alaska’s natural beauty.

This isn’t a sponsored post; we paid for this cruise ourselves and are sharing both the pros and cons to give you an unbiased view. These were the days when you could tell everyone was onboard the ship because everywhere was busy. (If you’re properly dressed, then the time outside can be enjoyable too).

Checking out of the hotel by 11 AM, we simply walked across the street, dropped our bags with the porters, and were onward to the terminal check-in process in no time. Feeling a bit tired from all our recent travels, we didn’t do much in Seattle this time around. With the beautiful weather, we did manage to walk around the waterfront area a bit and grabbed some food at Elliott’s Oyster House. Having just returned from Alaska on Princess Cruises, we were eager to explore more of the region on this trip. It had been a while since we sailed on a Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway-Plus Class ship.

Alaska Cruises: A Cheat Sheet to Planning the Perfect Adventure

alaskan cruise cost

Below you can compare cruise itineraries for all ships sailing to Alaska for the next few years. With the Alaskan sailing season only six to seven months long, it’s a good idea to start planning now! Cruisers of all ages will enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and once in a lifetime shore excursions available on many Alaskan cruises. Alaskan cruises offer a wide range of shore excursions, from helicopter tours of glaciers to wildlife watching, whale watching, scenic train raids, and kayaking adventures. The activities you can participate in are as diverse as Alaska itself. In this comprehensive guide, based on our experiences and analysis, we’ll break down the cost of an Alaskan cruise, from the type of cabin you choose to hidden fees that catch you off guard.

Meet Local Alaskans

These often include scenic rail tours with overnights in nearby lodges and hotels. In early 2022, we found Alaska cruise prices for inside cabins as low as $50 per person per night, but anything below $90 per night is a deal worth considering. They come in a wide range of prices, and the lowest fare we uncovered was $73 per person per night.

Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean

It’s always best to plan and book your favorite activities before you board. A reasonable budget for a 7-day Alaskan cruise, including some shore excursions and extra amenities, could range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person. While the cruise ship offers a variety of dining options, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore local cuisine during your time in the ports of call. Eating on land can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to budget for this as it can affect your overall Alaskan cruise cost. Many ports offer local tours and activities at a fraction of the cost of official shore excursions.

Find Holland America Eurodam Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) - Cruise Critic

Find Holland America Eurodam Cruises to Alaska (with Prices).

Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 16:16:50 GMT [source]

Repositioning Cruises: From Alaska to Asia in One Trip

Let’s delve into these often-overlooked expenses that can affect the prices for an Alaskan cruise. With so many items to factor into the cost of an Alaskan cruise, savvy travelers look for ways to save money. Here are a few ways our readers have saved money on their Alaska cruise vacations. Premium meals offer higher-end cuts of meat and gourmet specialties. Depending on the cruise ship company, premium meals may be included or cost extra.

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.

Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Why Alaska Shore Excursions?

July and August see the warmest temperatures and families can easily travel, so prices tend to be highest in this month. There are many reasons why one cruise is cheaper than another, and it all depends on the choices you make in selecting a sailing. So, if you have your heart set on sailing during the middle of the summer, make sure to budget accordingly.

City tours and bus tours are around $85 per person, while helicopter rides and glacier walks can be over $500 per person. Don’t mistake overlooking your airfare costs to and from the departure port city. If you live near the Seattle cruise port or Vancouver, Canada, you can bypass airfare by paying for parking at the cruise port or taking a taxi or Uber. On a cruise ship, suites are the most expensive cabin option, followed by balcony cabins, oceanview cabins, and interior cabins. In other words, you might save money sailing on a larger ship, but you’ll have fewer options for selecting itineraries and ports to visit. Luxury cruise lines like Seabourn Cruises and Silversea cruises start at $300 to $500 per person per day.

alaskan cruise cost

Ketchikan

Hotel costs can range from $100 to $300 per night, depending on the location and quality of the hotel. While these excursions can be pricey, they often offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are hard to replicate. For example, how often do you get the chance to kayak near a glacier or take a dog sled ride? Extras like excursions, gambling, alcohol and premium meals may also affect the price. You can save money on your Alaska cruise by traveling in the off-season, booking at the last minute or using your travel credit card rewards. While most meals are covered on the cruise, once you depart, you're on your own for meals.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska

This is an important consideration if you want to plan an extended pre- or post-cruise stay, as the hotel could add another thousand dollars to your total vacation expense. Remember, there is no perfect time or guarantee of weather, so don't assume paying more for a July Alaska cruise automatically is going to favor your trip. There isn't a bad month to take an Alaska cruise, so you need to weigh the pros and cons of the off-peak or peak Alaska cruise season.

Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State

The Alaska cruise season, like the 49th state’s summer, is all too brief. That being said, there are some shoulder-season departures in April, May, September, and October. While an Alaska cruise costs more than a traditional Caribbean or Bahamas sailing, Alaska provides a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Some cruise lines provide an upgraded cruise fare that includes gratuities with the base cost of the cruise. Princess Cruises Princess Plus and Celebrity Cruises Always Included Fare are two examples. You should plan your shore excursion well in advance of your cruise.

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure. After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below.

Obviously, you want to be prepared because no one wants to run out of money or go over their budget. This is dependent on the type of cruise, the length of stay, and the room choice. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights.

Without a doubt, the price of your Alaska cruise is one of the most important factors in any deal you'll find. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Celebrity and Disney all offer solid Alaska cruise deals, but don’t overlook premium cruise options. You might find that Viking Ocean Cruises cost more, but are a great deal when you factor in the included drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions. If you're intent on a Gulf of Alaska cruise, book a northbound route so you'll cruise the Gulf at the end of the trip when you have your sea legs. If you get seasick easily, also think twice about round-trip cruises from Seattle that spend days cruising in the open ocean. On either end of your sailing, you can tour on your own or book a cruise tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights.

While optional, travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for a significant investment like an Alaskan cruise. The cost can vary, but expect to pay around $100 to $200 per person for basic coverage. Many cruisers opt for an Unlimited Beverage Package to make their onboard experience more enjoyable.

Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country.

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