Alaska Answers

Q. I am planning our 25th wedding anniversary and we want to take our first cruise. We would like to go to Alaska. What time of the year is better to cruise, & what destination would be best? -Karen

A. What a great idea – an anniversary cruise. You didn’t say when your anniversary is, but I’m hoping it is between mid May and mid September because that is the cruising season. Earlier, or later, during that period will get you the best rates. You live in Texas, correct? Anyway, what you would most likely do is fly to Seattle or Vancourver BC and catch the cruise ship there. Your travel agent should be able to just include your flight there in with your ‘package’.

Actually, now is not too early to book for this summer as the cruises are very popular. These cruises are one way only. Well, I believe there is a ship that you can take round trip from Seattle, but it does not come as far up into Alaska as do the one way cruises, so not as good. The cruises I’m talking about come up the inside passage and you visit towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, etc., arriving in either Seward or Whittier – both accessible to Anchorage by public transportation. At Anchorage, you can get on a tour of some more of the state if you like (and this can be included in your package also).

My travel agent considers the best cruises to be on board either a Princess Ship or one by Carnival Lines. My six cousins came on a Princess ship about 3 years ago and just really loved the trip! They raved and raved. Saw so much sealife, glaciers and beautiful scenery and reported being treated like royalty on shipboard!

Best wishes with your plans, Karen, and if I can help in any other way please let me know. You can reach me with an email at bonnie@alaskaanswers.com Happy Anniversary!

Q. What is the best time of year to cruise; as far as weather and daylight hours go? -Cherry

A. I would personally opt for June or July. June is our lightest month. Actually it never gets truly dark; just a sort of twilight between just before midnight and til about 3:30 when the sun is back up! I love that time of year! By end of May we have leaves on our trees. June thru August you will see overflowing flowering baskets and flower beds everywhere. Alaskans are famous for getting flowers out as quickly as they can; I think because of our color deprivation during the long winter. I said I would opt for June or July….but cruising season is considered to be anytime beween May and into September I believe. You’re in for a treat, Cherry.