Have you ever thought about a once in a lifetime cruise to Alaska? Did you know that an Alaskan itinerary is most often the itinerary that first time cruisers choose? 2010 may be the best time for you to do it take that Alaskan cruise. Due to a high head tax charged to the cruise lines per passenger, many cruise lines are pulling ships out of Alaska. The fewer ships that sail, the higher prices will go – don't wait until 2011!
Because 2010 itineraries and ship are already released, you have a great choice for cruising Alaska this year. Several cruise lines have already pulled ships out of the Alaska itinerary and several more will be taking even more ships out next year. You generally will not many sale prices on these cruises either, especially since there are fewer ships each year doing this itinerary
The Alaskan cruise season begins in May and ends in September. Best pricing is found in May and at the end of the cruise season. Pricing increases dramatically in July and August, because it is vacation time from school. The buggiest time to travel? July. (Just take bug spray!)
There are also two basic itineraries – the Inside Passage, which generally starts and returns in Seattle and a North / Southbound which travels between Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier) or Seward. A Northbound itinerary from Vancouver to Anchorage is also usually less expensive than a Southbound starting in Anchorage but expensive is usually more expensive than round-trip air to / from Seattle. How to determine which one is for you?
If your primary interest is wildlife, a North / South bound cruise that you can add a few days onto to visit Denali National Park may be perfect for you to see wildlife other than whales and birds. Princess offers some of the best cruise tours add ons for this itinerary and own their own lodges at Denali Park. Most ships on this itinerary also visit Glacier Bay National Park. Since only two ships per day are allowed in Glacier Bay, you may not be able to visit this spectacular place on all cruises.
What ports will you stop at? Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway are the usual stops. Some ships go to Misty Fjords National Park (most inside passage cruises).
What is there to do in each of these ports?
Ketchikan : There are many tours that delve in Native American culture, such as Totem Poles, Lumberjack Villages and Native Villages. There is also a Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, Jeep and Canoe Safaris, a Zip Line Excursion, Sportfishing and Dining and More.
Juneau : The Mendenhall Glacier is located here, so you will have many excursions taking that fantastic site in. There is also Gold Panning, another Zip line, a Dog Sled Camp, Whales and Rainforest Trails and more.
Seward : Here you will find a Sealife Center with Puffins, Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruises and Kayaking, more Dog Sled tours, River Kayaking and Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises.
Kodiak : There are plenty of wildlife tour options in this port.
If you can afford a balcony cabin, this is the cruise to get one. While cruising in the Glacier areas, you will be able to sit on your balcony and see the sights instead of having to leave your cabin to go to an upper deck to see the views with hundreds of other passengers. The time to book an Alaskan cruise for best stateroom availability is January and February. Don't wait, book today.
Source by Neil Maley