Whats the Best Alaska Cruise?

Very first cruise was Princess, Vancouver to Anchorage. Loved it! Tried the big lines for several cruises. HOWEVER we didn't like the crowds and missing the "real world" you pass by on the way to the next money making tourist stop, complete with 2+ other cruise ships also docked! Went on 100 person ship Alaska to Vancouver last summer. Never saw a big ship! No dancing girls or casino, also no crowds or queues! We spent most of the time out in the Zodiacs seeing the best show on earth - NATURE! In front of a glacier calving (mini tsunami moved us all around). Standing in a salmon spawning stream with the fish swimming through our feet. Being one side of a river watching bears catching salmon on the other side! Spending 2 hours drifting with a pod of about 20 humpback whales bubble feeding - something you never expect to see live other than on TV. Barbecued on a spit of land surrounded by nature/mini icebergs/Eagles! Drifting with a pod of Orca whales as we approached northern Victoria Island. etc. etc. You don't compromise comfort or good food! Yes they are more expensive - but worth it! The choice is yours! We never go on big ships now! = = = Train rides are add on's to many cruises. An even better alternative is 1or2 nights in Banff. On the way to Jasper visit the Athabasca Glacier before catching the Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper through the Rockies / along raging rivers / over trestle bridges / through waterfalls etc. stopping one night at Kamloops and then on to Vancouver where you meet your ship. Of course you can go the opposite way and start at Anchorage.

A few years ago our family went on the 14 day Alaska adventure on Holland America. 7 days getting there and seeing some ports of call, then we bussed up from Seward past Anchorage and up to Denali. [ FYI the train runs by Denali, not really through it, or at least through a part that is even remotely exciting. You take a bus tour one day out to see Denali Park. And eat the fish and chips in the park restaurant !! ] After Denali time, we boarded the train for the ride to Fairbanks, and the tour things there. {Buy pop and subway sandwiches if you don't want to wait for food service on the train - and always pack a bottle of water or 2.} Then we flew home, Fairbanks to Anchorage to Seattle. [ or fly to Fairbanks, and work your way south. ] You will find there are also longer loops where you come back through Canada to Skagway, and board a southbound boat there. Check out each cruise line on line to see what schedule and activities appeal to you, then try to get more opinions on your first and second choices. {We wish we had had another full day in Denali it was so nice and peaceful there. - Holland America may offer that option now, but I am not sure.} [Holland America is a bit more sedate with less young children on board because it appeals to an older clientel - but it depends on each cruise !!] It is well worth doing. {And I am jealous of that guy that can afford the smaller cruise boats !! }

I have done over 30 cruises & cruise tour to Alaska. First MCL stopped doing cruise tours several years ago You can book one threw them but, they do handle the land tour as others. Several lines do the train to Denali. You have to be careful when booking this as there is also a bus from Whitter ( cruise port outside Anchorage) that goes to Denali. As stated by Ms Time Traveler Princess is rated #1 and is the only line that puts you up in 5 star lodges. Also when booking check as now some meals on the land tour are included. After Denali go to Fairbanks for the River Boat cruise on a Real paddle wheel boat. If you go with Princess & do the cruise first they will handle your luggage from start to finish. Now if you meant the tour threw Denali Park that is done by bus which with most Princes cruise tours is included. You can call 1-800- Princess and they will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. You should book early as these go fast. Enjoy.

i live in alaska and its pretty lame, you should take a better cruise to some where warmer, BUT if i had to pick a cruise i would say holland america because i once worked for a touring company and the tourisit were all from holland america they seemed to be having a blast.