Alaska??

[fuzzyfozzy]

We've done celebrity round the med last year and have re booked for next year with different ports.
However... I keep seeing Alaska etc on the tv.
It's my 50th in a few years so I'd love a great holiday.
Has anyone done anything like this, good time of year, best cruise line for it etc!!

Ooo, we did it a couple of years ago and can’t wait to go back, it was amazing.

Cruise lines very by preference. I’d go mid August - salmon run is still on so lots of activity, best weather, whales still in the area etc.

I want to go back and do a stay and cruise - spend some time in Denali National Park and then cruise back down to Vancouver or Seattle.

We've done it, it was fab, one of our best trips. Allow plenty of ££ for excursions, there is a lot to do. Highlights were a whale watching trip and a helicopter to walk on a glacier. We also saw salmon swimming up river.

We sailed on Oceania Regatta which was lovely but ££. It was August & we had great weather but the rest of the season had been very wet. We spent time in the Okanagen wine region and Seattle pre cruise and Vancouver post cruise.

All in all, an amazing holiday.

Hello fuzzfozzy,
The Alaska cruise season is from late April to September, with the high season from June to August. However, it is sometimes rainy during this time too.
Cruises that have more North Americans on board are Holland and America and Carnival. Cruises that have a more international demographic are Royal Carribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and if you really want to splash out, Silversea. Some of cruises include a hotel night before / after the cruise and getting a good deal depends on dates and capacity / occupancy.
Any time's great to visit Alaska, the end of May and beginning of June have the best weather and you have the added benefit that children are still at school so no overcrowding.
In terms of sights, here are a few tips:

1. May is better for wildlife spotting because most trees haven't fully bloomed so you can see through the branches. If you' love fishing, the king salmon run starts at the end of May but you'll need a good local guide.
2. June's got great weather, the moose are giving birth but you'll also get higher numbers of mosquitoes!
3. July's a better time to see bears as the salmon go upstream and as you go into August and September, amazing bird watching too!

If you'd like more information about Alaska, try this site for more information. I have friends in low places so let me know if you need any more information ! Chris