Tuesday, May 24, 2011

What Duration Are Alaska Cruise Holidays?

Alaska CruiseImage by LeeLeFever via Flickr

An Alaska cruise holiday has every opportunity to be one of the most exciting experiences of your life.
Breathtaking scenery, enormous glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife await you. A cruise to Alaska can provide everything that the traditional cruise offers like plenty of time to relax and onboard amenities and activities. But these cruises have even more, like views that surpass miles of ocean as well as adventurous and unforgettable shore excursions.
Cruises to Alaska are typically 7, 10, or 14 nights. Ports that offer departures to Alaska include Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Puget Sound in Seattle, Washington. There are a wide variety of itineraries, all of which offer a number of ports of call like Skagway and Haines, Alaska. Some of the more popular ports include:
• Ketchikan, Alaska - This unusual city is situated up a mountainside and along the shores of the Inside Passage. Here you can enjoy some of your cruise's most exciting shore excursions.
• Glacier Bay National Park - This park is famous for its protection of the variety of plants and wildlife that thrive here. It is a unesco World Heritage with a beautiful landscape that includes ancient glaciers. Often large chunks of the ice fall into the water with a resounding boom that sends icy cold water high into the air.
• Juneau, Alaska - While in port here you can experience the enormous Mendenhall Glacier, miles of ice fields, and a fertile and green national forest.
On the itinerary for many Alaskan cruises are Vancouver, British Columbia and Victoria where you can make a trip to the Butchart Gardens or have high tea in the famous Empress Hotel.
The most memorable part of your Alaska cruise may well be the shore excursions. For instance, Ketchikan offers a number of outings full of adventure like flying over the rainforests, cliffs, fjords, and powerful waterfalls in a floatplane. Other flying excursions here take you looking for bear. You can even go crabbing from the deck of a catamaran. Many places like Skagway have rock climbing and repelling expeditions. A number of the ports can provide you with the thrill of an authentic dog sled ride.
Depending on the cruise line you select for your Alaskan adventure, you may be able to choose between the typical mega ship that carries over 3,000 or a smaller ship. The advantage of the small, luxury vessels is that they can stop in the small ports that cannot accommodate the large ships. This allows you to visit the less crowded places like Sawyer Glacier and Misty Fjord.
You can be sure that whatever size ship or what itinerary you choose for your Alaska cruise, this will be one holiday that is forever etched into your memory.

More articles available at http://www.about2cruise.co.uk.
Alaska Cruise article by Danny Smith
Danny M Smith - EzineArticles Expert Author
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Alaska Cruise Special Features - Seattle Cruises to Alaska

Cruise ship in Tracy Arm, southeast of Juneau,...Image via Wikipedia

When people think of cruise vacations, the Caribbean is the first thing that comes to mind. Caribbean cruises are known for great weather, clear water, and an island atmosphere of music, food, and culture. The Caribbean is still the most popular cruise destination in the world with more sailings than anywhere else. But while Caribbean cruises still top the list, Alaska cruises are climbing the list as a new favorite. As for departure ports in the United States, Seattle is the main gateway for Alaska cruises.
Alaska cruises are quite popular, as they offer some of best coastal attractions, amazing scenery and sea and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are a couple of different routes for cruises to Alaska from Seattle and there are several seven day sailings departing Seattle weekly.
The Inside Passage cruises travel through the islands sitting across from British Columbia and Alaska. The other option is the glacier cruises route, which offers more glaciers for your viewing pleasure, and stops at more ports. The season for Seattle cruises to Alaska starts in late April and runs through mid-October. This is due to the warmer climate and additional daylight hours during this time of year.
If you would like to cruise Alaska from Seattle for the scenery, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of glaciers, and some amazing wildlife to witness during the journey, so make sure you bring along a camera as there will be plenty of amazing experiences you'll want to share when you get home. If you're trying to catch a glimpse whales, the best time of year is June and July, as the water temperatures and feeding opportunities are much more suited for these beautiful creatures during the summer.
Mount Dewey rising behind Wrangell, Alaska. Ta...Image via Wikipedia

In addition to the fantastic experiences while cruising Alaska, there are also many land-based excursions in various locations, and taking the time out to experience the different ports will be well worth your time. Seattle cruises to Alaska give you the opportunity to experience some of the most breathtaking natural events, some of the freshest air you'll ever breathe, and activities to suit all tastes.
Prior to boarding the cruise ship, thousands of people spend a day or two in Seattle to enjoy all the city has to offer. Seattle's top tourist activities include visits to:
* The Space Needle
* The Pike Place Market
* The original Starbucks Coffee location near Pike Place Market
* Boeing
* Seattle Underground Tour
* Seattle Museum of Flight
* Seattle Aquarium
One of Seattle's best kept secrets is that it doesn't rain much in the summer. So book a Seattle cruise to Alaska and spend a few days in the Seattle sunshine. Fair warning - learn the proper way to order your coffee before arriving. Seattle is home to Starbucks and when in these parts, there's a method to the madness.
EliteCruiseVacations.com is based in Seattle and specializes in booking Seattle cruises to Alaska. For more information, call toll-free (888) 870-0004.

Aubrey Williams provides information and tips to new and experienced cruisers. He's a professional cruise counselor providing assistance with all aspects of the cruise booking process. He can be reached by email and phone at his website http://www.EliteCruiseVacations.com or http://www.SeattleCruises.net.
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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Cruise Deals - Finding Cheap Cruises

Gone are the days when cold-weather months were relegated to indoor activities. The recent trend for vacationers is to take off and go cruising during this particular season to experience milder climates. Companies are quick to take advantage of this by offering some of their best cruise deals during winter. With so many packages available, it is easy for a first-time traveler to get overwhelmed. Even those who have plenty of experience under their belts can be confused by the different options offered by travel companies. Fortunately, there is an easy method to finding the best winter cruise deals for a particular lifestyle.
Finalize your destination:
The first thing that you need to do is to figure out where you want to go. By simply answering this particular question, you immediately narrow down your choices to the ones that are most appealing for you. After all, it is your vacation so you should be given the privilege to pick which destinations you want to experience.
Aim for the tropics:
For most people, they want to escape the chill of the winter months by visiting beaches in a tropical area. Thus, the Bahamas and the Caribbean are ideal places to go during the winter months. Most companies recognize this trend and are very accommodating in offering cruise deals to these areas.
... but remember that the cheaper rates are found elsewhere:
Booking your vacation during the winter months can give you access to price rates that are not available at any other time of the year. A nine-day tour to the Caribbean can go for around 700 dollars. This is definitely a bargain for those who are looking for the best cruise deals during winter. On the other hand, you can forego the tropics and head to colder places like Alaska or Canada. They can be just as beautiful as the tropics and you can enjoy the sights are a cheaper rate. During winter, tours that pass thorough cold-weather countries are cheaper than those that head for the tropics.
Book very early or very late:
Another way to lower the price of your destination is to check the flexibility of your schedule. Most companies offer discounts for those who book early and even for those who book too late. By making your reservations during odd times, you can take advantage of early-bird discounts as well as slashed prices to fill out last-minute cancellations in a particular tour.
Choose a trip that gives you the freedom to choose:
Another option for winter travelers is the concept of freestyle cruising. As the name suggests, people are given the choice to choose their own adventure during their vacation. You can fix your own itinerary to cater to what you want to do. Meals can be served whenever you want and you can ever choose where to dine. Even the schedule of the disembarkation can be adjusted to your preference.
Most people who are looking for the best cruise deals prefer this option because as they can adjust the itinerary to suit a particular budget. But more than the price, what makes this a good bargain is that you are guaranteed that you will be able to do everything that you want and that there are no dead spots during your vacation. Ensuring that every moment is enjoyable is the key to having true value for your money.
You should check with companies that specialize in assembling vacation packages. There is no shortage of online sites that offer tours for those who are planning to take off for the winter. These industry experts often have access to the best rates in the market so it is a good idea to seek their counsel when looking for the best winter cruise deals.
Great cruise deals at: Cruise-Tips.com Almost all of the major cruise lines can give you a great cruise. However, to get great Celebrity cruise deals check out Celebrity... because they provide exceptional quality and a variety of itineraries. If you're going for the first time, never forget to read cruise deals Carnival at Cruise-Tips.com, as we have a lot of information that are essential for choosing the greatest vacation you possibly can.

The 411 on Alaskan Cruise Deals

If you are looking for a cheap way to enjoy an Alaskan cruise, you have to be prepared to sacrifice quality. However, if you are on a budget, there is certainly plenty of Alaskan cruise deals out there that will help you cut costs and plan a more affordable visit to Alaska.
Usually, in order to cut the costs of a cruise, the cruise line lessens the number of ports of call. In fact, the cruise may only stop at a couple of cities. Furthermore, the ship is likely to be smaller and have fewer amenities than more expensive cruise ships. Don't expect to find a huge movie theater, fully-equipped gym, and several bars to choose from if you take a discount cruise.
Other reasons why the cruise may be cheaper is the fact that it travels very early or very late in the cruise season. This would mean early May or even April and late September. The downside of taking advantage of Alaska cruise deals during the shoulder seasons is that the tourist facilities at the ports you visit may be closed. This means that you get less value out of your trip.
If you plan on taking a cruise in Alaska during the peak season, you can get good discounts by taking an inside room. Outside cabins with balconies are far more expensive and they really aren't necessary when you consider the fact that you probably won't be spending much time in your room. You can get plenty of great views of the Alaskan coast from the deck or bar of the cruise ship. You can also save money by choosing a cruise with a shorter duration. As long as you are willing to make sacrifices, you will be able to find Alaska cruise deals.
The type of ship you choose will also make a huge difference in the cost of your cruise. There are three basic types of ships that cruise in Alaska and they are very large ships, ferries, and small boutique ships. The very large ships are full of amenities but it is harder for them to get close to glaciers and wildlife due to their size. Ferries that travel up and down the Alaskan coast are the cheapest option but don't expect any fancy amenities. You may even find yourself rolling out your sleeping bag on the deck of the ferry to get some shut eye! Small boutique ships offer the most intimate experience. They are at the higher end of the spectrum and enable you to get very close to the natural scenery of Alaska.
When searching for Alaska cruise deals, make sure to take advantage of all of the resources that are available online. From chatting with previous passengers on forums to scouring websites that promote cruise deals, make the most of all of the information that is available to you online. By doing so, you're sure to plan an unforgettable Alaska cruise without busting your budget!
Discover and share great travel deals on BestTravelDeals.net. Free to share and free to submit travel deals. Some recent deals include airfare from $9, $29 and $39.
 

6 Tips to Find the Best Alaska Cruise Deals

One of the best ways to see the biggest state in the USA, is definitely through an Alaskan cruise. The state provides extensive and pristine diversity both along the coastline and inland. When planning a cruise in the state, you'll likely want to find the best among the various Alaska cruise deals. Here are some hot tips to help you find it:
1. Search online.
As with just about everything else these days, you can find some fantastic Alaska cruise deals by surfing the Net. This is definitely the best way to get several price quotes. Look for websites that specialize in cruises, so you can easily compare and contrast the different deals available. It's crucial that you compare apples with apples, and oranges with oranges. Some of the different factors that can affect the cost of Alaskan cruises include the cruise line, the accommodation type, and the departure date.
2. Visit the websites of cruise companies.
If you're looking for the best deal on Alaskan cruises, this is a hit-or-miss method. Sometimes buying direct from the cruise company will provide you with the best deal. And sometimes it doesn't. It's worth checking out their deals, and registering for their e-mail lists. To find the best deal, conduct a comprehensive search.
3. Use a travel search engine.
Another method for finding the best Alaska cruise deals is to use the search engine of travel websites. This will help you to pinpoint some of the best cruise deals for Alaska. Keep in mind that these search engines don't provide you with a means of actually booking an Alaskan cruise. But what it does is crank out prices from several (sometimes hundreds) of travel websites. This type of search is definitely much more efficient than using the search engine of a web browser.
4. Book your cruise early.
The early booker gets the best deals. It's advisable that you book your cruise several months in advance, in order to benefit from the best savings. Obviously, cruise companies would rather fill up their boats sooner rather than later.
5. Go to an Alaskan port.
This is a fantastic option if you have some flexibility about your destination and schedule. Simply go to the port just before an Alaska cruise launches, and talk with some of the local travel agents there. This is a fantastic way to find cheap Alaska cruise deals.
6. Visit travel agents.
This is an oldie-but-goodie way to find rock-bottom Alaska cruise deals. The travel agents will have access to a virtually unlimited number of travel resources, to help you find the best deal possible. As a word of caution, keep in mind that travel agents receive commissions for their sales. So make sure that the commission doesn't offset any savings from outstanding deals that they secure for you.
These tips will help you to secure some of the best Alaska cruise deals. Alaska definitely contains some of the most breathtaking sights on Earth. But you don't have to take out a second mortgage, to enjoy a cruise in the 50th state!

For more tips on finding your best Alaska Cruise Deals and information on what to expect on your Alaska Cruise please visit http://www.alaska-cruise-deals.com
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Alaska Cruise Deals - How to Save Money on an Alaskan Cruise

While it's far too easy to spend a large amount of money on an Alaskan cruise, you certainly don't need to do so. I personally use a few simple strategies to turn up some great Alaska cruise deals. With a little research, flexibility, and determination, it's possible to find discounts and specials on an Alaska cruise that will be a wonderfully memorable experience for years to come.
The time of year when you choose to head to Alaska can have a huge impact on its cost. If at all possible, be flexible! As with any tourist destination, the best discounts are found on departures during the non-peak, shoulder seasons. To find the best Alaska cruise deals, stay away from the peak months of June, July and August, and instead look for departures in May, September and October. The days will be a little shorter, and it's bound to be colder, but an Alaskan cruise is beautiful year round.
The type of cabin you choose is another area where you can easily shave a large amount off the potential cost of an Alaskan cruise. For example, it costs quite a bit more to have an outside cabin, and an outside cabin with a balcony is even more expensive. In my experience, most cruisers to Alaska find that they don't really spend that much time in their rooms. Part of the fun of a cruise is being able to meet the other guests, and the views of the glorious Alaskan coast from the deck or the bar can't be beat!
The type of ship you select can also have a big impact on your budget. There are basically three types you can consider. First, all of the major Alaska cruise lines have very large ships, and can often have some very attractive promotions to fill them. As you might expect, they have a strong incentive to make sure they're not leaving port with empty cabins. The downside, of course, is that because their ships are so big, it can be hard to get in close to the glaciers and other wildlife that you're hoping to see.
Two other types of ships offer a more intimate experience, but for vastly different budgets. Priced towards the higher end, a few boutique cruise lines specialize in small ship adventures that bring you much closer to the scenery. A final, super cheap option is to take one of the ferries that head up and down the Alaskan coast. You might be rolling out your sleeping bag on the deck, but you'll also be saving a ton of money!
By far one of the best strategies is to take advantage of the experience of others cruisers. There are a number of forums where up to date information can be found on the latest specials and bargains in the Alaskan cruise market. You'll be amazed how much information your fellow cruisers will know, how happy they'll be to share it with you, and how quick they are to respond. I've listed a few of my favorites Alaska cruise forums at my blog, which you can access below.
In conclusion, there are a few easy guidelines you can follow to help find great Alaska cruise deals. With these tips, you can make sure your Alaska cruise is an experience of a lifetime, and doesn't bust your budget!
J. David Rogers travels the world and has a passion for uncovering the best deals in every destination. What you just learned is the tip of the iceberg. To learn even more, and always get the latest news about discounts, be sure to visit the only blog exclusively dedicated to Alaska cruise deals.
 
J. David Rogers - EzineArticles Expert Author

Alaska Cruise Excursions - 3 Amazing Places to Visit in Juneau

If you're planning on taking Alaska cruise excursions, then no doubt you're interested at the amazing scenery on this excursion. The glaciers and clear waters will surely be a breath of fresh air. Most people are not familiar with the wonderful port excursions that you can find at the different stops on your cruise. Alaska cruise excursions are very much different from your everyday cruise experience. The experience will definitely involve being out and visiting a lot of marvelous sights.
There's not too much entertainment when you compare it with the traditional shore excursion of most cruises. But there are a lot of more amazing things that you can do especially if you love hiking, fishing and visiting glaciers. You will never be bored when doing Alaska cruise excursions.
Let's take a look at the 3 amazing places you can visit in Juneau, which is one of the popular stops.

Mendenhall Glacier
You will have a great time here. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowd then you can hike up the glacier which takes about 2-3 hours. This will give you a better picture of the glacier than from visiting the center. You're going to enjoy the view tremendously.

Imagination Station
Imagination station has a wonderful selection of books and toys. You can buy Alaska-made gifts for the children and the staff are really helpful and experienced.

Icy Strait Point ZipRider
This is an amusement park ride and you have to wait for a while to get the exciting but short ride. A good precaution is to bring your rain gear because the shelter covering the space is limited.
I hope you can visit these wonderful places when you take your Alaskan cruise excursions. Do you want to know how you can save as much as 75% on your cruise bill?
If you're one of the 99% of cruise passengers who makes this single mistake, then learn more Disney cruise tips at http://www.IntelligentCruiserReview.com/

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