Travel agent to help with 1st Alaska cruise

Hi, Gloria. I usually book direct but I do know that many people in our area use the AAA travel center over by the mall for cruises and others really like Costco travel. You mention small ship and the inside passage. How small are you looking for?

I typically do everything myself, but sometimes it is advantageous to book cruises through a travel agent because sometimes you get some add ons. I know people do like Costco, though I've never used them. We do have AAA and I booked a Viking cruise through them and got some shipboard credit.

I can recommend a small ship cruise line for Alaska. It is Alaskan Dream. I do not remember the travel agency that booked our trip but you can book a cruise direct with them. It was a wonderful experience traveling with them.

I have only taken one ocean cruise - 2015 I think - and it was the Alaskan Inner Passage tour. It began and ended in Seattle with ports of call in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria (to satisfy the terms of the Jones Act). The highlight was Glacier Bay.
Ports of call tours can be purchased prior to cruise departure or they can be bought from the tour director onboard. The onboard tour purchases usually cost a little more, but you are assured the tour won't leave without you if your cruise ship arrives in port late.
What I didn't know at the time of purchase is that not all Alaskan Tours are the same. Some cruise companies cater to a high energy crowd while others have a geriatric focus. I suggest asking around to match your interests with the appropriate cruise line.
Some travelers absolutely love the ocean cruise experience. Upon departure, we could still see the Seattle skyline when a couple standing next to me said this was their tenth time taking this cruise. For me, it's one-and-done, and the Alaskan cruise is the only one I have interest in.

As an afterthought, a word of caution...sea sickness is real and quite unpleasant. I noticed quite a few passengers suffering on our Alaskan cruise. There are pills, patches and, if needed injections to counteract motion sickness. Some claim eating green apples also helps.

Thank you to those who have responded so quickly.
I am looking for something 300-400 guests, or less on the ship. But definitely not luxury - as we can’t afford that.
It is a first cruise for my sister & me. We have just started our 70’s and are healthy, but not “buff”. We are not interested in all the entertainment and stuff of the larger ships, nor large groups of people. We would like to enjoy more natural and cultural history-Lectures, talks, tour activities directed towards such. We would love to see lots of wildlife, geological formations, and historical & contemporary Native culture.
We are both retired so the length of a trip is only determined by cost, and not by calendar. We have been warned about budgeting for drinks, gratuities and excursions and port fees and taxes. We have no idea how much to expect for those. That is why I think we really need someone to help guide us.
I am a member of COSTCO, so I can check them out. Can you use AAA if you are not a member?
Thank you all again for your replies.
Gloria

Be sure that you book with a cruise line that visits Glacier Bay. Glacier Bay is amazing. NCL does GB, and I think Princess does as well.

Our ship had a little more than 2000 passengers, but at Glacier Bay and the Hubbard Glacier, we got up very close and out ship did a 360 so everyone on the ship could see the glaciers on their balconies.

I’m pretty sure AAA will help book cruises even if not a member. The advantage to you would be going in person to speak to someone rather than having to do it all on the phone. Located right next to Lowe’s on 196th.

You mention this is your first cruise and you are worried about being with too many people/crowds. I have learned through experience that a well designed larger ship (1500-2000 passengers) can feel less crowded than an older, poorly designed ship of 700. You will pay significantly more for the small ship.

Small ship lines serving Alaska that I am aware of: Uncruise, Linblad/National Geographic, 8 day National Geographic Cruise is around $11,000.

My personal recommendation would be to try an Alaskan Cruise on Princess. Choose the inside passage itinerary that leaves from Vancouver and ends in Whittier. This will mean a “smaller” ship than the other routes. It will also go through Glacier Bay where National Park Rangers come on and narrate the trip. Princess will have a Naturalist onboard as well as enrichment talks that are quite interesting. To give you a sense of price, Balcony Stateroom on Sapphire Princess, $2844.10 for both of you, 7 day cruise leaving May 11.

Viking Ocean has an Alaskan cruise that goes thru the inside passageway. If you are interested in Viking, definitely go thru an agent for the extra perks.

Agree with Carol,
The incredible cost of a small ship cruise is just not worth paying when compared to a cruise with Princess or NCL. Also, the ships that do the Alaska cruises are not the huge ones you see in the Caribbean.

We have friends who are signed up with Uncruise for Alaska this year--or you could go really basic but very up close and personal with the Inside Passage and take the Alaska State Ferry, which leaves from Bellingham, WA. I would be really into that adventure if, as has been mentioned, potential seasickness was not such an issue. Don't know what your price range is, but Seabourn also has smaller cruise ships. I'm not sure about a particular travel agent.

The only time the Alaska ferry comes out cheaper than a cruise is if you have no stateroom on the Alaska ferry or the most expensive stateroom on the cruise. It is a common misconception that the ferry is cheaper.

It is a common misconception that the ferry is cheaper.

Just saying that it was another way to get up to Alaska--I don't even know how it compares price-wise.

The Un-Cruise was fantastic. I did the inside passage 5/6 years ago. Small, 75 people. Very active, but they provided levels of activity. Great food and guides and staff were all excellent.

I haven’t done this myself, but if you are considering the inland ferry, I think they offer travel planning help - because it IS complicated.