Alaska Cruise Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

[@gerrygibeault]

Although there are many factors to consider when choosing a ship for an Alaska cruise, I lean to Holland America since more of their ships have retractable roofs over the main pool, so that guests can enjoy it even in inclement weather.

[@Rottnwoman]

I take your point but we are Australian. We don't cruise to alaska for the swimming.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

The Pinnacle-class is a great ship for cruising to Alaska. Many other cruise lines do offer indoor pools.

[@marianjeffrey8684]

Just came back last week from our first Alaskan cruise. The flight to Vancouver from Melbourne is long. We had 2 days prior to cruise and 3 days after in Vancouver. Loved, loved this holiday. Didn't see much wildlife but we have been to BC before so have seen bears and whales before. We sailed HAL Noordam and had a balcony. We also had the have it all package and that was well worth the money. Favourite place was Ketchikan, the history is brilliant and I found a great book shop near Creek St. Met so many Aussies working in Alaska. The fish was mouthwatering great and I will miss Halibut and cod. Definitely want to go back to Ketchikan and have worked out a route. So go people, go on an Alaskan cruise.

[@Rottnwoman]

Our plan is: Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu- 2 nights at the Alohiani; HAL to Seattle, stay a few nights; Victoria Clipper for a few nights. BC Ferry to Tsawassen, a few nights in Vancouver then board the cruise. No flight over 10 hours 😊

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Sounds like the long flights were worth it for you! Glad to hear you enjoyed your time way up north. Australia is one place we haven't been to yet, but we are eying a cruise there this December. Happy sailing!

[@ilene202]

Hi. We are booking for June 2025. This may sound like a dumb question, but have you ever seen a ship with electrical outlets by the bed? Hubby and I both use cpap machines and the idea of a web of extension cords across the room each night sounds very unappealing! Thanks.

[@az3507]

@@ilene202 I think most have electrical outlets by the bed now.

[@leanneneville2431]

We are fellow Aussies and looking at Vancouver to Tokyo inside passage cruise. Can get good fares flying cathay to San Francisco and then a flight to Vancouver from there. Looking at Oceania and Viking and going in September, any thoughts ? TIA😁

[@patrickscott9494]

WE did a cruise on a small brand, Windstar, to Alaska it was great going into smaller ports compared to the mega ships. Much more boutique feel, longer stays in ports compared to langer lines

[@stevebartley628]

My wife became a big fan of the Iditerod from the lecture on our cruise. the whole family went one year for the start in Anchorage. she did a second trip with her friend. And we’ve had 4 Siberian huskies since then.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We guess she did fall in love. lol.

[@jacquelyns9709]

I first became aware of the modern-day Iditerod race when I read a mystery that took place during it. The protagonist is a woman. Unfortunately, I don't remember the title or the author. It really brought the race alive. And gave lots of details of the musher's experience.

[@jpentzien]

I appreciate these videos. It’s because of videos like these we decided to not get a balcony room and instead get an interior so we could spend that money on once in a lifetime excursion experiences. Can’t wait for our Alaskan cruise in 2025.

[@melanieschloemer1622]

I appreciate this because we made the same choice for our cruise coming up in September. The balcony room wasn't just more, it was 150% more. We used that savings to add the cruise tour.

[@oopik0059]

It’s a smart choice. It was foggy, rainy and chilly during our cruise. We had an obstructed cabin but it didn’t make much difference and we got a good deal.

[@stevebartley628]

Flights back from Anchorage often leave in the middle of the night, so i think it us more convenient ( and usually cheaper ) if you do a southbound one-way rather than the northbound

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Good point. We did a southbound and spent a couple days in anchorage. Have you done a one way Alaska cruise?

[@stevebartley628]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 northbound, then 10 days in an RV

[@jacquelyns9709]

Even people with plenty of money like to save where they can. My friend has a lot more money than I do. She also took advantage of a shore excursion sale. She is also very generous. As part of my birthday gift this year, she said she would pay for our land meals that weren't already paid for on our upcoming Alaskan CruiseTour.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

That sounds like a pretty fabulous friend. What cruise line are you sailing with for your cruise tour?

[@jacquelyns9709]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Princess Cruises.

[@jacquelyns9709]

I have recently purchased several merino wool t-shirts. Ads promised that they will be cool in the heat and warm in the cold. So far that has proven true. In addition, they are lightweight, soft,and take up little room when folded. Perfect for layering. And I can handwash them in the sink. I live in San Antonio, Texas. In the winter, it frequently can start the day ar 32 degrees and end in the 70s and sometimes in the 80s. We are looking forward to possible cooler weather in July and August.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Let us know how those sweaters work out for you! Which ship and itinerary are you doing in Alaska?

[@jacquelyns9709]

@Eatsleepcruise1 Royal Princess southbound. Visiting Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Icy Strait, and Ketichan, and Vancouver. We will be spending several days in Vancouver before flying home.

[@davidperrott4502]

We (my Wife and I) are about to go on our first international cruise, being to Alaska and going from Australia this is very expensive. So we have watched a few and looks like we have avoided most of the common mistakes. NCL Encore in September, hope we do not experience weather that others have made comment on regarding missing ports.

[@greglucas701]

My wife and I are on the Royal Prince cruise july 13th, and the cruisetoue as well a total of 14 days.

[@greglucas701]

Royal princess

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Awesome. Which itinerary?

[@jacquelyns9709]

My friend and I are going on the Royal Princess in early August. We are doing the land portion first. We are working with a local travel agency and our tour will be escorted. They are also paying for tours in Fairbanks and Denali National Park. We are getting on-board credit due to our military service. We were able to sign up for discounted shore excursions due to a sale. Some excursions we both are going on and some we are doing separately sine I am using a rollator walker. We have an accessible balcony cabin. It cost no more than a regular balcony cabin but is much larger. We went on the Regal Princess earlier this year and had a great time. Since the Royal Princess is a sister ship we will feel right at home.

[@greglucas701]

Voyage of the glaciers. Sailing out of Vancouver, stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Also glacier bay, and College Fjord, then Dunbar in Whittier. After that heading on our cruise your portion.

[@greglucas701]

Sorry disembark

[@southernchristopher2680]

We are heading to Alaska in August on the NCL Bliss. Great information, thank you for the video.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Have fun! We sailed on NCL BLiss in Alaska in 2018 and had a fabulous time. When you return, let us know your review!

[@barbprisinzano1939]

Thank you for this Alaska tips, it’s very helpful,Barb from Cheektowaga NY

[@Kathleen-j9b]

This has been on of THE best videos I have seen. Very informative, not kitchy and boring. Thank you so much. Glad I found your channel. Sincerely, thank you and keep them coming

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Glad it was helpful! You taking an Alaska cruise next year?

[@Kathleen-j9b]

Yes! July on the Encore :)

[@KayTee979]

Did a cruise to Alaska last year in early September. Due to inclement weather and rougher seas we could not dock in Skagway so we missed the port entirely. Also, due to weather and rough seas in Ketchikan our excursion was canceled entirely. We made the mistake of booking quite late (it was a special offer type thing we got only a few months prior). Also we got unlucky with the weather. It was still a great time. This was our first ever cruise and I still loved it, but we are hoping round 2 will go better. So that later shoulder season is nice as I suspect crowds were less, but the weather later on can be more unpredictable and can affect your cruise, if you can dock in the ports, your shore excursions etc. So that is something else to have people keep in mind. Round 2 is happening next year in May or May/June we are debating between a one-way 7 day cruise or a longer round-trip 10 day cruise. Those flights into/out of Anchorage/Vancouver are quite pricey compared to Seattle. Hotels are also a bit more as well. So even though the cruise is only 7 days compared to 10 days, as we are figuring out the finances, the 10-day cruise is looking to be on par with or even cheaper than the 7-day one. We will also visit more ports of call and for longer times on the 10-days cruise. So we may end up on a 10-day cruise for this second visit, with the hope that going in May/June will be better weather-wise. Super excited for it, just wish it wasn't almost an entire year away, but good things are worth waiting for.

[@OSSCYT]

So for missing the port did they refund you or put that cost towards the total charge bill?

[@rachelsnyder3361]

What are we supposed to wear in July? Do we really need cold weather clothing?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Not in our experience. While the mornings might be chilly daytime temps will probably be in the 50s and 60s. Layers are key! Which cruise line?

[@rachelsnyder3361]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Royal. On the Quantum.

[@michaelmelendez882]

Wife and I are on the Celebrity Edge in July! We can’t wait

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Awesome. Celebrity Edge is one of our favorite ships and perfect for the region. Have a great cruise. Have you sailed with Celebrity before?

[@michaelmelendez882]

This is our first cruise on Celebrity. My previous 7 were all Carnival. She’s been on only 2

[@danielhobbs8223]

Going on an Alaskan cruise July 2025. What deck do you prefer? We plan to get the balcony room, but are undecided on what deck we should stay on. Thanks

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

What ship? We would recommend being a couple decks above the atrium or promenade.

[@PUFFFIRE]

We are heading on our first Norwegian Cruise to Alaska in August on the Encore enjoyed this video great pointers.

[@michaeldrewel4243]

If you get Princess plus is it included with the cruise tour portion of Alaska trip?

[@jeffeisenberg4743]

Thank you for the wonderful video. We are heading to land first then cruise Aug on princess. We have not booked an excursion for our last port Ketchikan, still deciding to just explore the port and Creek Street or do something daring. A little afraid of seaplane or helicopter but still deciding? Any thoughts. Best Jeff & Sandy Brooklyn NY

[@diannacooper3770]

I would like to know about waterproof jackets. I am looking to buy one, but don’t know if I should buy a light weight one and wear warm clothes under or get a heavy waterproof jacket. Do I need to even bulk up with heavy clothes underneath as I’ll be walking around the port cities and may not need heavy clothing under my waterproof jacket Bought waterproof duck boots already.

[@jackieschmidt5994]

Just returning from our cruise…mixed weather all week. Layered tshirts, light sweatshirts, and light rain jackets…perfect! Jackets can be found very reasonably in Ketchikan near the pier

[@shelleylundstedt7487]

This is solid advice on what to expect when you book your bucket list adventure to Alaska. Smart tips to avoid leaving any money on the table. Thanks!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks. No one likes to waste money, no matter how much they make. Planning an Alaska cruise?

[@shelleylundstedt7487]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Yes! We took out first ever cruise last summer to Alaska on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam and loved it so much we’re going again this August on Princess. I appreciate this list even though we have one trip under our belt, it’s never too late to take in good advice 😊

[@tucky12300]

I have been saving for this bucket list cruise.I have heard about the mosquitos but no one talks about them.Are they bad walking around the ports or just if you go hiking in the woods. This may be a strange question but I lived most of my life in Florida and the mosquitos eat me alive. Thank you for answering my question.

[@lisatrevino7127]

I took some off wipes with me, but I never used them.i did t see a mosquito. I would still take the off wipes tho. Just in case.

[@jackthomas6952]

I’m going in October, I’m hoping it’s nice and cold

[@WrenUSA]

$600 a day yeah I can’t even cruise to Walmart for $10 a day! I’ll just live vicariously through these videos

[@bbman58]

Here is a question. Has anyone ever experienced a trip when your entrance to Glacier Bay is cancelled due to ice? Was there a glacier visited instead?

[@mareeberry6951]

Hello. We have never cruised AK, but are looking to do so this Sept on a Princess ship. Recommendations?? What itinerary do you think is best? Thank you!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Feel free to email us if you need helpful planning. We are fans of an itinerary that goes to glacier bay. One of the Royal class ships would be our recommendation.

[@Kaycee-zg1mo]

Each of these are in the 3 ports we stop, what else could we comfortably do along with the ones already mentioned and should we book through the line or buy them at the port privately. Do you think we have enough time to do the dog sledge ride as well. Your guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@Kaycee-zg1mo]

Hi, We going on the NCl encore in Sept 2024, we will be in Port for the following hours. With the time it would take us to come off the ship, would you be kind enough to advise what and how many excursions we could safely do at each port. Juneau* 2.30pm to 10pm *Skagway* 7am to 8.18pm Ketchikan, 7am to 1.15pm We want to do the white pass scenic railway train ride, Goldbelt tram and the Lumberjack Show.

[@michellebarney5634]

I'm looking at going in 2 years. Age then 83. I use a walker. How can I get around, on-ship and in ports? My interests include Inuit culture, history (good enrichment vital), wildlife, glaciers & scenery. Hope to go in early June for my birthday, June 21! Tell me about mobility, ships, etc. Thanks.

[@mjgranny5450]

I’m going with my mom June 2025 for her birthday. She will be 86

[@melaniekerr7909]

I bought my Mom a travel scooter from Amazon. She loves it. You can also rent a scooter for the cruise. Scootaround rents scooters.

[@deba175]

I just came back from on eurodam loved it , do you recommend a cruise tour I like try a different cruise ports and our cruise didn't got glacier bay they changed it several months or more before. What's your best experience

[@mdmcfp]

Really informative and helpful. Thank you for this video. I’m trying to weigh a Disney Cruise versus other options. My daughter loves Disney and only wants to go if we can have the characters and shows that she’s used to on previous cruises. At the same time it seems like Glacier Bay and other offerings might be better on other lines, not to mention lower prices and even a bigger room for our family at a lower cost. How would you weigh these two options if you were me?

[@bhawnagupta6611]

What amenities r provided in the state rooms of NCL. Should I bring all toiletries with me. Is water free flowing ?

[@007moma]

We did the trip with Cunard Queen Elizabeth. We totally loved the entire trip! The ship experience was just as enjoyable as the Alaskan experience! We were given ample time to explore the ports except for one stop. We wish we had had a little more time in Sitka. We did excursions at three ports and still had time in port to shop and walk around. I would love to do another trip. Be prepared if you wish to eat in port expect to spend $150 or more for one meal!

[@AbidHidayat-jl1gf]

Hello We are going to Alaska first week of September. How’s the weather usually? It seems rainy. We are going on RC ovation of the seas. Any advice? Clothing? Packing ?

[@tamekahoyte7868]

Hi, how was your cruise

[@diannacooper3770]

Also, would you please give me recommendations for Juneau. We were unable to book a trip to Mendenhall glacier, so I’m hoping to just see glaciers while on the ship. But what can we do while we’re in Juneau on our own?

[@jackieschmidt5994]

Just got back…consider the tram…it takes you up to a magnificent view on a clear day…buses can take you to Mendenhall but involves a walk from the buses…also watch your time carefully. Juneau has a great museum! Enjoy!

[@jackieschmidt5994]

Purchase your tram tickets at the tram office….

[@hcarr1216]

We are considering an Alaskan cruise next summer for our family 5. We have never been to Alaska or on a cruise. Where do we even begin?

[@mangocake-ak50]

Yes we are planning as well next summer 2025 . I am confused as well where to begin any pointers would appreciate

[@Obie1209]

Hi!!! We are first time cruisers and are planning to go to Alaska in June/July 2025… we like the idea of using a cruise travel agent…are there any agents you can recommend??

[@saranyabiswas2057]

Is there a travel agent you suggest ?

[@dawnmcgaffick5005]

How is Alaska in the first 2 weeks of September or is it better to pay a little more and go at the end of August? No kids, looking at the haven on an NCL ship

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We sailed in early September and were lucky with the weather. Some of the shore excursions won't be running, as it can get icy that time of year. But we wouldn't let that stop you. The Haven is amazing, so if you can get a good deal and the ship is doing Glacier Bay, we say go for it!

[@ZeldaLara]

Where can you rent lenses for cameras?

[@Kaycee-zg1mo]

Hi Guys, Are you on a cruise, haven't heard from you Thanks

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We set sail on our next cruise in a week. We’re Disney.

[@Kuropii0]

I do not recommend NCL SUN if you want activities beyond dancing on small spaces and listening to repetitive songs/singing/entertainment. The game shows were okay but nothing else on this ship appealed to me but this was my first cruise and didn’t have any personal experience to compare.

[@peterlongo3343]

I booked a 9/22/24 cruise. Im ok with less people!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Us too! Which cruise line?

[@JanineNielson-zz9uy]

Yes but possibly less things are opened

[@peterlongo3343]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 princess majestic!!

[@marylindafritz3300]

We shall be on that ship 🛳..

[@icedteamama176]

Planning on my first Alaskan cruise for next May. Thinking either RCL Quantum (5/26/25) or NCL Encore (5/25/25). We’re bringing a 15 yr old son. Which are your top 3 favorite ports and which travel advisors do you use please? Which port has the dog sled please? From my brief research so far, it appears Glacier Bay, Juneau & Ketchikan are top ports. Thank you!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Great questions. We would lean towards NCL Encore, especially if it visits Glacier Bay National Park. We did our dog sledding tour in June on top of the Mendenhall Glacier. It was well worth the steep price tag. Juneau and Ketchikan are our favorite ports as there is so much you can do, plus you can walk around the towns on your own without a tour. Stacy's Crab Shack is a must in Juneau, and you can't go wrong with The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan. You can check out our trusted travel partner, MEI Travel, using this exclusive link to get their latest deals and promotions. mei-travel.com/?apid=escy

[@icedteamama176]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 thank you very much for the tips!!! I’ll contact MEI Travel this week. 🙏

[@laurijohnson7754]

Yes we went with Toyal Carribean of the seas.We came back Labor Day. It was good but I wish we could have seen Ketchikan and Glacuer Bay. Our next cruise there will definitely have those ports in ourvintenerary

[@deniselanglois6193]

What port has the eagle zoo

[@dgermaine8408]

Sitka has a rapter center where they rehab wounded birds of prey. We walked there from town. We were leaving just as a large excursion group arrived and sort of overwhelmed the center.

[@valeriegilbert5258]

Doing Alaska out of Seattle in 2025. We were the only ones that got a balcony. The excursions are either wayyy expensive or have pretty low reviews so so far I'm not willing to book any of them. It's even been said that other members of our group who got inside rooms will be hanging out on our balcony when we stop at Glacier Bay, the excursion was saying something like $300/person or so. I'll stay on the boat. The excursion reviews read -Duck boat- boat was broken so we got half our money back and we only drove around town for like a mile. That was in quite a few of them or -train ride- windows were fogged up, we could see nothing, no air running thru car, crammed in like sardines for 3 hours.

[@donnalichtfuss7527]

Not worth the money to me. Think souvenir shops, pretty, but redundant views, tedious travel (if land portion), and expensive. We were lucky with the weather last year in July, having one rainy day then sunny 70's every day for 10 days.

[@lindaguida4074]

Don’t go on a cruise if you’re not ready to spend!

[@ajbennett-iu5fk]

😂how much it cost

[@ChrisHodges87]

There is something mechanical about your reading this script. I can’t keep listening. Sorry.

[@sanjaypatelmd4669]

Don’t do bear watching excursion at Icy straight point….waste of time and money

[@Sharon-g8q5u]

I wouldn’t go to Alaska,to wet ,to cold,to far,waste of money! There is nothing there that you can’t see if you went to maritime in Canada for a lot less money or cold.but if you don’t want to go there just go to a zoo, in the winter time.

[@mea3665]

Biggest mistake is not doing a land trip in Alaska, and cruising from port to port. You all did not " Go to Alaska"

[@noelreynolds4861]

It just gets old, watching YT videos with advise for saving money, pinching pennies, and cutting corners. Doesn't anybody just save-up so a bucket-list cruise is memorable without regrets due to looking for the cheapest way to go? If you have to, I get it, but videos always seem to assume they are talking to people who can't afford nice things.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

Troll

[@noelreynolds4861]

@@a.leehilliard4716 Bite me, not trolling here. I'm just tired of videos geared towards people who maybe shouldn't be traveling if they can't afford it.

[@richardbrabham7107]

Then just go to a video you might enjoy.

[@noelreynolds4861]

@@richardbrabham7107 Already had, but you called me back here with your pointless suggestion, thanks.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We never recommend cutting corners or pinching pennies. But even those who have saved money don't want to waste it or throw it away. Any advice we provide for saving money can simply be ignored and you are more than free to spend your money however you want and not worry if it is a good value or if you are getting a deal. Happy sailing!

[@Rottnwoman]

WTF?? South EAST Alaska? How is the Pacific coast east?

[@jacquelyns9709]

It's the southeast part of Alaska. The biggest part of Alaska is to the west and north of there. I highly suggest you check out an atlas showing Alaska and the rest of the world.

[@ReDEclipsE28]

Are you a potato? Every state has a north, south, east, and west part of the state.

[@tvv728]

Man way too long and not much new info.

[@halshue5706]

You have nice videos buy your audio is terrible! You speak way too fast and drop your words making it very hard to understand. If you're going to make travel vlogs, I suggest you take some speaking courses and learn how to properly communicate with people. Start by listening to newscast people and their delivery of words. Sorry, buy not a fan of your vids.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks for watching.

[@carolsmakeupcorner5242]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I agree with @halshue5706. Terrible!

[@mathieunoel6013]

Going on a cruise ship is a mistake from the start. Get a life people!