I tried the CHEAPEST Alaska Cruise I could find: Here's What Happened: Carnival Cruise

[@jackredmond6023]

We experienced the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway as well. We booked the “VIP” experience with snacks and open bar. We were in the last car and I spent a good deal of time on the platform at the back. I can vouch that this was one of the best shore excursions we’ve ever taken. We were on the Discovery Princess last year (2024).

[@Midships]

Glad to hear you agree! What a great experience.

[@Katy32344]

I liked that excursion, too

[@PurpleReign1401]

When my grandparents were alive and younger, they used to take an Alaskan cruise every year or two. Watching all these YT videos on cruising, Alaska is now one of the locations I really want to do. Alaska is gorgeous.

[@brentshuffler1234]

@PurpleReign1401 Such good memories to inherit! Which cruiseline(s)/ship(s) did they experience and recommend? Given the generation that you are citing, my first guess was Holland America? Perfect choice for Alaskan cruises, very good service usually, and good food-quality, as well as amazing amount of artwork throughout each ship, and delightful decor, even in the Main Dining Rooms.

[@Andrew-f9t]

As an Alaskan I find it sad that a lot of people only see the Southern part of the state or only go as far north to Denali Park, there is so much to see in the interior of Alaska. One thing I suggest doing while up here is riding the Alaska Railroad, you can ride on the Railroad with the Tour Companies like Holland America, Princess, and Premier Alaska which have their own cars or you can Ride with the Alaska Railroad them selves which I prefer. The Alaska Railroad run passenger trains year round which include the Denali Star which is made of two Trains ( one northbound and one southbound from mid may to mid September) between Fairbanks and Anchorage with a stop at Denali Park, the Coastal Classic which runs between Anchorage and Seward during May through September, the glacial discovery which runs between Anchorage and Whittier during May through September, and the Hurricane turn which runs between Talkeetna to Hurricane turn. During the winter the Alaska Railroad runs the Aurora from mid September through May between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Weekends and a few mid week trains.

[@galegish7988]

Thank you for this tour, I really enjoyed seeing all the beauty of Alaska ❤

[@trbstang]

Yes, you can absolutely do Alaska on a budget! We got an obstructed oceanview room on the Grand Princess last summer for under $500 pp for the cabin. The total for two was around $1400. It was a one way from Anchorage to Vancouver so we were able to fly into Fairbanks, take the train through Denali to Anchorage, and experience the interior. Plus cruising through Glacier Bay was the main reason to pick that cruise. We also thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching in Juneau on our prior trip. On that prior trip we also went to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. That was a good time. Keep up the great work Cory!

[@Midships]

That’s a great route for Alaska! Thanks for the kind words. 🙏

[@eddiehardin33]

We rented a car for $175 and drove 100 miles on the Yukon/klondike highway and it was Spectacular! We were able to stop and enjoy waterfalls crystal blue lakes and also look way down on the train ! Plus explore Carcross and find a sandwich- I would recommend this over the RR! This was out of Skagway

[@Jacky-b5c]

Traci Arm is Super. Seal pups being kept safe from orca. The geology explanation from the guide was fascinating and eagles in every ta tree. The White Pass is well worth the money.

[@cindymichel4870]

We loved our trip to Alaska. Booked a cheaper whale watching trip when we got off in Juneau. There were few people on it which made it great for my son who enjoyed speaking to the captain and was able to get a lot of great information. We like to do things on our own, which helps with the cost. Gotta say that small boat tour of the glacier would totally be worth it. 😊

[@JB-eg1tb]

This is nice to see a budget option! Will be looking into this. Appreciate sharing your experience.

[@Misbehaven99]

Dude if i booked an Inside Cabin and I had any window of any kind I’d be ecstatic!! Natural light you got a full floor to ceiling window.. Obstructed view or otherwise… if you got that for inside Cabin count your blessings DO NOT complain about life boat 17.. count your lucky stars.. Sun light on an ‘Inside Cabin’ Woah..

[@KevinThomascolorado]

Worked for carnevil for 8 years and the spirit class is truly unique lots of different cabins especially the rear balcony cabins for a group

[@Byftpup]

Really want to go to Alaska. This was such a great focus on valuable tour points. I really enjoyed this video. My first video of yours. Thanks...

[@Midships]

Thanks for watching! Welcome aboard! 😊

[@marik2665]

I live in Juneau - for clarity, the city bus does not take you all the way to the glacier. It is about a mile walk from where the bus let you off until you get to the actual visitor center area.

[@Benjamin-x5p-i6m]

Have to disagree on that first excursion. I did the Disney wonder and we were plenty close to the that glacier. I have fantastic pics, saw calving, missed nothing. One issue with those boats is it isn’t a quick excursion, you’re on them for a long time. Also, on my cruise the excursion boats were late and the ship turned and left (tides???) so those little boats spent over an hour chasing us in the cold. Must have been an awful cold, wet hour. No thanks, got a great view, for free. Now the White pass is 100% worth the price. I spent the entire time outside. It’s well worth the money. One of my great memories of Alaska. I loved that one.

[@Topographic0423]

We are cruising to Alaska in May out of Seattle with stops in Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and Victoria. Alaska will be our 49th state visited. I’ve been to Victoria before but unfortunately our cruise only stops in town for three hours so will barely have time to get off the ship, it’s a lovely town. We are going on NCL for 8 days/7 nights for the cost of $1,100 per person, inside cabin which we prefer.

[@dalesmth1]

For anyone visiting Victoria or Vancouver, Look for a cheese called Bleu Claire. It’s made by Qualicum Cheese Works. It’s a Bleu cheese for people that hate Bleu cheese. It’s not sold in the states, fyi.

[@lokicooper4690]

We cruised Alaska with HAL. Booked their excursion into Tracy Arm (1000% agree - just do it!), worth the price. It ended up being $190 for us with an excursion credit. Also went on the White Pass Rail, but booked third party for that. Went up into the Yukon on that trip. Again, 1000% recommend. Third party was definitely cheaper. Buchart Gardens is a great place to visit if you go to Victoria. Unfortunately, if you are cruising to Alaska via Seattle, you inly get about 4 hours in Victoria, so Buchart is too far away to make it worthwhile. We cruised the inside passage from Vancouver (which does not go to Victoria), and spent a couple days on Vancouver Island before our cruise, visiting the gardens and the Malahat Skywalk (about halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo). Both worth a visit.

[@stevenS6598]

Good to see you back on Carnival. Great obstructed view cabin. Looks like awesome excursions, especially the train and glacier excursions.

[@Midships]

Thank you Steven. Stay tuned. Another Carnival video is releasing shortly!

[@1pottercounty]

We took an airport sized motor coach tour in Skagway with only 7 other people on board a vehicle that can carry 40. It cost us $120 for both of us ( same excursion through the ship was $110 per person same excursion company) included a Salmon BBQ lunch at a Dog Mushing training camp and got to ride in a sled on wheels. We were free to do as many stops as we wanted just by asking the driver. We went past Fraser, BC to an Indian village for shopping. We were glad we took this excursion instead of the Train. With the train, you only stopped at Fraser and turned around and went back. There was so much more freedom on the tour bus. They even stopped in downtown Skagway for us to shop for an hour before delivering us back to the ship an hour before sailing. We learned well not to book excursions through the ship because you get more with motor coaches and for much less expense. We also booked outside the ship in Juneau for a whale watching excursion that was the same the ship offered but at over 50% less. The lesson we learned was to never book through the cruise line.

[@scottcole9069]

I have done the Alaska cruise several times, you did a great job on this video, covered all the best things to do and some great video scenes 👍👍 we also love the 4K category rooms on the spirit class ships

[@johnwebster9090]

I’m from Alaska the cheapest way I know to tour the interior of Alaska rent an RV be sure to read the reviews on the RV company. There are a couple of scammers that are floating around. They’ll rent the RV out and you show up and it was in an accident. But at any rate rent an RV you and your buddies You show up get in the RV you got your kitchen your bathroom your bedroom and your transportation right there wanna sleep on the mountain you can wanna sleep next to the ocean you can you get to your leisure have a good day

[@Lyle-tm1tm]

I've never been on the Spirit but from your video I like the decor of the ship. Also, thanks for including costs for those of us planning a trip in the future, I never imagined a shore excursion would cost so much.

[@NewYorksFinest1]

The ship has an Egyptian theme

[@jsclove1234]

The Sprit is a beautiful ship. It has like a copper to the atrium. I’ve never seen anything prettier.

[@punstress]

Were there any naturalist or cultural programs on board? Also, how about a final accounting of all the expenses?

[@jbrreef9754]

My family and I just got back from Alaska Cruise at the end of September 2024. Out of all the cruises I have completed, this was definitely my most memorable. The white pass train was worth every penny and seeing those glaciers up close was absolutely stunning. I was also very excited to get a Duck Fart shot at the originator of the shots famous, Red Dog saloon in Juneau.

[@mattdwill]

Awesome video, Corey! One of you best!

[@SusanPitman]

I love Carnival Spirit! It's one of my favorite Carnival ships. It has an awesome free gym--that has a whirlpool hot tub in it that's barely ever used!!

[@jas22980]

This was one of the best Alaskan cruise videos I've seen..... Awesome job!

[@Wolves335]

I agree, get on the small boat and get close to everything at Tracy Arm.

[@michaelrayharris]

Another great option - not quite as cheap, is the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Slept out on the afterdeck, amazing and we stopped at all the places the cruise ships stop.

[@oceanlinerkid]

Love your channel and I'm a single guy who's a huge ship nerd. Do you cruise solo? I too like Interior rooms towards the bow. This is a cruise I could do solo. 😊

[@cynthialiberatore368]

We did the railway too! I got tons of pictures standing outside! Loved it! The one thing we were supposed to do was a helicopter over the glacier and then walking on it. That was a total bummer that it was fogged in!

[@stanwolenski9541]

Bear in mind there can be another 15,000 souls disembarking and embarking at or about the same time you are. We found the best time to do the Alaskan experience is either the last or penultimate cruise. Fewer people, and if into buying what would normally be high priced merchandise, most is substantially reduced.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Nice review! What would be very instructive is to do a price-comparison of the 5 or 6 major cruiselines serving Alaska (the most important one that you missed was Holland America, the cruiseline that developed the original Alaskan cruise-experience and continues to lead the industry with its investments in Alaskan cruise-related infrastructure and excursions over 75 years later). For the same period as your sailing, look at what each main category of cabin (Inside, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite) costs across these cruiselines, and then evaluate value for money, inclusions, exclusions, extra charges, et cetera.

[@Sobabe-el5ke]

Your VIP room is a life boat ready! 😀🤷

[@virginialokovic9357]

Wondering what month did you go? Looks like good weather!

[@ankiitatandonbhatia2821]

Corey which rain coat you wore in Juneau can you tell where you bought? Link?

[@MaureenOLeary-tz1kt]

I went on the Alaskan cruise via Royal Caribbean in July 2011, and the weather was in the high 70’s. Certainly didn’t need the turtlenecks I packed. I loved the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, and hiking in Denali National Park. The glaciers were great to see as well. I hope to go back.

[@TheHangryOldMan]

We did Celebrity for a lot more than you paid because we only book balcony. Our best excursion was a canoe paddle right up to Mendehall Glacier and around the waterfall. That was an immersive experience paddling by beavers, eagles and other wildlife while we waved at everybody on shore. Awesome experience! However, we'll be in Denali in our RV this summer, which should also be awesome! Thanks!

[@noahkling4018]

Alaska is still on my bucket list…this looks like a great trip.

[@GromMolotok]

The White Pass & Yukon RR was the absolute highlight excursion of our last trip to Alaska. We're hoping to get back this year and take the all-day ride, instead of the one that turns around just past the Canadian border.

[@theneverendinghighway]

A little cost saving excursion, depending on your loyalty level with Norwegian Cruise Line is that combining the Free at Sea excursion credit of $50 plus the discount on excursions once you reach the 2nd tier of loyalty is that you can book the Tram up Mount Roberts absolutely free. You can use it whenever you feel like it throughout the day so you can go off do other things in the morning and then head up there in the afternoon. I book it every time I go on NCL now to Alaska.

[@sherrimcconnell936]

I love the size of the Spirit and her sister ship Miracle.

[@doncrist2012]

We cruised there in 97 and flew in a helicopter on 8:00 to the glacier and actually walked on one and drank the 33%water flowing through it

[@pepperdeas1269]

Great information 😊

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Good video the $500 cruise is nice but with your additional activities , do cruise lines normally do a package deal that may be a little higher but as a group rate maybe discounted a little that includes activities, not sure i've never taken a cruise but hope to soon and this looked nice.

[@jason31177]

I've been to Alaska twice. Both times on the Celebrity Solstice. Verandas both times. It's the only way to go. Being able to wake up and sit outside drinking coffee or going out there to play cards and being able to experience the sights in private is great. Might have to give this one a try. Celebrity wasn't cheap but compared to the Carnival cruises I've taken to Mexico, it was worth it when I brought my 2 kids. By myself, I might try Carnival in Alaska.

[@curiousgeorge4731]

For our 30th anniversary, my husband and I did the Alaska cruise, just loved it.

[@Midships]

That sounds amazing! You guys must have had a great time!

[@MidgeBorsilli]

Loved your video! So informative!

[@Midships]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@ralphandritashow4904]

We got up close to the glacier without the excursion. We were lucky. The people on the excursion complained and got some of their money back. Loved Carnival Spirit!

[@grayblanchard]

I booked my Alaskan cruise on the Norwegian Bliss about 2 days before it left and got a great deal. No single supplement. I regret not doing the tram in Juneau. I thought I had two more ports to explore and those were canceled because of weather - they substituted to sea days. Still, all in all, I would absolutely do Alaska and you can do it on a budget!

[@vickiladu6755]

What time of year did you get this discount? I would only go in summer, personally

[@debbie8935]

Your stateroom was fine. Save the money. Use it for a special excursion. Definitely worth it. We helicoptered in Juneau and walked on the ice field and a glacier. Even drank some melted glacial water. The smell was amazing too.

[@aprilvannewkirk8761]

I have been in many states, and Alaska does have the best smelling air.

[@germaineprien7691]

Sounds great!!!❤❤❤

[@trixkid27]

I wish at rhe end of the video you had a break down od how much the whole trip cost you

[@robbieanderson5902]

We love those cabins that you were in. Interior price, but the size of a balcony and natural light. We try to get them every time. when we do get a regular balcony, no one is ever out on the balcony… Because we’re never in our rooms

[@aprilhiggins6885]

Is this cruise scooter friendly or walker friendly. Elderly companion would be traveling with me

[@elainemarie3013]

Does he ever give the actual prices for the cruise and side trips? Are alcohol drinks included? What are the options for food? Can one eat when desired or only when assigned to eat? How are smokers accommodated? Are there any exercise facilities or walking options?

[@NewYorksFinest1]

We went on the spirit last year. Had a free cruise. Had a window with a life boat in front of the window (literally) found out it's cheaper to book an excursion skagway in town

[@rickwatson1000]

LOOKS LIKE MOST NEED TO WALK MORE THAN A FOOTBALL FIELD. Great video thank you

[@LilyGazou]

Yep

[@Jollytimemia]

What month was this?

[@kegarner1012]

I am booked on the Spirit in Sept 2025. I cannot wait. Your information is very enlightening.

[@Midships]

That sounds amazing! Enjoy your cruise!

[@juliebowers550]

Was there last end of june for 2 weeks went with a travel agency had alot planned for us could still do other extras❤❤❤

[@hollypotter6989]

Glad to see the budget info, but honestly, can you do what you did not only on a budget, but on a scooter? How ♿ friendly is this cruise?

[@Midships]

A few of those options would be accessible. Mendenhall has some paved trails and a visitor center with an elevator.

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Mendehall glaziers was awesome. The free shuttle bus in ketchikan took us around the city

[@suziemyers9855]

Different cruise line but in Ketchikan we purchased the lumberjack show tickets at the venue (show up early) because the only the cruise excursion offered over and above that was a block of seating. Otherwise, the town is a bust IMHO.

[@andilaboy3317]

What time of year did you do the trip?

[@terryk1260]

Tracy’s Crab Shack is another great stop in Juneau if you have the money! Sooooo good!!

[@gingerslaughter6752]

@@terryk1260 Extremely over priced.

[@PatriciaFrank-jw5eu]

The most amazing totems and carved houses just outside Ketchikan weren't even mentioned: Potlatch Park, Totem Bight for instance. The tour is expensive but up to 6 people can go so it becomes a bargain per person. If you're interested in Native culture and art this is a must!!

[@vickiladu6755]

I want to go to Alaska but do they have any single person cruises? My partner won't go or any of my friends but if i have to I will go alone

[@andrew_te]

Bonus train content in a Midships video!!!

[@Midships]

😏 calling all train KZbinrs 📣

[@LorrieSunshine-tn7jq]

I’ve been on 20+ cruises. This was my favorite.

[@Midships]

Such a beautiful part of the world! 🌎

[@lisahennessey6903]

What month did you go please?

[@percywilson9399]

Thanks . Alaska is on my to do list

[@cindyeastbourn7642]

What time of year did you go?

[@georgejetson1025]

Very thorough tour thx. But I don’t think I need to go on a Alaska cruise . Weather looks miserable and looks like one big tourist trap

[@LilyGazou]

😂 shopping and dining

[@sharonlloyd3416]

What time of the year did you take this trip?

[@tle1124]

Have this cruise booked for May and no excursions show up for Tracy Arm Fjord. Is it only for certain times of the year?

[@kriskringle7347]

Nice!!! i will like it shortly but it at 665 right now lol

[@ntobin1948]

What was the average temperature when you went?

[@junkyardhunteroc]

Nice looking house, but a little small. Keep up the great work!

[@walterlykes9105]

What month was this cruise?

[@mamajudesays6912]

One cruise where I was awakened at the crack of dawn by the noise of the lifeboats being lowered was enough for me. I would only stay near lifeboats if there were NO tender ports.

[@Justsomeguy99012]

❤❤❤❤I want to go to Alaska!!!!

[@kevinchristysaraseanpodles8345]

What month were you there in this video?

[@gingerslaughter6752]

It's an obstructed view interior.

[@AcerDylan]

Did u find any ducks lol?

[@jimmywalters3071]

Can you do some reviews on Single Cruises ? Do they have a single cruise to Alaska ? I'm single but could go with a buddy or two and get our own rooms etc. I would be hoping to meet other singles , not just couples on the cruise. I have been on my cruise in my life with family members and we had a great time but that was 15 years ago.. I want to go again.

[@terryk1260]

I did two 7 day B2B cruises on the NCL Spirit in 2023. I had a great time and made a few friends. Just jump in and do it! Best thing I ever did for myself. ❤️🛳️

[@Brenda-i2k]

I enjoyed this but the only thing you didn't show is what you can ddo on the the ship

[@Lacostelp]

How did you find a cruise that cheap? I just looked an the cheapest cruise on spirit as a solo is $1700

[@Midships]

Use your welcome home offers as well as casino play discounts. On board credit also helps with excursions. I have a video on how to cruise more often that goes into A LOT of detail.

[@morganthesleepy]

Ummmmmm how long ago was this? That’s a cool bag. Why don’t more bags have this??

[@Midships]

I took this cruise towards the end of last years season. Posting now because Alaska cruise interest is highest in February.

[@Midships]

Btw the bag is by Level 8 and is fabulous.

[@edvaira6891]

Oh Yeah! WHITE PASS IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!

[@pattygibson2956]

We wre fogged in, and glad we didnt spend the day on a train with no view.

[@Mike__B]

So some questions first... does an Alaskan cruise need an "adults only" area? Granted I've never cruised to Alaska, but doesn't seem like a very kid friendly cruise. second... does anyone use that pool at all? lastly, the Canadian jaunt... $15 CAD or $13 USD? Ouch, I don't know the exact numbers but pretty sure the USD is a bit stronger than tat.

[@mindyschocolate]

“Need”? Of course! Not everyone has kids. And the pools are heated.

[@Mike__B]

@@mindyschocolate No, I get that idea that not everyone has kids nor wants to be around a "family" area, I wasn't trying to dispute that. I was just wondering if there were literally any kids on that cruise at all.

[@IvaViper94]

Alaska is so underrated. Living in Australia's Outback & 45°C days across summer what a fresh change Akaska would be & Bigfoot would stink less than our locals also!

[@OrioleBeagle]

You won't get the rowdy party crowd on an Alaskan cruise.

[@Frances-e7x]

Abela is beautiful

[@Ivan-pl2it]

Alaska marine hyway ferry much more laid back.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

I wouldn't mind an interior in the Caribbean, but not in Alaska.

[@gingerslaughter6752]

You missed the best port!! Icy Straight Point in Hoonah.

[@Midships]

That is a fun stop!

[@scherzva]

That was my least favorite port

[@gingerslaughter6752]

@scherzva Why?? Because it is not commercialized to hell and back??

[@grajur3710]

We walked to Hoonah and saw a giant whale by the sidewalk, amazing

[@eluzercruiser7460]

The price of the flight from NY to Seattle, plus you have to fly a night before, adding hotel. So no, not possible to do an alaska cruise affordable.

[@LilyGazou]

Find a friend to pick you up at airport, keep you for a night and then drop you off at the terminal. I’ve done it many times for people. You might have a friend of a friend- or stay at the hostel. It’s close to the pier.

[@schfifty5iv]

Don't book excursion through the cruise and you'll save thousands...