What to expect on an Alaskan Cruise

[@julieochoa7355]

Alaska is so beautiful!!!!!!! don't forget to pack the binoculars...

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Or at least a good long lens on the camera :)

[@edsterolie117]

Julie Ochoa You should also pack night vision also

[@rayvalerio6838]

Hi Don. Thanks so much for all your great tips and suggestions. My wife and I are excited for our first Alaskan cruise in a couple of weeks. 😀

[@nicolasfunke395]

Hello Don, I am sorry but I strongly disagree with your comment on Norwegian Bliss not being a good ship for VIEWS. I have just been on the maiden transatlantic voyage of Norwegian Bliss and there are so many places to view the landscape: The Waterfront - what better place could there be to view the landscape? The Observation Lounge - they have a huge and totally new concept on this ship. And it's great and it's especially build to enjoy the views. A great place for cold or bad weather by the way ... The Spice H20 ... on Bliss it offers good a really good view. So yes you could enjoy the views from there too! Yes there is a go kart track but the ship is over 300m long and on both sides (one deck above the pool area) you have long and good places to watch the view. You even have hot tubs at the edge so you can even take the views out of the hot tubs. Or on the hot tubs at Spice H20 or at the hidden hot tub on deck 19 that is also available to all guests. The Garden Buffet is connected with the observation lounge and has a two stories high Window at the front ... Not to mention the lucky people in the Haven who have another Observation lounge and their own places outside with great views. You can go up to Lasertag and watch the Views from Deck 19 or 20 ... there are some of the best views! Other places like the Brew House have great panorama windows ... So all in all i am really sorry to say but your comment about the NCL Bliss is just as wrong as it could be. There might be things on the Bliss where you might feel or notice the amount of passengers. But you will never have problems with having enough places to enjoy the mountain, glacier or (if you are lucky) animal view in Alaska. I would even say that there are more, better and more advanced options especially for having the views than on some of the smaller ships. Besides that good video. No offense! Having done a lot of cruises on big and small ships and knowing the Bliss and the advantages of both types (big and small) I just feel the need to correct this one statement and the wrong picture about Bliss this could send out. If you like Norwegian, Bliss is a great option for Alaska. And one more information: the pools on the Bliss and the outside area at the pool can be heated. Also a feature especially made for those Alaska cruises. Best Regards Nicolas

[@sanobermalhotra6307]

Nicolas Funke reassuring to read what you had to say about the Bliss. We are on the 11th August Alaska cruise on the Bliss and chose it for its latest features. Fortunately we have a balcony cabin but it is nice to know that the ones who have opted for inside cabins, can also enjoy Alaska's natural beauty comfortably. Thanks.

[@nicolasfunke395]

The Bliss is a wonderful ship, I wish you a really great time! Thank you so much for let me know that my comment was helpful/reassuring for you.

[@Lealelan]

@@nicolasfunke395 I'll have to look to see where Bliss sails from. Like so many who live in florida and are fortunate to take lots of Caribbean cruises, we've done Alaska several x out of San Francisco, and love it, but have done so much each time, dont feel the need to do excursions. Would love to have more to do on the ship. Love the Grand Princess (out of SFO) but it seems like it's time for an update!

[@deniseracine6788]

Sanober Malhotra Are you sailing august 11th 2019? So are we!!!

[@jasoninseattlewa79]

3 of the 4 cruises I've been on have been to Alaska. Such a special place. Amazing every time.

[@jeannietarrance9855]

Great tips! I thought it was cool the sun could rise at 4:30 AM, and set at 11:30 PM in May. The best tips I can give are get a alcony if possible, dress in layers so clothing can be removed or put on for the weather. A jacket should have a liner and be water-resistant. You stll need sunscreen and sunglasses for snow activities!

[@donnamanitu8372]

Thanks for the advice on the sunscreen. I have watched many videos but never heard that tip. I know you saved us money because now I know to pack it in the suitcase.

[@jeannietarrance9855]

Thanks, don't forget the lip balm with sunscreen too. Have a wonderful trip!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Sunscreen I never forget the sunscreen lol

[@jeannietarrance9855]

I have fair skin and burn easily, I have to be very careful. In Alaska, it seems to me the sun is stronger, even though it is cooler in fair weather and in snow. I think Alaska gets more direct sunlight in the Spring/Summer months.

[@suelovescruises4219]

we had 75 weather every day for 9 days then 40 on the last day

[@a-hvlogs2046]

Yep! we saw locals taking pictures of the temperature... really really lucked out

[@jackmortimer329]

Don, I always suggest people take the cruise tour with the land part first and as many days as they can get. Also, a balcony cabin so they don't have to fight for railing space with others. If it takes an extra year of savings to afford the trip it will be worth it because for most people it will count as 2, the first and last time they will ever see Alaska. I used to live there and definitely agree with your comments about the amount of photography people will be taking.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I can fill a hard drive on a computer pretty easy on a trip

[@vina9088]

Your videos are always timely!!!!! I booked our Alaskan Cruise July 2019! This HELPS A LOT!!!! Thank you so much!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

glad I could help :)

[@gmajoan]

I'm so excited for my Alaskan cruise. Thanks for your help.

[@DeleteLawzsucks]

After watching about 25 of your videos, i dont know if im going to get the jingle out of my head, that plays during the intro. :)

[@canadianmoose9010]

We just finished an Alaskan cruise on Holland America and it was the best!!! Can't wait to go back!!!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

nice, they are a nice relaxing line to sail with in Alaska :)

[@michaelveltman9857]

Don, you are 100% correct that you will take a ton of pictures and video. I probably have more pictures from my 1 Alaskan cruise than from my 8 Caribbean cruises combined. Planning on going back on another Alaskan cruise in the next year or 2.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

everywhere I turn wow click oooo click lol

[@bruciethecuz9031]

Great advice Don. We have been to Alaska twice. First time Vancouver 7 day inside passage round trip and we and our traveling companions were so impressed that we went again five years later, but took a land package from Fairbanks to Seward before the cruise south. OMG! What a vacation. Worth every cent. Would love to go yet again. Keep up the great work on your videos. All the best from Cuzzin Brucie, NJ.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you Cuzzin Brucie :)

[@carolyngardner4999]

Alaska weather is unpredictable.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

and that's half the fun :)

[@missnperfection9830]

I have family who live in Alaska and it's beautiful up there! Please don't be a bone head tourist and mess with the Wildlife or get too close! You can get hurt or in serious trouble! Alaskans take their Wildlife protection very seriously!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

so any people run into a bear on the trail and try and get close for a selfie. Not a good idea

[@missnperfection9830]

Don's Family Vacations my Sister in law Joyce lives in Fairbank's and they have Moose that wander freely around and the locals know better than to mess with them! Well I guess a couple of bone-headed tourist wanted a selfie with the Moose and I guess the Moose wasn't having it and started to charge at the tourists! Luckily nobody was seriously injured just a couple of scrapes and bruises when they were knocked down! The Moose gave them a good warning to stay far away for now on! The Police didn't charge them the Police believed they learned their lesson! 😂😂😂

[@DayZeroGaming]

Alaska is pretty legit

[@patsutherland7284]

Valid points. Been twice, still haven't done everything. Instead of mid May, I am going later in year. Alaska is always exciting.

[@fbksfrank4]

What do you mean?

[@patsutherland7284]

@@fbksfrank4 did you look at the dates of this post?

[@literatiglee]

It was awfully cold when I went to Alaska in September. I'm going again in September of 2019! I LOVE the cold, especially when it's been hot all summer.

[@bbergs8628]

acappella - me too (I live in south FL. & go to Alaska to get away from the heat)!

[@literatiglee]

Wow, that's a long trip -- It must be awfully convenient for a cruiser to live in Florida !!

[@bbergs8628]

acapella - living in south FL makes it very easy to cruise to the Caribbean (Eastern, Western & Southern)! I’m about an hour away from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale!! Easy to catch a cruise ship - but I still live going to Alaska & even New England/Canada!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

yes Alaska is one of those places where the weather can jump all over the place over night anytime of year

[@literatiglee]

Awesome places! In July, I'm taking a 14-day cruise up the Norwegian coast to see the fjords and up across the arctic circle. Can't wait!

[@ScaryFear]

Great info. Gosh I hope I can do an Alaska cruise some time soon.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I've been searching cruises everyday for a week just dreaming and one day I'll click Book

[@ScaryFear]

Don, yeah. If you can do it you should.Nick, I wasn't asking for suggestions.

[@TXTeacher1111]

Alaska is my absolute favorite cruise! I loved every moment of it!! ❤️

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

me too :)

[@saminqueens]

I have been to Alaska 2 times and it has never rained when I was there. I wish it would snow when I'm there. I love the snow. I was on Holland America both times. I wish Viking or AmaWaterways , or Avalon would go to Alaska. They would be the best ship to cruise through the inside passage in Alaska.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

they could handle the passage okay but not sure about the sections getting there :)

[@martybruce372]

thank you forthis video! we are going on a alaskan cruise in may of 2020. you are very informative. his will help us so much. again thank you don!!!

[@penelopepitstop762]

Is there a particular side of the ship that is best when cruising to Alaska? Do they have formal dinners or is it pretty casual at all times?

[@nanasunite]

I know this is an older video but I came across it today and really appreciate it. Very informative. We are headed to Alaska in June for the first time. Thank you for the info!!!

[@sallywilliams9168]

I love your videos❤️❤️

[@reggieandherman4251]

Don, veryhelpful...thanks for the itinerary comparison/difference. And recommendations. We hope to get to Alaska one day. Close friend grew up in Ketchikan. Gotta see it! -Reggie

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Ketchikan has a great seafeast and cruise tour I love :)

[@rochellejavier8994]

Thanks Don for all the tips. My family and I are taking an Alaskan trip next week! Super excited. I have been watching and sharing your videos for the past few months. I am so glad i happened upon your channel.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you so much very happy you are here and like the videos :)

[@32plug]

Save your money, forget a balcony, take that money and spend it on an excursion. You just sleep and dress there anyway. 13 days until our land/sea Princess Alaska Tour.

[@matthewhoffman9788]

Don This video nailed it!!! Was fortunate enough to do a Holland 7 Night Cruise with a 5 Day Land Package back in 2016 to Alaska, which included a three day/two nights stay in Denali. The wilderness trip into the park was amazing with the number of different animals and birds we saw that are native to the State. Your video brought back great memories, like the helicopter ride to the top of a glacier to take a sled ride pulled by actual Iditarod dogs, as well as the White Pass Train ride through the mountains. You were absolutely spot on when you said the scenery and the views were breath-taking which still understates how truly spectacular those things both are and seeing is believing. Neither words or pictures do either proper justice. As an added bonus, while on the dome train ride back to Anchorage, we were fortunate enough to join the "30% Club" by witnessing the majestic peaks of Mount Denali!!! Visiting Alaska has been a "Bucket List" item since I was a child, and the trip also enabled me to cross off the dog sledding as well! Amazingly, I am not a big nature guy, but even so, I must say this cruise/tour is out of this world unbelievable. As always, I look forward to your videos for both the entertainment, humor, and educational value that you provide. Continued Good Health To You, and Continued Safe Travels.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thanks Matt, sounds like you have a great trip when you went :)

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

14 days on Crystal Symphony coming up, first Alaskan trip. exciting

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

nice and a very good cruise line

[@winniebrazill9432]

Thank goodness we have a balcony on the Bliss! I would have been so sad...

[@Peldyn]

Like your videos, but you might want to upgrade your mic.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

yup working on it 🙂

[@Peldyn]

Don's Family Vacations It is a process isn’t it? People who don’t do videos have no idea.

[@christinebailey9935]

the best excursion i ever took in alaska was in juneau. my mom and i took a whale watching tour on a smaller boat. we wete able to get into places the larger boats did not. we saw many whales,sime from a distance,some closer. the best was the last. a humpback came right up to the side of the boat. close enough to see barnacles on its nose and eye right even with the boat! scared the captain. it was great!!

[@rogerthat9174]

I live in New England. We have Alaska five months. Thank you very much.

[@bbergs8628]

Roger St martin - I’ve cruised thru Alaska 8 times, and New England/Canada twice - not at all the same! Both beautiful - but Alaska & it’s different ports are incredible!! The most amazing views!! Think of glaciers that no person has ever set foot on (saw them from a helicopter & floatplane)!! Love New England & I know New England gets snow & winter - but not the same as Alaska!

[@rogerthat9174]

Go back in your corner guys. I meant temperature. We have Winter ❄️ for five months out of the year.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I like in Ottawa Canada bet I have you beat lol

[@bbergs8628]

Hey Don - I got to meet my friends from Toronto on the Regal Princess this past January- they were friends I met thru KZbin & they always get out of Canada & cruise in January (they actually did a B2B)! I normally wouldn’t book a Caribbean cruise in January since I live in FL & it’s nice in FL in January- but I wanted to cruise on the Regal & I wanted to meet my friends!! It was great to meet them in real life - such a lovely couple!! Next January they’re doing the Princess Hawaiian cruise (but I’m doing the Scott Singer Alaska cruise in May - I’ll meet some more KZbin & FB friends)!

[@videofan1010]

It sounds crazy to me to hear about people "escaping the heat" lol. But to each their own.

[@oaketh]

I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and I’m going to Alaska... polar opposites.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

oooo dress warm lol when I go to Disney in december my friends who live there are in light jackets and I'm in shorts lol

[@oaketh]

Don's Family Vacations lol

[@mattcolver1]

I've been on 4 Alaskan cruises and my wife's been on 5. We've only been on one Caribbean cruise, however the Panama canal cruise we went on did make some Caribbean stops. We've experienced the weather changes. It never got cold enough to snow, but close. Also been there when it was in the high 80s. Only one of the cruises we went on did we luck out and have no rain the entire cruise. My battery died on a whale watching trip. Took photos of friends on the boat then it died when the whales showed up, ugh.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

ouch that's always the way Doh

[@atmm89]

Don, I am from Australia and hoping to do an Alaskan cruise in 2020, any good advice on a good ship, destinations, ship cabins, best side , please can you p/m

[@patriciadodd9412]

Sailing toAlaska for 2 weeks in July, on HA Zaandam, from Seattle. The 2 couples I'm sailing with have taken this cruise twice. One piece of advice they gave me was to dress for the fall, and bring a raincoat. We will be doing 1day at sea and 1 day in port. Rain is no problem as I'm from BC. ⛴✈🚁☔🌧☃️⛈⛅🌤

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Bring some summer items as well as it can be 80 on July but bring a change of cloths with you when off the ship in case the weather changes quickly like it tends to do :)

[@kathychua7449]

Hello Don. I'm an avid fan from toronto, canada. I watch your videos regularly and am a subscriber. Need your advice: I am torn between Celebrity eclipse (vancouver, icy strait, juneau, hubbard, ketchikan) and Holland America Koningsdam (Vancouver, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan) for May (vancouver port return). which is a better ship/route? I have a hold on both ships and must decide soon!

[@merrywhiterose]

Don't wear shoes that don't protect your feet from water! Plastic tennis shoes are perfect, not cloth. Take a rain coat with a hood to put over a sweat shirt. It rains a LOT in some of the Alaskan towns. Don't expect to swim in the pool, it's outside. If you are diabetic, take plenty of sugar-free hot chocolate mix. We loved Holland America cruise ship! It was quiet & they didn't overbook it. Take a book, or something to do in a chair. Bears, moose & sheep are rare to see on a cruise, even a land/sea cruise. Rent a car for a day while in Anchorage & go to the nature preserve. You'll see more animals there.

[@paulht3251]

Thanks Don for the info We booked our Royal princess cruise to Alaska,this past March for next September from Los Angles round trip. You are right about booking early ,we booked midship balcony. Once a week I look at the bookings,And the better areas on the ship are selling already . We are really looking forward for this cruise. Our first time to Alaska.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Oh yes and the best views for the trip will be the first to go

[@Gypsygirl-dr3fs]

Thank you Don!! You answered all my questions! Love your channel!😘

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you Glad I could help in any small way :)

[@nancyzahradnik6021]

Looking forward to an Alaska cruise in the future.

[@Lealelan]

Great advice! Been 3x... 2 of the 3 we had heat waves. BUT we always carried (and they rolled up or tied to waist easily) nylon hoodie pullover jackets, in case of rain.. If there's anyway you can do a balcony cabin, you wont regret. Even an ocean view.. You can watch all the beauty go by from your stateroom and it's truly beautiful! Hope to book trip #4 soon...never gets old!

[@bellicious205]

When our girls are older, we'll go on an Alaskan Cruise. The nature there must be breathtaking. I'll probably spend a large part of the day on the balcony just watching in awe!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

It will leave you in Awe :)

[@babaduke3298]

What to expect at the "citizen" legal portion of the Arctic rim. Some season... mostly chilly cold and grim. Why else "compensate" those who choose to not move? Who do you work for once again "Mr. Don "?.

[@antonecruz8165]

Im goin to alaska on hollands Eurodam sept 2020. I cant wait. I was able to book a year in advance & the price was great. Alot cheaper than any other cruise line & i got the drink package. It was about $300 less than princess & princess did not include the drink package. The earlier u book, the more u save. Im not into the carribean. Ive been on 1 carribean cruise & it wasnt for me. I actually lik the cold (i kno, im odd) & i lov to see nature, snow capped mountains, whales, etc. I can not wait...im counting down the months. I have 9 more to go 😆

[@glennward4661]

Don been on two Alaskan cruises, both on Princess. You nailed it about everything! Water slides aren’t appealing up there, though hot tubs work out good.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

yes the outdoor pool don;t get a lot of use lol

[@heathermcfarlane6164]

Wildlife is plentiful in Alaska, but remember that you aren't in a zoo. Count yourself lucky if you catch a glimpse of a bear or sheep on the coast. and be careful if you wander about outside the villages... it's usually very safe, but then again you are very quickly in complete wilderness.

[@angielovett4159]

Good info! Thank you! I lived in Kodak many years ago, but we just booked an Inside passage Alaskan cruise for Aug 2022!

[@carolelynndent8718]

Don,yes I would like to do alaska2020 2 for a balcony.

[@fbksfrank4]

How did that work for you?

[@brendaroden8624]

Thanks Don! Great tips as always. Can’t wait till we go September 1st. So which side of the ship do you recommend as the best for inside passage? I hope I chose correctly.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

It depends on which direction you are sailing but always try and face the mainland (east) for most of the cruise near shore

[@donnawood4745]

Hi Don I was just kind of scrolling back just looking at some of your videos because it’s rainy today but I know when you were doing this video and talking about the bless I don’t know how old this I was 2018 I just saw that but when you were talking about the bliss and saying it might not be a good ship to go on I know that you didn’t know it had an observation lounge or observation deck and I know you don’t do a lot of Norwegion that was the first ship I ever went on and I went to Alaska. But I don’t think there’s any other ship I would want to go on to go to Alaska because you had the choice of being outside if you wanted to be outside there actually is a lot of room up on the top deck you just couldn’t see it from the view that that was on that picture but you had the observation lounge for the Haven and then you had the observation lounge for just people with a regular cabin. But with me personally to experience the glaciers I would want to be outside just to be able to smell and feel the coldness and that’s where the experience is it’s been actually able to smell but I just thought you know I know you love princess but personally I absolutely think the way they designed the bless was awesome and I know you didn’t know because you would never say anything about A ShipIn any negative way but everybody you just didn’t know that it had an observation lounge and it is huge it’s the first it’s the front of the ship and it’s 1/3 of the ship goes all the way around and it’s absolutely gorgeous

[@itrasheditgood]

The thing I don’t get about the fancy Norwegian ship, you are going to Alaska where it’s likely to be colder and wetter than and Caribbean cruise, it makes no sense to have water slides and go karts.

[@jasonbraun3149]

We actually got a great deal at the last minute (well, 6 weeks before the cruise) on Princess, about half the original price for a deluxe balcony for mid-May.

[@elinorosterhoudt7932]

Great information--thanks! Are there lectures or educational presentations on board during Alaska cruises?

[@dennissems]

Great info. We have been looking into an Alaskan Cruise but I am a complete newbie on that part of the world. LOL

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

there are a ton of ships and choices in Alaska almost as many as in the caribbean now

[@canadianvloggereh7859]

yay I'm finally first to comment

[@larrykramer2761]

Congratulations, your life is now complete...

[@CuriousFrog]

i'm young for a cruiser, i've had 6 cruises with my gf, but now she is my ex and can't find someone to cruise with so now i can't enjoy what i love anymore :/

[@MiMiOrt]

Jason If u referring 2 the cruise, cruise Solo. Thats what I'm going 2 do this year.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

where there's a will there's a way. watch for those 2 for 1 sales like princess has to Alaska right now and you can get back out there doing what you love :)

[@lindadaigle591]

Don thanks for the info. Taking our cruise in August of 2019. Thanks for the tips on clothing and memory cards. Want to be totally prepared for this trip.

[@mzche1999]

I really like your videos Don! I have been turned off from cruising since I discovered all inclusive resorts. This video has me wanting to cruise to Alaska! I am adding it to my list...lol!

[@belindan4974]

Uh oh. It's May and early June, not April. 😳 I did 'Like" the video. 😜 Love Alaska. 🌲

[@BethCampbell-b9c]

LOVED our Alaska cruise! But it was our most expensive cruise hands down. We fell in love with Alaska through our cruise and will move there when my husband retires! But you won’t see the Northern Lights on a cruise. Typically the Northern Lights are seen during the winter season when it is cold, dark, and clear. During the summer there is very little dark up there.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Because of the demand and only being able to sail for a few months these cruises get very pricey for sure.

[@dianewillson3261]

It's not typically, northern lights only in winter months

[@jamesmulroy4919]

What is the best part of the ship to have your Balcony Cabin on Port/Starboard/fwd/aft??

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

depends on where your sailing from If sailing from Seattle then more mid ship as the seas can be rough that first day. Other than that I would say get a cabin always facing the mainland (east) for most of the cruise. that changes depending if you sailing out of Vancouver or Anchorage

[@mvlmeco1]

Oh wow, a cruise on the Disney Magic in Europe. 11-day, Dover to Copenhagen.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Nice, love Disney but as a solo cruiser the cost is just too high most time for me to go by myself. Saving that for taking my granddaughters :)

[@HG-os3dy]

Great review and different from all others. Hit some very important pounts.

[@QualityChildcare1]

Alaska Cruise is definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing Don.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you glad you liked it :)

[@amtrakfan2]

The Ovation of the Seas is going to do 7 night cruises to Alaska from Seattle in 2019.

[@zaabihassan]

well said. thanks for the information. it really helped.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you :)

[@patriciadodd9412]

Thanks Don. I'm a 25 year Scouter! Be Prepared. Lol 🇨🇦⚜

[@MiMiOrt]

I would LOVE 2 go on an Alaska Cruise just 2 hopefully see the Northern Lights. That's on my Bucket List.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

make sure you sail at the right time of year and even then it's still rare to be able to catch them.

[@dianewillson3261]

U see the northern lights, when it's really really cold, winter.

[@YoungTang]

dammit, we just booked the Norweign Joy lol

[@dwalker6868]

One of my favorite destinations You may get a call saying for one of those bookings

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I may be calling myself soon to go again as well :)

[@bbergs8628]

Hey Don - I first cruised thru the inside passage in 1990 & have been on a total of 8 Alaskan cruise (and I’m booked for May, 2019 - The Scott Singer group cruise)!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I've watched a few of Scott's videos. Seems like a nice guy

[@spoonerpurple]

yup that can go on my bucket list

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

should be on everyones

[@wolfpackflt670]

I'm going on my first cruise to Alaska in August, I can't wait!

[@jessicaenriquez8611]

Really considering taking an Alaska Cruise, this vlog is very informative and useful. Now I just have to decide which Cruise lInes to consider any recommendations? Don great job.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

If it's just Adults I like Princess as they have great tours and nice open ships. If you have kids or teenagers maybe Norwegian or Royal would be a better choice

[@kathleencrigger9408]

Thanks Don. I've gotta do an Alaskan cruise.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I have to go again soon as well getting that itch :)

[@jasonpresley690]

Hi Don, Love your Videos. Question: I have a Alaska Cruise in the Carnival Legend 343 days away. How soon should I start booking excursions? Only want to one or 2

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

i would wait until the 90 day mark as they can change at any time before the final payment date of the cruise

[@evah5997]

Thank u for the information becase I want to go to Alaska s

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you :)

[@joecichlid]

Alaska is always amazing, no matter what the activities or weather as far as I am concerned. On the last day of the first part of a back to back and the weather has been all over the place. But up here in Alaska, roll with the punches and enjoy whatever mother nature sends your way. :)

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

agree, you have to be laid back in Alaska and just roll with it

[@CP140405]

The one thing I would add is... remember your passport!... on an Alaskan cruise you will likely be in Canadian waters...

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Vancouver or Victoria are most likely on the cruise for sure. Thanks for reminding us :)

[@Jody_the_real_cool_cat]

CP140405 as long as you start and stop in the US no passport is needed.

[@FaeDruid]

Great video. Added it to my favorites.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you John :)

[@Newzchspy]

SO @don's family vacations, , in general , what the best side of the ship for these cruises. Starboard going north or port coming south??

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

always face the mainland ( east ) if possible

[@dpr1961sr]

Can I see Russia from the ship? Sarah Palin can see Russia from her house. Haha

[@bbergs8628]

D P RICHARDSON - LOL!! Actually, if you go to Sitka you’ll be in a town that’s got a totally Russian influence!! Big Russian church right in the middle of town!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Not from just an Alaskan cruise but there are some that go to Russia after Alaska on longer 12 and 16 day cruises

[@dianewillson3261]

Palin wasn't born in ak

[@nadiathomas4342]

I’m usually with your reviews but did you research this ship?? Did you not see the huge observation deck specifically for Alaska??

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I did and admit I have not been on her in person and it has not sailed to Alaska yet. My concern is that all 4000 people would want to be on that deck during the Glacier sail by where other ships have most of the upper decks for viewing. I can't wait to see some video from friends going on the Bliss this summer to see just how it is ( I've even been seeing if I can jump on her to check it out as well ) If it's fine that's great it's just a concern I have right now :)

[@nadiathomas4342]

Don's Family Vacations ok but I think a lot of people book balcony for that same reason. I don’t want to be on a deck with the whole ship either, so I got myself a balcony. I do expect to use the observation lounge also.

[@anneshaw9681]

Been on three great cruises around the world. Really struggle to go on Alaskan cruise. Is it boring???????????????

[@anneshaw9681]

Met a Canadian the other day who told me not to bother. He said it was really boring with the same scenery all the way, a lot of rain and they don't get close enough to glacier with very ordinary towns to look at.. He went on a second one only because some friends wanted to go. I have been to the Canadian Rockies which was wonderful.

[@dianewillson3261]

No

[@Kp-jp2ww]

Are you a travel agent?

[@amysillari136]

Another great video. My husband I really like your videos. Thank you so much for doing these!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you so much for watching :)

[@roachtoasties]

I once went on an Alaska cruise in early September. Aside from the Glacier Bay part, it wasn't cold. Lots of bugs in other parts of Alaska.

[@masarati7315]

I went to Alaska in the worse ship imaginable, bad, smelled like sewer, dead ship, food not very sanitary, horrible, besides they try to scam you with their stupid offering not just in the ship, but also ashore: I.e., a diamond for $60,000 something that you could buy for 5,000 or 10,000 in NY or Miami or etc.... The ship name is ZAANDAM FROM HOLLAND AMERICA: NIGHTMARE. I remember that each time I went back to the ship I started getting depressed, just like going into a torture chamber. PS I have taken a lot of cruises, to many places, never imagined something so disgusting like the ZAANDAM: YUK!!

[@Pandasgremlin]

Thanks for the videos don

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thanks for watching :)

[@74AugustVirgo]

Don, We are going on our first cruise and I'm beginning to feel anxiety because im now hearing more bad experiences from cruisers....should I be WORRIED???? Leaving next month on the NCL Gem on 7 days florida/ Bahamas cruise round trip from NYC😦 I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

No don;t be worried. Just look and the positive comments on this video and how many people loved their cruises. Trouble is people how say they had the worst time ever tend to get heard the most. Just go with a fun attitude and you will enjoy the cruise :)

[@74AugustVirgo]

Looking forward to the new experience😊

[@jessemellingeriii5244]

Don't worry about it and just plan and prepare like any vacation. Many things can happen on a vacation that's beyond our control, so try to be flexible and look for alternatives if necessary while you're there. In other words, go with the flow. Someone could have a bad experience on a cruise and leave a bad review about it, while someone else could have had a great time and left a very positive review about it while they were both on the same ship at the same time! Just like your favorite restaurant....there is always someone complaining about every little thing and they vow to never go back again!

[@ricklaplante1687]

Our very first cruise was in May of 2018 to Alaska and It was Amazing!!!! 11 day round trip from S.F. Loved all the towns. When back in May of 2019 we did 15 day land/cruise with great friends we made on our first trip. We love Princess Cruises.

[@richtodd2186]

aHi Don. We went to Alaska on that Celebrity Solstice two years ago. You are right. It is unbelievably pristine and beautiful. Regarding the comment you made about rain, I’ve got one for you. The weather where I live had been very rainy and foggy for months on end. So we were excitedly waiting to embark on our 15 day Hawaii cruise this past April. Out of the 15 days it rained and we had gale force winds for 14 days. Just a note. We were on deck 10 of the Grand Princess. Because of the ship’s design, our balcony was 81 square feet Instead of the usual 35 to 40.

[@elainekarl4162]

Excellent, great job👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you so much :)

[@ottawahomes8210]

so love Alaska

[@tonil.476]

It’s COLD even in the summer. The plus is the cruise company charged what seemed like 1/2 price for coats, scarves, gloves and hats when we went June 2017. I figured they didn’t need any passengers catching a cold or the flu.🤧😷🤒🤢. 😊

[@markanderson4163]

going on the Bliss in about 3 weeks (Sept 2019)cant wait....our 3rd trip to Alaska.....most relaxing cruise ever....sit back. have a tasty beverage and enjoy the amazing views

[@maryelizabeth6082]

Hope to be able to go on an Alaskan Cruise one day. It’s on the bucket list,

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

should be on every ones :)

[@elicarrion82]

I take RC in Alaska a few year ago and I spend $500 each people mean$2,000 for a inside stateroom and spend $1,500 each on tours $6,000 for the four of us but was really amazing