What We WISH We Knew BEFORE Our First Alaskan Cruise (Alaska Tips & Secrets)

[@FamilyAtSea]

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[@justtoseeyousmile2]

We went on our 1st Alaska cruiselast year from Seattle ... we missed Juneau due to wave strength but got ship credit so its ok! It was in Oct but gorgeous weather!! In sept we went again from Vancouver to Seward on a back to back! Gorgeous weather again only rained in seward and skagway on one leg. We planned but some things were canceled. It was ok because we had a second chane on the way back. The joy is a smaller ship than the bliss on our 1st trip. Both ships had their high points. Backup plans are essential!! Cant wait for next cruise!!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@justtoseeyousmile2 Sounds like you have the right mindset... Happy to hear things went well! What cruise is next?

[@PupsMom]

We cruised to Alaska twice via Holland America and loved it (we were in our 50's). We chose the inside passage, as we only had a short period of time in the rougher open ocean. The first trip, we hit really rough water on the way home. It didn't bother us, but many people really struggled. The buffet always keeps green apples to help settle people's upset tummy's.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@PupsMom First time I've heard about green apples helping with sea sickness... Good to know, thanks!

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Excellent advice! I love that you have some unique things on your video that I don't see on other videos, like being able to access your phone at any minute, making backup plans for your backup plans, and the price of everything, and places to scope out for viewing the glacier. Going on the Encore one of these days, and these are very helpful tips, thanks!

[@FamilyAtSea]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch, I'm glad you found some things of value in things!

[@DonnaDavis-l1u]

I have watched a lot of different vlogs about an Alaskan cruise. You have mentioned several things I haven’t heard before. Particularly about the times your itinerary planned didn’t happen and why. For some reason it never occurred to me that could happen. So it will definitely make a difference in my expectations and attitudes about failed itinerary if it happens. Thanks😊😊😊

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@DonnaDavis-l1u I'm happy to hear somebody got something of value from this... Thank you for letting me know!

[@reginahelenademoraesperezf3235]

Hello there! I’m from Brazil and have been to Alaska before about 20 years ago with my mother in law and going again next May 25 with my husband and would like to thank you for the wonderful tips!!!! The very important thing to me is the itinerary and to choose a smal ship, not a huge one, do it won’t be do crowded! Thank you again!!!!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@reginahelenademoraesperezf3235 I'm happy to hear this helped! I hope you have an amazing experience...happy sails!

[@reginahelenademoraesperezf3235]

Thank you so much! Let’s cruise!!!!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@reginahelenademoraesperezf3235 Will this be your first cruise?

[@reginahelenademoraesperezf3235]

Oh, no! We have cruised s lot since my first cruise wich was the Summit Alaska Cruise in 2002… We’ve been to Scandinavia, to Turkey and Greek Islands, to Patagonia, to Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Morroco, Croatia and South Italy and some others and the last one was last year and was amazing!!! 22 days cruise from Dubai to Genova, going through the Suez Chanel, Egipt and Israel ( What a shame this War going on there…) also to Cyprus , Rhodes anda Sicily. We are like you, Cruise lovers! We are Brazilians but love America and after Alaska, which I want so much to share with my husband, since he has not been there, we plan to go to north states of US and Canada to see the Fall Folliage. That’s also a dream!

[@johnmagana2854]

LOVE the mindset and adjusting your expectations. Definitely going to have some back-up plans!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@johnmagana2854 That will make your experience so much better... Happy sails!

[@roger25375]

We booked our 4th Alaska cruise for 2026. Found a 10 night itinerary with Sitka and Icy Strait Point, plus full days in Ketchikan and Victoria, along with the standard Juneau, Skagway, and Tracy Arm Fjord. And booked an aft facing balcony.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@roger25375 That sounds amazing! What ship will you be sailing on?

[@welcomeigepal]

Good tips- Few adders- If you want to see more of Ketchikan, choose Princess or Holland America. You won’t need to catch a shuttle to ant from the ship as they port at the town. Also, some of the one way cruises from Whittier to Vancouver stop at Hubbard Glacier. This glacier is huge.

[@FamilyAtSea]

Great advice, thanks! We're returning on the HAL Koningsdam next summer for a variety of reasons based on what we learned this time around... Can't wait!

[@romanempire1971]

Thank you for this video! Going to Alaska on NCL in September with 11 family members. Your "have a backup plan" section was very helpful!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@romanempire1971 Enjoy your cruise! Hopefully you have better luck with weather than we did... Happy sails!

[@IreneDall]

Really appreciated this video! Excellent tips. i can't wait for my First Alaska Cruise

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@IreneDall You're welcome! You're going to have an amazing journey! What ship are you cruising on?

[@W1ldt1m]

This is a great summary of what this trip is like.

[@FamilyAtSea]

I appreciate that, thank you! Happy sails on your own Alaskan adventure!

[@jeffdinter600]

When we go to alaska, I usually try to call the bureau of tourism for each one of the cities that way I can get an idea of what there is to do in that particular town

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@jeffdinter600 That's a great idea, thank you for sharing that!

[@Amdamguy]

What a great video! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have no clue what to expect. This is great!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@Amdamguy Thank you for the kind feedback! I'm sure you will have an amazing time, just keep a positive mindset when things don't go perfect (they never do!). Are you sailing on the Encore as well?

[@pippiegirl1]

Really appreciated this video! Excellent tips and objective thoughts!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@pippiegirl1 I appreciate that, thank you!

[@jacquelinef9632]

That was super helpful advice, thank you so much! We're looking forward to our cruise next summer.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@jacquelinef9632 I hope you have an amazing Alaskan adventure! Which ship will y'all be on?

[@jacquelinef9632]

@@FamilyAtSea Coral- the smallest of the Princess ships, but it will be the inside passage from Vancouver. I've heard of the many mosquitos and will be prepared for them. They love me at home, I'm sure I'll be a delight in Alaska! Yikes.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@jacquelinef9632 The smaller ships may not have the bells and whistles, but they make up for it with personality...happy sails!

[@lucybuse]

Great tips! Loved your idea to have backup plans, know locations on ship for great views AND mosquito spray!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@lucybuse Thank you for the feedback and for watching... Happy sails!

[@loriwhitley3623]

I hadn't even considered that we might not be able to do what we planned! Thank you for opening my eyes to that possibility!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@loriwhitley3623 Hopefully you will have better luck than we did! 🤞

[@annelle525]

Amazing video! Thanks🎉

[@FamilyAtSea]

Happy to hear it helped...thank you! Happy sails!

[@FinlWoman]

If you have a balcony do you need to get to viewing room early or can you just view Glacier Bay from your balcony, and does it need to be port or starboard side? Thanks for such an informative video!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@FinlWoman You can definitely watch from your balcony. We wanted to be around all the activity in the Observation Lounge but the balcony would have been a great option if you wanted more privacy. The ship circles around so you'll get views of everything on either side of the ship. Happy sails!

[@veronicacoates8832]

Cruising on the Royal Princess in September 2025. Are the mosquitos really bad year round?

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@veronicacoates8832 They should hopefully not be as bad in September as they're worst in the summer months. It may depend on how warm it is in September. I would bring some bug spray to be safe but hopefully they won't be as bad as they were for us in July. For what it's worth - we're going back again next July, so while they were a nuisance, it wasn't a big enough deal to deter us from going back again at the same time!

[@NenieSinoben]

We just arrived from NCL Alaska cruise this Saturday 08/31/24 and i wish we saw your 12 tips,but thank you. So far we had fun 20 of us total...

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@NenieSinoben I'm sure you'll have an amazing time... Enjoy!

[@cynthiaschaeffer650]

Thank you for the reminder to have an excursion backup plan, and also for the mosquito warning. The mindset reminder is also a great one-no matter the weather or schedule disruptions, any cruise to Alaska is a gift to be treasured. I’m cruising to Alaska next month on HAL, roundtrip inside passage out of Vancouver. I chose inside passage to optimize the amount of time for wildlife watching and for the calmer seas aspect, since I heard that the outer route can get rough. I avoided NCL for this trip because the ships were larger (more people) and NCL docks far from Ketchikan and I didn’t want to spend time in shuttle lines. And I chose a roundtrip vs one-way because airfare was less expensive this way. Those Alaska flights and hotels are pricey compared to Vancouver or Seattle. Thanks again for the tips!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@cynthiaschaeffer650 We are returning next summer, this time on HAL for many of the same reasons you stated! Smooth seas and happy sails... Come back and share how things went!

[@petshopgirl39]

Also on HAL to Alaska next month! Roundtrip from Vancouver on the Koningsdam. Have a lovely time!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@petshopgirl39 We are returning next year on the Koningsdam! Based on what we learned this year for the NCL Encore, I think the Koningsdam will prove to be a much better experience (better berthing locations at ports, better port times, less crowded ship, solarium pool space). Smooth seas and happy sails...I hope you have an amazing cruise!

[@petshopgirl39]

@@FamilyAtSea thank you! It's our first cruise to Alaska. We liked HAL's itinerary, port times, a smaller ship and that HAL has been sailing to Alaska for many years. It also fitted into our holiday dates as we have a week first in Vancouver visiting our daughter. Thank you for a very helpful video - especially managing the expectations part. We are from the UK so are very used to rain and changing plans. I'm hoping bear on the stairs may make a guest appearance when we're in Juneau!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@petshopgirl39 I've spent my fair share of time in the UK earlier in my career... Lots of rain but a beautiful country filled with many amazing people. Thanks for watching!

[@blessedladyrobinson5674]

Omg EXCELLENT video 👍🏾

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@blessedladyrobinson5674 Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@Arm_Bears]

I've booked a land/sea cruise tour on HAL next May (Denali, then cruise south) with my daughter. I only cruised once many years ago (Caribbean), so I've watched dozens of videos for tips (I'm just a little excited 😆) and you mentioned a couple things no one else did. Thanks!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@Arm_Bears I'm happy you found some nuggets of wisdom in my video... Enjoy your Alaskan experience next May! We are heading back on HAL next July so we're looking forward to it as well!

[@ShirleenStClair-fx6mo]

RC from Vancover is the best!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@ShirleenStClair-fx6mo A friend was on the RC cruise that was cancelled after they were on the ship earlier this year! I felt really bad for them after making that long trip, but I know that sort of thing happens sometimes, especially on those older ships!

[@alexareeb9186]

Great video!! Very helpful

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@alexareeb9186 I appreciate the positive feedback... Thank you!

[@tacrewgirl]

"There's a bear on those stairs" 😂😂 Great video especially about the mindset.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@tacrewgirl That was quite the moment 😅 Thanks for watching and happy sails!

[@debbiejones6265]

I wish I had seen this before my trip to Alaska this past August. But I am going again with better plans. lol. One thing I would change on your video is put the Balcony as the #1 tip. lol :)

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@debbiejones6265 I'm guessing I'll remake this when we get closer to Alaska cruising season so I'll take that into consideration! Which ship did you go on the first time? And which next time?

[@debbiejones6265]

@@FamilyAtSea We went on the Grand Princess. Itinerary wise was great. I wasn't happy with the ship. No seating in the extremely small buffet, bad food, needs a refurb/dry dock badly. I've been on it twice before. But I didn't know if I would like Alaska as I hate the cold so I played it safe excursion wise. Not this next time. I'm going on that glacier. lol. :)

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@debbiejones6265 We're heading back next summer on the HAL Koningsdam which we're hopeful will be a better experience for us as well... Hopefully the weather will cooperate as well!

[@debbiejones6265]

@@FamilyAtSea , we would left August 14. From Vancouver. And I have to tell you actually we had the best weather for the first couple days. I could’ve been in shorts, but I was in capris in Vancouver. And then of course, as we got closer to the glacier, that’s where it got cold and windy and misty. But I had my scuba diving jacket so I was good. but weather can make a big difference because friends of mine that were a week behind me, had mostly rain all the time. So you definitely have to be prepared for both. hopefully your trip is better for you.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@debbiejones6265 You are so right... Appreciate the well wishes!

[@guiltysparkmusicofficial]

I'm not sure if I'll ever go on an Alaskan cruise, but I think these are some good tips in general to follow ;)

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@guiltysparkmusicofficial Appreciate that, thank you! Sorry our vlog didn't get posted this week. My editor working on things ghosted me but I have a new one working on it now so hopefully next week 🤞

[@barbararivers5358]

Awesome video 👍🏽🩷

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@barbararivers5358 Thank you!

[@CovitaFam]

I agree with everything u said, we enjoyed our alaska cruise with NCL Bliss. And yeah the Canada port is not good, getting there so late at night we didn't get to see anything, we tried but failed lol. I wish they would stop there a bit early so we can enjoy the country.😊

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@CovitaFam We are heading back next year on HAL... Same ports but better docking locations and hours! Putting our own lessons learned into action. Thank you for watching... Happy sails!

[@susanhernandez8365]

We booked a club balcony cabin for next year on the Encore it’s our first time so do you recommend staying on any specific deck? We booked deck 14 I figured I wanted to be near the observation lounge and buffet lol 😊

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@susanhernandez8365 If you're on Deck 14 I would make sure your room is not directly below the Observation Lounge or you may hear noise from above your room. We had a Club Balcony cabin on Deck 9 which was nice being between things and we were able to quickly walk down to everything on decks 6-8. We will have our first vlog from our time on the Encore posted hopefully in the next few days if you're interested!

[@susanhernandez8365]

@@FamilyAtSea thank you!! We’re located midship and I made sure there were cabins above and below us 👍

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@susanhernandez8365 You should be good then... Happy sails!

[@TinaBiebe]

I was originally booked on the Encore for Alaska in 2022 and…events. 😂 (Canada was still closed). But I was on the Encore in 2020 RIGHT before the shutdown. I’m going to Alaska next year so on Princess but you know what? Your video was still helpful. I figure you’ll always hear something you missed or some info that nudges you and you Thanh “oh that’s right.” So although I’m working on my packing list and my hotel is booked pre- and post-cruise, your video still had me nodding and thinking “That’s right. What a great idea.” So thank you so much and I’ve subbed. Oh and if you ever do a cruise to Northern Europe 😜 (Researching now and booked - September 2026. Always planning).

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@TinaBiebe We have a similar video we're publishing on Sunday for the Mediterranean but we haven't done Northern Europe... Yet! I appreciate you watching, thank you for the feedback and the sub... Happy sails!

[@melanieschloemer1622]

Having a backup plan never occurred to me, and it's too late I guess since we leave day after tomorrow. But we'll do our best if things get cancelled. Also, as a WV native and WVU grad, I couldn't help but notice your WVU wall decor. 😊

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@melanieschloemer1622 Let's Go Mountaineers! Happy sails!

[@cathypearson1889]

That's why they say, pack your patience!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@cathypearson1889 Spoken like a pro! You are so right!

[@intherockies]

Awesome content🌊🛳️

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@intherockies Thank you... Much appreciated!

[@JayCanell]

You have great stage presence too. I think you just turned me into a cruise groupie.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@JayCanell I appreciate that, thank you! I'll hopefully have the first vlog from the Encore published this week, with the good and the bad!

[@SunriseSundown77]

Cunard also goes to Glacier Bay as far as I know

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@SunriseSundown77 I honestly had no idea, I've always heard it's those 3 + smaller expedition ships. I checked though and you're right! I guess they're just typically not lumped in with the main line cruise ships. We have not done Cunard since we typically cruise with our kids but they are definitely on my cruising bucket list. Thanks for enlightening me!

[@shannoncooper8174]

What can you use the cruise credits for???

[@FamilyAtSea]

Anything onboard. Drinks, spa services, specialty dining, souvenirs... Whatever you want!

[@KarHowell-kj9vp]

Cunard also does glacier bay

[@FamilyAtSea]

Thanks, that's good to know!

[@DonnaDavis-l1u]

I have watched a lot of vlogs about an Alaska

[@NextLevelLiving-LG]

Wow. I brought mosquito repellent but didn't see any. We missed all the rain as well 😊

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@NextLevelLiving-LG We are going back next year, I hope we have your luck next time around!!

[@edwardf9661]

Wow…the money you saved by not going on the glacier plane…and the dog sledding adventure! Good for you.

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@edwardf9661 We would have found the value in it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I agree it is crazy expensive!

[@cathypearson1889]

I don't mean to be negative, but are you kidding me? I really hope you didn't pack up your family for Alaska without doing your homework. There are literally dozens of KZbin channels that talk about going on a cruise to Alaska. I'm not going until next Aug., but I know what I need to do to get ready because I've watched the videos, a whole year out.

[@FamilyAtSea]

I'm not exactly sure which part of the video you're responding to but I appreciate you watching and hope you have an amazing cruise... Happy sails!

[@veronicacoates8832]

I thought the information provided here was extremely beneficial!!

[@FamilyAtSea]

@@veronicacoates8832 I appreciate that, thank you! I've learned I'll never make everybody happy here on KZbin, but the good people like you certainly make it worthwhile!