In the cruise industry, it seems that everything cold is ‘hot’ right now.
Antarctica, Norway, and Patagonia are all fast-growing cruise markets. Alaska has been around for a long time, and it is still hot.
Due to the relatively short flights required for Americans to visit Alaska, as well as its unmatched scenery, wildlife, glaciers, and indigenous culture, the Alaska cruise market continues to grow every year.
Every major cruise line that serves the US market is in Alaska, so you can visit there with your favourite.
You’ve probably noticed the travel section of your weekend newspaper is currently jammed up with Alaska advertisements for 2020.
That’s because 50% of all Alaskan cruises are sold in September & October for the following year.
If you wait until the New Year, you can probably still get a cabin on the sailing you’re looking at, but if you’ve got specific ideas about where you want to be on the ship, when you want to go, or what lodges you want to visit on land, then some of your choices might become a bit scarce if you wait too long.
Here’s a look at four different ways to visit Alaska:
Princess Cruises
- Who it appeals to: Princess attracts a lot of families and multi-generation groups. They have excellent children’s programs, and they serve more guests than anyone else in the Alaska market.
- Ships: Princess has 8 ships in Alaska. Six of those are Grand Class vessels that hold around 2800 people. The Royal Princess is also there, which carries 3600. The Pacific Princess (675 guests) has also returned to Alaska for those wanting something smaller. You can depart from Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver.
- Why go Princess? The product is well priced, and they have extensive infrastructure on land with 5 lodges, and their own rail cars.
- Incentives: Princess is currently running “3 for Free” – their most popular promo of the year. You get a) Gratuities Included, b) Location upgrade, and c) on board credits.
- Note: Holland America is the 2nd largest cruise line in Alaska, and has many of the same advantages. HAL might be a better choice for you if you want a slightly smaller ship (about 2000), or if you prefer fewer children.
Regent Seven Seas
- Who it appeals to: Regent Seven Seas is probably the most inclusive of the cruise lines with flights, drinks, gratuities, and shore excursions (amongst other things) all included. They also have a kids program.
- Ship: The Seven Seas Mariner holds 700 people and goes back and forth between Anchorage and Vancouver.
- Why go Regent? You know all your costs at the front end, and won’t come home wondering how your on board charges exceeded your cruise fare.
- Incentives: First Class air to/from Vancouver/Anchorage included in your fare if you book in September.
Seabourn
- Who it appeals to: Seabourn attracts a lot of non-cruisers on its Alaska itineraries. This is partly because much of Alaska can only be seen by ship, and partly because Seabourn bills itself as one of the world’s finest resorts (that just happens to be at sea). They also run their Ventures program in Alaska, which gives you the opportunity to participate in expedition style excursions off a luxury ship.
- Ship: The Seabourn Sojourn holds 450 guests – all in oceanfront suites. Sojourn is based in Vancouver next season, and will alternate 7-night runs to Juneau, and 11-night runs to Anchorage.
- Why go Seabourn? These guys have luxury travel ‘nailed’. If you love great food and intuitive service, you won’t be disappointed on Seabourn.
- Incentives: Seabourn is currently offering verandahs for the price of window suites, free internet, up to $500 on board credits, and an air credit of $500 per person.
Hurtigruten
- Who it appeals to: This Norwegian company is new to the North American market, but has been around for many years serving clients from other parts of the world. The Roald Amundsen is an expedition style ship that is the fleet’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship. You won’t find Broadway shows on board, but it does have a Science Center, and many other features intended to immerse you in the outdoor splendour of Alaska. You will find immersive outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking, and expedition experts on board
- Ships: The Roald Amundsen accommodates 530 guests and will operate out of Vancouver with a few itineraries out of Anchorage. She will run 13 to 17 day itineraries in Alaska in 2020.
- Why go Hurtigruten? If you want to get up close and personal with nature, if you want to travel on a brand new ship, or if you want some bragging rights for supporting ‘green’ cruising (the Roald Amundsen is a hybrid powered ship).
- Incentives: Hurtigruten is offering 15% off some itineraries, an air credit on others, and $500 on board credit on other Alaskan cruises.
- Note: This is the cruise line I chose for my trip to Antarctica last year. I’m so excited to be able to offer this option to my clients in Alaska next year.
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I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
