I am planning an Alaska cruise next year. Do you recommend Royal Caribbean or Princess cruise for kids’ programs. Also will 7-8 hrs be enough to explore places like Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan or I am better off flying there? To avoid seasickness which part of the ship is better to get a room? Is room with balcony recommended or Ocean view should suffice? Thanks
I’m from Anchorage, and I was in the Navy. Seasickness is not a problem on a cruise. Ship too big. Doesn’t rock. If you are afraid, take Dramamine tablet 24h before boarding, then take one per day while at sea. 7-8 hours per town? Yeah, plenty.
I have never been on princess but I don't hear good things. Royal Caribbean is "fine". If you want kid friendly go with Disney (it is worth it). Norwegian was also better than that others for kids from my experience. Balcony for Alaska cruise for sure. So much to see that will be nice to be able to look out from your room. Ocean view isn't really a view. If concerned about seasickness (which shouldn't be an issue unless there is really bad weather or you are super sensitive) then lower on the ship as close to the middle as possible is best.
1 I've never had a bad time on RC. Others may have different experiences but, I've done two Alaska cruises with them and loved it. 2. Depending on what you mean by "explore" it may be enough. There will be no small amount of excursions to do and those I'd encourage you to look at too. Yes, its not "exploring the area" for a lot of them but sometimes the experience is what you want as the memory. 3. Most cruise ships are big enough where you wont feel it a lot moving unless you are REALLY seasick sensitive. My spouse is pretty sensitive and they never had any issues (save for a storm but that isnt normal). Anywhere mid ship/lower floor (https://www.pontooners.com/where-to-stay-on-a-cruise-ship-to-avoid-seasickness/) should be good For interior/exterior - I'd absolutely say exterior if you can spring for it. The ability to just watch the Inside Passage as you float by is extremely peaceful and awe inspiring. If you don't want / can't spend - interior rooms are also fantastic as you have A WHOLE GODDANG SHIP LENGTH DECK above to experience the beauty whenever Hope thst helps - DM me if you have more questions
Thanks a lot for your suggestions. Do you recommend booking through costco? Should the excursions be booked on the ship too?
I've always used RC for booking cruise AND the excursions - on all the cruises I've been on I've seen at least ONCE where people got left behind. The difference in price between excursion booking is cheap insurance (as they will wait for a late excursion that you got from them but not others) Also, booking excursions through RC can bqe done on their website prior to the departure and not a mad rush to the excursion desk for the last minute folks
I took Norwegian to Alaska in August just now and it was AMAZING. Got a balcony room for pretty cheap, there were great kids programs throughout the boat, every stop you mentioned we stopped at and they were all enjoyable. Went on Norwegian Encore, newer boat
Thanks, did you book through Costco. Where did you book the land excursions from?
Booked the cruise via delta cruises on a promo. Got me some free stuff on the boat like they covered the service tips for free and got some premium restaurant vouchers. Land excursions booked one ahead of time, was okay. If could do again would book the train that everyone likes to take. The other excursions they sell at discount when you get to shore theres all these booths
recently took the discovery princess to Mexico. The experience is mediocre
Balcony is better as you can vomit easily, worst case jump into the sea
I was not looking for that 😃