Tips On Cruising Alaska Please.

[rosyherb]

we are doing a holiday later in the year and any tips would be useful.
Seattle 2 nights
cruise alaska
2 night amtrak cross country
chicago 2 nights

we have booked a couple of bear hunting trips (photos only)
and train trip to yukon tented camp from gold rush days and Red onion saloon (for a laugh) from skagway.

if any one has been or done, do we need binoculars, did you see whales from the boat or only on the excursions etc
any rip off excursions to avoid.

Thanks

[sddsddean]

We did an Alaska cruise about 6 years ago in June. General things to think of:
Summer in Alaska can be warm, but be prepared for rain (the cruise before us, it rained every day. On ours it only rained one day.) and it will be windy...you need to make sure you have a windcheater or similar. We saw loads of bald eagles (and other birds), bears, whales (including a pod of killer whales about 100 feet from the ship whilst I was standing on our balcony). If you want to get a seat in the buffet restaurant anytime, say 'look, theres a whale' and seats will instantly become available! You definately need binoculars...best you can afford. If the ship is 'visiting' a glacier, don't worry too much about being on the 'right' side of the ship...the captain will spin the ship round so everyone gets a good view.
In Skagway, do the White Pass rail trip if you can...spectacular countryside clinging to the edge of a mountain! If going to Ketchikan, do the zip line tour in the rain forest (yes, it counts as a rain forest...the operative word being rain!).
Are you spending any time in Vancouver? If so, recommend going to the Capilano Suspension bridge park or going up Grosse Mountain on the cable car.
There is loads of info and reviews at www.cruisecritic.com
Have a great time!

[Tilly2]

The Red Onion Saloon is very interesting, especially the little dolls in the bar you'll find out!

Go on the jet boat trip if you can and do several Hamilton turns! Brilliant.
Yes, take your binoculars, although the humpback whales are easily seen without them.

Don't forget your camera.

[Tilly2]

To answer the last part, we spent a fortune on that holiday, the excursions were not cheap. However we enjoyed each and everyone and it was money well spent.
Dp as many different things as you can. You won't regret it.

[rosyherb]

thanks folks, have read the cruise critic stuff previously, yes we can see the ££££s mounting up, the glacier tip about the boat turning was a new one, we are due at Tracy Arm 6.30 - 10.30 so coffee and breakkie in the room and sit out on the balcony could be a plan.

[Clanad]

Pike's Place Farmer's Market in the heart of Seattle… besides being the home of the original Starbuck's, it's a great place to visitant see the sites… get up early and watch the fish being thrown at the fish market and eat breakfast at Lowell's Restaurant and Bar… really great food and a view of the waterfront as well… Lot's of other small but good bakeries and cafes.

Seattle is rife with ferrys running to and fro at all times of the day and night… my favorite is the run across the Sound to Bainbridge Island… lot's of small shops all in easy walking distance from the dock…that and a longer ride to Port Angeles.

Personally, (I live in the U.S. and go to Seattle and area frequently) I'd skip the Space Needle… great view (500 feet high) but during tourist season (June through early September) the lines seem endless.

Lastly, consider a short (40 minute) bus ride to Snoqualmie Falls… beautiful area and great photo opportunities… check with your hotel.

(Check here for the Pike's Market (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org)

Alaska… just make sure you have several flash drive spares for your electronic camera. I's say, also, purchase an Ulu… (seen here: http://www.cutlerymania.com/Lamson_and_Goodnow_Walnut_Ulu_Knife_p/34270.htm?gclid=CPaHw_246r4CFesDOgodwgQA_Q&;Click=7511&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine … (apologies for the long URL.

They are so typically Alaskan… just be sure you don't return with it in your carry on luggage. Very useful and reasonably priced…

Welcome to the U.S.!

[Cathyhuns]

We did White Pass railway in Skagway. It's worth booking directly as it's cheaper and the train may be much quieter. The train terminal is an easy walk (10 to 15 mins) from the cruise terminal although the Americans all thought it was too far.

In Juneau we did a bike ride and then a brewery visit to the Alaskan Brewery. In Kechikan we went scuba diving, which was great fun. Both could only be booked through the cruise company.

While summer in Alaska can be warm, September can be quite chilly.

In Seattle if you book a meal at the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle you skip the line. It's not cheap but if you time it for sunset it's spectacular.

In Chicago visit the Willis (aka Sears) tower and an architecture cruise is interesting. Try and reserve a table at Gibson's Steakhouse. If they're full, book Hugo's next door - the steaks are the same and cooked in the same kitchen.

[zebo]

Which is better, the "all included" cruises on the big boats or a more do-it-yourself trip using the Alaskan ferries? We've been looking at both and can't decide.