I'm giving advice to a good friend who wants to send his parents to Alaska next summer. They're both about 75, and have never cruised. The 3 kids are going to foot the bill, but I don't think they want to stretch to Regent. So, I'm thinking HAL, or Celebrity, or ... Princess. I'm seeing that on any of these lines, they could get a window cabin, not tiny, but not pallatial, for, oh, $2-2.5K pp. Maybe even a balcony for that, in some cases, maybe air from Toronto.

Any specific recommendations, or warnings?

I've done both Princess and Celebrity to Alaska before - admittedly it was some time ago so my observations may no longer be applicable. For that kind of money, you should definitely be able to get a balcony though with HAL, it might be a little more. I"m a real big fan of open seating rather than being told when and whom I'm eating with so just for that reason, I like Princess (Personal Choice dining). I did think that the food on Celebrity was slightly better but it was not enough of a difference to really sway me.

If I was to do it again, I might have tried HAL but the fixed seating still bothers me. Actually, for Alaska, I'd probably go with HAL or Princess since they're the two companies with the biggest presence in Alaska historically.

Masaki

Hi Wendy: We were on Mariner in Alaska last August and both HAL and Princess were in port in Vancouver with us when we left, and in some of the ports with us.
We have cruised HAL before, not the others. HAL now has instituted As You Wish dining on their ships and so set dining is not necessary on that line, but is still available if the passenger wishes.
HAL is not my favorite cruise line and we have had some issues with them, but I think the profile would fit your friends age and is nice for first time cruisers.
We prefer Regent overall and love the dining when you wish. But, if one is going to choose another line in Alaska, I highly recommend that they do not book the huge ships of Princess or HAL. I'd avoid the VISTA class on HAL and sail on the S or R class like the Amsterdam or the Ryndam. On Princess, I'd try to sail the Tahitian Prince size ships which hold only 700 passengers, rather than the Sapphire Princess size which have 2800 passengers.
The HAL Vista ships like the Oosterdam and Westerdam are fine, but really big and do not get into the ports the same way the smaller ships can. Tendering is more normal on those, I've found.
Your friends should easily be able to get a balcony or even a suite on HAL for under $2500pp. In fact, many oceanviews have gone for under $600pp.
I hope they have a wonderful time in Alaska. It's very nice of you to help them make a great memory.
Kathy :)

I agree with Kathy about the smaller HAL ships. I did Alaska on HAL and it was a very good experience.
I think it was the Ryndam or the Veendam - one of those "dam" ships - Not the new Vista class. it was their switching to the Vista class ships that helped steer me from HAL to RSSC.

We've been on HAL, Celebrity, and Princess in the past two years.

We're Platinum on Princess.

Our vote goes to Celebrity, then HAL.

Thanks guys. I do know a "friend of a friend" who just did Celebrity to Alaska, so I will also ask her for feedback--I've heard she loved it.

As for personal choice dining, good point, I'll ask that too. I actually was thinking the Ryndam for HAL, since I've heard good things about this ship.

As for size, I told my friend Ryan that all the ships have good stabilizers now, and so you don't have to go for a "mega" ship just to ensure stability.

Wendy,

We cruised Alaska on HAL - Statendam (2000) Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage.) We enjoyed it. We had the large windows (no balcony)

Of course, I didn't know about Radisson at the time. Alaska is so beautiful, it is really about the destination. I am sure they will have a great time.

Wendy, I did HAL Veendam (same as Miriam's Statendam) to Alaska, had a balcony, and was grateful since it rained every day. So while everyone was cold and wet on the top deck to see the Glaciers, I could duck in and out of my cabin to take pictures, and stay dry. I also agree with the smaller the ship the better because you can get closer in to the glaciers.
Lynn

A couple of more questions, thanks so much for your help and opinions.

What do you think about the round-trip Vancouver itineraries versus the one-way? 7-days seems to be the length under consideration. Northbound versus southbound? Time of year--what's the thinking--early enough to see snow, or mid-summer when home is really hot?

Do you really have to shop around among TA's to get the best deal? I know this is a popular itinerary right now--I've told my friend to get their budget worked out because to get some choices, and the right cabin, they should book early. Is that actually true, or could they wait?

I think the one way Northbound is better than a roundtrip (I've done both). My favorite time to go is in June. It's warm enough especially in late June and there is still plenty of snow. You get the most daylight then too.

I've been on Princess (quite awhile ago), HAL Oosterdam and RSSC. I quite enjoyed the larger Vista class ship, it probably helped that we had one of the rear facing corner suites. It was enormous! The suites on HAL do get some extra perks and I felt they were worth the money.

We were on Royal Caribbean to Alaska on 9/11/2001. Loved the trip and have always felt fondly towards RCCL since then because of the wonderful job they did in dealing with getting everyone reassured and safely home. I don't recall any tendering? We did the round trip.
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Helen

Would a couple in their mid-seventies feel a little out of place on a RCL ship? Or have I been swayed too much by all those TV ads?

June does sound ideal, doesn't it? I had not thought of the midnight sun as a bonus!

I guess I didn't realize they were in their 70's. I'd really suggest HAL in that case, their demographic does tend to be a bit more mature.

I guess I'd price out both HAL and even Regent and factor in things such as a balcony (you really should have one in Alaska), the food quality (Regent is by far superior) and the all-inclusive aspect of Regent. The "little things" like paying for ALL beverages and tipping can really add up.

As to itinerary, I opted for southbound, so I had the longer flight going to the cruise, and the shorter one coming home because once I am off the ship, I am anxious to get home.
Now you are getting all kinds of different opinions and probably getting more confused.
I did like the size of the Veendam.
As to searching travel agents, I don't know the answer, I have had the same one for 24 years and I trust her explicitly. I would stay away from the really "good deals" with most online agencies because they will probably not be able to help if a kink in th plans occur.
Hope this helps.
Lynn

I'd agree with the one way being preferable. Lauri makes a lot of sense - HAL may be the way to go for your friends.

Masaki

Yes, I'm getting confused. But I've told Ryan to get a budget together and then we'll talk. I'm not doing much more research until I get a go-ahead from he and his siblings. Yes, I think HAL would be great for them. I think one-way northbound is the way to go, since they may want a day or two in Van. before the trip, but will certainly want to fly right home afterwards.

Thanks for all your help, I'll bump this thread when and if it's a "go".

I agree - one way - Northbound out of Vancouver. We went at the end of July/early August. If you go on the shoulder (end of May/earlyJune or beg of Sept) the weather may be a little more unpredictable.

We just returned from 13 day New England/ Canada cruise on Celebrity and we thought the cruise and food were not worth the money. All day it is sell,sell. One big sales pitch .

The food was not as good as college dining. Now that is sad... The only positive was the speciality restaurant at $30 PP . Great service and great food. With service charge and wine and and extra tip for great service our bill was
$180...

We will continue to sail with Regent or Silversea
Never again .