I recently read an article about how people spend more time planning their vacations than they do planning their lives. I am sure this is probably true for many. And although, I encourage you to spend some time planning your life, I also encourage you to research Alaska before you finalize your cruise ship plans. This way you can plan your time and itinerary to take advantage of all that Alaska has to offer for you.

Here are my 7 favorite tips:

1. Gather ideas on what you want to see and do in Alaska

Before you make your plans, read up on Alaska and research the most important things you want to see and do. This is a critical element, and will make planning the rest of your trip much easier. Alaska is so vast and filled with opportunities it is very important to familiarize yourself with the possibilities and then narrow them down – BEFORE YOU GO!

2. Decide on the Ports-of-Call that are most important to you

The typical ports where the cruise ships dock are: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. However these three stops are not always the only stops available. Other ports include Prince Rupert, Hoonah (Icy Straits), Sitka, Wrangell, Haines, Valdez, Seward & Whittier. Every port has its own heritage, charm and shore excursions. Once you have a clear picture of which towns you want on your itinerary, then narrowing down the right cruise becomes a clear choice.

3. Check for the amount of time you will have in each port

You would be amazed at how many times people want to schedule a certain tour in a particular port only to be disappointed that there is either not enough time for the tour they wanted ~ or not enough time for the two tours they had their hearts set on. It is imperative to know the times your cruise ship is going to be in port. Allow yourself not only the most possible hours in port, but try to schedule arriving in the morning and not the afternoon. When you arrive in the morning you have more choices throughout the day to schedule independent shore excursions and time for sightseeing and shopping. Check the cruise line’s arrival and departure time. A site where you can get this information is Northwest Cruise Ship Association

4. Book your shore excursions in advance

It used to be that you could book tours when you arrive in port. After 9/11 the regulations are more strict with tour operators being able to sell at the port. Many do not allow it at all. My answer to this is always – book in advance – know what you are doing before you go. Many of the most popular tours are booked way in advance. These are ones such as flightseeing, helicopter tours, dog sledding, rafting, kayaking, whale watching, fishing. Although there may be exceptions, you really don’t want to spend your precious time in port running around trying to find a tour. Nor do you want to be disappointed when you can’t get on the one you wanted. When you plan in advance you aren’t rushed, you know what you are doing and in the long run you have more time to “vacation”.

5. Learn about the history of Alaska

Read all you can about Alaska. It’s history is captivating. Each town has its own heritage and story. The more you learn the more fascinated you will become.

6. Know the best time of year to visit

I’m continually asked questions about the best time of year to visit Alaska. The answer to this is totally subjective and depends on your priorities. If it’s wildlife you want to see, then make sure you know the optimum time for viewing the species you are looking for. If you want the best weather – then probably don’t risk a late August or September trip. What about the best fishing – well, what do you want to catch and where are you going to be? You see, there are lots of reasons to pick certain months. The best time to come to Alaska is when you and your family can take time off of work and see this majestic state.

7. Ask Questions!

It is so important to ask questions of people who know Alaska and the ports where you will be visiting. The big thing to remember is that other people’s views are extremely subjective. One person’s dream tour could be another one’s nightmare. I’ve talked to 2 families who have done exactly the same tour at the same time and one thought it was the best trip in Alaska and the other complained because it was not what they expected. Make sure you ask the right questions and ask someone who can give you straight answers.

Jane Button has lived, worked and traveled extensively in Alaska. She’s the owner and President of Dolly Varden Tours, a company focused on Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers & Independent Travelers in Alaska. Jane’s expertise is helping people to see Alaska away from the crowds in smaller groups with local tour operators. You can find more information about Alaska on Dolly Varden Tours website http://dollyvardenalaska.com

Author: Jane Button
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I recently read an article about how people spend more time planning their vacations than they do planning their lives. I am sure this is probably true for many. And although, I encourage you to spend some time planning your life, I also encourage you to research Alaska before you finalize your cruise ship plans. This way you can plan your time and itinerary to take advantage of all that Alaska has to offer for you.

Here are my 7 favorite tips:

1. Gather ideas on what you want to see and do in Alaska

Before you make your plans, read up on Alaska and research the most important things you want to see and do. This is a critical element, and will make planning the rest of your trip much easier. Alaska is so vast and filled with opportunities it is very important to familiarize yourself with the possibilities and then narrow them down – BEFORE YOU GO!

2. Decide on the Ports-of-Call that are most important to you

The typical ports where the cruise ships dock are: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. However these three stops are not always the only stops available. Other ports include Prince Rupert, Hoonah (Icy Straits), Sitka, Wrangell, Haines, Valdez, Seward & Whittier. Every port has its own heritage, charm and shore excursions. Once you have a clear picture of which towns you want on your itinerary, then narrowing down the right cruise becomes a clear choice.

3. Check for the amount of time you will have in each port

You would be amazed at how many times people want to schedule a certain tour in a particular port only to be disappointed that there is either not enough time for the tour they wanted ~ or not enough time for the two tours they had their hearts set on. It is imperative to know the times your cruise ship is going to be in port. Allow yourself not only the most possible hours in port, but try to schedule arriving in the morning and not the afternoon. When you arrive in the morning you have more choices throughout the day to schedule independent shore excursions and time for sightseeing and shopping. Check the cruise line’s arrival and departure time. A site where you can get this information is Northwest Cruise Ship Association

4. Book your shore excursions in advance

It used to be that you could book tours when you arrive in port. After 9/11 the regulations are more strict with tour operators being able to sell at the port. Many do not allow it at all. My answer to this is always – book in advance – know what you are doing before you go. Many of the most popular tours are booked way in advance. These are ones such as flightseeing, helicopter tours, dog sledding, rafting, kayaking, whale watching, fishing. Although there may be exceptions, you really don’t want to spend your precious time in port running around trying to find a tour. Nor do you want to be disappointed when you can’t get on the one you wanted. When you plan in advance you aren’t rushed, you know what you are doing and in the long run you have more time to “vacation”.

5. Learn about the history of Alaska

Read all you can about Alaska. It’s history is captivating. Each town has its own heritage and story. The more you learn the more fascinated you will become.

6. Know the best time of year to visit

I’m continually asked questions about the best time of year to visit Alaska. The answer to this is totally subjective and depends on your priorities. If it’s wildlife you want to see, then make sure you know the optimum time for viewing the species you are looking for. If you want the best weather – then probably don’t risk a late August or September trip. What about the best fishing – well, what do you want to catch and where are you going to be? You see, there are lots of reasons to pick certain months. The best time to come to Alaska is when you and your family can take time off of work and see this majestic state.

7. Ask Questions!

It is so important to ask questions of people who know Alaska and the ports where you will be visiting. The big thing to remember is that other people’s views are extremely subjective. One person’s dream tour could be another one’s nightmare. I’ve talked to 2 families who have done exactly the same tour at the same time and one thought it was the best trip in Alaska and the other complained because it was not what they expected. Make sure you ask the right questions and ask someone who can give you straight answers.

Jane Button has lived, worked and traveled extensively in Alaska. She’s the owner and President of Dolly Varden Tours, a company focused on Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers & Independent Travelers in Alaska. Jane’s expertise is helping people to see Alaska away from the crowds in smaller groups with local tour operators. You can find more information about Alaska on Dolly Varden Tours website http://dollyvardenalaska.com

Author: Jane Button
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The sometimes extreme and always unpredictable Alaska weather will be a big factor in the success of your vacation. During your Alaska cruise vacation you may experience temperature differences from the 40s to the 80s (single digits to 20s Celsius). The days will be long, with the sun all but refusing to set, and people will be energized by the extra daylight hours.

You’ll likely encounter some rain, but there could also be weeks of sunny skies with no rain at all. You’re less likely to encounter snow, but it is a remote possibility, especially in the spring. Weather plays a factor in what you need to pack, with the must-haves on an Alaska cruise including a raincoat, an umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy.

A swimsuit is also a must if your ship has a pool (sometimes covered, sometimes heated) or hot tubs. Even in the summer, temperatures in Alaska may not go much higher than the 50s or 60s (low or high teens Celsius), although they also may go into the 70s or 80s (low to high 20s Celsius). Having layers of clothing that you can peel off if the weather is hot and add if the weather is cold is the most convenient approach.

Important to Pack Items

What you choose to pack obviously involves a lot of personal choice, but here’s a suggested list of some items that everyone should bring along for their Alaska cruise:

- A lightweight, waterproof coat or jacket
- Two sweaters or fleece pullovers, or substitute a warm vest for one
- A warm hat and gloves
- Two to four pairs of pants or jeans
- Two pairs walking shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Bug spray (Alaska has 55 different kinds of mosquitoes)
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars (some small ships stock them for guest use, but none of the big ships do)v
- A camera, preferably with a telephoto or zoom lens
- Film (bring more than you think you’ll need)
- Formal wear (with accessories) if your ship has formal nights (not all do)
- Semis dressy wear for informal nights

Some people suffer over what to pack for a cruise vacation, but there’s no reason to worry. Except for the addition of a formal night or two, an Alaska cruise vacation is really no different from any resort vacation. And in some cases, it’s much more casual. Don’t feel you have to go out and buy “cruise wear”. Sweatshirts, jeans, and jogging outfits are what is must used during the day.

Dinner is dress up time on most ships, although several have begun to offer more casual alternatives. And the small adventure type ships are all casual all the time. Generally, ships describe proper dinner attire as formal, informal or semiformal (the two terms mean the same thing in this case), or casual. There are usually 2 formal nights and 2 informal (or semiformal) nights during a week-long cruise, with the rest casual; check with your Alaska cruise line for specifics.

Formal, although the term has gotten somewhat more relaxed recently, generally means a tux or dark suit with tie for men, and a nice cocktail dress, long dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit for women. Informal (or semiformal) is a jacket, tie, and dress slacks, or a light suit, for men (jeans are frowned upon), and a dress, skirt and blouse, or pants outfit for women (the ubiquitous little black dress is appropriate here).

Casual at dinner means a sports shirt or open-collar dress shirt with slacks for men (some will also wear a jacket), and a casual dress, pants outfit, or skirt and blouse for women. Recently, a new term (country-club casual) has developed. This is pretty much the same as informal without the tie. For country club casual nights, dress as you would to go out to dinner at a mid-range restaurant.

Many ships offer dry cleaning and laundry services (for a fee, of course), and some offer coin operated laundry facilities. Check your Alaska cruise line’s brochures for details. Using these services can save you a lot of packing. Lastly, don’t worry! Packing should be a simple task. Pack before hand, around a 1-2 weeks before your Alaska cruise and make a checklist to make sure you have all your necessities to have a relaxing and amazing Alaska cruise vacation.

Find the best information and tips for your trip at Alaska Cruise Vacations

Author: Joqtan Anicama
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Alaska is one of the Pacific states and is the northernmost state of United States. The word Alaska derives in 2 names. One came from an Eskimo meaning great land and the other one Aleut which denotes mainland. The place is the largest state in the Union and it is not populated. Many believe that the climate of the place is a frozen wasteland but it is not. The place has different climate depending on what part of the state. Get ready as we start or Alaska cruise and witness the different beautiful places that we can enjoy and have our stay.

Lets us now visit the different ports of call in Alaska. Ketchikan is the first city of Alaska that was built along the water’s edge that was known as Salmon Capital of the World on the steep hillside. The port has a different amazing color that can attract many people and a busy place to. Saxman Native Village is one of the places that we can visit that are members of Native American individuals with its Indian culture are present and impressive ritual object poles.

Another port of call that we can stop over is Juneau Alaska which is a part of Alaskan Gold Rush and this is the capital city of Alaska. You can hang on the wild frontier around the place during afternoon and a short ride to see the fabulous views of Mount Roberts and see the Mendenhall Glacier that has the largest ice formation on nearby road and a range of vegetation from the most primitive forms to luxuriant rain forest. Together with Skagway the gateway to the Klondike, this is a port of call for Princess Cruises. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves buildings in the Skagway are associated with the gold rush as the portions of Chilicoot and White Pass Trials which are the major routes to the gold fields.

Sitka Alaska, this port of call is a combination of Russian history and Tlingit culture. Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a fort where the Tlingit Indians made their last stand against the early Russian settlers. The park also contains one of the world’s finest collections of totem poles. Another port of call is Whittier Alaska this is the most regular northerly port for Princess. It is also the port of embarkation in the Cruise southerly for the Glaciers and dis-embarkation for the route in the northern part. Though it is a small community we can still feel the enjoyment in the near wilderness state.

The Last port of call for Princess is the Victoria British Columbia which is the sunniest spot in Canada. This once a colonial post and today it offers a bright history and a seaside city that is a stylish one. When planning a cruise in Alaska one should be prepared and decide which port will be you first stop. It is really a pleasure to travel around Alaska see beautiful places within the area. It is a nice location for a vacation.

Alaska is one of the best place you can enjoy your travel. Every Spots that you stop with is a memorable one. For more details about place gather information in alaska cruise and visit us in cruise

Author: Khuzy Bain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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More than anything, when people consider Alaska for their cruise destination they are interested in one thing, witnessing glaciers as far as they eye can see. Alaska Glacier Cruises have also been called Gulf of Alaska Cruises. No matter what they are called, they are one way cruises that travel through the Gulf of Alaska. Here you will find the glaciers you have always dreamed of seeing, as well as snow capped mountains and wildlife in their own environment. Although this is a one way cruise, it is very popular because of the sights available for touring. It is rare to say you have seen a family of whales or bears playing together without being in a cage or zoo.

First, it is important to acknowledge that this is a one way cruise and therefore proper travel arrangements must be met before you can leave port. What this means is that you have to have arranged airfare to the departure port and then airfare from Alaska. This is incredibly easy to organize with the help of a travel agent to make sure not one single detail is missed. Many people enjoy this form of cruise travel because it is quite simply the best of both worlds. This itinerary gives you the opportunity to spend a few more days exploring what Alaska has to offer because you do not spend the last two to three days at sea to travel back to your departure city.

Some people say that the Alaska glacier cruise is perhaps the better choice if you had to choose between it and the inside passage cruise. This is said because if you take the North bound cruise you will go straight through the inside passage and stop at the same ports and cities you would have had you taken the inside passage cruise. But in addition you will have the opportunity to see the Misty Fjord and yet another day of sight seeing at additional ports. Once the ship arrives in Seward this is where the passengers leave the ship for the last time. At this point of the North bound cruise you have the option to either fly home out of Anchorage or continue to travel on land excursions at your own expense.

Your second option is the South bound Alaska glacier cruise. This is quite simply the opposite of the North bound cruise. You begin your cruise from Seward Alaska, and therefore of course you do not experience the same at sea travels the North bound travellers do. As an option to add to this choice of cruise tour is to travel to Alaska two to three days before in order to take advantage of some of the popular land excursions before you begin your seven day cruise through the glaciers. Make sure to go over your itinerary carefully in order to be sure you are not covering the same cities your cruise will soon cover.

The Alaska glacier cruise is the perfect combination of what tourist love the most about Alaska.

J. David Rogers travels the world and has a passion for uncovering the best deals in every destination. What you just learned is the tip of the iceberg. To learn even more, and always get the latest news about discounts, be sure to visit the only blog exclusively dedicated to Alaska cruise deals.

Author: J. David Rogers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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