Pat’s Picks – Alaska Cruises, the Ultimate Vacation

​I’m frequently asked what has been my favorite vacation ever.  Without a doubt, Alaska cruises will make my short list of lifetime vacation favorites every single time. Why do Alaska cruises rank so high on my best vacations experiences?  Here are some of the reasons it ranks so high:

Alaska Cruises Are Convenien

The features that make cruise vacations among the best vacations applies across the board to Alaska cruises as well.  When you are able to board your ship, settle in and get comfortable for the next seven or so days, it just makes your vacation so simple and enjoyable.  You are not scrambling around every day wasting time getting from one lodging place to another … dragging luggage, searching for some essential piece of clothing that has gone missing, trying to figure out where to find a decent restaurant for dinner.  All this and more, right at your fingertips aboard your beautiful floating resort.  Comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, world-class dining and an array of engaging entertainment options – all included in Alaska cruises no matter which provider you choose.  The best travel agent is your best resource in planning your Alaska cruise vacation as they will match you with the best cruise lines and experiences for your travel needs and budget.

Alaska Cruises Provide Great Valu

To be perfectly honest, Alaska is an expensive destination to visit.  Land-based vacations must account for the high prices of local accommodations, transportation and food.  In contrast, Alaska cruises reflect exceptional value since so much is included with just one cruise fare.  While most cruise providers do not provide a literal “all-inclusive” experience, virtually all cruises are quite inclusive, and the value of Alaska cruises is hard to duplicate with a land-based Alaska vacation experience.  Further, several of the top Alaska cruise providers are now offering optional packages that make them even more inclusive.  Princess Cruise Line, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines are always among the most popular providers in the Alaska cruises market and each have very attractive packages that provide great value.  These typically will include:

• Beverage packages, including wine, beer & most cocktails
• Wifi
• Onboard Credit

 These packages differ from one provider to the next but may also include staff gratuities, shore excursion credit and some specialty dining.  The best travel agent will be able to guide you in selecting the best provider and package for your specific preferences and needs.

Alaska Cruises Provide Lifetime Memorie

There is so much to see and do when sailing on Alaska cruises.  Classic Alaska cruises itineraries include stops at:

• Juneau
• Skagway
• Ketchikan
• Victoria, Canada

The best Alaska cruises will also include a day exploring the unforgettable scenery of Glacier Bay.  If you are just going to make one trip to Alaska, we highly recommend selecting an itinerary that include this experience.  There are strict limits on the number of ships allowed into Glacier Bay each day, so not every cruise itinerary offers this experience.  The best cruise travel agent will help you select an itinerary to ensure you don’t miss this lifetime experience.  If you want to explore some of the lesser-known ports of call, some of the cruise lines are now including stops in smaller ports like Sitka and Icy Strait Point.   Whatever your ultimate choice in itineraries, we strongly encourage clients to include excursions in each port in line with their interests.  Some of our client favorites include the White Rail Pass in Skagway and the Deadliest Catch experience in Ketchikan.  

Alaska Cruises Can Include Land Package

For the ultimate experience with Alaska cruises, we highly recommend considering adding a land tour to your Alaska cruise experience.  Several of the best cruise lines offer outstanding cruise-tour experiences that allow you to explore the incredible Alaska interior as well as the coastal ports of call.  The best travel agent will be able to guide you in selecting an unforgettable experience that includes a tour of Denali Park with its abundant wildlife and incredible views, as well as the awesome experience traveling aboard the glass-domed rail cars between cities in the Alaska interior.  If time and budget permits, we highly encourage adding a land tour to Alaska cruises to maximize your vacation experience.  Insider tip:  we suggest you plan to tour first and cruise second … that will ensure you return home from your vacation more well rested!

Alaska Cruises – Not for You?

Alaska cruises – if for whatever reason, Alaska doesn’t ring your bell, you may want to consider choosing an itinerary from the options for best river cruises in Europe.  There are so many choices for these amazing explorations of Europe that you certainly want to engage the best cruise travel agent to guide your selection.  Among the best river cruises in Europe, my top picks include:

• Danube River – with cities like Budapest and Vienna and charming villages, a top pick for first-time river cruises
• Rhine River – with romantic castles and beautiful views, always an amazing experience ranking among the best river cruises of Europe
• South of France – includes the gourmet capital of French cuisine in Lyon and cities such as Arles and Avignon
• Christmas Markets – specialty cruises typically sailing the Danube and Rhine Rivers in late November and December
• Tulips & Windmills – specialty cruises sailing from Amsterdam during spring tulip season

The best cruise travel agents will include most of these options on any short list of best river cruises.  If you aren’t excited about the idea of Alaska cruises, then perhaps the options for best river cruises in Europe will be more to your liking.
Either way, whether Alaska cruises or best river cruises in Europe, Dancing Moon Travel advisors are among the best cruise travel agents to assist with planning your cruise vacation.  Contact one of our experienced, well-traveled agents today to explore options for your next amazing cruise vacation.

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