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Originally posted by 229DAK:

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If I went to Alaska without my wife, I wouldn’t go on a cruise. I’d fly or boat into places I want to go, and I would probably rent a car. I really don’t need fine dining, stage shows, casinos, etc, cruises provide.

We don't either. I might suggest you try a small, expedition-type cruise (pax <150). We're heading out on our second Lindblad-National Geographic Cruise in August. No stage shows. One main dining room; no specialty restaurants. No casino. The lounge is there for the day's wrap-up and lectures. Zodiacs to get to shore or close to sights. Go out and touch glacial ice floating in the water. On one cruise we were out on sea ice with 900 feet of water beneath us. One time we were on a zodiac within about 200 yards from Hubbard glacier - the smaller expedition cruise ships can get in closer. Kayaks, too. Downside - more expensive than a 3,000-5,000 pax cruise ship.

I certainly noticed the smaller vessels while viewing the glaciers. They were up close and personal, and I saw they had people out in kayaks or small boats. If I have time, I may post some images of those craft.

Just fyi, I like doing adventure schtuff, but I’m limited by my wife’s physical condition. She almost lost her leg in a bad accident, but she is still able to do mild hiking. Even so, I have to drag her along for that. I could Geoff on personal adventures, but I really like sharing my experiences with my wife.

We did the Southeast Alaska cruise in 2024 with American Cruise Lines. Really small ships (100 passengers on this particular cruise), that can go where the larger cruise ships cannot. We had subject experts on board who gave lectures each day about where we were going, wildlife, history, etc. Like 229DAK mentioned with the National Geographic cruises (we were docked next to one in one instance -- beautiful ship), these cruises are not for everyone -- there are no bars, casinos or lavish shows. American Cruise Lines is an interesting company. They are owned by a single family in the U.S., they build all of their own cruise ships in their own shipyard in Maryland and can only go to U.S. ports The crews are literally all Americans as well. One night of each cruise, there is a veterans appreciation ceremony. The ships are all white, with red and blue trim. The largest ship has 180 passengers The level of personal attention is nothing like the large cruise ships we have tried in the past. Yes they are pricey, but they are paying Americans, American level wages

Years back, my parents did the inside passage on one of the smaller ships. I think a little over 100 passengers. They loved it and that would be my choice.
This trip came up more as an opportunity to do a trip with my wife's brother than a dream vacation. Don't get me wrong, we’re excited and will have a great time, but some aspects are driven by other factors.

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We did the Southeast Alaska cruise in 2024 with American Cruise Lines.

We were on the Constellation in Puget Sound in 2019. Nice ships. We had a superb captain. In one port they were loading provisions via a chain gang and the captain was in the middle of it helping out. Gave a great bridge talk - actually learned something out of all I have attended over the years. Food was just okay; however, they couldn't make pizza to save their souls. Special ordered it one night with a group of folks - absolutely terrible. I got the impression lower-level staff didn't stay too long, given the hours they have to put in. Younger Americans aren't used to putting up/dealing with that.

Oh, Tartan - there's at least one bar on American Cruise Line ships! Remember happy hour in the lounge?

First evening at dinner departing Seattle and headed north at full speed - no one sat in the back, center table of the restaurant. The restaurant is directly over the propellors. The vibration on that table was so bad any plates, glasses, and tableware would fall off.

https://i.imgur.com/ku1kMJU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EOUoTGY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/t0R6XmH.jpg

CLICK ON A LINK AND THEN CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR THE ORIGINAL SIZE

Here is that small craft I was speaking about. Now THAT is what I'm talking about! I think one, which is difficult to tell, has the small boats or kayaks at the stern. They really got up close and personal with glaciers and shore. One is of another cruiser in the area.

229DAK, you are absolutely correct about the "bar" in the forward lounge! I must be losing it, considering how much time we spent in the forward lounges over the past five ACL cruises!

We did the Puget Sound cruise as well. The weather was bit stormy leaving Seattle, so were a bit late to depart. I subsequently found out about what occurs when the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Puget Sound! We were literally almost pitched out of bed in the middle of the night by the rough seas! Our cabin was on the same deck as the bridge. I happened to see the captain early the next morning as he was exiting the bridge. He looked a little bleary-eyed. I asked him if he had had a rough night. He admitted that he was up all night diving the boat, but that was what the job was about and he loved it. That was a great cruise

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I happened to see the captain early the next morning as he was exiting the bridge. He looked a little bleary-eyed. I asked him if he had had a rough night. He admitted that he was up all night driving the boat, but that was what the job was about and he loved it. That was a great cruise

Was he the retired Coast Guard captain/O6?

I asked for a Venetian/Aperol spritz during happy hour - didn't have any Aperol. The next night it was there.

Actually, he was a retired U.S Army ship's captain (Logistic Support Vessel's). If I remember, his actual Army rank was as a Major at retirement. Prior to this, I had no idea that Army had its' "own navy".

I would like to just add that you book at least a balcony. Friends of ours went for an inside and regretted it; there is so much to see just off the side of the ship.

I have not been on Princess, so I cannot comment on the rest. Seattle cleans up a bit when it is sponsoring something, so with FIFA coming, I imagine it will start to get its crap together, both literally and metaphorically.

Enjoy, I imagine you are flying in, so car storage isn't likely an issue. If you are spending any time in the area, I recommend a trip out to Mt Rainier via Chinook Pass and see Tipsoo Lake, or if you have more time, Ruby Beach is quite nice out on the Peninsula coast.

Many moons ago, I spent three nights on an Army tug berthed in Olympia, WA. The Army has a lot of boats/ships. A lot of aircraft, too.

Our retired USCG captain told us they can pick and choose the cruises they want to work with ACL.

That is pretty cool! The captain on our Lower Mississippi ACL cruise two weeks ago told me that he has been on the Mississippi for 43 years. All of the ACL captains we have met (I have done the bridge/pilot house tours on all of our cruises) have been professional and personable and good representatives of the company.

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Seattle cleans up a bit when it is sponsoring something, so with FIFA coming, I imagine it will start to get its crap together, both literally and metaphorically.

Last time I was there, I was dodging crap walking on the sidewalks. I guess nothing was sponsored that week.

Quite a few years ago, I went on an the inside passage cruise. During one of the tours someone asked the female guide about dating in Alaska. She said "the odds are good but, the goods are odd."

We are flying in a few days early to spend some time with our son, well, really the grandkids, but he gets it. They are on the Olympic peninsula so no Seattle for us. He will drop us off at the terminal when its time to board. No rental cars or parking concerns.

2000z-71; I was already looking at the White Pass Railroad. Thanks for the tip about the 1 way vs 2 way trips. I booked the 2 way train option today for the 4 of us. I'm going to have to upgrade my camera.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SpinZone,

We are doing one in July - Holland America Leaves from Seattle -7 days