Alaska 2008 Cruise

Location: Alaska, USA
Categories: Sightseeing
Aug 26 2008  by
John V
Rate this experience:       
2 Informative 3 Interesting 0 Insane
Contributed on: Aug 26 2008
Last Updated: Aug 26 2008
We sailed from Vancouver on Holland America Lines (HAL), from August 10 to August 24.

Either the cruise was misrepresented or we didn't do our homework, but what we thought was a 14 day cruise was a 7 day cruise and its return to Vancouver. HAL also proved a bit deceptive on number of days at sea. It looked like 4 in the brochure, but adding what they showed as a sightseeing day was a day at sea in Glacier Bay, meaning 6 of our 14 days were sailing and it got to be tedious.

HAL aside, the entire sail passed beautiful to breathtaking vistas. The stops were moderately to very interesting. The towns that had not been overtaken by cruising tourists are still pretty wild west. The natives are a hardy breed.

We went on shore excursions that include (successful) whale watching, crab fishing, a wildlife preserve, and a sled dog experience. We acquired a lot of Native American lore. Skip the Scenic Railway.

Food on the ship was very good. Evening shows were inconsistent. Good exercise facilities were available.

All-in-all we would recommend the 7 day cruise but not the 14. There is an associated 7 day land package that includes Anchorage and Denali park that might be worthwhile.

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