Deb, Are you thinking of cruising Alaska? I've seen pics from an Alaskan cruise & heard details from my Aunt & it sounds fun & looks absolutely "out of this world". Now if the question ever becomes Caribbean I could share details & pics of one heck of a parrot head party it was "heaven on earth".
I went to Alaska in 1984. It was a trip of a lifetime. Yes, worth the mney. We left from Vancouver, stopped at Ketcheken..took a tour of the area. Juneau ..we took a bus tour to some gold mining area where a salmon bake was set up and we had that family style...eating on rough tables/benches and off old looking places and silverware. Skagway was a awesome place as that was the entryway to the Klondyke Territory. Men had to sign in before they went north. Men either were hired to build the RR in the very trecherous, but gorgeous setting of the mountain ranges of the Klondyke Territory or went up to mine. Glacier Bay Park was awesome..
My cousin I went with flew to Chicago. I few to San Diego for 3 weeks to stay with a friend who moved out there fom the Chicago area. This combo package was a trip of a lifetime. It ended up being my last trip as the ensuing summers were pretty much either working, teaching summer school, tutoring or going to school, or getting ready for the next school yr. My memories of this trip are crisp, sharp of an awesome trip.
Another trip I'd consider is to take a cruise that went to the various hawaiian Islands. I don't enjoy relaxing on a beach..but going from Island to Island sounds appealing. If someone gave me a choice, tho..I'd go to the Innerland Passage of Alaska again, with an additional trip into Alaska landwise.
I went on the Love Boat, remember, this was 1984. I went in the second week in July. The days are almost 24 hours bright...and for someone who has nightblindness...this was heaven! I was out most of the early mornings (2 am) and just sat and watched the shoreline and the fishing boats. Saw whales and lots of seals.
I went to Vancouver..my fav city of all time, and stayed there for a few days. Spent two days on Victoria Island..stayed at the Empress Hotel. Tea and crumpets time. Lots to see there. Shopping, too was a fav. The ferry passing the different islands was fascinating.
We stopped off at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway...from there we took a train into the Klondyke Territory..and saw why hundreds of thousands men died either buidling the railroad or mining at the turn of the century (1900), the history and beauty of the territory is totally awesome. We spent a day in Glacier Bay. I think there was one more city.
I've been on 2 cruises...to the Bahamas area (been there twice) and this Alaksan cruise.
If you can get on one now...you might be able still see things, but the days shorten fast. If you're going next yr...I'dd shoot for June-July. Flowers are at a peak, long days with just a few hours of darkness. I had to wear a jacket then with layers of clothing, as it got nippy further up north.
Now..if you wanna do it right..do what my aunts did in the 1960's! They took a land tour to visit Fairbanks, Anchorage, and othe rplaces. I'm talking about my 60 yrs old plus aunts who went the backroutes cities and outposts of Alaska. These two were Miss Prim and Propers...we all were amazed at their taking this trip and it was a wonderful trip for them!
I was just recalling some people who left dad's cruise on a combo package of cruise and land tour package and flew back home. They rode the main tour..but departed at Skagway ..which is like at the upperend of the Innerland Passageway of that trip.
Depends what you're looking for, what you're physically up to doing (dad wasn't up to physically walking the long walks and do the touristy stuff that required a mile or more walk.
It's a whole different lifestyle. You see the fishing boats. I'd wave to the fishermen and they'd wave back. This would be like midnight. It's so photogetic up that way. The history is awesome. .
I recall my dad and his galpal looking at all kinds of packages and of course, they were asking me to look at them all, as I had been there. Prices varied, depending on what kind of room you wanted and amenities.
I think they went on the Royal something lines.
If you have any questions, let me know.
Vancouver and the surrounding area is a gorgeous place to visit. It's warm..but you can escape into the mounts. Victoria Island is a very cool place to visit.
Another point of departure could be from Seattle. I met people who got on the cruise from Seattle...I even recall meeting people who got on in San Fransico.. You might want to plan a few days in the area of departure to visit.
Keep us informed! Good luck!
Sue
-- Edited by Susie on Wednesday 2nd of September 2009 05:17:02 PM
-- Edited by Susie on Wednesday 2nd of September 2009 05:28:08 PM
-- Edited by Susie on Wednesday 2nd of September 2009 05:35:31 PM
Margaret, I was for 7 days back in 2008 while cruising w/the Atlanta parrot head group on their 10th annual breast cancer "Party with a Purpose" cruise.
That all sounds wonderful! A young woman who attends our church had lived in Alaska for many years-her parents still live there. Her Father was in the military and was transferred to Alaska from Guam-she said such a culture shock. She grew to love it and her parents continued to live there even after her Father retired. She makes it sound beautiful-so enjoy!
Well, it may be just wishful thinking at this point but it's something the mister and I agree would be a great trip - and we don't agree all that often. The last sailing for this year is September 25 - all trips between now and then are sold out. We are on a wait list but if we don't get a call by Friday afternoon, we're going to pass and plan on going next year.
Susie, we were looking at the cruise only but the more I study the tour book, I think a combo cruise/land tour would be great.
Of course, all this depends on his health and my pocketbook:)
