Why Not Reunite With Family and Friends On an Alaska Cruise?

While cruises in the South Pacific, Europe and other places far afield always entice, don’t forget there are cruises close to home, including Alaska, a gorgeous natural destination a world away from hot cities in summer. 

Daughter Gina recently made plans to go on an Inside Passage cruise roundtrip from Seattle along with her husband Laszlo and toddler Emma.  When some friends from their days at UCLA also contacted me about Alaska, I was happy they all came to agreement on Golden Princess, which will cruise roundtrip from Seattle, a fascinating city in its own right.   

Despite being one of the top lines in Alaska with terrific seminars about Alaska’s history, nature and wildlife to supplement dazzling entertainment choices, Princess also prices their trips to provide maximum value for travelers seeking a comfortable home away from home.  Their large deployment of ships in Alaska shows their commitment to this amazing region. 

Alaska wasn’t on Julie’s top 5 list, because we cruised the Inside Passage in 2002 and still have too many places we haven’t cruised yet, but we decided it would be a great alternative to flying to New York and staying a few days at a hotel to visit Gina, Laszlo and Emma.  The cruise would cost considerably less than a hotel in Manhattan.  Add in all the delicious meals and great entertainment, and it became obvious that we need to go on this trip too.  Crazy, I know, but we like cruises better than subways.  And that’s before considering the beauty of the Inside Passage and Alaska, which of course are reasons enough to cruise the area. 

There is a lot to be said for a north or south bound cruise, including the not insignificant facts that you see more of the Alaska coast and have the opportunity to explore places like Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks on a tour after your cruise.  But the easy access of an Inside Passage cruise along with inclusion of most of the same ports and outstanding vistas everywhere you look make it a great choice too. 

Whether you drive or fly, Seattle is a convenient roundtrip embarkation port regardless of your home state, with flights west making the time change work in your favor to reach the ship on time. 

But it's not just convenient. Did you realize people fly in from all over the world to see the wonders of the Inside Passage and Alaska?  Last summer, I had two couples from London join their friends who had moved to Westminster on an Alaska cruise aboard Celebrity, which is a particularly terrific line for empty nesters who enjoy fine dining.  

Alaska can be an attractive alternative for your next reunion with family and friends too.  There are lots of great ships in Alaska this summer, and I’d be happy to help you zero in on one perfect for your group, or we’d love to have you join us aboard Golden Princess. 

What is the Inside Passage, and what can you see on an Alaska cruise?  Tune in next week (or whenever I get around to it).  Same Bat time.  Same Bat channel.