Alaska cruises recommendations

I would like recommendation for a Alaska Cruise for 2007. I have the following questions which I hope someone can provide me some suggestions:

1. What is the best time to travel to Alaska, May? June? or July?

2. Any recommendation for a value package cruise that has a price

range of $700 to $900 for 7-9 days ?

3. What are the ';Must visit places'; given the short time frame that I

have?

Thanks

Alaska cruises recommendations

Hi HappyLC,

When I was planning my cruise for 2006, I went to the www.Travelocity.com website, clicked on cruises, month, number of days...just to compare prices. I%26#39;m not saying you need to book through this website (although I did), but it will give you an opportunity to compare the rates of various cruise lines. July is more expensive than May and June, probably because July is a popular month for Alaska (and is extremely busy and crowded).

Round trip is less expensive than a one way cruise. However, with a one way cruise, you have an opportunity to travel to south central Alaska. It is very beautiful.

If you disembark in Seward, hang around for an additional day if possible. Do a boat cruise on the Kenai Fjords Peninsula. If you disembark in Whittier, a boat ride on Prince William Sound is also nice. These are the only 2 cruise destinations in Alaska...unless you take one of the smaller cruise ships (ie. Cruise West), where you can embark or disembark at other Alaskan ports. But note, these smaller cruise ships are twice the cost of the larger ships.

Many persons prefer to fly into Anchorage of Fairbanks, do a land tour, then take their cruise.

If you are able to do a land tour, Denali National Park is a must see destination.

If you decide to do a round trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver, the ports of call will most llikely be Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan.

A popular tour in Juneau is a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. You can catch a bus from the cruise ship. Often, black bears are located at the base of the glacier munching on salmon. Another popular tour is whalewatching. You may walk across the street of the dock to Orca%26#39;s whalewatching tours. Sightings are guaranteed, or get some of your $$$ back.

In Skagway, many persons ride the White Pass Rail Road for a scenic trip. I extended my trip to take a bus tour into the Yukon territory, then train ride back.

I haven%26#39;t gone to Ketchikan, so can%26#39;t provide advice. Mind you, there are numerous tours at these ports than what I%26#39;ve mentioned. It sounds as though you don%26#39;t wish to spend a fortune during your trip...and there is absolutely no reason to in order to enjoy yourself.

I recommend that you go the the www.cruisecritic.com website and click on the ';ports'; that are of interest to you. You will get a wealth of information of activities. Additionally, you can read reviews of the various cruiseliners.

Mind you, each cruise passenger to Alaska will pay an additional $50.00 surcharge beginning 2007.

I suggest that you wait 2 months prior to your desired cruise date to book. The rates tend to be lower, as they are attempting to fill all cabins. There are many options for cruise ships now, and there is much competition.

Enjoy your cruise : - )