Yes, that's right, we are taking a cruise to Alaska, and it leaves from Vancouver in just 3 weeks. For people who generally plan a trip a year out (since we also like to use our FF miles), this is coming up awfully fast, especially since it was booked just under a month ago. And this in a year where we were not planning anything major, unless you count welcoming a new grandbaby and spending a week in a vacation rental in Bodega Bay surrounded by our nearest and dearest while we celebrate our son's wedding. We thought we had a pretty full plate.
And then the cruise industry, hit hard by our current economic situation, started offering some very sweet deals. David got hit by the travel bug, in part because in his quest to visit all 50 states, has only Alaska and Kentucky left on the list (we will be sailing to Kentucky next year). Since my head has been full of babies and weddings, I told him to do the research. So he did, and acting on advice from a dear friend who had taken this same trip with this cruise line last September, actually called her travel agent. Adding to the scenario was a very small window of opportunity, between the time my school year ends, several dates/engagements already planned and the July wedding. I honestly did not think he would find a cruise in that window, but he did and we are going to Alaska on June 17th.
And we are going with some degree of luxe, another surprise, since we are not usually doing the luxe thing. Our friend Rhonda had sailed with the Regent Seven Seas Line last fall, and it turned out that RSS was offering some great deals this spring - 2 for 1 offers, free air and a whole list of free shore excursions. So we are booked on the Mariner - RSS offers this description:
Seven Seas Mariner is the world's first all-suite, all balcony (hoo boy!) ship, as well as the first to offer dining by the famed Le Cordon Bleu (r) of Paris in Signatures, one of four single, open-seating restaurants, Catering to only 700 guests, she is one of the most spacious cruise ships afloat, and her staff to guest ration of 1 to 1.6 provides the highest level of personal service in the six star tradition of Regent Seas Cruises.
So what does the Slow Traveler, the non-cruiser, do? Why, she takes herself over to the Cruise Critic message boards, signs up, and starts lurking for information about excursions, packing, embarking and disembarking. She also purchases just one Fodor's guide to Alaska ports of call. There is a wealth of information out there at Cruise Critic, where I have also found ideas for our night in Vancouver pre-sail (I was not about to test Alaska Airlines, so we are flying up the day before and spending the night the PanPacific, the hotel atop the ship terminal at Canada Place). At the end of this cruise we will be taking the scenic railroad from Seward to Anchorage for our flight home.
More to come on itinerary and shore excursions . . . .
Comments (11)
Oh Marcia, I'm really really excited for you. I have never been on a cruise and though my parents went on many, never had the inclination til recently. Now I want to try it. I will follow your blog about this and all the details and will take notea.
Sounds like you found a great deal. How lucky!
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 27, 2009 3:19 PM
Posted on May 27, 2009 15:19
Marcia, this sounds like a wonderful trip. So nice that someone else did the planning!I've never been on a cruise before. Looking forward to your report!
Posted by sheri | May 27, 2009 7:05 PM
Posted on May 27, 2009 19:05
Been on 2 Alaska cruises and had a wonderful time on each. The scenery is amazing, and also had good weather in August. You will enjoy it!
Posted by Palma | May 27, 2009 8:17 PM
Posted on May 27, 2009 20:17
This sounds like a blast. And how great to get such a good deal! I've been on two cruises, both in the Caribbean, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. An Alaska cruise is on my wish list - can't wait to hear all about yours!
Posted by Annie | May 28, 2009 3:13 PM
Posted on May 28, 2009 15:13
You'll have a blast! I know what you mean about being a non-cruiser though. :-)
Posted by Jerry | May 29, 2009 2:43 PM
Posted on May 29, 2009 14:43
We've been on several cruises but not to Alaska. That is one I still want to do.
Will look forward to hearing more about your trip.
Posted by nancyhol | May 30, 2009 1:31 PM
Posted on May 30, 2009 13:31
Marcia-I hope you both have a wonderful time-I'm sure you will. I've never been on a cruise either. That ship sounds magnificient! Sounds like there will be some nice relaxation and pampering, and I can attest to the beautiful views you will have. If you have any free time in Anchorage before your flight, let me know and maybe we can get together for a quick drink, or coffee.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | May 31, 2009 10:04 AM
Posted on May 31, 2009 10:04
Sounds like a wonderful trip! Looking forward to your report and photos!
Posted by María I. | June 1, 2009 10:38 AM
Posted on June 1, 2009 10:38
Wow, Marcia! I am so excited for you. Never done a cruise myself, but I think if I ever do, it will be in Alaska. Your ship sounds great, and I would probably be doing the same things for 'planning" the cruise. Great work, and I can't wait to hear all about it.
Posted by candi | June 1, 2009 2:39 PM
Posted on June 1, 2009 14:39
Marcia, this sounds like a fabulous trip! I also have never been on a cruise and agree with Candi that if I did one, it would probably be to Alaska. I have heard the sights are spectacular!
Posted by girasoli | June 7, 2009 4:10 PM
Posted on June 7, 2009 16:10
Confused. Going north and booking starboard (on the left)for views. Wouldn't the right side (toward shore)give he better views?
Posted by Al Ross | June 15, 2009 7:29 PM
Posted on June 15, 2009 19:29