First time cruising? Sailing. Prepare for extreme weather clothing; it helps to get ready for warmth and comfort layers. Prices for all cruises include everything the ship has to offer, which is much like a small city. Unlike places in the continental United States, much of Alaska is not easily accessible via car. You get to see and do things that you just dont get anywhere else. Huh? From the cultures of South America to the icy terrains of Antarctica, experience the best of both worlds on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. singwithjoy 212 January 13, 2008 central florida #1 Posted January 27, 2008 Would like to know what it is like going from central florida to Alaska. Alternatively, you may use, How to find the best Alaska cruise for you. One popular excursion is to take a train up into the mountains where the scenery is amazing. We advocate adding a light GORE-TEX jacket or tunic and GORE-TEX footwear. THE BEST CRUISE DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERS Cross more destinations off your wander list with unbeatable deals on every cruise. Still a wreck because I thought I only had 18 minutes to get to the station. Dont Miss the Scenery Between Ports Maybe you know that daylight hours during the summer in Alaska are long. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise in Ft. Lauderdale. Excursions Are Pricey (But Worth It) More time for you. These are typically affordable and a great way to see a lot of things in a short period of time. A Hawaiian cruise may be the best possible way to obtain the vacation of a lifetime. Tour the dramatic sawyer glacier and shop downtown in Juneau. Middle of May through to early September; these are vast land areas, set out early. After a few days, dont be surprised if the lack of rest catches up with you. The cost of an Alaska cruisetour is relative to what is being offered. After riding through the Everglades or visiting the Flamingo Garden and Wildlife Sanctuary, sail to the Caribbean for an even sweeter taste of island life. 5 Ports of Call. For a memorable tour, come with a camera with a zoom for exciting moments capturing. Going to Departs as early as Departs as late as Search Best Cruise Deals by Popular Destination Disney Cruise Line Deals Cruise Tips & Cruise Packing Guide Popular Cruise Destinations Departure Ports with Great Cruises Leaving from Most Popular Cruise Lines Im waiting for my 7:15pm dinner reservation. Not once did she mention to turn left AFTER the WaWa, which is exactly what I needed to do. Note that Alaska cruises costs vary according to the season; check details at AffordableTours.com. The Eurodam is a very elegant midsized ship with lots to offer. 2066521-50, by Melanie Hager, Public Relations Manager, Disney Cruise Line. Booking an Alaska cruise during shoulder season can lead to benefits beyond a cheaper cruise fare. However, cruise ships will still need approval to sail from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to the Framework for Conditional Sail Order, which remains in effect until November 2021. Please connect with us to customize the vacation of your dreams! Make the most of stops at various locations, viewpoints, and boardwalks. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. Please be aware that we have photographers on board taking photographs for guests to purchase. or too much money? again yikes! The best cruisetour will get you to hop off the boat and come close enough to walk the land and experience the touch of nature and take photos to relive the memory over and over! Ive always met interesting, quirky and fellow train enthusiasts in the Amtrak dining car. While we have a full list of dozens of tips and things to know about sailing to Alaska, below we cover some of what we think are the most important items. well, that's it for now..I know it is a lot but trying to weigh my options plus the best budget. Even so, one popular thing to do is go explore the glacier in an up close and personal way. That would be a cruisetour to Alaska's coastal mountains, marine and forest wildlife, glaciers to explore the history of Alaska people. It has deep waters allowing voyage ships to sail side by side. is a cruise ship worth it (small or medium)? I think you would have to find an Alaskan cruise that ends in Vancouver, with the next cruise being from Vancouver to Hawaii. Sample local rum and fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant. And while theres plenty to do on the ship when sailing in Alaska, the atmosphere is decidedly more subdued. Do-not-miss excursions to the Mount Roberts Tramway. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85416582', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska. Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Enjoy the scenic tour of the dramatic glaciers. If youre out exploring the port, the weather is perfect. Search cruises For expert cruise advice, call 1-800-916-8586. For the last almost-twenty years, the guy who ran the conveniently located Avis place would drive me to the Amtrak station, about one mile away. Whether you cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa or Orlando, Florida is your gateway to some of the Caribbean's most incredible destinations. or bnb? Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay, a rare opportunity to enjoy Alaska wilderness so close! Expand All. For example, it might be 75 and sunny one day. Atlantis Aquaventure. Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages, per person, double occupancy, and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. And with a cruise, youre also able to get up close to the scenery. Typically, Mar-May, Jun-Aug, Sept-Nov, and Dec-Feb; choose according to your goal and cruise plan. below. Note: as of May 19, 2022, there is only one train running daily between Miami and New York City, the Silver Star. The state is one of the last unspoiled places in the United States. It's a stretch of an array of Alaska splendors. As well, with the long daylight hours, an interior cabin (which gets plenty dark) may help you sleep better. There's a lot to look forward to, including majestic landscapes, icy blue glaciers and beautiful wildlife. The outings here are typically much higher priced than elsewhere. ), then a ferry combined with a plane trip or two might be of interest to you. Cost: $15.00 per day. Carnival Cruise Line has amended more of its US cruise itineraries, continuing its deployment changes announced earlier in February. - a more definitive statement is necessary here; just as the the Gulf of AK is a part of the Pacific Ocean, Prince William Sound is a part of the Gulf of AK. There are only five ships yet to return to service, but Carnival Cruise Line plans to have them all back in passenger service by May this year. The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between Florida and Alaska is 6,210 km= 3,859 miles. No one beats our prices! CRUISES FROM FLORIDA BOOK NOW Cruises from Florida unlock endless adventures from the Panhandle to the Keys. Heres everything to know about your cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85152399', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ship that spends a day in each port and has lots of activities available for passengers onboard. No matter whereyou are in the world, your family will also receive Disney Cruise Lines signatureservice, along with Broadway-style shows, themed dining, character encountersand activities for everyone in the family. Thus, seeing PWS (easy) might satisfy your statement (depending on your interpretation). Alaska is famous for its wildlife and theres no shortage of viewing opportunities no matter what you want to see. When its warm and sunny, it is literally t-shirt and shorts weather. Relive the golden age of ocean travel on a Transatlantic cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. A On the final morning of a cruise experience in most countries all guests must leave the ship before the guests joining the next cruise can board. Take a break from the sun and stroll through the resorts impressive marine exhibits, home to over 50,000 animals. my wish list is to see the Gulf of Alaska by boat - is this possible? Juneau is an important place to visit in Alaska, not only for its gold but for its scenic views, including Mendenhall Glacier, ice-cloaked glacial fjord, and the botanical Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure. Please note that we are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in photographs on an incidental basis. In addition to packing their passports, COVID-19 vaccination certificates and cruise documents, there is another important necessity cruisers should familiarize themselves with: the Royal Caribbean app. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wine, dine and be one with the sea at The Waterfront promenade. Quirky, bohemian Key West fits into just seven square miles and is the southernmost city of the continental United States. Here are just a few of the amazing islands you can visit on a Florida cruise. We are from the Sarasota area. An Alaska cruisetour can be from 7 to 20 nights of exceptional pampering in luxury cruise line combined with a memorable experience of exciting land tours in deluxe motor coaches, stay in authentic lodges and luxurious train rides to extraordinary destinations. Visit from May to September and go early. I strongly suggest you read trip reports. You can cruise for less (or more), but this should give you an idea of what youll pay. Experience one of our newest ships on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. Watch out for bears in the summer, maybe dangerous. This mega-resort offers activities for the entire family, from a 141-acre water park for thrill seekers to a stretch of pristine beach for relaxation, plus pools and playgrounds designed for the little ones. Carnival Freedom, which the cruise line previously announced as redeploying to Port Canaveral in April 2022 to replace Carnival Elation, will sail 4- and 5-day itineraries through April 29th, 2023. Lets start with why you would want to visit Alaska in the first place. The changes to itineraries come as Carnival Cruise Line works to brings its full fleet back into service. Three ships are included in the extension of the amended itineraries, with Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Spirit all now confirmed to sail their new itineraries until at least 2023. Explore the Ketchikan wonders, the salmon capital of the world. With our exclusive MedallionClass service and family-friendly entertainment, sail into adventure on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. These are cruises and land tours of the 49th state's vast and wondrous destinations allowing cruisers experience Alaskan lives amidst custom-built wilderness lodges of luxury Alaska cruises. Sign in or create an account. But if you want to spend several days in ports in SE Alaska (Juneau, Sitka, etc. In fact, there are many people who may not have any interest in cruising, but do consider taking a trip to Alaska. In Bimini, join a catamaran cruise along the coast, snorkel over a wreck, or try your hand at sport fishing. Once the ship departs, theres not much to see as you sail to the next port of call. Your email address will not be published. By: Angel Green,Senior Manager Sales & Marketing Integration What an awesome opportunity it was to sail aboard the luxurious Holland America Eurodam. This beautifully re-done art deco station is the districts major transportation hub, bustling with people hurrying to catch their commuter trains. No shore excursion will satisfy everyone in your group quite like a day at the fantasy-like Atlantis. Some vacations combine a cruise of the spectacular Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska with a land tour to the interior of Alaska or Canada that typically includes travel by motor coach, a train excursion in domed rail cars and stays in wilderness lodges and hotels. AK is so huge and with only two weeks or so, you have to start to narrow things. Today, its kept that feel with a small but bustling downtown that looks right out of the turn of the century. Need to speak to a live person? Get extra layers of clothing, water and snacks, and survival essentials. As you explore the corners of the world, connect with other guests who share your passion for wanderlust. Planning and packing for your next cruise has never been so easy! You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. Home Alaska - All Cruises from Miami, Florida 2023/2024 Alaska is an intriguing destination with miles of scenic coastline. Glacier Tours: Many cruises to the state offer a route that takes you past a glacier on the ship (it will be listed on the itinerary). Choose from voyages that take you through the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea to the Land of Fire and Ice. can I take the rail depending on location? Routes: Alaska cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver and travel via the Inside Passage, between the Pacific coast and a string of islands. Caribbean Princess is your ticket to one-of-a-kind-experiences. Royal Caribbean made no mention of its negotiations with the CDC during its announcement. Follow your cruise line's safety precaution in all activities you do. Avoid getting caught in the parking lot crush. Cruise to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. Other factors in determining the best time include rain. Ferry schedules can be very unaccommodating, and you can check that out here: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/ . So now Im happily ensconced in my teeny tiny roomette aboard Amtrak Silver Meteor, with a bag of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, an ice-cold ginger ale and my laptop fully charged. Victoria: Due to U.S. law, a foreign vessel (which most cruise ships are) must make a stop at a foreign port before returning to the United States. We look forward to helping you plan your future cruise vacation and sharing the latest news and special offers with you. Cruise Outlook provides custom weather forecasts for many cruise sailings as well as other information about your trip. Walk, cycle, or join a trolley tour to make the best of this laid-back, enchanting island. This is a paradise for snorkeling among shoals of dazzling tropical fish, deep-sea fishing, wreck diving, and blissful days on gorgeous beaches. Before we get too far, however, you should know that just like buying a car, you can spend as much or as little as you want for your vacation. Theres plenty to see the entire trip, and its nice to be able to simply step out on the balcony to take in the view. The best part is, if you book through AffordableTours.com you stand a chance for a discount on your Alaska cruises. The cruise to Ketchikan is a date with rich Alaska Native Culture, Fishing, and Idyllic scenery. Sail to the Caribbean and the schedule is typically stop in a port, enjoy the day, and then get back on the ship. Shop for locally made souvenirs at the Straw Market. We have specific estimates (using actual figures from the cruise lines!) In most environments the latest time to leave the vessel will be between 10:00am and 11:00am. What Its Like to Spend 23-hours on Amtrak Silver Star Overnight Train From Florida to New York, Amtrak USA Rail Pass on Sale for Limited Time, Amtrak Sleeper Cars and Coaches Get $28 Million in Upgrades. While it is a little farther from the port than other lots, it is also among the cheapest. Get ready for magical changes in weather on Mount Roberts. Roberts. It has to be seen to be believed. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85150503', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airline and best arrival location? Enjoy a bonus $50 in onboard credit, plus up to 75% off your second guest, up to $800 in savings, and up to $800 in onboard credit. places to eat? A cruise through the route brings you to wondrous waterways and majestic forest with a spectacle of attractions to do practically memorable things. Issues: Cruising to Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier means crossing the rough Gulf of Alaska, where strong surface currents and cold arctic air . The Inside Passage, which is the inner route that takes you all around the southeast of Alaska, takes you right next to the stunning landscape all day long. Saves time and money. Vancouver (Canada Place): The last of the big three terminals that bring the most passengers to Alaska, Vancouvers Canada Place sits right on the edge of downtown. By the time Pepe dropped me off, the train was a fabulous 25 minutes late. Newsletter Write a Review It's rare to cruise with the world's best cruise lines involving a tour of essential destinations and activities where cruisers are treated like kings with practically everything done for them. Thats because no matter how many photos or videos you see, it simply doesnt do it justice. Thanks again for taking the time to read and reply! Cruises typically start and end in, usually Seattle or Vancouver. Get started! Even glaciers are a regular sight on many cruises. Yes, if youre going to get a balcony cabin, then Alaska is a great place to do it. Alaska is a beautiful place and also can be unforgiving. Due to temperature changes, you can visit from March to June and August to December. (See our guide to Sitka here. Leaving from Vancouver and Seattle, Alaska cruise vacations provide opportunities for travelers to enjoy seeing glaciers, explore the wilderness, experience historical port cities, and see a wide range of wildlife, including whale sightings. Mask usage and physical distancing will be required onboard, except when actively eating or drinking, when inside their cabins or out on deck. EXPLORE AUSTRALIA CRUISES Sail from Sydney or Brisbane for Aussie adventures or to exotic South Pacific Islands. After the 49th state marked the 60th anniversary, Alaska turn into a beehive; book early! From here you can take an excursion to see the Mendenhall Glacier, explore the city (including a visit to the capitol building), grab a bite to eat, or do some souvenir shopping, and more. Buses and trains are very limited in Alaska, but you can still have a nice trip using them. It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring. Join a cycling tour around pretty Key West, led by a local guide who knows all the insider information and stories of colorful local characters. Enjoy an afternoon boating through the Intracoastal Waterway, home to more than 300 miles of canals. Head to the Caribbean and youre likely to have a big sail away party, pumping music, free-flowing drinks, dancing, and more. The first problem was the result of a phone call to the Avis/Budget car rental place. Alaska cruise experts share their intel on how to pick the best Alaska cruise. yikes! Plan the perfect getaway to Alaska with a cruise! Bahamas vs. Caribbean: Which Should You Cruise To? It's difficult to explain exactly what it's like to sail to the 49th state, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and amazing natural beauty. Its no exaggeration to say that excursions in Alaska allow you to do things that you simply cant do anywhere else. Passengers who miss their designated time slot will need to wait until they can be placed in a later group. Read on to find out more about three affordable cruise deals to these regions. Carnival Spirit will complete its recently announced summer 2022 season in Alaska, and will reposition to Florida to sail 6- and 8-day cruises previously assigned to Carnival Freedom. Most mainstream cruise lines, however, do not deploy their ships to Alaska until late April and May. Spend quality time enjoying your stop at Tracy Arm and Juneau and explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan. Length: It takes about week to cross the Atlantic, and the shortest cruises begin at 14 nights, with some as long as a month depending on final destination. long. I wanted several options - never thought of a ferry - but sounds like a great choice..my itinerary is open and I know that I cannot cover certain parts of the state in such a short amount of time..but I am open to suggestions, thought, ideas.. For most people, the ferry is not the best choice. These CCTV cameras record continually and images of you may appear in these recordings. Prince William Sound is Renowned for big mountains and an array of glaciers. Dress in layers; get your day pack ready to hold a camera. One thing that cruising is known for is offering great value. ST42496CST No. Denali National Park is the most visited destination on land tours of Alaska while the Canadian Rockies are a favorite on Canada tours.The season for Alaska cruise and tour packages generally lasts from May through September, and itineraries are typically 9 to 19 nights in length. That also was great info. After nervously circling the block for 10 precious minutes and yet my third phone call, still no one told me to turn left at the light. In addition, you can also play it by ear. Just open water and nothing towards land. Wed recommend doing some sort of tour to be able to see all the sights quickly, followed by a stop in the downtown harbor area to see the Legislative Assembly building, the Empress Hotel, and the Royal BC Museum. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85156268', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Car rental. - if you don't have a license or have a philosophical issue with car rental ok, but, - a car rental will make the trip a lot easier and more productive (plus a car can serve as a tent). One major difference of a cruise from Alaska compared to other cruises you might have been on is the atmosphere onboard. Every year, cruise lines introduce the latest and greatest- be it new itineraries, new ports, new ships, or even new trends. The best visiting time starts from May to September and early in the morning. Next-level technology. All Rights Reserved. If you are using the ferry, you'd arrive at Whittier; if a cruise ship, either Whittier or Seward (from Vancouver BC). Sweet! Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. You can check your cruise lines list of excursions to see what your options are. Park by the Ports The cheapest option we found for parking in Fort Lauderdale for a cruise, this lot is located south of the airport and cruise port. The most popular way to cruise Southeast Alaska.