How to Book a Cruise to Alaska
- 1). Establish your budget before you start searching for the right package. Several cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises in a wide range of prices: You'll get the best rates early in the season, which runs from mid-May through early September. You'll encounter a standard menu of amenities on most cruises, including non-stop food, parties and organized shipboard activities. It's the special touches that set one ship apart from another.
- 2). Decide on your trip parameters, including duration and cabin. The type of cabin you select has a big impact on the price of your cruise: an inside cabin, with no windows or views, is relatively inexpensive; while a cabin with a balcony can cost twice as much or more. Remember, you can see the same sights when you stand on deck, and enjoy the company of other travellers, as well.
- 3). Learn all you can about other travelers' experiences. This is important because every cruise line has it's own special qualities and ambiance. If your ship's personality doesn't mesh with yours, you might have a disappointing trip. Encourage friends and family to tell you the good and bad about their Alaskan cruise. Look at their pictures. Visit sites like TripAdvisor and see what cruisers have to say about their Alaskan cruises.
- 4). Search online cruise brokers . Most online tools will let you select the month you want to travel, the duration of your trip, and whether you want to travel northbound or southbound, or tour the Inside Passage. Some let you select the ports you want to visit and the line you think you want to sail. If you can be flexible, you'll get the broadest possible selection of cruise options when you choose "All" or "Any" when they're available.
- 5). Visit the individual cruise line's website. Before you book through a broker, learn if the line is offering any specials. It's not uncommon to find better prices from the source, and you can usually pick out special options like air travel and shore excursions, as well.
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