Questions about Life Onboard 

• Are there different classes of service?

• Is a a stateroom with a balcony really worth it?

• Will I get bored? Feel confined?

• What's there to do in port?

• Do I have to participate in the activities?

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard.

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Is a stateroom with a balcony really worth it?

A cruise to Alaska is about enjoying the unspoiled natural wonders of America's last, great frontier. What a better way of enjoying it than from the privacy of your own private balcony stateroom.

There is nothing like having a balcony on a cruise to Alaska. Unlike cruises to the Caribbean or Bahamas, the view on an Alaska cruise is always changing. It's not just water, ocean, water, ocean. When you're sailing along the Inside Passage or College Fjord, you have an almost constant view of mountains, wilderness, glaciers, or quaint waterfront communities. You never know when you may see humpback whale or a pod of Orca whales. And with the longer, daylight hours in Alaska, you may see wildlife at almost any time of day.

Private balconies are also a great way to escape the crowds. When sailing in Glacier Bay or College Fjord, the decks are packed with hundreds upon hundreds of passengers crowding the ship's railing to snap a picture of a seal resting on a piece of floating ice or video tape a calving glacier. You can enjoy the same view from your own deck chair while having a cup of coffee - but without the crowds.

Balcony cabins seem bigger as well. With a balcony, it's almost as though you have floor to ceiling window to the most magnificent views in the world. If you're already spending the money and taking time to go to Alaska, treat yourself to a balcony as well. So the answer is "yes." A balcony stateroom is worth it.

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Will I get bored? Feel confined?

Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view. Or, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're onboard!

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What is there to do in port?

An Alaska Cruise not only gives you the opportunity to see Wildlife, Wilderness, Mountains and Glaciers, Alaska's natural beauty, but it also gives you a chance to enjoy attractions and museums that pertain to the Native American Culture and Gold Rush History that is unique to the area.

All Alaska Cruises and Cruise Tours will give you varying tastes of each of these depending upon the cruise vacation you choose.  On an Alaska cruise you may see:

• Wildlife - moose, caribou, dall sheep, grizzly bears, puffin, seals, humpback and killer whale, eagles and more.
  
• Mountains - 7 of the tallest mountains in North America are located in Alaska and the Yukon, some of which are visible from your cruise ship. To see Mt. McKinley, North America's largest mountain, you'll need to take a cruise tour into Denali National Park.
• Wilderness - rafting trips, salmon bakes, horse backing trips, fishing tours and hikes can take you into some of the most beautiful wooded areas you'll ever see.
  
• Glaciers - Depending on your itinerary you will see one or more of these glacier areas:  Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall Glacier, or the glaciers College Fjord.
  
• History - All of Alaska is rich with Native American and Gold Rush history. Totem Bight Park, the White Pass Railroad are just a few of the many attractions you can see.

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Do I have to participate in the activities?

On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything. Or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.

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