Have a Whale of a Time in Alaska!

Categories

I mentioned last time that now is the perfect time to take a cruise along the West Coast to see whales.  I expanded that message to include some videos in a blog post linked here.

Another terrific warm destination to see whales right now is Hawaii, and there are some great cruises roundtrip from California available right now during whale season.  NCL Pride of America spends a solid week in the islands, cruising roundtrip from Honolulu year-round.

But perhaps you're looking beyond the cold winter days toward summer, when your city gets sticky hot and you would rather be cruising the pristine oceans of the Inside Passage and Alaska. 

Yes, that is where whales spend their summer vacations, too!

You may see whales frolicking along the side of your ship, and for a more certain close encounter, simply sign up for a whale-watching excursion in one of the ports, including Victoria, where late summer sunsets make it possible to go whale spotting during an evening stay.

This summer, you can choose from an exceptional lineup of possibilities.  Princess and Holland America will again have the largest deployments dedicated to Alaska.  NCL will have both Joy and Bliss, their amazing mega-ships with go kart race tracks on board (yes, you read that right), Royal Caribbean will bring on board surfing and other jaw dropping tricks to Alaska, and Celebrity will return with their sophisticated big ship touch sure to delight sophisticated adults.

In addition, Cunard will have four early season cruises in Alaska for the first time in decades.  Azamara and Oceania will bring small ship, upscale offerings, and if that is not enough, you there are even more exclusive choices like Regent Seven Seas, where just about everything you can imagine is included....at a price.

Then again, mainstream ships increasingly are offering more amenities, though they frequently give those seeking lower prices the chance to opt out of all those extras like free open bar --- if you wouldn't take advantage of them --- to save more than a few bucks.