Do Alaskan cruises live up to their reputation?

Unless you take the time to check out Alaska by cruise ship, you will always be on the outside--looking in. That goes for travel to anywhere in the world and your mode of travel. Don't rely on what people say or settle for watching TV programs or read travel articles and brochures.

Just GO. I've gone to Alaska by cruise ship. I've been to the Caribbean.

Here's the thing: some like it hot and some like it cold. Alaska will not put out sunshine for you just because you want it.In fact, sunshine is rare, say the natives. When sunshine comes to Alaska, you love it and take advantage of it.

But the beauty and the wildlife will take your breath away. The natives are friendly because tourists who leave their money in Alaska allow vendors to take the winter season off. Take your camera and click away.

The food and drink on the cruise ship is plentiful, but you have to enjoy it instead of stuffing yourself silly because it is there. The shopping at the ports (if you like to shop) will bring you bargains or make you poor. Can we all get along?

Of course! People on a cruise come from all over the world and are mostly friendly. Pick brains about where people are from for further travel plans.

We are kind and helpful to each other and take turns taking photographs of couples and families so everyone has a vacation shot of themselves once they get home. I can rattle off more, but I know enough about Alaska and cruises to write on the subject. The only drawbacks I see about Alaska cruising?

When the boat pitches, you can get seasick. There is nothing like seasickness, so take the Dramamine if you are one for seasickness. It's not fun.

You are not guaranteed smooth sailing, but go with it. What else can you do? When a wave hits, watch the waiter as he tries to save his tray of drinks.

Entertaining! Always bring warm clothes and good walking shoes. The weather can changes when it wants to, and you certainly don't have a say in it!

Brrrrrr!

In my opinion, an Alaska cruise is possibly the most spectacular cruising experience you can have. When you see the magnificence of snow capped peaks rising from the emerald pine forests, humpback whales surfacing in icy black waters and bald eagles soaring in Arctic blue skies, you realize that every great story ever told to you was true. Photos don't do it justice.

Alaska is one of those places where the reality surpasses the expectation, and I highly recommend it for everyone! The only drawbacks may be if you are more of a sun and beach type of person. While there are lots of outdoor excursions to experience, Alaska is cold out on the water, even in the height of summer, and the weather is very unpredictable.

But planning with layers of clothing will allow you to be comfortable no matter what Mother Nature decides. If you really need to have some time basking in the sun during your vacation, be sure to choose a ship that offers a glass enclosed pool, like some of the Royal Caribbean ships. This way you can lie in a deck chair in your swimsuit while still watching the spectacle of nature gliding by.

One of the biggest advantages of an inside passage cruise is the lack of motion on the ship. For most of the voyage, you are in calm, protected waters with no movement whatsoever, so even those prone to seasickness can relax and enjoy the trip! If you do go, choose at least an outside cabin with a picture window, if not a balcony, and try to get a cabin on the starboard (right) side of the ship if it's a northern route, or on the port (left) side if you're heading south.

The scenery is constant, and it stays light until the early hours of the morning in the summer months, so you won't want to miss a moment stuck in an inside cabin! And definitely choose a cruise that offers Anytime Dining options instead of a set seating time for dinner. There's nothing worse than having to go to your cabin to get ready for dinner when they've just announced a sighting of grizzly bears onshore!

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