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8 Things We WISH We Knew BEFORE Our Alaska Cruise

Cruising with Kristie
Cruising with Kristie
🥈Expert
👁️ 73K views📅 1 years ago⏱️ 32:40

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creators provide a comprehensive guide for travelers planning an Alaska cruise, focusing on practical advice to avoid common mistakes. They begin by discussing ship selection, noting that different vessels offer various amenities for glacier viewing, such as observation lounges or promenade decks. The discussion covers the importance of choosing specific cruise lines to ensure itineraries include Glacier Bay National Park. The creators also compare sailing from Seattle versus Vancouver, noting differences in passport requirements and potential sea conditions. They offer guidance on cabin selection, suggesting that travelers do not necessarily need expensive balcony cabins since ships provide many public viewing areas. The video details popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, while recommending specific excursions like whale watching and railroad tours. Additionally, the creators address the logistics of booking excursions through cruise lines versus third-party vendors. Finally, they provide essential packing advice, emphasizing the necessity of layering and waterproof gear to prepare for the temperate rainforest climate.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Princess Cruises
Solid Strip
All-time creator consensus for Princess Cruises
A Nibble

This review is more positive than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
Alaska · Summer · 7 nightsFrom VancouverFirst-Time Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Alaska cruises are expensive and for many they're a once- ina-lifetime trip.

I'm here to help you with those surprises that many Alaska cruisers face.

The first thing I wish I knew is that all cruise ships are not built the same.

I would do it again. It would be nice to have more time at each place.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Check cruise ship deck plans for glacier viewing spots.
Book a one-way cruise for more northern destinations.
Add more days to a cruise tour for a better experience.
Don't worry if you don't get a balcony cabin.
Book excursions through third-party vendors to save money.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Packing for Alaska weatherLayer clothing, bring rain gear, and wear leather sneakers.
Booking excursionsYou don't have to book through the cruise line; third-party vendors can save money.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat are the best cruise ships for Alaska?
QWhen is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
QWhat should I pack for an Alaska cruise?
QWhat are the best things to do in Alaska ports?

Topics Covered

Itinerary Route3 Happy BaconExcursions2½ Happy BaconCabin Balcony2½ Happy BaconPool Deck3½ Happy BaconCabin Interior2½ Happy BaconCrowd Capacity1½ Happy BaconValue Pricing1½ Happy BaconPort Destination3 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Juneau3½ Happy Bacon
Top: Whale Watching
Ketchikan3½ Happy Bacon
Top: Bering Sea Crab Boat Tour
Seattle2 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology

Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube