The best of Alaska's scenery?

[bradleyheathhays]

Thank you everybody for all your advice so far! At this point I'm just on the verge of going to my local trusted TA and seeing what they can come up with for myself, Grandma and Mom. But before I make the commitment I have just a couple last questions.

The background is, I'm taking my Grandma and Mom on a 6-8 day Alaskan cruise on either HAL, Princess, or Celebrity. And because Grandma is fairly restricted in movement (wheelchair with some walking) we'll probably stay on the boat most of the time, so scenery from the boat is a big priority. So, as we're looking at different cruise itineraries, I'm writing to ask you guys who know more about where these ships go than I do, what ports of call or general scenery would you suggest that'll give us the best views from the ship? So far we've got advice for Glacier and Hubbard Bay, but are there other great places we should be aware of?

And as a last little thing here, I'd like to get myself and Mom on a helicopter ride somewhere in the middle of this journey. Can you guys suggest where we should aim for a thrilling chopper ride? Curious about how much this would cost also.

Thanks so much for your help everybody!

[sailingrose]

Hi again.....so glad you keep asking questions, it's the best way to learn.

Glacier Bay would be my choice but Hubbard is a close 2nd. Your itinerary should include at least one of them!

We have helicoptered twice in Alaska and walked on the Glacier, once in Juneau on Mendenhall glacier (MY #1 choice!!!!!!) and the 2nd time in Skagway. Mendenhall was just way more impressive. They also offer dog sledding in combo with some helicopters to the glacier, if you can afford to do that I would go for it.

I have to give you my best piece of advice........learned the hard way by being cheap our 1st trip.........if you can afford it do it! You don't know when or if you will go back to Alaska and you will kick yourself later if you don't go for it!

[coloradocruisers]

Princess goes to Tracy Arm, which is also very beautiful. I don't think you can go wrong on the itineraries.

As far as the view from the ports, the ships go to mostly the same places, so I don't think you'll be able to differentiate based on that.

One thing to think about when booking excursions is the weather, which can be very rainy during the summer. My helo tour to the glacier (from Skagway) got cancelled due to low ceilings. Skagway also has a train ride, which you may have to consider if the weather does not allow the helo tour.

[1shipshape]

We did Alaska about 10 years ago. Your mom would probably enjoy the HAL crowd more because they are slower paced. Just want to let you know if your ship crosses the Gulf of Alaska, the waters can be rough, so take some Bonine with you. We did the train ride from Skagway and it was awesome. It also included a bus ride up in the Yukon Territory and panning for gold and a trip to Liarsville. Lots of fun. We went at the end of August and only had one day of rain, in Ketchikan, where it rains about 360 days a year. Our trip included Sitka, which is a vey nice place to visit. Lots of eagles, lots of salmon in the rivers. We took the Inside Passage trip. Hiked at Mendenhall Glacier which was stunning. Lots of calving in Glacier Bay area.

Let us know what you decide and post a review for us!

1ShipShape

[DennaBeana]

The drive from Anchoridge to Seward was AMAZING! We stopped many times just oggle and take in the scenery.

[WeCruiseToo]

It is an amazing drive! Between the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm through the Kenai Peninsula – one beautiful sight after another!

[josmithe]

Well many have suggested for this as you get to see great view and some scenic locations. This would surely make your ride memorable and full of great experiences!!