Alaska Cruise Budget Guide: Where to Spend, Save, and Upgrade

Comments · 85

• RI

  @richardshuping6488 · 2 months ago

  this is great as always melissa!   so i was in Ketchikan, my dad and I were people watching and this guy comes out of a store with a snickers bar,  he was obviously hungry and opens it in haste, when a bald eagle dive bombs him, just grazing his head, he drops the snickers bar, the eagle lands and they are standing off about 10 feet from each from the candy bar with was in the middle, the eagle stood about 3 feet tall, giant wings, and that is when the 2 foot tall black ravens started coming.  the guy tried to get the candy bar, but the eagle rearred up and then was attacked by 3 black ravens. another eagle joined the fray and there was an all out bird brawl. in the middle of the melee, the bar got kicked and a an seagul scored the candy bar dropping it in the water.  the guy was in shock and went back in the store to get something else to eat, the eagles were strutting around like they owned the place.  eagles are awesome and dont mess with them.  it was gorgeous and an amazing trip

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• DR

  @Driver8takeabreak · 2 months ago

  Seattle resident here.  You didn't mention the light rail (LINK) which is an easy and convenient way to get to the airport, and can provide some access to "cooler" neighborhoods, if you get a cheaper hotel by the airport.  LINK can also access pier 66 cruise terminal (though it is a little bit of a walk and will require some elevators if you have a lot of luggage).

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• JA

  @jayconnors3397 · 2 months ago

  Having lived in Alaska and used the Alaskan Ferry System from Bellingham, WA to Haines, AK with all the stops, you can drive on and off. Stops are shorter or longer between ships but the views are the same.  I have also cruised Alaska, balcony cabin is a must and I agree worth the upgrade. My wife and I only booked 2 excursions (wale watching and White Pass RR), and had great fun on both, but also enjoyed walking the towns, sharing with the locals and finding the non-tourist hangouts. Loved the culture!

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• MI

  @mikehollstein7998 · 2 months ago

  ALWAS, Always get and bring your PASSPORT!

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• KI

  @kimmykat6887 · 2 months ago

  Thanks for telling me about cruise valet!  I have watched many videos about alaska cruising and you are the first to mention it.  After we disembark our flight is at 9pm., that will be perfect.

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• WH

  @whit0011 · 2 months ago

  I learned a longtime ago that the Balcony is worth the money and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Get the whole experience of a cruise. Relax on the balcony with a drink of choice and some good company. That’s how I decompress and why I cruise.

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• FR

  @frankhartmann3824 · 2 months ago

  We used Tulu as our private driver on 7/3 departing Seattle for our 7-day cruise on Voyager of the Seas and called him again for our return to the SEATAC airport on 7/10. Thanks for the recommendation, Melissa!! He was awesome!

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• BO

  @boatlover1875 · 3 days ago (edited)

  Seattle is cool but they do have more than their share of unstable people roaming around.  Get a driver for sure!  They'll tell you where to beware of the shady areas.  We did a land/sea 14 day trip and were incredibly lucky.  Spent a couple days in Seattle then flew to Fairbanks and worked our way down to Whittier on the way to Vancouver.  We were in Fairbanks on the summer solstice, freaky never seeing it get dark.  In 14 days, we had one brief sprinkle and not a cloud in the sky in Whittier, very rare.  If you like fish tacos, Dockhand Dave's in Juneau is really great, it is also in a kind of outdoor food court with a bar and other restaurants.  Lots of outdoor seating if the weather is good, lot's of fun and reasonably priced.

• CH

  @chrissewell1608 · 1 month ago

  Going on our first trip to Alaska. So, these are great tips! <br>Thanks Melissa!

• DA

  @danlemoncello428 · 2 months ago

  We rented the jeeps and drove around Juneau and that was amazing... Seeing Mendenhall Glacier is a must see.

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• KA

  @karenwh2 · 2 months ago

  We have an Alaskan cruise booked for mid-September, 2027. So excited as it will be our first. We even have an aft cabin!

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• SU

  @sunder62 · 1 month ago

  Such an awesome vid Professor! Best of all I&apos;ve watched! Leaving on NCL Joy 9 day on 9/26. 1st Alaska cruise 🎉🎉

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