Chart your course with our Alaska family vacation planning guide.

Pinpointing the ideal cruise can be a daunting task. The Alaska family vacation planning guide will help educate you on questions to ask and things to consider. Your vacation is an investment that will create memories of a lifetime. Before plunking down big bucks for the perfect Alaska cruise explore the differences.

Would you be more comfortable on a big ship, small ship or something in-between?

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Alaska cruise itineraries are comprised of two separate and distinct areas, The Inside Passage and The Gulf. Is there an advantage of one over the other?

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Alaska is a seasonal cruise destination. When is the best time to go?

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Finally, you’ll need to answer some questions about the kind of experience you want. So, the first step in assuring that you have the best possible vacation is to match your expectations to the appropriate itinerary and ship.

Okay, you have begun to chart your course using the family vacation planning guide and have taken the first steps to ensure the cruise experience you are looking for.

You have decided what type of ship appeals to you, which itinerary interest’s you and when and for how long you’d like to travel. And by using the cruise line resource guide found on this web site you’ve found a couple of cruise lines that match your style and taste.

You are now ready to focus on the task of making your booking. So, how do you book your cruise? The cruise line brochures are confusing. Are you better off using the services of a travel agent or should you go it alone and surf the internet?

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Keep in mind your cruise cost represents a host of complex services; transportation, lodging, entertainment, dining, housekeeping, and other miscellaneous support. Be sure you understand what’s included.

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What kind of cabin is right for you? Cost is certainly a factor in your cabin selection but perform a lifestyle check before you decide.

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Finally, consider your dining options carefully. Dinner companions can make or break your cruise experience.

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Hey, it’s smooth sailing ahead. You’ve made the hard decisions. Did I hear a sigh of relief? The rest of your family vacation planning should be easy, especially if your cruise package includes air travel.

We highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with your chosen cruise line by obtaining a brochure either from your agent or directly from the cruise line. It will be helpful for you to become acquainted with the layout of the ship and read through the commonly addressed questions section.

We hope the helpful hints and tips that follow will get you underway stress free and prepared for what you’ll find onboard.

What should you pack? No worries here. Packing for a cruise is similar to any resort vacation except for the occasional formal night. However, preparing for the sometimes extreme and always unpredictable Alaska weather does play a factor. We’ll provide you with a checklist and some recommendations.

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Because you’ve paid the cost of your cruise vacation in advance of your arrival onboard the ship money matters are far less worrisome when compared to other types of vacations. But you will want to establish a tentative budget before your trip for common cruise incidentals not included in your cruise fare.

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Before you leave check out our family vacation planning hints on getting there, checking in and end of cruise concerns to save time and aggravation.

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Bon Voyage

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