Originally Posted by Audie
I have traveled a lot but have never done a cruise. I am over whelmed by the amount of literature out there. Would like to do Alaska the end of August. Where do I start? Any suggestions for doing it myself and not going through a travel agent or is that silly? Would like to do the tour for a week. How far in advance is necessary and where/how do I find the good deals?
a lot other posters already gave you valuable advices on how to book a cruise.
you usually get the best deals via some cruise-only agents who send out specials weekly. the second poster gave you the good sites to read up.
since it is your first cruise, i would suggest you go for better lines, such as celebrity, royal carribean or holland america. it is very important to have a right ship on the first cruise, because it would most likely influence you whether you enjoy cruise or not. in general most people love cruise after they try one, unless they pick a very cheap ship or one that is totally not suited for their own taste.
late August / early Sept is the end of the season for Alaska cruise, thus the cheapest fare. sometimes actually the best of weather too. do the cruise that includes Gracier Bay National Park, and pay special attn to the itinerary south bound or north bound, so you wont cruise thru some very scenic areas at the darkness of the night.
also at least do a land trip either pre or after your cruise. Denali National Park is a must-do. But Denali State Park is even better, but far less known.
do it yourself. driving in Alaska is quite easy eventhough most roads are only 2-lanes. you can drive to Denali National Park from Anchorage in a day - there is not too much to see in between - the highlight is the park. Lodging at Denali is expensive, but you can choose very good B&B at nearby Healy for about $120 a night. Denali Dome Home is an excellent excellent choice. you cannot drive thru the park, must take the park shuttle. go to the National Park website to find details. tickets usually need to be reserve weeks ahead in peak season so you wont be disappointed when you arrive there is no seats available. Plan to spend 2 nights at Denali area, may be 3. you need a full day at least to enjoy the park, for its amazing vastness and the wildlife.
another good area to tour by your own car is Kenai Peninsula - to us, it is by far the most scenic area of Alaska.
PL has rooms available for bidding at Anchorage, much cheaper than you go thru other channels.