I never even considered this before but a friend of mine just got back from a Alaskan Cruise and had the time of her life! She paid a lot more than I would like... anyone know of a good place to get a good price on an Alaskan Cruise?

Go to any of the major websites (Travelocity, expedia, orbitz) or any of the large cruise dealers (vacationstogo, cruise411, cruise.com etc.) and look for a cruise that appeals to you. When you find something interesting, go to www.cruisecompete.com and let lots of agents compete for your business.

You'll find great information at a site that I use and contribute to a lot - www.cruisecritic.com

We're doing our first Alaska cruise next September. A bit late in the Alaska cruise season, but a great itinerary - Vancouver - Alaska - San Francisco. We'll be on Celebrity's Infinity as we like Celebrity a lot (We're doing a transatlantic from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton on Celebrity's Millennium in March).

P.S. She just got back from an Alaska cruise -- in December??

We went on an Alaskan Cruise last summer - and it was amazing! Discounts tend to be had if you book early. I can't help you with the price, because we got a group rate, but here is what (I think) you can expect to pay if you are getting a good deal.

7 nights, peak season (July) double occupancy.

Inside Cabin: $800-$900 - I'd avoid if possible. Some of the best scenery is early morning when you don't feel like leaving your cabin

Outside: $1300-$1500 - Obstructed cabins / cabins on lower decks are usually below $1200

Balcony $1400-$1700 - I would recommend a balcony for Alaska.

Suite $1600(mini)-$2000(Junior)

Cheers

I'd recommend Cruiseplus. Their website is www.travelandcruisedeals.com
and phone contact is 1-800 854 9664. We booked a cruse with them this fall and were quite pleased with the price.
I also recommend you spend the extra and get a balcony, especially on the Alaska cruise. We went 8 years ago and had to take an inside cabin because we booked last minute. Never again, there is so much to see and I feel we missed a lot.
Cheers

We paid alot upfront for our Alaskan cruise in June, but comparing Apples to Apples I think we were even. We sailed Regent which is an all suite all balcony ship , even in the lowest prices.( compare to Jr suite or above on others) Our cruise included airfaqre and transfers, tips, beverages, meals in speciality restaurants, room service of pretty much anything., 2 liters of alcohol in room, plus free wine or cocktails with dinner, ( 2007 all inclusive alcohol in lounges etc,.) Everything but excursions and casino. And only 700 people and almost as many people working to take care of you. Also since we were on a redeye flight home, provided us with a hotel room til we left. No paying for every bottle of water etc. Alaska is expensive but worth it. You definitely want a balcony. We spent alot of time there watching wildlife, dinner, breakfast, cocktails. You will not regret spending the money on Alaska, regardless of what cruiseline you pick. I checked out the cruise I wanted, then used cruise compete to get best deal. I wasn't crazy about my travel company, but I used them for price and then did research and told them what I needed done. Amex Platinum $300 shipboard credit and extras on certain lines. I would book with a agent I found on luxurycruisetalk.com if I did it again Lots of info on cruisecrtic.com boards also Kind of long winded, but I was was thrilled with my cruise.

regent starts at $2500pp thats who im planning on going with.

balcony, comp alcohol, no tipping, better service and food is worth it to me

some low price examples >
$650pp from AMEX Travel, various lines, various dates
http://tinyurl.com/yd4774 (original link paste didnt work)

If you are willing to take ANY cabin and can plan at the last minute (90 days out), you MAY get your best prices from either the cruiseline or someplace like VacationsToGo.com. VTG has a 90 day ticker-cruiselines dump their unsold cabins AFTER final payment (usually 90 days pre cruise).

However, Alaska is a VERY popular destination, with pretty darn expensive airfare. So your cheap cruise may just cost you twice as much due to high airfare, unless you luck out and get a last minute award ticket.

The easiest, least stressful way is to book an Alaska cruise as early as possible. That may not be the very cheapest price, but overall, between air and cruise, it will probably be the cheapest.

I agree - that's excellent advice. Assuming you are going on a one-way trip (aka starting or ending in Whitter / Seward) airfare can get pricey. Since we were travelling in a big group with many people coming from Karachi and Europe we were able to open jaw the tickets Europe/Pakistan - London - Vancouver / Anchorage - London - Europe/Pakistan which didn't become too much more.

However the people in N.A. paid upwards of USD$500 from places such as MIA, IAH and YYZ. Also - if you are ending in ANC, you can realistically make a flight that leaves 5 hours after you get off your ship (from Whittier.) Princess recommend something like 7 hours, but many people ended up sitting at the airport for 2-3hrs.

Cheers