Alaskan Cruise-Norwegian vs. Royal Caribbean?

Our family of my husband, me, and our 3 girls (ages 12,12,15) are planning to go on an Alaskan cruise in August. We've been on two Eastern Caribbean cruises before, one on Disney and the other Princess. I'm deciding if we should cruise on the Norwegian Line (the Pearl) or Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas). We have read multiple reviews but are split. So the real question is which line to go on?





Answer :
Royal Caribbean I think is the best choice for your family and children. More children will be on the Royal Caribbean cruise verses the Norwegian Pearl.





Answer :
For Alaska, I feel itinerary is highly important, ship is secondary. NCL's Pearl sails round-trip Seattle and offers Glacier Bay National Park along with Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. All fabulous reasons to choose the Pearl. Add in the fact that NCL is Freestyle and Alaska is port intensive, you have more freedom to fit dining into your schedule.

RCCL's Rhapsody has the least desirable itinerary, my opinion. It sails Tracy Arm... a fabulous place to visit by small boat but not especially by large ship. Besides the lack of Glacier Bay, Rhapsody leaves Ketchikan off the itinerary, too.

Princess round-trips from Seattle are not great, either. Celebrity offers some nice round-trips which include Hubbard Glacier and Sitka... something you might want to consider if you don't mind transfer to Vancouver. Amtrack is a great option for transfer.

Of course, there's Holland America, too. I think it would be the least desirable for your children simply because of the age demographic of cruisers. Don't expect young people on any of the Alaska sailings like you find in the Caribbean, however.

Good luck... and if you'd like to be overwhelmed with information on all things cruising I suggest you visit
www.cruisecritic.com
check out the messageboards and ship reviews. : )





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My son was 13 I think when we were on the Pearl and he loved it, they have great kids programs not that he seeks that sort of thing out we usually have to jump start it. This ship has a bowling ally and he really enjoyed that. They also have Wii tournaments. You bet he was there for that. I think the 2nd poster was more on point that you really have to shop for the itinerary and if that is the one that goes to Glacier Bay then the decision is made. I have not been to Alaska yet my mother has and we had a trip booked and that was high on the demand for choosing a cruise line. (we had to cancel our trip) All ships do their best to make your experience fantastic, some people just like to complain if you go with the opinion your going to have a great time then you will. The suggestion to go to cruisecritic.com was a good one and you should spend some time there. I spend days when looking but that's me. It is a wonderful trip we will get there one day soon so have a wonderful time.





Answer :
Royal any day. You don't want to do NCL. People either love or hate NCL and I'm definitely a hater. It was my first cruise and I'd never have done another one. If you've been on Disney and Princess why were you unhappy with those? Why not stay with Princess?

But really Princess and NCL aren't even in the same family of cruises. NCL is the cheapest and you get what you pay for and Princess is very upscale. If you've already done Princess I bet the others would disappoint you.





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Why not go back with Princess. They are rated number one if your going to Alaska. Plus they are more upscale then the others you mentioned. I'm taking my 10th cruise with princess this August to Alaska and this will be my 2nd Alaskan cruise. I'm also taking some family which includes 2 kids too. So, think about Princess.





Answer :
It depends on :

Itinerary, where they go and how many stops on the trip. Glacier Bay is a must see. You want lots of stops.

How old is the ship? NCL has newer ships. I've been on older ships and it does make a difference.

Do you like to sit with the same people at each meal? I don't. NCL Free Style cruising is more open ended. You sit with your own party or ask to share a table if you feel like it. Also, there are no set seatings. You can eat anytime in the main dining rooms from 5:30pm to 10pm although you can linger over coffee. Then there are all the round the clock places to eat. So if you nap and want it late or like it early, you can do as you please.

Price. There is a big difference between NCL and Celebrity and so is the crowd. NCL has a special deal going for the third and fourth person sharing your stateroom on Alaska routes. www.ncl.com

Good luck.





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I have sailed to Alaska over 20 times with 1 coming up in less than a month. NCL all the way. Glacier Bay is well worth the trip. Ketchikan is a great port of call. The Salmon Mall (at end of pier) has many shops with great prices. I also prefer the layout of NCL's ships. Much easier to get around & more open spaces.
Which ever line you choose Alaska is an AMAZING cruise. Views are best from being on deck. Also do not worry once in Glacier Bay they will turn the ship slowly so everyone gets a great view.
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…