Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	Alaska
Date:	9/16/2016 11:52:09 AM

looking to take a cruise--any recommendations as to : 1] best time to go --; 2] best cruise line--not cheapest & not most expensive

Name:	copperline -	Reply
Subject:	Alaska
Date:	9/18/2016 11:25:20 AM

We didn't take a cruise, but flew into Anchorage and rented an RV from Cruiseamerica twice.  Since there is only 1500 miles of paved roads in the entire state, it's hard to take a wrong turn if you know what I mean.   The RV's are fully stocked with basic gear, and they will pick you up at the airport.   You can pretty much camp anywhere you want in Alaska, but there are certainly plenty of campgrounds to choose from.   Driving an RV on open roads (there is no traffic in Alaska) is easy and it's relaxing to know that you can go anywhere you want and have all the accomodations you need right there with you.

We chose to go in the fall, when the mosquitos and blackflies are dying back due to the cooler tempertures.   On a cruise ship, this is probably not a concern except when you go ashore.   Summer up there has the large crowds, I try to pick 'shoulder season' travel even though this means more uncertainties about weather.   

If I was going to take a cruise, I would take a small cruise ship rather than a mega-liner.   Check out smaller companies like Grand Circle tours rather than Carnival Cruise lines.   Smaller ships can give you more closeup views of the coast line.  

If you want more detailed info on RVing in Alaska from my POV, let me know.

Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	Alaska
Date:	9/18/2016 11:40:31 AM

thanks buy my AU crazy wife would never consider an RV trip--I would- so maybe i should solo ??

Name:	copperline -	Reply
Subject:	Alaska
Date:	9/18/2016 12:09:21 PM

Tell your wife that AU crazy people fit right in up there in Alaska!   Nobody will even notice!

Hey, its a great place to visit whether you go by boat, bus, train or RV.   Totally different to be on the edge of such large wilderness areas.  The trick, for me at least, is to get away from the crowds and see the countryside upclose... and quietly.

The small cruise lines, and plenty of off-boat excursions, would probably be a good compromise.

Be sure and take your fly rod.  You won't regret it.   One friend of mine booked his trip to one of the Orvis lodges in the back country.  Fly in by float plane, eat like a king, fish your heart out and  land fish the size of a whale.   His wife was completely happy with the comfortable accomodations, and he got to fish along side a grizzly bear.