I’m headed to Alaska this week for a 7-night cruise from Vancouver to Seward, and I’ll be stay running a blog alongside the way in which from Radiance of the Seas!
Of all of the cruises I’ve skilled to this point, my cruise to Alaska last year has been the one I’ve cherished most, so I can’t wait to go again to Alaska and discover extra of the state’s beautiful surroundings, scrumptious meals, and distinctive tradition.
Why I selected this cruise
I didn’t select this cruise primarily based on itinerary, time of yr, or ship. As a substitute, I set off to analysis and guide the most cost effective Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean to see simply how affordably one can cruise to the state.
My findings led to a 7-night one-way cruise from Vancouver to Seward on Radiance of the Seas, and the value was extraordinarily affordable.
The overall price of the cruise for one individual, together with taxes, charges, and pre-paid gratuities, was solely $825 (inside cabin).
So as to add a second visitor and pre-pay their gratuities was solely $321 extra, bringing the full cruise fare for 2 friends to $1146!
Outdoors of a budget price of this cruise, it offers me an opportunity to sail on my first Radiance Class cruise ship. I’ve been on each Royal Caribbean ship class thus far besides the Radiance Class, so I’m excited to take a look at the similarities and variations onboard.
Associated: All about Radiance Class cruise ships
Itinerary
Not solely was the cruise fare low-cost, however the itinerary is superb! Over the course of the week, we’ll go to the next ports:
I like port-intensive cruise itineraries, and this itinerary is definitely port-intensive, with 4 Alaska cruise ports in a single week in addition to a scenic cruising day at Hubbard Glacier.
It additionally offers me the prospect to go to a variety of ports I didn’t see final yr on my Alaska cruise. I’ve by no means been to Vancouver, Icy Strait Level, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, or Seward.
I’m touring to Alaska with my good good friend Reeham, who I met in graduate college just a few years in the past. Reeham is from Egypt however lives within the U.S., and final yr I had the chance to journey to Egypt and stick with Reeham and her household for ten days.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Alexandria, the Purple Sea, and hanging out with Reeham’s household in Cairo was unforgettable, so I’m excited to be the “tour information” on this journey and present Reeham the great thing about Alaska!
My plans on shore
Within the spirit of reserving “the cheapest Alaska cruise,” I didn’t guide any excursions in port. As a substitute, Reeham and I plan on exploring ports with out spending an excessive amount of cash, whether or not mountain climbing, strolling round city, visiting museums, and so forth.
Final yr I someway uncared for to style native seafood, so we undoubtedly plan to attempt native eating places for lunch in every port. If anybody has any suggestions, let me know!
If the climate appears to be like good, I plan to buy a ticket on the Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tram to Mount Roberts in Juneau, which prices $45 spherical journey. That is undoubtedly TBD if the climate is horrible, however let’s hope for one of the best! Not solely does the tram present glorious views, however there are a number of mountain climbing trails on the prime which ought to be extraordinarily scenic!
Final yr I cruised to Alaska with my dad on Ovation of the Seas in October, and whereas the expertise was definitely superb, the climate was, frankly, horrible! Whereas it didn’t destroy the cruise in any way, I hope I’ll lastly see the solar this yr in Alaska.
Whereas the top of August will not be as heat or sunny as June or July, I’m remaining optimistic that we are going to have higher climate than final fall!
My plans onboard
One of many issues I’ve heard most about Radiance Class ships is how there are such a lot of home windows onboard. I’m excited to take a seat again and calm down with superb ocean views round each nook!
I take into account my cruising journey model onboard to be… fairly lazy. I don’t plan on attending tons of actions and can possible spend the vast majority of my time at sea viewing Alaska’s surroundings from the pool deck or indoor areas.
Eating-wise, I didn’t buy a eating bundle for this cruise, so Reeham and I might be eating primarily within the Essential Eating Room and Windjammer.
Radiance of the Seas additionally has complimentary choices at Park Cafe, Cafe Latte-tudes, and the Canine Home, so we’ll definitely discover a lot to eat onboard with out spending something further.
I additionally do not need a beverage bundle, however the 4 free drinks a day I obtain by being a Diamond member within the Crown & Anchor Society are all the time sufficient for me.
What’s subsequent
I’m primarily based within the western U.S., so I completely love when cruising doesn’t require a particularly lengthy journey day! I’ll be flying to Vancouver early on Thursday morning and plan to spend the day sightseeing within the metropolis.
Humorous sufficient, whereas I’ve been to 25 international locations on 5 completely different continents, I’ve solely spent about 3 hours whole in Canada! I’m excited to take a look at the sights, nature, and tradition in Vancouver this week.
We’ll spend Thursday evening in Vancouver earlier than boarding the ship on Friday afternoon, and I’m certain Reeham and I’ll each be extraordinarily anticipating the cruise to start!
I’ll be stay running a blog every single day all through the cruise, so remember to examine in on Royal Caribbean Weblog or by means of our Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates. I am going to even be filming a video for the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel on this cruise, so make sure that to subscribe so you may be notified once we put up the video!
Thanks for following alongside and welcome aboard to a different fantastic Alaska journey!
Extra Alaska cruise data:
