I spend a lot of time searching all over the internet to try to find the best Alaska cruise deals to make sure you have the best, most up-to-date information available when planning your Alaska cruise vacation.  From time to time, I bump into some good blog posts that aren’t exactly talking about Alaska cruise deals, but are still a good read.  I like to pass on some of the blog posts I’ve run across lately that I thought you might enjoy.

Small Cruise Ships: No Ties, No Bingo!

Founder Chuck West began offering Alaska cruises in 1946 and the company has grown steadily ever since. While best known for its Alaska itineraries, today Cruise West also offers small ship cruises in the California wine country, Japan, …

want discount pricing when you book a cruise?

after my dinner boat cruise last weekend i think i can honestly say that i might actually take a holiday cruise one day. you see, even though i’ve been around and even on water a good portion of my life it’s always been on smaller …

the cruise

i’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. i’ve heard so many great things about alaska cruises, from snow-capped mountains to ice blue glaciers to sightings of whales and penguins. i think this is something the husband and i will enjoy. …

If you know of any other blog posts talking about Alaska cruises, be sure to let me know!

The Seattle Times had a great piece this week on their top tips to make sure you save as much money as possible on your Alaska cruise.  Much of their advice is common sense, but it’s always good to keep in mind!

1. Choose your cabin wisely.  It’s common knowledge that there is a huge swing in prices between cabin types.  Granted an inside cabin might not sound overly appealing, but as you’ll be spending so little time there, it’s often a great first spot to save a lot of money.
2. Explore free activities.  The cruise lines offer an incredible number of free activities for their guests, and it’s good take advantage of everything that’s available.  After all, you’ve already paid for them!  Whether it’s the fitness center, a live show, a recent movie, or a relaxing dip in the pool, there are many options that don’t require any added expense.
3. Be careful about the extras.  Every Alaska cruise line makes an enormous amount of its revenue from the additional activities they offer on board.  If you want to save money, be sure to steer clear of the spa, casino, and specialty restaurants.  Of course, you’re on vacation, so a little indulgence is certainly part of the fun, but this is one area where you can really blow your budget if you’re not careful.
4. Budget wisely for kids. A great suggestion is to provide each of your children with a daily allowance that they can spend on whatever they want.  Doing so can help save the endless back and forth over spending money that every parent knows all too well.  Another great idea is to be sure to get the wristbands or cards that offer unlimited soda.
5. Consider shore excursions carefully.  A final big area of additional expense on any Alaska cruise is the huge number of shore excursions that are available.  A good tip can be to book them independently, as the ones offered on board are marked up considerably.  Be careful to do your research, though, as you definitely want to make sure you work with a reputable company.

With these five tips in mind, anyone can be sure to get the best Alaska cruise deals!

Source: The Seattle Times

A wonderful video posted at Cruise Line History will surely appeal to Alaska cruise enthusiasts who have even a passing interest in history.

You can follow the SS Alaska as it steams away from the port of Seattle in 1954 en route to the Alaska Inside Passage.  It’s great fun to watch the clips of passengers dancing across the deck floor, playing cards, eating in the elegant dining room–and donning life vests for the always mandatory evacuation drill!

It’s fascinating to see how Alaskan cruising has changed over the years!  Do you think there were Alaska cruise deals back then?

Source: Cruise Line History

Alaska cruise favorite Princess Cruises has donated an impressive $100,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to support its Marine Advisory Program.  The program helps local communities use, conserve and manage the ocean resources that are essential to their economic survival.  The gift will help support the Marine Advisory Program in the nine coastal cities in which it operates over a period of three years.

Princess Cruises has a long tradition of supporting local Alaska communities and Alaska environmental protection.  It’s always nice to see one of the premier Alaska cruise lines step forward to partner with the local community in such a meaningful way.  Active sponsorship of environmental conservation is one of the best methods to preserve the local beauty that makes Alaska such an attractive destination to visitors from around the world.

Source: The Tundra Drums

It’s always nice to be able to report on great Alaska cruise deals, and it looks like Carnival Cruise Lines has just announced some great ones.

How does a $200 discount aboard the Carnival Spirit for summer and fall departures sound?  Better yet, the savings apply to all cabin types, including suites!

Depending on the length of the voyage, to lock in this deal you need to book at least three months in advance on Alaska cruises of up to five days, and five months in advance for longer trips.

Prices start at just $449.  If you’ve been shopping for great Alaska cruise deals, this discount is certainly one to consider.

Source: Travel Agent Central