Reaching down under for an update, The Age of Australia reports on plummeting demand in the number of Australians booking Alaska cruises.  The numbers aren’t pretty!

According to their reporting, only 10,000 Australians may cruise the Inside Passage in 2009, a startling decrease of 50% from 2007.

Cruise Express, an Australia travel agency specializing in Alaska cruises, states that while it took more than 60 customers to Alaska in 2008, it has canceled its 2009 trip due to lack of interest.

What’s causing this huge crash in demand?

In addition to the economic problems the whole world is experiencing, the Australian dollar has also been heavily hit, which means tours for Australians priced in US dollars are much more expensive.  Another likely cause is that the older guests that more typically book an Alaskan cruise have been more heavily affected by the stock market’s impact on their retirement savings.

It’s not good news for the Alaska cruise lines, who are already struggling to fill their ships for the summer season.

Source: The Age

For a first-time cruiser, the number of options when it comes to choosing your Alaska cruise ship can be seem pretty overwhelming.  Sure, once you’ve been on a few cruises, you get a feel for which lines and ship sizes you like, but what about someone planning their very first Alaska cruise vacation?  An article from The Miami Herald offers a fairly good overview of what your main options and trade offs will be.  It’s not going to answer all of your questions, but it’s not a bad read if you want to get your feet wet before you start doing more research.

If you think you might like a larger cruise ship, they point out that you’ll have pretty much every conceivable need addressed.  Cabin choices?  Food choices?  Entertainment choices?  The big ships have an incredible number of options, and you’d be hard pressed not to find something you like.  The downside, of course, is that they are huge, and anyone looking for an intimate or “off the beaten track” adventure is going to be sorely disappointed.

The other main option is the small ships, usually defined as anything floating with a capacity of less than 150 passengers, although there’s no hard and fast rule.  Small is the operative word, as the cabins, common areas and entertainment choices are not huge.  The plus is that these small Alaska cruise ships can get in much closer to the glaciers and wildlife.  They tend to attractive a more nature-focused crowd, as you can be sure there aren’t any casinos or climbing walls onboard.

The last option, for anyone on a tight budget or timetable, is take one of the ferries available.  If your idea of a great trip is to roll your sleeping bag out on the deck and dine at a snack bar or from the microwave, these can be a lot of fun.  Just don’t expect a turn down service or a mint on your pillow!

Source: The Miami Herald

Are you an avid cyclist?  If so, Bike & Cruise Tours has a summer Alaska cruise deal that’s tailor made just for you!

Geared towards the intermediate cyclist, each port of call includes 15-28 miles of bicycle touring.  A support van is always close at hand, and local Alaskan bicycle enthusiasts accompany the group to ensure you don’t miss any of the local sights and attractions.

All inclusive rates for the week long excursion range from about $1,900 to $2,800 per person, depending on your choice of cabin.

You can certainly find a cheaper Alaska cruise tour, but if you want to really explore Alaskan ports of call under your own steam, it’s hard to imagine a better package.

Source: Sea & Cycle

While your ship is sure to be a huge part of your Alaska cruise tour, everyone knows that a lot of the most exciting and interesting adventures take place during the many shore excursions that are offered in the ports that you visit.  How can you possibly choose among all of the options, every one of which can look like a “can’t miss” opportunity?

The good news is that some Alaska cruise shore excursions are cited time and again, and should definitely be the top of your list to consider.  For anyone with even a passing interest in trains, the Mount Roberts Tramway outside Skagway should not be missed.  The Timberline Bar & Grill at Mount Roberts in Juneau is another favorite, and sure to have just the right locally produced beer to quench your thirst.  And for those who crave adrenaline and have the room in their budget, nothing beats a helicopter tour of the glaciers.

It’s true that the views of the glaciers, wilderness and whales are free, but make sure you plan to include at least a few shore excursions during your Alaska cruise.  There’s no better way to take advantage of all that an Alaskan cruise has to offer.

Source: Cayman New News

The folks over at Alaskan Cruises 365 have an interesting read on their favorite Juneau shore excursions.  It’s no surprise that three of their top five include visits to the glaciers, a highlight of any Alaska cruise itinerary.

Position four is given to a 30 minute helicopter ride over the nearby glaciers.  If time is tight and you’re not on a restricted budget, this is a breathtaking tour.

For those with a more adventurous spirit, you can take on river rafting down the Mendenhall River, given position number three.  Up close and personal is how you’ll experience the glaciers in this option.

Finally, position number two is for guests that want the very best.  After visiting four impressive glaciers by helicopter, you’d have to be pretty jaded not to be thoroughly blown away by this once in a lifetime experience.

Alaska glacier tours are without a doubt a “must see” for all fans of Alaska cruise deals.

Source: Alaskan Cruises 365