ALASKA CRUISES & TOURS

Alaska remains the premier cruise destination market in the United States. Booking and arranging an
Alaska cruises & tours can be a complex task, as there are many variables to consider. It is essential to plan
well in advance, especially if you have specific dates in mind or a particular itinerary you want to follow.
First, you need to decide on a date that suits your schedule and budget. Then, you need to choose which
tour you want to take, and which ship you want to travel on. This decision can be influenced by many
factors such as the amenities and activities available on board, the duration of the cruise, and the price.
Additionally, you will need to select the type of cabin that best suits your needs, whether it be an inside,
ocean-view, balcony, or suite. Another decision in the booking process is whether to take the tour or
cruise first. (We recommend tour first), as this enhances our client’s Alaskan adventures by land, and
now boarding your cruise adding relaxation to you cruiser/tour upon boarding your 7 night cruise when you board
ship

What is a Cruise tour?

A cruise tour is a type of travel experience that combines the best of both worlds; the adventure of a
cruise, and the exploration of land-based destinations. In a cruise tour, travelers embark on a cruise ship
and visit several ports of call, where they can explore the local culture, cuisine, and attractions.
However, in addition to the cruise, the tour also includes land-based excursions and activities that allow
travelers to fully experience the destination.
Cruise tours can be organized in many ways. Some may include a few days on land before or after the
cruise, while others may offer longer stays in specific cities or regions. Some cruise tours may also
include flights, hotel accommodations, and guided tours as part of the overall package.
Overall, a cruise tour is an excellent way to see multiple destinations in one trip, while also enjoying the
comfort and convenience of a cruise ship.

Princess Cruises Vs Holland America Line

Deciding between Princess Cruise Line and Holland America for an Alaska cruise/tour ultimately depends
on your personal preferences and travel needs. Both companies offer excellent options, and it’s worth
researching their itineraries, ships, and onboard amenities to find the best fit.
Comparing Princess to Holland, both companies offer excellent cruise and tour options to Alaska.
Princess is the number one cruise company to Alaska, with a long history of sailing to the region. They
have their five own lodges in Alaska, and while Holland also owns two lodges, Princess has more.
Princess offers a wide range of tour options, with Tour CB starting in Fairbanks being one example. This
tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Alaska, visiting places like Denali National Park and
Anchorage. Having more lodges can provide guests with more flexibility in terms of the itinerary and
availability.
One popular best-selling Cruise/tour package from Princess is Tour CB3 Denali Explorer, which starts in
Fairbanks and includes a scenic train ride, a visit to Denali National Park, and cruising Glacier National
Park, a glacier cruise in Whittier before boarding the ship.
Holland America’s D5C tour is a 11-day tour that includes a three-day Denali National Park experience, a
visit to Anchorage, and a glacier cruise before embarking on the seven-day cruise portion of the trip.
(See pricing below)

Why cruise on Princess Cruises

Why cruise on Holland America

On the other hand, Holland offers some excellent tour options as well, such as Tour D6. This tour takes
you through the Inside Passage, visiting ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Holland also has
their own lodges, which are known for their scenic locations and luxurious amenities.

Price comparison; Princess Cruises Vs Holland America Line

Princess Cruise: Verandah Category (BC) $4423.38 p/p dbl. occ
11-day Princess Cruise/Tour Denali Explorer Fairbanks, AK to Whittier/Anchorage, AK June 17 – 28,
2025; 3 nights Tour + 7 Nights Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise, Princess Grand, Midship Balcony Cabin
Includes Current Promo includes Beverage Package, Crew Gratuities, WIFI, Specialty Dining, Transfers, Std
Travel Protection Plan, and R/T Coach Airfare from Tampa, FL.

Holland America Cruise/Tour 11- Day Double Denali (D5L) Fairbanks, AK TO Vancouver, BC
June 11 – 22, 2025; $4769.00 p/p dbl. occ. 7 Nights Cruise Sailing onboard Noordam, 3 nights Tour,
Midship Verandah Cabin includes Have it All Promo – Beverage Package, Shore Excursion up to $100p/p,
Crew Gratuities, WIFI, One Specialty Dining. Transfers, Standard Travel Protection Plan, and R/T Coach Airfare
from Tampa, FL.

Keep in mind, prices subject to change, and terms and conditions apply.

Holland America; Mount Denali

In Conclusion

In conclusion, booking an Alaska cruise/tour can be a complex task due to the many variables involved.
Deciding on a date, tour, ship, and cabin type can all influence the experience you have. Comparing
Princess and Holland, both offer great options, with Princess having more lodges and a wider range of
tours. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which company and tour option best suits your needs and
preferences.
Travel agents can also help you compare different cruise lines, including Princess Cruise Line and Holland
America, and navigate the complexities of unfamiliar region. Offering valuable advice to find the best
option for your travel style and budget. They may have access to exclusive deals and promotions that
you might not find on your own, and they can offer insights on things like cabin selection, shore
excursions, and travel insurance, booking flights and handle all the details.

For more information on Alaska Cruises & Tours, contact Curlew Travel at (727)789-1771, or email [email protected]