2011 Alaska Cruise Packages
Cruise packages are a hot topic in today's marketplace. But what exactly are they and more importantly, what can or should you expect when booking an Alaska Cruise Package. We will try to answer this question as concisely as possible.
The majority of cruise packages are put together for you by the travel agent according to your needs and desires. These travel agents can be located in your home town, online at sites like Cruise Direct or Vacations-2-Go or you can use the reservations agents that work at the cruise lines themselves, it really doesn't matter. Most any of the actual cruise agents, look for CLIA certification, can take care of all your vacation needs by building a cruise package that truly is designed just for you.
When arranging your cruise, it's wise to think about the time prior to and preceding the actual time you are onboard the ship. It's all to convenient and often frugal to book your hotel and transportation at the same time making the entire process fast, easy and most of all, complete. Often there are discounts available from places line Priceline and Travelocity for the travel and lodging combination. Just make certain that the lodging is within the locality your interested in.
Seattle Hotels and Tour Packages
Seattle offers such a wide variety of choices when it comes to hotel lodging options. This is when a well-versed cruise agent really comes in handy. Finding just the right hotel in just the right location is paramount in the satisfaction of their clients. Sometimes the logistics are difficult. The hotel, your desired local attractions, and the cruise terminal all must be worked into a feasible package that works for you. Local sightseeing tours & tour packages are also easily handled by a good cruise agent. They can typically inform you about the most highly rated tours as well as those that few have ever heard about. Seattle has so much available that some good advise is always welcome. For more see; cruises from Seattle
Vancouver Hotel and Tour Packages
Vancouver is one of my favorite coastal cities. One day is just not enough time to experience this grandest of all western cruise ports. From Stanley Park to Gastown, this is one special city that has been the silent secret in the larger pool of popular cruise ports. Hotels are plentiful and their are some excellent choices close to the Vancouver Cruise Terminals. Transportation is abundant and the locals are friendly. Much of the transportation and lodging in Vancouver was greatly enhanced for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Cruise Terminal Transportation
Getting to the cruise terminal is one of those often overlooked steps that can really get your vacation off to a bad start. Avoid this misfortune by making sure that adequate transportation is available on the day and time you need it. Most of the hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport and cruise terminals but if this is to be your chosen transportation I suggest that you confirm that the shuttle will get you to the cruise ship and not just offer airport transportation services.
The cruise lines also offer ground transportation as part of their incredible
array of services. In 2010 we personally used these services both from
the Vancouver Airport to the terminal and later from the Canada Place Pier
to the Seattle airport. The trip from the airport to the terminal was set
up through Holland America and the motorcoach service after our return
trip was set up by the travel office on board the Coral Princess. The fee
was nominal and the coaches were very comfortable. By using the services
offered by the cruise lines, all your needs are attended to by a staff
of very competent professionals. All we did was pack our bags, put on the
supplied departure tags and set them outside the stateroom door on the
morning of disembarkation. The next time we saw our bags was at the airport
in our home town back in Anchorage Alaska. It's so convenient to use all
the services offered by the cruise lines that once you experience this
level of service, you will use it from that day on.
Whether you book online, by phone or in person, using a reputable cruise agent is one of the wisest choices you will make in planning your Alaska cruise for 2011.