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Find an Alaska Cruise : Blog Home : April 2005

Welcome to 'Find an Alaska Cruise' official weblog.

Cruise information and Alaska Adventure tips coming soon.

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Alaska Cruise Prices check

Right now here are some prices being offered by various providers of cruises.

Holland America
Vancouver - Inside Passage- Juneau- Skagway- Glacier Bay- Ketchikan- Inside passage- Vancouver
7 Days - Leaves Friday May 13
$799

Carnival
Vancouver - Inside Passage- Ketchikan- Juneau- Skagway- Lynn Canal- Sitka- Prince William Sound- College Fjord- Whittier
7 Days - Leaves Wed. May 18
$719

Princess
Vancouver - Ketchikan- Juneau- Skagway- Glacier Bay- College Fjord- Whittier
7 Days - Leaves Mon. May 9
$569

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Glacier Heaven - Southeast Alaska

Here is an interesting bit on Glaciers.
Alaska has hosted a glacier-favoring mixture of climate and topography for the last 12.5 million years. During the Pleistocene age, when the climate was 3 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit colder than it is today, an ice sheet covered a large expanse of the earth, including the islands of southeastern Alaska. Today there are still over 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, although ice covers only 5 percent of the state. The icefields and glaciers of the Tongass National Forest are some of the few remnants of the once-vast ice sheets.

In Southeast Alaska, maritime climate and coastal mountains work together to create favorable conditions for glaciation. The icefields straddle the Coast Mountain Range on the United States-Canadian border, directly in the path of the Pacific Ocean's prevailing winds. Moist air flows toward the mountains, rises, cools, and releases snow and rain. Annual snowfall on the Juneau Icefield exceeds 100 feet, and mild Southeast summers assure that winter snow accumulation exceeds summer snowmelt at higher elevations.

Source: U.S. Forest Service

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Getting ready for an Alaska cruise.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for an Alaska cruise.

1. Bring along some small bills for tips. Whether at the aiport, while boarding, or onboard, having tip money handy is a good idea.

2. For Alaska glacier cruises, bring clothes that will allow you to dress in layers. The weather can change quickly and if you are prepared, you can always be confortable.

3. Nylon wind resistant jackets and even pants can be a lifesaver. Nothing cuts to the bone quicker than a brisk cold wind. Cut the wind and you'll stay warm and happy.

4. Be sure to bring casual and comfortable clothes. There will be occasions for dress, but comfort is important. Jeans in Alaska are acceptable in most settings.

5. A warm jacket will more than likely come in handy. Alaska's evenings, even in the summer can be quite cool. Be prepared, hopefully you won't need it to often, but being chilled can take the fun out of just about anything.

6. Bring your camera and plenty of film. Binoculars are always a great idea. Bug dope, lip balm, lotions, will all come in handy. Bring along a day pack to carry extra little items, souvineurs, maps and whatever else you might find yourself needing.

7. Comfortable footwear. Think about not only a tennis or walking shoe but maybe also a shoe or boot that resists water. Day trips may take you of the beaten path, and a little thought about your feet may pay big dividends.

These are just a few items to consider. A little planning goes a long way.

Natural Cures

Price check for alaska cruises

Right now here are some prices being offered by various providers of cruises.

Royal Caribbean: 7 Nights Southbond
Ship Name: Vision of the Seas
Sailing Date(s): Jun 2005, Jul 2005, Aug 2005, Sep 2005
Ports of Call: Departs From Seward, Alaska visiting Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Point Sophia, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Cruise Misty Fjords, Alaska; Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
Prices From: $599

Holland America: 7 Nights Southbound + Glacier Bay
Ship Name: Ryndam
Sailing Date(s): May 2005, Jun 2005, Jul 2005, Aug 2005, Sep 2005
Ports of Call: Departs From Seward, Alaska visiting Cruise College Fjord, Alaska; Cruise Glacier Bay; Sitka, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
Prices From: $549

Celebrity Cruise: 7 Night Northbound
Ship Name: Summit
Sailing Date(s): May 2005, Jun 2005, Jul 2005, Aug 2005
Ports of Call: Departs From Vancouver, British Columbia visiting Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Seward, Alaska
Prices From: $500

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Current Alaska Weather

As a lifelong Alaskan, I can't help but mention the recent run of weather we've had here in Alaska.

It's only the end of April and the last few days here in Palmer have been in the 70's. I realize that may not seem impressive to most of the world, but here in Alaska, watching golfers on the Palmer Golf Course at this time of year is quite extaordinary.

Having spent my life here in Alaska, of course I realize that one last snowstorm is certainly not out of the question, but seeing everything 'green-up' this early, verifies that the long winter season has seen it's better days.

To all that are planning a trip to Alaska this summer, I hope you'll experience a warm and sunny Alaska.

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» May 2005