My parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in April of 2010. My brother, sister and I are thinking about getting them a trip or a cruise. My parents have been on several cruises and have traveled all across the US and Canada in a Motorhome for months on end.

One place they always wanted to go to was Australia, but the cost of that seems prohibitive.

The thought of sending them on an Alaskan Cruise seems to be the choice of the moment though. That said, anybody ever been on one? Are they worth it? My parents spent about 3 months in Alaska in 2001 (actually were in Fairbanks on 9-11) and absolutely loved it there, but they were all over the State and had their own transportation to do as they pleased.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well.

 

I never been on one but that sounds great if they like the outdoors/Alaska (which sounds like they do) type of cruise. I'd love to go on one.

Since it's spring and getting colder could also try a Bahamas type or island type cruise if the cost is within range.I mean if its a cruise idea your going for and they haven't done that one yet.

I think either way its a good idea.

Screw the crayon written from the heart cards that they cant read anyway...

 

Have never been on one, but have talked to people that have and they really enjoyed it. Very different than the Caribbean cruises.

 

I live in Wa State and my wife and I did a 7 day Alaskan Cruise about 3 years ago.. It left from Seattle. It was wonderful as it was our first cruise and we had never been to Alaska either.

There are many different itineraries to choose from and we did the one from Holland America and was on the Oosterdam. We spent the extra $$ on a Veranda room and it was totally worth it! I don't care what others say about "well, you are never in your room.." BS.. You are in your room more then you think you will be and having a sliding door to the outside and able to sit on the balcony was worth every penny (it was cold however! we did our trip in May.)

We did the one that takes you to Glacier Bay, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria BC.

We also did at least one excursion at each port (costs extra), but it was fun. Panning for gold was the best one in Juneau as was the Raptor one in Sitka.

It cost something like 5 grand when all the bills came in.. There are a lot of extra charges once you get on the boat, but if you are just getting your folks the tickets to board then they will have to pony up about $1500 to have a good time!

All I can say is it was a blast and we would love to do another one when the finances come around again!

Mitch

 

Oh ya sounds like it would be a freakin fun trip!!!

 

That sounds nice, but man, that's gonna be tough to top in 10 years for their 50 year. I'd wait...

 

My Mother and Step Father have been on a cruise to Alaska. They do probably 2- 4 crusies a year and Alaska has been there favorite one. My mother was on a high for about a week when they returned. My Uncle Laddie and Aunt Maryann just got back from one as well and thought is was great. I've never heard anyone talk bad about the cruises to Alaska. I bet they will have a wonderful time.

By the way thats an awsome present. Cheers on that one.

 

A cruise to Alaska gets you to all the places that you cannot drive to when you take a land trip. The only ways in and out of these places are by water and air.

 

Wouldn't an Alaskan cruise cost the same, if not more, than an Australia vacation package deal? What sort of price range are you looking on spending?

 

After MitchF150 said 5k. Dang.... I would think Aus would be around the same.

You guys love your 'rents

 

Australia would be a lot more I'd think.. Just the airfare alone would run a couple grand?

Doing a quick look at the WWW, Holland America's 14 day Aussie cruise starts at $1500 per person for an inside cabin. But, you still have to get there to get on the boat!

Looks like it's about the same for an Aussie tour as well. And, you still have to get there...

My 5 grand figure included ALL the tabs, tips, fees, excursions, stuff we bought.... Since we live here, we didn't have to pay to get here, so that really helped too! We even got to park our car for free!

Mitch