If you're thinking about going to Alaska...

[michelleb]

JUMP ON IT! My husband and I just went on the NCL Star in September and had a wonderful time! The ship was amazing and the crew was so great. The itinerary was the perfect combination of beauty, history and adventure. We left our 2 year old daughter with her Bubby, but missed her the entire time - it would have been a great trip for her too! There was plenty of old gold rush characters and neat animals for her to experience - oh well, maybe next time.

We won't be going anywhere in 2006, because, well, Alaska was fertile ground (or should I say waters :p ) for us and we're expecting in June. So if you are thinking about this cruise - BOOK NOW and don't look back... it's a trip of a lifetime. Feel free to ask me any questions about the cruise since it's fresh in my memory.

[michelleb]

We didn't go on any excursions through the cruise line, but we planned stuff on our own. It was really easy and saved us some money.

In Juneau, we took the "blue bus" to Mendenhall Glacier for $5 each way. We hiked on about 3 trails there and had a great time at our own pace. We ate at the Red Dog Saloon and spent some time at an internet cafe. Oh and my husband got a haircut at a local barber (with me rolling my eyes the entire time!)

In Skagway, we went on a bus tour that went on the highway that follows the train route. I picked this over the train because the bus stopped at a bunch of look-out stops and we got some beautiful photos. Afterward we visited the town's graveyard and then just walked around and did some touristy shopping.

In Ketchikan, we went kayaking around the island that is right there. It was our first time so we didn't want to do anything too strenuous! This was the highlight of my trip... it was so much fun and you get really close to the wildlife (eagles, crabs, salmon - no whales or bears!)

We didn't do the helicopter or seaplane trips because (please don't think I'm crazy) I didn't want a single crash to take out both of my daughter's parents. I told my husband that I would be willing to go on two separate excursions involving flights, but having us both on the same plane or helicopter without my daughter just freaked me out too much. My husband thought I was nuts, but agreed to hiking and kayaking.

[Picfan]

That sounds awesome. We have never been on an Alaskan cruise and are very excited. Keep the stories coming....