Alaska Cruise Experts - Ports of Call Tips

ARRIVING IN PORT

When the ship arrives in port, it will either dock at the pier or anchor slightly offshore. You may think that when the ship docks right at the pier you can walk must be signed, and local authorities must give their clearance, a process that can take as long as 2 hours. Don't bother going down to the gangplank until you hear an announcement saying the ship has been cleared.

If your ship anchors rather than docks (which ships usually will do in Alaska), you will go ashore in a small boat called a launch or tender, which ties up next to your ship and shuttles passengers back and forth all day. Getting on the tender may require a helping hand from crew members, and the waves may keep the tender swaying, sometimes requiring passengers to literally jump to get aboard.

Whether the ship is docked or anchored, you are in no way required to get off at every port of call. The ship's restaurants will remain open, and there will be activities offered, though usually on a limited basis. If you do get off, before you reboard you may want to use the phones at the docks to call home. This is much cheaper than making calls from the ship. But be prepared to wait for a phone. No matter how many telephones there are on the pier, you will invariably find that off-duty members of the crew, who generally get off the ship earlier than passengers, have beaten you to them. It's an interesting exercise to stand near a dozen public telephones and listen to the Filipino, cockney, French, Norwegian, and other languages and dialects being spoken by the users.

THE ESSENTIALS: DON'T LEAVE THE SHIP WITHOUT 'EM

You must bring your ship boarding pass (or shipboard ID) with you when you disembark or you will have trouble getting back on board. You may also be required to show a photo ID or driver's license (the ship will let you know if you have to carry this as well). And also don't forget to bring a little cash-although your ship operates on a cashless system, the ports do not. Many passengers get so used to carrying no cash or credit cards while aboard ship that they forget them when going ashore.

WATCH THE CLOCK

If you're going off on your own, whether on foot or on one of the alternate tours or transportation options that we've listed, remember to be very careful about timing. Cruise lines are very strict about sailing times, which will be posted around the ship. You're generally required to be back at the dock at least a halfhour before the ship's scheduled departure. Passengers running late on one of the line's shore excursions needn't worry: If an excursion runs late, the ship accepts responsibility and won't leave without the late passengers.

If you're on your own and do miss the boat, immediately contact the cruiseline representative at the port. You'll probably be able to catch your ship at the next port of call, but you'll have to pay your own way to get there.

Alaska Cruise Experts, your source for information on Alaska Cruises, Ports of Call, Packing tips and more.

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A Luxury Alaskan Cruise is a Great Vacation Choice

When most people think of a luxury cruise their thoughts turn to tropical ports of call surrounded by crystal blue waters. Alaska is not always the first destination most people think of when choosing a cruise, but those who do visit this largest of states aboard ship will tell you it is not to be missed. There is a rawness to this land that is hard to describe without seeing it and a cruise will give you a view that most people will never see.

Depending on how adventurous you are there are several ways to enjoy the experience of an Alaskan cruise. For the more adventurous soul who wants to explore every nook and cranny of a particular area there are day charters on small boats available. While they may be short on comfort and amenities these day charters allow you to get up close and personal with everything this land has to offer.

For those more inclined to sit back and enjoy the scenery from farther out and in more comfort then a large cruise ship is the answer. Carrying upwards of three thousand people these large floating hotels are the picture of pampered comfort where your every want and need is taken care of by an attentive staff. Depending on the length of the cruise you will also get the chance to visit several ports of call where you can take part in different shore excursions, one of which might include a day trip on a small boat charter.

Once you get off the ship you will not be lacking in things to do. Many of the ports of call have a very old west rustic feel to them. You can also take hikes through the temperate rain forests that run along the rugged coastline, go watch brown bears catch salmon during their yearly spawning run, or charter a fishing boat and go catch some salmon or halibut yourself. And the best part is that while you are doing these things you will be surrounded by some of the most pristine wilderness on the face of the earth.

There is one experience on a cruise to Alaska that you will not experience anywhere else; visiting one of the many glaciers that tumble directly into the sea. A cruise will normally offer two ways to enjoy the glacier experience. You can watch from on board ship as huge chunks of ice break free from the glaciers face and plunge into the water or you can take a guided trip and actually walk across this vast moving river of ice.

The wilderness of Alaska is vast and largely untamed, making any trip there a true adventure. How you choose to see it is up to you but an Alaskan luxury cruise can be a truly memorable experience.

For more detailed information about a Luxury Alaskan Cruise please visit the website Travel-Choices-Net.com by clicking here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell