Passengers describe 'sewage running down the walls' and people acting like 'savages'

[CreekDog]

72. Cruises don't give you enough time on land...if you want to see Alaska, fly up

For example, if you go on a cruise, you get a day in Juneau, to maybe see a glacier, maybe take a flight, etc. and all those things will cost you more if they are arranged through the cruise line than if you're in town.

But if you fly up there, you can take the Alaska Ferry between smaller towns (some that don't allow cruise ships at all), and the ferry has a combination of tourists who want to see things up close, as well as locals going from town to town and some Alaska Natives.

If I could sum up whether a cruise is right for a person or not:

1) if you are excited about the stops --don't take the cruise, you won't get enough time in them.

2) if you just want to zone out and be taken care of and not think about where you're going and be separated from cell phone calls and the internet--a cruise will work for you.

And Alaska cruises, though less frequently now, are typically one way and leave you in Anchorage where you can arrange all sorts of trips and come back when you're ready. But that's really expensive.

Fly to Anchorage or Juneau and get started on your Alaska activities right away.

Also, what you can see from a cruise ship from the water, limited. From land there are tons of boat tours and trips to protected marine areas and glaciers that get you up close.