Heart of Alaska

by Plaza Travel Consultant, Susan Zamuto

Last week I went on the tour only portion of a Royal Caribbean/Celebrity cruise/tour to Alaska. Having run 3 to 6 groups per year for the last nine years, I expect I am more sympathetic and more critical than most people of how others run their tours. This was one of the best programs I have even been on. It was exceptionally well organized and ran so smoothly. There were about 100 people in the group and we were busy but not pressured. Royal Caribbean has only been in Alaska with their own coaches and train cars for a couple of years so their equipment is the newest in the area. We were very lucky with the weather and it was HOT, somewhat unusual for May but lovely with the snow on the mountains so I can recommend this time of year for anyone. The hotels were excellent, some are very new and others have been there for a few years but still are some of the newest in the areas. The attitude of the people in the hotels was very gracious and anxious to please the customers.

I highly recommend that anyone consider using Royal Caribbean or Celebrity if they are thinking of a cruise/tour to Alaska. For many people, the additional time and or cost may prohibit the land extension part of a trip to Alaska, however, if possible, it should be done. Experiencing the heartland of Alaska truly does give an understanding of the expanse of Alaska and what Alaska means to the people living there. It is a beautiful and unique part of the United States and different from-as they call it-the lower 48.


Susan Zamuto