Cruisin' on a budget

We’re halfway to Alaska and no Sarah Palin sightings.....yet. You may remember the former Governor of Alaska and her improbable run at the Vice Presidency of the 2009 U.S. elections. If you are on an Alaskan Cruise these days, and a fan, you can pay a visit to her childhood hometown from 1965 to 1969. The good news for those of you who are not fans of that gun-totin’, moose meat eatin’ All-American girl is that there is much more an Alaskan Cruise has to offer you, and a lot less than you might think.
You’ve got to get yourselves to Vancouver, and Cindy from Toucan Travel can keep her ear out for deals on flights. Check the disembarkation time, and you may be able to avoid an extra night’s hotel by simply flying in to YVR, taking the new Canada Line train for $3.75 each, followed by a short walk to Canada Place to meet the boat. If you get a time of 12 – 5, make sure you can be at the pier by 2 at the very latest. It is nice to be able to get on the boat as soon as you can, and your room should be ready by then as well. Once on, you can start taking advantage of all the ship has to offer.
Holland America’s Alaska Cruise aboard the Ms. Vollendam is certainly catered to singles, couples, and families who prefer a very relaxed setting. A walk around the various decks would see many simply sitting by the windows watching the waves. By 5 pm, several lounges have your choice of romantic or easy listening live music by guitar and piano. Despite this rather sedentary sight, the Cruise Director has set up a full day of activities on the ship. You can fill your day from sunrise to sunset, but there are certain things you must be aware of if you truly want to get your value. The best way to keep your pocketbook in check is to know how to say ‘no’, and have a bit of self-discipline.
As is the case for most vacations these days, especially ones with ship-issued charge cards, you can spend your life savings before your very eyes. With everything from a spa to a casino, it can feel like all those years of saving up were for this very moment of self-indulgence. Despite feeling this urge, there is a lot you can do that doesn’t cost a thing. There are a couple formal nights where many passengers prance through the halls showing off their tuxes and gowns, most people seem content to relax and stay fairly low key. You may find yourself helping someone out with a jigsaw puzzle, or maybe having a nice chat with someone in the hot tub. There really is a lot offered on these cruises that are completely included. Surprisingly, one of these things is room service. A little loophole if you like the occasional drink is also available here, where a 40 lb. bottle of rum with 3 cans of Coke can be had for $34 U.S. A one oz. drink anywhere else on the ship will cost you the same as in a bar or restaurant back home – around $5.
If you can get away anytime between May and September, and have $1000 to spend, force yourself to get on an Alaska Cruise. You may be surprised what you get for the money, and with a bit of planning, can have a once in a lifetime experience without breaking the bank.