QUESTIONS ABOUT AN ALASKAN CRUISE

[thepiranha]

My in-laws will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in the summer of 2009. They will be taking their three children along with their spouses and children on a Princess Lines Alaskan cruise in July. Having been on only one short cruise, I'm not sure about how dressed up we need to get on formal night. My wife, who is probably correct, insists that formal night means a suit and tie or at least a coat and tie. I plan to extend our trip and do some fishing in Alaska, so I would like to bring as little formal wear as possible with us. In addition, I like to dress very casually, so I would prefer not to have to bring formal wear.

I have three questions: 1) Do I need to bring a suit or coat and tie?; 2) Has anyone taken a cruise on Princess Lines and have you been happy with your experience; and 3) Can anyone recommend a good outfit to go fishing with in Alaska?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[kyshel]

Men can rent tuxedos for formal night--no need to even bring a dress jacket. I have friends who have really enjoyed Princess lines and have had no complaints (other than breaking a hip on the ship in the Carib). Where are you fishing? My brother has done extensive research on several areas--I'll happily share what I can get from him. PS--they have no piranhahahaha. Sorry, I couldn't help it!

[lhbrown]

Hi thepiranah,
I personally would suggest you bring a coat and tie, you would feel more comfortable in your own clothes and avoid the expense of a tuxedo rental. However, if a tuxedo is required, then as kyshel says, you can always rent one. One option might be that you give the coat and tie and/or excess baggage to one of your in-laws to take home when you go on your fishing trip

[nomadbea]

Bring at least a coat and tie.

[lhbrown]

Hi theprianha,
Where are you planing to go fishing in Alaska, what area? What kind of fishing will you be doing in Alaska, Salmon fishing, fly fishing, ocean or deep sea fishing? What did you mean by a good outfit to go fishing with in Alaska? Did you mean a good "Outfitter" or good fishing attire?

[thepiranha]

Kyshel, thanks for the info. I wasn't aware that a guy could rent a tux on a cruise. I'll probably bring a coat and tie. I'm not sure where I'm fishing yet. I just found out that the cruise begins in Anchorage and ends in Vancouver, which would ruin my idea of a fishing trip unless I wanted to go back up to Alaska at the end of the cruise. I was hoping that the cruise ended in Alaska so I could fish afterwards. I'll let you know if there's a change because I would definitely like some info on where and with whom to fish.

Nice line about piranha! In case you're curious about how I got my name, check out my first travel blog.

[thepiranha]

Thanks for responding to my post. As I explained to Kyshel, it looks like my in-laws put a damper on my fishing plans by booking a cruise that goes from Anchorage to Vancouver. I thought that we we end up somewhere in Alaska and I could fish at the end of the cruise. I meant a fishing outfitter and I can understand your confusion since I also asked a question about proper attire for formal night on the cruise. If I somehow manage to go fishing, I'm going for salmon and halibut. I've gone river and ocean fishing for salmon here in Oregon, where I live, but I've always wanted to fish for really big salmon in Alaska. I'll let you know if things change with my cruise because I would love to get some info.

[lhbrown]

Hi thepiranah,
Thanks for your clarifications. What about the possibility that you start your fishing trip in Anchorage ahead of your Anchorage - Vancouver cruise with your in-laws. You all will have to fly to Anchorage anyway to start the cruise from there, so why don't you just get up there a week earlier or whatever time you planned to spend up there fishing ahead of your cruise. Surely, your wife could fly with the rest of her family and she or some of your in-laws could bring your cruise luggage along and you would only have to worry about your fishing gear and fishing attire.
As for outfitters up in Anchorage, have a look at http://www.alaskanorthernoutfitters.com/ which sounded like a good choice. They offer both, halibut fishing as well as salmon fishing. Of course, there are many other outfitters in that area. A good directory would be http://www.alaskansportsman.com/dire...hing/index.php

Choose an area on the map to find an Alaska Fishing Guide...

Good luck on your fishing plans which sound like fun.

[kyshel]

If you have a day to fish while in a port, I'd look at that option. I've been on nearly 2 dozen cruises (none up north) and Princess is one of the upper-moderate lines where adults still dress up, so the tux rental is an easy idea.
Sadly, many Carib cruises cater to more slobs who want the casual style. I miss the SS Norway (formerly, SS France) where I could wear an evening gown every night, be a femme fatale yet not feel out of place. Those were the days!!!
There's a possibility your family might want a day to split up. Just some more thoughts... If I can help with any other cruise tips, happy to oblige.

[lhbrown]

Hi kyshel,
I have never been on a cruise, but I have made several transatlantic crossings and one of them was on the SS France. I saw the SS France christened in Le Havre and a year later took a transatlantic crossing on it. What a grand lady. I had not seen "luxury" like this before and have not seen it since. As you say, these were the good old days....

SS France departs on her maiden voyage January 1962

Message Edited by lhbrown on 05-21-2008 11:27 AM