I posted this in the AKNP section and Dave there suggested I post it here, too. Not meaning to "cross-post" but it does make sense that some who are not in AK have done this.
We are planning a "family" cruise in August 2010. Because my wife and son are not photographers, we will be doing a larger boat (like Holland America) cruise. We do plan to have a balcony room and I will have my gear with me.
I know it isn't the most "recommended" for a photographer--the small ship cruises are not within current budget or interests for other family members, but any insights you folks might have about itinerary, cruise lines, etc., would be most appreciated.
perhaps you ca find and join a day-long photo excursion? Few opportunities for wildlife will be available from the ship or in a port.
In sitka, walk from the port to the Native museum with the Totem poles. also in sitka, you can walk to he beach where there are often eagles on shore, feeding on salmon or other fish.
Go to Glacier bay if possible. you'll get some great shots of the glaciers from aboard, or take a small boat or kayak to get up close.
also, Misty Fjords is wonderful - surrounded by Glaciers - an good shots here too from onboard.
IMO, the more expensive balcony rooms are not worth it. I spend almost no time in the room, but out on the decks, and onshore. you might consider saving this expense, and then taking a shore excursion for photographers, if possible.
My family and I just came back from the Holland America Veendam cruise. This is my second trip to AK. Although you don't get to the interior portions of AK, you can take some shore excursions that should give you some good photo opps. Our stops were Haines (eagle preserve boat ride to see eagles, moose and maybe bears depending on time of year), Juneau (tram up Mt. Roberts) and Ketchican (totems). Some flightseeing excursions are super for photos but they are more expensive. Be glad to help if you have questions.
My experience was that there was the best scenery from the deck while the boat was moving. However, at sunset/sunrise, with high winds in addition to the boat movement, a tripod is useless - you need to use a high ISO and try to get away without a grad ND if possible. Nevertheless, its a good exercise, and I managed to get some great pix from the Inside Passage. Shore excursions tended to be way over-priced, crappy, and during mid-day...
I would suggest you go out to Cruise Critic and go to the Alaska section and they are very helpful. For cruises and where to go, Budget Queen is awesome. She has been there so many times that she knows everyone so well and what, when and where to do things. I did all of my tours with independent operators and they were the best. The one we did through the ship we were very disappointed. We just got back three weeks ago and enjoyed it a lot. The weather is hit and miss. The 4 weeks prior to our trip, it was sunny with some clouds. Our week was cloudy and gray the whole week. Feel free to ping me directly with other questions and I would be more than happy to help.
Discussion
6 repliesWe are planning a "family" cruise in August 2010. Because my wife and son are not photographers, we will be doing a larger boat (like Holland America) cruise. We do plan to have a balcony room and I will have my gear with me.
I know it isn't the most "recommended" for a photographer--the small ship cruises are not within current budget or interests for other family members, but any insights you folks might have about itinerary, cruise lines, etc., would be most appreciated.
In sitka, walk from the port to the Native museum with the Totem poles. also in sitka, you can walk to he beach where there are often eagles on shore, feeding on salmon or other fish.
Go to Glacier bay if possible. you'll get some great shots of the glaciers from aboard, or take a small boat or kayak to get up close.
also, Misty Fjords is wonderful - surrounded by Glaciers - an good shots here too from onboard.
IMO, the more expensive balcony rooms are not worth it. I spend almost no time in the room, but out on the decks, and onshore. you might consider saving this expense, and then taking a shore excursion for photographers, if possible.
Have fun!
Sandy r
Bear shots are of first AK trip.
naturewildphotography.com