I know what your going to say, "Alaska? Didn't the season just end."

Yes it did, but this is the perfect time to plan next years vacations. And with this economy, it might be time to start to stash cash away for that vacation too.

I got in the mail today the new 2009 Princess Cruise brochure. As a travel agent I love to pour over these brochures, just to keep up with what is changing and what old favorites these amazing cruise lines have. And Alaska seems to be getting a lot of love these days.

And why not, it is an amazing place to see. I live in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, and with Miami, Ft Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, all we have is city after city with suberbs in between. Do not get me wrong, I love it here. But Alaska is so much different. Out there, there is nothing, and that is a good thing. Get on a cruise ship and do a North or South bound cruise and you can go days with out seeing civilization. Out there the wildlife are the ones in charge. The whales, the bear, the moose, they call the shots.

I open my cruise brochure and there is the Princess Cruise Line "Voyage of the Glaciers" 7 days of Alaska. This cruise is offered either North bound or South bound. Both north and south bound go to the same places, so in theory they are identical cruises. What caught my eye is that these north and south bound cruises offer so much more.

On the North bound cruise you depart Vancouver and cruise Cruise the Inside Passage on the first day. The Second day you find yourself in Ketchikan. Followed by Juneau and Skagway on the following days. Your sixth day you spend cruising Glacier Bay National Park, and the last day cruising College Fjord. You disembark in Whitter Alaska, which is a short train ride from Anchorage.

3 ports of call, Glacier Bay and College Fjord. Glacier Bay is breath taking, and not to be missed. If you go to Alaska, you need to cruise Glacier bay. Grab a hot cup of Coco, and a deck chair, cuddle up underthe blankets and just be amazed at the wonder of Glacier Bay.

Most people would not like the 3 days at sea, but most of these cruises have three dayd at sea now. Getting to Anchorage is tough and these three days allows for more relxation.

No one will be board. The Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess (sister ships making these runs) are really gteat ships. 116,000 tons, massive. Four dining rooms, two specialty dining rooms, pools and hot tubs, A world-class spa, Kids, and teens areas. Trust me no one will be board. Princess also on some ships offers Scolar at Sea, a program designed to teach you a little about Alaska and the wild life.

Tips: Get a Balcony, trust me this is one cruise you where you need to be glued to the windows at all times.
Register the Kids for the Princess Pelican's kids programs. And let them have fun. I sometimes cannot get my 7 year old daughter out of the kids area, she loves it so much. Ad the Pirate Parade they put on is real cute.
Glacier Bay will take most of the day ,s o stake out a good spot. But you might want to go down to the Promenade deck once in a while. When you get close to some Glaciers the Promenade deck is a must.

Alaska is not expensive and there are deals to be had. Take a few minutes and let me know your intentions. When the kids get off for summer vacation, you do not have to put the winter coats away so soon, keep them out and go to Alaska.

www.bonbontravel.com