by Angela V If you’ve always been curious about cruising but have never taken the leap, you’re definitely not alone. One of the biggest concerns I hear from first-time cruisers is, “What if I get seasick?” or “What if I don’t enjoy being on a ship?”
After just returning from my second Disney Cruise to Alaska, I can honestly say that if you’re nervous about cruising, an Alaska cruise round-trip from Vancouver may be one of the very best itineraries to start with.
Last year, I sailed aboard the Disney Wonder in August, and this year I experienced the same incredible destination aboard the Disney Magic in early July. While both itineraries were very similar, each cruise felt unique thanks to different entertainment, dining experiences, weather, and excursions.
This year was extra special because I brought my sister along. It was her very first cruise, and she was understandably nervous. Like many first-time cruisers, she worried about seasickness, whether she’d enjoy being on a ship for a week, and what the overall experience would be like.
By the end of the cruise?
She was already talking about taking another one.
The Inside Passage Makes a Huge Difference
One of the biggest reasons I recommend an Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver for first-time cruisers is that the ship sails through much of the Inside Passage.
Unlike many Caribbean itineraries that spend long stretches crossing open ocean, the Inside Passage is protected by islands and the coastline. This creates significantly calmer sailing conditions for much of the journey.
Our 7-night cruise included only two sea days, and those are generally the “rockiest” parts of the sailing. Even then, I use the word rocky very loosely. The movement was incredibly gentle.
If you’ve been imagining giant waves and a ship constantly rocking back and forth, this itinerary is nothing like that. In fact, many people are surprised by how smooth it feels.
Of course, no cruise can ever guarantee calm seas because weather can always change, but overall, this is considered one of the calmer cruise itineraries available.
For nervous first-time cruisers, that’s a huge confidence booster.
You Spend More Time Exploring Than Wondering What to Do
Another reason Alaska works so well for first-time cruisers is the itinerary itself.
Rather than spending days at sea, you’re constantly experiencing something new.
Our cruise included:
- Three fascinating ports of call
- One unforgettable glacier viewing day
- Two relaxing sea days
Glacier Day deserves its own mention.
The ship slowly sails toward the glacier, giving everyone incredible views from the decks and even from many stateroom balconies. Watching a massive glacier up close is one of those experiences that’s difficult to describe until you’ve seen it for yourself.
Depending on your itinerary, you may even have the option to book an excursion on a smaller boat that gets even closer to the glacier for an unforgettable perspective.
It quickly became one of my favourite days of the cruise.
Vancouver Makes Cruising So Easy
For anyone living in Metro Vancouver or elsewhere in British Columbia, another major advantage is simply how easy departure day is. There’s no airport stress. No connecting flights. No worrying about airline delays causing you to miss your cruise.
Instead, you simply arrive at Canada Place, check in, and before you know it, you’re walking onto your ship.
Even if you’re travelling from elsewhere in Canada, flying into Vancouver is often much simpler than flying all the way to Florida before beginning your cruise.
Starting your vacation without the added travel stress makes the entire experience much more enjoyable.
It’s a Wonderful Way to Experience Disney Cruise Line
If you’ve been dreaming about trying Disney Cruise Line but haven’t wanted to plan a trip to California or Florida, Alaska offers another fantastic option.
The Disney ships sailing from Vancouver deliver everything Disney Cruise Line is known for:
- Incredible Broadway-quality shows
- Rotational dining
- Exceptional Cast Member service
- Beautiful themed spaces
- Character experiences
- Fantastic kids’ clubs
- Adult-only areas for parents to relax
- Family entertainment throughout the day
And all of that comes with the breathtaking scenery of Alaska outside your window.
It’s really the best of both worlds.
Alaska Is Different Every Single Day
One thing I love about Alaska is that every morning feels completely different. One day you’re sailing past snow-capped mountains. The next you’re watching whales from the deck.
Another day, you’re walking through historic Gold Rush towns. Then you’re standing in silence, watching a glacier calve into the ocean.
It’s the kind of itinerary where the scenery itself becomes part of the entertainment.
A Cruise That Converts First-Time Cruisers
Watching my sister experience her first cruise reminded me why I recommend this itinerary so often.
She started the week feeling nervous, and she ended the week wishing it wasn’t over. That’s a story I hear from many first-time cruisers.
Choosing an itinerary that feels approachable, has calmer sailing conditions, plenty of ports, and spectacular scenery helps remove many of the common worries people have before their first cruise.
Thinking About Your First Cruise?
If you’ve been wondering whether cruising is right for you, an Alaska sailing from Vancouver might just be the perfect place to start.
Having now experienced Disney’s Alaska cruises twice—aboard both the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic—I’ve learned plenty of tips along the way, from choosing the right stateroom and understanding glacier day to knowing what to pack, when to sail, and how to make the most of your time onboard and in port.
If you’re thinking about planning your own Alaska cruise, I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you find the itinerary that fits your family and travel style. All at no extra cost to you than what you would pay when booking directly with Disney. Whether you decide to sail with Disney or another cruise line, sometimes having someone who’s experienced it firsthand can make planning your first cruise feel much less overwhelming.
Who knows? Like my sister, your first cruise adventure could be the beginning of many more cruise adventures.
Visit travelwithangelav.com to reach out and for a free quote!
