- Between April and the end of September is a great time for Alaska Inside Passage cruises. During these months, you can see the wildlife vividly. The migration of the whales takes place during the spring months of the year. Therefore, April and May are the best for this unforgettable nature event.

Alaska Inside Passage cruises are unique and unforgettable in so many ways. When you visit Alaska, you will see many wonders of nature. I am sure that you will be fascinated countless times. However, the cruises are just too short!.

- When going on a cruise, make sure to take a power strip with you, because most cabins only have one outlet. This way you will have extra outlets for your hair dryer, cell phone charger, electric razor, curling iron, etc.

- I just came back from a cruise, and was grateful I didn’t have a cabin near the laundry room. On some days of the cruise, people were lined up with their laundry down the hall, talking loudly outside other people’s cabins, and blocking their doors. Obviously, people should be considerate while waiting for their turn at the washers and dryers, but it was clear to me that one of the worst cabins on the cruise would be near the laundry. Remember to carefully study the map of the ship while selecting your cabin, and avoid those cabins that are near gathering places, like the laundry, stairs, and elevators.

- Although you may find the shore excursions cheaper through local sources compared to the cruise lines excursions desks, you may end up stranded – or at the least taken advantage of. The cruise lines check out the companies they contract with, and you are much safer using one recommended by the cruise line or a company your travel agent is familiar with.

- Right now, value-seeking vacation buyers will find a wide choice of flights, cruises, and land-based vacations at rates equal to or lower than previous years. In the cruise industry where onboard revenue represents a significant portion of the overall profit picture, cruise lines are willing to reduce fare yields seasonally to ensure full occupancy.

Will this trend continue or should the value-oriented traveler wait for the next round of price reductions? No one can predict the future with certainty, but the chances are better than 50/50 that with the election over and the weather turning cooler, prices will likely rise into 2009.