I am going on a 7-Day Inside Passage Alaska Cruise. In this post, I share how I planned my cruise with assistance from Lesley from Live Longitude Travel. I will scratch Alaska off my list of states to visit this year. Do not be afraid to travel solo, be prepared.

Planning a 7-Day Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

Lesley assisted me with my trip to Costa Rica. Planning this cruise required more insight than the Caribbean cruise I booked years ago. Back then, I went to Miami a day early, headed to the port, and cruised. That was simple. However, I wanted to make sure I booked the correct ship for how I like to travel. While working with Lesley, I watched Gary Bembridge’s YouTube videos, checked the Princess Cruises website, and visited Travel Alaska. I also ordered the free official Alaska travel guide on the website. The more I looked into Alaska, the more excited I became.

Next Steps

After paying for my Discovery Princess cruise, I downloaded the Medallion Class app to plan the remainder of my trip. I started with the Travel Checklist and uploaded my documents. If you choose an itinerary that stops in Canada, bring your passport. If you want to personalize your trip, select a Medallion wearable to represent your favorite team. I chose the Chicago Bulls. Add a credit card for touchless purchasing. I booked my excursions and made reservations at two specialty restaurants. There is an additional fee. To complete my profile, I needed a COVID-19 test. I will get tested the Friday before I fly to Seattle. Finally, add your arrival time to the app if you know when you will board.

Air Transportation for your 7-Day Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

Lesley looked into airfare and hotel accommodations. You know I like to maximize my travel rewards points. The flight on PrincessEzair was the same price as the Southwest flight I booked. The only difference was the arrival times. If I flew PrincessEzair, I would arrive the day of the cruise, but I booked the Southwest flight the day before the cruise. Did you know about PrincessEzair? I often wondered how cruise lines could offer a discount on airfare. Now I know. Four weeks before my departure, I checked the airfares. Flights in both Wanna Get Away categories were unavailable. Airfares in Business Select and Anytime were now $600.00 each way instead of roundtrip. When you book your cruise, book your flight immediately.

Hotel Accommodations World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy

I booked my reservations strategically because I was flying in early and staying an extra day in Seattle. I booked at a Hyatt property first. Not only did I book at a Hyatt brand, but I also booked at a property that counts toward the Brand Explorer Program. When I stay at five different brands, I earn a free night. I selected a property under the Timeless Collection. Only three more brands to go for my second free night with Hyatt. Speaking of a free night, I redeemed my free night with Marriott Bonvoy on my return from the cruise. As a Marriott Bonvoy Amex cardholder, I am awarded a free night each year on my anniversary.

Communion Seattle, Transportation to Pier 91, and Travel Agent Perks

Reservations for Communion Seattle opened on May 18. Three days later, I tried to book a reservation for June. Although reservations closed, I joined the waitlist for the Saturday before and the Sunday after the cruise. I redeemed membership rewards points for a $25.00 Uber gift card and transferred 11,250 Hilton Honors points to my Lyft account ($25.00). In addition, I would use my $15.00 Uber credit from Amex. Lesley did not discuss extras with me while planning the cruise. However, she did inform me not to worry about crew appreciation payment. When I downloaded the Medallion Class app, I noticed I received the Plus Beverage Package (Including Service Charges) and Wi-Fi Package compliments of Coastline Travel Advisors ($549.36 savings). Finally, I received a $100.00 onboard spending credit and used the money to pay for excursions.

7 Quick Reminders to Help Plan Your 7-Day Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

1. If you do not want to plan your cruise, reach out to a travel agent.
2. Plan ahead. I knew I wanted to go on a cruise five months before I started planning.
3. Visit your cruise website regularly for updates.
4. Download the Medallion Class app.
5. Visit the official Travel Alaska website. Download the Travel Guide.        
6. Watch YouTube videos about your cruise line.
7. Get excited. I am.