Expert: Curtis Thorsen - 2/8/2004

Question
My 23 year old daughter and her 25 year old boyfriend live 100 miles from us in st. louis. THey want to get married on an inland passage Alaskan crusie, flying out of Lambert field in st. louis into Seattle for ship.  They are considering the Norwegian Star, best times, mid to late June, July, but not traveling on July 4th.  Probably best dates 6/13 and 7/18.

QUESTION:  Is this ship a good recommendation for an onboard wedding for 2; what type of cabin to book; location; any free upgrade possibilites...I NEED HELP.

Give me your best recommendations!

Answer
Hi Pat.... funny as I used to Live in St. Louis, actually in Glendale just outside Kirkwood and I have a sister that still resides in Florrisant.

As far as Alaska.... you are looking at an inside passage cruise w/ round trip departure from Seattle. Not many ships do this departure from Seattle thus you are limited to cruiselines. And in order to be legally married on a ship, it must occur in a US port of call thus Seattle.

June 13th will probably come in at the lesser of the two dates regarding costs as it is still considered the beginning portion of the Alaska season. July it is beginning to peak out and rates are usually higher.

As for what ius a good cabin to book.... that is uop to their wants and budget. If they are first time cruisers and since this is a calm water sailing, they may want to book an oceanview guarantee with possible free upgrade or whoever you are working with may have a promo on that sailing where a free upgrade to a balcony is already available. Best bet would be to find a travel agent you or they are comfortable with that has knowledge of Alaska and this ship.....just some good consumer advice.

Curtis Thorsen
President
Cruise & Resort Connection, Inc.
email: fun2cruiz@aol.com