Is an Alaska Cruise Actually Worth It? We Went to Find Out

*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. It has been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

Is an Alaskan cruise really a trip for everyone — even people who swear they hate cruises?

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, recording live in-studio from Scottsdale, Arizona, share dueling trip reports from their own separate Alaska cruises. They cover when to go, how to choose between the big flashy ships and the smaller expedition lines, which ports are worth booking an excursion for — think dog sledding, glacier canoeing and salmon fishing — versus which ones you can skip, whether the balcony upgrade is worth the splurge, and how to avoid getting fleeced by the ship’s gift shop if seasickness strikes.

But first, Sally and Meghan dig into the latest travel news, including Delta's controversial new no-frills business class fare, a big refresh to the Chase Sapphire Reserve dining credit and OpenTable restaurant list, an update to Wells Fargo's travel portal that now includes direct Southwest Airlines booking, and a preview of Holland America's new Christmas markets-and-Baltic Sea sailings.

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Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Best Alaska Cruises

• Princess Cruises: What to Know Before You Sail

• Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

• 7 Tips for Finding Deals on Your Next Cruise

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