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The Cruising Bears • Lory, Houston, TX (2026)

05/18/2026

ALASKA ADVENTURE MODE: ACTIVATED! 🛳️🏔️🐻❄️🐋

In just a few days we’ll be sailing aboard the Discovery Princess on the 7-Night Voyage of the Glaciers from Vancouver to Whittier 🛳️

This northbound Alaska sailing includes:

📍 Ketchikan
📍 Juneau
📍 Skagway
❄️ Glacier Bay National Park (Glacier Day)
❄️ College Fjord (Glacier Day)
📍 Whittier / Anchorage

The scenic glacier days are a big reason we booked this cruise. There’s something completely different about Alaska cruising compared to the Caribbean. Massive glaciers. Snow covered peaks. Stunning fjords. Waterfalls everywhere. Wildlife constantly popping up around every turn. 🐋🐻🫎🦅

For excursions we decided on both scenery and wildlife:

🐋 Juneau Whale Watching Adventure
🏔️ Full-Day Yukon Tour from Skagway

And after the cruise we are immediately turning this into a full Alaska land adventure too. 🚗

Our post-cruise day trip includes:

• Driving through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Girdwood
• Chair 5 Restaurant
• Bird Creek Falls
• Falls Creek Trail
• Rainbow Trailhead
• Beluga Point
• Glen Alps Overlook
• Kincaid Park
• Earthquake Park
• Moose’s Tooth Pizza
…and ending with a late-night Anchorage flight after an entire day exploring Turnagain Arm.

…and probably way too many photos. 📸

PLUS — keep an eye out for our Alaska content coming soon. We will be comparing both of our Alaska cruises: Royal Princess vs Discovery Princess

Including:

• Ship differences
• Itineraries
• Best viewing areas
• Glacier experiences
• Excursion comparisons
• Alaska cruise tips
• What we’d do differently
• Balcony vs inside experiences
• Pre/post cruise planning
…and all the little details people usually don’t talk about before booking Alaska.

This is going to be an incredible Alaska adventure…content starts soon. 👀

05/11/2026

Pros and Cons of the Drink Package on an Alaska Cruise! 🏔️❄️🍹🥤☕🛳️

Thinking about adding the drink package to your Alaska cruise? The truth: Alaska is very different than Caribbean cruising, so the answer depends on how you vacation.

✅ Why it CAN be worth it:
• Specialty coffees, lattes & hot chocolate on chilly mornings, plus sodas and bottled waters
• Cocktails or wine while watching glaciers = elite vacation vibes
• Predictable budget with no surprise bar tab later
• Great for sea days, lounges, and scenic indoor relaxation
• Easy to enjoy mocktails & extras
• Perfect for social travelers who love bars, trivia & live music

❌ Why it may NOT be worth it:
• Long port days & excursions mean less time using it
• Whale watching at 6:30am after late drinks? Rough combo 😅
• Many Alaska cruisers drink less than expected
• Some people feel pressure to “get their money’s worth”
• Upfront cost can be better spent on excursions or upgrades
• Most cruise lines require both adults in the cabin to buy it

• Locks You Into Ship Spending…If you’re in port and want to enjoy a local brewery, saloon, or café, you may hesitate because you already prepaid onboard.

💡 Bottom line: Alaska drink packages are case by case. For some cruisers it’s a great value. For others, paying as you go is smarter.

🎯 Best for:
Coffee lovers • Cocktail people • Sea day loungers • Couples who drink similarly • Guests wanting zero budget stress

🚫 Maybe skip it if:
You mostly do excursions • Drink lightly • Only drink at dinner • Wake up early every port day • Don’t drink sodas or coffee

💡 Rule of Thumb: Alaska Drink Package Sweet Spot: If the package costs $70/day, you’ll usually need roughly:

• 3 cocktails ($15 each)
• 2 coffees ($6 each)
• Bottled waters / soda / energy drinks (they add up)

Then it can start to make sense.

Would YOU buy the package for Alaska? Tell us your cruise line below! 👇

05/04/2026

To Balcony or to Not Balcony: That is the ultimate Alaska cruise question! 🤔 Let’s settle it once and for all:

☀️ TEAM BALCONY

• Private Glacier Views: Forget the crowds on the top deck. You get a front-row seat to spectacular glaciers and jaw-dropping scenery without leaving your cozy room.

• Fresh Mountain Air: Experience the cool, crisp Alaskan breeze right from your doorstep. The smell of the wilderness is something else.

• Whale & Wildlife Pings: Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and orcas from your personal viewing spot. You’ll catch glimpses you’d miss otherwise.

• The ‘Pajama’ Perk: Imagine sipping your morning coffee in your pajamas on your private deck, wrapped in a warm blanket as the glaciers glide by. Pure bliss.

😴 TEAM INTERIOR/OCEANVIEW

• Dark Rooms & Better Sleep: With almost 20 hours of daylight, a pitch-black interior cabin ensures you get the deep sleep you need.

• Best Sleep & Unbeatable Prices: Save those extra dollars and spend them on unforgettable excursions. Think helicopter glacier landings or private bear viewing tours!

• Deck Adventures & Community: You’re more likely to spend time exploring the ship’s cool observation lounges, the main deck for social hours, and the spa.

• Encourages Exploration: You’ll make the most of every port day, hiking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing all that Alaska has to offer.

The Verdict:

If your budget allows for it and your heart is set on waking up to a different glacier view every day in the comfort of your room, splurge on the balcony! 💖 But if you’re looking to maximize your experience with bucket-list shore excursions and prioritize exploring the ship, an interior cabin is a smart move.

There is no wrong way to do Alaska! 🏔️☕
Where do you stand in this debate? Leave a 🪟 for balcony or 😴 for interior.

ExploreAlask

04/28/2026

When is the Best Time for an Alaska Cruise? 🐻🏔️🛳️ Alaska’s cruise season (May–September) offers a totally different experience each month. Here’s the quick breakdown to help you pick your perfect adventure:

• 🌷 MAY: Best for budgets & low crowds. Expect crisp weather, snow-capped peaks, and spring wildflowers.

• ☀️ JUNE: The “Midnight Sun” month. Enjoy 20+ hours of daylight, lush green landscapes, and the arrival of humpback whales.

• 🐋 JULY: Peak wildlife & warmth. Prime time for seeing bears fishing for salmon and massive glaciers “calving” into the sea.

• 🦅 AUGUST: Maximum wildlife activity. Great for whale watching, berry picking, and seeing waterfalls at their strongest.

• 🌌 SEPTEMBER: Autumn colors & Northern Lights. Stunning fall foliage on the tundra and your best chance to see the Aurora Borealis!

Ready to find your perfect sail date? 🏔️✨
Drop a comment below or DM us to start planning!

04/24/2026

Carnival Tropicale to Sail from Galveston alongside the Carnival Jubilee 2028!!! 🎉

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that its fifth Excel-class vessel, Carnival Tropicale, will be based in Galveston following delivery in 2028.

The ship will join Carnival Jubilee, delivered in 2024, further strengthening Galveston’s position as a key homeport in Carnival’s network. Together, the two vessels will support a year-round deployment from the Port of Galveston.

Carnival Tropicale will carry over 6,000 guests and, like her sister ship, will feature the Star of Texas on the bow.

Further details on itineraries and bookings are expected later this year.

04/23/2026

20 ALASKA CRUISE TIPS WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE OUR 1st TRIP 🐻🛳️❄️🌊🏔️

Planning an Alaska voyage is a whole different ballgame than your average Caribbean vacation. We’ve curated our Top 20 Essential Alaska Tips so you can navigate your trip like a seasoned pro:

1. Glacier Viewing – Position yourself early for the best views of the ice!

2. Cheaper Fares – Look for shoulder season dates to save big on your booking.

3. Research Weather & Wildlife – Timing is everything for spotting bears and whales.

4. Layering Clothing – The key to staying comfortable in changing conditions.

5. Ship Viewing Areas – Find the “secret” decks for unobstructed scenery.

6. Onboard Enrichment – Take advantage of naturalists and expert presentations.

7. Wake Up Early – Scenic cruising and wildlife are most active at dawn!

8. Budget for Excursions – This is where you’ll find the true heart of Alaska.

9. Fly in Early – Avoid travel stress by arriving a day before embarkation.

10. Sharing the Port – Check how many ships are in port for a better experience.

11. Book a Balcony – Elevate your journey with private, breathtaking views.

12. Pack a Swimsuit – Don’t miss out on those glacier-side hot tubs!

13. Pack Bug Spray – You’ll definitely want this for those shore excursions.

14. Casual Comfort – Dress codes are relaxed; think cozy sweaters and jeans.

15. Seasick Solutions – Be prepared so you can enjoy every moment at sea.

16. Pack Comfortable Shoes – Essential for long walks on deck and in port.

17. Gear to Pack – Don’t forget your binoculars, cameras, and chargers.

18. Time Zones – Stay on schedule as you cross into Alaska time.

19. Embrace Flexibility – Weather can change plans; keep an open mind!

20. Hot Chocolate Fun – Grab a warm cup on the deck and enjoy the view! (Slide 20 wouldn’t upload)

👉 SWIPE through to see the details for each tip and SAVE this post for later!

Which tip do you find most helpful? Have any tips of your own, leave them in the comments!!! 👇

04/21/2026

We are The Cruising Bears and we officially have a severe case of OCD…Obsessive Cruising Disorder. 🛳️

It started with one deck party, one towel animal, one hidden duck found and several laps around the buffet with umbrella drink in hand and now we can’t stop checking deck plans, itineraries and excursion lists! 🍹

If your search history is 99% “Best balcony rooms”, “drink packages” and “port parking,” you’re definitely in the right place. Welcome to the club! 🎉

The only cure is more time at sea!!!! 🌊

04/18/2026

This is always our motto…FIBI!!! 🙌🏼💙

F*CK IT BOOK IT!!! 💯✅

04/16/2026

Thinking of booking a cruise but worried about getting your sea legs? Don’t let the fear of motion sickness keep you on shore! 🤢🛳️

Choosing the right cabin can make all the difference between a rocky ride and smooth sailing. The secret is finding the ship’s natural balance point—staying low and centered helps minimize that “sway” feeling so you can focus on the fun. 🪟🌊

( Travel Agents can be vital in helping you select the best room for your needs! ) ✅

Check out these top tips for a steady voyage:

• Mid-Ship is Best: Think of it as the balance point of the scale.

• Lower Decks: Stay closer to the waterline for maximum stability (Decks 1–4 are ideal!).

• Avoid the Extremes: The very front (bow) and very back (aft) see the most action in choppy water.

• Get a View: A window or balcony provides fresh air and a clear view of the horizon to help your brain adjust.

• The “Just in Case” Kit: Don’t forget to pack motion sickness bands, Bonine, or Dramamine. Even the most seasoned cruisers keep these on hand!

Where is your “go-to” spot on the ship to ensure a comfortable trip? Share your favorite cabin locations or your must-have remedies below! 👇

04/13/2026

Trading spreadsheets for sunsets and caffeine for cocktails. The only “blues” we want on a Monday are the ones in the ocean. 🛳️🏝️🌊🍹

Can you relate???

The Cruising Bears • Lory

05/18/2026

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