This is the time to plan an Alaska cruise

Sunset, Dec, 1985

Alaska vacation planning this month is a little like Christmas shopping in July: wise, yet easier to put off until the last minute. But if your vacation plans include voyages on cruise ships, smaller touring craft, or the popular ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway, you're getting down to the last minute for cruise ship bargains and ferry reservations.

In fact, even now you may have trouble getting vehicle and cabin reservations on state ferries for late May and early June sailings from Seattle. Though reservations for next summer won't be processed until January 2, "requests" for prime dates have been on file since last seasons.

Cruise opportunities. While ferry service remains relatively unchanged, commercial cruises have expanded considerably in the last few years. Holland America, Princess, and Sitmar recently added big new ships in southeast Alaska. Carnival, Costa, and Royal Viking have expanded service. Next summer Cunard, Paquet, and Regency lines will sail beyond the Inside Passage, crossing Prince William Sound to dock at Whittier. The Sagafjord will sail as far as Anchorage; the Universe will stop at Kodiak. Your camper can come along on Sundance Cruises.

With keen competition and a glut of staterooms expected to continue on Alaskan routes, travelers who book now are in a good negotiating position. A number of companies are offering attractive discounts for bookings made before January 1 or at least six months before sailing.

In addition to cruise discounts, check free or discounted air fares, pre- or post-cruise excursions (many lines are offering packages to Expo 86 in Vancouver), and automatic free upgrade should your room category subsequently sell out. Be prepared to plunk down a deposit or even full payment at booking time.

If you can't book now but can remain flexible up to the last minute, look for "sales" on unsold rooms a few weeks before sailing. Although ship choices and sailing dates may be limited, you can score substantial savings.

With at least 10 different cruise lines scheduling 16 ships to Alaska next summer, schedules are too lengthy to list here. A travel agent specializing in cruising is the best consultant for program comparisons and details on schedules and fares.

Small boat news. Overnight or longer cruises on smaller craft account for a larger part of the growth in Alaska cruising. From luxurious "mini-cruise ships" accommodating 50 to 150 passengers to sailboats sleeping half a dozen, these craft cruise the narrow straits and tiny inlets larger ships can't negotiate. Destinations vary from Prince William Sound to Glacier Bay. On several, you camp ashore. TravAlaska Tours' Sheltered Seas puts up passengers in hotels along the route.

While few of these companies offer discounts for early booking, their 1986 programs are set and you'll want time to study different brochures. Plan on booking these trips by February or March to get choice dates.

Here and on page 52 we give a brief summary of Alaska vehicle transportation service and smaller craft excursions scheduled as of our press deadline.

Ferry services

Alaska Marine Highway, Pouch R, Juneau 99811; (800) 551-7185 in Alaska, (800) 544-2251 elsewhere. With service to 25 ports in the state, the ferries are extremely popular with Alaskans and visitors. Three-day sailings from Seattle to Haines and Skagway, with stops at intermediate ports, aboard the Matanuska (3,030 tons, 750 passengers, 120 vehicles) and the Columbia (3,946 tons, 1,000 passengers, 170 vehicles).

Passenger fare is $175; sleep on decks or in reclining chairs, or opt for cabins. Two-berth cabins start at $149; three- and four- berth cabins also available. Vehicles start at $480 for cars less than 15 feet.

The Malaspina (2,928 tons, 750 passengers, 120 vehicles) and the Taku (2,694 tons, 500 passengers, 105 vehicles) increase your port options with service between Prince Rupert and Skagway.

Sundance Cruises, 520 Pike St., Suite 2200, Seattle 98101; (800) 222-5505. A cruise ship with a garage, the Stardancer (27,000 tons, 1,400 passengers) can carry up to 350 vehicles between Vancouver and Haines or Skagway. Season: May 30 through September 19. Cars up to 19 feet cost $10 to $13 per foot; RVs from 19 feet long and 6 feet tall cost $15 to $20 per foot. One-way fares for passengers start at $385 for three nights northbound or $540 for four nights southbound.

Smaller-craft excursions

Alaska Fishing and Wilderness Adventures, Box 102675, Anchorage 99510; (800) 544-2219. The Discovery (65 tons, 12 passengers) offers seven-day trips from Cordova to Prince William Sound, College and Harriman fjords, and the Columbia Glacier. Season: May 25 to August 31; $1,776 from Anchorage. Ten-day natural history safari land excursions available June 16 to August 25 following cruises; package cost is $2,875 to $2,995.

Alaskan Wilderness Sailing Safaris, Box 1313, Valdez 99686; (907) 338-2134. Up to nine sailboats (Nordic 40s and 44s) depart Whittier in a group Fridays for six-day cruises around Prince William Sound and Harriman Fjord. Season: May 30 through September 5. Up to six passengers per boat; $675 per person (all you bring is bedding). For 10-percent discount, book before February 1, 1986. Join marine mammal tour the first week in June, a natural history tour the third week in June.