<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R3P86Vt4YhI/AAAAAAAAAlE/jcxrfeb4Okg/s1600-h/MAR_in_AK_low.jpg"><img src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R3P86Vt4YhI/AAAAAAAAAlE/jcxrfeb4Okg/s400/MAR_in_AK_low.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Want to cruise Alaska in 2008? If you wish to do so aboard a luxury vessel, now is the time to snag a deal before the premium suites and discount deals are snatched up. Yes, it's only the beginning of winter and Alaska is the last place you may want to visit right now—you're probably counting down to your winter Caribbean cruise instead—but the allure of glaciers and whale watching is too much to ignore during the summer months. Even early fall can be a fantastic time to visit our northwest neighbors.<br /><br />There are only two luxury lines heading to this area in 2008: <a href="http://www.rssc.com/voyage/search.do?region=ALASKA">Regent Seven Seas</a> and <a href="http://www.silversea.com/voyage.aspx?id=335&amp;menu_id=6&amp;page_id=Voyages&amp;page_type=Alaska&amp;menu_type=Destinations">Silversea</a>. If you want to sail with a high-end line, don't delay in booking. Otherwise, you may need to look toward a premium line instead. <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruise">Holland America</a>, <a href="http://www.celebritycruises.com/destinations/home.do;jsessionid=0000ozPSg-Dd5FG16Rj_mKeFI3X:12hdebebp?dest=ALCAN&amp;cS=SIDENAV">Celebrity</a>, and <a href="http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/alaska/index.html">Princess</a> are much more entrenched in Alaska than the luxury cruise lines. Small ship vendors <a href="http://www.cruisewest.com/destinations/alaska/">Cruise West</a> and <a href="http://www.amsafari.com/alaska.html">American Safari Cruises</a> may also pique your interest.<br /><br />Here's a look at what Regent and Silversea are offering for the 2008 Alaska cruise season.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rssc.com/"><span>Regent Seven Seas</span></a><br />Regent's 700-guest <span>Seven Seas Mariner</span> plies the Alaskan waters between mid May and early September 2008. The seven-day itinerary between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, B.C. (or vice versa) hits the following ports and/or sights of interest:<br /><div> <ul>   <li><span>Hubbard Glacier</span> </li>   <li><span>Sitka, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Tracy Arm</span> </li>   <li><span>Juneau, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Skagway, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Ketchikan, Alaska</span><br />   <br />    <div>If you book certain dates, you'll receive free economy air or $500 off the rack rate. Dates include May 27; June 11, 18, and 25; July 2; August 13, 20, and 27; and September 3. Rates start at $3,895 per person.<br />    </div>   </li> </ul> </div><br /><a href="http://www.silversea.com/"><span>Silversea</span></a><br />Silversea's Alaska season begins on May 31st this year and ends with its Vancouver to Los Angeles itinerary on September 5. Nine-, 10- and 12-day itineraries are offered aboard the more intimate 382-passenger <span>Silver Shadow</span>. Rates start at $4,956 per person.<br /><br /><div><span>9-Day Vancouver to Vancouver</span><span><br /></span> <ul>   <li><span>The Inside Passage</span></li>   <li><span>Ketchikan, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Juneau, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Skagway, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Sawyer Glacier</span></li>   <li><span>Wrangell, Alaska</span></li> </ul>  <br /><span>10-Day Vancouver to San Francisco (or vice versa)</span><br /><ul>   <li><span>Sitka, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Haines, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Sawyer Glacier</span> </li>   <li><span>Juneau, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Ketchikan, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Prince Rupert, B.C.</span></li> </ul><br /><span>12-Day Los Angeles to Vancouver (or vice versa)*</span><br /><ul>   <li><span>San Francisco, CA</span> </li>   <li><span>Victoria, B.C.</span> </li>   <li><span>Ketchikan, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Sitka, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Sawyer Glacier</span> </li>   <li><span>Skagway, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>Wrangell, Alaska</span> </li>   <li><span>The Inside Passage</span></li> </ul> </div><br /><span><span"font-size:85%;">*There is also one 12-day roundtrip intinerary out of San Francisco.</span><br /><br /></span>When sailing Alaska, I personally prefer booking a balcony cabin. There's something magical about sitting on your private balcony—in a very warm bathrobe, of course—as you keep your eyes peeled for whales and exotic birds and other creatures you rarely see at home. The Silver Suite would be my pick aboard the Silversea <span>Silver Shadow</span>. On Regent's <span>Mariner</span>, the Master Suite can't be beat since you get a very spacious forward balcony—727 square feet—plus a smaller 71-square-foot side balcony. I also like the Horizon Suites at the aft for their very spacious balconies.<br /><br />Visiting Alaska is an exhilarating experience! So, enjoy your planned winter getaway and then start thinking about your summertime holiday. Alaska may be just the refreshing change you'll need when the lazy dog days of July roll around. Happy cruising! <span>—Andrea M. Rotondo<br /><br /><span"font-size:85%;">Photo of Regent </span></span><span><span"font-size:85%;">Mariner </span></span><span><span"font-size:85%;">in Alaska courtesy of Regent Seven Seas.</span><br /></span>