Chicago312 wrote:
Hello,
I know we are in the midst of another Covid surge, but I'm hoping 2022 is a better year nonetheless. I've not gone on vacation in a few years and the kids are interested in going on an Alaskan cruise - fingers crossed that nothing gets shut down. Most likely, I will be looking for a summer (June-August) cruise roundtrip from Seattle (never been there either), inner passage, about 7 days length, the more ports the better, glacier viewing, wildlife, etc. I'll be traveling with my kids (HS, college) and 2 of them like photography as well.
I am interested in taking photos (landscape and wildlife - since we don't really see bear or moose or whales in Chicago) as well as making a few videos of the trip (the ports/towns, the cruise ship, food, wildlife, nature, etc).
I plan to bring 2 Nikon Z6 and only 2 lenses. I want to travel "light". Unlikely to bring a tripod, maybe a small/tabletop one if really needed - more for shooting video with a telephoto lens.
I have these lenses that I would consider bringing - 16-35 f4G, 24-120 f4G, or 70-200 f2.8G plus 1.4x TC OR 2x TC (not both TC)
I'm considering purchasing the Z 24-70 f2.8 S vs the Z 28-75 f2.8 (mostly for the 2.8 to use in low light photos/video) - if I get one, then I won't be bringing the 24-120
Also would consider getting the 500 f5.6 PF - if so, then I wouldn't bring the 70-200 plus teleconverter.
My questions:
1) any recommendations regarding cruise lines - looking at Princess, Norwegian. Open to suggestions
2) regarding wildlife - can you see wildlife from the ship or need to go on an excursion? What lens would you recommend using?
3) any other recommendations - weather/rain gear?
Thanks in advance and have a happy & healthy new year
Stephen
Hello, br I know we are in the midst of another Co... (
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You've probably already made your decisions by now, but if not, here are a couple of thoughts. We lived in the northwest for several years and also have cruised from Seattle to Alaska.
Most important...June is not summer, either in Seattle or Alaska. It is still spring, and the weather can be counted on to be very crummy. We spent a tremendous amount of energy trying to convince our Texas relatives not to come visit in June "before it gets hot." They came too early anyway, then spent too much time complaining that it was too cold and rainy, and "why do you folks even want to live here."
Second...the Inside Passage is adjacent to rain forest. It rains a lot all year long. Don't be surprised if you go several days without seeing the sun. Be ready, and pack plenty of patience just in case.
Third...much of the weather for the western United States forms up over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Alaska. Sometimes this happens without much notice or warning. Sometimes that involves squalls or gales. Those can be uncomfortable on large ships and violent on smaller boats. Just decide how adventurous your family is willing to be. Have alternatives in mind if the weather turns sour.
Cruising is a high-impact industry in Alaska. That will affect your ability to easily find large wildlife. But it does not mean that your trip will not be worthwhile. Sitka was the Russian Territorial Capital. Well worth some time. So is Victoria, where you should have at least a few hours to spend in England.
You will have a great time cruising. Just make sure your expectations match reality and are a little bit flexible. And don't take too much stuff.
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
Peterfiore wrote:
If anyone in your family is prone to seasickness, too small a boat on the ocean may not be their best friend.
I might suggest also, since I am very prone to seasickness, you can get the 'patch' from you Dr. It is placed/stuck right behind your ear, can be left in place for 3-4 days. I found it to work exceptionally well!!! Took it off one morning for an open sea 45 minute section of the inside passage (just to test to see if it worked)... I got queasy very quickly!
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/motion-sickness/best-medication-motion-sickness-patches-pillsOne other thing, you may wish to just carry the two cameras, and no extra lens. One for wide angles, and one for the zoom! Much better than constantly switching lens! Yes, a little cumbersome, but also very convenient!
DougS wrote:
I might suggest also, since I am very prone to seasickness, you can get the 'patch' from you Dr. It is placed/stuck right behind your ear, can be left in place for 3-4 days. I found it to work exceptionally well!!! Took it off one morning for an open sea 45 minute section of the inside passage (just to test to see if it worked)... I got queasy very quickly!
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/motion-sickness/best-medication-motion-sickness-patches-pillsOne other thing, you may wish to just carry the two cameras, and no extra lens. One for wide angles, and one for the zoom! Much better than constantly switching lens! Yes, a little cumbersome, but also very convenient!
I might suggest also, since I am very prone to sea... (
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On our first trip it got real bad. My wife went to one of general Q&A sessions and someone asked: What religion were the people wearing the patches?
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