You just need to be well prepared with motion sickness preventions. There is absolutely no way to predict what you are going to encounter.

There are pluses to both cruiseship directions. A northbound is far better in May, if you are going to Denali Park, and better after the first few days of Sept, since the Inside passage weather and daylight drop off significantly compared to interior Alaska.

My preferences are southbound, due to my intense interest in sailing Vancouver Island in day light.

You need to be far more concerned about your land tour selection. DO YOUR HOMEWORK, I can't tell you how many people pick the wrong tour- and even more don't know what they are booking.

There are significant factors to be well aware of, go for as long as you can afford, a week is really needed. Avoid any cruisetour less than 5 days, just too much time in transit rather than at destinations. A highpoint of cruisetours is Denali Park, never get the Natural History tour, IF you are thinking of Denali Park, like you see in the brochures?? Absolutely necessary is to get INTO the park, which means wildlife and scenery. Big difference between the Tundra Wilderness tour, and the NHT. Comparing- the NHT is like going to Disneyland, and never getting past the parking lot. 2 nights at Denali Park is a must, in my opinion.

Alternative- it is simple and grossly superior to go on your own. You can easily see and do twice as much for 1/2 the cost- if of interest.

So, get a couple of good guidebooks, Fodor's Alaska is available in many libraries. Take a look at a map- factor in the vast distances and the time necessary. IF you are doing Fairbanks, I strongly advise you to get there a couple days early, and at least 1 full day. Get yourself a rental car and see the sights. Cruisetours see very little of Fairbanks, beyond the boat and gold tour. A car is necessary to make the most of time. Public transportation isn't convenient.

Thank you, Budget Queen. Your comments are as always spot on and much appreciated!

We did the northbound on Princess Diamond last year (Vancouver to Whittier). We chose NB because it was a little cheaper, but our group agreed NB was great because the scenery got better the farther north we went. (Glacier Bay & College Fiords are at the end)

I love northbound because sailing out of Vancouver harbour is gorgeous. Sailing under the bridge and along the West Vancouver shore is a delightful way to start the cruise. If you go in the early summer it stays light for a long time and that first part of the cruise is especially scenic.

Thanks for your replies. My husband and I have done the inside passage tour from Vancouver and agree about the scenery. We're considering Princess this time as we used HAL before.