One of the things I enjoy most about travel is that there is always a new way to see the world. Sometimes it is a cruise line visiting an entirely new region. Sometimes it is a special event that happens only once every ten years.

If you're planning your first Alaska cruise, you've probably typed some version of this into Google or Facebook: “What is the best cruise line for Alaska?” It sounds like a logical place to start, right? One person says Princess. Someone else swears by Holland America. Your neighbor loved Norwegian. Your kids see pictures of a newer Royal Caribbean ship and want that one. Then you discover there are different departure ports, different glaciers, different ports of call and on

If you’re an empty nester thinking about cruising, one of the biggest questions I hear is: Which cruise line fits our travel style now? Two of the most popular options I recommend are Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises—and while both are excellent, the onboard vibe is very different. Knowing where your cruise dollars (and time) are best spent can make all the difference.

Alaska in 2027 is officially open… and if it’s been on your mind (even just a little), this is one of the best times to start looking.