Fogfog
August 12th, 2010, 06:08 PM
Back today from a Pre-Cruise Denali trip and a week on the Navigator (8/4 southbound sailing)
Our entire trip was handled by Regent. Our Alaska bound air was on Alaska Air. The flight was comfortable and the pre-reserved individual video/entertainment players were terrific. Alaska Air also guarantees you will have your luggage quickly and that was definitely the case.
Arriving in Anchorage- we were met by the cruise-tour agents—Premier—which is a sub contractor of Regents. Overall during our four days in Denali, the tour leader and bus driver were terrific. Our leader did an amazing job of detailing the history, culture, economy, wildlife, politic etc etc. The bus driver kept the coach comfortable, clean and on schedule.
Upon arriving in Anchorage, we were transferred with luggage to the hotel--we stayed at the Sheraton. The rooms were comfortable and check in with the information on baggage (some was stored until ship time—some went with us), ground transfers, itinerary etc. Food at the Sheraton (dinner) was disappointing; however the Sheraton breakfast was much better.
The pre-cruise tour was excellent. Just terrific. We spent a bit of time on a very nice motor coach—then transferred to the observation lounge cars of the train. The meal on the train was sufficient. Hotel in Denali was at the Grande. It was more rustic. The views were lovely. The food ranged from amazing to average..as did the service. We were very pleased and appreciated everything the staff did to make us feel welcome. The tour of Denali park was on a bus—with upholstered/fitted individual seats—so when someone says it’s a school bus—that is not quite right. The tour lasts about 8 hours however—it feels like it flies by—we saw so many different species of animals—bears, moose, caribou, dal sheep etc etc..and the guide was a state park officer—very knowledgeable. We did an extra add-on and would absolutely recommend a flight seeing tour of Denali (the mountain) It is spectacular.
The last day is spent heading south again—and included a stop for pictures of McKinley, a visit to a dog sledding training center etc and then a night at a fabulous resort/spa. The rooms and food at this resort are just outstanding!
Embarkation was smooth and worry free. Our luggage arrived very quickly and with no problems. Our suites were very nice, clean and well appointed. Our steward was attentive without being smothering. We asked for some changes to what was stocked in the fridge—it was all done by mid morning of the first day. Meals in the ships restaurants were very nice. Overall we were quiet pleased with the food and service—We took advantage of all of the various venues including tea, the caviar experience, etc in the Navigator Lounge, and ate regularly at La Veranda and Compass Rose. We ate outside at the Grill once and enjoyed it—and part of our group regularly used room service and was quite happy.
We attended a few shows and found them fine. We also did some shopping on the ship—making use of ship-board credits. Part of our group used the salon facilities—though another member of the group could not get an appointment as they had all been booked very early in the cruise.
Disembarkation was easy--we took the Regent coach to the airport and easily made our flights. Regent book our returning air on American.
Rather than go on and on—please ask if you have a specific question. We would absolutely recommend Regent and the Navigator.
Our entire trip was handled by Regent. Our Alaska bound air was on Alaska Air. The flight was comfortable and the pre-reserved individual video/entertainment players were terrific. Alaska Air also guarantees you will have your luggage quickly and that was definitely the case.
Arriving in Anchorage- we were met by the cruise-tour agents—Premier—which is a sub contractor of Regents. Overall during our four days in Denali, the tour leader and bus driver were terrific. Our leader did an amazing job of detailing the history, culture, economy, wildlife, politic etc etc. The bus driver kept the coach comfortable, clean and on schedule.
Upon arriving in Anchorage, we were transferred with luggage to the hotel--we stayed at the Sheraton. The rooms were comfortable and check in with the information on baggage (some was stored until ship time—some went with us), ground transfers, itinerary etc. Food at the Sheraton (dinner) was disappointing; however the Sheraton breakfast was much better.
The pre-cruise tour was excellent. Just terrific. We spent a bit of time on a very nice motor coach—then transferred to the observation lounge cars of the train. The meal on the train was sufficient. Hotel in Denali was at the Grande. It was more rustic. The views were lovely. The food ranged from amazing to average..as did the service. We were very pleased and appreciated everything the staff did to make us feel welcome. The tour of Denali park was on a bus—with upholstered/fitted individual seats—so when someone says it’s a school bus—that is not quite right. The tour lasts about 8 hours however—it feels like it flies by—we saw so many different species of animals—bears, moose, caribou, dal sheep etc etc..and the guide was a state park officer—very knowledgeable. We did an extra add-on and would absolutely recommend a flight seeing tour of Denali (the mountain) It is spectacular.
The last day is spent heading south again—and included a stop for pictures of McKinley, a visit to a dog sledding training center etc and then a night at a fabulous resort/spa. The rooms and food at this resort are just outstanding!
Embarkation was smooth and worry free. Our luggage arrived very quickly and with no problems. Our suites were very nice, clean and well appointed. Our steward was attentive without being smothering. We asked for some changes to what was stocked in the fridge—it was all done by mid morning of the first day. Meals in the ships restaurants were very nice. Overall we were quiet pleased with the food and service—We took advantage of all of the various venues including tea, the caviar experience, etc in the Navigator Lounge, and ate regularly at La Veranda and Compass Rose. We ate outside at the Grill once and enjoyed it—and part of our group regularly used room service and was quite happy.
We attended a few shows and found them fine. We also did some shopping on the ship—making use of ship-board credits. Part of our group used the salon facilities—though another member of the group could not get an appointment as they had all been booked very early in the cruise.
Disembarkation was easy--we took the Regent coach to the airport and easily made our flights. Regent book our returning air on American.
Rather than go on and on—please ask if you have a specific question. We would absolutely recommend Regent and the Navigator.