Alaska Cruise Tour advice needed...

[TylerRose]

Currently booked for 11 day Cruise tour next year including Anchorage, Seward, Fairbanks, And overnight Denali . DH now able to take 2 weeks!
Debating upgrading to HAL Cruise Tour 22 including Coldfoot, Prudhoe bay, (North Pole, Arctic circle, Gates of Arctic National Park)
OR
adding on a precruise package to Nome & Kotzebue... before tour 24.

Need advice from those who've done it. HAL PCC is checking access for mobilty impaired tourists. DH is very into photography, teens fascinated by visiting Eskimo villiage. But I have read little about these areas and what I have found on internet is minimal.

I know cruisetours can be exhausting... I need honest feedback, DH wants to do it ALL, MIL with limited Vision & Mobilty just wants to go on vacation & survive the experience!
HAL PCC said if HAL has a contract "there" it meets HAL standards. But could not really tell me how much bus time was involved, if it was worth the visit, or what accomodations would really be like. ie I love rustic, but MIL can't do 3 flights of steps, etc.

Thanks in advance!

[localady]

TylerRose,

I just know you will love the Ryndam! She was a jewel even before her renovation! I can't help with the itinerary other than to suggest you cruise last, after the land portion, it's a relaxing, picturesque cruise. I hope your MIL will be able to handle getting on the buses and train. As I remember it was quite a climb onto the train and you are on the second level for train travel, except when dining. Congrats, it sounds like a great cruise.:eek:

p.s. This last summer it was in the 80's on our 7/9-23/04 Ryndam cruise!:eek:

[RuthC]

I did the Anchorage/Kotzebue/Nome/Anchorage tour independently many years ago. I loved it and was very glad I took it, but it was exhausting. We rose at some ungodly hour to catch an early Alaska Airlines flight to Kotzebue. When we arrived a few hours later we were met by our tour guide to start the excursion.

We climbed on a small van-type bus and headed out to the tundra where it was cold and windy. Footing could be difficult for MIL; she might need to stay on the bus---missing the point of the stop.
We then headed to "town" and drove around learning of the history and culture of the natives. After a stop at the hotel restaurant for lunch we went to a performance by the locals. That was very interesting. Then back to the airport for a short flight to Nome.

Talk about rustic! You could smell how rustic it was! The hotel was a one-story affair with long, cold, narrow corridors. The teeny-tiny room was comfortable enough for one night, but just barely.
Dinner was in a separate restaurant---outside, short walk. Again, MIL might have trouble here. Think old west wooden sidewalks up above the street. View was wonderful out toward the broad, cold ocean. "Beach" is stones.
Next morning we had free time to walk around the town, view, and shop. It's neat to see the sign where the Ididarod ends. Then we saw a dog-sled team and driver and had a chance to talk with him. After a bus tour of town it was back to the airport for a long flight back. We arrived late afternoon of the second day.

As I said, this was back in '96, so some things might have changed. I would highly recommend the tour if possible, but I have some concerns that it might be too difficult for your group.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[TylerRose]

RuthC,

Thanks so much for your specific descriptions. Most people don't realize how important those details are to disabled people.

We went to Japan a few years back. Tour Company and Guide assured us everything was wheelchair accessable. Our standards and theres however were quite different. To my MIL horror wc accessable meant... they provided two men to carry her up and down stairs and over the rock gardens!

Your description is exactly what I hoped for to make an educated decision!:)



Local Lady,

Thanks for reply. This will be our third trip to Alaska. After cruisetour we plan to spend the full week enjoying every moment on the Ryndam. I can't speak for everyone in the family, but I loved the helicopters, float planes, dog sleds, whale watches, and Bear hikes... memories live on, don't need to do any of it again (YET!) We'll hussel about to do it all week one... and relax it off week two!:D

[localady]

TylerRose-

I agree wholeheartedly! But for the crowds, I could see myself cruising in Alaska at least every 2 years, it's such a peaceful, awesome cruise! We have cruised there the last 2 summers, this next year it's off to the Baltic for the long summer nights. But you just never know about 2006!:eek: :cool:

[Budget Queen]

Since you have been to Alaska before have you been interior? You orginal tour is too short, way too much time in transit compared at the destinations. Also be fully aware- very few if ANY kids are on these tours- it is just too costly for what you get, your cabin arrangement is how the hotels are set up- so if you are going with a quad cabin, then you will all be in one hotel room with only 2 beds. As for you itinerary question- again- determine WHY you are looking at Coldfoot and Prudhoe Bay??? Is it too see the Arctic ocean? Better is to go to Barrow, do you want a pipeline terminal tour?? Understand fully that you are on a rough road for about 500 miles- and a lot of BORING scenery, fires demolished thousands of acres. Frankly- I fly up and only consider this trip with several days, you don't have enough time with only 7 additional total. Coldfoot is an ugly "truck stop" basic accomdations, Yukon Crossing- likely meal stop as there is nothing for miles is excellent food- but again converted ugly pipeline lodging. It truly is the HAUL Road and if a first time visitor- too much time is spent here. The kids will be bored out of their minds. :) There is far more to do and see in other areas. This tour only includes a "drive by " the edge of the Gates of the Arctic park- not likely a lot of wildlife as you don't leave the road. I shuttle back from Coldfoot and am lucky to see a couple moose on the 250 mile trip. :) Think carefully and research fully. The more you know the better. I would also encourage you to look at NON cruiseline tours- far superior and way better value. http://www.explorenorth.com/ has some recommendations. With HAL you have the big bonus of Seward- take advantage of being there- NOT likely with a cruisetour as they leave in the morning- you are missing an excellent opportunity. You could arrange another tour leaving from Anchorage- spend at least the day in Seward then leave on the 6pm train- superior scenery compared to the Seward Highway. Or go for an overnight.

[TylerRose]

Thanks again Budget Queen.

I am following your advice, and putting in the research time when ever I can.

But for now, we are sticking with what we booked and planning 3-5 days on our own! The Barrow web site is among the most attention getting and welcoming I've seen!