Help with plans to get to Denali and than Anchorage please

[mommybearx2]

We are cruising with NCL July 2013 of next year. We are cruising with 4 other families. We are doing Northbound from Vancouver and ending up in Whittier on Monday July 8th at 8:00AM. At this time, we are not expecting to go back to Alaska, but after reading this board for months, that could very likely change.

Two of the families would like to go to Denali after departing the ship. (total of 6 people age 15 to 72) I realize that having more time would be optimal, but IF need to fly out by Wednesday PM, what suggestions would people make for getting to Denali, where to stay and than getting to Anchorage to fly home to Maine.

Thinking will spend Tuesday, July 9th doing the park shuttle.

Thanks for your time.

[Budget Queen]

I would only suggest, getting a car rental day of disembarkment and driving to Denali. Allow 6 hours from Anchorage, and at least 1 1/4 hours Whittier/Anchorage. Shuttle bus into Denali to at least Eielson. Drive back to Anchorage on Wed.

Not ideal but doable. You will have to determine, if all that driving is worth it.

There are many lodging choices, depends on your preferences and budget.

[mapleleaves]

Avis is the only car rental in Whittier. Price a one-way rental for 3 days, then price a one way rental Whittier - Anchorage, with another roundtrip rental that you will pick up and return in Anchorage. The price may or may not be worth the effort. Car prices change constantly; reserve the best deal then check all the sites frequently for a price drop. Be aware of hours of operation for the Anton Anderson tunnel to leave Whitter. Miss it and you wait an hour.
Accomodation listing from Denali Chamber has hotels, cabins, B&B, even a a hostel. Look over trip reports to get suggestions.
http://www.alaskaone.com/_dcc/accommodations/

[mommybearx2]

Thank you for the input. I have been trying to thread together ideas through past posts, but figured I would try the direct route. Does it make sense to get transfer to Anchorage and rent car from there since that is where we will be flying home from?

[vbmom87]

Originally Posted by mommybearx2

Thank you for the input. I have been trying to thread together ideas through past posts, but figured I would try the direct route. Does it make sense to get transfer to Anchorage and rent car from there since that is where we will be flying home from?

Yes, others have reported to have taken a direct transfer and then rented the car once in Anchorage. It is surely doable, but I would only consider this if I could get a very early transfer. You have been given several other good options. I would price out all the options and see what works best for you. If money is no object, getting the rental car in Whittier and heading to Denali will get you on the road quickly and maximize your time with the ability to perhaps make some stops on the way to Denali. To save money, do what mapleleaves suggested and rent the one way rental in Whittier and then drive it straight to the airport in Anchorage, turn it in and pick up a another rental. You will lose some time doing this. You will have to determine if the cost savings is worth it or not to you. Another option is to check the downtown rentals, but with an airport drop-off. Lots of options, just price them out and do whatever YOU are most comfortable with.

[BubMunkeyBles]

We're on the same cruise I think.

A roundtrip rental from Anchorage would be much cheaper but you'll save time going straight to Denali from debarkation. With how short of a time you have to explore Denali I'd probably splurge for a one way rental from Whittier to Anchorage airport.

[mapleleaves]

Originally Posted by mommybearx2

Thank you for the input. I have been trying to thread together ideas through past posts, but figured I would try the direct route. Does it make sense to get transfer to Anchorage and rent car from there since that is where we will be flying home from?

I think getting getting a one-way rental in Whittier for all 3 days is the best use of your limited time. Drop it off at the airport when you're ready to fly home.
How many people in the group? A transfer will cost about $50pp. Did you price out the various car options?
- If there are 4 people, the transfers will be $200 plus $200 for a RT rental car in Anchorage.
- If you rent a car in Whittier with a drop off at the airport 3 days later, the cost is about $350. (i used 8/20/12 as a date)
Getting the car in Whittier gives you the ability to explore during the drive between Whittier and Anchorage. It's a very scenic along the Turnagain Arm. Suggested stops in this link:
http://alaska.org/driving/portage-va...spur-drive.htm
Take your time and make an enjoyable day of your drive to denali ! No need to rush. Have a nice b'fast on the ship, then get the car in time to make the 9am or 10am tunnel opening. Make several stops on the way to Anchorage as suggested in the link.... pan for gold, stop at the Wildlife Center, look for goats on the ridges. Whittier is only 1 hr from Anchorage but give yourself 3-4 hrs to explore. Maybe stop in Wasilla, just north of anchorage, for a late lunch, pick up snacks/supplies, then finish the drive to Denali. About 5 hrs plus a few more stops.

[mommybearx2]

Thank you again for all the suggestions. I have been working on this trip since January and Cruise Critic has been the biggest help. What I thought we were going to originally do has totally changed because of research and reading threads on this board. What makes it more interesting for me is I am not just planning for us, planning for 5 other families too.

I am going to price out renting from Whittier and also the Whittier/Anchorage option. There are a total of 6 of us so would need a mini van and need to keep luggage to minimum. Need to do a search to see what the rental options are in Whittier since I can't remember.

Thanks again for everyone's time.

[mapleleaves]

Originally Posted by mommybearx2

I am going to price out renting from Whittier and also the Whittier/Anchorage option. There are a total of 6 of us so would need a mini van and need to keep luggage to minimum. Need to do a search to see what the rental options are in Whittier since I can't remember.

Thanks again for everyone's time.

There is only 1 vendor in Whittier , AVIS. The office closes mid Sept thru May so if you want estimates, do it before they close for the yr otherwise you get an unavailable message.
6 adults and luggage in a minivan might be tough. Not much fits in the back ... altho you will have some room on the floor of back bench seat. Minivans go quickly so reserve now if there's no cancel fee. If the rate goes down you can always cancel and re-book.