Alaska 2016 Excursions Help

Alaska 2016 Excursions are open for booking. We are booked on the 15 day Connoisseur Escorted Cruise tour in May, our first for Alaska. There are a couple of excursions already included, and I realize, there might be some that will not be available that early in the season.

I have also read several reviews on the Alaskan cruises and the information is there on excursions, but, I thought if I asked the question:

For each Alaska location, what was your best excursion and why?:)

Fairbanks

Denali

McKinley

Kenai

Skagway

Juneau

Ketchikan

Vancouver

Thank you for your time and attention in advance

Alaska 2016 Excursions are open for booking. We are booked on the 15 day Connoisseur Escorted Cruise tour in May, our first for Alaska. There are a couple of excursions already included, and I realize, there might be some that will not be available that early in the season.

 

I have also read several reviews on the Alaskan cruises and the information is there on excursions, but, I thought if I asked the question:

 

For each Alaska location, what was your best excursion and why?:)

 

Fairbanks

Denali

McKinley

Kenai

Skagway

Juneau

Ketchikan

Vancouver

 

Thank you for your time and attention in advance

Skagway - The Whitepass Railway and bus tour

Juneau or Ketchikan - Whale watching tour

There also are other tours . Flight tours , boat to Misty Fiord, dog sled tours etc.

Check these vids for ideas.... once off the boat... all the port excursions are about the same.... you might need more than 7 days to enjoy all of Vancouver....

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For each Alaska location, what was your best excursion and why?:)

 

Fairbanks

Denali

McKinley

Kenai

Skagway

Juneau

Ketchikan

Vancouver

 

Thank you for your time and attention in advance

I haven't been to all of these, but my "best" for the ones I've been to would be:

Skagway - Bennett Scenic Journey with Chilkoot Charters

(but we also enjoy renting a car and driving to the Yukon ourselves)

Juneau - Whale watching with Orca Enterprises

Ketchikan - Misty Fjords flight with Michelle of Island Wings

Of course, there are many other things we have enjoyed, but these are the top ones.

Alaska 2016 Excursions are open for booking. We are booked on the 15 day Connoisseur Escorted Cruise tour in May, our first for Alaska. There are a couple of excursions already included, and I realize, there might be some that will not be available that early in the season.

 

I have also read several reviews on the Alaskan cruises and the information is there on excursions, but, I thought if I asked the question:

 

For each Alaska location, what was your best excursion and why?:)

 

Fairbanks

Denali

McKinley

Kenai

Skagway

Juneau

Ketchikan

Vancouver

 

Thank you for your time and attention in advance

There are hundreds of tours available. My favorites aren't going to be yours. :) Why did you choose this cruise tour? Were there tours you wished to include? Your mainland- locations at the McKinley Lodge and Kenai Lodge- are isolated, and will require a 2 hour round trip transfer to Talkeetna and Seward. I would suggest, if on the train- you take advantage of being there and plan your activities after or before the train arrival/departure. You don't want to make the commute more than you have to. :)

You do know about the Toklat Shuttle- which will be the SAME distance with your included TWT? Would be ahead a couple hundred dollars, if you cancel and switch. Of course, this will involve some independent effort on your part. :)

I always am in the air in Alaska, no better way to see the beauty and vastness. You have the opportunity of some excellent views of varied wildlife out of Kenai Fjords.

There are hundreds of tours available. My favorites aren't going to be yours. :) Why did you choose this cruise tour? Were there tours you wished to include? Your mainland- locations at the McKinley Lodge and Kenai Lodge- are isolated, and will require a 2 hour round trip transfer to Talkeetna and Seward. I would suggest, if on the train- you take advantage of being there and plan your activities after or before the train arrival/departure. You don't want to make the commute more than you have to. :)

 

You do know about the Toklat Shuttle- which will be the SAME distance with your included TWT? Would be ahead a couple hundred dollars, if you cancel and switch. Of course, this will involve some independent effort on your part. :)

 

I always am in the air in Alaska, no better way to see the beauty and vastness. You have the opportunity of some excellent views of varied wildlife out of Kenai Fjords.

First Thank you for so many suggestions!!!

You do know about the Toklat Shuttle- which will be the SAME distance with your included TWT?- have no idea what this is. Can you explain?:confused:

Why did you choose this cruise tour?

We chose one of the "longest most complete as we could tours" because it is probably the only time I will get my husband up there. He hates flying and gets motion sickness so he is nervous about the cruise. He has never gotten sick on a train, however, so...we are flying non-stop to Anchorage a week before the 15 day tour starts and staying for several days in Vancouver after the cruise and flying non-stop home, but that's going to be the only flying he's going to do.:rolleyes:

We have reservations on the Alaskan Train from Anchorage to Talkeetna and staying there for 2 nights. Then on the train again to Fairbanks, where the tour starts. We do have a couple of excursions included but we also have free time so that's why I asked the question. Again, this is probably the only time I will get my husband up there.

We have gone on many 3 - 4 week tours (not cruises) before each with one "carry on size" suitcase with temps that were all over the place and we do fine. We are use to that sort of travel.

check these vids for ideas.... Once off the boat... All the port excursions are about the same.... You might need more than 7 days to enjoy all of vancouver....

 

 

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tha:nk you so much!!!!!

Juneau Taku Lodge & 5 Glacier Scenic Flight-seeing Tour with

Wings.

Seward Kenai Fjords Boat Tour. Take longest voyage possible

Talkeetna Flight-seeing Tour of Mt. Denali & Glacier Landing was

wonderful with Talkeetna Air Taxi.

Icy Strait Point Although you are not going there, we enjoyed the best

Whale Watching ever for us. If you enjoy these kind of

events, take a small boat out of Juneau, as many claim

very good results.

We did 7 days pre-trip on land before our cruise out of Seward. We enjoyed the flexibility of time by using a rental car. With all the good help here on Cruise Critic, the planning became easier. Lodging, food, driving times. However there are so many options as things to do... Many times the locals

assisted us & we changed our plans to take advantage of their knowledge.

Good Luck, John

First Thank you for so many suggestions!!!

 

You do know about the Toklat Shuttle- which will be the SAME distance with your included TWT?- have no idea what this is. Can you explain?:confused:

 

Why did you choose this cruise tour?

 

We chose one of the "longest most complete as we could tours" because it is probably the only time I will get my husband up there. He hates flying and gets motion sickness so he is nervous about the cruise. He has never gotten sick on a train, however, so...we are flying non-stop to Anchorage a week before the 15 day tour starts and staying for several days in Vancouver after the cruise and flying non-stop home, but that's going to be the only flying he's going to do.:rolleyes:

 

We have reservations on the Alaskan Train from Anchorage to Talkeetna and staying there for 2 nights. Then on the train again to Fairbanks, where the tour starts. We do have a couple of excursions included but we also have free time so that's why I asked the question. Again, this is probably the only time I will get my husband up there.

 

We have gone on many 3 - 4 week tours (not cruises) before each with one "carry on size" suitcase with temps that were all over the place and we do fine. We are use to that sort of travel.

OK I am going to be blunt- WHY did you choose Talkeetna? Especially twice? AND for 2 additional days?????

As for the Toklat Shuttle- I encourage you to find out the details in what you purchased. Your included Tundra Wilderness tour- will be going 53 miles into the park. the bus picks up at the Denali Princess. You stay with the same bus all day. From the Wilderness Access Center- which is a mile+ from the Princess Lodge- with the Princess Lodge having shuttles to there. From the WAC- there are Toklat Shuttle buses available- also going to mile 53. You DO have to take in all your own food and drink- Princess Lodge has box lunches, and there is a limited supply at the WAC. In the past Princess has refunded their tours- which would be over $200. Toklat shuttles are less than $30pp.

Going along with my "harsh" comments- I suggest you reconsider your Talkeetna idea, in my opinion you are wasting these days. There is so little to do, and Mt Denali is rarely visible. Hopefully you weren't staying at the McKinley Princess? Consider the extra days in Fairbanks? Plenty to see and do- with cruisetours, seeing very little. In my opinion a car rental is necessary. Alternative- go to Seward- this is the most scenic segment of the train. You don't state how many days you are at the Kenai Princess or what you are doing? But Seward is a multiday location. Or- go to Whittier and take advantage of an extremely scenic Prince William Sound boat tour. Your cruisetour doesn't allow you to include it.

Even though your husband doesn't like flying- flying Anchorage/Fairbanks is only an hour and a fraction of the cost of the same train route you are already taking. Which parallels the Parks Highway. Bonus is the scenery- sitting on the left has an opportunity for a Mt Denali view. Even partial- is excellent. :) just alternative suggestions.

We did 7 days pre-trip on land before our cruise out of Seward. We enjoyed the flexibility of time by using a rental car. With all the good help here on Cruise Critic, the planning became easier. Lodging, food, driving times. However there are so many options as things to do... Many times the locals assisted us & we changed our plans to take advantage of their knowledge.

Good Luck, John

John,

Would you be willing to share where you went/what you saw on your 7 day DIY? We are planning 10 days with a rental car and are very interested in the possibilities. I can give you my email if that would be easier.

Libtrek Mary

I agree with Budget Queen...forget Talkeetna! Over rated. We were there in Sept. as part of the Princess Off the Beaten Track land/cruise trip. Even though it is not mentioned...do not take the Kennicott/McCarthy tour...unless you fly into/out of! The road is VERY rough... The BEST excursion we did was in Kethican - and I can't think of the name...but you go out on a boat and catch dungenus crabs...then have a crab feast...all you can eat! If you like crabs - this is a great deal!!

Enjoy your trip! We were exhausted by the time we got to the ship after doing 7 days on the land!!

OK I am going to be blunt- WHY did you choose Talkeetna? Especially twice? AND for 2 additional days?????

 

As for the Toklat Shuttle- I encourage you to find out the details in what you purchased. Your included Tundra Wilderness tour- will be going 53 miles into the park. the bus picks up at the Denali Princess. You stay with the same bus all day. From the Wilderness Access Center- which is a mile+ from the Princess Lodge- with the Princess Lodge having shuttles to there. From the WAC- there are Toklat Shuttle buses available- also going to mile 53. You DO have to take in all your own food and drink- Princess Lodge has box lunches, and there is a limited supply at the WAC. In the past Princess has refunded their tours- which would be over $200. Toklat shuttles are less than $30pp.

 

Going along with my "harsh" comments- I suggest you reconsider your Talkeetna idea, in my opinion you are wasting these days. There is so little to do, and Mt Denali is rarely visible. Hopefully you weren't staying at the McKinley Princess? Consider the extra days in Fairbanks? Plenty to see and do- with cruisetours, seeing very little. In my opinion a car rental is necessary. Alternative- go to Seward- this is the most scenic segment of the train. You don't state how many days you are at the Kenai Princess or what you are doing? But Seward is a multiday location. Or- go to Whittier and take advantage of an extremely scenic Prince William Sound boat tour. Your cruisetour doesn't allow you to include it.

 

Even though your husband doesn't like flying- flying Anchorage/Fairbanks is only an hour and a fraction of the cost of the same train route you are already taking. Which parallels the Parks Highway. Bonus is the scenery- sitting on the left has an opportunity for a Mt Denali view. Even partial- is excellent. :) just alternative suggestions.

Oh Dear

I am glad you are blunt. And the reason I posted this here was because I wanted assistance, so thank you for both.

We are flying into Anchorage and getting there in the morning after a red eye flight (the only non-stop which is the reason why). We will tour that day, have one night, then spend the day touring so the Talkeetna stop was a "resting" stop in a way. We get there midday, stay the next day and leave the next morning. So really only 1 day. We have a place in town - not the lodge. We are spending extra days in Fairbanks.

But based upon your recommendations I will revisit this part of the trip plan. I have time to make the changes. Continuing with our trip;

Denali National Park is next and the afternoon after the coach ride down is at leisure. So I wanted an optional excursion for this stop.

The next day is the Denali National Park TUNDRA WILDERNESS TOUR. I have read where some have suggested up grading to another tour which I think I would like to do- but you are saying to dump this entirely - get refunded from Princess and take the Toklat Shuttle buses (?).

The next day - McKinley - only one night here.

Because we were going to be in Talkeetna before we were going to spend our time at McKinley and only the evening is at leisure. The next day we leave - McKinley to Kenai.

We have 2 days open for tours at the Kenai Park. Here is where I could use some advice too - could we rent a car from here and visit Seward? Or, go to Whittier and take the Prince William Sound boat tour. Again - the distance would not be too far from the Kenai Park?

Then the motor coach from Kenai to Whittier to board the ship. As far as flying - I would in a heartbeat - but I am doing good getting my husband on the plane to Alaska. :rolleyes:

I would appreciate any comments or recommendations.

Thanks in advance.:D

All of the above suggestions and advice is good. While it's helpful to get opinions from experienced cruisers, remember it is your vacation. Do what you want to do. The final decision is yours so don't second guess yourself.

Now, I'll duck as the flaming begins. :cool:

Oh Dear

I am glad you are blunt. And the reason I posted this here was because I wanted assistance, so thank you for both.

 

We are flying into Anchorage and getting there in the morning after a red eye flight (the only non-stop which is the reason why). We will tour that day, have one night, then spend the day touring so the Talkeetna stop was a "resting" stop in a way. We get there midday, stay the next day and leave the next morning. So really only 1 day. We have a place in town - not the lodge. We are spending extra days in Fairbanks.

 

But based upon your recommendations I will revisit this part of the trip plan. I have time to make the changes. Continuing with our trip;

 

Denali National Park is next and the afternoon after the coach ride down is at leisure. So I wanted an optional excursion for this stop.

 

The next day is the Denali National Park TUNDRA WILDERNESS TOUR. I have read where some have suggested up grading to another tour which I think I would like to do- but you are saying to dump this entirely - get refunded from Princess and take the Toklat Shuttle buses (?).

 

The next day - McKinley - only one night here.

Because we were going to be in Talkeetna before we were going to spend our time at McKinley and only the evening is at leisure. The next day we leave - McKinley to Kenai.

 

We have 2 days open for tours at the Kenai Park. Here is where I could use some advice too - could we rent a car from here and visit Seward? Or, go to Whittier and take the Prince William Sound boat tour. Again - the distance would not be too far from the Kenai Park?

 

Then the motor coach from Kenai to Whittier to board the ship. As far as flying - I would in a heartbeat - but I am doing good getting my husband on the plane to Alaska. :rolleyes:

 

I would appreciate any comments or recommendations.

Thanks in advance.:D

There are a few comments that don't make sense to me. You state you are only 1 day in Talkeetna? BUT with 2 nights there? Since you are returning on a cruisetour- cut that back to 1 night, if I am reading you right? Add the day for another day in Anchorage- You could do a Prince William Sound boat tour, etc

A car rental is "necessary" in Fairbanks- IF you are there early? It is a difficult areas to get around efficiently and if you rely on cabs- you'll likely be paying a lot more than a car would have cost. Plenty to see and do- http://www.explorefairbanks.com

Denali Park- are you only going there once or twice? My confusion. There is NO "tour" to "upgrade" to. You are going too early. The TWT and Toklat shuttle go to the SAME place. My point is the significant cost savings- if you choose to take advantage of it. It DOES require some independent effort on your park. I posted all the details above.

Now for your Kenai stay- no you can't rent any cars here. IF you want out of there, you are dependent on Princess. You will have to book a PWS tour with them (which will be Philps 26 glacier tour) I already suggested you consider doing this from Anchorage, where you would have your choice of tour. Same with Seward, you will have to book transportation to Seward with Princess. They offer a Kenai Fjords tours- but use one vendor with a limited choice. You can shuttle to Seward and book your own, if you choose to do so. The trip McKinley Princess to Kenai Princess is going to be at least- 5 hours- by bus with stops. with the last 2 hours the scenic portion- after Anchorage.

Hopefully you can make some improvement changes to suit your travels.

Thank you to all!

And BudgetQueen. I will definitely revisit my plans with the information you provided. And P.S. we live in Vegas now, but my husband is originally from Buffalo.:)

We did 7 days pre-trip on land before our cruise out of Seward. We enjoyed the flexibility of time by using a rental car. With all the good help here on Cruise Critic, the planning became easier. Lodging, food, driving times. However there are so many options as things to do... Many times the locals assisted us & we changed our plans to take advantage of their knowledge.

 

Good Luck, John

John,

Would you be willing to share where you went/what you saw on your 7 day DIY? We are planning 10 days with a rental car and are very interested in the possibilities. I can give you my email if that would be easier.

Libtrek Mary

Hi Mary

Just send me an email at sfaigle@aol.com

I will try to answer all your questions

As these exchanges may be long I think email is best

Best Wishes, John

 

As these exchanges may be long I think email is best

 

Best Wishes, John

It would be great if you posted here, so that others can benefit, too.

We did 7 days pre-trip on land before our cruise out of Seward.

Have you considered starting a separate thread and give some details of what you did, etc.? There are many who would benefit from your experience.

Have you considered starting a separate thread and give some details of what you did, etc.? There are many who would benefit from your experience.

Hi Jim

On September 24th 2015 I produced a written review on the Alaska Ports section or Forum

I believe this review is still available on page 2.

Title:

Just Returned on Celebrity Millennium Seward to Vancouver B.C.

Should there be any more questions, I will try to answer them or you can email me at sfaigle@aol.com

Happy Travels, John

Hi Jim

 

On September 24th 2015 I produced a written review on the Alaska Ports section or Forum

 

I believe this review is still available on page 2.

 

Title:

Just Returned on Celebrity Millennium Seward to Vancouver B.C.

 

Should there be any more questions, I will try to answer them or you can email me at sfaigle@aol.com

 

Happy Travels, John

Thanks, John. I'll take a look at it. I'm sure many other vacation planners will view it as well.