Coral Princess NB and then connoisseur land

Hello,

We are going on a NB Alaskan cruise on the Coral Princess May 27th for our sons HS graduation present. We will then do a 5 night connoisseur land tour afterwards.

Has anyone done this cruise tour? Any tips or hints? What did you like about it?

Thanks

5 days isn't a lot of time. You should prepare the kids, that they will likely be the only one on the land tour. Did you happen to consider going independent?

You have chosen the right direction for the ship, as it puts you in Denali after June 1.

If you have no interest in an alternative independent plan, at least, consider seeing if you can get refunds of the TWT and book yourself on the Eielson Shuttle. A superior location, with some meal money left over. :) (no additional costs for you), just a suggestion.

You may have the meal package? You may still like to consider some additional Alaska food sampling.

Thanks budget queen. Why is it better for Denali after June 1?

Thanks budget queen. Why is it better for Denali after June 1?

Very important- getting more distance INTO Denali. :)

The park road doesn't fully open until June 8.

But on June 1 it is open to Eielson Visitor Center (mile 66) if you take the shuttle bus, or to Stoney Hill at mile 62 if you take the Tundra Wilderness Tour.

Map and details of the shuttle and tours buses are on the park web site:

https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/visiting-denali.htm

Also on the park reservation site:

http://www.reservedenali.com/shuttles.aspx

You will find several reports for connoisseur cruisetours if you look in the trip report STICKYS above.

The first line of the report usually indicates the ship, itinerary, date, etc.

OR you can use the SEARCH THIS FORUM tool with the word 'connoisseur' .

Here's one such report. A connoisseur cruisetour in late May:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2221466&highlight=connoisseur

I agree with BQ ... you might want to consider an independent land tour if you're travelling with teenagers. Suitcases at the door at 6-7am every morning doesn't usually go over well with teens. Rent a car, stay in hotels or cabins so you can travel at your own pace and visit places you want to see. Perhaps look at trip reports that include DIY land travel, especially ones with kids.

Have fun with your research !