AKStafford

I'm not aware of anybody that does just a couple of hour boat ride in Prince William Sound...

Are you sure? I live here in Alaska and drove tour bus for two summer for the cruise lines. Based on that, in my opinion, putting the trip together yourself, using a rental car is the better way to go.

If you want to ensure the item is made in Alaska, look for the official "Made in Alaska" logo. https://www.facebook.com/buythebear If you want to ensure an item was made by an Alaska Native, look for the Silver Hand logo: https://arts.alaska.gov/silverhand

Just my opinion, but I think DIY is a better way to see Southcentral & Interior Alaska. Rent a car and you can choose what you want to do, where you want to stay, what you want to eat and move at your own pace. It's pretty easy to plan, Alaska is pretty simple. You'll get help here, and you can also do some research over at the TripAdvisor Forum for Alaska travel: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28923-i349-Alaska.html

Very scenic.

Those are three great options.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is still operating and going to the road closure at mile 43 of the park road. A much cheaper option is the transit bus. It travels the same road with the same views and is much cheaper: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

Here's the website for Icy Strait Point. For most of their activities, you book with the cruise line. https://icystraitpoint.com/ From their FAQ's: Do I have to book excursions through my cruise line? While we allocate much of our tour inventory to the cruise ship that is in port for the day, Icy Strait Point does sell a limited number of tours directly from our website that may be booked directly. However, tours that are not sold on www.icystraitpoint.com may only be purchased via their cruise line or after arriving onsite. Cruise ship guests are encouraged to book their tours at their cruise lines’ websites prior to arrival. You may also book your tours from Icy Strait Point directly upon arrival. However, these bookings will depend on availability and many of our tours sell out. We strongly recommend booking tours in advance.

Instead of the prepackaged cruise line tour, what about traveling independently and putting together your own great trip?

Any weather forecast for Alaska that is more than 36 hours out is just a guess.

For Icy Strait Point, I would pre-book with Glacier Winds for a whale watching trip.

Phillips wouldn't stay in business long if they were causing people to miss their cruise ships.

Phillips designs their schedule to work with the cruise ship. The Phillips dock is right next to the cruise terminal.

So a 1am departure means a 11am check-in. Having dinner in there somewhere will take up some time. I like spending time here, watching the planes take off and land: https://goo.gl/maps/YcnHbgJM8F6CvzoEA The view from Glen Alps is always nice.

Not that I am aware of. And there's no mention of it on their website. You could always contact them and ask: https://alaskawildlife.org/visit/

The train stop at Portage is just a large gravel pad. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is within walking distance, but the walk is along a very busy highway. If you looking for a relaxing down day in a scenic location, Whittier is a good spot.

Transit bus. Same road, same views. Much cheaper. https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

How would Carnival know if you booked it privately?

https://alaskaraptor.org/visit-us/

Nothing here in Southcentral Alaska.

Yep. It is.

Take the shuttle bus into the Park: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

Why not just call them: (907) 789-8600 ?

I've got a friend working construction on the Dalton Highway. He was told to plan on working until late October. Of course they probably don't get the snow that Denali does...

The road is still open to Mile 43.