Cruise and Canadian Rockies Package or Separate

[Pagan]

Hi - we are hoping to take an Alaskan cruise in May/June this year and are undecided whether to take a package add on with the cruise or separate into two itineraries.

 

We plan to fly to Vancouver and pick up the cruise there or we could take a land journey from Calgary first. We live in New Zealand and have previously used Vacationtogo for cruise bookings when we lived in the UK. But are now finding we will pay a premium for certain cruise lines as non US residents, Princess and the like.

 

The cruise section seems pretty straight forward (ish) - but would appreciate pointers for the best route and ships if possible.

 

For the land part we would love to hear from trippers for a suggested itinerary, we are very keen to include at least one/two nights on a train. We also want to include Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary etc.

 

I hear the Rockie Mountaineer is better as it does not travel through the night. We really do not want a rush on and rush off take a scenic photo and onwards type coach tour.

 

We plan around 7 days cruise and 7 (could be a day or two more) days touring the Rockies from Vancouver.

 

We are both (fairly) active - 55 plus ;)

 

Thank you all if you are able to help.