What Cruise /tour would you pick Alaska

[NavyVeteran]

Maybe a B2B on Coral Princess: Sept 10 Whittier -Vancouver then Vancouver to Los Angeles on a wine country coastal cruise.

 

This would not be legal under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, since it would be a cruise from one US port (Whittier) to another US port (LA) without a stop at a distant foreign port. Sorry.

[Alaskanb]

This would not be legal under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, since it would be a cruise from one US port (Whittier) to another US port (LA) without a stop at a distant foreign port. Sorry.

So the stop in Vancouver does not count? It appears to be available --maybe as two separate cruises?

[Loonbeam]

I think an overnight stay in Vancouver would be required.

[happiness is cruising]

FOR SURE .. land first then cruise!!!

[NavyVeteran]

So the stop in Vancouver does not count? It appears to be available --maybe as two separate cruises?

 

A round trip back to the same US port requires a stop in any foreign port. For example, Seattle to Seattle with a stop in Victoria or Whittier to Whittier with a stop in Vancouver. But a one way between two different US ports requires a distant foreign port - not in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Even though it is sold as two cruises, it doesn't matter. Every passenger who got on the ship in Whittier has to get off in Vancouver - none can proceed to Los Angeles. However a B2B2B from Vancouver to Whittier to Vancouver to Los Angeles would be legal.

 

That is the only reason Princess has the one-night repositioning cruises between Seattle and Vancouver. They cannot sail (with passengers) from Seattle to Los Angeles.

[martincath]

Hi Alaskanb

 

I think the land tour first sounds like the way to go,

 

the issue DW has is the 14th is the must do something very special day,

 

getting ready to come home is not acceptable

 

yours Shogun

But if you did the suggested tour and extended it you wouldn't be getting ready to come home on the 14th - you'd be enjoying your first day of several in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Nicer restaurants by far than anything you'll find on Princess for your DWs special day too... lots and lots of vacation time for Brits, you can afford an extra day or three in Vancouver ;-)

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Princess has suggested this

 

Fairbanks

Friday, September 2

Alaska's "Golden Heart City" of Fairbanks is a great introduction to the heart of this unique state. Check in to the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge and get ready for the beginning of your adventure. Meet your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions this evening.

2 Fairbanks

Saturday, September 3

This morning, take a Gold Dredge #8 tour with the chance to pan for your own gold. Enjoy a miner's lunch before taking a cruise on an authentic Sternwheeler Riverboat down the Chena River. The evening is at leisure in Fairbanks. (B,L,D)

3 Fairbanks/Denali

Sunday, September 4

This morning, you say goodbye to Fairbanks for the spectacular trip to Denali National Park via scenic motorcoach. You'll be welcomed at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge for a 2-night retreat. Why not get to know the park with one of a variety of activities including a husky homestead tour, fly fishing or a glacier landing via helicopter. Enjoy dinner at the King Salmon Restaurant this evening. (L,D)

4 Denali

Monday, September 5

Start your morning with a quick stop at the Music of Denali Theatre for a hearty buffet breakfast. Explore Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour, watching for glimpses of Mt. McKinley as well as moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Enjoy the "Music of Denali" dinner theatre this evening. (B,L,D)

5 Denali/Mt. McKinley

Tuesday, September 6

Hop on the Princess Rail to Talkeetna and enjoy a scenic motorcoach trip to the south side of the park and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Take in the sensational views with a glass of wine in the Great Room or on the expansive deck. The Mountain View Restaurant is the perfect place for a relaxed dinner to end your day. (B,D)

6 Mt. McKinley/Kenai

Wednesday, September 7

Next you'll head by motorcoach across the stunning Kenai peninsula to Cooper Landing. Here the charming Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge welcomes you to the classic Alaskan lodge retreat - timber log construction and all. This evening, enjoy dinner in the Eagle Crest Restaurant. (B,D)

7 Kenai

Thursday, September 8

A full day in the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula awaits you. Perhaps you'll explore Kenai Fjords National Park, spend the afternoon river rafting or go fishing. Later, you'll return to your bungalow-style room with its wood-burning stove and sun porch for an evening of pure relaxation. (B,D)

Kenai

Friday, September 9

Another full day in the area is yours to spend as you wish. Enjoy your last night at the lodge. (B,D)

9 Kenai/Whittier

Saturday, September 10

Travel the scenic Seward Highway by motorcoach to Whittier and your awaiting cruise ship. Embark and sail this evening. (B)

9

Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska

Saturday, September 10

8:30 PM

10

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Scenic Cruising)

Sunday, September 11

3:00 PM 8:00 PM

11

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising)

Monday, September 12

9:15 AM 7:30 PM

12

Skagway, Alaska

Tuesday, September 13

7:00 AM 8:30 PM

13

Juneau, Alaska

Wednesday, September 14

6:30 AM 4:00 PM

14

Ketchikan, Alaska

Thursday, September 15

10:00 AM 6:00 PM

15

At Sea

Friday, September 16

16

Vancouver, British Columbia

Saturday, September 17

7:30 AM

16

Saturday, September 17

Arrive Vancouver, B.C.

*

 

what do you guys think

 

yours Shogun

[Alaskanb]

Sounds good! Go for it!

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Would the sledge dog trip at Juneau on 14th of Sept be closed by this date.

 

yours Shogun

[cruiser113]

Hi All

 

Princess has suggested this

 

Fairbanks

Friday, September 2

Alaska's "Golden Heart City" of Fairbanks is a great introduction to the heart of this unique state. Check in to the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge and get ready for the beginning of your adventure. Meet your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions this evening.

2 Fairbanks

Saturday, September 3

This morning, take a Gold Dredge #8 tour with the chance to pan for your own gold. Enjoy a miner's lunch before taking a cruise on an authentic Sternwheeler Riverboat down the Chena River. The evening is at leisure in Fairbanks. (B,L,D)

3 Fairbanks/Denali

Sunday, September 4

This morning, you say goodbye to Fairbanks for the spectacular trip to Denali National Park via scenic motorcoach. You'll be welcomed at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge for a 2-night retreat. Why not get to know the park with one of a variety of activities including a husky homestead tour, fly fishing or a glacier landing via helicopter. Enjoy dinner at the King Salmon Restaurant this evening. (L,D)

4 Denali

Monday, September 5

Start your morning with a quick stop at the Music of Denali Theatre for a hearty buffet breakfast. Explore Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour, watching for glimpses of Mt. McKinley as well as moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Enjoy the "Music of Denali" dinner theatre this evening. (B,L,D) Shogun we did this dinner theatre and really enjoyed it,5 Denali/Mt. McKinley

Tuesday, September 6

Hop on the Princess Rail to Talkeetna and enjoy a scenic motorcoach trip to the south side of the park and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Take in the sensational views with a glass of wine in the Great Room or on the expansive deck. The Mountain View Restaurant is the perfect place for a relaxed dinner to end your day. (B,D) when you get off the rail the motor coach to the lodge is about 45- 60 minutes if I remember correctly and the Mt view restaurant was wonderful.6 Mt. McKinley/Kenai

Wednesday, September 7

Next you'll head by motorcoach across the stunning Kenai peninsula to Cooper Landing. Here the charming Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge welcomes you to the classic Alaskan lodge retreat - timber log construction and all. This evening, enjoy dinner in the Eagle Crest Restaurant. (B,D)

7 Kenai

Thursday, September 8

A full day in the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula awaits you. Perhaps you'll explore Kenai Fjords National Park, spend the afternoon river rafting or go fishing. Later, you'll return to your bungalow-style room with its wood-burning stove and sun porch for an evening of pure relaxation. (B,D)

Kenai

Friday, September 9

Another full day in the area is yours to spend as you wish. Enjoy your last night at the lodge. (B,D)

9 Kenai/Whittier

Saturday, September 10

Travel the scenic Seward Highway by motorcoach to Whittier and your awaiting cruise ship. Embark and sail this evening. (B)

9

Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska

Saturday, September 10

8:30 PM

10

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska (Scenic Cruising)

Sunday, September 11

3:00 PM 8:00 PM

11

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Scenic Cruising)

Monday, September 12

9:15 AM 7:30 PM

12

Skagway, Alaska

Tuesday, September 13

7:00 AM 8:30 PM

13

Juneau, Alaska

Wednesday, September 14

6:30 AM 4:00 PM

14

Ketchikan, Alaska

Thursday, September 15

10:00 AM 6:00 PM

15

At Sea

Friday, September 16

16

Vancouver, British Columbia

Saturday, September 17

7:30 AM

16

Saturday, September 17

Arrive Vancouver, B.C.

*

 

what do you guys think

 

yours Shogun

 

I think this is an awesome way to get your special day on the 14th in Juneau.

 

Princess does a wonderful job making this all appear seamless. All the little details are taken care so all you have to do is relax and enjoy.

 

If memory serves my correct you can pack a suitcase for the ship and they will store it and it will meet up with you on the ship, that way you will not need so many clothes for the land portion.

 

We have completed two Alaskan cruises with the second one including the land portion. My only regret was not staying two days in Fairbanks. We did the cruise about the same time as your planned one. We did the cruise first and then land due to constraints of cruise and work. We closed up all the lodges on our trek to Fairbanks.

 

Hope this all works out for you and Donna.

Edited September 10, 2015 by cruiser113
color did not show up

[Alaskanb]

Hi All

 

Would the sledge dog trip at Juneau on 14th of Sept be closed by this date.

 

yours Shogun

This may help. I'm sure it all depends on weather etc.

http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/dog-sledding

[jnc411]

Hi Shogun: First thank you for the help and answers you have given us in the past. I would also suggest the land first tour ,then the sea portion. We chose the Of The Beaten Path tour and loved it. And both of our Alaska trips were in September , was fine with the weather , a bit cool the last few days , but hey , your in Alaska :). Wonderful trip , we intend to do it again hopefully in 2016. Have a wonderful time..

Cori

[Shogun]

Hi Cori

Thank you, for your reply, nice to hear from you may be we will meet up in Alaska

 

Yours Shogun

[Shogun]

Hi Alaskanb

 

Thanks for link

 

Yours Shogun

[caribill]

If you have not read it yet, my report on thge land part of our cruisetour may help you.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1727858

[Shogun]

Hi Caribill

 

Thanks for link nice pics,

 

yours Shogun

[EmpressofPurple]

Is this the connoisseur version with all those included meals? Sounds great!

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Forums mobile app

[Retiring cajun]

we did your first choice listed 2 yrs ago in august.. island princess. it was a great tour after a great cruise. the train ride was awesome. saw bears and we even saw Mt. Mckinley ( Denali). lodges were cool. nothing fancy. well we ended up in anchorage. it was a vancouver-anchorage cruise[emoji4]

[Shogun]

Hi There

 

Yes meals are included

 

 

yours Shogun

[MaChere]

If you have not read it yet, my report on thge land part of our cruisetour may help you.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1727858

 

caribill, great review and photos! I had not seen before. Our land tour was similar, from Fairbanks to Whittier, and we, too, were visited by the Upgrade Fairy at McKinley Lodge, a real treat! We had the other suite. Also no idea how this happened, but was delightful. That was our first sighting of Denali, from our suite window, when the clouds parted.

[Stickman505]

I see you'll be in Skagway. Princess offers a trip on the train to White Pass. One train ride is offered in the 14 passenger Luxury Car ( more expensive than the normal car, of course ). The cars are brand new this year and feature plush leather chairs and love seats. Lunch with wine and beer is included. The car also has an oversized observation deck. Another plus is that while the regular passengers wait in an outside, totally exposed long line, the Luxury tour passengers wait in a covered shed, board a bus for a very short ride to the train terminal in town to board. This was our favorite tour.

[robthens]

nukesubsailor hit the nail on the head. We have been to Alaska 6 times and two of those involved land tours. The last time we did MA7. We did some great excursions on this trip and would do it again. We prefer May because the mosquitos(state bird of Alaska) are not fully grown.

[caribill]

caribill, great review and photos! I had not seen before. Our land tour was similar, from Fairbanks to Whittier, and we, too, were visited by the Upgrade Fairy at McKinley Lodge, a real treat! We had the other suite. Also no idea how this happened, but was delightful. That was our first sighting of Denali, from our suite window, when the clouds parted.

 

That was our first sighting also, a couple of hours before the front desk called with the requested call that the mountain was in view.

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

We set sail in a few weeks for Ft L so will work on detail with cruise consultant while on board,

 

so folks expect to see a live from Alaska this time next year, thanks for all the advise

 

yours Shogun

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Princess has come back with a nice offer so need need to wait until onboard to book, so this is what we have picked

 

FLY EDINBURGH TO SEATTLE 01SEP16

TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL

1 NIGHT AT THE DOUBLETREE SEA-TAC HOTEL

TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT 02SEP16

FLY FROM SEATTLE TO FAIRBANKS

TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL

2 NIGHTS AT FAIRBANKS PRINCESS RIVERSIDE LODGE

WELCOME BREAKFAST 03SEP16

MORNING

GOLD DREDGE TOUR

AFTERNOON RIVERBOAT TOUR

THREE COURSE DINNER

COACH FROM FAIRBANKS TO DENALI 04SEP16

2 COURSE LUNCH AT KING SALMON RESTAURANT

AFTERNOON AT LEISURE

3 COURSE DINNER AT KING SALMON RESTAURANT

2 NIGHTS AT DENALI PRINCESS WILDERNESS LODGE

SOURDOUGH BREAKFAST 05SEP16

MORNING TUNDRA WILDERNESS TOUR

MUSIC OF DENALI DINNER THEATER

BREAKFAST AT KING SALMON RESTAURANT 06SEP16

TRANSFER FROM LODGE TO RAIL DEPOT

DIRECT TO THE WILDERNESS RAIL FROM DENALI TO TALKEETNA

TRANSFER FROM RAIL DEPOT TO LODGE

EVENING AT LEISURE

3 COURSE DINNER MOUNTAIN VIEW RESTAURANT

MCKINLEY PRINCESS LODGE 07SEP16

BREAKFAST AT MOUNTAIN VIEW RESTAURANT

COACH FROM MCKINLEY TO KENAI

3 COURSE DINNER AT EAGLE'S CREST RESTAURANT

3 NIGHTS AT KENAI PRINCESS WILDERNESS LODGE

BREAKFAST AT EAGLE'S CREST RESTAURANT 08SEP16

DAY AT LEISURE

3 COURSE DINNER AT EAGLE'S CREST RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST AT EAGLE'S CREST RESTAURANT 09SEP16

DAY AT LEISURE

3 COURSE DINNER AT EAGLE'S CREST RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST AT EAGLE'S CREST RESTAURANT 10SEP16

COACH FROM KENAI TO WHITTIER

EMBARK CORAL PRINCESS IN WHITTIER

HUBBARD GLACIER - SCENIC CRUISING 11SEP16

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK - SCENIC CRUISING 12SEP16

SKAGWAY 13SEP16

JUNEAU 14SEP16

KETCHIKAN 15SEP16

AT SEA 16SEP16

DISEMBARK IN VANCOUVER 17SEP16

NIGHT IN HOTEL

TRANSFER TO AIRPORT 18SEP16

FLY VANCOUVER TO EDINBURGH

 

yours Shogun