Taking camera gear on Land tour.

[KYBOB]

Ok hoping we can cruise in June of 2021 we have booked a 11 day land, and 7 day south bound sea cruise ending in Vancouver. The land portion is an escorted tour through Princess, I know better to do on our own etc. but I do a lot of driving for work do not want to do that. I typically travel with a lot of camera gear, but going to pair down to 2 camera bodies (D850 and Z7 or Z7 & Z6) I am planning on taking 4 lenses; 14-30, 24-70, 70-200, 1.4 teleconverter and 500PF. So 2 big lenes and 2 smaller ones. My question is the dreaded Princess one carry on and size limitation. How have others carried their photo gear along with other needed items when you move from place to place. I have a camera case that will carry all this (ThinkTank Airport Essentials) but it exceeds the size limits and has wheels but will need an additional small bag to carry personal items (Binoculars, meds, rain jacket, etc). Thanks

[Budget Queen]

In the past compliance with stated limits was fixed.   There simply is not the space.   
 

I have not known Princess to offer an 11 day land tour.   Must be new.   What is your itinerary?   
 

But frankly driving in Alaska is simple and no stress,   Actually I consider it very relaxing.       With you bringing all that stuff-  you are significantly denying yourself at least 50% of your opportunities by being on a point to point- fixed time- group “tour”.     Especially with your extended time- of 3 weeks   you could see and do significantly more.   
 

But with your overpacking you will have to be accepting of some, probably having to go to baggage,  on trains/buses.   

[KYBOB]

Here is our itinery the eleven days is because we are getting into Fairbanks a day early due to flight times. 

 

3 Nights Fairbanks

2 nights Denali

2 nights Mt. McKinley

2 nights Kenai 

2 nights Copper River 

 

[Budget Queen]

2 hours ago, KYBOB said:

Here is our itinery the eleven days is because we are getting into Fairbanks a day early due to flight times. 

 

3 Nights Fairbanks

2 nights Denali

2 nights Mt. McKinley

2 nights Kenai 

2 nights Copper River 

 

There are a lot of add ons to consider.    At the least,    Wonder Lake at Denali,   Kennicott mine from Copper River-  fly in,   And Kenai Fords boat tour from Kenai Princess-    My favorite Aialik/Holgate combo.  😊.     
 

At least a day trip to Coldfoot via fly/road combo.  (Never rt road).   But superior-   3 day Prudhoe/Deadhorse tour.    Both out of Fairbanks.    
 

McKinley Lodge. Is for flying. Out of Talkeetna.  Know what you are looking at with flight descriptions   😀

 

But.  None of these areas I would be-  without a car.    Just way too limiting.   

[Greg4502]

This is the bag I use.https://www.kentfaith.com/camera-bags/KF13.037_muti-function-camera-backpack-large-17-3-11-5-5-inches-waterproof

 

This bag fits under the airline seats. I have two camera bodies, one large telephoto, with hood, my go to lens, a small video camera, all the chargers, a slot on the outside for a mono pod and extra filters and lens cleaners. The handle is comfortable to carry it and it has straps to wear as a backpack. The dividers are moveable.

[worldtraveller99]

Or you do say "we" - so maybe divide the camera equipment between you, which is what we do, so we both have camera bags which also have space for a purse (english) / wallet, credit cards, small guide book, map,  water bottle etc. 

[wolfie11]

You will have very limited opportunities for great pictures on a tour unless you take lots of very expensive excursions.  Wow, a momma and baby moose on the side of the road... we'll slow down, but can't stop, got to get to the lodge on time... Personally, it would be my worst nightmare!  I always rent a car in Alaska and drive.  With McKinley, Kenai, and Copper River, you are stuck in the lodge with no access to scenic and wildlife areas, so if someone says there's bears fishing on the river a few miles away, how are you going to get there?  You're giving up probably 80% of your good photo ops by taking a tour.

[Budget Queen]

7 hours ago, wolfie11 said:

You will have very limited opportunities for great pictures on a tour unless you take lots of very expensive excursions.  Wow, a momma and baby moose on the side of the road... we'll slow down, but can't stop, got to get to the lodge on time... Personally, it would be my worst nightmare!  I always rent a car in Alaska and drive.  With McKinley, Kenai, and Copper River, you are stuck in the lodge with no access to scenic and wildlife areas, so if someone says there's bears fishing on the river a few miles away, how are you going to get there?  You're giving up probably 80% of your good photo ops by taking a tour.

Precisely what I wrote.    I don't think this poster has the reality of the big negatives with their "tour" choice.    Group point to point in Alaska is simply-  the result of seeing and doing the least.    

[geoherb]

With that amount of time, I agree with the others about being able to see more by renting a car and driving. We, however, took our cruise tour when we were working and couldn't take off for that long. I worked on Monday and we caught an early evening flight to Fairbanks (via Minneapolis) that landed after midnight. We had just five nights on land before our cruise. I think we saw a lot. 

I did not find them to be enforcing the limits on bag sizes on our cruise tour. But you may end up having to hold one of your bags on your lap. We had backpacks with us and did not have a problem.

My camera is a simple Nikon without the fancy interchangeable lenses. For me, the photos are to remind me about what we saw--not to compete with National Geographic. I think I managed a few good ones. 

[Kevin's girl]

I'm really glad to see that you have received helpful information regarding the camera bag possibilities. I also hope you enjoy your Land Tour, I know we are looking forward to ours. 

[mskaufman]

I place my camera equipment in my carry on size roller bag.  Then depending on the day I carry what I need with me.  On the ship (like Glacier Bay) I have whatever I need with me.