Alaska land-sea tour question

[ctr5000]

I posted this in the “Alaska” port area but it was suggested I try here.  
 

We r on the Royal Caribbean land/sea tour. The land tour starts in Fairbanks and the cruise on Radiance of the Seas starts in Seward. My understanding is Royal Caribbean is enforcing their check-in times.  Since RC is providing the transportation to Seward, I had no idea what time they would get us there.  So I called RC and they said it’s a 3 hr drive and we r supposed to leave around noon so make check-in at about 3 hrs later. But he didn’t sound too confident.  Has anyone had experience with the land-sea tour transition recently and can speak to how they handle boarding from their own land tour?

[LindaD22]

6 minutes ago, ctr5000 said:

I posted this in the “Alaska” port area but it was suggested I try here.  
 

We r on the Royal Caribbean land/sea tour. The land tour starts in Fairbanks and the cruise on Radiance of the Seas starts in Seward. My understanding is Royal Caribbean is enforcing their check-in times.  Since RC is providing the transportation to Seward, I had no idea what time they would get us there.  So I called RC and they said it’s a 3 hr drive and we r supposed to leave around noon so make check-in at about 3 hrs later. But he didn’t sound too confident.  Has anyone had experience with the land-sea tour transition recently and can speak to how they handle boarding from their own land tour?

We were on the Radiance this past June and did the pre cruise tour. We selected a 4:00 pm check-in time, but it didn’t really matter. Your group arrives (around 4:00 pm) and you are escorted directly in. At that time there really are no lines and you get through and onto the ship quickly. Easy breezy, your guide handles it all! 

[ctr5000]

Thank you.  I figured that’s what would happen but wasn’t sure.  I tend to over agonize about these things. 
 

Edited August 22, 2022 by ctr5000

[LindaD22]

Just now, ctr5000 said:

Thank you.  I figured that’s what would happen but wasn’t sure.  I tend to ver agonize about these things. 
 

You’re welcome!  I understand, I’m one of those that sweats the details too! 

[cargopilot]

We took your exact tour about 5 years ago. The land tour handles everything when you are in Seward to get you on the ship. No worries for you. When in Fairbanks, try to visit Pioneer Park. It's a must see.

[ctr5000]

1 hour ago, cargopilot said:

We took your exact tour about 5 years ago. The land tour handles everything when you are in Seward to get you on the ship. No worries for you. When in Fairbanks, try to visit Pioneer Park. It's a must see.

Will try but airlines have messed with our flights and we r arriving rather late the night before.  So unless it’s on the tour…🤷🏻‍♀️

[PuraLoca]

Hi! Does anyone know what time the Tundra Wilderness Tour starts in Denali for those who are doing the land tour? The National Park Service says it could start anytime from 6am to 11am, but I'm thinking Royal Caribbean has already scheduled a time? 

[reallyitsmema]

4 minutes ago, PuraLoca said:

Hi! Does anyone know what time the Tundra Wilderness Tour starts in Denali for those who are doing the land tour? The National Park Service says it could start anytime from 6am to 11am, but I'm thinking Royal Caribbean has already scheduled a time? 

 

You will find out what time you are going once you meet your tour guide.  We were supposed to be leaving the hotel around 7am for ours but didn't leave until almost 8.  It will all be outlined to you once you start your cruise tour.

[BORN A BOWLER]

If you do the riverboat in Fairbanks like we did last year the gift shop there has the lowest prices on most things you will see on your trip. Wish I had bought a few things that I didn't see anywhere else.

 

We were on  a train heading to Seaward for our last of our land tour and everyone on that train was headed to the cruise port. It brought us almost up to the door.

Had a great time and would do it again if I get the chance.

Sue

[PuraLoca]

Thank you reallyitsmema and Born a Bowler! We are trying to get a feel for timing of the events in Denali. Hopefully the Tundra Wilderness Tour won't start at 6am! But we will be prepared nonetheless. 

 

Do you have recommendations for dining in Denali? Royal has us staying at Denali Park Village and we wanted to see if there are any other viable options other than the dinner show. We are walkers, so anything within 2-3 miles one-way would be fine by us! Also, do you know if there are shuttles or buses that run outside of the actual park? I noticed there were various restaurants north and south of Denali Park Village but don't know if there is a walking path or if the road is safe for pedestrians. 

[PuraLoca]

Also, we are doing landtour starting July 1 from Fairbanks. Start cruise on July 7th. Is the embarkation on July 7th usually around 5pm or closer to 8pm? This is for those who will be transported by RC from Anchorage to Seward coming off the landtour.