Princess Denali Cruise Tours

[latebuyer]

I notice these are on sale, plus single supplement is small. Is it worthwhile to go to fairbanks? I notice some go to anchorage and some to fairbanks. Is airfare cheaper from one or the other?  Is the all inclusive better or is on your own ok? Does it matter which direction you go? 

[latebuyer]

Also is there a difference between grand princess and sapphire princess? Is it better to go on a 11 day and spend an extra day in denali national park?

[AKStafford]

In my opinion: the cruise lines do a good job of cruising through Southeast Alaska, but I feel their cruisetours on land are very lacking. Unless there's a specific reason you want a cruisetour, I feel it's better to use a rental car and explore on you own. There's nothing on offered on a cruisetour that can be booked independently. 

[Northern Aurora]

@latebuyer:  Only you can determine what you want to see and do in Alaska.  Once  you have done some research you will know whether you want to start (or end) your cruise tour in  Fairbanks or Anchorage.  And you will need to do some comparison shopping regarding airfare costs.  

 

All Alaska communities have visitor and convention bureaus.  Just goggle something like "visitor bureau for Juneau" and you will find the particular website.  Many have downloadable visitor guides.

 

And I agree with @AKStafford -- there is nothing offered on a cruiseline sponsored land tour which can't be booked privately.

[latebuyer]

Thanks but i'm looking to hear from people who have actually done the princess tour. Reading about the excursions only tells you so much. I do know the difference in doing it on your own now. I don't drive so that's a prohibitive factor.

[ClydeKilgore]

14 hours ago, latebuyer said:

Thanks but i'm looking to hear from people who have actually done the princess tour. Reading about the excursions only tells you so much. I do know the difference in doing it on your own now. I don't drive so that's a prohibitive factor.

Given your last statement, my response is moot.  But, incase others are interested, a limiting factor is rental cars are especially expensive.  The lowest I found was $140/day + extras.  That will add up quickly.  I chose a Princess Connoisseur Escorted tour.  Which includes hotel, transportation, many meals, and a Guide.  Doing a tour on your own is fine, but then you are in charge of getting hotel reservations, and driving the long distances between the various cities.  Yes, you get to choose where you go, which is an advantage.  For me, never having been in Alaska before, I wanted someone else in charge.  I may make a different choice on my next trip.  YMMV

 

[KYBOB]

5 hours ago, ClydeKilgore said:

Given your last statement, my response is moot.  But, incase others are interested, a limiting factor is rental cars are especially expensive.  The lowest I found was $140/day + extras.  That will add up quickly.  I chose a Princess Connoisseur Escorted tour.  Which includes hotel, transportation, many meals, and a Guide.  Doing a tour on your own is fine, but then you are in charge of getting hotel reservations, and driving the long distances between the various cities.  Yes, you get to choose where you go, which is an advantage.  For me, never having been in Alaska before, I wanted someone else in charge.  I may make a different choice on my next trip.  YMMV

 

I agree. We are coming in a couple days early and have rented a car for 2 days it is over $400 with taxes and insurance (ok not an economy car, I am 6'4" -300LBS I do not fit in a small car). I know I can rent a a jeep in Hawaii for $800 for a week! We then are doing the 11 day Escorted Connoisseur tour that includes the meals because a friend has taken one and said it was great. Also that the guide was able to them in the restaurants when other people on non escorted tours complained they could not get in when he saw them later. I do not know if that is true or not, would like to know. Also the guide kind of took care of things for them, room keys, etc. 

[Northern Aurora]

2 hours ago, KYBOB said:

..... Also that the guide was able to them in the restaurants when other people on non escorted tours complained they could not get in when he saw them later. I do not know if that is true or not, would like to know. .....

 

As an Alaskan who lives in Fairbanks where a number of the cruise tours either start or end, and as someone who generally travels to  Denali National Park at least once a summer (we haven't since the single park road was closed in August, 2021 and won't again until the road opens to Eielson Visitor's Center), I doubt that is true.  I haven't observed folks on escorted tours having some sort of priority regarding restaurant seating.