Please post your planned or completed itinerary

[JMMN2002]

Our itinerary for Star Princess RT Seattle in June:

 

Day 1 Fly to Seattle

 

Day 2 One Day in Seattle

Pike Place Market

Seattle Aquarium

Klondike Gold Rush Museum (if there’s time)

Underground Tour

Pacific Science Center

Experience Music Project (if there’s time)

Space Needle

 

Day 3 Ship Departs Seattle (4pm)

 

Day 4 At Sea

Hope to see whales!

Day 5: Ketchikan (6:30am-4:30pm)

Bear Creek Zipline

Coastal Wildlife Cruise

 

Day 6 Tracy Arm (6-10am)

 

Day 6 Juneau (2-10pm)

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter

Mt. Roberts Tramway Pass

Day 7 Skagway (6am-5pm)

Best of Skagway

Day 8 At Sea

Relax???

Day 9 Victoria BC (5pm-Midnight)

Enchanting Butchart Gardens

Day 10: Ship Arrives Seattle (7am)

Fly Home :(

[pgh-pam]

This is my second trip to Alaska - first time was by myself on a 21 day trip in 2000 - loved every single minute of it. This will be my BF's first trip.

 

8/28 - Leave Pittsburgh 7:30 am arrive Seattle 12:15 am - Rent car, check into hotel (Sea Tac Valu Inn)- visit Pike Center Market, relax and unwind

8/29 - Drive to Anacortes, Washington Ferry to Friday Harbor, two killer whale trips, return to Seattle

8/30 - 2 trips space needle (1 day/1 night), Underground tour, Seattle Aquarium, possible 2 hour road trip outside of Seattle

8/31 - Princess shuttle to Vancouver - embarkation Island Princess

9/1 - at sea

9/2 - Ketchikan - Wildlife Saxmon Deluxe Combo Tour (Northern Tours of Alaska) - totem poles, Herring Bay Black Bear area, Creek Street red light district, Dolly's House - time on our own

9/3 - Juneau - whale watching/wildlife cruise (Harv & Marv), mendenhall glacier, Juneau Harley Davidson (for lots of t-shirts for friends) - time on our own

9/4 - Skagway - Charlie's Tour (Discovery Skagway) - Days of '98 show, White Pass Summit, historic Skagway, the Overlook - time on our own

9/5 - at sea

9/6 - at sea

9/7 - Whittier - Prince William Cruise (still deciding on which one) - Alaskan Railway to Anchorage - taxi to airport to pu rental car, check into Days Inn Anchorage

9/8 - grizzly bear viewing trip - leave 7:30 am to fly to King Salmon, float plane to Katmai/Brooks Falls, return to Anchorage 9:00 pm (if fogged out this day, could reverse 9/8 and 9/9 plans)

9/9 - drive Turnagain Arm of driving route (maybe go on to Portage/Seward), Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and numerous other sites along the way (4-5 hours time), Alaska Northern Lights show at Anchorage visitors center and Native American Heritage Center

9/10 - Leave Anchorage 1:55 AM arrive Pittsburgh 3:45 PM

[kimba45]

We have not 100% organized our Excursions although have general idea as listed: Anyone with ideas for 7 year old boy pls let us know.....We will do do one Water Plane excursion...cant decide btween McKinley or Bear Watch......any suggestions????

 

7/11 Arrive Vancouver from Phoenix....disover the city day

7/12 Board Veendam

7/13 at sea

7/14 Ketchikan - Fishing

7/15 Juneau - Whale Watching

7/16 Skagway - Steam Train

7/17 Glacier Bay - sit on our balcony and enjoy

7/18 College Fjords - sit on our balcony and enjoy

7/19 Seward bus to Aleyska -

7/20 Aleyska -

7/21 Bus to Portage Lake Cruise/Anchorage

7/22 Train to Denali - watch the terrain wonders

7/23 Denali - Nature outside hikes - Sled Dogs

7/24 Train to Fairbanks - watch the Alaska Interior

7/25 Fairbanks Fly to Vancouver - not sure on departure times yet

7/26 Vancouver...fly home early departure

Edited May 21, 2009 by kimba45

[judyf]

Well, I started this thread and we leave today for Seattle to board the Pearl on Sunday May 24th.

 

Here is the itinerary I came up with for us 4 adults 50-56 years old. Thanks to all those that answered my endless questions. I hope this thread helps others in their planning as it has helped me.

 

Seattle and Alaska Itinerary

 

Thursday, May 21th/Flight to Seattle

7:15 pm flight from Newark to Seattle

Arrive at 11:40 pm - 1am NY time

Check in Red Lion Inn-3 nights

 

Friday, May 22th/ Seattle-day 1

1 pm Duck Tour

Experimental Music Project- open to 7 pm

Space Needle open to 11 pm

Do whatever we want at the Seattle Center

 

Saturday, May 23th/ Seattle-day 2

9:30 am Pike Market Tour - booked online

After tour do any of the PPM walking tour from Karen-thanks

Walk waterfront maybe take Water Trolley to Olympic Sculpture Park.

Klondike Rush Exhibits - open to 5pm

6 pm Underground Tour - booked online

 

Sunday, May 24th

Board ship: NCL Pearl - Pier # 66

 

Monday, May 25th

Cruising the Inside Passage

Meet & Greet - Monday, May 25th from 11am-12noon in the Le Bistro

Restaurant.

 

Tuesday, May 26th / Juneau, Alaska

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching with Orca's

 

Wednesday, May 27th / Skagway, Alaska

White Pass Summit train and dog carting with Chilkoot.

 

Thursday, May 28th/Glacier Bay

Cruise Glacier Bay

 

Friday, May 29th /Ketchikan/Alaska

Ship Tour Deadliest Catch

 

Saturday, May 30th/Victoria, BC

On our own

Horse carriage ride

Thunderpark - totem poles

Empress Hotel

Walk Inner Harbor

 

Sunday, May 31st/Arrive Seattle

11-11:30 am Tillicum Village cruise - booked online

 

Have rental car ressies with both Enterprise and Budget

10:15 pm Flight back to New York

 

Monday June 1st

Arrive back in Newark at 6:30 am

Drive home 2 hours

Then sleep back to work on Tuesday June 2nd

Edited May 21, 2009 by judyf

[EliseRN]

UPDATES TO ITINERARY! ...just including the updates to save space :-)

 

Sat, Aug 22, 2009 - late afternoon arrival Fairbanks but plan on going on the Chena Hot Springs and ice hotel tour in the evening.

 

Sun., Aug 23, 2009 Tour officially starts but no tour stuff we have to do- Fairbanks

Going to rent a car and drive around Fairbanks to see the ice museum, and the big blue ox from the ice age at the university museum...etc. Also hoping to drive outside of Fairbanks as well. In the evening going to a point someone suggested for aurora viewing! Return car in a.m. before tour stuff starts

 

 

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 - Denali

0600 Bus to Princess Rail

0815-1200 Rail to Denali and then bus to hotel

Definitely going to find some horseback riding and if we can't find a long horseback tour that will fit, am going to try to get in some white water rafting then the Music of Denali Dinner theater (which is tonight and not tomorrow like I thought :-))

 

Wed, Aug 26 2009 Denali

0530 Park shuttle to Wonder lake (12hrs rt). Will do the approx 45 minute walk (per the park rangers estimation) or grab caribou cab to Wilderness access center to pick up shuttle. Got refund from princess for Tundra wilderness tour and in the process found out that they are charging us the cruise fuel surcharge on all our land tours! TWT is like at most 100-120 pp and we got refunded almost $400! Interesting!

 

Sun, Aug 30, 2009 Kenai Cooper landing

Pretty sure going to just use Princess outfitters to get us into Seward for the Renown Kenai Fjords tour, although would like to find a way to add the sea museum/center there in Seward too.

 

Mon Aug 31, 2009 - Fishing and then starting cruise on Coral Princess - boy the first part of the trip went fast!

Skipping the 1100-1300 Bus to Whittier and just letting them take our luggage. Will be taking a cab into Whittier at 0500 so we can go halibut fishing in Prince William Sound and beyond!.

 

Husband very excited, however we need 2 more people to cinch the deal...

.so if anyone out there is going to be in Whittier on Aug 31st at 7am and want to Halibut fish...please call Whittier Marine Charters! 907-440-9510 http://www.fishwhittier.com :-)

 

Thurs., Sept 3, 2009 - Skagway 0530 -2015

Taking a tour with Dyea Dave (this keeps wiping out the url so you just at the www and the .com and here is the rest: dyeadavetours)

First we take the White Pass RR out and then he meets us at the other end. Very inexpensive and tons of recommendations. We can't wait

Edited May 21, 2009 by EliseRN

[floridacruisegirl]

My grandma, family friend, and I are cruising northbound to Alaska, this summer. This will be our first time to Alaska and first on Princess (we've sailed with Celebrity and RCCL for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises in the past and NCL for short weekend cruises) and wanted to try a new cruise line for variety):

 

June 26th: fly from Florida to San Francisco right after work. Overnight in SFO airport hotel.

 

June 27th: meet my grandma and family friend at the airport upon their arrival from Hawaii before we board our flight to Vancouver

 

June 27th - 29th: Pan Pacific or Fairmont Waterfront (we have reservations at both, still undecided at which one we will keep). While in Vancouver, we plan to do some relaxing sightseeing. We had hoped to visit the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, but have decided not to so that we don't tire ourselves before the cruise even starts.

 

June 29th: board our beautiful ship

 

June 30th: sea day

 

July 1st: Ketchikan - Misty Fjords float plane ride (we are a bit nervous about this, but have read so many great reviews about what an experience this is...hopefully, all of our worries will disappear before the trip).

 

July 2nd: Juneau - Whale watching with Harv & Marv, Medenhall Glacier, and then Mt. Roberts Tram if time and energy allows.

 

July 3rd: Skagway - White Pass Railroad or Glacier Point Wilderness Safari (we have yet to choose which one, as the Safari does not get us back in time to take the White Pass Railroad trip)

 

July 4th: Sail Glacier Bay - relax and enjoy the scenery

 

July 5th: Sail College Fjords - relax and enjoy the scenery

 

July 6th: Disembark ship. Taxi early morning to Seward. Go on a day long Kenai Fjords boat tour. Check-in to hotel, find a nice place for a great seafood dinner, and relax at hotel.

 

July 7th: Visit Exit Glacier. Rail from Seward to Anchorage. Fly home (red-eye). Grandma and friend will fly back to Florida with me and visit for a week.

 

July 8th: Arrive back at home in late afternoon. Go back to work the following day and then sightsee with grandma and friend on the weekend.

 

I welcome any feedback and/or recommendations. Thank you!! :)

 

After Alaska, we'll start brainstorming on where we should go on our next dream trip...perhaps a cruise to Australia/New Zealand or the Baltic. :)

Edited May 22, 2009 by floridacruisegirl

[CyclingInvestor]

June 13 - Fly into Vancouver, arrive midnight

June 14 - Hang around airport, take first shuttle to cruise dock, board Veendam

June 15 - At sea

June 16 - Ketchikan, rent bicycle and ride if nice weather, else jet boat tour to Misty Fiords

June 17 - Juneau, take city bus to (near) glacier, hike, brewery, tramway

June 18 - Skagway, prebooked train ride, rent bicycle and ride, hike

June 19,20 - At sea

June 21 - Debark at Seward, HomerStageLine bus to Homer

June 22 - Maybe fish, maybe bicycle in Homer

June 23 - Bicycle/hike in Homer, catch Alaska Ferry TUS 1030pm

June 24-30 - 7 day ferry trip, stop 0.5-5 hours in Kodiak, Chignik, SandPoint,

King Cove, Cold Bay, False Pass, Akutan, DutchHarbor and back to Kodiak

June 30 - 14 hours in Kodiak, then catch Alaska Ferry KEN at 5pm

July 1-4 - 4 day ferry trip, stop 1-3 hours at Chenega Bay, Whittier, Yakutat,

Juneau to Ketchikan 730am

July 4 - Unwind, check into B&B, meet friends to enjoy fireworks

July 5 - fly home

Edited May 22, 2009 by CyclingInvestor

[LUVAK]

Hello All,

 

A friend and I recently returned from our Alaska adventure, two weeks traveling through the Inside Passage. I have been to four (4) different places in Alaska now, and loved them all. Alaska is the last frontier and has something to offer everyone. Since I believe my fantastic experience was enhanced by the input from the Cruise Critic (and the the Alaska Trip Advisor forum), I felt compelled to provide this input for reference to future travelers.

 

July 2009 Inside Passage Travel Report Summary: Started in Glacier Bay, traveling south to Coffman Cove Prince of Wales. Utilized the Alaska Marine Highway System, water taxi and the Inter Island Ferry system to go from Gustavus, Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, CC-POW and Ketchican. Ferries were extremely nice and very reasonable. Appreciated the new high speed Alaska Marine Highway system ferry. Two days in GB taking a GB boat tour and a whale watch on the TAZ a must. Stay @ Blue Heron B&B very nice, excellent breakfast. Eat @ Gustavus Inn. Definitely tour the Bear Track Inn, beautiful expensive lodge far from town. We opted to spend a day in and around the lodge (hike the waters edge) and have dinner (new cook, OK food). Skip the Bartlett Cove and Pleasant Island kayak tour, especially if you kayak. You may wish to get transferred to kayak at Point Adolphus where we saw 40 Humpbacks and 25 Orcas on the TAZ (Todd & Keri excellent). On the way to and from Juneau, ferry captain slowed to view Humpback bubble feeding - awesome. Little time in Juneau, but did see Mendenhal Glacier. While there are several points of interest in Juneau, I don't think I would recommend or go back (touristy, with a undesirable city feel). Sitka was a nice little town with a lot of history and a great fish hatchery/petting aquarium. Would definitely skip the ATV tour as its over rated (unless you never ATV'd) and not worth the cost. Also, eat at the 2 chick and sticks and avoid the Westmark Restaurant (average food at exorbitant prices). Petersburg was a wet town with nice hikes and decent food, mostly a fishing village. B&B was very accommodating and eateries had fresh fish. Wrangell is similar to Petersburg, except for the AnAn Bear Observatory- number one highlight of the trip. You might want to skip staying in Wrangell since it unnecessary (or pick another B&B). We spent a week in Coffman Cove (Prince of Wales Island) fishing for Salmon and Halibut. Stayed at Salmon Shores which accommodated us very nicely, although thinking about the Ocean View & RV Resort next time for the magnificent view. Lots of deer and some bears. Salmon fishing good when you find the stream with Salmon running. Ocean salmon fishing fair and Halibut slow. Trip was awesome, in spite of not finding fresh fish and chips or reindeer sausage everywhere. Sitka and Petersburg had fresh fish and chips (as in the main land). Lastly, be sure to account for taxi transportation cost into your trip as it was expensive and added up. Best to travel on the bus or in a foursome (or share a cab) to minimize expense.

 

2009 INSIDE PASSAGE ALAKSA VACTION (July 16 – August 1) Itinarary:Thursday July 16th to Saturday August 1st : July 16th to July 25 touring Inside Passage, July 25 to August 1 resident in Coffman Cove, Prince Of Whales Island; Overall South East Inside Passage Route and desired duration: Gustavus (3d)/Juneau (1n)/Sitka (1d)/Petersburg (1d)/Wrangell (2n), and POW (8d)

 

Thursday July 16th - (Gustavus)

Travel Day – Alaska Airlines/Delta – (800) 221-1212

 

Pete - Depart Alaska Airlines Flt 493 6:30AM (SAN/Seattle) 9:30am. PA4ZFE

Gary - Depart Alaska Airlines Flt 477 6:30AM (SAN/Seattle) 9:03am. CVHZZX

Gary & Pete - Flt 75 10:35AM (Seattle/Juneau) 12:01PM, Flt 71 4:17 PM (Juneau/Gustavus) 4:54 PM

(Pick up 100% Deet in airport - Obtain a King Salmon Fishing License/stamp)

 

Pickup at airport by Blue Heron Inn – call Debbie Woodruff on arrival at 907-697-2337

 

Accommodations - Blue Heron Inn B&B (3 nights) – (907) 697-2337 - (Paid $1,165 for 3 nights, Glacier Bay Tour, Whale Watching and 2 kayaks)

 

Food - Dinner at Gustavus Inn or Bear Track Inn for the best food. Also, The Three Bears and Glacier Bay Country Inn (if they have one price dinners)

 

Friday July 17th - (Gustavus)

Whale Watching

 

Debbie drop us off at 8:15am for 8:30-12pm tour - TAZ (1-888-698-2726) Pt. Adolphus Whale Watching ($120)

 

Accommodations - Blue Heron Inn

 

Saturday July 18th - (Gustavus)

Glacier Bay Boat Tour

 

Must coordinate travel to dock by 7:30am – TLC Taxi $15 p/p each way with 6:45 p/u or Bud Rental for a car rental for $67.20/day plus fuel.

 

7:30am be at dock for Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours – Baranof Wind Boat Tour ($193ea includes lunch) – (907) 264-4600

 

Accommodations - Blue Heron Inn

 

Sunday July 19th - (Gustavus/Juneau)

Kayaking in Morning then travel to Juneau afternoon. Pay Debbie to book Fairweather Express at 4:30pm.

 

8:30am pick up by Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks for kayaking 9am-4pm – (909) 697-2257 - $40/day includes transportation. They will hold luggage and drop us off at Goldbelt ferry.

 

4:30PM Travel to Juneau via Fairweather Express of Goldbelt tours ($75.22) arrive Juneau at 7PM Goldbelt Tour Center at (800) 820-2628 or (907) 586-8687.

 

Taxi from dock to Western Baranof – Yellow cab 907-790-4511 or Evergreen 586-2121 about 14 miles for $30 – Look into round trip for next day.

 

Accommodations - Westmark Baranof (907)-586-2660 – Juneau 127 North Franklin Juneau, Alaska 99801

 

Food - Dinner at Alaska Wolf Lodge – fried chicken or Thane Ore House – Halibut

 

Monday July 20th - (Juneau/Sitka)

8am Boat to Sitka then ATV Tour

 

Taxi from Western Baranof to dock – Yellow cab 907-790-4511 or Evergreen 586-2121 about 14 miles for $30

 

Transportation from Juneau to Sitka via AMHS Fairweather (1-800-642-0066) - Depart 8:00 AM and arrive 12:30 PM ($45).

 

Pickup at ferry at 1pm for 1:30 Alaska 4.5 hr ATV Tour of Kruzok Islands $235p/p 1-877-966-2301 (on Petes AmEx CC). ATV will drop off at Ann Gavin Hill B&B when done.

 

Accommodations – Sitka, Ann Gavin Hill B&B (907) 747-8023 - $106 w/ $25 deposit mailed 2 Ex Long Twins - Walking distance to downtown

 

Food - Harry Race Pharmacy (50s Fountain Diner) – Great food @ two chicks & sticks behind Brennans

 

Tuesday July 21th - (Sitka/Petersburg ferry)

Morning Sitka hiking/tide exploration then walk to ferry to travel to Petersburg at 3:45pm

 

Hike and low tide exploration, National History and Raptor Center, Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest, biking, Totem Square.

 

Transportation from Sitka to Petersburg via AMHS: Depart 3:45 PM and arrive Wednesday July 22st 1:15 AM ($45 or $63 w/ cabin) – pick up by Nordic House (Cherise) when we get in - Cell Phone: 406-600-0393 or phone 907-772-3620

 

Accommodations – Nordic House B&B ($110 King on cc) 3 blocks f/Ferry check-in at 1:15am

 

Wednesday July 22th - (Petersburg)

Full day to explore Petersburg (need to coordinate travel to hotel)

 

EAGLE ROOST PARK. Located on North Nordic Drive just walking distance from the edge of town. Eagles roosting in trees or take the trail down to the beach and watch eagles and other waterfowl, or explore tide pools at low tide - Narrows Viewing Platform.

 

Accommodations - Petersburg Alaska Island Hostel ($25)

907 772 3632 – Paid $50 to secure

 

Thursday July 23th - (Petersburg/Wrangell)

Early morning Travel to Wrangell – full day in Wrangell

 

Call Eric Yancey of Breakaway Adventures (907) 874-2488 Toll Free 1 (888) 385-2488 to coordinate early morning pickup time.

 

Eric’s mate will taxi ($50 total) us from Petersburg to Banana Point to hook up with water taxi from Banana Point to Wrangell ($70 total)

 

Afternoon activities - tour fish hatchery and three lakes, Viscondia House, Tides Inn and Mitkof Island to view Muskegs

 

Accommodations – Wrangell, Rooneys Roost (Zimovia or Glacier Room) B&B pickup and drop off service included. B&B $120/night reservation held on credit card (907) 874-2026

 

Friday July 24th - (Wrangell)

Full day AnAn Bear Observatory – need start time. Coordinate with Rooneys transportation and lunch.

 

Eric - Breakaway Charters ($187 p/p) for 7 hr trip to AnAn Creek Wildlife Observatory (bring lunch!).

 

Accommodations – Rooneys Roost B&B pickup and drop off

 

Food – Be sure to pick up food to bring to Coffman Cove next day.

 

Saturday July 25th - (Wrangell/Coffman Cove)

Early morning travel to Coffman Cove for full day to explore town.

 

5am - travel to Coffman Cove with Eric on Jet boat.

 

6:30am use phone at top of dock to call Judy to bring over the rental car. Anyone can drive.

Pick up car at Judy Adamson (907) 329-2208

 

Accommodations - Ocean View RV Park & Campground & Rentals Coffman Cove / 907-329-2032 / djeffrey@coveconnect.com. Dee Dee.

 

Sunday July 26th – (Coffman Cove)

Coffman Cove Charters ($200/day) – Lee Harper or Ann – www.CoffmanCoveCharters.com – 907-329-2044

 

Accommodations – Salmon Shores – Meredith – 503-788-3762 (907-329-2311 Anchorage)

 

Food – Bring food from Hollis. Since we have a car there is some food here, but not much.

 

Saturday July 25th to Friday July 31st – (Coffman Cove)

 

Week of fishing in Coffman Cove staying at Salmon Shores.

 

Saturday August 1st – (Coffman Cove)

Travel to Hollis to catch 8am ferry to Ketchikan by 11am - Alaska Airlines/Delta - (800) 221-1212

[whiteduv65]

may 15, 2012 arrive anchorage 12.00 am--seward highway area with rental car

May 16,2012-palmer area-reindeer farm, musk ox farm, view of McKinley I hope

May 17, 2012-anchorage zoo, shopping, etc

May 18,2012-train to seward, see seward sail at 7:00

May 19. 2012--Glaciers

May 20, 2012-- 12 hours Juneau-tour city, mendenhall glacier, tram,

May 21,2012--13 hours skagway--train/bus to yukon with chilkoot, tour city on own

May 22, 2012--9 hours icy strait--whale watch, ???

may 23, 2012--9 hours Ketchikan--lumberjack show, brothel tour, creek street

May 24, 2012--cruise

May 25, 2012--vancouver 7:00am--stanley park, olympic torch, bus to seattle

May 26, 2012--Mt St helens

May 27, 2012--Mt rainier, space needle, seattle market

May28, 2012--Fly home at 6:00 am

 

Cruise on RCI Radiance--any suggestions

[bamacruizin]

Holland America Cruisetour 21

 

July 1, 2011 -- flew to Vancouver, arrived 2 PM

• Chinese Garden and Canada Day Parade
  
• Hampton Inn
  

July 2 -- Royal Victoria Tour with Pacific Coach

• Hampton Inn, Vancouver
  

July 3 -- boarded Statendam

 

July 4 -- Inside Passage sea day

 

July 5 -- Ketchikan

• Misty Fjords Flightseeing by floatplane
  
• Ketchikan Walking Tour, Totem Heritage Center
  
• Cupcake tea on board
  

July 6 -- Juneau

• Glacier Flightseeing by Floatplane
  
• Glacier Helicopter Tour and Dog-Sledding on Norris Glacier
  
• Evening Whale Watch with dinner
  

July 7 -- Skagway

• Yukon and Whitepass Railway and Biking
  
• Chilkoot Hike and River Float
  

July 8 -- Glacier Bay sea day

 

July 9 -- College Fjord sea day

 

July 10 -- dock in Seward

• Kenai Fjords Cruise and transfer to Anchorage
  
• Anchorage Hilton
  

July 11 -- flew to Prudhoe Bay

• Oilfields tour and Arctic Ocean wading
  
• Arctic Caribou Inn
  

July 12 -- Dalton Highway to Coldfoot

• Arctic Tundra
  
• Slate Creek Inn at Coldfoot Camp
  

July 13 -- Dalton Highway to Fairbanks

• Hot Spot
  
• Yukon River Camp for lunch
  
• Joy, AK
  
• Sophie's Station Suites
  

July 14 -- Denali

• McKinley Explorer train to Denali
  
• Tundra Wilderness Tour
  
• McKinley Chalets Resort
  

July 15 -- Denali to Anchorage

• Nenana River Whitewater Rafting (Paddle Run)
  
• McKinley Explorer train to Anchorage
  
• Anchorage Hilton
  

July 16 -- Anchorage and home

• Alaska Men's Run
  
• General sightseeing in Anchorage
  
• Fly home on red-eye
  

Edited August 6, 2011 by bamacruizin

[ellbelle]

May 22, 2012--9 hours icy strait--whale watch, ???

 

--any suggestions

 

If we were to go back to Icy Strait we would do an independent whale watch. I was always against whale watching in Alaska since we whale watch frequently out of Monterey Bay, but after seeing some amazing photos posted I have changed my mind. The water (of course depending on weather conditions) was so smooth and serene. There are not alot of excursions for this port either, so if whale watching was on your list of things to do, this may be the port to take advantage of it.

[azappraiser]

I read a post yesterday where someone posted their itinerary and I found it very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

 

Please post your planned or completed itineraries in this thread. It would be nice to see them all in one thread. I know it will give me a lot of ideas and I'm sure it will help others too.

 

Thanks so much to all those that post to help all of us!!!:D

 

We leave in less than 6 weeks, packing has begun ;)

 

Day 1 - Arrive in Seattle early afternoon; hotel & off to Pike Place Market

Day 2 - More sightseeing in Seattle; Underground tour, Space Needle

Day 3 - Jump on the NCL Pearl & get a beer helmet, dinner @ Le Bistro

Day 4 - At sea; dinner at Cagney's

Day 5 - Juneau; touring on our own, DW wants to go to glacier soap shop

Day 6 - Skagway; glassblowing @ Jewell Gardens & tour on our own

Day 7 - Glacier Bay; coffee on the balcony, camera(s) in hand, Teppanyaki for dinner

Day 8 - Ketchikan; Crab Boat tour, then hit a couple of shops

Day 9 - Victoria; undecided, arriving @ 6:00pm

Day 10 - Disembark in Vancouver, pick up rental car, then off to Grouse Mtn & back to Granville Island, dinner somewhere on the town.

Day 11 - Drive back to Seattle by way of Snoqualmie Falls & a vinyard or two, late flight out of Sea/Tac... back to #%*!^@+ reality. :(

[soakedbythesea]

Sept 16 - Houston to Anchorage (95 to 55 high all in one day)

Stay 2 nights at Embassy Suites

Sept 17 - Tour Anchorage & try to see Northern Lights at night

Sept 18 - Train tour to Seward to Board HAL Statendam

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1434613&highlight=18+sept+2011+hal+statendam

Sept 25 - Disembark in Vancouver and tour the city

Stay one night at L'Hermitage

Sept 26 - Tour more of Vancouver and take night flight back to Houston

[HiMagicFan]

7/26 - Juneau: Shuttle to Mendenhall, Mt. Roberts tram, eat King crab at Tracy's, just walk around.

 

 

This is my plans for Aug/Sept cruise....can you share how your day went - what you did at mendenhall (how long did you stay) and how was your meal at Tracy's - did you walk from there to the tram?

[HiMagicFan]

Tue 5/12/09 Ketchikan, Alaska

http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/

Arrive 07:00 AM Depart 03:00 PM

- Totem Heritage Center

Deermont St

- Ketchikan walking tour

Pick up a map at the visitor center

- Creek Street

The street once was the town's red light district.

- Dolly Arthur's House

Museum of ill repute

Keep an eye on the shower curtain

- Married Man's Trail

- Saxman Totem Park

2 1/2 miles south of Ketchikan

cultural center & carving shed

http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/publicworks/bus/RedLine1.htm

Wed 5/13/09 Juneau, Alaska

Arrive 08:00 AM Depart 10:30 PM

- Mt. Roberts Tram

 

Thu 5/14/09 Skagway, Alaska

- Skagway Walking Tour

Printed Map

- National Park Visitors Center

45 minute ranger guided tour of town

Thu 5/21/09 Juneau, Alaska (http://www.traveljuneau.com)

Arrive 08:00 AM Depart 06:00 PM

- Alaska State Museum

395 Whittier Street

8:30 AM to 5:30 AM - $5 per person

- Juneau Walking Tour

Get map at visitors center or Juneau Museum

- St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

326 5th St

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - $2 Donation

- Mendenhall Glacier - MGT's "Blue Glacier Express"

$14 per person roundtrip - No time requirement

 

I am planning to do it my own and you have also done some of the things I am planning. Can you share if this worked for you or not and how was your time spent - more time here? less there? was the walking easy or hard?

[HiMagicFan]

Great thread! I know most of the posts were from 2009/2010 so if I asked a question and you see it thanks. Otherwise here is mine:

 

Disney Cruise Aug 30

 

27Aug - Vancouver: (AM) arrive Vancouver

27Aug - Vancouver: (PM) Lonsdale Quay, Nr Vancouver

28Aug - Vancouver: (AM) Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park

28Aug - Vancouver: (PM) Chinatown Night Market

29Aug - Vancouver: (AM) Granville Island, Ferry Creek

29Aug - Vancouver: (PM) Gas Town

30Aug - Vancouver: (AM) Vancouver Lookout, Canada Place

30Aug - Vancouver: (PM) boarding Disney Wonder

31Aug - DCL: at sea

01Sep - DCL: Tracy Arm

02Sep - DCL: Skagway - (AM) Alaska Nature and Wildlife Expedition

02Sep - DCL: Skagway - (PM) Skagway Ranger Walking Tour

03Sep - DCL: Juneau - (AM) Mendenhall Glacier

03Sep - DCL: Juneau - (PM) Downtown and Shopping

04Sep - DCL: Ketchikan - walking tour

05Sep - DCL: at sea

06Sep - Vancouver: (AM) disembark the Wonder

06Sep - Vancouver: (PM) Grouse Moutain

07Sep - Vancouver: Hop on Hop Off

 

and I can't wait!:D

[banditoo]

This is my plans for Aug/Sept cruise....can you share how your day went - what you did at mendenhall (how long did you stay) and how was your meal at Tracy's - did you walk from there to the tram?

 

We just did exactly that August 2/11 for our day in Juneau. My cruise itinerary, journal and pictures are on the Alaska tab on my shutterfly page (link is in my signature). We took the shuttle out to Mendenhall (tickets are available from numerous vendors for $8 each way or $16 round trip at the dock right beside the ship). We elected to go to the glacier first as there was a little cloud cover at the top of Mount Roberts so we figured we would do it mid morning, hoping the clouds would lift. The ride to Mendenhall took about 20 minutes and then we spent about 2 hours or so out there wandering various trails including out to the base of the glacier and nugget falls. We also spent a fair bit of time at the Steep Creek trail right beside the parking lot as there were brown bears fishing for salmon. Upon return to Juneau, the fog had lifted above the mountain so we bought our tram tickets. The $27 tram tickets are good for all day multiple trips if you wish and the tram base is right at the dock beside where the ships dock and all the various vendors and shuttles are. The tram only takes minutes up to the top. We wandered around different trails up there and came down after a couple of hours and then went to Tracy's for crab legs. Tracy's is also right at the dock. We shared one King Crab leg and coleslaw between us for a late lunch (1 leg is $24 dollars). Very fresh crab and the one shared did fill up the two of us. Many people there were sharing buckets of multiple legs but it really depends how much you want to eat and pay. We had each eaten a whole large Dungeness crab the day before in Hoonah ($14 per crab). After Tracy's we wandered Juneau shops and streets for the remainder of the afternoon. As our ship was in port until 2030, in hindsight, I wish we had booked a whale watching trip as well. Some of the folks who had done whale watching with us in Icy Strait Point also went whale watching in Juneau and had a fantastic experience with the humpbacks bubble feeding. If one could only predict those animals!!!

[HiMagicFan]

We just did exactly that August 2/11 for our day in Juneau. My cruise itinerary, journal and pictures are on the Alaska tab on my shutterfly page (link is in my signature). We took the shuttle out to Mendenhall (tickets are available from numerous vendors for $8 each way or $16 round trip at the dock right beside the ship). We elected to go to the glacier first as there was a little cloud cover at the top of Mount Roberts so we figured we would do it mid morning, hoping the clouds would lift. The ride to Mendenhall took about 20 minutes and then we spent about 2 hours or so out there wandering various trails including out to the base of the glacier and nugget falls. We also spent a fair bit of time at the Steep Creek trail right beside the parking lot as there were brown bears fishing for salmon. Upon return to Juneau, the fog had lifted above the mountain so we bought our tram tickets. The $27 tram tickets are good for all day multiple trips if you wish and the tram base is right at the dock beside where the ships dock and all the various vendors and shuttles are. The tram only takes minutes up to the top. We wandered around different trails up there and came down after a couple of hours and then went to Tracy's for crab legs. Tracy's is also right at the dock. We shared one King Crab leg and coleslaw between us for a late lunch (1 leg is $24 dollars). Very fresh crab and the one shared did fill up the two of us. Many people there were sharing buckets of multiple legs but it really depends how much you want to eat and pay. We had each eaten a whole large Dungeness crab the day before in Hoonah ($14 per crab). After Tracy's we wandered Juneau shops and streets for the remainder of the afternoon. As our ship was in port until 2030, in hindsight, I wish we had booked a whale watching trip as well. Some of the folks who had done whale watching with us in Icy Strait Point also went whale watching in Juneau and had a fantastic experience with the humpbacks bubble feeding. If one could only predict those animals!!!

 

 

Than you so very much! I am thinking about the whale watching or doing it on my own as well. Now with your info, I might be able to decide if I can fit it all in! Thank you, thank you!

 

Loved your site! Great, great, great! thanks for everything. am definitely rethinking juneau. :) and may add that whale tour. :)

Edited August 7, 2011 by HiMagicFan

[banditoo]

Than you so very much! I am thinking about the whale watching or doing it on my own as well. Now with your info, I might be able to decide if I can fit it all in! Thank you, thank you!

 

Loved your site! Great, great, great! thanks for everything. am definitely rethinking juneau. :) and may add that whale tour. :)

Everyone that we spoke to who had done independent whale watching in Juneau had a great experience. A few of them went with Harv and Marv but it sounds like most of the private operators went to the same area as they communicate with one another as to where the whales are showing up.

[whizkidcat]

Tracy's is also right at the dock. We shared one King Crab leg and coleslaw between us for a late lunch (1 leg is $24 dollars). Very fresh crab and the one shared did fill up the two of us. Many people there were sharing buckets of multiple legs but it really depends how much you want to eat and pay. We had each eaten a whole large Dungeness crab the day before in Hoonah ($14 per crab).

Our 1st trip to Hoohah is coming up in a few months!

I wonder if you could give us directions to the place you ate at in Hoohah?

I have to have Dungeness crab on this trip! I've never had it fresh, only frozen.

[banditoo]

Our 1st trip to Hoohah is coming up in a few months!

I wonder if you could give us directions to the place you ate at in Hoohah?

I have to have Dungeness crab on this trip! I've never had it fresh, only frozen.

We had the whole crabs at The Office which is a little hole in the wall pub type restaurant on the water side about half way along on the one road running between Icy Strait Point and Hoonah. You cannot miss it if you walk from the Icy Strait Point dock toward Hoonah. It is the only road to walk on and there is really not much there. Excellent crab!

[lrskier]

First off, Budget Queen is the source of multitudes of Info on Alaska!

 

Land portion of Alaska: Denali Park, take the shuttle bus as far into the park as your time allows and is offered when you arrive. Drivers are guides pointing out to you the wildlife, stops along the way afford stretching/bathroom calls for you, but you will have a long day aboard a school bus type vehicle. Bring food and drinks and layer your clothing. We stayed at Princess Lodge, very nice accommodation.

 

Talkeenata(sp), basically a tourist stop and registration point for Denali expeditions but quaint town. the Ranger station was highlight with its video of Denali and its exploration. Many enjoy flightseeing from here if Denali is open. Nice meals at several places.

 

Anchorage, little touring done here but overnight for flight in and train out. Enjoyed the local brewery for night burger and Alasakan Amber.

 

Alyeska(sp) - again, nice ski lodge in winter and flowers in summer. but not what i would say worth a huge amount of time or diversion from other points planned in Alaska.

 

Kenai Peninsula- Great adventure if you wish to go river fishing for Kings or bay fishing for flounder.

 

Seward - Wildlife center was very nice. fjord boat trip sounded nice but didn't wish to spend day on boat pre-cruise, instead went to exit glacier and had a fun hike with ranger to glacier. Easy to book transport at dock.

 

Alaskan Railroad - not to be missed. some segment of you adventure you need to board the train and experience this adventure while doing you land tour. Dining car offers nice food or you can bring your own. open cars are around if you don't book domed riding. enjoy

 

Skagway -The train is fun to ride and views are incredible. Rainbow Glacier adventures offers great excursion to Haines for nature adventure watching. Lions, tigers and Bears....

 

Juneau - self traveling to Mendenhall Glacier or a tour if preferred and walking is an issue. Harv & Marv whale watching is an excellent guide to whale watching with pickup and dropoff as part of your tour. the cannery area is good place to see eagles as well feeding.

 

Icy Strait Point - most real a Alaskan port on the ship stops. Whales actually playing in the bay. the tender became an excursion. Zip line longest in the world i believe. other whale watching excursions from this port. Great halibut and crab eating opportunities in local establishments. Halibut Pizza in town.. Eagles everywhere. and NOT one diamonds international store around so forger the ear ring coupons here.. LOLOLOL.

 

Ketchican - Misty Fjords flight seeing is great - Family Air was our choice and very nice tour. Self guided tour to Totem Bight park using local bus came on second visit and very enjoyable even in the rain, witch it often does. Great local eateries. Tourist stops like lumber jack show or touring the creek where the brothels used to be. Salmon fishing is also touted here but not experienced.

 

Inside passage - truly beautiful. orcas and others may appear at any moment. just try to be near a window as much as you can, while eating, drinking or sleeping with your camera ready.

 

Vancouver - nice city to enjoy pre or post cruise. take you choice of tours or rental cars for self drives. Train to Airport is so easy for those that do not have mobility issues and a huge savings from cab fares.

 

Seattle -Wow, do give yourself some time here. Either for a wine probe to Portland or other areas, great wines. Touring the Mtns, Rainer, etc. Seeing the market and buying some fresh flowers for your stateroom by all means. Great food and good music found in many venues. Waterfront Marriott is fun property, great location as well, use your points and save $$ on the huge rates or get lucky with priceline. Again, a train ride in from Sea Tac was easy then we caught a cab since transfer to hotel would not be an easy hike. but simple to do and saved the value of a couple drinks or a nice bouquet as well as fun vista into the port.

 

kinda my take now. just plan to spend some time on the keyboard looking for the best deals and pricing. and then again after you have made reservations that allow change. Rental cars can be booked with wide range of rates. Rooms seem not to change for me as much unless you don't mind priceline and can cancel what you have made. often i prefer specific booking over i wonder where it will be bookings, biddingfortravel on the net can assist if updated in your area.

 

have a ball. can't say enough about our northern wonderland. just got to do a cold season trip to see her all white.. !!!!

Edited January 22, 2012 by lrskier
spelling

[travelbuds]

[quote name=lrskier

..............

Seward ...............went to exit glacier and had a fun hike with ranger to glacier. Easy to book transport at dock..........!!!![/quote]

Hi,

My wife and I have thought about using Exit Glacier Guides to get out onto the glacier. Do rangers offer hikes onto Exit Glacier? Wondering if you saw hikers out on the glacier on their own.

Thanks.

[travelbuds]

[quote name=whizkidcat..... place you ate at in Hoohah?

I have to have Dungeness crab on this trip! I've never had it fresh, only frozen.

 

We missed the dungeness crab season by a couple of days on a cruise two years ago. I think the start date was June 15, so you may want check on the date for this year. We were looking forward to having it at The Office.

[lrskier]

Guys, the service we used to transport to the glacier is also a registered hiking guides for trips upon the glacier itself. I think they are Exit Glacier Guides, http://www.exitglacierguides.com/. Enjoy.