One Way Southbound pre-cruise advice needed.

[c-cruise]

Hi everyone, we have done Alaska several times round trip, but this will be our first one way (Southbound) itinerary. Arriving in ANC on Sat. around 1:30 prior to a Monday sailing from Whittier on Island Princess. We have a reservation at the Comfort Inn Ship Creek (ok hotel/location?) for both nights and a rental car. There are 5 of us in our group including our 2yr old daughter. This will be her 5th cruise so we are well versed in cruising with a toddler.

 

Since we are arriving early afternoon on Saturday our plan is to check into the hotel, grab dinner and maybe hit an Anchorage site or two. Not sure what those might be just yet or where to go for dinner. DW works for Nordstrom so we will probably make a pilgrimage to the Nordstrom at the 5th Ave. mall.

 

Then on Sunday we are thinking of taking the scenic drive down the Seward Highway and checking out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and taking in the sights along the way. Maybe continue on further, but not sure how far we can realistically go and do in a day trip with a toddler. Sunday evening will be back in Anchorage.

 

Then on Monday we are planning on taking the Princess transfer to Whittier. Don't usually take cruise line transfers, but the price didn't seem outrageous. Ship doesn't leave until 9:00pm, is there anything to see in Whittier or best to just get on the ship as soon as we can? Have read about some boat tours out of Whittier, but small boat excursions are not really a good option for us with our daughter.

 

Any opinions or advice on our pre-cruise plans would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

c-cruise

[Yukon]

The Comfort Inn has advantages (the location right on Ship Creek to watch the fishing action?), but it's uphill to downtown proper if you choose to walk, about 6 blocks to Nordstrom's.

 

There's nothing much at Whittier except for the boat trips, so I'd go as late as possible.

[c-cruise]

Thanks Yukon, Is boarding time in Whittier around the usual 11:00am time frame or do they not board until later due to the late sailing time? I would just assume go to Whittier as early as possible and get on the ship rather than hang out in Anchorage and board later in the day.

 

Basically booked the Comfort Inn because it was cheaper than a lot of the other "downtown" hotels and I just wanted to get my reservation in somewhere so I knew we had a place to stay. May change hotels once we figure out for sure what our plans are going to be.

[lovnlivnnalaska]

Right next to your hotel is the sled dog show

 

http://alaska.org/anchorage/wildride-sled-dog-show.htm

 

comical and informative...when we went, they had pups for everyone to handle as well as one of the dogs from the movie Snow Dogs...to get pictures with.

 

There is also the Saturday Market, on Sat and Sunday, alot of local crafters...this is just up the hill from your hotel.

[larry the lobster]

How far is the dog sled show from the Marriott?

[AkSusan]

Here's the link straight to Seavey's site http://www.ididaride.com/tours/anchorage/wildride.htm

 

We hosted a conference here last June and this is what I picked for our Monday's guest activity as well as a bus ride through the city and a stop at Wildberry. They loved the show.

 

Susan in Anchorage :)

[AkSusan]

How far is the dog sled show from the Marriott?

Just did Yahoo maps and it says about a mile, now that's driving. The thing is the walk down wouldn't be bad but the walk back would be something. There is a good size hill that you'd have to take back up to get back up to the Marriott, actually anything else in Anchorage, up the hill.

 

Susan in Anchorage :)

[kenish]

The Alaska Ulu Factory is next to Comfort Inn. If you buy an Ulu, some cruise lines take them until the end of the cruise. Put it in your checked luggage to avoid possible hassles.

 

Ship Creek is behind CI; you can drive or walk a short distance to a control dam and watch salmon swimming upstream. If you see fishermen in the creek there are salmon.

 

On the way to 5th Ave Mall is the Anchorage Visitor Center (log cabin with a grass roof, you can't miss it). Lots of maps, guides, and good information.

 

Last suggestion- if you rent your car from the downtown office instead of the airport, it will be about 1/3 less! The airport tacks on 25% in fees and taxes. Avis downtown is not too far from Comfort Inn.

[c-cruise]

Kenish, Thanks for the tip on the car rental. Will definitely check that out.

 

lovnlivnnalaska, thanks for the info on the sled dog show. My daughter would definitely enjoy that.