txwriter

I want to book a surprise cruise for my husbands 40th. I'm think of July 2018. Any recommendations? Which ports are best? Which excursions? A loop or point to point? We have never been north of Oregon, so any and all recommendations are welcome. Our parents and our daughter will be joining us. She will be almost 5 when we do this cruise. When will summer 2018 be posted?

 

 

 

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We will be going on our first cruise to Alaska in 2017. If you are not a regular cruiser, I would suggest getting a book like Frommer's Alaska Cruises and ports of call to sort things out. There is a ton of information to sort through, and this book does a good idea of explaining the different types of cruises (round trip vs one way). It also breaks down the cruise lines and gives a better idea of what to expect with each. For the initial decision of which cruise to take, I found it more helpful than these boards. However, I found the boards EXTREMELY helpful (and still do) for some of the more detailed decisions I've been making since booking like which excursions to take.

I definitely would not wait until this time of year in 2017 to book for 2018. Fares for many cruise lines for 2017 Alaska came out in December 2015. Once you pick a cruise line, you can check with them when they think fares will be released, check the cruise line boards here on CC (I know the Princess board does a great job of keeping up with release dates and fares ...in fact, there is a new itinerary from Los Angeles to Alaska round trip for April 2018 that was already released), or just regularly check the cruise line's website.

I hope you are able to wade through the massive info and find just the right plan for your family!:)

Keep scrolling down the page to see "which bus should I choose" https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/visiting-denali.htm

Yes, I've perused this website thoroughly. My only concern about the TWT is the length in terms of hours. It is doable, but it might limit our ability to do other things that Mom has expressed interest in. I have even considered just doing the shuttle so that we could turn back at any time, but I think Mom prefers the narration and also the video screens available on the Tundra Wilderness tour. I have time to think about it...we'll be in Denali National Park taking our tour (or not) one year from tomorrow. :D

In 2000 I went on a cruisetour with my dad that included the longer school bus ride into the park. We saw lots of wildlife and we loved it. A week ago I was on a cruisetour with my husband (It's taken me 15 years to get back to Alaska with my husband but the wait was sooo worth it!) which included the Natural History Tour and he loved that one! He's natural history buff and had no desire to sit on a school bus for more that 4 or 5 hrs so it was perfect for him. To each his own, I guess! (:

 

Enjoy your cruise with your mom!

Wow! Your timing couldn't be better. I am currently researching whether I think upgrading to the Tunda Wilderness Tour is as mandatory for us as everyone on the boards thinks it is. The longer tour appeals to me for seeing a little further into the park and getting a better feel for the expanse along with a chance to see more wildlife (but wildlife is never guaranteed). But Mom is not convinced. She loves history, so I know she'd probably be like your husband and be perfectly happy with the Natural History Tour. The fact that it is shorter is a plus too so that she would have more time to do other excursions she wants to try.

Totally agree with you all. Even though it is pricier, neither one of us has to drive, or plan out anything. Our first cruise was a Med 12 day. We did all ships tours, even though our roll call was active and we could have joined in on DIYs. It was nice to have it all planned out, even though while we were waiting with the herds, ummm, groups, we were "mooing" to ourselves....:D

 

If you know exactly what you're getting into, it is your choice. When we are on vaca, we feel like paying a premium is worth it, to make our time easier. Instead of worrying about where to get a car or taxi, or planning a hotel, we got to sit and chat with each other and enjoy the experience of new places.

Yes, there were times where I wanted to stay longer somewhere, or missed a sight that would have been nice, but I got to see so many places I never had seen before, and make lovely memories.

 

We cannot wait for our Alaska connoisseur cruisetour...go ahead and tell me where to line up and where to eat....less hassle for me to figure out the logistics, when all I want is to just to relax and get away from my everyday work world. Let someone else do the planning!

 

Txwriter, have a wonderful trip with mom. I took my mom, who was 90 at the time, on a 5 day to the Bahamas. Planned all the airport stuff and rented a wheelchair to be delivered to the ship. We had the best time...I and she, will never forget that wonderful memory. It won't matter what you guys do, spending time together is the most important thing, especially if you can be "present" and not have to worry about planning!

Thank you.

I love the fact that a cruisetour is available for those who want or need that option. I also love the idea of a DIY trip (I had a great one planned before changing my mind). For us, it boiled down, as you said, to the ease of logistics and the ability to spend more time with each other, engaged instead of worrying.

This cruise will sell out fast. It's going to be a great cruise!

No kidding! I looked at it yesterday after reading the post and saw the itinerary which looks really good, but there are more rooms sold on this ship than are for my May 2017 SB trip.

My wife and I chose a cruisetour for largely similar reasons.

 

You forgot one factor: if something goes awry it's not your fault... :D

SO TRUE!!! There was an immense pressure to get it just right when it is costing so very very much. I know my mom is easy to please, but thinking of all the variables and what could go wrong was making me bonkers.

We stayed at the Bear Lodge, but dropped folks off on our bus ,(we came up from Denali), at the hotel where you are staying before going on to ours. From what I recall, there was a restaurant close to your hotel but it was kind of out by itself and closer to the airport than the Bear Lodge. I know they mentioned a shuttle was available for a charge to go into town.

 

We did the dinner show and salmon bake at the Pioneer Village and it was great. The dinner was delicious and the show was silly, but fun. You might want to look into that for one night. We took our shuttle to Fred Meyer on the afternoon before we left and had lunch at the deli - which is extensive and there are plenty of tables available. Quite a few of the people staying at our hotel did the same thing. It was the least expensive meal we had and very tasty.

Being so far from when we travel, I guess our hotel may change, but this is all excellent information. Thank you.:)

Correction - I made a mistake - the places to eat across the street are at the Denali Princess Lodge, not the McKinley Lodge - there is nothing there except the restaurant at the Lodge.

 

Do you know at which hotel in Fairbanks you will be staying?

It shows us at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

I always said I wanted to take my mom to Alaska. By the time I was in a position to be able to do that it was too late for her to make such a trip. Your plans made me smile and I hope you enjoy every minute with her.

There are days when it seems too far away or too hard financially, and reading encouragement like this really helps. Thank you for reminding me what I knew all along...Mom is worth skipping a haircut or pinching my pennies until you can hear that tiny Abe Lincoln scream. She sure did sacrifice for me as a kid, and she's earned even more than I could ever hope to give her back.

I'm heading to Alaska this June prior to a hip replacement in July so I understand your Mom's concerns about the buses. For years I have traveled on airlines with an inflatable Thermarest seat cushion and lumbar support http://www.amazon.com/Therm-a-Rest-Camp-Seat-Nautical-Blue/dp/B00AWQL5WY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1463420478&sr=8-10&keywords=inflatable+seat+cushion

They roll up and easily fit in a day pack or tote. I will be using mine a lot on buses and trains on this trip :)

I appreciate the link and will definitely look into that as it would be much easier to pack than a pillow which we had discussed. I hope you have a fantastic trip and get a chance to post some pictures as well as any advice you would give to those of us traveling later. Best wishes for the surgery. Mom had knee replacement a few years ago, and the first few weeks were hard but worth it. That knee has never given her a moment's worry since (except at the airport;)).

glad you wrote about this. I have read about Alaska for years and the information can be over whelming with things to do and ways to do it. We ended up with cruise tour because I have spent my life planning everything..........and being involved in every thing. We had 3 sons and I was a coach for all sporting and academic endeavors. Volunteer at schools, hospital, parenting classes, etc........... Finally decided, I wanted a break on this trip. I am tired and wanted a vacation from planning. I felt guilty for booking cruise tour over DYI, but am happy with our decision. Our land and sea with Princess begins Aug. 2nd and we could not be more excited. Now we just have to decide what to pack...........lots more reading on these boards. Thanks for sharing;) Hope your mom and you have a memorable time together.

Thank you so much for the kind wishes.

I completely understand what you are saying about wanting a vacation from planning. I also agree that the information can be overwhelming.

I too look forward to lots more reading on the boards and hope one of the things I get to read is a report about how much you loved your trip. You are only a few months away now...so exciting!:)

While others may turn their noses up at a cruise tour, you have clearly done the research and made a choice that is appropriate for you and your mom. You are to be commended. Don't let the naysayers of cruise tours get you down. You will have a great time.

Thank you!

I find I feel much lighter since making the decision for the cruisetour, but I'll admit that I still think about Alaska WAY too much.:D

I commend you for doing your homework and choosing what works best for you and your mother. My only suggestion would be to consider upgrading your Denali Natural History Tour to the Tundra Wilderness Tour - as that goes considerably farther into Denali National Park. Enjoy your Princess cruisetour! :)

I definitely want to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness tour, but my mom is not as certain. Our travel agent discouraged it based largely on the buses, but I was able to find pictures of the interior of the buses, and I think I can convince her that they will be ok with the stops every 90 minutes.

I know I could upgrade even if she decides not to, but I prefer to stay on same tour if possible...more shared memories. I also know I could just take Tolkat shuttle, but we like the narration on the tours so will stick with one of those.

I did find the Denlali National Park website extremely helpful for explaining the different shuttles, tours, and routes.

We probably spent on average $90 per day on food, but we generally don't eat breakfast - just coffee and maybe a danish. I would suggest you eat in Talkeetna before going to the McKinley Lodge - the Wildflower Cafe is one of our favorites. The shuttle to the lodge is convenient, but it is a long ride and we were glad we didn't go to the lodge first.

 

There are several places to eat across the street from the McKinley Lodge, but they really aren't inexpensive - we had two hot dogs and soft drinks that cost a little under $30. The pizza place at the lodge is good and we had lunch at the main restaurant.

 

Are you going on to Fairbanks?

Yes, we start our tour with two nights in Fairbanks. We then go to the Denali Princess lodge for 2 nights, the McKinley lodge 1 night, and finally the Kenai lodge for 2 nights. Thanks for the budgeting info and for the suggestion about looking around and eating when we stop in Talkeetna before taking shuttle to lodge.

Any suggestions for Fairbanks? We are still too far out to know when we will get into town.

Gee, it's too bad you're just 2 days too early for the shuttle to Eielson. Oh well, enjoy anyway.

One of the trade offs I mentioned. Changing dates to later would increase price. We will be seeing DNP this way, and it wasn't even on the schedule before, so for me, it's a positive.

We went into the TA office yesterday, asked a few more questions, and booked the MB7 Off th Beaten Path cruisetour. It was that or the PB8 connoisseur tour, but the cost difference of the MB7 was about $2200 less. We have added one night in YVR and may make it 2. Not sure if we will add day before in Fairbanks or possibly in ANC then take a hopper up. We have plenty of time to decide. Very excited!:):):)

If you've done this tour before and have advice, it's more than welcomed.

I'm posting this for anyone out there who is still in the planning stages of their Alaska vacation.

A little background: I've been planning on taking my mom to Alaska for years, and she's been dreaming of it even larger. Jump forward to last August 2016 when we really started talking openly about it and decided to look into going in 2017. Bought several books and discovered cruise critic and began researching like a maniac. Became overwhelmed by options, took a break and waited for 2017 fares to come out. December 2017, fares started coming out, so we discussed the options. Mom chose a Princess southbound cruise from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver. Booked it and "gave" it to her as Christmas gift.

After that: Even more planning, reading, researching...SO MUCH RESEARCH!:eek: And then I started booking excursions for cruise portion and pounding out a DIY land tour.

Now: It's May and FINALLY just a year away from our departure date (give or take a week). But we've changed our minds.

The more I thought about our travel style, the more the cruisetour appealed to me. However, that meant I had to compromise and give up some of the activities I'd been planning on for months. More thinking and thinking and thinking and weighing the options. Finally, I had my mom (who the trip is for in the first place) weigh the pros and cons of a cruisetour vs. DIY+Cruise.

If this helps, I'll list a few of them here:

PROS of DIY

• More flexibility
  
• Lower cost
  

CONS of DIY

• See less landscape variations (this will not be a con for most, but we had planned due to personal reasons that we would keep to Anchorage and surrounding areas plus Kenai peninsula)
  
• Driving ourselves (posters say driving in AK is easy, but it's still driving in a place I've never been, and that makes me nervous. Add moose to the mix and I'm just this side of high anxiety).
  
• No one to help schlep luggage
  
• Idea of having something happen on road where no cell service freaks me out
  

PROS of Cruisetour

• More structure
  
• More help
  
• More security
  
• Narration and information on buses/trains (Mom really likes this)
  
• Will see more landscape variations (adding in Fairbanks and Denali allows us to see more physical area than we are willing to do on our own)
  
• Not having to drive:)
  

CONS of Cruisetour

• Less flexibility
  
• Earlier mornings in many circumstances
  
• Traveling with large group of people
  
• LONG hours on bus/train probable
  

This is our list, and I'm sure any person/group traveling would have to think of their own likes/dislikes to make their own list. Mom picked the cruisetour and eventually decided on the MB7 Off the Beaten Path Princess cruisetour starting May 20,2017.

The reason I'm posting this is because it does sometimes seem like cruisetours are poo-pooed on this board, but there are can be legitimate reasons when someone picks that plan, and it really is what's best for them. I also want to encourage anyone considering a cruisetour to post questions on the cruise line boards. The Princess board was very helpful answering my questions and helping me understand a little more of what was involved/included in a cruisetour.

Also, I wanted to state that it is true that you really must know what you are getting and what you are giving up when you pick the cruisetour vs. DIY land tour. You also must be honest about your needs and travel habits. A person who hates being told what to do or where to be and really just wants to do what they want on vacation should NEVER book a cruisetour in my opinion. For me and my mom, there is a peace of mind that comes with someone else being in charge of the logistics, and I'm willing to give up some of the fun parts of planning my own days to get that peace of mind. Plus, with someone else driving, we will be able to enjoy each other's company more, and that's a MAJOR importance to me.

I know exactly what I'm giving up...what I won't get to see or do and what I'm getting in return (things I'm getting to see/do because of a different itinerary) because I have researched this trip like crazy. For Alaska, research is your best friend, followed closely by the acceptance that unless you are a VERY wealthy person with unlimited resources and time, you WILL have to give up or miss something you thought looked "awesome."

Only you can pick and choose what you want to do. The boards here are a great resource but ultimately you will be the one who will be taking your trip, so you will need to decide what compromises you can live with.

So, to any person who has felt intimidated by the process of picking their trip, I want to encourage you to stay the course and do the research. There are a ton of great options, but only you can figure out your travel style, budget, likes/dislikes, etc. And for anyone who deep down feels perhaps they want to do a cruisetour but is convinced after reading the posts here that a DIY is the ONLY way to go, do not be discouraged from doing what you want.

Alaska is HUGE, and there is room for all of us and all of our travel styles. :)

Remembering your prior posts, I was under the same impression as your mom. So glad you changed your mind. You won't regret it. Come on over to roll call if you want to learn specifics as I have done the C Tour a few years ago and am doing it again the same time you might, land first/sea second...with the ship departing the same day.

 

I've learned now to fly in the day before to help with the jet lag (East Coast here) and get some rest before the hustle and bustle of the land tour, as well as taking advantage of some free time to do things I wanted to do the last time but couldn't, because of the tour schedule.

 

In 2009, I found Cokes on land for about $7. Expect to pay more than what you're used to, for most necessities.(?) All goods are trucked, shipped, or flown to Alaska and that costs $$$.

 

Although it's early yet to purchase, Princess has packages where you can buy cans of soda to be delivered to your cabin on the ship. Last check, and it was awhile ago, averaged $2.60 per can. So, trying to get ahead money-wise is worth the search.

Well, the cruisetour is definitely more expensive than a DIY, but it is manageable. I had decided on driving mostly because I thought it would be easiest on Mom, but it seems I was wrong. Won't be the last time, I'm sure. ;)

Thanks for the information on Cokes (we are actually liking the Cherry Coke Zeros now though plain Coke Zero is good too; maybe I'll be able to wean myself off by then but probably not). I was planning on picking some up in ANC when we were going to do the DIY tour for the ship, but that's changed now. Did you get to take the cokes with you in 2009 on the land portion of the tour, or did you ship them to the ship directly?

I will eventually join the roll call, but I will wait until we've booked our tour and it's a little closer to our travel. It gives me something else to look forward to. Thanks for the help. Mom is actually in charge of picking which tour we take. After all, this trip is for her.

Cost depends on eating style. http://www.princesslodges.com/amenities/documents/Base_Camp_2015.pdf

http://www.princesslodges.com/amenities/documents/KS_Dinner_2015.pdf

McKinley Lodge is isolated so unless you eat in Talkeetna (1 hr paid shuttle from the lodge) it is your only option.

Denali Lodge is very close to multiple eating options.

Thank you. Can we buy cokes ahead of time in town and take with us?

 

One cool thing about travelling is that you get exposed to a lot of things you would never experience at home. Just as an example, I had never seen a cottonwood tree before. I guess we don't have them in California! There were a LOT of cottonwood trees in Alaska, and they were in bloom. When the breeze picked up, the cotton-like petals would fill the air and it looked like it was snowing!

 

One of many Cottonwood trees we saw in Alaska

 

 

Cottonwoods are the bane of my existence each spring. It's one thing I'm worried about on our trip to Alaska as they make my allergies go absolutely bonkers. However, these pics don't look like a cottonwood to me. Cottonwoods have much broader leaves. Maybe I'll be okay.

Can anyone tell me an approximate budget for food per day? I know I can look at menus but am wondering if we will have access to food other than at Princess lodges.

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the great replies and information! It's been very very helpful. Mom and I talked about it this evening, and we went through the pros and cons of both styles of travel. She'd been under the impression that: 1. I wanted to drive and 2: a cruisetour was too expensive. Neither was the case. She picked doing a cruisetour, and I admit I am somewhat relieved. Now she just has to decide which one. It will come down to what she wants to see/do.

I am especially grateful for the personal stories and details on the differences between a regular cruisetour and connoisseur tours and the tip about finding prices for meals. We already have a cruise booked and will probably stick with that same one unless we find it would be better to go a little later. I would like to see some green in Denali after all.

SO MUCH GRATITUDE for all of you. It's really helped ease my mind.:D

6 of one, half dozen of another. There are pluses and minuses to both ways of touring Alaska. We enjoyed our cruisetour last year, however next time we do any land tour in Alaska, it will be DIY for us.. We want more time in some places and less in others - howevwr we wouldn't have known that before our cruisetour.

Rhe convenience factor of the cruisetour is major - really major. Everything is very, very easy, we'll coordinated, we'll documented, etc. That's worth a lot for many people,ourselves included for our first land tour there.

Depending on your stops, there can be a LOT of sitting time on the transports - rhe sheer distances involved is amazing. That will be the same whether you do a cruisetour or DIY... So, take into account the ease of someone else driving, etc.. The long bis trios have stops every 60-90 minutes for stretching, potty breaks, etc train ride can be 4-6 hours, not a whole lot of room to move around, but some space to walk in the caboose, down to dining car, etc..

You've laid out your pluses and minuses, you seem to understand the differences pretty well, so basically - research the various cruisetour options s that appeal to you vs DIY (rental car costs, wear and tear on yourself doing all your own driving and organization in advance, etc..

We really enjoyed our cruisetour, and are quite happy we did it. Next time though, it will be DIY (assuming we're still in good shape, etc) If either of us has mobility or orher health issues, we'd likely go with the cruisetour again for the ease and convenience...

Enjoy, it's an amazing place!

Thank you for the great feedback!:) I'd love to do a cruisetour now and a DIY later, but I doubt that will happen...at least not with Mom. That's why I feel so much pressure to make the best decision. It's REALLY important to me that Mom has a good time. I know she will love whatever we do, but she is such a great Mom, and I want her to have the best.

We did the Connoisseur Escorted Tour OA6 last year. It made seeing Alaska beyond Ancorage really easy for us being from the other side of the world. The 'escort' was not necessary but it was the only land tour we could get at short notice. One without the escort would be just as good, if not better re flexibility of meals.

Thank you. This eases my mind a bit. I don't think we could afford the connoisseur tours. The difference is around $1000.00 per person, and it seems like we'd be able to eat for less than $2000.00. I know Mom would enjoy the commentary, but I just don't know that it's worth that much more.

If you are doing a south bound simply add several days prior, DIY to the Kanai and then join a cruise tour that gives you the other parts of the interior that you want to see. This does probably limit you to tours that start in Anchorage, however.

If choosing a cruisetour, I've thought about doing a few days prior just to see more of Anchorage/Girdwood area. There are several things we want to see and do there.