AKJonesy

I'm only going to be there for two nights and first night, due to late arrival from the states, I am staying in one of the wonderful airport hotels.  I have some Yen and plan to use the Keikyu Bus so I can easily take my luggage.  If you are arriving at HND airport, stop at the Bus counter and they will help you out.  I think you can buy the tickets at the counter as well with a credit card...but can't say positively.  The bus is going to take us very close to the Shinko Pier but it's going to depend on your pier and ability.  https://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/en/airport/h-yamashita/

Taxi's are right outside baggage claim cross over via the pedestrian walkway.  https://dot.alaska.gov/anc/travelerInfo/taxiSrvcs.shtml

Bruno, I have seen your posts over the years.  My deepest condolences for your loss.  Karen

@ralfrick  You might do a search everywhere and include the words ACT and bus and cross post this on the Ports of Call board.  This service is not just used by Holland America, so you might expand your results.  You didn't mention the cost and I'm wondering why you are not taking the Holland transfer.  

Last year on a SAN to FL through PC we missed two ports due to medical emergencies.  Four days out I could not wait to get off and vowed only to sail on port heavy cruises.  But, now we are going on Westerdam from Tokyo to SEA beginning end of April.  Fortunately, I have a major pilot exam when I get back so I need the sea days for studying.  Otherwise, I don't think I would like all of those crossing days.  On the other hand, my husband loves sea days, but it's about eating, exercising and resting for him.  I once brought my laptop and organized all of my files.  I'm not much for entertainment so that doesn't work for me.  

1 hour ago, Glaciers said:

The Millennium Lakefront Hotel has had several names in the past 30 years but it still appears it is the same property currently with the Coast just down the street where it has always been. Is that not the case any longer?

Pardon me.  The Coast is a block away.  The Lakefront is the name of the Millennium and part of the millennium chain.

Dumb down your expectations for Anchorage when it comes to a hotel.  Prices will be insane.  I like the Captain Cook the best, but you will also hear street noise.  Take a look at airbnb and vrbo also.  Someone mentioned The Coast which is at Lake Hood by the airport.  That would be ok also.  It is the former Millenium Hotel.  

Probably not.  There is the issue of the tunnel and the northbound cars for those that work in Anchorage.  The Anchorage streets will be busy with people getting to work.  

Definitely Antarctica.  Bucket list.  

Upvote #3.  We have used Seattle Express a number of times.  We also arrived day before and just didn't want to deal with logistics after traveling.  Also, Seattle Express will pick you up at one of the Sea Tac hotels.  My advice is arrive, stay in SeaTac if your time is limited, grab your hotel transfer at SeaTac and have Seattle Express pick you up next day.  

I think people are just sick and tired of people bringing their emotional support dogs everywhere and then on top of it, they want to make sure you notice them.  I sat down in ANC concourse a couple of weeks ago next to a young woman who had a dog in a carrier.  The dog was completely quiet.  Then, after a few seconds after I sat down, the girl stared talking to the silent dog asking it questions.  🙂  (Are you doing ok?)  Now, if that dog had responded and said something like, "'Im ok", then I would've been impressed.  Seriously asking the dog if it's doing ok? It was completely silent. I moved away.  As I said, I give them a wide berth.  Another situation, I get on a plane and this guy has a lapdog out of it's carrier on my seat.  I just stood there and finally said, this is my seat.  Last summer, a flight attendant asked me if someone could put their dog under my bigger middle seat opening.  I asked where the person was sitting and they were in the aisle.  I said I would sit in the aisle seat, but no, I would not have the dog under my seat opening.  I think we are tired of people bringing their dogs everywhere...in the carts at the grocery store, etc.  What's the deal?  They can't leave them at home while they shop?  Bologna.  You can spot the fake service dogs everywhere because the owner generally wants you to fawn all over them.  My advice, give these people a wide berth.  

This thread reminds me of covid threads.  I've got the popcorn!  

11 hours ago, AryMay said:

From the Koningsdam in February...

 

 

Hmmmm.  Looks an awful lot like this Temu $10 harness.  Could be wrong but I doubt legitimate service dog harnesses are coming from Temu.  

4 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

But, the ADA specifically states there are only two places a service dog should be, and a stroller is not one of them.

That is correct.  The handler/owner may harness them close to the chest for those who have a glucose alert dog.  Otherwise, the dog is tethered on the floor.  

51 minutes ago, jay888 said:

I have a service dog a Labadoodle because I am vision impaired.  He gives  me confidence to go out on my own.  However, as my next cruise involves  a 14 hours flight  and I don’t know how dog friendly Japan is.  He is staying at home and I will be using my white cane and husband.  The whole idea of the crowds of people being around is frightening, but I’m sure it will be OK

Japan is extreme strict.  They only allow X number in.  It's a lot more than rabies shots; it's microchips, quarantine, etc.  I doubt most people would bring their dogs in and then you would really have to ask if it is worth it to travel to such a place.  

It's not the dog; it's the owner.  My niece puts her dogs up on the counter and lets them eat from her plate with her.  I look for hotels that do not allow pets because I know how nuts people are putting them up on the beds.  This is just my preference and may not be what others think.  When I see someone with their non service dog, I give them a wide berth.

I think we will see more and more of this.  My husband would love cruises to nowhere.  

I'm having a hard time reading this thread.  I can't believe people are asking people to report back on what they found out.  Just don't.  Period.  These SCAMS are targeted at seniors.  Go back to your common sense, "if it sounds too good to be true".  Throw it in the trash and don't look back.  

We could hear a little noise which was the carts rolling but it wasn't very loud at all.  

11 hours ago, barbAZID said:

Thanks all.  I was thinking of San Diego and Ensenada also but Holland sent me a no go notice.  Has anyone paid the fine for breaking the rule.

Yes.  Last year in Alaska.  I recall it was fairly hefty.

Seeing that your profile is Louisiana, I'd say you will feel chilly or cold.  Seward's weather April 2023 was in 30's to 40's with a few 50's days.  But, I recall last year to be cooler than normal for most of the spring and summer.  It was pretty much the same for Anchorage.  Also, it rains a lot on the coast and the Gulf of Alaska can have some pretty good low pressure systems.  However, when the sun comes out, it is glorious and warm and you will have light well into evening.  

When was the last time you re-booted your device?  Try that.  

Depending on your ports, you might try getting on Trip Advisor Forum and asking the locals for that area.  Yes, it's possible to fish without a guide but you need some local information.  

@whee-sailing  Book a car in Whittier but make inquiry NOW.  Keep in mind you will have to pay RT for the Whittier Access Tunnel in addition to the car...unless the car rental takes care of that which I would doubt.  This area of the Seward Highway is the best area so you will have options other than just Portage Glacier.  Keep in mind the cost of any excursion from the cruise line and the car will probably be pretty expensive also.  Keep in mind getting back through the tunnel and pay attention to the tunnel schedule.  Don't worry about it.  It will make sense when you are there, and Whittier is a tiny place and most everything is right there at the harbor. 

I don't recommend Denali and Fairbanks.  It is way too far to drive and at least on the Parks Hwy going northbound, it's not that interesting.  Also, don't spend time in Anchorage.  I don't recommend Talkeetna either.  Talkeetna is a great little town to spend a few hours at most and for your very short number of days, I would not recommend driving all that way to spend just a few hours.  The problem is your 4 days; it's not enough time so use it extremely well.  Upvote for #2 post.  There are some great posters on TA who will help you with an itinerary.