ascho

On 9/9/2013 at 8:04 AM, helpthejuggler said:

Millennium

 

CABIN #: 8162

DECK #:  8

CLASS:   Concierge

AREA:

BED NEAR:  centered

QUIET?:        Yes

BALCONY VIEW:  unrestricted. 

BALCONY SIZE:   2 chairs and a table

WIND A PROBLEM?:  No

SOOT A PROBLEM?:  No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: Aft location-approximately 3rd room from the end.  Clean room with plenty of storage.  Very quiet

Once again, I get great advice from the boards. Thanks. We will sign up for it if it looks like it will be a clear day tomorrow 

I am booked on this 3 day pre cruise tour which includes a 4.5 hour Denali Natural History tour.  For $75 per person, I can upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour that lasts 6-8.5 hours depending on what wildlife we see.  Obviously, there is no guarantee we see any wildlife and because we are on rough roads, they use school buses.  My question is, has anyone been on this tour and how bad is it with the school buses?  Which excursion should I pick?

Thanks

Trivial question..:  do they have Truvia or Stevia in the MDR?

Thanks to all your responses

So C1 is better than C3?

What is the difference between C1, C2 and C3?

1 hour ago, Sujormik said:

So on top of the high fees we need to pay more? Oy.

Hopefully, you will find that it was well earned.  A good guide makes all the difference and from the advice I have received on the Cruise Critic boards, I’m expecting some amazing experiences. 

8 hours ago, masterdrago said:

I would say that if on a small boat tour (6 people) and the captain does a phenomenal job, $20+. I think DW tipped some of them $40. The prices for the two of us ranged from $180 to $450 (4hrs-9hrs). So essentially, 10%.

Thanks

4 hours ago, masterdrago said:

DW is a very heavy tipper and that was no exception in Alaska. Those ranged from $5-$40 depending on how great the interaction was with the tour guides, luggage handlers, room steward, food servers, bus drivers, etc. Shawn McConnell w/Glacier Winds Charters, Captain Mike w/Lazy Otter Charters, Captain Chris w/Major Marine, Rose with Dyea Dave, Michelle with Island Wings and Clay (pilot w/Talkeetna Air Taxi) were superb host and guides. Clearly DW tipped them accordingly.

What is appropriate for the whale watching tour?

We are signed up for Glacier Wind Charters.  They are highly recommended on these boards but only take 6 people on their boat.  I believe they have 2 boats

Thanks.  We already have reservations for the Haute Quarter Grill.  They both look great. Maybe lunch at Simon and Seaforts for the view

These are all great suggestions. Thanks

 We are also coming from the eastern time zone.  Thank you for the suggestion. 

I am starting a Denali excursion from Anchorage prior to my cruise and have 1 free day in Anchorage. Any suggestions or must see excursions?  We arrive in the middle of the night so we will probably need to sleep in a little that morning. 

A nice lunch on a Wednesday ( good salad or fresh fish) and a nice dinner on a Thursday perhaps taking advantage of the fresh fish available in Talkeetna.

9 hours ago, Von & John said:

@ascho

Once you receive the itinerary - our home is in Talkeetna & we used to live/run lodges in Denali (both inside & outside the Park proper). 

I'll be happy to answer questions...

It's hard to take advantage of your offer without knowing when I will be in certain places.  Any restaurant recommedations in Talkeetna?

Hard to believe that it isn't an established schedule from May through September. 

We are taking the southbound Alaska cruise but are starting with the 1b-Talkeetna/Denali land package.   How do I see the hourly itinerary? 

Thanks for the info.  In the end, I was able to get what I think was a great promotional deal on a new Bushnell line of binoculars called Forge.  I ordered from the company and got the 8x42. Still not cheap but I also liked the 30 year warranty. 

I enjoy hearing everyone's point of view but some of you are not mentioning the lens specifics.  I am torn between 8x42 vs 10x50.  I like the idea of a higher magnification but many say there is too much shaking and movement with the 10x50.   

I found this on another post....

https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-binoculars/

Actually, I finally get it.  Unfortunately, Chilkoot tours does not offer Bennett Lake on Mondays so I will probably take the Yukon Rail and Bus excursion. The ship gets in at 7 am. Can I make the 7:30 train or should I take the 9:15 bus first excursion?  The ship does not depart until 8 pm. 

Thank you.  That was very helpful.   I assume this means that the Bennet trip goes through White Pass and goes a further distance?