AKStafford

I think booking independently is the better way to go. You can control your schedule and see what you want to see. A rental car gives you the most options. Reserve in November and watch for price drops.

That late in the year is should be getting dark enough to see the Northern Lights if you have clear skies and aurora activity. My first would be to rent a car for the day. Otherwise, maybe BAC Transportation or Aurora Limousines for hiring a car... Spots: I like the viewing tower at Reflection Lake, just north of the Knik River Bridge. But that does require a 1/2 mile walk in the dark. Otherwise here: https://goo.gl/maps/1aGjwA18pov4VjMN8

Maybe instead of a "cruisetour" where the details are out of your control, what about booking a rental car and putting together your own great trip. There's nothing on a cruisetour that you can't book independently, often for cheaper.

I think a Jeep or ATV excursion would be fun.

AvisAlaska has a downtown location: https://www.avisalaska.com/locations/juneau-downtown/

"We are looking at the train from Anchorage to Seward, pros/cons?" The train is scenic and it gets you there. Using a one-way rental car would be expensive, but allow you to stop and sightsee along the way. If you fly into Anchorage and the day before and take the early morning train offered by the Alaska Railroad, you'd have time for a Kenai Fjords cruise before boarding your ship. Here's the local vendors at Icy Strait Point (Hoonah): http://visithoonah.com/experiences/ Another option for halibut fishing is to fly into Anchorage a couple of days before your cruise and fish out of Whittier or Seward.

I prefer Glacier Brewhouse. I know 49th State is popular, but I've never enjoyed it.

My first choice downtown is F Street Station. It's a small bar with limited seating. Otherwise, Glacier Brewhouse is good.

It's summer. It's Alaska. There's wildfires. Most burn in areas were no one lives, so they are generally allowed to burn. Creates smoky conditions down wind.

Yep. You can take an Uber or the People Mover bus. Explore downtown Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Here's the local operators: http://visithoonah.com/experiences/

Try contacting some of these: https://blackdiamondtourco.com/ https://denaliair.com/ https://www.denaliatv.com/ https://www.denalijeep.com/ https://www.denaliphoto.com/ https://www.denalitoyrentals.com/ https://www.flydenali.com/

If you are looking for authentic Native Alaska items, look for the Silver Hand logo. The Silver Hand program helps Alaska Native artists promote their work in the marketplace and enables consumers to identify and purchase authentic Alaska Native art. The seal indicates that the artwork on which it appears is created by hand in Alaska by an individual Alaska Native artist. Only original contemporary and traditional Alaska Native artwork, not reproductions or manufactured work, may be identified and marketed with the Silver Hand seal. The Silver Hand image is protected under Alaska trademark statute and regulation and may only be used by individuals or organizations with Alaska State Council on the Arts’ explicit written permission. https://arts.alaska.gov/silverhand

Avis Alaska has a downtown location: https://www.avisalaska.com/locations/juneau-downtown/

If it was me, I'd rent a car and include the drive to the Shrine of St. Therese.

$287?!?!? You are getting screwed. Book directly with Phillips Cruises and Tours for $179: https://phillipscruises.com/26-glacier-cruise/

I saw the same post... I just tried booking a room on their website and it says nothing is available... In fact for the whole summer its showing no rooms available...

My choice would be the 26 Glaciers Cruise. 2nd choice would be to catch the Glacier Discovery train from the Alaska Railroad and do the Grandview trip. But of course all of that depends on your flight time from Anchorage.

I would plan at least a couple of hours from the depot to Whittier, plus any time for stops. Bear Valley Road Runner is one shuttle that I know of. For a private car, contact BAC or Aurora Limousines.

Depends on where you are at, what time of year and the weather on that day. But , yes. We have mosquitoes. They suck.

With road construction and the speed a motorcoach travels at, I would plan 3 hours between Seward and the Anchorage airport. Plus how ever long it takes to disembark.