JUST BACK ALASKA-Princess Coral Cruise/Land tour

[bl413]

Amazing trip - you will love every minute.

We were lucky enough to have great weather the whole trip.

Left Vancouver 7/24 back Anchorage 8/4

We were 3 couples in our late 50's almost 60!

 

Just a few notes

JUNEAU

Harv and Marv for Whale Watching were the best - they took they're time, educated us, and were great to be with.

 

We did a Helicopter Tour and Glacier Landing with ERA Flightseeing - at the last minute.

If you have one splurge - splurge on this type of excursion.

They took us to Taku and Norris Glacier-- after my initial terrors - it was the experience of a lifetime!

SKAGWAY

We booked the Yukon Rail and Bus Excursion through Chilkoot Tours - beautiful trip.

Except for Caribou Crossing - a depressing stop for lunch (not so good) and a dilapidated

run down establishment that should be taken off the tour.

Denali - We did the Kantishna Experience through the park. They picked us up right at the Princess Lodge and off we went. It's 11 hours - but goes by very quickly . You are on and off the bus many times. Thanks to Dave and Ranger Andy who provided us with great opportunities. The scenery is spectacular. We saw mama grizzly and cubs frolicking, caribou, linx, eagles, wolves, swans (yes swans) etc.

 

There have been many negative posts about the lunch provided on this trip -- so we brought lunch from the lodge with us. DON'T BELIEVE THEM! The lunch provided by the tour

was great - wraps, carrots, trail mix, cookies, granola bars, potato chips, water and juice!

Enough to take you through the whole day and then some. Don't waste your money buying lunch to bring.

KETCHIKAN

We did the Bear Expedition to the rain forest (only princess tour) it was interesting and we saw some many eagles very close - a baby one perched on the boardwalk about 10ft. away. But, no bears - because there's no running salmon there right now. It would have been good to know this b4 we booked it. Our friends did the Neets Bay tour and saw some great wildlife!

 

Denali Lodge was great - beautiful place - rooms pretty standard.

We ate at the King Salmon (on premise) and it was delicious. Because of CC recommendations we tried the Salmon Bake across the street - stick with Princess restaurants - so much better.

Mt. McKinley Lodge-

Go to the town of Talkeetna when your at the Mt. McKinley Lodge - quaint town lots of tourist shops - but also some nicer artisan stores. And home of the 5lb BURGER as seen on MAN vs FOOD - really- West Rib Pub

The lodge is located in the middle of nowhere and is beautiful with many decks facing the mountain. We where lucky once again because our 2nd day there - the mountain showed itself in full view and beauty - it was truly stunning. They told us it had been about 4 weeks since they saw it like this.

 

 

The ship

Do you need a balcony - yes

The food was good. We ate in the anytime (Bordeaux) Dining Room - we made reservations and had the same AMAZING waitress and assistant ( Tanya and Brian) every night. They truly made our dining experience special.

 

We went to the Wheelhouse a few times and the band there was lots of fun.

 

The days at sea we spent in the Sanctuary and because there were 6 of us - we really enjoyed it - worth every dime!

 

Fantastic journey - you'll love it.

[Budget Queen]

 

We did the Kantishna Experience through the park.

There have been many negative posts about the lunch provided on this trip -- so we brought lunch from the lodge with us. DON'T BELIEVE THEM! The lunch provided by the tour

was great - wraps, carrots, trail mix, cookies, granola bars, potato chips, water and juice!

Enough to take you through the whole day and then some. Don't waste your money buying lunch to bring.

QUOTE]

 

This is not the reference to the Kantishna tour, the negative posts about the skimpy food is noted for the Tundra Wilderness tour- not the one you went on, it's a completely different tour.

[Lad1970]

We had just gotten off of the Coral in Vancouver on the 24th. DH and I were up on Grouse Mtn and watched your sail away. We also had the trip of a life time.

Our cruise 17th-24th also had great weather.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for your review.

 

Glad you had a great Alaskan cruise and tour.

[Keith1010]

I am glad that you enjoyed both the tour and the cruise. And I am glad that you took the time to share your thoughts.

 

Keith

[goingeasy]

On our upcoming landcruise we travel by train from Whitter to

Denali then the return leg is by motorcoach to McKinley and two

days later motorcoach from Talkectna to Anchorage.

 

Can someone who has done this itinerary advise the time invovled

in each leg of the trip.

 

Thanks in advance------------------

[Budget Queen]

On our upcoming landcruise we travel by train from Whitter to

Denali then the return leg is by motorcoach to McKinley and two

days later motorcoach from Talkectna to Anchorage.

 

Can someone who has done this itinerary advise the time invovled

in each leg of the trip.

 

Thanks in advance------------------

 

It is 10 hours, Whittier/Denali. Denali/McKinley lodge 2 hours, then another 1 hour, to Talkeetna. Talkeetna/Anchorage 2+ hours. (there is/was a lot of construction)

[ColoCruze]

Thanks so much for your notes...we'll be on the Coral in Alaska in a month and now I'm even MORE excited! I'll definitely be enjoying every minute.

[MercedMike]

Thanks for your great report.

 

I happen to love that old tourist trap Caribou Crossing! Of course we have been there on our own AFTER the buses left, but it is definitely a fun place. The museum is quite interesting and we love Michelle at the dog camp and her great presentation and the cart rides.

 

I don't think there is anyplace else that could handle lunch for busfulls of people, so the BBQ is pretty much the only game in town. I admit it would not be my choice if there were other options!

[Sanpan]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. We are on the Coral in Septembe after doing the cruisetour. More excited now than before.:D Thanks again.