Seriously Concerned About Post Cruise Tour

[Jane2357]

Years ago I spent an entire year planning out a very detailed land trip to Alaska with myself, husband, brother, SIL, her dad and my dad - who as a very young man was stationed there while in the Air Force during the Korean War - we took him back for his 70th Bday. Last minute my husband didn't get to go. :(

 

I've always wanted to go back with him and we are scheduled on May 27, 2016, Vancouver to Seward with a 6 night Post Cruise Tour ending in Fairbanks. I chose the cruise tour because frankly I've spent the last two years designing and then overseeing construction on our last home (yeah retirement) but the time and details of that project left me wanting someone else to do the work on this trip. I'd like it to be taken care of and all we need to do is show up.

 

We booked a great cabin (Aqua 1138) during the All Inclusive promo (yes I'd better call soon and upgrade to Prem Bev Pkg before the price changes) but in doing my research on excursions - I've been reading lots of reviews - and they aren't very good for the Pre or Post Tours - which I know are not run by Celebrity. Have I made an awful mistake by booking the post cruise tour? Can those that have some experience please reply? I know if I cancel we will lose our cabin and perks. I dread the work involved in planning a post tour myself - but I'm worried we'll be disappointed. Help!

[Kamloops50]

Years ago I spent an entire year planning out a very detailed land trip to Alaska with myself, husband, brother, SIL, her dad and my dad - who as a very young man was stationed there while in the Air Force during the Korean War - we took him back for his 70th Bday. Last minute my husband didn't get to go. :(

 

I've always wanted to go back with him and we are scheduled on May 27, 2016, Vancouver to Seward with a 6 night Post Cruise Tour ending in Fairbanks. I chose the cruise tour because frankly I've spent the last two years designing and then overseeing construction on our last home (yeah retirement) but the time and details of that project left me wanting someone else to do the work on this trip. I'd like it to be taken care of and all we need to do is show up.

 

We booked a great cabin (Aqua 1138) during the All Inclusive promo (yes I'd better call soon and upgrade to Prem Bev Pkg before the price changes) but in doing my research on excursions - I've been reading lots of reviews - and they aren't very good for the Pre or Post Tours - which I know are not run by Celebrity. Have I made an awful mistake by booking the post cruise tour? Can those that have some experience please reply? I know if I cancel we will lose our cabin and perks. I dread the work involved in planning a post tour myself - but I'm worried we'll be disappointed. Help!

 

No you haven't made a mistake. I have found most reviews are presented by the people who didn't like the product or had a problem . Many people do these tours and are perfectly happy with them.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

We've done 2 cruise tours in Alaska with Celebrity, one post & one pre, both ending or starting in Fairbanks. Enjoyed both, especially the time on the train. I don't think you made a mistake. One thing I would caution, make sure you get the Tundra Wilderness tour in Denali if possible. It is much better than the Natural History tour that does not take you very far into the park.

[lobster129]

Hi Jane,

 

I do understand your dilemma. We are sailing your itinerary on Millie the week after yours. We also booked a 6 day cruise tour to follow...for very similar reasons as you did. While our preference is private tours, we like that the land portion covers lodging and the Wilderness Express....and some tours.

 

I posted some questions today about the land portion as I was having difficulty finding Celebrity specific answers. I have no concerns about the ship and are also in AQ aft with large balcony...and all 3 perks.

 

It may not be a perfect land tour, but it has it's good points. I hope to supplement with excursions in our"free time" that I can book as DIY.

 

Feel free to contact me via my email address listed, if you wish. I think our itineraries are a very close match.

 

Becky

[varoo]

Years ago I spent an entire year planning out a very detailed land trip to Alaska with myself, husband, brother, SIL, her dad and my dad - who as a very young man was stationed there while in the Air Force during the Korean War - we took him back for his 70th Bday. Last minute my husband didn't get to go. :(

 

I've always wanted to go back with him and we are scheduled on May 27, 2016, Vancouver to Seward with a 6 night Post Cruise Tour ending in Fairbanks. I chose the cruise tour because frankly I've spent the last two years designing and then overseeing construction on our last home (yeah retirement) but the time and details of that project left me wanting someone else to do the work on this trip. I'd like it to be taken care of and all we need to do is show up.

 

We booked a great cabin (Aqua 1138) during the All Inclusive promo (yes I'd better call soon and upgrade to Prem Bev Pkg before the price changes) but in doing my research on excursions - I've been reading lots of reviews - and they aren't very good for the Pre or Post Tours - which I know are not run by Celebrity. Have I made an awful mistake by booking the post cruise tour? Can those that have some experience please reply? I know if I cancel we will lose our cabin and perks. I dread the work involved in planning a post tour myself - but I'm worried we'll be disappointed. Help!

Realistically, nobody else can possibly know the answer to whether or not you have made a mistake by booking a post cruise tour.

 

Your cruise is over a year away. Right now you are feeling harried, overwhelmed by other concerns and just wanting everything to be taken care of for you so you don't need to deal with the details of arranging a land tour yourself.

 

By next year, you may feel very differently and may even shudder at the thought of being stuck on a commercial group tour where you are herded around like cattle on a prearranged schedule, wishing for the freedom and flexibility of planning your own tour instead.

Or maybe not. As you already know, there are major pros and cons both ways.

 

You have asked those who have had some experience to respond.

We have had experience both ways, and frankly a lot depends on the mood we are in and how we are feeling at the time.

 

When we are feeling well and full of energy, we always regret booking packaged tours because we hate the regimentation.

We want the freedom to pick when and where we stop along the way, and how long we stay there, and where we will have lunch. We like being able to deviate from our original plan to take some impromptu little side trip that we learn about from the locals at the last minute.

 

But if we are tired or not feeling well, then it is easiest just to sit back and let someone else take care of all the arrangements for us.

 

Is it possible just to book the cruise for now with the option of adding on the land tour later?

Or to do the reverse, book the entire thing now with the option of dropping the land tour later with no penalty on the cost of the cruise alone?

 

You say that you dread the work involved in planning a post cruise tour.

Is that something that you dread right now, or something that you always dread in general?

The answer to that question can make a big difference as to what would be right for you.

 

For Alaska, as long as we have at least 2 drivers in our group who can trade off, we are usually happier doing our own thing instead of booking a packaged tour.

As Americans, Alaska is a very easy "do it yourself" location for us because we have the major advantages there of speaking the local language, driving on the "correct" side of the road, and having no currency conversion concerns.

Also, since there are few roads, driving up there is so much easier than driving in congested areas down in the lower 48.

 

[cruzzzinma]

"...wanting someone else to do the work on this trip. I'd like it to be taken care of and all we need to do is show up... I dread the work involved in planning a post tour myself - but I'm worried we'll be disappointed."

 

Both post tour and planning it yourself will work. It doesn't sound like you want to plan it yourself.

 

Our first cruise was an Alaska Cruise Tour and we had a wonderful trip. Everything was taken care. They hauled our luggage and got us to amazing places we'd never seen before. We had a wonderful cruise on Resurrection Bay with just our tour group and a brilliant naturalist. We saw all kinds of whales and birds. We took a beautiful train trip through Alaska in a glass domed car. We went flight-seeing in Talkeetna. We went to some kind of dinner theater in Denali (DO NOT DO THIS) and spent a day on a Wilderness Adventure in Denali. We saw all kinds of wildlife.

 

Would I do that trip again, probably not. If we go back, I'd like to go to the lodge deep in Denali.

 

I don't think you could go wrong either way. I'd definitely think twice about giving up cabin 1138 and the all-in promo.

[4cats,1dog]

http://lclavette1.blogspot.com/search/label/VANCOUVER

 

I posted this on other sites.

I did an RCI cruise tour last May. The weather was awesome. I posted my blog for you to see the tours we went on.

Premier tours handles the land part for RCI/Celebrity. The were great. Top notch, very knowledgable. We only did 4 day land tour so after Denali, we went back to Anchorage.

 

I'm sure your trip will be Awesome! If you have any questions, let me know.

Lynn

[ClaudiaB]

I assume you've gone to the very extensive Alaska forums here. I have found them very helpful and informative.

 

We booked (and have since cancelled) an Alaskan cruise with cruise tour. I thought that's how I wanted to go. (We have been on two r/t on Infinity already).

 

Then I read up on it and realized we could do more, see more, have more flexibility and have more days ON OUR OWN than on a cruise tour on a bus with 40 or so others. I read how many people did their own thing, rented a car in Seward and spent a few days there, drove to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, and stayed in better places and had a better time than on a strictly scheduled cruise tour.

 

My information was from many many people who had done both and said they'd always recommend on your own. So I cancelled the cruise tour portion and spent some time researching and finding out what we wanted to do. Bought the Milepost book (I'm sure you've got it if you spent that much time researching). Although I haven't done it yet, I can't imagine going on a cruise tour after finding out about how wonderful it is the other way. Yeah, I can appreciate letting someone else drive and plan everything. Part of travel for me (us) is flexibility and spontaneity and why we will never be just cruisers. We like to just *stop* when we want and that isn't possible with a busload of people.

 

We're going to do it again one day (going to Norway 15 day Azamara instead) and we may not even take a cruise - might just fly to Anchorage and drive around Alaska for 2 or 3 weeks.

[BubMunkeyBles]

As someone who has now lived in Alaska three years (husband is active duty Air Force) I cannot imagine seeing Alaska in a worthwhile way from a tour bus and as a big group tour. I'd suggest doing something on your own. More freedom, can do exactly what you want and appeals to you. I don't really understand the big draw to Fairbanks, so many better places to see in Alaska (Denali, Homer, Seward would be my top 3). And honestly, a good travel agent could plan most of it for you (hotels, cars, maps, itineraries etc) and you'd still have the freedom too.

[traveller99]

Hi, Jane. Number one-You've done the due diligence. (You're just across the state from us, cool.) We did a Celebrity Repo through Alaska. A really great trip. I understand you'd like to do this again so YOU BOTH can enjoy the trip. I admire you're resolve. We had a kind of situation last summer in France. I would do it again so WE BOTH could enjoy it. You've done good, madam. Hey, it's Alaska, which is amazing. As it is said, "Don't sweat the details" - you already have. Go for it, enjoy it, see it and rejoice in the experience. Bless your SIL's Dad for his service! CHEERS!

[Elusive_Cruiser]

Realistically, nobody else can possibly know the answer to whether or not you have made a mistake by booking a post cruise tour.

 

Your cruise is over a year away. Right now you are feeling harried, overwhelmed by other concerns and just wanting everything to be taken care of for you so you don't need to deal with the details of arranging a land tour yourself.

 

By next year, you may feel very differently and may even shudder at the thought of being stuck on a commercial group tour where you are herded around like cattle on a prearranged schedule, wishing for the freedom and flexibility of planning your own tour instead.

Or maybe not. As you already know, there are major pros and cons both ways.

 

You have asked those who have had some experience to respond.

We have had experience both ways, and frankly a lot depends on the mood we are in and how we are feeling at the time.

 

When we are feeling well and full of energy, we always regret booking packaged tours because we hate the regimentation.

We want the freedom to pick when and where we stop along the way, and how long we stay there, and where we will have lunch. We like being able to deviate from our original plan to take some impromptu little side trip that we learn about from the locals at the last minute.

 

But if we are tired or not feeling well, then it is easiest just to sit back and let someone else take care of all the arrangements for us.

 

Is it possible just to book the cruise for now with the option of adding on the land tour later?

Or to do the reverse, book the entire thing now with the option of dropping the land tour later with no penalty on the cost of the cruise alone?

 

You say that you dread the work involved in planning a post cruise tour.

Is that something that you dread right now, or something that you always dread in general?

The answer to that question can make a big difference as to what would be right for you.

 

For Alaska, as long as we have at least 2 drivers in our group who can trade off, we are usually happier doing our own thing instead of booking a packaged tour.

As Americans, Alaska is a very easy "do it yourself" location for us because we have the major advantages there of speaking the local language, driving on the "correct" side of the road, and having no currency conversion concerns.

Also, since there are few roads, driving up there is so much easier than driving in congested areas down in the lower 48.

 

 

Jane, I think you've just received very sage advise :)

[donaldsc]

Totally depends upon you. I have done lots of land tours and also pre and post cruise land tours and have never done a guided tour package. I like the freedom to do what I want, stop when and where I want, and not be herded around in a 40 passenger bus with 38 of my closest friends some of whom are mobile and some of whom only think that they are mobile. I also like to eat at small local restaurants and I do not want to spend time waiting for 38 other people to go to the toilet or do their shopping. As you say, this also takes a lot of work on my part.

 

However, that is just me. Lots of people enjoy the cruise ship tours and even some people who have traveled a lot enjoy them so the cruise ship companies must be doing something right.

 

Just make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary very very very carefully and if you are unclear about anything, call them and get the answer in writing. The problem that most people who did not like their cruise ship tours have is that they thought that they were getting one thing and they got something different. I am not saying that cruise ship companies will lie to you but they are experts at stretching the truth.

 

Hope this helps.

 

DON

Edited April 5, 2015 by donaldsc

[4cats,1dog]

Totally depends upon you. I have done lots of land tours and also pre and post cruise land tours and have never done a guided tour package. I like the freedom to do what I want, stop when and where I want, and not be herded around in a 40 passenger bus with 38 of my closest friends some of whom are mobile and some of whom only think that they are mobile. I also like to eat at small local restaurants and I do not want to spend time waiting for 38 other people to go to the toilet or do their shopping. As you say, this also takes a lot of work on my part.

 

However, that is just me. Lots of people enjoy the cruise ship tours and even some people who have traveled a lot enjoy them so the cruise ship companies must be doing something right.

 

Just make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary very very very carefully and if you are unclear about anything, call them and get the answer in writing. The problem that most people who did not like their cruise ship tours have is that they thought that they were getting one thing and they got something different. I am not saying that cruise ship companies will lie to you but they are experts at stretching the truth.

 

Hope this helps.

 

DON

 

The land portion is not run by the cruise company. If you call Celebrity, they won't be able to tell you anything. You might be able to get answers from Premier tours, who actually run the land part. Cruise/land tours are great for first timers who don't want the hassle of driving and lugging around luggage. There are plenty of options. Keep in mind if you are going from SEWARD straight through to Denali you are in for a really long bus/train ride. I picked a tour that tic tacked through many places, therefore we had 2-3 hour bus rides. The longest leg was on the dome train. The wilderness express cars owned by RCI were awesome. First class all the way.

Lynn

[Jane2357]

Thank you all for your advise. I've a lot to ponder.

 

Traveler99 - It actually was my dad who was the young man in the air force. He quit High School - and lied about his age to join the Air Force during the Korean War. He was only 17 years old but wanted to go because his older brother had already gone. The Air Force wouldn't let him join because he didn't weight enough - :eek: - Dad spent a month eating everything he could get his hands on - went back and he had gained enough weight. He was stationed in Alaska and intercepted Russian radio messages. Dad is now 80 and it one off the biggest treasures in my life!! :D That trip taking him back was PRICELESS.

Edited April 5, 2015 by Jane2357

[knittinggirl]

We took a six-night post on Princess several years ago and loved it. We took the tour that came with an Escort and he did all the difficult arrangements. We stayed at McKinley Princess Lodge, Denali Princess, and Fairbanks Princess. We took the Denali Wilderness tour but didn't care for us because it was a 6-8 hour tour with only three or four chances to exit the bus. If we do it again, we may forgo that tour for one of the others. With Princess, we could book a shorter tour, or book a longer one and pay the difference. At McKinley Princess Lodge, we decided to stay on the grounds, and actually got to see Mt. McKinley right from the lodge. Others in our tour paid for expensive flightseeing tours and saw less. In Fairbanks, we took the Riverboat Discovery and loved it. But like the Princess Wilderness tour, there were tons of people. In the afternoon, we took public transportation to a museum, and loved really enjoyed it.

 

Personally, without worries about missing the ship. It opens up the non-ship tours to you too. Personally, we book via the ship tours almost exclusively. I've read too many horror stories about people missing the ship. One man said he missed the ship in Nassau and by the time he caught up with the ship at another island, he'd been purged from the system. He finally was able to board, but not w/o a lot of hassle.

Edited April 5, 2015 by knittinggirl

[az_tchr]

Years ago I spent an entire year planning out a very detailed land trip to Alaska with myself, husband, brother, SIL, her dad and my dad - who as a very young man was stationed there while in the Air Force during the Korean War - we took him back for his 70th Bday. Last minute my husband didn't get to go. :(

 

I've always wanted to go back with him and we are scheduled on May 27, 2016, Vancouver to Seward with a 6 night Post Cruise Tour ending in Fairbanks. I chose the cruise tour because frankly I've spent the last two years designing and then overseeing construction on our last home (yeah retirement) but the time and details of that project left me wanting someone else to do the work on this trip. I'd like it to be taken care of and all we need to do is show up.

 

We booked a great cabin (Aqua 1138) during the All Inclusive promo (yes I'd better call soon and upgrade to Prem Bev Pkg before the price changes) but in doing my research on excursions - I've been reading lots of reviews - and they aren't very good for the Pre or Post Tours - which I know are not run by Celebrity. Have I made an awful mistake by booking the post cruise tour? Can those that have some experience please reply? I know if I cancel we will lose our cabin and perks. I dread the work involved in planning a post tour myself - but I'm worried we'll be disappointed. Help!

If you are comfortable with booking transport to Anchorage and spending some hours learning about/booking hotels, you can do a post cruise tour in a relaxed manner at about 1/2 the cost! The problem with the package is you literally have no extra time to spend on a place you might like. Also likely to need a bit of time to see Denali due to weather. Last, drive and do not take the train. Gives you lots better flexability.

 

Not hard to simply mirror the package, change the hotels and add places you will find personally interesting. BUT - it does take a bit of work. I do suggest going to Alaska before the cruise and tour around first. You will want at least a week!

[Northern Aurora]

Totally depends upon you. I have done lots of land tours and also pre and post cruise land tours and have never done a guided tour package. I like the freedom to do what I want, stop when and where I want, and not be herded around in a 40 passenger bus with 38 of my closest friends some of whom are mobile and some of whom only think that they are mobile. I also like to eat at small local restaurants and I do not want to spend time waiting for 38 other people to go to the toilet or do their shopping. As you say, this also takes a lot of work on my part.

 

However, that is just me. Lots of people enjoy the cruise ship tours and even some people who have traveled a lot enjoy them so the cruise ship companies must be doing something right.

....

DON

 

I live in Fairbanks, so see a great number of the guided tour folks during the summer (both those on cruise line tours and also those on the motor coach tours). Don has "hit the nail on the head" with his comments.

 

Whether or not the decision to do a packaged cruise tour is the correct decision for someone depends on whether they will find the structure of a packaged tour confining. A person who doesn't care if they are taken to an attraction which they would not have selected had they planned their own tour and also doesn't mind being herded (and folks on these tours certainly looked herded) will not have a problem.

[4cats,1dog]

I live in Fairbanks, so see a great number of the guided tour folks during the summer (both those on cruise line tours and also those on the motor coach tours). Don has "hit the nail on the head" with his comments.

 

Whether or not the decision to do a packaged cruise tour is the correct decision for someone depends on whether they will find the structure of a packaged tour confining. A person who doesn't care if they are taken to an attraction which they would not have selected had they planned their own tour and also doesn't mind being herded (and folks on these tours certainly looked herded) will not have a problem.

 

I never felt herded! The cruise tour did all the driving. They gave a lot of information about everything Alaska. The handled all the luggage, All the first rate Hotels, and all the tours. We saw amazing wildlife. Cruise tours are not for everyone, but they bring "It" in all things Alaska. They do your State proud.

Alaska was amazing. For us it was the best vacation ever. I only hope to go back someday!

[Jane2357]

We will be 62 & 58 at the time of the cruise and we consider ourselves young for our age :D We typically do not do ship sponsored tours for many reasons size being one of them and people who are late being the other. :mad:

 

That being said I have opted to say with our post cruise tour. I really just want to relax, set back and enjoy. We've been discussing that if DH loves Alaska as much as I do - that we may just end up purchasing a motor home or travel trailer and drive it some summer - taking months to see it all.

 

There are several threads going now with so much information that I am taking notes as I read along and will be filling our free time with optional tours. I do think that part of the concern of these Pre or Post Cruise Tours is the LACK OF INFORMATION that you receive once you are booked. NOTHING. You get zero info - and Celebrity told me that I might not get any until January of '16!! :eek: Knowing that the best excursions can fill up - I want to be sure that I'm making our best use of our time.

 

Thanks again to all for the valuable info!