We are FINALLY Here - ALaska!

[DavyJoneses]

A little envy here...would love to be on that cruise!:)

[hllwdcruiser]

Can't wait to hear more. I was hoping you could have told me about snow City Café. I thought about going there when we are in Alaska next month. Do they take reservations? Hope you have a wonderful time.

 

Yes, they do take reservations and you definitely need them. We met a couple who stood on line at 6:30, the cafe doesn't open until 7 and they still had an hour wait. The lines for breakfast in The Cafe at Captain Cook were super long as well - we ended up getting coffee and breakfast sandwiches at what I think was called "The Cubby", also at the hotel. There were no lines or waiting and the coffee was good!

[Colo Cruiser]

Oh, I'm sure you will be back soon! How many times have you been to Alaska?

 

I am thinking 11. We love it. ;)

[hllwdcruiser]

10%? 20%? 30%? We've been told different percentages from locals, but all I know is we are now in the elite club of viewing Denali, in full, without a cloud in the sky. Words nor photos can capture its magnificence. I am sitting outside Mt McKinley Lodge at the moment, waiting for our motor coach to Denali and it is 82 degrees out. We still cannot believe our luck.

 

Yesterday was a day that will be stamped in my memory forever. There was one little annoyance though. We had to wake up at 6AM for Princess to collect our bags even though our departure wasn't until 9 AM. We had to keep the bags in our rooms and not place them outside (probably for safety reasons since Princess doesn't own the hotel) so we did have to be up.

 

The motor coach ride to Mt McKinley took about 3 hours and unfortunately, the PA system was poor and we could only understand about every other word from our driver. She tried to correct it several times to no avail. The scenery on the ride was okay - a lot of "nothing but trees" so many people took the opportunity to take a quick nap. Once we arrived at Mt McKinley lodge we were given packets with our room keys but headed out to the back deck to take phenomenal photos of Denali. Our room was in the 21 block as far away from the main lodge as you can get. They do have a property shuttle but if you have mobility issues, you should call Princess and request closer rooms on the ground floor. It was a long walk to 21 block!

 

The Talkeetna shuttle runs every hour on the hour and we rushed back to the lodge and caught the 1 o'clock. Talkeetna is a cute little town with lots of shopping and restaurants. As usual, anything with "Brewhouse" or "Brewery" is always packed to the gills and true to form, Denali Brewing Company had long lines and long waits. We ended up going to Wildflower Cafe, which is owned by the former chef for George Bush (the first one) when he was President. We sat outside on a their little terrace and the food was super - Steve had a burger and I had a grilled salmon topped Caesar salad and a cup of AMAZING seafood Bisque - the best I've ever had!

 

A few months back I posted a query on the Alaska Boards, "If I do not Fly will I regret it Forever?" Well, of course I got in depth responses from our Alaska experts, Budget Queen, Maple Leaves et al. The gist of their responses were, "yes, if you don't fly, you will regret it forever." So with no mind to our bank account or pocketbook we bit the bullet and booked the Base Camp Tour with Glacier Landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi. I really wanted to do the Grand Denali Tour but just couldn't justify the cost. It was a perfect day for flying and the scenery was indescribable. When our pilot showed us the Wikersham Wall - I became confused. We weren't supposed to see the wall on our tour. Perhaps weather diverted us to a different route? When we landed on the glacier I asked our pilot why we flew by the wall. He responded that it was part of the tour. I told him we were supposed to be on the Base Camp Tour - he laughed and said "well, you've been upgraded because you are on the Grand Denali". This was, by far, The best upgrade we have ever received - even better than our upgrade from balcony to mini suite a few years ago!!! I can highly recommend Talkeetna Air Taxi - this was an experience of a lifetime - one I will never forget. I can't thank the people on the Alaska forums enough - their advice was dead on and the flight tour and glacier landing was money well spent.

 

Food in the lodge was disappointing and we are not fussy eaters. I don't like to focus on the negatives but I'll post more on this subject if folks are interested.

 

We are on the bus now to Denali - Keep those questions coming and I'll post more as soon as I can!

Edited June 15, 2015 by hllwdcruiser

[5soccer9]

Yes, they do take reservations and you definitely need them. We met a couple who stood on line at 6:30, the cafe doesn't open until 7 and they still had an hour wait. The lines for breakfast in The Cafe at Captain Cook were super long as well - we ended up getting coffee and breakfast sandwiches at what I think was called "The Cubby", also at the hotel. There were no lines or waiting and the coffee was good!

 

 

How far is Snow a City Cafe from the Capt Cook? But if the Cubby has good coffee that is a plus for me.

[5soccer9]

10%? 20%? 30%? We've been told different percentages from locals, but all I know is we are now in the elite club of viewing Denali, in full, without a cloud in the sky. Words nor photos can capture its magnificence. I am sitting outside Mt McKinley Lodge at the moment, waiting for our motor coach to Denali and it is 82 degrees out. We still cannot believe our luck.

 

Yesterday was a day that will be stamped in my memory forever. There was one little annoyance though. We had to wake up at 6AM for Princess to collect our bags even though our departure wasn't until 9 AM. We had to keep the bags in our rooms and not place them outside (probably for safety reasons since Princess doesn't own the hotel) so we did have to be up.

 

The motor coach ride to Mt McKinley took about 3 hours and unfortunately, the PA system was poor and we could only understand about every other word from our driver. She tried to correct it several times to no avail. The scenery on the ride was okay - a lot of "nothing but trees" so many people took the opportunity to take a quick nap. Once we arrived at Mt McKinley lodge we were given packets with our room keys but headed out to the back deck to take phenomenal photos of Denali. Our room was in the 21 block as far away from the main lodge as you can get. They do have a property shuttle but if you have mobility issues, you should call Princess and request closer rooms on the ground floor. It was a long walk to 21 block!

 

The Talkeetna shuttle runs every hour on the hour and we rushed back to the lodge and caught the 1 o'clock. Talkeetna is a cute little town with lots of shopping and restaurants. As usual, anything with "Brewhouse" or "Brewery" is always packed to the gills and true to form, Denali Brewing Company had long lines and long waits. We ended up going to Wildflower Cafe, which is owned by the former chef for George Bush (the first one) when he was President. We sat outside on a their little terrace and the food was super - Steve had a burger and I had a grilled salmon topped Caesar salad and a cup of AMAZING seafood Bisque - the best I've ever had!

 

A few months back I posted a query on the Alaska Boards, "If I do not Fly will I regret it Forever?" Well, of course I got in depth responses from our Alaska experts, Budget Queen, Maple Leaves et al. The gist of their responses were, "yes, if you don't fly, you will regret it forever." So with no mind to our bank account or pocketbook we bit the bullet and booked the Base Camp Tour with Glacier Landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi. I really wanted to do the Grand Denali Tour but just couldn't justify the cost. It was a perfect day for flying and the scenery was indescribable. When our pilot showed us the Wikersham Wall - I became confused. We weren't supposed to see the wall on our tour. Perhaps weather diverted us to a different route? When we landed on the glacier I asked our pilot why we flew by the wall. He responded that it was part of the tour. I told him we were supposed to be on the Base Camp Tour - he laughed and said "well, you've been upgraded because you are on the Grand Denali". This was, by far, The best upgrade we have ever received - even better than our upgrade from balcony to mini suite a few years ago!!! I can highly recommend Talkeetna Air Taxi - this was an experience of a lifetime - one I will never forget. I can't thank the people on the Alaska forums enough - their advice was dead on and the flight tour and glacier landing was money well spent.

 

Food in the lodge was disappointing and we are not fussy eaters. I don't like to focus on the negatives but I'll post more on this subject if folks are interested.

 

We are on the bus now to Denali - Keep those questions coming and I'll post more as soon as I can!

 

Me again with more questions. LOL. How long is the ride from lodge to Talleetna? Do you know how late the shuttle runs and how late the shops stsy open? The Wildflower Cafe sounds great. Would you suggest we make a reservation? We have a tour the afternoon we get in. Thanks again for all the help. I am sure you have better things to do than answer all my questions. :)

[caribill]

How long is the ride from lodge to Talleetna?

 

About an hour each way.

[5soccer9]

About an hour each way.

 

 

WOW. I didn't realize it was that far. Do you think it is worth the trip? Two hours round trip?

[laughing husky]

Or so and Glacier Brewhlise are owned by the same people and are next to each other. Or so is a bit more upscale, and Glacier Brewhouse is more informal. Both have very different menus and favors.

[caribill]

WOW. I didn't realize it was that far. Do you think it is worth the trip? Two hours round trip?

 

Also, when we were there the charge was $10/person round-trip unless you were coming from the train or going to the train.

 

Our schedule had us leaving Talkeetna on a train, so we just took the shuttle in earlier that morning giving us a chance to see the town (it does not take long) with a one hour drive we had to make anyway.

[hllwdcruiser]

How far is Snow a City Cafe from the Capt Cook? But if the Cubby has good coffee that is a plus for me.

snow City Cafe is just down the block from Captain Cook - not even 5 mins walk. The north side of the hotel is on 4th Ave and I and K Streets. The cafe is on 4th Ave and L Street.

 

Me again with more questions. LOL. How long is the ride from lodge to Talleetna? Do you know how late the shuttle runs and how late the shops stsy open? The Wildflower Cafe sounds great. Would you suggest we make a reservation? We have a tour the afternoon we get in. Thanks again for all the help. I am sure you have better things to do than answer all my questions. :)

 

I actually enjoy answering questions (if I can) - all my planning was based on info from other members - I am happy that I can give back.

 

The last shuttle out of Talkeetna back to the Lodge was at 9 PM. The return shuttles run every hour on the half hour (6:30, 7:30 etc) except there is no 8:30 since the last one is at 9. I don't know how late the shops and restaurants stay open. We didn't have reservations at Wildflower but we were eating lunch at an off hour - if you can get reservations, I would.

[hllwdcruiser]

Also, when we were there the charge was $10/person round-trip unless you were coming from the train or going to the train.

 

Our schedule had us leaving Talkeetna on a train, so we just took the shuttle in earlier that morning giving us a chance to see the town (it does not take long) with a one hour drive we had to make anyway.

 

They also weren't charging guests if they had a tour based out of Talkeetna booked through Princess.

[Phamer55]

Just a little update from my perspective. Lucky to make it to Talkeetna today from Anchorage. The Sockeye Fire was ravaging along Highway 3 as we made our way, the road closed soon after we passed. It was in the 90's today and is still super hot at 10:45 local time . Hoping the fire is contained tomorrow, feeling bad for the local residents and others trying to make their way out here and to Denali.

[5soccer9]

snow City Cafe is just down the block from Captain Cook - not even 5 mins walk. The north side of the hotel is on 4th Ave and I and K Streets. The cafe is on 4th Ave and L Street.

 

 

 

I actually enjoy answering questions (if I can) - all my planning was based on info from other members - I am happy that I can give back.

 

The last shuttle out of Talkeetna back to the Lodge was at 9 PM. The return shuttles run every hour on the half hour (6:30, 7:30 etc) except there is no 8:30 since the last one is at 9. I don't know how late the shops and restaurants stay open. We didn't have reservations at Wildflower but we were eating lunch at an off hour - if you can get reservations, I would.

 

Thank you so much. I have learned so much from this site over the last few years. I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions. I did make a reservation for breakfast at the Snow City Cafe. The Wildfire sounds great as well but just worried about timing. It didn't look like they took reservations. If I think of other questions I will let you know. LOL. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

[paradiselivin1]

10%? 20%? 30%? We've been told different percentages from locals, but all I know is we are now in the elite club of viewing Denali, in full, without a cloud in the sky. Words nor photos can capture its magnificence. We still cannot believe our luck.

 

A few months back I posted a query on the Alaska Boards, "If I do not Fly will I regret it Forever?" Well, of course I got in depth responses from our Alaska experts, Budget Queen, Maple Leaves et al. The gist of their responses were, "yes, if you don't fly, you will regret it forever." So with no mind to our bank account or pocketbook we bit the bullet and booked the Base Camp Tour with Glacier Landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi.

 

QUOTE]

 

You were truly lucky to see the mountain without a cloud in the sky. It took us three days to get that lucky and were glad that we'd spent the time in Denali to be able to get the rare chance. I could not stop taking photos!

 

Your flight-seeing trip with TAT sounds like the flight of a lifetime. We used them as well after getting similar suggestions and, although our weather was not good enough for a landing, was a truly wonderful experience with views that we wouldn't have otherwise witnessed.

 

Enjoy your trip. I was lucky enough to be there for 2 1/2 weeks for my trip and can't wait to get back!

[mek]

10%? 20%? 30%? We've been told different percentages from locals, but all I know is we are now in the elite club of viewing Denali, in full, without a cloud in the sky. Words nor photos can capture its magnificence. I am sitting outside Mt McKinley Lodge at the moment, waiting for our motor coach to Denali and it is 82 degrees out. We still cannot believe our luck.

 

Yesterday was a day that will be stamped in my memory forever. There was one little annoyance though. We had to wake up at 6AM for Princess to collect our bags even though our departure wasn't until 9 AM. We had to keep the bags in our rooms and not place them outside (probably for safety reasons since Princess doesn't own the hotel) so we did have to be up.

 

The motor coach ride to Mt McKinley took about 3 hours and unfortunately, the PA system was poor and we could only understand about every other word from our driver. She tried to correct it several times to no avail. The scenery on the ride was okay - a lot of "nothing but trees" so many people took the opportunity to take a quick nap. Once we arrived at Mt McKinley lodge we were given packets with our room keys but headed out to the back deck to take phenomenal photos of Denali. Our room was in the 21 block as far away from the main lodge as you can get. They do have a property shuttle but if you have mobility issues, you should call Princess and request closer rooms on the ground floor. It was a long walk to 21 block!

 

The Talkeetna shuttle runs every hour on the hour and we rushed back to the lodge and caught the 1 o'clock. Talkeetna is a cute little town with lots of shopping and restaurants. As usual, anything with "Brewhouse" or "Brewery" is always packed to the gills and true to form, Denali Brewing Company had long lines and long waits. We ended up going to Wildflower Cafe, which is owned by the former chef for George Bush (the first one) when he was President. We sat outside on a their little terrace and the food was super - Steve had a burger and I had a grilled salmon topped Caesar salad and a cup of AMAZING seafood Bisque - the best I've ever had!

 

A few months back I posted a query on the Alaska Boards, "If I do not Fly will I regret it Forever?" Well, of course I got in depth responses from our Alaska experts, Budget Queen, Maple Leaves et al. The gist of their responses were, "yes, if you don't fly, you will regret it forever." So with no mind to our bank account or pocketbook we bit the bullet and booked the Base Camp Tour with Glacier Landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi. I really wanted to do the Grand Denali Tour but just couldn't justify the cost. It was a perfect day for flying and the scenery was indescribable. When our pilot showed us the Wikersham Wall - I became confused. We weren't supposed to see the wall on our tour. Perhaps weather diverted us to a different route? When we landed on the glacier I asked our pilot why we flew by the wall. He responded that it was part of the tour. I told him we were supposed to be on the Base Camp Tour - he laughed and said "well, you've been upgraded because you are on the Grand Denali". This was, by far, The best upgrade we have ever received - even better than our upgrade from balcony to mini suite a few years ago!!! I can highly recommend Talkeetna Air Taxi - this was an experience of a lifetime - one I will never forget. I can't thank the people on the Alaska forums enough - their advice was dead on and the flight tour and glacier landing was money well spent.

 

Food in the lodge was disappointing and we are not fussy eaters. I don't like to focus on the negatives but I'll post more on this subject if folks are interested.

 

We are on the bus now to Denali - Keep those questions coming and I'll post more as soon as I can!

 

Thanks for the shuttle back to Talkeetna information - do you recall how late the last shuttle returned back to the lodge?

[shredie]

I am thinking 11. We love it. ;)

 

It is not possible to see Alaska too many times. :);):D

[phabric]

Enjoyed reading your reviews, looking for more.

[AKman2495]

Here's an update on the Sockeye fire. It has expanded to 7500 acres and it crosses the highway for several miles. Right now the highway is only one lane and they use pilot cars to shuttle the traffic between miles 66.5 and 88.

 

It could take several hours of waiting before they will let the traffic through.

 

I have no doubt the tour leaders are following the progress.

 

The Forestry guys say to will be 48 hours before they can go on the offensive for this fire.

 

For updates go to KTUU.com. It is the Anchorage TV station and they have a great website.

 

Enjoy the heat and sun. You are lucky to be here with this weather.

[hllwdcruiser]

Here's an update on the Sockeye fire. It has expanded to 7500 acres and it crosses the highway for several miles. Right now the highway is only one lane and they use pilot cars to shuttle the traffic between miles 66.5 and 88.

 

It could take several hours of waiting before they will let the traffic through.

 

I have no doubt the tour leaders are following the progress.

 

The Forestry guys say to will be 48 hours before they can go on the offensive for this fire.

 

For updates go to KTUU.com. It is the Anchorage TV station and they have a great website.

Enjoy the heat and sun. You are lucky to be here with this weather.

 

Thank you AKman for the update. The fire has indeed caused havoc for many. There have been passengers stranded in Anchorage unable to get up to the lodges, missing part of their tour (post cruise). We were able to get through Wasilla and Willow prior to the fire so we have not been affected but we did see the fire from the plane when we took the flight tour.

 

We are on the train right now on the way to Whittier and I will lose cell service soon so I will post more as soon as I can.

[AKman2495]

Current fire update. At least the Sockeye fire is not expanding. Fire crews should have a grip on it in the next couple of days-if the winds hold.

 

If they can do that, I expect things will be better by the weekend and maybe almost back to normal by next week.

 

There are fires on the Kenai peninsula but they are not yet affecting tourist areas.

 

Although I just heard of a fire near cooper landing...

[5soccer9]

Thank you AKman for the update. The fire has indeed caused havoc for many. There have been passengers stranded in Anchorage unable to get up to the lodges, missing part of their tour (post cruise). We were able to get through Wasilla and Willow prior to the fire so we have not been affected but we did see the fire from the plane when we took the flight tour.

 

We are on the train right now on the way to Whittier and I will lose cell service soon so I will post more as soon as I can.

 

That is a shame about the fire and people being stranded. Glad to hear it will under control soon.

 

Looking forward to your review on the Coral. I think it is a great ship. Have fun.

[5soccer9]

Enjoy your time in AK. I hope the weather is nice so that you can see Mt McKinley as often times is is hidden in the clouds. The NPS trip to the Mt McKinley visitor center is well worth it and you will see various wildlife going and coming. I have seen grizzlies, wolves, foxes, beavers, reindeer, mountain goats etc. The park has a really interesting show of their dogs they actually use for dog sleds in the winter. Per usual it was very informative. If you have not already figured it out get ready for continual daylight and very short darkness.

 

I have gone to the Glacier Brewhouse several times in Anchorage and enjoyed it. They have a really good rating on several travel sites. Spend a few hours in Talkeetna as it is a wonderful small town with many interesting little shops.

 

Satxdiver, what a pretty dog in the picture? Is it a Golden? He looks very sweet.

[5soccer9]

Thank you AKman for the update. The fire has indeed caused havoc for many. There have been passengers stranded in Anchorage unable to get up to the lodges, missing part of their tour (post cruise). We were able to get through Wasilla and Willow prior to the fire so we have not been affected but we did see the fire from the plane when we took the flight tour.

 

We are on the train right now on the way to Whittier and I will lose cell service soon so I will post more as soon as I can.

 

If you get a chance can you post the menus from the MDR please. I have been looking for them.

[fathercop]

My step son and his wife are in Alaska. They are doing the land tour along with the cruise. They are sailing on the Coral I believe. Alaska is one of my favorite itineraries. Thanks for taking the time to post and share your experience.

 

 

Good luck to you and enjoy your cruise!