Is the Alaska Connoisseur land portion worth it?

[soccergang]

We have been to Alaska in the past, and are going back. I know that the connoisseur includes many meals, but does it also include a tour guide that stays with the group the entire time? Our last cruise tour we had a wonderful bus driver that was very informative. Just not sure the extra cost is worth it, since we probably don't need to eat so many large meals.

[Nhsaltshaker]

We have been to Alaska in the past, and are going back. I know that the connoisseur includes many meals, but does it also include a tour guide that stays with the group the entire time? Our last cruise tour we had a wonderful bus driver that was very informative. Just not sure the extra cost is worth it, since we probably don't need to eat so many large meals.

 

Assuming you are talking about Princess's connoisseur tour, yes, a tour guide is with you the entire time. He/She is not the bus driver. Having done this tour in 2009 and doing it again in 2017 gives me the permission to say a connoisseur tour is worth every penny. They will help schedule any land tour excursions, take care of any problems that might be encountered, and go out of their way to make you trip exciting and memorable.

[GrizBear]

We did a connoisseur land tour with Princess June of 2015. To us it was worth every cent and we'd do it again. I will say this is a very personal decision. Here are some reasons why we liked this tour: our guide stayed with us the entire way, she was a wealth of information, she made all our dinner reservations before we arrived at each lodge, the food was amazing - we were always full and happy with the meal choices, some excursions were included - the Tundra Wilderness tour in Denali, a dinner show at Denali, the Paddleboat & Gold Dredge tours in Fairbanks, we were welcomed with a private buffet breakfast for just those on our group, the first evening we were treated to a private wine paired meal - not advertised, but a special treat, all tips were included - we only needed to tip our guide at the end, we always had a room in each lodge with a view & the newest or most recently remodeled room, snacks and surprise treats were given to us on the bus rides from lodge to lodge, and we were treated like special guests the entire trip. The connoisseur tour is so much more than included meals and a guide. Only you can decide if it's worth the cost.

[soccergang]

Thank you both for your quick response. I think that is what we will do in 2017.