To Cruisetour or Not to Cruisetour...That is the ?

[txwriter]

I am taking my mom to Alaska next year. She will be almost 74 and will travel with a rollator (walker with wheels and a seat). She does not use it every day but does occasionally use it for stability. She had back surgery last year, and using the rollator helps keep her muscles from becoming over tired and helps her not strain which can cause pain. This is not a big factor, but it is a factor.

 

We have been planning on doing a DIY trip for flexibility, but I also like the idea of having the structure a cruisetour offers. Also, I like the idea of not driving or being responsible for lugging all of our gear.

 

I know whatever I pick, there will have to be some compromises (time we spend on land, where we go, what we do, etc). It's hard for me, because I know this will probably be the only trip we take to Alaska. I want her to have the best time possible. And I want to enjoy it too. If planning our own, we will stick to the ANC area and southward on the Kenai Penninsula. If we go on a cruisetour, we can cover more area but will possibly miss the Kenai (Princess has limited Kenai days on their cruise tours).

 

The cruise we have booked now is a SB departing May 27, 2017.

 

I'm trying to decide best overall game plan. My biggest concerns of cruisetour are cost and the fact Mom might have to sit for several hours at a time (this can be hard on her back). My biggest concerns of the DIY plan are wearing myself out driving and hauling bags or having a problem while driving in a remote area.

 

I know the general consensus on the Alaska forum is DIY is better, but I wondered what the thoughts were here. If you've done a cruisetour, did you like it? Best/worst aspects? Would you do it again?

 

Finally, our dates are early. Will everything still be wintry and brown, or will it be more like spring with flowers?

[dforeigner]

I am taking my mom to Alaska next year. She will be almost 74 and will travel with a rollator (walker with wheels and a seat). She does not use it every day but does occasionally use it for stability. She had back surgery last year, and using the rollator helps keep her muscles from becoming over tired and helps her not strain which can cause pain. This is not a big factor, but it is a factor.

 

We have been planning on doing a DIY trip for flexibility, but I also like the idea of having the structure a cruisetour offers. Also, I like the idea of not driving or being responsible for lugging all of our gear.

 

I know whatever I pick, there will have to be some compromises (time we spend on land, where we go, what we do, etc). It's hard for me, because I know this will probably be the only trip we take to Alaska. I want her to have the best time possible. And I want to enjoy it too. If planning our own, we will stick to the ANC area and southward on the Kenai Penninsula. If we go on a cruisetour, we can cover more area but will possibly miss the Kenai (Princess has limited Kenai days on their cruise tours).

 

The cruise we have booked now is a SB departing May 27, 2017.

 

I'm trying to decide best overall game plan. My biggest concerns of cruisetour are cost and the fact Mom might have to sit for several hours at a time (this can be hard on her back). My biggest concerns of the DIY plan are wearing myself out driving and hauling bags or having a problem while driving in a remote area.

 

I know the general consensus on the Alaska forum is DIY is better, but I wondered what the thoughts were here. If you've done a cruisetour, did you like it? Best/worst aspects? Would you do it again?

 

Finally, our dates are early. Will everything still be wintry and brown, or will it be more like spring with flowers?

 

The tour is well worth it and with the goodies that you get, you get your money back (pictures for each area you visit, picture frame, thick bathrobe, kitchen apron, stationary). Now the bad news. There are areas where you have to step over or stairs to go through. Some of the stairs are narrow and steep. Also, there is a lot of walking involved. Not sure if this would be a factor.

 

Did we like the behind the scenes tour? Yes we did. Would we do it again, we sure would in a different class of ship.

[reedprincess]

The tour is well worth it and with the goodies that you get, you get your money back (pictures for each area you visit, picture frame, thick bathrobe, kitchen apron, stationary). Now the bad news. There are areas where you have to step over or stairs to go through. Some of the stairs are narrow and steep. Also, there is a lot of walking involved. Not sure if this would be a factor.

 

Did we like the behind the scenes tour? Yes we did. Would we do it again, we sure would in a different class of ship.

 

What in the world does this have to do with the OPs question regarding an Alaska cruisetour with Princess??

[reedprincess]

I am taking my mom to Alaska next year. She will be almost 74 and will travel with a rollator (walker with wheels and a seat). She does not use it every day but does occasionally use it for stability. She had back surgery last year, and using the rollator helps keep her muscles from becoming over tired and helps her not strain which can cause pain. This is not a big factor, but it is a factor.

 

We have been planning on doing a DIY trip for flexibility, but I also like the idea of having the structure a cruisetour offers. Also, I like the idea of not driving or being responsible for lugging all of our gear.

 

I know whatever I pick, there will have to be some compromises (time we spend on land, where we go, what we do, etc). It's hard for me, because I know this will probably be the only trip we take to Alaska. I want her to have the best time possible. And I want to enjoy it too. If planning our own, we will stick to the ANC area and southward on the Kenai Penninsula. If we go on a cruisetour, we can cover more area but will possibly miss the Kenai (Princess has limited Kenai days on their cruise tours).

 

The cruise we have booked now is a SB departing May 27, 2017.

 

I'm trying to decide best overall game plan. My biggest concerns of cruisetour are cost and the fact Mom might have to sit for several hours at a time (this can be hard on her back). My biggest concerns of the DIY plan are wearing myself out driving and hauling bags or having a problem while driving in a remote area.

 

I know the general consensus on the Alaska forum is DIY is better, but I wondered what the thoughts were here. If you've done a cruisetour, did you like it? Best/worst aspects? Would you do it again?

 

Finally, our dates are early. Will everything still be wintry and brown, or will it be more like spring with flowers?

6 of one, half dozen of another. There are pluses and minuses to both ways of touring Alaska. We enjoyed our cruisetour last year, however next time we do any land tour in Alaska, it will be DIY for us.. We want more time in some places and less in others - howevwr we wouldn't have known that before our cruisetour.

Rhe convenience factor of the cruisetour is major - really major. Everything is very, very easy, we'll coordinated, we'll documented, etc. That's worth a lot for many people,ourselves included for our first land tour there.

Depending on your stops, there can be a LOT of sitting time on the transports - rhe sheer distances involved is amazing. That will be the same whether you do a cruisetour or DIY... So, take into account the ease of someone else driving, etc.. The long bis trios have stops every 60-90 minutes for stretching, potty breaks, etc train ride can be 4-6 hours, not a whole lot of room to move around, but some space to walk in the caboose, down to dining car, etc..

You've laid out your pluses and minuses, you seem to understand the differences pretty well, so basically - research the various cruisetour options s that appeal to you vs DIY (rental car costs, wear and tear on yourself doing all your own driving and organization in advance, etc..

We really enjoyed our cruisetour, and are quite happy we did it. Next time though, it will be DIY (assuming we're still in good shape, etc) If either of us has mobility or orher health issues, we'd likely go with the cruisetour again for the ease and convenience...

Enjoy, it's an amazing place!

[dforeigner]

What in the world does this have to do with the OPs question regarding an Alaska cruisetour with Princess??

 

Rather valid question. No idea how as to how I went on a different tangent other than poor reading skills.:eek:

[wishfulone]

We did the Connoisseur Escorted Tour OA6 last year. It made seeing Alaska beyond Ancorage really easy for us being from the other side of the world. The 'escort' was not necessary but it was the only land tour we could get at short notice. One without the escort would be just as good, if not better re flexibility of meals.

 

Best bits were the commentary, stops at best locations, no luggage to drag around, load into the car every day, and every bit of the travel was arranged for you. I reckon that'd be a bonus for both of you. I don't think any of the distances were overly long except maybe the train and you could get up and walk around on that.

 

Some folk with us were doing two land tours B2B. Kenai and Denali so that must coordinate somehow.

[biker1972]

If you are doing a south bound simply add several days prior, DIY to the Kanai and then join a cruise tour that gives you the other parts of the interior that you want to see. This does probably limit you to tours that start in Anchorage, however.

[txwriter]

If you are doing a south bound simply add several days prior, DIY to the Kanai and then join a cruise tour that gives you the other parts of the interior that you want to see. This does probably limit you to tours that start in Anchorage, however.

 

If choosing a cruisetour, I've thought about doing a few days prior just to see more of Anchorage/Girdwood area. There are several things we want to see and do there.

[txwriter]

We did the Connoisseur Escorted Tour OA6 last year. It made seeing Alaska beyond Ancorage really easy for us being from the other side of the world. The 'escort' was not necessary but it was the only land tour we could get at short notice. One without the escort would be just as good, if not better re flexibility of meals.

 

Thank you. This eases my mind a bit. I don't think we could afford the connoisseur tours. The difference is around $1000.00 per person, and it seems like we'd be able to eat for less than $2000.00. I know Mom would enjoy the commentary, but I just don't know that it's worth that much more.

[txwriter]

6 of one, half dozen of another. There are pluses and minuses to both ways of touring Alaska. We enjoyed our cruisetour last year, however next time we do any land tour in Alaska, it will be DIY for us.. We want more time in some places and less in others - howevwr we wouldn't have known that before our cruisetour.

Rhe convenience factor of the cruisetour is major - really major. Everything is very, very easy, we'll coordinated, we'll documented, etc. That's worth a lot for many people,ourselves included for our first land tour there.

Depending on your stops, there can be a LOT of sitting time on the transports - rhe sheer distances involved is amazing. That will be the same whether you do a cruisetour or DIY... So, take into account the ease of someone else driving, etc.. The long bis trios have stops every 60-90 minutes for stretching, potty breaks, etc train ride can be 4-6 hours, not a whole lot of room to move around, but some space to walk in the caboose, down to dining car, etc..

You've laid out your pluses and minuses, you seem to understand the differences pretty well, so basically - research the various cruisetour options s that appeal to you vs DIY (rental car costs, wear and tear on yourself doing all your own driving and organization in advance, etc..

We really enjoyed our cruisetour, and are quite happy we did it. Next time though, it will be DIY (assuming we're still in good shape, etc) If either of us has mobility or orher health issues, we'd likely go with the cruisetour again for the ease and convenience...

Enjoy, it's an amazing place!

 

Thank you for the great feedback!:) I'd love to do a cruisetour now and a DIY later, but I doubt that will happen...at least not with Mom. That's why I feel so much pressure to make the best decision. It's REALLY important to me that Mom has a good time. I know she will love whatever we do, but she is such a great Mom, and I want her to have the best.

[sassycruiser]

My husband and I are doing a cruise tour in September simply because of the convenience. Yes, we could travel and do it ourselves but at the same time it is worth it to us to have the convenience after an 8 hour plane flight of getting off the plane and not having to make decisions. Maybe next time we will do a more independent option.

 

I know from limited traveling with my MIL who is 76 years old that I am concerned with her comfort and I am happy to leave the details to someone else.

[ggprincess2004]

Consider the cruise tour - let them worry about the luggage and the details, so you can focus on caring for your mother while traveling.

[Alaskanb]

We are now aged 66 and 75 with all the wear and tear that brings to joints etc. For the first time in our lives we are doing a group tour this year so that we can see Denali National Park. We did DIY in 2012 and focused on the area between Matanuska and Turnagain Arm. Our cruise tour is Princess DB4 that gives one night at McKinley lodge and two nights at Denali Lodge. http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/cruisetour-options/

The two nights at Denali allows for a longer tour into the park. We are taking the park service shuttle to Eileson http://www.reservedenali.com/play/shuttle-buses/eielson-visitor-center.aspx

Princess offers several tours into the park depending on what roads are open. This would be the preferred tour for your dates http://www.reservedenali.com/play/tours/tundra-wilderness.aspx You would book this through Princess.

We now need someone to schlep luggage and drive long distances

Edited May 10, 2016 by Alaskanb

[ejatczak]

It will be MUCH easier and less stressful (for you) to do the cruise tour with your mom. Finding your way around and being concerned about her comfort is too much for you! I have not done the tour but my friends did and loved it. The Princess tours are 1st class! Do the tour without the meals so you have more food options. Instead of all the planning the two of you can just enjoy the scenery and each others company. These tours are created with older people in mind. If I were taking my mom I would do the tour.

[Thrak]

Rather valid question. No idea how as to how I went on a different tangent other than poor reading skills.:eek:

 

Been there, done that. Just say "D'Oh", shake your head, laugh at yourself, and move on. :D

[Thrak]

For the convenience regarding the luggage you might be much better off with the cruisetour. If the connoisseur tour is too much do a regular cruisetour. It's a nice package but I don't think it will be necessary. Not having to schlepp luggage around might be the thing that makes the trip great (aside from Alaska of course!).

[reedprincess]

Rather valid question. No idea how as to how I went on a different tangent other than poor reading skills.:eek:

 

Lol no worries.. I went back several times reading the OPs post thinking I must have missed something! Hope the OP is getting answers they need...

[LeeW]

We've done cruisetours twice and Princess does a great job with these. Your mom will have to do some walking - for example from the bus dropoff to the lodge building and to meals. And if you take the train, the stairs to the seating area upstairs is a narrow spiral stair. But they do have an elevator that can handle one person.

 

The big difference between the regular cruisetour and connoisseur is that you pay for your own meals in the former. Both have dedicated guides that help you on train/bus and at lodges. Both handle your luggage for you and do all the transfers.

 

By the way, you can book the cruise and have your TA add land later (assuming that the lodges and transportation are not booked up). So you can watch for a sale. As long as you are outside the final payment date you likely can alter your schedule.

[geoherb]

I thoroughly enjoyed our cruise tour four summers ago. We started in Fairbanks and spent five nights on land before the cruise. Princess was very organized--receiving our room assignments and keys for each lodge before getting there, moving our large pieces of luggage between the lodges and having them there for us. We sent one large bag ahead to the cruise ship.

[lah3185]

when I went on my "bucket list" trip to Alaska, I decided to do a cruise tour because I wanted to see Denali and knew this may be my only chance. I was traveling alone, so I did not want to do the DIY for safety and because I had never been to Alaska or a cruise. I think you should check with your mom to see if there is something particular she would want to see. A cruise tour with more than one day at the Denali Princess lodge would allow you to go on a longer tour of Denali with more chance of seeing moose, caribou, etc. (Obviously no guarantee). Cruise tours of Alaska are not cheap, but I think that if there is somewhere you want to see it would be great and Princess seems to be very conscious of people with physical needs. You just need to ask. Have a great time! I'm now going on my 3rd cruise tour of Alaska in 2017. Never say never to being able to go again to my favorite place.

[DentoAlaska]

I would also place a "yes" vote for the Cruisetour. We elected to go with one for our trip last year to Alaska. We chose the LB7 cruisetour and absolutely loved it.

 

We never had to worry about our luggage, where were going to stay distance between Point A and Point B.

 

The driver makes multiple stops for restroom breaks, photo opportunities, meals or just to stretch your legs.

 

IMHO a cruisetour was the only way to go. Would we do a cruisetour if we were to return to Alaska? YES!!!!

[suzieb25]

We did the cruise tour last September. Our bus driver was a native Alaskan who did an outstanding job narrating the tour along with his personal perspective of life in Alaska. The scenery was spectacular and we did see wildlife along the way! I would not wait too long to book a cruise tour, they sell out faster than the cruise. As others have said, everything is well organized and Princess transfers the bags from lodge to lodge. All of the lodge menus and prices are listed at http://www.princesslodges.com, under Alaska Lodges. We did not spend nearly as much as we had anticipated for meals. If possible, do the tour first and then the cruise, as the cruise tour can be very tiring. If you opt to do the tour, arrange to be seated toward the front of the bus so it will be easier for your mom to get on and off.

[txwriter]

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the great replies and information! It's been very very helpful. Mom and I talked about it this evening, and we went through the pros and cons of both styles of travel. She'd been under the impression that: 1. I wanted to drive and 2: a cruisetour was too expensive. Neither was the case. She picked doing a cruisetour, and I admit I am somewhat relieved. Now she just has to decide which one. It will come down to what she wants to see/do.

 

I am especially grateful for the personal stories and details on the differences between a regular cruisetour and connoisseur tours and the tip about finding prices for meals. We already have a cruise booked and will probably stick with that same one unless we find it would be better to go a little later. I would like to see some green in Denali after all.

 

SO MUCH GRATITUDE for all of you. It's really helped ease my mind.:D

[txwriter]

Can anyone tell me an approximate budget for food per day? I know I can look at menus but am wondering if we will have access to food other than at Princess lodges.

[epixx]

The most important feature of any cruisetour that you book is to find one that includes at least two nights in Denali. This will allow you to actually get into the Park. Your time frame is too early for the shuttle to Eielson, but you can at least take the shuttle 53 miles to Toklat:

 

http://www.reservedenali.com/play/shuttle-buses.aspx

 

If you go any less than 53 miles, you might as well not even make the long journey to get to Denali, and you would be far better off just staying on the Kenai Peninsula.

 

Note that if you find a Princess cruisetour that includes either the Natural History Tour or the Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali, Princess has, in the past, allowed you to cancel that and get a refund. The shuttle to Toklat will be significantly less expensive than either one.