Advice about Princess Cruise tours

[dickinson]

So it sounds like the extra $$ for the Connessaur escorted tour is the extra for food, tips, the included tours and the escort. I know no one knows the answer but I wonder how much extra one would be paying for the escorted tour instead of diy?

 

Anyone wish they had done the escorted tour?

Edited December 2, 2016 by dickinson

[caribill]

So it sounds like the extra $$ for the Connessaur escorted tour is the extra for food, tips, the included tours and the escort. I know no one knows the answer but I wonder how much extra one would be paying for the escorted tour instead of diy?

 

A

 

Easy to check yourself.

 

Go to the Princess web site and you can see the pricing of cruisetours. Just look at a Connoisseur tour and a regular tour on the same date and itinerary.

[dickinson]

Caribill - sorry if I worded it poorly. I meant that we don't know the real value of the food, tips and the few excursions etc included to know how much extra we are paying for the services of the escort.

Edited December 2, 2016 by dickinson

[thinfool]

We did a 'normal' cruisetour and were happy with it. We did, however, ditch the NHT and made our own arrangements to take the TWT in Denali.

 

As for extras that may exist on the connoisseur, I am sure that Princess has a wonderful product.

 

But...when we go to Alaska again we will definitely DIY for the freedom go, do, where we please and what we please.

 

Remember, Alaska is in the US. They even take our money! LOL Touring Alaska, IMO, is not unlike visiting the Grand Canyon or the Teton, Yellowstone, etc.

[azbirdmom]

We did the regular DB4 tour in August and paid for our own food. Food is pricey but I know we spent less than the buy-up to Connoisseur (even factoring in the $66 PP for the TWT upgrade). We also took the train from Denali to Whittier and enjoyed that as well. There are "on your own" iterations of the cruise tours too and the only difference between that and the one we took is that you take the bus instead of a train from Denali to Whittier and the Natural History tour wasn't included, but you can buy whatever tour option you want. We're doing HB5 next May which includes 2 nights at both McKinley and Denali lodges. One night was definitely too short for McKinley.

[dickinson]

We did the regular DB4 tour in August and paid for our own food. Food is pricey but I know we spent less than the buy-up to Connoisseur (even factoring in the $66 PP for the TWT upgrade). We also took the train from Denali to Whittier and enjoyed that as well. There are "on your own" iterations of the cruise tours too and the only difference between that and the one we took is that you take the bus instead of a train from Denali to Whittier and the Natural History tour wasn't included, but you can buy whatever tour option you want. We're doing HB5 next May which includes 2 nights at both McKinley and Denali lodges. One night was definitely too short for McKinley.

 

This certainly helps. So far I am pricing out some different Alaska tours and the difference between the Explorer and the Connoisseur is between $1600 to $1999 for a BB balcony. That is a lot of money however I hate to skimp but I also don't like to overspend. Everyone seems to like the Connoisseur. I have to narrow things down to a few and then explain everything to my dh so we can then pick.

[donaldsc]

 

Denali NP is the best attraction but expect wilderness. Definitely take the trip to the Denali peak visitors center (was Mt McKinley). The river boat trip in Fairbanks was interesting as was the exhibit of the AK pipeline. North Pole, AK is nearby and interesting mostly to say you have been to the North Pole!

 

Definitely skip North Pole unless you have a real need to buy Christmas stuff in July. We drove through the town as we were driving from Fairbanks to Denali. The best thing and the only thing in the town worth visiting was the rest room in McDonald's.

 

DON

[Nhsaltshaker]

Another question - Those who have taken these cruise tours have you found that the best pricing was when they were first released? Or it varies.

 

I booked early, and many, many sales came out after. What worked for us was the Sip and Sail sale. Free drink package and specialty dinner. Love the Conn. tours, no problems and best accommodations. The longer you wait to book, the better cabins are taken.

[dickinson]

Definitely skip North Pole unless you have a real need to buy Christmas stuff in July. We drove through the town as we were driving from Fairbanks to Denali. The best thing and the only thing in the town worth visiting was the rest room in McDonald's.

 

DON

 

Love it! :D:D

[dickinson]

Any consensus on whether to fly to Anchorage for a day or fly to Fairbanks and do the tours there? We fly from the east coast.

[azbirdmom]

Any consensus on whether to fly to Anchorage for a day or fly to Fairbanks and do the tours there? We fly from the east coast.

 

We haven't been to Fairbanks but have been to Anchorage pre-cruise in August 2015 and 2016. The Princess hotel is downtown (usually the Captain Cook) and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. There's lots of greenery downtown too so it is pretty to walk around, and some rooms have views of the Cook Inlet. And if you stay at the Captain Cook and are a wine lover, you can buy your two bottles right across the street! :D

[txwriter]

Caribill - sorry if I worded it poorly. I meant that we don't know the real value of the food, tips and the few excursions etc included to know how much extra we are paying for the services of the escort.

 

We are going in May on the MB7 tour which is the NB7 in 2018. The closest connoisseur tour for the same timeframe was over $1000 more per person. The differences were that many meals were included, an upgrade to the TWT (which costs $66 per person if you go regular and upgrade) and a tour guide that stays with you the entire time as well as one extra night (at the McKinley lodge I think). Our TA explained that there will be s tour guide with us on the regular tour as well but that the guide will likely change at each stop. So, Princesss is not just leaving you on your own without a Princess rep to guide you. The tour guide on the connoisseur tour will act more like a concierge at times, but for $2000 difference it wasn't work a few small perks and the higher level service. Instead, we chose to fly in a night early and stay over a night in Vancouver and still come out ahead. If you want to check prices for food, you can look at the menus for the lodge restaurants here: https://www.princesslodges.com/princess-alaska-lodges/.

 

Since Mom and I often split plates at restaurants, there is no way we'd be spending anywhere close to the price difference for the connoisseur tour. Also, since Mom is diabetic she cannot skip the meals that aren't included, so we'd still be buying some food out of pocket.

 

I believe those who enjoy connoisseur tours most are the ones who are not worried about the price difference and just like the more inclusive aspects. I admit it is appealing, but for us not the right choice. I will also say that the connoisseur tours do tend to book up the fastest.

 

Hope this helps.

[dickinson]

Thanks for the info. Every little bit helps! When not on a connoisseur tour how do you know what time and where to be for either your excursion or to leave to go to the next lodge either by bus or train?

[LeeW]

Thanks for the info. Every little bit helps! When not on a connoisseur tour how do you know what time and where to be for either your excursion or to leave to go to the next lodge either by bus or train?

 

We have done two trips, one ending in Anchorage and one ending in Fairbanks, mostly by train. On one they took us from the McKinley Lodge to the Denali Lodge by a back road with different views of the mountain. Mostly the road parallels the train track and the views are similar. There is one gorge that can only be seen well from the train. Regular tours still have the same guides traveling with you and you get detailed instructions while on the train/bus about the next night's lodgings (usually including room keys), where to meet, whether to put your luggage out, and things like that. Your "take-with" luggage will usually be in your room before you are. The downside of the train is that you might get to the depot (a couple of tents in Talkeetna) an hour before the train does. With a bus you get on and go. We still prefer the train. Princess tours are very well organized, and guide can often switch you to different tours or arrange special stuff for you.

 

Try to schedule two nights at Denali Lodge so you can take the Tundra Wilderness Tour (9 hour park bus). Avoid McKinley Lodge if you can. It is 45 minutes west of Talkeetna, so virtually all tours have to go back into town and you are a captive audience for food. If the mountain is out the view is great, and with no lights around aurora can also be spectacular. But if it is cloudy you might as well be in a 3 star hotel at home.

 

The lodges are huge, so be prepared for crowds in food outlets, especially after the train gets in. And be prepared for high cost of food in Alaska.

[txwriter]

Thanks for the info. Every little bit helps! When not on a connoisseur tour how do you know what time and where to be for either your excursion or to leave to go to the next lodge either by bus or train?

 

Once you book, there is more detailed information in your cruise personalizer. When you book the excursions, they also show up in your itinerary. Also, from all I've read or heard from people who've done the tours with Princess, they give you detailed info at each stop about what will happen next. This is our first time to travel with Princess. We booked through a local travel agent, and we were able to go in and ask several questions from someone who has been on several trips with them and has the benefit of feedback from other travelers as well. I had it narrowed down pretty well before going in, but asking the questions really helped. For this trip, having a TA has been beneficial for us.

[reedprincess]

Thanks for the info. Every little bit helps! When not on a connoisseur tour how do you know what time and where to be for either your excursion or to leave to go to the next lodge either by bus or train?

 

We did the "On Your Own" "Off the Beaten Path" cruisetour last year. McKinley, Denali and Copper River. Absolutely loved it. Traveled by coach, train (with the domed rail cars), bus and catamaran (from Copper River to Whittier to board the ship - amazing!)

 

We loved the flexibility for meals, saved a fortune - about $2200 compared to the connoisseur tour for same spots, spent two nights at each Lodge, the Natural History tour was included at Denali, and we enjoyed it just fine, and spent maybe $900 on food and drink for the two of us during the tour - and we certainly didn't skimp. We ate in Talkeetna in town and at McKinley Lodge, ate across the road at Denali Lodge for most meals, except quick breakfast on the morning of departure and ate in Copper River town once and the orher meals at the lodge. We enjoyed having the variety, the flexibility and the savings!!

 

As for how we knew where to go and when, we received very detailed itineraries at each stop along with our room keys - told us when to have luggage ready and where, where to meet for next transfer. how long that transfer is expected to be, etc. Amazing amount of organization. We had the same bus driver throughout, who doubled as a tour guide along the way, pointing out sites, animals, etc. And there was a guide with us also who handled passing out the snacks, handing out room keys and info, etc.. So I have no idea what more the "fully escorted" connoisseur tour gets beyond that. Maybe the guide is more of a concierge or something on those tours...

 

Our luggage was all handled by Princess, we just had to tag it properly (tags provided at each stop with explanations). We each had one large suitcase and one carry on, plus hubs had a backpack. Backpack stayed with us physically on every transportation. Carry-ons went with us, and were usually stored underneath the bus, under the seat in the train, etc. But they were present with us on whatever transportation used. Big suitcase - I have no idea how they traveled but they were picked up every time it was time to go and appeared in our rooms on arrival...no problems at all.

 

We were thoroughly pleased with our choice the tour itself, the lodgings (and at every Lodge, we had rooms facing the river or mountain, so apparently it's not just connoisseur who get those), the service, the drivers, the scenery and the entire experience.

 

That said - when we go back, we'll likely DIY the land portion so we have even more flexibility along the way.

 

Princess does an outstanding job with their cruisetours.... I'm sure you'll have a wondeful time, whichever one you chose!

[dickinson]

I have it narrowed down to two or three different tours. Two are the same (6 days of touring... two nights in each lodge) but one is the Explorer and the other is Connessieur. The other is five days of touring (Explorer) with two nights in Denali and Mt McKinley but only one night in Fairbanks. With one night in Fairbanks you get the steamboat cruise but not the gold dredging.

 

With the crowds of people are there long waits to eat?

[dickinson]

We did the "On Your Own" "Off the Beaten Path" cruisetour last year. McKinley, Denali and Copper River. Absolutely loved it. Traveled by coach, train (with the domed rail cars), bus and catamaran (from Copper River to Whittier to board the ship - amazing!)

 

We loved the flexibility for meals, saved a fortune - about $2200 compared to the connoisseur tour for same spots, spent two nights at each Lodge, the Natural History tour was included at Denali, and we enjoyed it just fine, and spent maybe $900 on food and drink for the two of us during the tour - and we certainly didn't skimp. We ate in Talkeetna in town and at McKinley Lodge, ate across the road at Denali Lodge for most meals, except quick breakfast on the morning of departure and ate in Copper River town once and the orher meals at the lodge. We enjoyed having the variety, the flexibility and the savings!!

 

As for how we knew where to go and when, we received very detailed itineraries at each stop along with our room keys - told us when to have luggage ready and where, where to meet for next transfer. how long that transfer is expected to be, etc. Amazing amount of organization. We had the same bus driver throughout, who doubled as a tour guide along the way, pointing out sites, animals, etc. And there was a guide with us also who handled passing out the snacks, handing out room keys and info, etc.. So I have no idea what more the "fully escorted" connoisseur tour gets beyond that. Maybe the guide is more of a concierge or something on those tours...

 

Our luggage was all handled by Princess, we just had to tag it properly (tags provided at each stop with explanations). We each had one large suitcase and one carry on, plus hubs had a backpack. Backpack stayed with us physically on every transportation. Carry-ons went with us, and were usually stored underneath the bus, under the seat in the train, etc. But they were present with us on whatever transportation used. Big suitcase - I have no idea how they traveled but they were picked up every time it was time to go and appeared in our rooms on arrival...no problems at all.

 

We were thoroughly pleased with our choice the tour itself, the lodgings (and at every Lodge, we had rooms facing the river or mountain, so apparently it's not just connoisseur who get those), the service, the drivers, the scenery and the entire experience.

 

That said - when we go back, we'll likely DIY the land portion so we have even more flexibility along the way.

 

Princess does an outstanding job with their cruisetours.... I'm sure you'll have a wondeful time, whichever one you chose!

 

Thanks! You posted as I was typing. Nice detailed info.

 

My dh is not good on IPad so likes laptop. On the cruise portion he is on real early till Iwake up. Will this be an issue on tour part? Sounds like it would be .

[reedprincess]

Thanks! You posted as I was typing. Nice detailed info.

 

My dh is not good on IPad so likes laptop. On the cruise portion he is on real early till Iwake up. Will this be an issue on tour part? Sounds like it would be .

 

Sorry, not following you. Why would his being on a laptop be an issue on the land portion? If it's not an issue on the cruise portion, can't see how it would be on on the land portion....

[dickinson]

Sorry, not following you. Why would his being on a laptop be an issue on the land portion? If it's not an issue on the cruise portion, can't see how it would be on on the land portion....

 

I was thinking because we would have little room as a carryon on the train otherwise we could leave it in the hotel if we were going back to it.

[reedprincess]

I was thinking because we would have little room as a carryon on the train otherwise we could leave it in the hotel if we were going back to it.

 

The train is one small part of your trip. And yes, if it fits in your carry-on, it will fit in the train no problem. Your carry-ons for the train are supposed to fit under your seat, which has plenty of space for normal sized carry-ons...our traveling companions had their c-pap, carry-on and photography equipment, and it all fit under their side of the seat, no problem.... And they will store it on the train for you if it's too cumbersome, but it shouldn't be a problem with a regular carry-on bag or a backpack...

[dickinson]

Thanks all! I have put a hold on a Denali Explorer cruise tour for July 1 2018. It will be a 6 day tour with 2 days each in Fairbanks, Denali and Mckinley then a southbound cruise. It will be on the Golden which we were on for our first Princess cruise which was a rt to Alaska. Decided not to do Connoisseur (as great as it would be ) and to save the $$ so we could do a Window Suite (which we were in before in Alaska and two other times). Airfare appears to be expensive (I could only check for summer 2017) so that is a consideration.

 

Question - Anyone have ideas as to how far out one should book airfare to get better rates? In general I have heard 4 months out (not specifically Alaska) but I would probably want to do it further out than that. Have you found EZ Air to be better than doing it on your own? I have heard that Internationally it is a better deal. In this case only one way is international. When I checked for this summer it was a little bit less expensive to do it yourself.

[dickinson]

Another question - I noticed on my booking it listed $86 for transfers. I didn't check it off but no problem. However, we would be coming in a couple of days early and hope to stay at the same hotel. How does that work? Will Princess be looking for us on the first day of the cruise tour? Do we need to pay for the transfers? It seemed to list it under optional but really it did not appear to be optional at all.

[azbirdmom]

Another question - I noticed on my booking it listed $86 for transfers. I didn't check it off but no problem. However, we would be coming in a couple of days early and hope to stay at the same hotel. How does that work? Will Princess be looking for us on the first day of the cruise tour? Do we need to pay for the transfers? It seemed to list it under optional but really it did not appear to be optional at all.

 

Princess automatically assumes you want the transfers from and to the airport(s) when you book a cruise tour. Just ask your TA (or Princess if you booked with them) if you want them taken off. But if you keep them, yes, there will be a Princess rep at the Anchorage airport. Depending on when you arrive, you may wait a while for them to fill up the bus - we waited an hour last year and this year we simply took a taxi. And you'll get the tickets for your transfer to the airport while you are on the ship.

[dickinson]

We would be going into Fairbanks but would go probably two days early. I doubt a rep would be there then. We would try to stay at same hotel so we don't need to change although who knows because they could make us change rooms.

 

By Dec 7 I will make the temporary book permanent and will then transfer to my TA. I just don't want to ask her questions til I actually book because she will want to take it over right away.