Need info on RCCL Cruise Tour 9B Year 2020........Are they refundable ?

[Jimbo]

This is the tour and what it includes and where it goes, The cost is about an additional $2500 for 2. Say before final payment we change our minds and decide to do a DIY tour on our own.........is the whole cruise repriced at the current price or do they just take the $2500 off the current total that I bought it at......Say we don't buy the tour until later on......do the tours every sell out or do they just keep adding on buses for as many people book the tours.  Do the tour prices go up and down like the cruise prices?

 

Since the cruise start in Anchorage and first mode of transportation is a train which we really want to do too, not even sure it is possible to then rent a car in Denaili Park to then go to Talkeetna..........so then maybe this  tour can't even be done by doing it ourselves..............Would like to stay at both Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and Hotel Alyeska..........so let me know is something like this can  even be done by renting a car somewhere or does it have to be done through the cruiseline by doing their tour.

 

Okay give me my options........this would be 11 total days, which  includes the 7 day cruise.

 

Radiance of the Seas   2020

 

 

Date Port Arrive Depart Monday, July 27 Tour begins in Anchorage, AK  Arrive in Anchorage where an airport transfer (included) brings you to the hotel to meet your Adventure Specialist. Then you’re free to delve into the city’s unique culture: check out the eclectic dining scene, try a local craft beer, or stroll the waterfront in the evening sun. Overnight at the Anchorage Marriott.     Tuesday, July 28 Anchorage, AK / Denali National Park, AK Board the glass-domed cars of the Wilderness Express® for the scenic rail journey to Denali. From 4:30 p.m., Denali is yours to explore. Stroll the trails that begin at the park’s museum-like Visitor Center, or book an optional adventure, like rafting down the Nenana River. Overnight at Denali Park Village.     Wednesday, July 29 Denali National Park, AK / Talkeetna, AK Travel into the park’s unspoiled wilderness on the lookout for wildlife on the Denali Natural History Tour*. Then relax on the deluxe motorcoach for the drive to Talkeetna. From 5:30 p.m., the historic small town is yours to enjoy. Relax at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, whose location offers breathtaking views of Denali and the Alaska Range. You can also hike nearby trails or book an optional flightseeing tour to see mountains and glaciers from on high. Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. *For an additional charge.     Thursday, July 30 Talkeetna, AK / Anchorage, AK / Alyeska, AK There’s time to enjoy more of Talkeetna’s stunning setting before the coach departs for Anchorage. Get a taste of the big city during a midday stop in downtown before continuing on to Alyeska, admire the waters of the Turnagain Arm as you enter the Chugach Valley, but you’ll get the best views of the mountains from the aerial tram that ascends from the base of Mount Alyeska to the summit. From 3:30 p.m., your time is your own. Indulge in the resort’s amenities, or book an optional guided hike on a nearby glacier. Overnight at Hotel Alyeska.     Friday, July 31 Alyeska, AK / Anchorage (Seward), AK Discover the wonders of Alaskan wildlife at two acclaimed institutions. It’s a short drive from Alyeska to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which cares for native, orphaned land animals. Then continue to the coast to the historic port town of Seward and the Alaska SeaLife Center, dedicated to preserving the state’s rich marine life, Your Adventure Specialist wishes you a bon voyage at the pier where you’ll board your ship.

Edited March 10, 2019 by Jimbo

[Coral]

With most lines, you can't just drop the "tour portion". You would have to rebook the cruise with out the tour. I can't confirm that with RCCL but that is how the other lines work.

[mapleleaves]

Perhaps you didn't notice but the huge negative to this cruisetour is that there's ZERO time in Denali.  You arrive at 4:30pm one day and leave at noon the next !!  This doesn't give you any time to see Denali ...there are 100 miles of Park road that allow visitors to enjoy the scenery and wildlife but this tour doesn't include any part of that!!  No time.

 

Your thought to do DIY to Denali is a good one.  If you want to enjoy the Alaska Railroad, everyone says the most scenic leg is between Anchorage and Seward.  Do your DIY land travel, then take the train to Seward when you're ready to board the ship.  Just something to think about .......

[Budget Queen]

Frankly-   this is a poor choice.    Several-   problems,   no,  they aren't just going to refund the tour portion.   It will be the whole thing canceled.   It is NOT enough time.   You only have the lacking NHT included.  

 

Back  up and educate yourself  on visiting Alaska.   Find out the details,   especially distances.   You could have a superior visit.  

[Jimbo]

Guess I could do something like this for cheaper then $2500 right on my own.

 

Fly into Anchorage, 1 night stay..next morning rent car drive to Denali 
2  nights in Denali Park, one night at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and one night at Hotel Alyeska, train ride from Anchorage to Seward to catch a cruise ship.

Tour into Denaili park at least 92 miles in,, Flight seeing in Talkeetna, just sight seeing in Alyeska, possible Kenai Fjords Tours in Seward before boarding ship

 

Can I do this in 5 days?

Edited March 10, 2019 by Jimbo

[mapleleaves]

What you have  outlined takes more than 5 days.

Day 1 fly into Anc (overnight)

Day 2 drive to Talkeetna (  o/n Denali

Day 3 shuttle into park  o/n Denali

Day 4 drive to Talkeetna  flightsee.   o/n

Day 5 drive to Alyeska  o/n

Day 6 sightsee around Turnagain Arm (Alyeska ).   o/n Anc

Day 7 train to Seward

 

IF flightseeing is your only reason for stopping in Talkeetna, no need to overnight there.  If you have good weather just stop in on your way to/from Denali.  Take vendor phone numbers with you so you can call ahead to see if they have space available.

(  another flight seeing option is INSIDE the park itself.  People take the shuttle bus to Kantishna near the end of the park road then fly back, or vv,  or even spend the night at a backcountry lodge.  http://www.katair.com/   )

 

Flightseeing gets weathered out frequently so the more options you have, the better.  

 

- it would be difficult to catch the morning train if you're overnighting in Alyeska.   You have to be at the depot by 6ish and it's a 45 minute drive from Alyeska.  So this adds another day. If you were able to flightsee on your way to/from or in Denali, you could go right to Alyeska on Day 4, spend Day 5 sightseeing, and on day 6 train to Seward. OTOH ,the Turnagain Arm has a lot to offer in sights and activities so it's worth a day ! 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/turnagain-arm-drive

 

BTW, if you take the train from Anc to Seward, your bags will be delivered directly to the ship, so it is very easy to  take a Kenai cruise. (don't settle for the 5hr Resurrection Bay tour, choose a 6hr tour that goes to a glacier)

 

As BudgetQueen suggested,  put some more thought into your priorities and how much time you have for land travel.  It's a long way to travel, so make the most of it.

 

Chart for travel distances/time:  http://www.alaska.org/advice/mileage-chart

 

(Since your not travelling until 2020, watch for good prices on car rentals starting in late July thru Sept , Check all the sites and check frequently. Rates can be $25 a day to $250 !  ) 
 

 

 

 

 

[Budget Queen]

17 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Guess I could do something like this for cheaper then $2500 right on my own.

 

Fly into Anchorage, 1 night stay..next morning rent car drive to Denali 
2  nights in Denali Park, one night at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and one night at Hotel Alyeska, train ride from Anchorage to Seward to catch a cruise ship.

Tour into Denaili park at least 92 miles in,, Flight seeing in Talkeetna, just sight seeing in Alyeska, possible Kenai Fjords Tours in Seward before boarding ship

 

Can I do this in 5 days?

Do you have your activities chosen?   Highlights you want to include known?  I suggest you know this first.   Not figure out what you are going to do,  because of a random location.     

 

With flying out of Talkeetna-   an overnight isn't really necessary.    I'd suggest you  initially book a morning tour,  on your way to Denali .    IF  not available,  then schedule another for when you pass back  through.     

 

Distances and time to allow-    Anchorage/Denali 6 hours.   Anchorage/Seward 4 hours (so to allow at least a short stop).    

 

What's  the reason for Girdwood?    If you allow time for the activities in the area-   you'll  be giving up Seward.     You also are backtracking.     

 

No your current plan really isn't very doable in 5 days.  

[Jimbo]

So it sounds like we shouldn't take the train from Anchorage to Seward, more to see with driving it................So can we rent a car at Anchorage with a drop off at Seward? or is that not alllowed because of what car rental company are at each city?

 

With flying into Anchorage the must things to do is Denaili for sure...........not positive I can get my wife up in aiplane or helicopter so they may not be needed as a must do either...............I guess as someone mentioned we could just call the night before or as we are driving by to see if  flying is a go for that day we are in the area................

 

Still would like to take my wife to stay at both those hotels I mentioned above.........Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and one night at Hotel Alyeska.

 

Also the  Kenai cruise in Sewardis not a much do either, because last time in Alaska for a cruise we took the long boat cruise to see the Sawyer  Glaciers from Juneau.

 

So this is more of a sight seeing land tour then trying to pack in as many excursions as we can.

 

We do plan on taking a  White pass Railroad in Skagway..........So I guess that ride would kind of be like the train ride from Anchorage to Seward anyway....

 

............Plan is to fly in either Saturday or Sunday in Anchorage and board ship on Friday in Seward.

 

This is the Bus Denali Park Tundra Wilderness Tour (AM) (62 miles into the park) we would be doing.............looks like it leaves at 6am and you are done by 1pm, if that is correct we would only need one  over night stay in Denaili, after tour drive to Talkeetna and Over night there.

 

So now does anyone have a route we can take and have enough time

Edited March 11, 2019 by Jimbo

[mapleleaves]

You can't throw a trip together in one afternoon !  You need to take the time to research and figure out what YOU want to see and do, then plot out each day to see how much time you need for travel and activities.

 

(the only car vendor in Seward is HERTZ. The one way drop off fee can be $200-$300)

[Budget Queen]

9 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

So it sounds like we shouldn't take the train from Anchorage to Seward, more to see with driving it................So can we rent a car at Anchorage with a drop off at Seward? or is that not alllowed because of what car rental company are at each city?

 

With flying into Anchorage the must things to do is Denaili for sure...........not positive I can get my wife up in aiplane or helicopter so they may not be needed as a must do either...............I guess as someone mentioned we could just call the night before or as we are driving by to see if  flying is a go for that day we are in the area................

 

Still would like to take my wife to stay at both those hotels I mentioned above.........Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and one night at Hotel Alyeska.

 

Also the  Kenai cruise in Sewardis not a much do either, because last time in Alaska for a cruise we took the long boat cruise to see the Sawyer  Glaciers from Juneau.

 

So this is more of a sight seeing land tour then trying to pack in as many excursions as we can.

 

We do plan on taking a  White pass Railroad in Skagway..........So I guess that ride would kind of be like the train ride from Anchorage to Seward anyway....

 

............Plan is to fly in either Saturday or Sunday in Anchorage and board ship on Friday in Seward.

 

So now does anyone have a route we can take and have enough time

You are making wrong assumptions.    By far,  the Alaska RR  Anchorage/Seward is superior to the Seward Highway.     IF you are going to drive to Seward-    which actually works out the best with your short time-   is going to be costly via Hertz.   Don't dismiss it due to cost.    Frankly-   it makes FAR better use of your time.  Especially with you wanting Girdwood-   you do NOT have time to waste over 2 hours going back to Anchorage to turn the car in.    For savings,   it may be better to rent round trip for your Denali portion.     Then a one way-   turning cars in at the airport-  for only as long as you need it.  

 

A Kenai Fjords boat tour is nothing like Tracy Arm.   You can not compare the 2 for similarity.  

 

[Coral]

The scenery on the train ride from Anchorage to Seward is entirely different than the train ride in Skagway. I give an edge to the Anchorage to Seward for scenery but it is entirely different as the Skagway train ride has historical significance. I recommend both.

 

The Kenai Fjords boat ride in Seward is entirely different than the Tracy Arm boat ride in Juneau.

 

Have you considered spending a few more days in Alaska?

Edited March 11, 2019 by Coral

[Jimbo]

3 minutes ago, Budget Queen said:

You are making wrong assumptions.    By far,  the Alaska RR  Anchorage/Seward is superior to the Seward Highway.     IF you are going to drive to Seward-    which actually works out the best with your short time-   is going to be costly via Hertz.   Don't dismiss it due to cost.    Frankly-   it makes FAR better use of your time.  Especially with you wanting Girdwood-   you do NOT have time to waste over 2 hours going back to Anchorage to turn the car in.    For savings,   it may be better to rent round trip for your Denali portion.     Then a one way-   turning cars in at the airport-  for only as long as you need it.  

 

A Kenai Fjords boat tour is nothing like Tracy Arm.   You can not compare the 2 for similarity.  

 

So I'm going to turn back in the car at ANC and then rent again from ANC for one way to Seward.........Like you said trying to be at the ANC train station at 6am might be rough if I'm at a overnight at Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood the night before.

[Jimbo]

Okay I revised the schedule, does this allow us enough time and do you thinki it is doable now.

 

 

Chart for travel distances/time:  http://www.alaska.org/advice/mileage-chart

 

Car rental  ANC to ANC 24th- 28th 3pm -3pm

 

24th Overnight in Anchorage after arriving from East Coast Flight)

25th Overnight in Denali Park

26th Overnight Denali Park   (Tundra Wilderness Tour (AM) (62 miles into the park)

27th Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge ( Possible Sightseeing Flight that day in the afternoon weather permitting, also might check on flight possibility on 25th when driving by to Denali)

28th Overnight in Anchorage (return Rental Car)

29th Overnight in Seward (Train Ride today on the Coastal Classic Train at around 6:00am from ANC to Seward)

30th Overnight in Seward (6-Hour  Kenai Fjords boat tour )

31st Board Ship for 7 day cruise

 

Edited March 17, 2019 by Jimbo

[Coral]

If you are going on your own - you can book a shuttle into Denali (as opposed to Tundra tour) and save some money plus go farther into the park:

 

https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

 

There are several more cool things to do in Seward that you will have time for!

 

 

Edited March 17, 2019 by Coral

[Jimbo]

30 minutes ago, Coral said:

If you are going on your own - you can book a shuttle into Denali (as opposed to Tundra tour) and save some money plus go farther into the park:

 

https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

 

There are several more cool things to do in Seward that you will have time for!

 

 

Yes this will be on our own..............whats the bathroom situation on the Denali Shuttles like..do they have places to stop at in the park............What other things to do in Seward before the cruise?

[Coral]

32 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Yes this will be on our own..............whats the bathroom situation on the Denali Shuttles like..do they have places to stop at in the park............What other things to do in Seward before the cruise?

Yes they have places to stop - they are not desirable IMO but there are facilities.

 

Hiking around Exit Glacier and Alaska Sealife Center. Iditaride: https://ididaride.com