Host Caroline Posted April 19, 2006 #1 Share Posted April 19, 2006 Lots of emails from folks interested in this asking a couple of the sam questions so I've edited the title of this thread.. see the next post down in the thread for answers to some of the most frequently asked! The 2007 Cruise Critic Group will be heading Southbound from Whittier to Vancouver on June 9, 2007 aboard the Sapphire Princess headed to College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan... featuring an entire day in Glacier Bay:) Rates will be out around May 6 and we will be blocking lots of balconies and minisuites since they were so popular with my first group in '05. Stay tuned for more info! If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email although as you can see (check the siggie) I will be on my honeymoon next week:D Oh, and there will be an optional 4-5 night rail/hotel package to Denali/Anchorage for anyone that wants to do that.... but this will not be a "Cruisetour group" since everyone had to book the tour to do that. Details on that will be forthcoming!! Less expensive and more flexible as well than the "official" tour.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Caroline Posted April 21, 2006 Author #2 Share Posted April 21, 2006 I decided since a lot of you are reading this board it seems and it's a little hectic around here today (see my signature and you will know why ) that I would answer here and pardon me for no individual emails! Why June 9: isn't that a little later than planned? And will rates be higher? Yes, the rates will be slightly higher than late May or June 2 on Diamond and I will check rates on Diamond Princess for June 2 to see if there is a huge difference BUT the main reasons for June 9 are: Much of Denali isn't officially "open" further into the park until end of May and a lot depends on how early spring is etc. but wanted to be sure those of us doing the optional land portion that will be "escorted" by me but offer LOTS of free time would be able to see and experience as much of the park as possible. A June 3-4 arrival will more likely ensure that as a precruise option than a May 26-27 arrival. Memorial Day weekend: Many use frequent flier miles that are difficult if not imposs. to get over a holiday and ahead airfares are higher on holiday weekends and this is BIG travel weekend.. trying to avoid that weekend as a travel weekend. Those who just want a mini precruise can meet us in Anchorage evening of June 7! Why Princess? Why this itinerary? IMHO only if you may only go to Alaska once OR if you are like those in my '05 Cruise Critic Group and you missed Glacier Bay, it's a must see.. This southbound itin offers morning cruising in College Fjord (Named so bec. the 7 glaciers are named after Ivy League schools) and 10-6 cruising in Glacier Bay i.e. the entire day.. Part is going in and out of the Bay but that in itself is prime viewing . The port times in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan allow for lots of time (very early arrival in Juneau) to do things... we have 8 hours in Ketchikan which is an improvement over last year's as well for the "repeaters" If early itins are an accurate indicator, Holland Amer isn't going to Glacier Bay on many north/southbound cruises but instead cruising Hubbard Glacier like RCI and Celebrity do... Hubbard is impressive but a majority of people who responded wanted Glacier Bay and I agree! Princess' Anytime Dining was a huge plus last year in Alaska with cruising schedules, port times etc.. It offers those who wante traditional set time dinner the option, the option of the same menu "anytime", the partial service Lido, pizza and of course the alternative restaurants..so dining is made a lot easier..This ship also has amazing outdoor viewing areas for cruising .. even if you have a balcony you will want this! Will we have time in Denali? Yes, most definitely.. the options I'm looking at give you at least a day and a half.. Most places do NOT and will not have their '07 official rates etc up as early as Princess does for cruise but the itins will be the same.. it will be a mix of rail touring and on your own time.. more details will be forthcoming. Unfortunately Princess would not let us book the group as a cruisetour unless every single cabin was also booked on the tour and some people want to tour independently, some on a more structured "Tour" and some just the cruise.. So the cruise is the official "group" but those booking the cruise with the officials CC group who want to join us for the hotel/Denali/rail option will be given the information to do that.. it will really be less expensive than the "cruisetour" but see the same places with more free time etc. Hope you will join us!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted April 21, 2006 #3 Share Posted April 21, 2006 Thanks for the update, Caroline! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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