9/7-9/18/06 5 day Inland, Island Princess Cruise

[Stokeset]

This was our first trip to Alaska, 6th cruise, but 1st for Princess. We flew from SC to Fairbanks via Memphis and St. Paul/Minn with short layovers just long enough to stretch legs and get a snack. I would recommend carrying snacks as Northwest doesn't include meals, some sandwich boxes are offered for $5, but they ran out before getting to us. Most all offer drinks, so we were OK with the trail mix/crackers etc, we had in our carry on. Overall, we spent 12 hrs traveling that day. Left noon EST, arrived Faribanks 8PM their time.

 

Transported to Bear Lodge where rooms were clean and spacious (Double queens) similar to any Holiday Inn. Restaurant on site served very good food, breakfast buffet @ $15 each; entrees around $20 for other meals. For the 2 days there, we made some bacon biscuits/cream cheese bagels,purchased some sodas, and carried with us on our bus excursions to El Dorado Gold Mine and River trip. As I consult my journal, I see that I wrote in large letters "What a great Day!" And it was. Others may feel these excursions are cheesy, but the weather was great (after a report of 30 days of straight rain), every one was in a good mood, and the fall colors were jumping right out! Got to view a close up of the pipeline, panned for gold, and found the cruise up the river to the Native village very relaxing, interesting and enjoyable.

 

Left Sat for Princess Resort via bus to Denali, pleasant drive with a knowledgeable driver. (3 hrs) Enjoyed viewing the country side, made one pit stop for restrooms only. Our snacks came in handy. Saw Dahl sheep on the mountain side 30 min prior to arrival. The resort is large and fun to walk about. Maybe 50 rooms/building and there's maybe 8 buildings (?).We left at 1:30 for the 5 hour bus ride into the Park. This is on an updated school bus, it was comfortable, and the driver was Gary Seekin, very knowledgeable and VERY avid in his feelings about the park. We saw carabou, moose, snow shoe rabbits, foxes (no bears) and the weather was fantastic! There are those that may find the prelimary/ required movie viewings a little much, but I found them informative, as I knew very little of how this majestic park came into being. By the time the tour was over, DH and I were trying to figure out how we could return for a more extensive trip. However, for the time spent getting to Denali and the time there, it was more than worth it to us. Later we attended the dinner theater and although the salmon was good, the ribs are better at home. The entertainers are very talented, but I wouldn't spend the money again ($100 for us both).

 

The next day (Sun) we awoke to light frost on the decking, and needed our lined jackets and caps. By noon, were were in short sleeves. Took shuttle bus to the visitor's center across the street from the RR depot. Spent over an hour there and recommend highly a visit there. There's also a bookstore/gift shop where sales support the park and was happy to leave some of my money there for the educational sourveniers we bought! Train arrived @ 12:30 and our domed car was great. Our table mates were fun , the lunch we had in the dining car was very good (@$15 each) as were the drinks we had throughout the trip. Scenery was breathtaking! Arrived Talkeena, 1 hr bus to Mt Mkinnley Princess Resort where more glorious views awaited. I now know what God intended for the earth be like! The mountain was bare to the sun and she was majestic! The resort is very lovely, our king room was very nice (bld 23) and I washed 2 loads of clothes while there. I packed my own small container of liquid detergent/ dryer sheets, but there were vending machines available. You'll need quarters in case the coin machine's out (as was my case). I had to hike back to the lodge to get some change. Dinner that night and breakfast the next day (portions are huge, so you can divide for 2) in the second (non-lodge) restaurant where again we had great views of Mt McKinley.

 

Bus ride back to Talkeetna ( you can take the resort shuttle at an earlier time to sight see in town but there's not alot of time allocated) at 11:30, 5 hr train to Whittier, again with those fantastic views. This part of the trip meals were ordered directly where we sat. There was a club car with extra high ceilings that lent a different view and manner of travel. Staff were excellent!

 

Took @ 30 minutes to get on the ship, our luggage was in the room and Arnaldo was a great steward. Very quiet, unassuming, and effecient. We hand delivered an additional tip at the end. He was the best we'd ever had!

We had a junior suite/balcony and I must say I'm very happy we spent the extra money for this trip. I can scrimp with the best of them, but this time we decided we'd do it right as we would not likely to return to Alaska in this manner again. We were on Caribe deck, 4 doors down from the forward deck that lends such great views. Thanks to all who informed us of this special place. First day out, a woman apporached and stated: "So you read Cruise Critic, too!" Great advice, folks! We wore wind siuts, stocking caps, gloves and lined jackets when on this front deck. It's windy! But the views are worth it! We elected personal dining and now in hind sight, I'll go back to traditional. Although the staff went out of their way to serve, it is not the same in having the consistent, thoughtful service that comes from the staff knowing your preferences. With PD, you can call earlier in the day and make reservations and specify the size table you want ( with our work, DH and I both talk all day long to total strangers and our preference is to be alone on our travels) I attended 2 wine tastings which I thoroughly enjoyed, we found the food to be very good most of the time. We only went to one show and played bingo once, but mostly spent the evenings walking about, playing in the casino, or relaxing in the room.

 

Glacier bay: beautful. Saw some Orcas, whales, sea otters, and calving. Ship's naturalist's very good, ship's captain turned ship so all had views. Spent more time at Marjorie compared to other glaciers. This part was great!

Skagway: I did the pilot's choice glacier trip (which I had prebooked on line) at noon, not knowing that far ahead what the weather would be like. Weather was perfect: sunshine, 50's, no wind and the pilots were feeling feisty for not having clear weather for over a month. The highlight was landing on a mountain at 7500 ft with a width of about 100' ft. Talk about being scared and excited at the same time! Thought I was being dropped on the edge of the earth! An exhiltering experience and one I'll never forget.

 

Juneau: Per this board recommendations, prebooked with Capt Larry and was not disappointed. Dozens of whale sightings, great photo ops, seals, eagles, the works. Fantastic!

 

Ketchikan: Had prebooked the 1PM snorkeling trip thru Princess (again, not knowing the weather that far ahead, so went for the later time) and again, was not disappointed. If anyone wants details on how this excursion works, let me know, otherwise, suffice to say the staff were very professional. informative and safety conscious! Beautiful and huge star fish!

 

A little rough the next day due to open seas, but calmed when we were back into the passage. Following day arrived Vancouver 6:30, on bus @ 8:30, in airport @ 9:30. FLight via Delta at noon to Atlanta, considered "national" flight, so we had a movie and meal. Home at 2 AM EST. NOW THAT WAS A LONG DAY!

 

Overall, I'm impressed with how well Princess delivers it's passengers and luggage to the assigned places. I felt the value was worth the money spent. Have decided if we return, will maybe do the train/ RV route to get to see more of the country side. We were blessed with excellent weather. BTW, we packed as though we would wear each outfit twice, I packed one pair black slacks and skirt w/ interchanging tops/scarves for dinner with one pr dress shoes, and we mananged to have one suitcase each and DH's back backpack, my carry on purse. I have learn to travel as though I may have to carry my own luggage everywhere, and with that premise in mind, our packing goes better. Also, DH and and I are in our mid-50's and I had some strong concerns about some of the older folks who were on this trip, some had to have assistance for getting on/off the bus, stairs etc. Maybe they were "relying on the kindness of strangers." Guess going after school starts lends these trips to older clientele, perhaps not in the best of health. Thanks to all who so willingly supply their experiences to this board. I've been reading on this board for over 10 years and love the info that is presented! I'm happy to answer any questions!

[NancyIL]

Thank you for sharing your review. I'm glad the weather cooperated for you. Did you make use of the front balcony on the Caribe deck just on glacier days or other days as well?

[NancyIL]

oops..double post

[Stokeset]

NancyIl: we were out there everyday. The naturalists comments can be heard very clearly. I found that it was really cold in the AM with the wind, so I had on an earband, gloves, and lined jacket with a hood. From the waist down, it wasn't bad, so just the wind suit pants was enough. It does get cold around those glaciers!

[cjnky]

Can someone explain the "special place" to me? I missed that info!

[Stokeset]

cjnky: On the 10th level (caribe) of the Island Princess, go forward as far as you can. It doesn't matter if it's port or starboard. You'll see a sgin that says "crew only." Go thru that door, and then another 10 feet, and the outside door opens to the forward deck. Great views! I met several crew members who were taking photos of the glaciers, as the IP was leaving after this cruise for Hawaii.

[cjnky]

Thanks! :D

[jd10367]

Hi, I was the woman who approached you LOL. You can also get to the spot on the Baja deck. I got a few stares from an older couple who had a cabin right next to the door. The deck on the back of the caribe deck is nice also. Just walk as far back as you possible can.