What time can we board in Whittier?

[laginog]

We are planning a Southbound cruise on the Coral Princess in July. We're researching transportation from Anchorage to Whittier. We will have a minimum of 3 people and may have 7. It seems to be more cost efficient to rent a limo if we have more people. Since the ship doesn't depart until 9:30 PM, what time will they allow you to board the ship? If we do other plans, either train or bus, their schedules seem to differ quite a bit from each other. Thanks for any help!

[Budget Queen]

Probably around noon, but maybe - don't be in a rush to get on the ship? Wonderful glacier cruises available- far closer than your cruise ship will get, or enjoy Anchorage, Turnagain Arm etc. A car rental may be a good option? Avis is the only rental however for one way Anchorage/Whittier. With $125 drop off fee, but a superior way to enjoy plenty of stops including perhap the tram in Girdwood or a look at Portage Glacier visitor center?

[laginog]

We're still putting together our little "group" but will probably have either 5 or 7 of us. So...it would be hard to rent a car.....and expensive to rent two!! We were thinking about a limo. That way, if we want to stop somewhere for pictures or something, we could. And..it's quite a bit cheaper than the train and, depending on how many people we end up with, not much more than a bus.

[mandrews2u]

We are renting a minivan from avis howver with all your luggage you probably would be better off with a limo or bus,supposedly because we are renting the renting the more expensive vehicle being the van we are only being charged a $40 one way drop off fee so they say.

[akparrothead]

The 2004 Embarkation started at 12:30pm, and it is likely that it won't change for 2005. No real hurry however, you would do well to plan on spending the morning to mid-afternoon exploring in route along the Turnagain Arm and Girdwood Valley.

 

Enjoy.

[mandrews2u]

Are those to places you mentioned on the way to Whittier from Seward by any chance? We are doing stuff in Seward the day prior to the cruise deperating out of Whittier and we have all day the day of the cruise to get to Whittier, I am game to get as much in as possible

[Budget Queen]

You will be going by Turnagain Arm and Girdwood ON THE WAY to Seward from Anchorage. This is before Whittier from Anchorage. Get a copy of the MILEPOST from your library. Look at the Seward Highway section for further clairfication. If you are going to Seward, I would do activities there. With a late sailing out of Whitter, you can have a good part of the day, be WELL aware of the tunnel times however so not to have to wait too long in line.

[garycarla]

Keep in mind,that most limos still have a NORMAL size trunk and therefore may have luggage issues.

[MOMJAHELKA]

We are on the Coral Princess July 30. There are 14 of us and we just booked the Alaska Railroad. We thought of a limo, but wanted something different than a car. None of us have ever traveled by rail, so it should be an adventure. Have a good trip.

[irismike]

What is the best way to get to Anchorage from Whittier.

[Budget Queen]

What is the best way to get to Anchorage from Whittier.

 

 

Bus and rail have the exact same scenery on this portion. The regular run of the Alaska RR may be the best deal at $49pp leaving around 10am? There are some private shuttles http://www.polarexpressak.com/rates.html

 

and the cruiseline transportation. Also one way car rental via Avis.