Pre-Cruise Transfer w/ Princess - Anchorage & Whittier

I have a Southbound Alaska cruise booked on the Star Princess and have purchased the pre-cruise transfer program from Princess.

I am wondering what details anyone has about this? I am scheduled to be picked up at baggage claim at the Anchorage airport and shuttled to the Captain Cook hotel the day before ship's departure. However, what time the next morning do they schedule to pick you up again?

Will they coordinate the timing of my arrival to match the boarding process since they will be responsible for the transport from Anchorage to Whittier?

Once at the port, do I leave all my bags for them to coordinate to arrive to my cabin (with the baggage tag) or do I need to bring them to another location at the dock?

Thanks in advance!

I have a Southbound Alaska cruise booked on the Star Princess and have purchased the pre-cruise transfer program from Princess.

 

I am wondering what details anyone has about this? I am scheduled to be picked up at baggage claim at the Anchorage airport and shuttled to the Captain Cook hotel the day before ship's departure. However, what time the next morning do they schedule to pick you up again?

 

Will they coordinate the timing of my arrival to match the boarding process since they will be responsible for the transport from Anchorage to Whittier?

 

Once at the port, do I leave all my bags for them to coordinate to arrive to my cabin (with the baggage tag) or do I need to bring them to another location at the dock?

 

Thanks in advance!

I do not know exactly what time you will leave the hotel. There may be multiple departure times based on who signs up first when at the hotel. It may depend on if it will be bus or train transportation.

Not sure what you mean by "match the boarding process", but you will likely arrive in early to mid-afternoon, go through check-in (if not already done at the hotel or on a train to the port), security, and then board.

Once Princess gets your luggage at the hotel, you should next see it in your cabin.

Whenever you stay at a Princess hotel you get explicit information when you check in.

When you check into the hotel, they will give you a packet of instructions. We were to have our checked suitcases outside the hotel room door by 8am. Have your luggage tags on them. They have a small office in the hotel and if you don't make that time, you just tell them when they are ready. They send buses off as they fill. I believe you next see your luggage in your cabin. There will be some narration on the bus along the way. You will line up and wait outside the tunnel, but once through the tunnel, you will check in as soon as you get off the bus at the terminal. EM

Princess is one of the originals here, so the process is pretty seamless. First, when you arrive, go down the escalator to baggage claim. If you fly Alaska, you turn left. If you fly most other airlines, turn right to claim luggage. If you turn left, all the way at the end is the Princess check-in area. If you turn right, they have a rep awaiting you to collect your luggage and direct you to the check-in area. After they have a group ready, you will board a bus right outside to take the approx. 10 min. drive downtown to your hotel. When you arrive, a Princess rep will greet you and distribute the room keys and transfer info. for departure day. Typically, I see the coaches start leaving for Whittier around 10:00 AM, but that's just a rough estimate; you'll get the exact info. when you arrive. As always, everyone wants to get their first, so plan on being in the lobby early to ensure you make it on one of the first coaches. Hope that helps, and happy cruising! [emoji568]

I have a Southbound Alaska cruise booked on the Star Princess and have purchased the pre-cruise transfer program from Princess.

 

I am wondering what details anyone has about this? I am scheduled to be picked up at baggage claim at the Anchorage airport and shuttled to the Captain Cook hotel the day before ship's departure. However, what time the next morning do they schedule to pick you up again?

 

Will they coordinate the timing of my arrival to match the boarding process since they will be responsible for the transport from Anchorage to Whittier?

 

Once at the port, do I leave all my bags for them to coordinate to arrive to my cabin (with the baggage tag) or do I need to bring them to another location at the dock?

 

Thanks in advance!

Buses will run right through the afternoon. Bags will be transferred for you after you turn them in in Anchorage. Check in time is until about 6pm.

Being you have no time for any activities with your current plan, alternatives are available, if you have any interests in seeing the areas.

Look at your itinerary in the Cruise Personalizer on the Princess website and expand the entry for Anchorage. I'm sure you will see something like this which I've copied from the CP for our August cruise (we're doing the rail option):

CAPTAIN COOK W/RAIL

Set in downtown Anchorage, this hotel is 3 blocks west of the convention center and 3 blocks east of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along Cook Inlet. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 6 miles away. The pier in Whittier is approximately 2 1/2 hours by rail. Hotel Captain Cook (5 stars) 4th and K Street Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: (907) 276-6000 Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon.

Arrival in Anchorage: A Princess Guest Service Host will meet you in the baggage claim area to assist with your transfer to the hotel. Transfers to the hotels are provided between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. If you arrive outside of these hours, please take a taxi to your hotel. Information: A Princess Representative will be at the hotel during scheduled hours to assist you during your stay. They will advise you about available tour options and arrange your transfer to the rail depot. Rail: Anchorage to Whittier: For nearly 2 1/2 leisurely hours aboard the Glacier Discovery train, you'll travel on Alaska's historic railway, gliding past rivers, lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. The train features single-level cars with picture windows and a dining car that offers delicious food available for purchase. The train departs Anchorage at 10:00 a.m. and arrives into Whittier at 12:30 p.m.

I have a similar question, except that I independently booked my flight and a hotel near the airport with the intent to take the hotel shuttle back to the airport to catch the Princess transfer to Whittier. I assume on that morning I should find the Princess office at the airport.

Also, is it possible on flight arrival at the airport to deposit the checked baggage with Princess for transfer to the ship, and then proceed to my hotel with only hand luggage?

The information on my pre-departure transfer is a bit vague for those not arriving by air the day of the cruise departure.

I have a similar question, except that I independently booked my flight and a hotel near the airport with the intent to take the hotel shuttle back to the airport to catch the Princess transfer to Whittier. I assume on that morning I should find the Princess office at the airport.

 

Also, is it possible on flight arrival at the airport to deposit the checked baggage with Princess for transfer to the ship, and then proceed to my hotel with only hand luggage?

 

The information on my pre-departure transfer is a bit vague for those not arriving by air the day of the cruise departure.

I don't have the answer about your luggage, but I can tell you where to meet in the airport. The Princess desk is on the first floor by baggage claim. Follow the signs to "Arrivals". It's at the end where Alaska Airlines is. You'll probably see lots of buses lined up outside. They board groups first come, first serve, so get there early. When you first land, I recommend going to the desk to ask them what time they recommend you arrive back for the transfer the next day. Princess reps are there all day and evening. Happy sailing! [emoji568]

I have a similar question, except that I independently booked my flight and a hotel near the airport with the intent to take the hotel shuttle back to the airport to catch the Princess transfer to Whittier. I assume on that morning I should find the Princess office at the airport.

 

Also, is it possible on flight arrival at the airport to deposit the checked baggage with Princess for transfer to the ship, and then proceed to my hotel with only hand luggage?

 

No. Princess only takes luggage for delivery to the ship when you arrive the day of the cruise.

I did this last summer for the Coral Princess. Try not to stress about it! Super easy and carefree process! If you take the train, our bus picked us up about 9AM and the people who were taking coaches to the ship left around 10AM. Highly recommend taking the train to the ship!

I did this last summer for the Coral Princess. Try not to stress about it! Super easy and carefree process! If you take the train, our bus picked us up about 9AM and the people who were taking coaches to the ship left around 10AM. Highly recommend taking the train to the ship!

Hi there. Our cruise is on the 23rd, southbound from Whittier to Vancouver, and we haven't yet figured out how to get to the cruise terminal. We arrive into ANC very late on the 21st (almost 22nd). We figure we will need one day to unwind and recover from the long trip, and will be staying at a hotel near the airport (also undecided).

I would appreciate it very much if you could elaborate on how and where to book the train ride and, if you remember, how the cost compared to other transfer options? I think our two children would enjoy the train ride more than a rental car or a tour bus ride. Thank you in advance!

Doug

Hi there. Our cruise is on the 23rd, southbound from Whittier to Vancouver, and we haven't yet figured out how to get to the cruise terminal. We arrive into ANC very late on the 21st (almost 22nd). We figure we will need one day to unwind and recover from the long trip, and will be staying at a hotel near the airport (also undecided).

 

 

 

I would appreciate it very much if you could elaborate on how and where to book the train ride and, if you remember, how the cost compared to other transfer options? I think our two children would enjoy the train ride more than a rental car or a tour bus ride. Thank you in advance!

 

 

 

Doug

Our flight arrived into Anchorage around midnight and my sister's flight arrived around 3AM so we got a taxi to the Captain Cook Hotel and then Princess reimbursed us since their shuttle to the hotel from airport runs only until 11PM. There are a lot of hotels in downtown Anchorage like the Captain Cook, Marriott, and Hilton.

You book the transfers and train from the personalizer from the Princess website or you can call Princess and they'll set it up for you. If I remember correctly, the train was like $50 more than the coach to the ship and in my opinion it was totally worth it! The train takes around 3 hours and you're the first ones allowed on the ship. The coaches leave an hour after the train. We saw a ton of wildlife including a moose on the train and it's great if you like to take pictures. Also, they have an outdoor part of the train where you can be which I stayed the whole part of the train ride!

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!

We are also on the Star leaving on the 23rd. We are staying at the Hilton Garden and being picked up by A.C.T The Big Bus. We chose the ride that stops at a National park for an hour on the way down, seeing as we have plenty of time......We are also arriving on Friday so have time to shop for soda, and water before boarding.....:D

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60880-d1818709-r225695054-Alaska_Cruise_Transportation_ACT-Anchorage_Alaska.html

From the airport, the cost of the Princess transfers from the airport to the pier are $54 for motorcoach and $109 for rail. Those are per person costs. Before choosing to take the Princess hotel / rail package, I also checked out driving one way to Whittier. Only Avis is there and it was expensive - just under $500 for a two day rental including the drop fees. None of my usual discounts applied. There's also companies that will transport you to the pier for less than Princess if you want to save a few dollars.

We are also on the Star leaving on the 23rd. We are staying at the Hilton Garden and being picked up by A.C.T The Big Bus. We chose the ride that stops at a National park for an hour on the way down, seeing as we have plenty of time......We are also arriving on Friday so have time to shop for soda, and water before boarding.....:D

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60880-d1818709-r225695054-Alaska_Cruise_Transportation_ACT-Anchorage_Alaska.html

Hi there! I guess we will be sharing the same ship. :-)

Your comment about shopping for soda and water caught my attention. Why do you need to bring water aboard? Pardon my ignorance--I'm a newbie cruiser.

Doug

Our flight arrived into Anchorage around midnight and my sister's flight arrived around 3AM so we got a taxi to the Captain Cook Hotel and then Princess reimbursed us since their shuttle to the hotel from airport runs only until 11PM. There are a lot of hotels in downtown Anchorage like the Captain Cook, Marriott, and Hilton.

 

You book the transfers and train from the personalizer from the Princess website or you can call Princess and they'll set it up for you. If I remember correctly, the train was like $50 more than the coach to the ship and in my opinion it was totally worth it! The train takes around 3 hours and you're the first ones allowed on the ship. The coaches leave an hour after the train. We saw a ton of wildlife including a moose on the train and it's great if you like to take pictures. Also, they have an outdoor part of the train where you can be which I stayed the whole part of the train ride!

 

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!

Thank you for sharing your experience, and I apologize for the late thank-you. Computers are wonderful tools for problem solving until they get in your way and insist that they be solved first!

FYI for others who may be considering taking the rail to Whittier on May 23rd (or 30th). Just spoke with Alaska Railroad reservations specialist and was informed that this year the Anchorage-Whittier train doesn't begin service until June 1st.

So, for me, at least, the choice is down to bus or rental car.

Hi there! I guess we will be sharing the same ship. :-)

 

Your comment about shopping for soda and water caught my attention. Why do you need to bring water aboard? Pardon my ignorance--I'm a newbie cruiser.

 

Doug

After reading all the comments about how much a bottle of water costs at the gangway, I''m just going to grab a 12 pack or 2 while we are in port.

Hi there. Our cruise is on the 23rd, southbound from Whittier to Vancouver, and we haven't yet figured out how to get to the cruise terminal. We arrive into ANC very late on the 21st (almost 22nd). We figure we will need one day to unwind and recover from the long trip, and will be staying at a hotel near the airport (also undecided).

 

I would appreciate it very much if you could elaborate on how and where to book the train ride and, if you remember, how the cost compared to other transfer options? I think our two children would enjoy the train ride more than a rental car or a tour bus ride. Thank you in advance!

 

Doug

Since you have a whole day to kill, I would stay down town where you can walk around and enjoy Anchorage. Not much to do or see near the airport other than watching float planes on lake Hood.

Our flight arrived into Anchorage around midnight and my sister's flight arrived around 3AM so we got a taxi to the Captain Cook Hotel and then Princess reimbursed us since their shuttle to the hotel from airport runs only until 11PM. There are a lot of hotels in downtown Anchorage like the Captain Cook, Marriott, and Hilton.

 

You book the transfers and train from the personalizer from the Princess website or you can call Princess and they'll set it up for you. If I remember correctly, the train was like $50 more than the coach to the ship and in my opinion it was totally worth it! The train takes around 3 hours and you're the first ones allowed on the ship. The coaches leave an hour after the train. We saw a ton of wildlife including a moose on the train and it's great if you like to take pictures. Also, they have an outdoor part of the train where you can be which I stayed the whole part of the train ride!

 

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!

What Rail?

You book the transfers and train from the personalizer from the Princess website or you can call Princess and they'll set it up for you. If I remember correctly, the train was like $50 more than the coach to the ship and in my opinion it was totally worth it!

 

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!

Hi, we are at the beginning stages of booking our Princess cruise online (Southbound Whittier to Vancouver). We haven't seen any options for us to book transportation, or to add a hotel (Such as Captain Cooks). I assume those options come later in the purchase process, after we've selected our room and our package, etc.??

Also, we'll probably stay at the Hilton and are interested in the train ride you mentioned. Is that the Anchorage-Whittier train listed on AlaskaTrain.com or AlaskaRailroad.com? We looked into tickets for next year, but both websites apparently don't sell that far in advance.

Hi, we are at the beginning stages of booking our Princess cruise online (Southbound Whittier to Vancouver). We haven't seen any options for us to book transportation, or to add a hotel (Such as Captain Cooks). I assume those options come later in the purchase process, after we've selected our room and our package, etc.??

 

Also, we'll probably stay at the Hilton and are interested in the train ride you mentioned. Is that the Anchorage-Whittier train listed on AlaskaTrain.com or AlaskaRailroad.com? We looked into tickets for next year, but both websites apparently don't sell that far in advance.

I think the Captain Cook hotel is booked up by the cruise lines so if you want to stay there you'd have to do a pre-cruise package through Princess, which is pretty spendy. Check the Alaska ports board (search "Anchorage hotels") for some suggestions on other places or check on TripAdvisor. But yes, the option to book transfer & hotel is part of the purchase process.

I have a similar question, except that I independently booked my flight and a hotel near the airport with the intent to take the hotel shuttle back to the airport to catch the Princess transfer to Whittier. I assume on that morning I should find the Princess office at the airport.

 

Also, is it possible on flight arrival at the airport to deposit the checked baggage with Princess for transfer to the ship, and then proceed to my hotel with only hand luggage?

 

The information on my pre-departure transfer is a bit vague for those not arriving by air the day of the cruise departure.

We did this trip in May. We took our rental car back to the airport and caught the bus there. Princess will not let you leave your luggage at their check in until 8am. The first bus loaded around 11:45. Buses are on a first come basis, so if there are a lot of early flights on embark day, the buses fill up fast. You can catch the bus at the Egan Center downtown & I'm sure it is a similar process. Our bus transfer came with our cruise booking. I heard the train will get you to Whittier earlier. We were on the first airport bus & we got to Whittier around 1:15. I do remember by the time we boarded we were too late for lunch in the MDR.

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