Denise&Paul STL

Wow thanks GTJ!

We have 8 in our group.  1) Several want to do the dome train.  Is the only way to do that to do a Princess cruise tour?  We wanted to DIY it for land portion. Some planned to rent cars and drive up and meet the others and go from there.   2) Now that this season is over, how much wildlife did you actually see not going to Eilsen or beyond?  We saw so little last time between the Bathrooms and the entrance.  Most was seen closer to Eilsen, which, as I understand is closed due to road loss.  Our goal is wildlife, and for some, grizzlies.  We are older and not up to hiking or trails.  Any recommendations are appreciated.  3)  We are considering just going to Kenai instead in hopes of seeing more wildlife.  What do you recommend?

Thanks for any assist, especially from those that were there this year.

Denise

On 8/14/2022 at 3:14 PM, GTJ said:

A few observations on this subject. There are three distinct passenger trains serving Denali National Park, one of which also operates passenger service north of the park to and from Fairbanks. All of the trains are operated by the Alaska Railroad (the word "Railway" as part of the company's name is not quite right), but there are multiple services offered, each of which has their tickets marketed differently. What is common among all the services is that tickets for an upcoming season are generally not made available until the conclusion of the current season. (I should note that while there is year-round passenger service to and from both Denali National Park and Fairbanks, there are distinct trains--though using many of the same cars--for the summer season and for the winter season, and so here I mean the conclusion of the summer season.) The seasonal changeover this year is September 18, 2022. I will expect that you will be frustrated searching for 2023 tickets prior to this date. Even after this date it may take some time for inventory of the upcoming season to be fully displayed and available for purchase. Thus, the October 1, 2022, date that you have found is a good estimate, but you might availability a bit earlier or later in fact. It is unlikely that any travel dates will be immediately "sold out" right away, so you probably should not be overly concerned with being first in line when inventory becomes available for sale.

 

A few more words on the passenger trains available. All of these trains generally operated from mid-May through mid-September.

 

The earliest train of the day, the "Denali Star," generally operates daily. It departs Anchorage at 8:15 a.m., destined for Denali National Park and Fairbanks. It carries Alaska Railroad cars marketed by the Alaska Railroad. It also carries private cars owned and marketed by, Wilderness Express, more formally known as Premier Alaska Tours. Thus, even if Alaska Railroad were to "sell out" of its inventory, there may be seats available from Wilderness Express . . . and vice versa. On the return, this is the last train of the day, departing Fairbanks at 8:15 a.m., and departing Denali National Park at 12:30 p.m. The second train of the day, the "McKinley Explorer," generally operates daily. It departs Anchorage at 9:15 a.m., destined for Denali National Park (but not Fairbanks). It carries private cars owned and marketed by Princess Rail, more formally known as HAP Alaska, the land tour company jointly controlled by Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. On the return, this is the second train of the day, departing Denali National Park at 9:15 a.m. The last train of the day, the "Denali Express," generally operates Saturdays, Sundays, and alternating Wednesdays. It departs Whittier at 8:15 a.m., destined for Denali National Park (but not Fairbanks). The "Denali Express" passes through Anchorage at 10:30 a.m., but not taking on additional passengers in Anchorage as it passes through (it may stop in Anchorage for crew or other related purposes). It carries cars owned and marketed by Princess Rail. On the return, this is the first train of the day, departing Denali National Park at 8:00 a.m.

 

Tickets for the Denali Star may be reserved and purchased from the Alaska Railroad for the Alaska Railroad cars, and from Wilderness Express for the private cars. Tickets for the McKinley Explorer may be purchased from HAP Alaska, whether in connection with a cruise or not. Tickets for the Denali Express may be purchased only from Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, and then only in connection with a cruise with one of those lines. Helpful is that the third party travel agency, Alaska Tour & Travel, sells tickets for all of these trains, other than the Denali Express, with a very good website search and sales feature, and which allows for the easiest comparison of available options.

 

Some additional travel options.

 

There is another train that is sometimes confused with the three trains above, as all of the trains have very similar names. But if you're destined solely to Denali National Park or Fairbanks, this train will not be useful. This is the "McKinley Express." It generally operates Saturdays, Sundays, and alternating Wednesdays. It departs Whittier at 7:15 a.m., destined for McKinley station, located near the community of Talkeetna, where many Denali National Park visitors stay during their travels. The "McKinley Express" passes through Anchorage at 9:30 a.m., but not taking on additional passengers in Anchorage as it passes through (it may stop in Anchorage for crew or other related purposes). It carries cars owned by the Alaska Railroad but marketed by Princess Rail. On the return, the train departs McKinley station at 1:30 p.m. There is also parallel motorcoach service. This is the "Park Connection" (named for highway honoring former Alaska Governor George Parks, not named for Denali National Park), and it generally operates twice daily. It departs Anchorage at 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., destined for Denali National Park (but not Fairbanks). It is operated by Premier Alaska Tours but marketed by Alaska Tour & Travel. On the return, coaches depart Denali National Park at 7:00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

 

Tickets for the McKinley Express may be purchased only from Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, and then only in connection with a cruise with one of those lines. Tickets for the Park Connection may be purchased from Alaska Tour & Travel.

 

The above information is more comprehensive than requested, but hopefully it is helpful.

If I read this right, of which I am unsure, we cannot book the "Direct to the Wilderness" dome trained with 360 degree views without booking direct with the cruise line.  People with us really wanted to do that train.  So, if they do that, they have to stay at the Princess Lodge doing one of the cruisetours, and that is the only way they can ride that train?  Please confirm or tell me who I can talk to about it.  I've tried calling both, but nothing was clear.  

Does Celebrity offer a covid test prior to disembarkation in order to get a flight home that day?  Even if for a fee, at least it is a place to get it.  Getting off in Barcelona, and flying home to US.

On 3/17/2022 at 7:38 PM, rotoal said:

More information will be needed - what port city?

So Sorry.  I thought this was posted in the Vancouver forum.  That would definitely help!

Can anybody recommend private transfers?  I have an elderly couple that really needs someone at the airport with a sign to be certain they get to the right place.  Would appreciate suggestions.  Thanks!

Can anybody recommend private transfers?  I have an elderly couple that really needs someone at the airport with a sign to be certain they get to the right place.  Would appreciate suggestions.  Thanks!

We need updated info.  If anyone has been on his tours since cruising re-opened, please let us know how it went and how to reach them personally instead of the website if outsourced.  Thanks!

On 9/9/2021 at 12:44 PM, Denise&Paul STL said:

Please update us on where you went and how it was.  We are going in a few weeks and wondered the same.  We would need shade and a restaurant or bar tho.

We went just to the port.  NOTE that it is a VERY long walk now if docked at the end.  Regardless, it is a long walk.  The whole dock is under construction, and adding docks.  the building you used to walk through on arrival is gone.  You now have to go out the gates to see or do anything at all.  Once you go out the gate, tho, there are a few vendors and live music.  We enjoyed that for a bit, noticed the taxi drivers were not wearing masks, and decided to go back to the ship.  We just didn't feel safe going anywhere.   

Note that taking any of the cruise ship excursions also required a long walk.  Not sure I would have made it had I done one of those.  I read somewhere that if you use a wheelchair to get there, they will not let you onboard.  not sure about that, so ask.  Everyone else, not a bad walk, just enjoy the ship views!  

First time MSC cruiser.  Not YC, so would love any tips, advice (besides getting into YC), things to see and do, shows, everything and anything.  Thanks!

Note that last time I did those taxis (pre-covid), it was about $4 per person to get to Atlantis, but they charged double for the return trip and smiled big.

Thanks for the update.  I hadn't even thought about port changes that severe.

On 7/15/2021 at 9:05 AM, janetmojo said:

We have two Nassau stops in the next two weeks and want to just get off and hit the beach for some snorkel time, we have our own gear.  Shade, even if purchased, would be a plus as I can't sit too long in the sun.  We are pretty good travelers and don't mind local transport.  Thanks in advance!

Please update us on where you went and how it was.  We are going in a few weeks and wondered the same.  We would need shade and a restaurant or bar tho.

On 9/30/2019 at 3:38 PM, BNBR said:

 

It's right next to Nassau.  The NCL and Royal private islands are in between Nassau an the West End, with tons of tiger sharks. It's one of the benefits to Blue Lagoon, that while possible, it's unlikely sharks are going to be hanging out in the lagoon. 

Ive never seen or heard of anyone getting attacked in NCL or RCCL's private islands, or even reports of tiger sharks.  Please let me know when and where so I can look further into that.  Thanks!

My group of 6 is looking for a restaurant with decent food at a decent price, with a nice view of the beach/on a beach with that beautiful water to view.  Thank you for your suggestions.  

I saw that the beach pool at Sandcastle is under construction until end of November.  I would like to go somewhere with a pretty beach, pretty water, shade/umbrellas and lounge chairs, facilities (we are an older group and like our amenities) and someplace we can get a drink or two.  Without the construction noise.  Have been to Sandcastle, and wondering how Rainbow compares.  We were also considering Cane Bay for the snorkeling as well.  Would love some input from a local!

Thank you!

Hello

How was the resort? We are looking at booking a day pass for Nov. 2018

Is this resort on Dickerson Bay?

I was there for a day pass a couple years ago. Staff was a bit aloof, but the property was beautiful, the beach and water calm and gorgeous, the pool very nice, drinks great at the swim-up bar, and buffet very good. Going to try again in November as well.

Is it better to shuttle, Lyft or Uber from the airport to the cruise port?

Thanks for the update! The pictures of the destruction left me wondering if it would come back at all! So glad to hear!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I saw pictures showing Maho was destroyed so hard to believe it is up and running.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Quite comfortable as it turned out! Great shocks and not like a school bus to me at all - but I went to school a very log time ago!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I think it is a fire hazard. Only certain bars have it.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Without doing a fly in bear viewing trip Denali will be your best option.

 

About half way between Anchorage and the turn off to Girdwood along Turnagain Arm is Bird Creek. There were two brown bears there the end of July 1st of August this summer that were there almost daily. They’d grab a fish and then head into the woods. 20 minutes or so later they were back. I only saw one at a time but others said there were two coming and going. I drove down daily to photograph them for about a week and only missed seeing them once.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHM8CcgIl4s/VifkKyyNWII/AAAAAAAAEW4/_EqEDf3noag/s800-Ic42/Brown%252520Bear.jpg

 

Another area is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center located at the end of Turnagain Arm. About 30 minutes south of Bird Creek.

https://www.alaskawildlife.org/

 

In Ketchikan, Herring Cove although sightings are infrequent and parking is difficult due to private property.

What time of day did you find the bears at Bird Creek? We are going to take that drive down the Turnagain Arm, and will try to stop in there. Thanks!

It's pure luck to see any bears at Herring Cove and the Sanctuary. You HAVE to be accepting of not seeing any, which is usual, and most likely, especially off peak.

 

I have been to Herring Cove numerous times, including this year, and over the years- during peak, with a rental car, and having all the time I want, and have never seen bears there. :) I have seen bears, every time, I am on the bear tour flights, which I've taken to all 3 of the Ketchikan locations, Anan, Traitor's and Neets. All at least twice.

I guess that answers my question. My husband wants to see bears badly; however, the expense of the flight seeing was over budget. We are driving up to Denali after the cruise and maybe we will try to drive down to Hidden Creek in Kenai Peninsula area as well the last day if we haven't seen any by then.

Do you happen to recall where you caught the public bus in Ketchikan? I've been looking at the very low tech transit website and it's hard to tell how close the bus stop is to the cruise ship dock.

I would also like more info on the bus. Sounds like there are several busses and shuttles. How can we tell which goes where. Crowds always rushing off the ship to get places and I would hate to end up in the wrong place. Thanks!