flteacher

Thank you all so much for all of the ideas to consider and research.

I am overwhelmed by all of the possibilities...seems like we will be adding another trip to experience even more that Alaska has to offer! 

...I will have more questions as I delve into research!...😊 

I am beginning my search to get to the Arctic Circle.  I know that I have to go to Fairbanks before the land journey begins.  My dream is to get to Gates of the Arctic National Park.

If you have any information to help me get started, any favorites in Fairbanks, etc., please help!  Holland America does not offer any excursions when doing the land journey first, hence my search.

We are not going until next summer, so I have lots of time to plan for what we want.  

Thank you so much!

I began by searching Hilton properties, desiring to stay where I had previously. However, the two night minimum ended that. I then considered convenience, etc., and found it was going to be difficult to find something under $350-$400 that I was willing to stay in. I called HAL. We are (quite happily) staying at the Fairmont Olympic with transfers for $500. We get in early Saturday before our ship leaves on Sunday, and I wanted to do as we please, without having to bother with transportation.

Yes, Alaska. Downgraded my suite on the Amsterdam to a stateroom on Oosterdam. I'm not pleased at all, but will only consider HAL for what I want.

They sent a "booking confirmation" email. Had to open and scroll down. Not enough class, courtesy, I could go on...to even mention a bloody ship change, just sent an email that got gnored because I had all my ducks in a row.

I'll be saving money and booking tours privately.

The information was sent very sneakily last week.

It was under the guise of a "Booking Confirmation", which I ignored until seeing this post.

Rather annoying. I had a suite booked on the Amsterdam, but HAL raised the prices and made the switches to the Oosterdam on price point only.

Sadly, they are the only game in town. So, the best deal was to do the Explore 4 nonsense and get the "free" stuff. I am paying a little more to keep a suite, and gratuities are marketed as free. Very clever. I'll save money by now booking all excursions privately, not through HAL.