Djaye

We are doing a whale watch/Mendenhall combo tour in July. Will probably decline return to town w/tour company so that we can spend more time at Mendenhall. What is the best way to get back - bus or taxi? And, does it need to be prearranged?

Thanks for any suggestions.

I will be booking the 7.5 hour MM tour next summer. I understand they have reserved seating. Could someone advise what location on the boat I should request.

Thanks!

Several hotels offer shuttles. We like the Clarion Suites downtown. Or the Anchorage Grand. And the Hilton is just as close as the Historic Anchorage Hotel.

Thanks for the input!

I'm going next month, and chose the Anchorage downtown Ramada Limited. Free shuttle from the airport to the motel, free shuttle from motel to the RR Station, free breakfast, and the room price was right. I will let you know how it goes when I get back.

Thanks! Please do!

Planning for next year. We will be in Anchorage 2 nights before taking the RR to Seward. I had planned to stay at Comfort Inn due to proximity to RR and the fact they have a shuttle for both airport and around town - and will shuttle you to the RR depot. However, recent reviews on a popular travel site are rather mixed. I am now also considering the Historic Anchorage Hotel. They assure me it is walking distance to the RR, even w/luggage. Taxi from airport $20-25.

Any advice from anyone who has stayed in Anchorage prior to taking the RR this year?

Thanks!

I spoke with Kenai Fjords Tours this week while doing some early reasearch for next summer. I was concerned about a 5:30 return for a 6:00 boarding. When I asked about luggage, she told me they would actually deliver it to the cruiseline while we are on the tour if we want. They will shuttle us the 1/2 mile to the ship when we return from tour. You should confirm this directly with KFT.

Enjoying your review. We're on this one next year - and leaving from Atlanta, no less!

Is there any advantage, or disadvantage, for using the TA who has our cruise booking for also booking our hotels, car, RR tickets, etc we will need on the land portion of our trip? I intend to deal directly with vendors when it comes to port excursions.

I have a pretty good idea of what we want, but didn't know if I should book or turn over to her for some reason.

Thanks!

Thanks! This has given me some excellent ideas/options. Question: If we take the KF tour day of sailing with a 5:30 return, how do we handle luggage. Do we have to go back to hotel where it is being held, or can it be left with cruiseline before we do the tour?

I was afraid to take the Fjords cruise on the same day as we sail. Is that risky? I have not looked at the actual times they return.

I made Wed light because we are all going to be sleep deprived after traveling from the east coast on Tues and getting up for the early train departure Wed morning. Could rethink.

Thanks for the input!

We will be in Seward a few days prior to cruise next year. We chose to travel from ANC by train because our travelmates have not had the AK train experience. We have done it before, but only the portion from Fairbanks to Denali. It is my understanding ANC to Seward is the most scenic portion. We realize we are missing some sights along Seward Hwy by doing this.

That said, here is our current itinerary:

Tues - Arrive Anc - Comfort Inn by AK RR

Wed - Train to Seward, Sea Life Ctr and town that day

Thurs - Kenai Fjords 8 hr. tour (no decision on operator yet)

Fri - Exit Glacier, more time in town if needed, then board

My question is this: Would it be worth spending another day in Seward and renting a car just for a day to catch some other sights - possibly even going back up Seward Hwy to see some of the sights we missed by taking the train? That would also serve to give us a cushion day if our KF tour was cancelled on Thurs. Thoughts/advice?

Thanks for the helpful input!!

I always travel with a Baggalini that I can wear cross body to keep my hands free. It can tuck into a tote bag on the airplane, along with the other things I like to have with me on the plane. Additionally, in port we always have a back pack with whatever we think we will need for the day depending on weather forecast and planned activities.

Researching for next year's cruise. Will be in Seward for a few days on our own prior to southbound cruise on Millie, and not planning to have a car there. What is the best hotel to stay in for walking or public transportation in Seward?

Sea bands can be purchased OTC. They work by acupressure. I have used successfully in mildly rough seas, and use along with meds when conditions are worse. Good luck!

How are you getting to Seward? There is enough to do in Seward to keep you busy for a few days.

Whittier is a great spot for the glacier cruises. If your Kenai cruise gets weathered out in Seward, s Whittier cruise might be a good back up plan.

 

The only way to get to Whittier from Seward is via Seward Bus Line, or a seward taxi service. Or I guess you could return to Anchorage and take the train, cruiseline transfer, independent transfer, bus, or AVIS rental car ( the only vendor in Whittier). http://www.sewardbuslines.net/summer.html

 

Another option .... get a one-way rental car from Avis in Anchorage. Use the car to get to Seward, then drop it off in Whittier. Having a car will enable you to do more exploring in the area.

Our itinerary so far is:

Day 1 - Arrive Anc

Day 2 - Train from Anc to Seward, visit Exit Glacier

Day 3 - All day Kenai Fjords

Day 4 - Sea Life Ctr & Board Ship

We are considering an extra day in ANC - renting a car to drive to Girdwood for the Wildlife Conservation Ctr and Mt. Alyeska, and to do some of the pull offs along Turnagain Arm. Return to Anc for the Train to Seward. I realize we will see some of the same scenery along Turnagain from the train.

We are staying in Seward a couple of days prior to our SB cruise. Are there enough things to see/do in nearby Whittier to warrant an additional day? If so, what is best transportation to/from there?

Thanks for the tip on Milepost - will definitely look for it. Other comments appreciated, as well!

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.

Is it possible to do this itinerary in one day, getting into Seward in time for dinner? We are not hikers.

Leave ANC early a.m.

Stops at major points along Turnagain Arm

Stop at Alyeska and tram to top

Stop at AK Wildlife Conservation Ctr

Stop at Portage Glacier

Stop at Exit Glacier

We could do Exit another day while in Seward, if we ran out of time. Any comments appreciated.

Thanks!