meredemer

Hi PulI..honestly, other than the Tundra Wilderness tour, I don't recall any other early,early mornings. Our tour was opposite...began from northbound cruise..first to Kenai and ending in Fairbanks. We had leisurely mornings in Kenai..didn't sign up for any early excursions. Went fishing on the Kenai in the afternoon (and limited out, so time of day isn't a factor fishing up there). Copper River..I take back my previous statement..we did get up early the first morning..to go fishing (limited again!) but the second am (for the long haul to Denali) I don't recall having to be up that early. We did the Denali TW tour on the first morning but we were able to sleep in the second morning . I don't recall any really early calls for Fairbanks. You do cover a huge amount of territory and there's almost sensory overload with the scenery! But the Princess lodges are very nice and very relaxing...especially Kenai River Lodge and Copper River Lodge..they're both rather remote and very relaxing. We spent seemingly hours just sitting and staring in front of the huge picture window in Copper River Lodge. I would easily take that tour again. If you need any hints or have any questions, just ask. My daughter and I took this tour together and we used to live up there, but wanted to play "tourist".. we were very impressed with the tour, in fact pleasantly suprised.so nice having someone else worry about details! You can stow a bag in the overhead..like a day pack, because it's narrow but anything else..like your clothing suitcases are stowed in the compartment under the bus but they will open it up at stops if you ask. At each lodge our suitcases were delivered directly to our rooms and picked up in the am. Easy peasy.

Don't give up on that tour, yet. We took it 3 yrs ago and it was terrific. The 2 long coach drives are broken up, so not as bad as it sounds. Between Copper River and Kenai, you spend a couple of hours in Anchorage. Coach stops at the Captain Cook Hotel, so easy walking to the downtown attractions. There are also a few stops between to get out, stretch one's legs and to see attractions (like the Matanuska Glacier overlook) and use the "facilities". Between Copper River and Denali is, indeed, a long haul but it too has several stops, as well as a stop for lunch at a "road house" out in the middle of nowhere..but beautiful setting. Really is a road...unpaved but smooth. The scenery is absolutely magnificent..like nothing you've seen before. Please reconsider!

Try Seattleexpress.com. They pick up from most SeaTac hotels and take you right to the pier. Very comfortable and plenty of room for your luggage. Their site quotes $15pp ow. Cant beat that price! I used them a couple of years ago and it was very convenient. :)

Hi Norris: really enjoyed your review and your photos are second to none..absolutely beautiful! Only one correction...Ted Williams has absolutely no connection with Anchorage to warrant an airport naming (don't think he ever played baseball there🤔) the correct name/person is Ted STEVENS, who was in public service for > 60 yrs, majority of service was as a US Senator from AK. So..you flew out of the Ted STEVENS Intnl Airport.

So glad you made it home safe and sound and I bet your little Snowy didn't let you out of her sight for weeks!

Looking foward to following along on yours and Carol's next adventure!

A couple of years ago, DD and I did the covered wagon excursion in Denali and really enjoyed it. It is a dinner/BBQ..where you ride in the wagon to a little cabin building for the meal. Tons of food and very good. Staff was knowledgable, friendly and fun. We too spotted wildlife, including fox sitting on the trail. We really enjoyed the evening and would do it again!

I have also stayed at both the Pan Pacific and Fairmont Waterfront. Would strongly suggest yup make your own reservations (and early!) . Both hotels are wonderful. The Fairmont also will pick up your luggage and deliver it to the ship..at no extra cost. You won't be disappointed at either hotel. The Fairmont's entrance is on the corner..you just need to cross the street at the signal and you're there!

Ellen: thank you, too, for the information. We will definitely check out your suggestions. No, the order-off -the-list method is not daunting nor unfamiliar to us. Just like to try new things if something interesting is seen.

Again...thank you all for the great suggestions.

Thank you both, so much! And yes, it was the Pink Pearl (went there about 10yrs ago).

Sun Sui Wah has high ratings, as does Red Star (I believe its in Richmond). You've both given us plenty to check out before our arrival in July!

Also absolutely love the names for the tapas restaurants and thanks for the suggestion to use Open Table for reservations.:p

I'm getting hungry and still have a month to go!

K

I have a couple of questions for Vancouver-ites: We will be staying, pre-cruise, in Vancouver 2 days. We will arrive via the Train from Seattle and I have read (on Trip-Advisor, I believe) NOT to use the ATM at the train station. We will be taking a taxi to the Fairmont Waterfront. Will the taxi accept US$? Or do the taxi's accept credit cards? Once we settle in, we'll be able to exchange for CAD.

Next question: Where do you suggest we get really good dim sum? Preferably with cart service. Many years ago we were told to go to someplace around Chinatown..The (something) Pearl..and it was awful. I also understand there are very good dim sum places outside of Chinatown. I am open to suggestions!

One last question: Anyone familiar with La Bodega? We're interested in getting Spanish food...tapas, paella and their menu looks good. Any comments?

Thank you for any help you can give. We're getting excited about again visiting beautiful Vancouver!

JoeandSue: Earlier post you had asked about furs and bear teeth. Don't know anything about bear teeth, but one of the top furriers in Anchorage is David Green (Master Furrier). They have a wide selection and are top quality..and made in AK. Also, you can visit the Ulu factory while in Anchorage and arrange for them to send any purchases home.

Of course, one of the most unique souveniers (besides baleen), is an oosik (look it up!). Noticed last year they were quite pricy, but, again, quite unique and you'd probably be the only one on your block/city/county to own one :D!

There are so many wonderful things to get in Alaska, just get whatever catches your eye and is meaningful to you....as long as it has the Made in Alaska symbol!

This summer we received both. The smaller one as the suite arrangement and out TA sent us the larger one. Both lasted the entire cruise (7 dys) and still had a lot of life left...would probably have lasted 2 wks. The only difference is size and the larger one had a Bird-of-Paradise (as pictured) and more simbidiums (sp?) & I think a rose or 2 were thrown in. Noticeably a larger size and more variety. If you have any room less than a suite, I would opt for the smaller one. Either one is absolutely lovely!