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Silversea Alaska: Best Ports, Tips, Ideas?


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Considering for late July 2019 doing a seven-day Silver Muse adventure from Vancouver to Seward with a post-cruise extension to Denali. After doing Norway's fjords, New Zealand's dramatic areas, we need to provide "equal time" for Alaska in making our first visit to this part of the world. Pre-cruise would involve firsts also in doing Vancouver, Banff/Jasper and the Rocky Mountaineer rail trip.

 

For how Silversea does these Alaska cruises, any special tips, tours/ports you most loved, key suggestions, etc.? How close getting near wildlife and glaciers during the sailings? For the Silversea four-night, five-day excursion to Denali, is it worth it, how well done, etc.? How full does SS put people on its buses, tours? Does SS do well with its Alaska speakers? Any other Alaska and/or Silver Muse tips and insights?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 228,663 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

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You’ve probably seen my posts before, so sorry to be repetitive, but Wrangell is by far my favorite port of all time including a visit to Anan Bear Observatory. Think Norway with a 45-minute small boat with escort by a ranger armed with a rifle. AMAZING!!!

 

 

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Check out Harv and Marv's private Whale Watching Excursions in Juneau. It was an unforgettable experience with our excellant native American captain!

 

In Anchorage, (I know this sounds strange) go to the Native American Hospital to see their native American Art collection. Take the Elevators to the top floor and walk down the main staircase. There are wonderful displays on every floor, and in the stairways. Visitors are welcome to explore! Their gift shop is supposed to be the best source of authentic local crafts at fair prices, and 20% of the price is a charitable donation to the hospital. While youmight be taken to their trauma center, you would then be transferred to another hospital, because the hospital is ONLY for Native Americans for inpatient care.

 

We did not use Silversea for Danali. We rented a car, and used Talkeetna as our base. It's a fun small local community. We were there 6 years ago, but at the time, the only tour buses in Danali were old school buses. You might want to consider a private tour if you can find one.

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Hi Terry,

 

I'm following this thread eagerly, as I will be doing a reverse of your itinerary in late May of 2019: pre-cruise train to Denali, 10-day Seward to Vancouver on the Muse, post-cruise Banff and Lake Louise on the Rocky Mountaineer.

 

Here is what I am finding out so far, with the very important caveat that I haven't actually done it yet, so I'm speaking from the perspective of planning, not past experience.

 

From what I can tell, the two rail lines, Alaska Rail and Rocky Mountaineer, offer packages that are nearly identical to the SS Land Programmes. Whereas the train packages have tiers of amenities, the SS package automatically includes everything at the upper/luxury end: the best observation train cars with gourmet meal service, the most amenities in the most elegant hotels (e.g., Fairmont Gold). The other key difference is SS transfers to and from the pier and the obvious benefits of being internal to SS in case of delays.

 

My DD and I have decided to DIY through the rail lines rather than go with either of the SS land packages. The per person cost for what would be the SS post-cruise for us (Banff) costs more for 4 nights than our 10-day cruise; by going with the rail line and not choosing the upper end, we cut that price in half. The SS Denali portion is more reasonably priced, but we feared that we would be too locked into the SS itinerary and not have the flexible freedom to hike as we please.

 

On a more personal note, starting when she was age 7, my DD and I hiked a different national park each summer. That continued through her high school, and now that she is graduating from college we have decided to have a final blowout to celebrate: 2 amazing parks we have always wanted to visit but haven't, bookending a cruise on the lovely Muse. I am excited beyond words :-)

 

p.s. Thank you to Stumblefoot and brumagin1 for the Wrangell and Anchorage tips. Both of those are on our short list!

Edited by Unibok
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Thank you to Stumblefoot and brumagin1 for the Wrangell and Anchorage tips. Both of those are on our short list!
Unibok,

 

Looks like a great plan! Be aware, I’m not sure if the Observatory is open in May as the salmon won’t be running yet, therefore the Momma Bears won’t be teaching their cubs to fish yet. Just an FYI...

 

 

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Unibok,

 

Looks like a great plan! Be aware, I’m not sure if the Observatory is open in May as the salmon won’t be running yet, therefore the Momma Bears won’t be teaching their cubs to fish yet. Just an FYI...

 

Hi Stumblefoot -- thanks for this warning. Because we are leaving right after her graduation, our timing won't be perfect for many aspects. It'll be a bit too early for the full road into Denali to be open, the salmon won't quite be running yet, some Banff hiking trails may still be inaccessible. We've hiked Yosemite under these conditions, and still had a wonderful time. It will be interesting to experience the Muse's first venture to Alaska as well.

 

Like many folks, we're also confident that a less-than-perfect day in Denali/on the Muse/at Lake Louise is still cause for celebration and a far sight better than a day at work ;p

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It will be interesting to experience the Muse's first venture to Alaska as well.
Absolutely! It should be a lot of fun.

 

 

 

Like many folks, we're also confident that a less-than-perfect day in Denali/on the Muse/at Lake Louise is still cause for celebration and a far sight better than a day at work ;p
Totally Agree!

 

 

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For both Terry and Unibok: Although I've heard the *Rocky Mountaineer is an excellent adventure (I've never done it as I spent 30 years driving back and forth from BC to Alberta, and the price is just astounding to me as a local), I would really recommend that you tag on a few days to explore on your own if at all possible. Perhaps take the train one way and drive back?

 

Not to be missed would be the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. You don't have to go all the way to Jasper, but Bow Lake is something you should not miss.

 

*back in the day when VIA rail went from Calgary to Vancouver, my husband and I took the two day trip on the train, staying in a private room onboard. Most of the scenic bits passed in the night, and we pulled into Vancouver at 6 am. The Rocky Mountaineer does the scenic bits in the daytime, with an overnight stop in Kamloops along the way, which works out a lot better for seeing the scenery!

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You’ve probably seen my posts before, so sorry to be repetitive, but Wrangell is by far my favorite port of all time including a visit to Anan Bear Observatory. Think Norway with a 45-minute small boat with escort by a ranger armed with a rifle. AMAZING!!!

 

Appreciate these various posts and nice follow-ups. Very helpful and interesting information from Stumblefoot, brumagin1 and Unibok. Keep this excellent sharing rolling along. Don't be shy!! Hope many others join in and post your loves, tips and ideas. Plus, Silver Muse suggestions.

 

Do not believe we will be in or near Wrangell. Your experience sounds wonderful!! After our July 25, 2019, departure fr***** Vancouver, we will do the "inside passage", then Ketchikan 7 am to 2 pm, Juneau 9 am-11 pm, Skagway 9 am-11 pm, and Sitka 10 am- 5 pm. Next, we will have Hubbard Glacier cruising before finishing on Aug. 1 in Seward. Will have two full sea-days for viewing, relaxing, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 209,022 views for this posting.

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For both Terry and Unibok: Although I've heard the *Rocky Mountaineer is an excellent adventure (I've never done it as I spent 30 years driving back and forth from BC to Alberta, and the price is just astounding to me as a local), I would really recommend that you tag on a few days to explore on your own if at all possible. Perhaps take the train one way and drive back?

 

Not to be missed would be the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. You don't have to go all the way to Jasper, but Bow Lake is something you should not miss.

 

*back in the day when VIA rail went from Calgary to Vancouver, my husband and I took the two day trip on the train, staying in a private room onboard. Most of the scenic bits passed in the night, and we pulled into Vancouver at 6 am. The Rocky Mountaineer does the scenic bits in the daytime, with an overnight stop in Kamloops along the way, which works out a lot better for seeing the scenery!

 

Thank you, MLeh. Very helpful. One option on the Rocky Mountaineer is the "Leisure" package, which includes the usual offerings but also a day or two on your own. Although we're balking a bit at the price, it sounds like a good plan for us. We strive to be car-free this year, but we also want time to hike on our own. I have to say, I do love that we spend the night in Kamloops so that we don't miss the scenery!

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My wife and I did the SS pre-cruise Denali trip in June followed by our sailing on the Shadow from Seward to Vancouver. For us, it was the trip of a lifetime.

 

The Denali trip was very well organized and executed. We had an exceptional tour director who took care of all the details and requests, however minor. On the two trips on the Alaska Railroad, our group had a private car, and the bus was very comfortable (which is a good thing, because you spend a LOT of time on the bus). Hotels were excellent - Grand Denali Lodge had an incredible hilltop location and great food and Alyeska Resort is the top resort in Alaska.

 

The day trip inside Denali was awesome (great weather helped). Saw grizzlies, caribou, moose and Dall sheep and the big mountain itself. Eight hours on another bus, but that's the only option. The stop at the Iditirod champion's home/kennels was tremendous fun. Overall a great experience and we are glad we didn't try to organize it ourselves.

 

Favorite port was Sitka - took a 5-hour whale/wildlife boat with only 5 passengers arranged directly with the captain (gallantadventures.com) and it was unforgettable! Saw a bear on shore, countless eagles, seals and sea lions, sea otters and many whales. One was so close to the boat he sprayed my wife. Also incredible scenery.

 

In Skagway, we passed on the town and the train ride and booked a tour to Haines, which is an authentic Alaskan town with more great scenery and no crowds. Ketchikan was extremely touristy and disappointing except for our incredible floatplane trip to Misty Fjords. Juneau was our only real rainy day the entire trip, but we enjoyed our hiking and glacier visit. Unibok, I highly recommend taking the tram to Mount Roberts and hiking from there. You can go as high up into the alpine environment as you like.

 

Hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we did!

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We have done Denali with SS and agree with the comments so far. I don't think they mentioned to store your main bags whether pre or post-cruise. Take a small carry on bag for Denali. That's all you need.

Ketchican - we done the flight seeing/Crab Fest KTN-D 3 times and will do it every time we are there. You might be able to save some money by booking directly. Great flight on a Beaver and incredible crab. There is typically a contest as to whose "bone pile" is the tallest.

Ketchican - Lumberjack show - yes very touristy but great fun...these guys know how to put on a very entertaining contest with chain saws.

Bring a warm/waterproof jacket as weather can change quickly from sunny to cold/fog and rain or mist.

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In Skagway, we passed on the town and the train ride and booked a tour to Haines, which is an authentic Alaskan town with more great scenery and no crowds. Ketchikan was extremely touristy and disappointing except for our incredible floatplane trip to Misty Fjords. Juneau was our only real rainy day the entire trip, but we enjoyed our hiking and glacier visit. Unibok, I highly recommend taking the tram to Mount Roberts and hiking from there. You can go as high up into the alpine environment as you like.

 

Wow, what a fantastic vacation, JohnGinPBG! It does sound like a trip of a lifetime.

 

I'm glad to hear your comments about Haines. We will actually be docking there, and I've wondered whether we should take the ferry to Skagway. Sounds like we should save ourselves the trouble and explore around Haines. SS hasn't listed any excursions for Haines yet, but it looks like there are nature trails and such for us to explore.

 

Thanks, too, for the tip about Mt. Roberts. As of now, our plan is exactly what you suggest.

 

Wishing you many more trips-of-a-lifetime,

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Working on the next once-in-a lifetime now. Two weeks in the Swiss alps, two weeks in northern Italy and a cruise on the Spirit from Venice to Athens.

 

One tip for Haines - the best (maybe only) tour company there does a great job and can fix you up with something that suits your interest. https://tourhaines.com/ Great group and very knowledgeable about the area.

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Davey, we considered scuttling our Spirit Cruise after your scathing report, but betting on them making fixes in the next year.

 

We considered an Alaska RV tour and here was our takeaway. RV rentals are very expensive. Roads and RV parks are very limited. From Anchorage, you can basically only go north on one road. This can take you to Fairbanks and beyond, but I'm not sure you would see anything better than the train route from Anchorage to Denali.

 

If I were to do the trip again, I'd arrange a trip to Kenai Fjords or Katmai National Parks. My opinion, the scenery would be much more spectacular.. Tours abound. They're expensive, but everything in Alaska is.

 

Take a look at this: https://explore.org/livecams/brown-bears/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls

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Good morning Terry, I have sailed to Alaska 3 times since 2005 (never on SS) but if you are going to Ketchikan, I highly recommend a Floatplane Tour with a company called ISLAND WINGS:D…….I have used them twice and Michelle (owner and pilot) is awesome! If you use your friend Google you can find their website......the scenery

is simply amazing:)

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We've been looking at an Alaska cruise including renting an RV and visiting Denali either pre or post. Any tips?

DW: Roads are not great in Alaska, and RV rental is very expensive. I think you're better off with a private tour that includes accommodation.

 

I would definitely recommend investigating doing the RV thing on the southern end of your trip though. (Vancouver to Calgary or vice versa). You can get a one-way rental, and if doing it prior cruise, fly into Calgary, drive the Rockies, and then get on the boat in Vancouver. If doing it post cruise, you'd pick up the RV in Vancouver and then fly home out of Calgary.

 

If you do pursue the southern RV option, let me know and I'll be happy to help map out a route for you filled with spectacular scenery off the regular routes that is easily accessible.

 

(First tip that came to mind for you: Remember to drive on the right.)

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I have to say, I do love that we spend the night in Kamloops so that we don't miss the scenery!

 

Well, the scenery on the train does make up for Kamloops itself. Kamloops is in a very dry part of the province, in the interior plateau between the Rocky Mountains and the Coast Mountains. The variety is what makes the scenery special.

 

Depending which package you choose you'll either be in (what passes as) downtown Kamloops, where there are a few more options, or up on the hill at the Coast Hotel, which has a bit less going for it. Not to worry - the Coast Hotel has an excellent restaurant (I eat there often), but there is very little to do in the area. Not that you'll want to be out late. I usually stay across the street from the Coast Hotel, and would often be awoken by the sound of the buses arriving at 4 am to ferry the train passengers back to the train.

 

(Not having to pack and vacate hotel rooms at dawn is the reason we all prefer cruising, isn't it?)

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Terry,

I strongly second the Icefields Parkway drive. When we did our "Circle the Rockies" tour a couple of years ago, we stayed in Canmore for three days and spent one driving about halfway to Jasper from Lake Louise. There is a Glacier visitor center there that has tours out onto the Glacier. Take time to stop at some of the sites and all three of us agreed that this was one of the highlights of our entire trip.

Greg

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First post - first cruise - first Alaska trip. Thank you so much for the detailed info above. We have booked the Muse Alaska for next July and I am finding these boards to be an invaluable source. Kudos to whoever started it and all who keep it going.

 

Terry, I strongly second the Icefields Parkway drive. When we did our "Circle the Rockies" tour a couple of years ago, we stayed in Canmore for three days and spent one driving about halfway to Jasper from Lake Louise. There is a Glacier visitor center there that has tours out onto the Glacier. Take time to stop at some of the sites and all three of us agreed that this was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Greg

 

Appreciate these continued great comments and follow-ups. Very helpful. Keep it coming!! Excellent sharing. Nice details and background from MLeh, JohnGinPBG, Unibok, Lois, Jacko, Unibok, etc.

 

Welcome to Morning Thoughts with your first posting here on these Cruise Critics boards. What sailing date in July 2019 are you planning? Ours will be July 25-Aug. 1, 2019.

 

Wonderful hearing from Greg. We had a super wonderful time eight years ago doing the Norway coast on the Silver Cloud. It was our first with Silverseas and on the Silver Cloud. YES, we are definitely planning to be doing the Icefields Parkway drive. Sounds wonderfully exciting and very interesting. Look forward to learning much added info about these areas.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting, dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 40,426 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

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Terry....We've sailed Alaska around ten times; once with Silversea.

 

When it comes to the Alaska ports the key is to get away from the downtown areas. Many have become the Caribbean with all of those jewelry stores that one can expect to see over there and they can get very busy with several ships in port.

 

I would try to do private excursions and if not ones that don't have lots of people on them.

 

In Juneau I do recommend whale viewing and would do it on a small vessel where it is just two, or four passengers. It is much better that way with no distraction.

 

Sitka offers a couple of opportunities and that town is less touristy then say Ketchikan and Juneau. There is a beautiful park there and again I would take a small vessel where you will see sea life and lots of scenery.

 

Spend two full days in Vancouver and I would do three if the itinerary does not include Victoria. Take a ferry over to Victoria. Beautiful downtown area (a lot of charm) and then get out to Butchart Gardens.

 

In Vancouver be sure to include a visit to Stanley Park. Absolutely beautiful.

 

Each time we have visited Alaska it has been a different experience. Weather has a lot to do with that as does time of year.

 

Keith

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Many have become the Caribbean with all of those jewelry stores...

I was on the last Alaska voyage of the season on the Shadow last year and I talked to some of those vendors. It's not just like the Caribbean, those vendors in Ketchikan and Juneau *are* the vendors from the Caribbean. They were packing up while I was there, and getting ready to follow the relocation ships back to the Caribbean. I couldn't find anything in those shops that was made in Alaska. It was all made in China.

 

I did make pictures of some of the tours that are available on the SS Alaska voyage. Here's a picture taken in Ketchikan on the float-plane tour to the Crab Feast:

DSC00261-M.jpg

This is out on the porch of the restaurant where you eat all the crabs you can eat! It is a worthwhile tour. ($300)

 

You will stay late in Juneau, and right across from where the ship ties up is Tracy's Crab Shack which is where many of the crew, as well as knowing passengers eat dinner here:

DSC00265-M.jpg

 

Here's the menu from Tracy's:

DSC00266-M.jpg

I'm going for the Large King Crab Bucket when I go up there this year (06-Sep Vancouver-Tokyo)

 

Here are some of the 3rd-party tours offered in Sitka:

DSC00286-S.jpg

DSC00285-S.jpg

 

DSC00288-M.jpg

 

"Rides to marijuana shops?"

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Hi Terry, We did Alaska Shadow several years ago and it was fantastic. Are you doing Tracey Arm cruise-by?

 

We loved the helicopter flight over the glaciers in Juneau; it was not booked through SS. We left in the morning and were back for lunch. Landed on a glacier many miles from town, strapped on pointy-grippy shoe covers, and stomped around. No one around as far as you could see: just ice forever. Even got to drink from a small stream. Now, I will say we had incredible weather; the helicopter pilot said he'd never seen it so clear.

 

Then we took the local bus to the Mendenhal glacier for the afternoon. Walked out to where the waterfall went into the lake.

 

The Sitka Orthodox church was lovely. There's a fabric store near the church that sells a cotton fabric you can only get there: scenes of the area.

 

Will "second" Michelle at Island Wings float plane tour: she's the only one that landed on the lake and let us walk around: saw all the other planes just buzz the lake. Say hello to her large dog at the office!

 

Happy sailing, Melissa

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