Seward Excursion

[believer33323]

:confused::confused::confused:We have 6 excursions planned for our first cruise to Alaska Next week.

1. ATV Ride.

2. Zip Line.

3. Whale Watching.

4. Flightseeing.

5. Husky Homestead Tour.

6. White pass scenic Railway.

 

My question is, While in Seward I see an excursion listed as:

"Alaska Sealife Center & Kenai Fjords Cruise with Lunch" @ $124.00 pp

"A 55-mile, 5-hour narrated cruise into the waters of Resurrection Bay. See several types of glaciers and search for marine life including whales and sea otters. An all you can eat Salmon and Prime Rib buffet is included."

I looked on the map and it seems the only way to get to Seward is through resurrection bay, but the cruise gets into the port @ 4AM so We will not be able to see it. So is this excursion worth it or am I wasting my money??? or should we just go to the Alaska Sealife Center which is already included in my cruise intineray and relax and just tour around Seward??.

[dszrew]

If you have the time, I'd do it. There isn't much to do in Seward otherwise unless you have a car, and even then you can't see the places the tour goes.

[scapel]

:confused::confused::confused:We have 6 excursions planned for our first cruise to Alaska Next week.

1. ATV Ride.

2. Zip Line.

3. Whale Watching.

4. Flightseeing.

5. Husky Homestead Tour.

6. White pass scenic Railway.

 

My question is, While in Seward I see an excursion listed as:

"Alaska Sealife Center & Kenai Fjords Cruise with Lunch" @ $124.00 pp

"A 55-mile, 5-hour narrated cruise into the waters of Resurrection Bay. See several types of glaciers and search for marine life including whales and sea otters. An all you can eat Salmon and Prime Rib buffet is included."

I looked on the map and it seems the only way to get to Seward is through resurrection bay, but the cruise gets into the port @ 4AM so We will not be able to see it. So is this excursion worth it or am I wasting my money??? or should we just go to the Alaska Sealife Center which is already included in my cruise intineray and relax and just tour around Seward??.

 

On one trip we flew into Anchorage and rented a vehicle and drove to Seward. We spent the night in a B&B and the next day we did the Kanai Fjords National Park tour. It was great and well worth the $124. I didn’t remember a meal with ours. I guess they serve it on the boat. It was a nice size boat and we got to move around. The trip was in July and if you got on deck while the boat was moving it was cold requiring the down jacket. Otherwise it was comfortable with just shirt inside. We saw lots of wild life and watched the otters play. Saw whales but didn’t get a picture of the fluke.

It was a great trip, and I would recommend it. We are going to do an Alaskan cruise tour Anchorage, Denali Seward to ship next year, but this doesn’t give time to do the Seward Fjords or we would do it again. If the ship offers it we would do it. I think it starts about 9:00 AM There is nothing else to do in Seward.

[scapel]

:confused::confused::confused:We have 6 excursions planned for our first cruise to Alaska Next week.

1. ATV Ride.

2. Zip Line.

3. Whale Watching.

4. Flightseeing.

5. Husky Homestead Tour.

6. White pass scenic Railway.

 

"QUOTE]

Where are you doing the ATV ride? We did one in Homer, AK last month and really enjoyed it. I hope they are 4WD (safety).

Flightseeing-- either flight to glacier or the Misty Fjords which is the best. I didn't think the dog sled ride on the glacier was worth the extra money, but I understand them having to charge that much because of maintaining the dogs on the glacier. I liked the helicopter ride tot he glacier though. Beautiful.

[scapel]

:confused::confused::confused:We have 6 excursions planned for our first cruise to Alaska Next week.

1. ATV Ride.

2. Zip Line.

3. Whale Watching.

4. Flightseeing.

5. Husky Homestead Tour.

6. White pass scenic Railway.

 

QUOTE]

I had planned on using Becky for a tour using her Yukon out of Skagway but then found out that the ship was only going to Haines and not up to Skagway. I found the boat fare Fast Ferry Haines to Skagway was $68/p which in addition to Becky's fee of about $100 to $150/p for 4-5 hours depending if she had 4 or 6 people was going to be too much. I think she can get you the same views as the White Pass, but you would have to ask. I think the train is $82/p, but not sure.

[Great Sky Girl]

Yes, do the Kenai Fjords trip. We did it (6 Hour one) and couldn't be happier. They serve a light lunch and great cookies. It was cold, but we saw so much wild life. It was very different from the cruise. If time is a problem, skip the Sea Life Center. Just my humble opinion!

[mapleleaves]

Does your cruise include Glacier Bay or Hubbard ? You don't sound too interested in the kenai cruise. It's a great trip! But, if you're doing a whale viewing trip and you'll view GBay or Hubbard, the kenai cruise won't offer anything new, just a much closer experience. It really depends on your interests ( and budget).

Another option would be to visit Exit Glacier. It's about 10 miles out of town, so maybe $15 by taxi or the shuttle is $10pp. There's an easy trail that takes you next to the glacier, great photo op for standing next to the blue ice. There are more difficult trails and or ranger-led hikes at 10, 2 and 4. http://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/ranger-programs.htm

It's fun to hang out at the harbor and watch fisherman come in with their catch, or walk the trail along the waterfront to the downtown area. Watch for otters, bald eagles, salmon and all the boat traffic in the Bay.

Is the kenai cruise? You can also wait until you arrive, check the weather and do it on your own cheaper. http://www.majormarine.com/alaska-day-cruises/kenai-fjords-halfday-wildlife-cruise/

[believer33323]

Yes, do the Kenai Fjords trip. We did it (6 Hour one) and couldn't be happier. They serve a light lunch and great cookies. It was cold, but we saw so much wild life. It was very different from the cruise. If time is a problem, skip the Sea Life Center. Just my humble opinion!

 

An all you can eat Salmon and Prime Rib buffet is included.

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/asr/booking/product/detail/view.do?ProductCode=SW13&ComponentType=1

[believer33323]

:confused::confused::confused:We have 6 excursions planned for our first cruise to Alaska Next week.

1. ATV Ride.

2. Zip Line.

3. Whale Watching.

4. Flightseeing.

5. Husky Homestead Tour.

6. White pass scenic Railway.

 

"QUOTE]

Where are you doing the ATV ride? We did one in Homer, AK last month and really enjoyed it. I hope they are 4WD (safety).

Flightseeing-- either flight to glacier or the Misty Fjords which is the best. I didn't think the dog sled ride on the glacier was worth the extra money, but I understand them having to charge that much because of maintaining the dogs on the glacier. I liked the helicopter ride tot he glacier though. Beautiful.

 

The ATV and The flightseeing ride are both in Denali.The Husky Homestead is not a ride. It is more of an up close look at the dogs and the way they live and you get to hold them and hopefully there puppies.

[believer33323]

Does your cruise include Glacier Bay or Hubbard ? You don't sound too interested in the kenai cruise. It's a great trip! But, if you're doing a whale viewing trip and you'll view GBay or Hubbard, the kenai cruise won't offer anything new, just a much closer experience. It really depends on your interests ( and budget).

Another option would be to visit Exit Glacier. It's about 10 miles out of town, so maybe $15 by taxi or the shuttle is $10pp. There's an easy trail that takes you next to the glacier, great photo op for standing next to the blue ice. There are more difficult trails and or ranger-led hikes at 10, 2 and 4. http://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/ranger-programs.htm

It's fun to hang out at the harbor and watch fisherman come in with their catch, or walk the trail along the waterfront to the downtown area. Watch for otters, bald eagles, salmon and all the boat traffic in the Bay.

Is the kenai cruise? You can also wait until you arrive, check the weather and do it on your own cheaper. http://www.majormarine.com/alaska-day-cruises/kenai-fjords-halfday-wildlife-cruise/

 

No, we are not going to Glacier Bay or Hubbard. The Whale watching is in Juneau with Harv and Marvs.

[Budget Queen]

I don't agree, this boat tour does not go far enough. I am just back from going out three times in Kenai fjords. I have been sailing this area for years, on repeative trips, so do have some first hand experience. You see way more wildlife on the boat tours with at least 6 hours on the water.

 

The Sealife Center is excellent, if you want some detailed close up viewing, but if you want wildlife in the wild, then a Kenai Fjords boat tour with at least 6 hours on the water, is superior. Take a look at a map. The tour operator for your package is Major Marine, who does have excellent boat tours.

 

The glacier "view" from the bay tours, is WAY down the pole, as well, comparing the longer tours, which will have the boat right close to the face, in ice. :) The Bear Glacier, "look" is miles off.

 

 

Either of these can also be done on your own. Check out the current prices on line.

 

It is simple to get to either of them as well. :)

[believer33323]

I don't agree, this boat tour does not go far enough. I am just back from going out three times in Kenai fjords. I have been sailing this area for years, on repeative trips, so do have some first hand experience. You see way more wildlife on the boat tours with at least 6 hours on the water.

 

The Sealife Center is excellent, if you want some detailed close up viewing, but if you want wildlife in the wild, then a Kenai Fjords boat tour with at least 6 hours on the water, is superior. Take a look at a map. The tour operator for your package is Major Marine, who does have excellent boat tours.

 

The glacier "view" from the bay tours, is WAY down the pole, as well, comparing the longer tours, which will have the boat right close to the face, in ice. :) The Bear Glacier, "look" is miles off.

 

 

Either of these can also be done on your own. Check out the current prices on line.

 

It is simple to get to either of them as well. :)

Thisis the first itme going on a cruise and the itinerary is not very clear for the 4 day guided tour part of the trip. On RCC website I can book the excursion from Seward, But below it seems like it leaves out of Alyeska and 3 hours to get there. I don't want to book something I will not be around for. All it states is:

Day 8

SEWARD/ALYESKA

MOTORCOACH TRANSFER

Seward to Alyeska

Trip Length: approximately 3 hours

Depart the ship in the morning. Upon departure, you’ll be

met by your Tour Director and escorted to your deluxe

motorcoach for a drive to downtown Seward. You will have

free time to enjoy the city before heading north to Alyeska.

Our staff will ensure your luggage is transported to the

hotel. On the way to Alyeska you will visit the Alaska Wildlife

Conservation Center, where you will enjoy an educational

tour of the facility and have the opportunity to see the

Alaskan wildlife up close. After checking in, you will have the

remainder of the day to take an optional Land Excursion,

enjoy the tram ride and relax.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Alyeska Tram Ride

Take in the breathtaking scenery, as you soar 2,300 feet

above the valley floor. Look for hanging glaciers and unique

rock formations high on the mountain peaks. At the top,

enjoy scenic views, restaurants and hiking trails. Enjoy this

activity at your leisure.

ALYESKA HOTEL 1 Night

The Hotel Alyeska

1000 Arlberg Avenue

Girdwood, Alaska 99587

Tel: +1.907.754.1111, Fax: +1.907.754.2290

Standard amenities: Four restaurants, fitness center,

whirlpool, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa, shuttle service

and a variety of excellent shops. Dinner reservations for

Seven Glaciers Restaurant are recommended and may be

made in advance by calling +1.907.754.2237

[Budget Queen]

Thisis the first itme going on a cruise and the itinerary is not very clear for the 4 day guided tour part of the trip. On RCC website I can book the excursion from Seward, But below it seems like it leaves out of Alyeska and 3 hours to get there. I don't want to book something I will not be around for. All it states is:

Day 8

SEWARD/ALYESKA

MOTORCOACH TRANSFER

Seward to Alyeska

Trip Length: approximately 3 hours

Depart the ship in the morning. Upon departure, you’ll be

met by your Tour Director and escorted to your deluxe

motorcoach for a drive to downtown Seward. You will have

free time to enjoy the city before heading north to Alyeska.

Our staff will ensure your luggage is transported to the

hotel. On the way to Alyeska you will visit the Alaska Wildlife

Conservation Center, where you will enjoy an educational

tour of the facility and have the opportunity to see the

Alaskan wildlife up close. After checking in, you will have the

remainder of the day to take an optional Land Excursion,

enjoy the tram ride and relax.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Alyeska Tram Ride

Take in the breathtaking scenery, as you soar 2,300 feet

above the valley floor. Look for hanging glaciers and unique

rock formations high on the mountain peaks. At the top,

enjoy scenic views, restaurants and hiking trails. Enjoy this

activity at your leisure.

ALYESKA HOTEL 1 Night

The Hotel Alyeska

1000 Arlberg Avenue

Girdwood, Alaska 99587

Tel: +1.907.754.1111, Fax: +1.907.754.2290

Standard amenities: Four restaurants, fitness center,

whirlpool, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa, shuttle service

and a variety of excellent shops. Dinner reservations for

Seven Glaciers Restaurant are recommended and may be

made in advance by calling +1.907.754.2237

 

The only way Kenai Fjords may be available to you, would be for you to book yourself on the 8am boat tour, which gets back to Seward at 2pm. Of course you would have to verify that the bus does not leave before then BUT, as an alternative, you could also skip this first day of the cruisetour, and just take the train to Girdwood and meet up at Alyeska.