Alaska and Denali Park 2013

[timkins42]

We are in the planning stages for another cruise to Alaska in Sept 2013. We did a 5 day land tour and 7 day cruise last year and this just whet our appetite for another land/cruise tour. We would like to do another 5 day land cruise with more time spent in Denali. We took the National history tour to Denali last year that took only one day by bus after departing the train. We would like to go into Wonder lake and spend a day or two there. Is this possible and if so who should I be talking to for arrangements and reservations? Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated.

[mapleleaves]

I'm assuming you want DIY otherwise you would be looking at a cruisetour or contacting a travel agent.

A rental car is a great option because it gives you access to more lodging choices like B&B's, cabins, smaller hotels, plus the ability to make stops along the way or even take a side trip.

If driving isn't an option you can book your own seats on the train to Denali: http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel/Transit/Schedules/tabid/98/Default.aspx

or take Park Connection Bus: http://alaskacoach.com/

Information on shuttle and tour buses thru the Park is on the Denali reservation site, under PLAY http://www.reservedenali.com/

 

Lodging choices: http://www.alaskaone.com/_dcc/accommodations/

[frugaltravel]

We would like to go into Wonder lake and spend a day or two there. Is this possible and if so who should I be talking to for arrangements and reservations?

 

Do you mean a couple of day trips or spend a night or two? If the latter, that means tent camping since that is the only option at Wonder Lake. It is a great experience, but one most cruisers don't consider due to logistics (though it really is not that hard). When are you planning on going? If before August you need to be well prepared for mosquitoes.

[timkins42]

We are looking at late August or early September. Wew were there last year the first 2 weeks in September and found that this was ideal for us.

We would like to stay as close as possible. I guess the suggestion from "mapleleaves" to contact a travel agent is in the future for us.

[mapleleaves]

Your original post was quite vague. :confused:

Are you looking for a cruisetour that visits several destinations but includes 2 nights at Denali ? If so, look at Princess and Holland America web sites or call them to discuss cruisetour options. Be sure to select a tour that stays in Denali for at least TWO nights if you want to go to Wonder Lake.

I thought you just wanted a few nights at Denali, then go to your ship. In which case there's no need for an agent .... you can easily reserve a room at the Denali Princess for 2 nights, and reserve seats on the train.

In late August the colors in Denali would be spectacular so a ride to Wonder Lake would be fantastic.