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I Finally Did It

margob111

By margob111,
in Alaska

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margob111

margob111

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We are booked on a cruise tour leaving Anchorage on May 21, 2014, McKinley, Denali and Whittier, departing Whittier on May 24. We will hit both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, so I'm very excited. We will be on the Coral Princess. I chose Princess because it goes to Glacier Bay and to Vancouver. We will be in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, so I'm very excited. I got everything I wanted in my cabin, B504 and I think it's a good cabin choice. Now I can start planning excursions. Thanks for the great information I found on this site. Did I do ok? Does itinerary look good and is the ship good?

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Ashland

Ashland

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We are booked on a cruise tour leaving Anchorage on May 21, 2014, McKinley, Denali and Whittier, departing Whittier on May 24. We will hit both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, so I'm very excited. We will be on the Coral Princess. I chose Princess because it goes to Glacier Bay and to Vancouver. We will be in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, so I'm very excited. I got everything I wanted in my cabin, B504 and I think it's a good cabin choice. Now I can start planning excursions. Thanks for the great information I found on this site. Did I do ok? Does itinerary look good and is the ship good?

Sounds like you did very well....We just returned from a May 17th northbound cruise on RCI's Radiance and loved it so much we are booking it for the third time and taking the family with us May 30, 2014....Enjoy !!!

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margob111

margob111

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Yes, full report please. I'm very excited about this trip. I'm really enjoying all the research I'm doing.

 

Thanks everyone. I understand from reading on CC that I should do the upgraded Denali tour instead of the one Princess offers with my cruisetour so I'm going to do that. Now that I'm booked, I can start researching the excursions.

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Krazy Kruizers

Krazy Kruizers

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We are booked on a cruise tour leaving Anchorage on May 21, 2014, McKinley, Denali and Whittier, departing Whittier on May 24. We will hit both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, so I'm very excited. We will be on the Coral Princess. I chose Princess because it goes to Glacier Bay and to Vancouver. We will be in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, so I'm very excited. I got everything I wanted in my cabin, B504 and I think it's a good cabin choice. Now I can start planning excursions. Thanks for the great information I found on this site. Did I do ok? Does itinerary look good and is the ship good?

 

You have chosen very well for your first Alaskan adventure.

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epixx

epixx

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I understand from reading on CC that I should do the upgraded Denali tour instead of the one Princess offers with my cruisetour so I'm going to do that.

 

Are you referring to the Tundra Wilderness Tour or the Park shuttle? Are you sure that your short cruisetour allows sufficient time for either one of these? Did you know that the Park shuttle to Eielson does not commence until June 1 (http://www.reservedenali.com/play/shuttle-buses/eielson-visitor-center.aspx)?

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frugaltravel

frugaltravel

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Yes, full report please. I'm very excited about this trip. I'm really enjoying all the research I'm doing.

 

Thanks everyone. I understand from reading on CC that I should do the upgraded Denali tour instead of the one Princess offers with my cruisetour so I'm going to do that. Now that I'm booked, I can start researching the excursions.

 

I prefer to go to Denali NP on/after June 8th (the park road is open to the end) or at least on/after June 1st (to Eielson as mentioned above). The key for you is whether you have one or two nights at Denali Princess. I would not consider only one night at Denali Princess under any circumstances. That would be a very poor cruisetour choice.

 

If you have two nights at Denali Princess, you can easily change the NHT to the TWT that goes to mile 53 in May. Then use the rest of your time at Denali to see the other great things at the entrance.

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nwualum

nwualum

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Just curious but for all of you that have cruised in mid-May, how is the weather? I have some airline vouchers that will expire so that will be my best time to go. However, if it's too cool we can go in June or July. Thanks.

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frugaltravel

frugaltravel

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Just curious but for all of you that have cruised in mid-May, how is the weather? I have some airline vouchers that will expire so that will be my best time to go. However, if it's too cool we can go in June or July. Thanks.

 

"it depends" is the best answer. This year in mid May the weather in Anchorage and north was cold and snowy. Often it can be nice. Also, it depends on what you mean by "too cool." To some, 60F is cool. To others that is comfortable or even hoped for. Even trips in early to mid June can have night temps down in the 40's.

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Budget Queen

Budget Queen

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We are booked on a cruise tour leaving Anchorage on May 21, 2014, McKinley, Denali and Whittier, departing Whittier on May 24. We will hit both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, so I'm very excited. We will be on the Coral Princess. I chose Princess because it goes to Glacier Bay and to Vancouver. We will be in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, so I'm very excited. I got everything I wanted in my cabin, B504 and I think it's a good cabin choice. Now I can start planning excursions. Thanks for the great information I found on this site. Did I do ok? Does itinerary look good and is the ship good?

 

You are early for Denali Park. I never consider prior to June 1 since, my min distance in is Eielson.

 

It sounds like you have the Natural History tour included? Worthless and you do not get into the park. The farthest you can go will be Toklat, mile 53. Do you have 2 nights at the Denali Princess? I would suggest you just get a refund from Princess and book YOURSELF on the Toklat Shuttle, you will still have money from your refund. :)

 

You WILL however have to step up yourself. You will have to get yourself to the shuttle bus pick up, and pick up all your own food and drink. Some people can't/won't do this. If the case, then book the 3/4 times cost Tundra Wilderness tour, which picks up at the Denali Lodge. Be aware this bus goes the same distance as the shuttle bus.

 

You asked, fix any issues now, that you may not have been aware of. Switching your direction could also be a better option.

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