Please help me understand the packing / carry-on rules for the bus in Alaska

[Tarpeian Rock]

So my wife spoke to Princess and was told we may only bring onto the bus, and have access to during the day, one bag per person no bigger than 14 x 17 x 4 inches. We've laid out binoculars, camera, water bottle, sunglasses case, Kindle, a couple of energy bars, medications needed during the day, collapsible walking stick, sunscreen, foot care items for all the walking, hand sanitizer wipes, iPod and earphones, and clothing items for the suggested "layering." No way does all this fit into 14 x 17 x 4. I have a hard time going through that list of items and identifying things that wouldn't make sense to have during any given day or excursion for the 8 land days we'll have via the bus. Wearing all the clothing all the time obviously defeats the purpose of layering plus would be too warm on the bus.

 

Am I looking at this right? Can any land-sea Alaska veterans suggest a packing strategy that fits the limit we were told?

[born2cruize]

So my wife spoke to Princess and was told we may only bring onto the bus, and have access to during the day, one bag per person no bigger than 14 x 17 x 4 inches. We've laid out binoculars, camera, water bottle, sunglasses case, Kindle, a couple of energy bars, medications needed during the day, collapsible walking stick, sunscreen, foot care items for all the walking, hand sanitizer wipes, iPod and earphones, and clothing items for the suggested "layering." No way does all this fit into 14 x 17 x 4. I have a hard time going through that list of items and identifying things that wouldn't make sense to have during any given day or excursion for the 8 land days we'll have via the bus. Wearing all the clothing all the time obviously defeats the purpose of layering plus would be too warm on the bus.

 

Am I looking at this right? Can any land-sea Alaska veterans suggest a packing strategy that fits the limit we were told?

 

That rule only applies to items that you take during different transit days. You also have your luggage that meets you at the lodge that evening. You also have the options of designating luggage that you won't need until you either get on the ship or don't need until you fly home, depending on which way your land tour is either before or after you cruise. That rule also does not apply to medical items.

 

The bags you designate as "meeting you at the lodge" will be in your room shortly after you check in. More than likely that luggage arrives before you do.

Edited June 13, 2015 by born2cruize

[caribill]

So my wife spoke to Princess and was told we may only bring onto the bus, and have access to during the day, one bag per person no bigger than 14 x 17 x 4 inches. We've laid out binoculars, camera, water bottle, sunglasses case, Kindle, a couple of energy bars, medications needed during the day, collapsible walking stick, sunscreen, foot care items for all the walking, hand sanitizer wipes, iPod and earphones, and clothing items for the suggested "layering." No way does all this fit into 14 x 17 x 4. I have a hard time going through that list of items and identifying things that wouldn't make sense to have during any given day or excursion for the 8 land days we'll have via the bus. Wearing all the clothing all the time obviously defeats the purpose of layering plus would be too warm on the bus.

 

 

You are not spending 8 days on the bus. Most days you will be at a lodge with some excursions during the day.

 

And the days you will be on the bus is for going between lodges and you should not need all of those items for the bus trip.

[BRANDEE]

So my wife spoke to Princess and was told we may only bring onto the bus, and have access to during the day, one bag per person no bigger than 14 x 17 x 4 inches. We've laid out binoculars, camera, water bottle, sunglasses case, Kindle, a couple of energy bars, medications needed during the day, collapsible walking stick, sunscreen, foot care items for all the walking, hand sanitizer wipes, iPod and earphones, and clothing items for the suggested "layering." No way does all this fit into 14 x 17 x 4. I have a hard time going through that list of items and identifying things that wouldn't make sense to have during any given day or excursion for the 8 land days we'll have via the bus. Wearing all the clothing all the time obviously defeats the purpose of layering plus would be too warm on the bus.

 

Am I looking at this right? Can any land-sea Alaska veterans suggest a packing strategy that fits the limit we were told?

 

 

 

 

Hi!

 

I thought the same thing when we went on our Alaskan land/cruise tour.

 

I had the 14x17x4 tote and my husband ended up with a small, lightweight nylon backpack. (about 10x12x4)

 

In the backpack was two small umbrellas, two small bottles of water, two pair of gloves and and his rolled up windbreaker w/hood. He had his phone and wallet in his pockets.

 

We both wore long sleeved shirts, micro fleeced vests and our windbreakers.

 

In my 14x17x4 tote was two pair of earmuffs, two pair of binoculars, two pair of sunglasses, my camera w/extra battery, our travel papers, a few granola bars, my small pocketbook with a long shoulder strap and in it was a small pill box with days pills, small handiwipes pack, passports, money/charge cards. I left my phone home. I even had room in the tote to roll up my windbreaker and squeez it in.

 

We put our ipods and kindle in the luggage stored under the bus/train. There was so much to see we felt we didn't need them. If you fold up walking stick is as small as my sister's, I'm pretty sure it will fit in the backpack when not used.

 

We put on sunscreen when we got dressed and with no swimming, there is really no need to reapply. We already put Dr. Shol's extra cushion soles in our LL Bean weaterproof low ankle boots.

 

On the buses there isn't any overhead room. Your bags go under your seat or on your lap. Make sure you don't sit on the wheel well.

 

If you go on the trains (loved it) there is even less room. There are bench seats for two with a table for four and another bench for two facing you. No under the seat storage. So that is eight legs and four bags all under the table. That is when you will appreciate everyone having a 14x17x4 tote.

 

The trains took us from location to location, so we always took everthing with us when we reached our destination.

 

The buses that took us to an excursion, would be locked so you were able to leave things on the bus. That is where the small pocketbook came in handy. I put the camera around my neck. Both my husband and I have transition glasses, so we usually left our polarized sunglasses in the tote. I was able to leave the tote on the bus. My husband would put our travel papers in his backpack(small plastic folder), leave the umbrellas (never had to use them) and grab the binoculars. That tote looked so small when packing, but so big when lugging it on excursions (especially when panning for gold).

 

I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip. Our 14 day land/cruise was amazing. I had a wonderful time, even when momma bear and her cubs blocked our path to the restrooms in Denali.

 

Chris..hope this helps!

[Kinkacruiser]

Accessing items carried in your backpack/tote when stored under the train seat is awkward. There is a rack above you in the buses which is better. Seriously, take only what you really need or value in your carry-on. We both used small backpacks that would flatten to the required height.

[framer]

STOP!!!

 

:eek:

 

Two years ago we did the trains and buses and they had that same crap in their doc's. Truth was that they would put a regular size carry on bags under the bus like a regular bus does and there is room under the seat for ONE 14 x 9 x 22 carry on. The over head space was about 7" high and you could put long narrow bags up there. Tons of room for coats up top. (don't sit over the wheel wells no room) The train I put a couple of regular size carryon's under the seat without a problem.

 

That's the truth and nothing but the truth SHMG...

 

Enjoy your trip, take bug spray.

 

framer

[caribill]

STOP!!!

 

:eek:

 

Two years ago we did the trains and buses and they had that same crap in their doc's. Truth was that they would put a regular size carry on bags under the bus like a regular bus does and there is room under the seat for ONE 14 x 9 x 22 carry on.

 

But no such option on the train.

[framer]

There was a huge area under the seats on the train. I had 2-standard 9x15x24 carryon plus the wife's big tote.

 

I don't see an issue.

 

framer

[diane.in.ny]

I just returned from an 8-night connoisseur tour

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2215001

 

There was plenty of room above the seats on the bus for a soft sided bag, easily accessible during the bus trip. On the train, we had the whole dome car to ourselves so no problem with bags.

 

And don't forget that EACH of you can take a bag on the bus.

[DebJ14]

It might not be a bad idea for couples to cross pack. If you are each planning on bringing a large suitcase then pack one for the tour and one for the cruise. That way you can designate the bag for the cruise to be stored until you get to the ship. And of course you can each bring a carry on for the bus or train. We did it that way and it worked out well as some of the items for the tour we also used on the cruise, but there was no need for them to bring the large bag with the formal wear etc. to the room in the lodge.

 

We are used to cross packing for every trip so that if one bag does not make it both of us will have clothes for the remainder of our trip. Also, DH can't just blame me for having the heavier bag!

 

Best place for information on the tours is the FAQ section of the Princess website.

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/cruisetours/cruisetours_alaska.jsp

[Loonbeam]

While that is true in most cases, it cannot be assumed as a rule. Sometimes Princess uses Alaska railroad cars, that are a little different, as an example, and some of the train seats have electronics boxes underneath them that reduce space. And there are a LOT of different bus styles in use.

 

The sizes shown are the minimum guaranteed space per passenger. It's likely more will be available but cannot be guaranteed on any specific trip.

 

STOP!!!

 

:eek:

 

Two years ago we did the trains and buses and they had that same crap in their doc's. Truth was that they would put a regular size carry on bags under the bus like a regular bus does and there is room under the seat for ONE 14 x 9 x 22 carry on. The over head space was about 7" high and you could put long narrow bags up there. Tons of room for coats up top. (don't sit over the wheel wells no room) The train I put a couple of regular size carryon's under the seat without a problem.

 

That's the truth and nothing but the truth SHMG...

 

Enjoy your trip, take bug spray.

 

framer

[BRANDEE]

There was a huge area under the seats on the train. I had 2-standard 9x15x24 carryon plus the wife's big tote.

 

I don't see an issue.

 

framer

 

I think Princess issues size limits due to different trains and buses used. In my case , there was no room under our bench seat on the train, in fact the heel of my shoe kept hitting the under seat bench. Also, two of our tour buses were those beautiful observation buses (just like the train) with no above room.

 

Two passengers were annoyed they had to keep their large carry ons on their lap/or put them under the bus with the regular luggage. Princess covered themselves by issuing a "suggested" size.

 

Our TA was also our escorted tour guide. He really impressed us to "follow" the suggestions. Maybe he knew which buses/trains Princess was going to give us. Best thing is that he provided us with a 14x17x4 tote for free!!

Edited June 15, 2015 by BRANDEE