Alaska planning suggestions

[webecruzin2]

We are a group of 6 quite active 50's and 60's planning our first trip to Alaska.

We will be sailing north from Vancouver staying in a downtown hotel the night before.

Then 7 days cruising ending in Seward around 7am.

Right now we are thinking of taking the Cruise Direct Bus transfer from Seward to Denali, staying 2 nights there with a full day and a half to sightsee (one couple may stay longer), then taking the dome train to Fairbanks on the third day overnighting there before flying home from Fairbanks.

 

We were also thinking of renting a car, but it would have to be a large one with 6 people and luggage. Car rentals are steep but we could stop when we wanted and go at our own pace

So a couple of questions,

1. Couldn't find any info on one way car rentals, is there a hefty drop off fee?

2. Has anyone used the Cruise Direct bus transfer to Denali and how was it?

3. Has anyone used the Dome Train from Denali to Fairbanks?

Thanks in advance for any advice. :)

[Gardyloo]

One way rental cars out of Seward are very expensive as there's only one vendor, Hertz. But do the math - with three or more people the price can be competitive with cruise transfers or the train to Anchorage. And indeed, the car allows you to pull over and look at the sights, or stop along the road (and there are several terrific places to do so between Seward and Anchorage.)

 

You might also do the numbers on doing a very brief one-way rental, just for the day from Seward to Anchorage, then turn in the Seward car and pick up a cheaper Anchorage car for a round trip to Denali and back. You won't pay the high one-way daily rate for the second vehicle and you'd probably have a bigger selection of styles and car types. Note that a one-way rental from Anchorage to Fairbanks would have the same price problems as Seward to Anchorage.

[xlxo]

We are a group of 6 quite active 50's and 60's planning our first trip to Alaska.

We will be sailing north from Vancouver staying in a downtown hotel the night before.

Then 7 days cruising ending in Seward around 7am.

Thoughts....

• you might want more than one night in Vancouver. Lot's to do there.
  
• in your planning.... which month's have you short listed. May is cool and cheap. September is wet and cheap. July is warm and statistically dryer.... it also cost more. June has more daylight.
  
• how important are glaciers to you? Glacier seekers demand ships that go to Glacier Bay.
  

[Sequim88]

You might also do the numbers on doing a very brief one-way rental, just for the day from Seward to Anchorage, then turn in the Seward car and pick up a cheaper Anchorage car for a round trip to Denali and back. You won't pay the high one-way daily rate for the second vehicle and you'd probably have a bigger selection of styles and car types.

 

This is exactly what we did. One-day at high rate and a week of rental car at low weekly rate that was the same as the one-day one-way car. Aside from more car choice there is also more choice (competition) for rental outfits at the airport.

[gpb11]

Thoughts....

• in your planning.... which month's have you short listed. May is cool and cheap. September is wet and cheap. July is warm and statistically dryer.... it also cost more. June has more daylight.
  

With Denali in the mix, be sure to know the dates for when the shuttle and tour bus route lengths change.

[Glaciers]

Denali is a gem and there can be numerous wildlife sightings along the road although the mountain is only visible about ¼ of the time. As noted, the shuttle into the park only goes part way until after June 1.

 

Between Cruise Direct from Seward to Denali and then on to Fairbanks by train, you’ll be waiting for your transportation or sitting for 12 hours.

 

Another option would be to spend those 3 extra days in Southcentral Alaska. There is a ton of stuff to do and you’ll maximize your time rather than spending so much time getting from one point to the other.

[Budget Queen]

We are a group of 6 quite active 50's and 60's planning our first trip to Alaska.

We will be sailing north from Vancouver staying in a downtown hotel the night before.

Then 7 days cruising ending in Seward around 7am.

Right now we are thinking of taking the Cruise Direct Bus transfer from Seward to Denali, staying 2 nights there with a full day and a half to sightsee (one couple may stay longer), then taking the dome train to Fairbanks on the third day overnighting there before flying home from Fairbanks.

 

We were also thinking of renting a car, but it would have to be a large one with 6 people and luggage. Car rentals are steep but we could stop when we wanted and go at our own pace

So a couple of questions,

1. Couldn't find any info on one way car rentals, is there a hefty drop off fee?

2. Has anyone used the Cruise Direct bus transfer to Denali and how was it?

3. Has anyone used the Dome Train from Denali to Fairbanks?

Thanks in advance for any advice. :)

 

What cruiseline is now offering this? I know it is a part of some cruise tours, didn't know it was available as separately booked transportation. A one day Seward /Denali bus, is brutal, and nothing I would ever consider or recommend. With stops, and bus loading/unloading, you are looking at 10 hours. FAR superior is to, allow more TIME and not do this marathon trip you are looking at? Big negative- is no time in Seward. it is a gem, loaded with excellent touring. You are only going to have one day in Denali- so, you get off a 10 hour bus transfer, then are spending another- at least (at the minimum) 8+ hours, on another bus, all day? How much enjoyment do you think you would get out of this schedule?

 

The train to Fairbanks, is ok, Ive taken it several time. but the reason to go there, is to enjoy activities/sights in the area?

 

I strongly suggest you add at least a few more days. A one way car- offers significantly more sight seeing, and despite the costs, is far superior for the "value" you get with touring. Money is way down my priority list- my time and touring experiences are what are important to me. I don't compromise with lacking alternatives. You'll have to weight what you want out of your trip, along with how often you are going to return.

[webecruzin2]

Thanks everyone with your informative replies, advice and suggestions.

 

We were holding a HAL 10 night cruise tour with 1 day in Denali, but were thinking of just booking the cruise independently and doing the rest on our own with 2 nights in Denali instead.

It all started to get a little too complicated.

This is a once in a lifetime trip for us so we thought we should make things simple. Rather than try saving a little money we'll let HAL do it all for us.

So we rebooked for a 11 night cruise tour with overnight in Anchorage, 2 nights in Denali and overnight in Fairbanks.

We're just going to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.:D

[Budget Queen]

Thanks everyone with your informative replies, advice and suggestions.

 

We were holding a HAL 10 night cruise tour with 1 day in Denali, but were thinking of just booking the cruise independently and doing the rest on our own with 2 nights in Denali instead.

It all started to get a little too complicated.

This is a once in a lifetime trip for us so we thought we should make things simple. Rather than try saving a little money we'll let HAL do it all for us.

So we rebooked for a 11 night cruise tour with overnight in Anchorage, 2 nights in Denali and overnight in Fairbanks.

We're just going to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.:D

 

If you can add more days, do so, especially a cruise tour that has time in Seward. I also recommend an additional day in Fairbanks. You see very little with a cruise tour. Especially relevant with your "lifetime" mention.

 

If you want to consider it, there are superior Alaska trip planners on this site, that have offered the details for excellent Alaska touring. It is not difficult, in fact, you are likely to find it - simple. Easy to duplicate what you already have, as example, with involves basic buses or the train.