Alaska Land Tours are they worth the extra $$$

[cruisequeen4ever]

I could recommend either way in this case. Going DIY is relatively easy here, since it’s the U.S., but going with a tour group takes all the stress away and really doesn’t come out much if any higher in price. Doing the Connoisseur is of course much more expensive out of pocket up front, but I have to say, the food I saw them receiving was amazing! They got to order anything from the menu of the resort’s restaurant, and that includes crab legs! Breakfast was a huge buffet spread. Also, people always get sticker shock with food prices here, so not having to worry about those would be nice. If you can afford it, I’d day the Connoisseur way would be a fun way to experience Alaska.

[Sea Hag]

The cruisetour was definitely worth it for us. We didn't do connoisseur, and we won't if we ever do a cruisetour again. We went with inexpensive food options: pizza, coffee shop instead of dining room,  sandwiches to take on the park shuttle. Didn't cost us much, and we didn't feel deprived.

[PAKathy]

We've done two cruisetours, both beginning in Fairbanks.  Both times we flew in a day early and rented a car so we could do some exploring on our own.  Both times that was an excellent decision.  The time change, long flights and making sure luggage arrived were deciding factors.  The first time our luggage did not arrive with us, it came in on the midnight flight.  That was long after we were asleep after 3 flights!  The first one was a Princess one.  It was not a connoisseur tour, just a regular one.  We were very pleased with the tour.  This was our first cruise so planned all the excursions through Princess.  

Four years ago we did a modified connoisseur tour with a private travel agency.  They included most meals at the resorts, lots of train rides (not all buses), luggage service, Tundra Tour in Denali and excellent land portion excursions.  The company is Best Cruises and Tours, www.bestcruises.com,  located in New Jersey.  They run several escorted land portion trips each summer.  The cruise excursions are not included, we planned our own.  The crab legs at the Princess Denali Lodge were the best we have ever had, and were included in our tour menu choices.  The steak at Princess McKinley Lodge was outstanding and also included in our choice of menu.  

This time we are only able, because of family work schedules, to do the cruise portion.  If possible we would have done the whole cruisetour again.  

Have fun planning!  Alaska is amazing and any parts that you can experience will be a delight.