First Time to Alaska - Pre Cruise Land Decisions and Insight

[cusematt4]

Hi All,

 

We are looking into a first time trip to Alaska next June.

 

For land tours, we are looking at 3 and 4 night pre-cruise options that include the below

 

We are looking at all options from A-F.  A few questions for anyone who has gone through this:

 

-Is it worth doing an itinerary that has Mt. McKinley included in it?

 

-The 3 and 4 night options either have Anchorage OR Fairbanks, but not both.  Is there more to see and do in Anchorage or Fairbanks?  Is one more preferred or recommended?

 

Pending pricing, we are leaning towards A or B and are torn between Anchorage vs Fairbanks.

 

Thanks so much for any insight.

 

 

[AKStafford]

In my opinion: the cruise lines do a great job of showing you Southeast Alaska on your cruise. Their land tours in Southcentral Alaska leave a lot to be desired. The "McKinley" they mention is their McKinley Lodge. It's an hour from Talkeetna and two hours from Denali National Park entrance and it's a just a spot to warehouse cruisetour passengers for a night.

 

My preference would be to rent a car and put together your own great trip. There's nothing offered by the cruise lines that you can't book independently. Often for cheaper. The TripAdvisor forum for Alaska travel can be a big help: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28923-i349-Alaska.html

[Northern Aurora]

Like @AKStafford I also live in Alaska.  Both options A and B are simply terrible.  On both of them you will be sitting on the transport (train or bus) for a substantial amount of time.  With three or four nights before boarding the ship seriously consider a DIY independent land trip.

[cusematt4]

Thank you, is us very helpful.  $7,000 extra on top go the cruise seems significant for a 3 night lane tour that excludes food and excursions at each site.

 

We are going to look into princesslodges for a non cruise day/night in each anchorage and Denali to briefly check out each before heading to Whittier for the cruise.

 

Is there a cheap and easy way to get from Denali or Anchorage the morning of our cruise?  Or should we go the night prior and stay in Whittier?

[AKStafford]

Here's a good list of lodging in the Denali area. You'll find more affordable lodging in Healy, 10 miles north of the park.  https://cca.denalichamber.com/Accommodations-__9391_category.aspx

 

Don't underestimate your driving times in Alaska. Denail to Whittier is going to be a 7 hour drive, plus timing it for for the tunnel. Staying in Anchorage would be a good choice. You can use a bus or railroad to get to Whittier from Anchorage. My personal preference would be the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train and then a Prince William Sound 26 Glacier cruise before getting on your ship.

[Northern Aurora]

Wow -- an additional $7,000 for three nights is outrageous. Prices here may be high but not that high.

 

Look at Salmon Berry Travel and Tours.  They do transfers from Anchorage to Whittier.  Highly rated company.