Irish "cousins!!" looking for advice!!!Alaska Cruise Aug

[ciara]

Thanks you guys who advised me earlier - through reading througt the threads I realised that the Infinity was not making a stop in Skagway and we really wanted to go on the train trip to Youkon.

We ( hubby and I) are planning a pretty big holiday - flying from Belfast to Toronto ( visiting a bro there for a few days) - flying on to Calgary (2 days) then Banff for a few days before doing the scenic train ride to Vancouver - then Alaska Cruise on Mercury ( 24th Aug - is there a roll call for it yet?) then 3 nights in Vancouver flying back to Belfast on 3rd Sept late in eve.

As a first time cruiser I would appreciate any advice on

(a) where to stay in Vancouver - we want to stay somewhere near port on night before sailing (not fussy what * for that night as long as clean etc) and then the 3 nights on our return from cruise ( would like nice 4* for those 3 nights - TA has suggested Sheradon)

(b) trips from cruise ports - hubby would love to see some bears having a salmon breakfast!!!! will do train from Skagway - have been reading some of info and looks great

CANT WAIT!!!!!!!

[mii]

I strongly advise that you go the Ports of Call board for alaska and the Canada board for hotels in Vancouver. Alot of information over there.

 

marilyn

[Rev22:17]

ciara,

 

Thanks you guys who advised me earlier - through reading througt the threads I realised that the Infinity was not making a stop in Skagway and we really wanted to go on the train trip to Youkon.

We ( hubby and I) are planning a pretty big holiday - flying from Belfast to Toronto ( visiting a bro there for a few days) - flying on to Calgary (2 days) then Banff for a few days before doing the scenic train ride to Vancouver - then Alaska Cruise on Mercury ( 24th Aug - is there a roll call for it yet?) then 3 nights in Vancouver flying back to Belfast on 3rd Sept late in eve.

As a first time cruiser I would appreciate any advice on

(a) where to stay in Vancouver - we want to stay somewhere near port on night before sailing (not fussy what * for that night as long as clean etc) and then the 3 nights on our return from cruise ( would like nice 4* for those 3 nights - TA has suggested Sheradon)

 

I found the Crowne Plaza Georgia Hotel to be an excellent choice. This elegant grande dame sits diagonally between two very exclusive hotels (a Four Seasons and a Fairmont IIRC) in a fairly nice section of Vancouver's downtown with lots of good restaurants and good shopping, about four or five short blocks from the city's main cruise ship pier at Canada Place. On my last cruise to Alaska, I actually walked from the hotel to the pier with my luggage (roller back).

 

(b) trips from cruise ports - hubby would love to see some bears having a salmon breakfast!!!! will do train from Skagway - have been reading some of info and looks great

CANT WAIT!!!!!!!

 

I can't guarantee bears, but the train from Skagway is well worth the price. If your time allows, also take in the "Days of '98 Revue Starring Soapy Smith" at the Eagles Hall in Skagway.

 

And in Ketchikan, the tour of Saxman Village provides a unique glimpse into the Tlingit culture of the Inside Passage. On this shore excursion, you'll get to see a presentation of Tlingit dance and a nice collection of totems. You'll also get to see totem carvers at work (and yes, you can purchase totems if you wish).

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Norm.

[TeaBag]

You might find this site interesting just for your Vancouver stay, Irish Cousins.

http://www3.telus.net/cruise_watch/info.htm

 

Sounds like a great trip.

[CaliforniaDreamin]

will do train from Skagway - have been reading some of info and looks great

CANT WAIT!!!!!!!

 

Look at http://www.wpyr.com/ for a nice website about the White Pass & Yukon Railroad at Skagway. We did the train in 2002 and enjoyed it.