Having done a cruise, I would suggest you NOT take one to see Alaska as you can do more on your own. Do check when things close as Denali may be closing by late September. If you put Alaska into the search box you will find lots of trip reports with ideas of things to do, places to see.

Have a wonderful trip.

Seward and the Kenai Fjords, south of Anchorage, are definitely worth a visit. The train ride between Anchorage and Seward is beautifully scenic. I haven't been to Homer but have heard good things about it.

Also, a visit to Talkeetna between Anchorage and Denali, is worthwhile. It's where you get the best views of Denali - weather permitting - and there is a variety of outdoor activities there, including flightseeing.

P.S.

Talkeetna is a small, funky little town. A lot of people spend only one night there, but I would have enjoyed an extra night.

I don't know if you're into this type of thing, but I took a 3-day drive/fly tour up the Dalton Highway, from Fairbanks to the Arctic, which was my favorite part of the trip. It goes all along the pipeline but the scenery is spectacular.

i am going over the labor day weekend for a week and here is what i am planning. friday eve-anchorage, rent a car. saturday AM, drive to whitttier-take ferry to valdez. Saturday aft, explore valdez. sunday, drive part way back to anch. monday, drive back through anch, perhaps visiting a museum or two. stay in girdwood. tuesday-to seward. go on boat trip. wed AM kayak in seward-then to cooper landing for the eve. thurs-to homer. many things to do in homer. sat-back to anchorage.

I personally think a cruise plus post cruise is a great way to experience Alaska. We have done this three times and love it. Right now you can book 7 day cruises for $399. It is impossible to see Alaska cheaper! We always book everything independently....we don't like crowds....and love nature. If you can swing 4 days post cruise I would take the train up from Seward to Anchorage. It is a beautiful ride! Then grab a rental car, some food, and drive up to Denali. The days are much shorter in September than in June, but the colors are beautiful. At Denali, take the 1st shuttle bus out in the morning and make sure you take it all the way in to Wonder Lake. The shuttle buses end on the 13th of September, so you need to visit prior to that as it is the only way to get into the park. We also loved the drive north of Fairbanks to Cheena Hot Springs, and glacier hiking with Mica Trekking. Alaska is beautiful and you won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

Thank you all for your replies, very informative! We have actually decided that it is just too much to plan and book a trip to Alaska in such a short space of time but will save your information for a later date.

Thanks again!

Please do not rule out Whittier, a short trip from Girdwood,(which is 45 minutes south of Anchorage) for glacier cruises as well.
You will be on smooth and full service large catamarans, with food and beverages, and nice clean bathrooms, and comfortable seating areas, and lunch included. (It isn't gourmet, and some opt to bring extra snacks). You can also do two different lengths, half day or full.

It is calm, pristine, and lovely, without the full Dramamine ocean conditions in Seward. We like both, but Prince William Sound is an experience in itself, out of Whittier.

Google Phillips 26 Glacier Tours and see.