pianotainment

We arrive Seward in the morning of 26th April by cruise ship. Our flight back is going in the evening of 28th April from Anchorage. So we wonder what to do these 2/3 days. We are two young guys, physically fit and love to live in close contact with nature. Do you have any suggestion for us?

sdpryde

You are arriving in AK about a month before our normal summer tour season gets going, so you will be at a disadvantage as for getting 'guided' activities.

We haven't had much of a winter though so some good hiking might be available.

Transportation?????
- Hertz is the only car rental agency in Seward. I put in a reservation request (pickup in Seward, drop off in ANC) and it came up at $1000/day, so I suspect their office is actually not even open for the season yet.
- Rail, there is no rail service out of Seward either.
- so you have some transportation issues (does the cruise offer a shuttle/bus/other to ANC?)

What to do..
- 26th - book PJ's (see: http://www.pjstaxi.com/ ) for a scenic/guided drive to Anchorage (arrive at ANC around noon) (Probably in the $250-$350 price range)
- pick up a rental car in ANC
- from there, search what hikes and/or other activities might be open/available in Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, Portage.

pianotainment

Thanks for your reply. Seems a little bit difficult to get to Anchorage within these days. I don´t know yet if there is a shuttle service offered by the cruise ship (it´s crystal cruises)or not.

So I´m afraid, we have to decide on-site whether we go by shuttle or by taxi.

In Anchorage we have to decide renting a car and staying in hotels or renting a RV. We got an offer for a 22 foot motorhome for $329.67. This quote is for picking up the vehicle in the afternoon of 4/26/16 and dropping it back off in the morning of 4/29/16. This price includes:

Taxes
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited generator usage
Kitchen cookware
Linens and towel packages
No Cleaning or dumping fees upon return

So what do you think is the best option?

tomfuller

Bus (motorcoach) option:http://www.sewardalaskabus.com/
Once you get to the Anchorage airport you can rent a car.

Gardyloo

The problem is that late April is not only ahead of the tourist season by several weeks, it's frankly not a very great time to visit southcentral Alaska. Things - as a rule, and some years less or more - are still in "breakup" - spring thaw - mode, with rotten snow and mud as the main landsacape features. Back country activities are limited and can be hazardous due to avalanche danger.

I imagine the cruise line will make transportation, probably buses, available to Anchorage, and I'd use those, then get a car in Anchorage and visit whatever sights or sites are available. Girdwood is a good idea and if nothing else the drive along Turnagain Arm is beautiful at any season.

If that doesn't appeal or if you just want to stay around Seward, I'd contact some of the summer season tour companies and see what activities they may offer in April. For example, I believe there are whale watching tours out of Seward in April, and undoubtedly there's somebody in town who would love to take you fishing for halibut or bottom fish (too early for salmon). Maybe one of the Kenai Fjords operators will have tours into the national park (given that your ship will offer some opportunity for profit.) Or you could take a cab to Exit Glacier (arrange for a pick-up time) and I suppose you could hike (probably muddy or snowy) up to the glacier.

Or of course, hang out in Seward and consume beer. Popular practice.

Where else in Alaska does your cruise take you?

sdpryde

Hotel vs. RV...
- The time of year you are coming, I'd definitely go with a car/hotel. With an RV you don't know what campgrounds might be open and or what places will be free of snow so to be able to park an RV.

janisj

The cruise ship definitely will offer transport options to Anchorage. At that time of year -- I'd just head to Anchorage. If the weather is decent you could rent a car for a couple of days of touring. If not, spend the time in Anchorage.

pianotainment

Thanks. @Gardyloo: We have two more stops in Alaska, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. Could be also a little bit difficult to find some nice activities .....

Gardyloo

We have two more stops in Alaska, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. Could be also a little bit difficult to find some nice activities .....

I assume the cruise line will make excursions available in all your ports. In Kodiak and Unalaska (aka Dutch Harbor) I'd go with anything that highlights the Russian heritage of those places or their history in general. Unalaska is a fascinating place.

traveller1959

I may be a little late with my post, but I would suggest not taking the (expensive) transfer to Anchorage offered by the cruise ship but this bus transer:

https://www.alaskabusconnections.com/

Take the half-day "Wildlife Park" tour to ANC airport and rent a car there. In Anchorage, visit the Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Museum. Drive to the Native cemetary in Eklutna and to Matanuska Glacier. Do another daytrip to Girdwood.

rachill_az

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YES!! Definitely try ice climbing! Matanuska Glacier is only about 90 minutes north of Anchorage and is a beautiful pristine glacier. My sister, brother and I joined a group (through MICA guides) for ice climbing and it was the highlight of our trip. Take a look at some of the photos I have posted - it was an AMAZING experience! http://livelifeoutofoffice.com/2015/...imbing-alaska/

>

Does your cruise stop in Juneau? If so, you MUST do the Mendenhall Glacier Trek. There is nothing like walking on a glacier, peering into deep crevasses, and ice caves! I'll never forget the ice caves... Here is my trip report from the glacier trek I did last year - http://livelifeoutofoffice.com/2015/...r-trek-alaska/

Have a fun trip!