My husband & I (early 50's) are planning our first cruise on our first trip to Alaska in '08. We want to go to Denali, hopefully rent a motorcycle at some port, possible horseback riding. Would prefer less kids, not into a party scene. Where do I begin? Sorry to be so general but this is a whole new world to me. Never thought I could get hubby on a ship until I dangled Alaska out there. Thanks for any help you can give me!!

Suggest you look at the Alaska CC site for ideas. You will see comments from BudgetQueen there (and here), which are always helpful. We rented a car at the Anchorage airport, stayed overnight in Anchorage, then drove to Denali the next day. Stayed at a B&B near the Park, spent the next day going deep into the Park on one of the shuttles (bought tickets before we left). Then we drove to Talkeetna, where we spent 2 nights. Talkeetna is a great place from which to take a flight over McKinley. After Talkeetna, we drove back to Anchorage, returned the car, and headed to Seward to board our ship. There are many options, depending on how much time you can devote to your land tour. Feel free to drop me a line if you have questions: [email protected].

Check with Holland America Line - almost 50 years experience in Alaska. Median age for Alaska cruises is 55. They have many different cruisetours that might work for you, or you can always do a customized trip, too.

Best Regards,
Julia

I am no fan of cruisetours. You need to do your homework no matter how you tour. Be certain you understand fully- everything- especially what is included and times in transit. This is referring to the land portion. Longer is usually better.

It is easy to go on your own and is superior for routing your interests. Fixed point to point touring in Alaska, misses plenty in my opinion. Usually a cheaper option especially if you want to consider www.toursaver.com

For Denali Park, have 2 nights there, and consider the shuttle to at least Fish Creek, if your priority is wildlife and scenery.

You can rent motorcycles out of Anchorage. My husband did a 3 day trip a couple years ago. Ketchikan has a costly tour. Horseback riding is highly recommended out of Carcross, from Skagway with Joni.

There is no issue of kids and party scenes in Alaska, so no limitation on any cruiseline selection, including Carnival- similar passengers to all the other's with the bulk middle aged and above.

I do definately like HAL, especially with a Glacier Bay and College Fjord itinerary, and Seward. Think carefully if you don't consider the wonderful touring opportunities here. Very worthwhile to at least spend the day here. Most people just pass through missing out.

In your ship selection- consider ports, time in port, route, glacier, ship naturalist, price. Budget fully for excursions, you get only half a trip in my opinion without them.

Thanks for the info. This is giving me something to think on. I think my husband would be much happier if he has control of the wheel for part of the trip. I think I will look into planning the land part on our own, meaning mostly me. So glad to hear about the motorcycle rentals. Would you happen to know where your husband rented from? We can't go to Alaska and not ride at all as we have been to every one of the lower 48 by bike.

http://www.harleyalaska.com/custompage.asp?pg=rentals