spampinato

Going to Alaska in August. We have decided to do land first, then cruise. Should we do land on our own and book southbound cruise? or should we do both through a cruise line? There is a HAL land /sea cruise that stays in Denali for 3 nights, but doesn't spend the night in Seward. Do we have enough time in Seward to do anything? Are we missing out not going to Fairbanks? or Talkaneeta?

What about Princess or Royal Caribbean?

Where's the best place to book a cruise? through the cruise line? cheap cruises? AAA? Cruise Critic?

lastly, how important is a balcony room on the ship?

marg

I would definitely have a balcony cabin on the Alaska cruise, particularly in places like Glacier Bay. We spent hours on the balcony soaking in the scenery whereas we would have been battling to find a place at the rail on the open deck.
We did a Princess cruise from Vancouver to Whittier followed by a five day coach tour through Denali to Fairbanks - really enjoyed the whole package.

spampinato

Thanks you.

ira

Hi sp,

>Do we have enough time in Seward to do anything?

If you told us what cruise you are considering we might be able to answer.

gail

We did a week on land on our own and then a southbound cruise (Princess). 2 nights in Anchorage - at beginning and end of our pre-cruise week. Rented a car, drove up to Denali, spending 2 nights. The major part of our full day there was on the all-day bus tour into Denali. Drove back and spent 3 nights in Seward, including an all-day wildlife Kenai Fjords boat trip. Back to Anchorage, picked up transportation and cruise from Whittier.

It was a good trip. A lot of driving, but Alaska is big.

tiniegirl

A balcony is a MUST on an Alaskan cruise! In August you will use it all the time. We only did cruise R/T Vancouver, so I can't comment on the land part, but the cruise is magnificent! Enjoy... it is breathtaking!!

1965

We did a 7 day cruise, 3 day land, through Princess. We were very happy with all of it. We did cruise then land. There was the option to do land first then cruise. Happy sailing! Love Alaska.

spampinato

Thanks... We are limited to cruise cabin choices at this point since we just decided a week ago to go. Is it a waste of money if we can only get a cabin with a westerly view?

spampinato

looking into doing land on our own. This gives us more flexibility. This is our tentative land itinerary...
July 30 arrive in anchorage

July 31 train to Denali, flight see with glacier landing

August 1 Kantishna wilderness trails tour

August 2 bus to Talkneeta, Talkneeta Wilderness Jet Boat ( or stay in Denali an Extra day and do an ATV tour, the visitors center and shuttle bus) suggestions?

August 3 Bus to Seward

August 4. Kensington Fjords National Park cruise

August 5 free until boarding ship

Either cruising on HAL or Royal Carribean

marg

Hi spampinato,

It doesn't seem to matter whether you have a port or starboard cabin as when the ship is scenic cruising in places like Glacier Bay, then the ship will keep turning slowly to give everyone great views. We've had cabins on both sides of ships and haven't noticed any difference.
Hope you have a wonderful time and great weather.

ira

Hi SP,

Have you booked your accommodations?

spampinato

Have not booked anything yet, still tweaking and trying to gather as much info as possibl