Would like any information you can give me on going to Alaska for the first time for one week. What should we do to enjoy and see the most without too much expense. Should we go by cruise or how? (If so, which ones that wouldn't be expensive, but yet see alot). Any information you can give me for a "first timer" to Alaska (who wants to see the most in a 7 day timeframe), would be appreciated.

Blu

You will have to choose either a cruise or land tour interior with 7 days available. For the most for your money- a round trip Vancouver cruise packs a LOT into 7 days, BUT you need to allow funds for costly tours- you get only half a trip without them. As for ship- be flexable and go with an inside cabin- be well prepared in your attire and enjoy the outside via the ship decks. Post your timeframe on www.cruisecompete.com www.cruisemates.com bargain finder site as well as look at several cruise discount agencies. I perfer Vancouver sailings rather than Seattle due to more inside passage sailing and usually more port time. Any glacier is a great experience- but Glacier Bay does have an edge. For a land tour- flying round trip Anchorage- with a rental car- you can head to Denali Park- allow 2 overnights, perhaps 2 overnight in Fairbanks, an overnight in Talkeetna, an overnight in Anchorage. I greatly prefer Alaska B&B's. It gives you a great opportunity for contacting natives. This a "basic" idea that can be easily "
fine tuned per your interests. Head to your library and take out all the Alaska travel books. Fodor's and Frommer's are expecially concise. Try and get a copy of THE MILEPOST, a necessary reference for any independent Alaska traveler. Talk it over with your travel companions.

We flew to Anchorage and then traveled by car. We were so glad we did it this way because it gave us the freedom to travel where we wanted, when we wanted.
I would strongly suggest you start by picking up The Milepost. This is a thick guidebook all about Alaska. It was suggested by Fodorites when we were planning our trip and I'm glad we listened. It is worth the approx. $28.00, it's an investment you'll be glad you made. It's available at most bookstores, and if they don't have it, they can usually order it for you.
I would tell you to definatly go to Homer and Seward. Both are wonderful. Be sure in Seward to take one of the many day cruises, they are wonderful. The Sealife Center, although small, was another plus. Another great place was Exit Glacier. This is a very easy 1/2 mile walk to an awesome glacier.
Alaska is a wonderful destination and I know, whatever you do, you will have a great time.

Check Walmart.com for Milepost. Much cheaper. Less than a week to receive.

If they choose the cruise route- there is no need for the MILEPOST. As mentioned, for the research "phase". See if your library has a copy for now.

It may be easier to take a cruise but I would vote for traveling by car if you wanted to spend more time with people who live there. For example, while several cruise ships were docked in Skagway I didn't see many tourists beyond the immediate downtown area. We had arrived by ferry and planned to drive to Anchorage from there so we spent two nights in a small hotel. The streets emptied when the cruise ship passengers left for the evening. What a difference. We had no trouble getting a table for dinner where we feasted on crab legs. I walked a few blocks to visit a quilt shop and had a wonderful chat with the owner about year round life in Skagway. (There is no resident doctor or dentist.)
The drive from Anchorage south is very beautiful. We enjoyed Seward. This summer we will fly into Anchorage and have Talkeetna and Hatcher Pass area on our plans but expect to spend most of our time on the Kenai peninsula. The overnight package to Seldovia that was recommended here looks great. Another poster recommended reading Alaska magazine. That might help you decide on which area you'd like to spend most of your time. Your library might have back issues. I frequently read the Anchorage Daily news website (www.adn.com). And, of course, the Iditarod race started last Saturday so daily updates and human interest stories are fascinating. Good luck on your trip!

Consider renting an RV. We had a geat time and enjoyed the flexibility. The RV was also quite a bit cheaper than renting a car and staying in hotels.

Hotel rooms in ALaska are very expensive in the summer. The hotel room we had last weekend in ANchorage is a decent value at $68, but is $100 more expensive in summer.

I have also enjoyed a cruise - can be great values and you see quite a bit.

The Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage) is a must. Next time, we will spend the majority of our time there. Scenery is much better and more activities than north of Anchorage

I have to disagree that the Kenai is better than north. I have traveled north on most of the roads -and all the way to Barrow and there is something excellent everywhere in the state.