Alaska Bound Summer '11
 

So I did it!! I booked the InnerSea Discoveries cruise for 8 days and 7 nights this summer.
I am really excited and think this will be an amazing adventure for our family.
Now I need to plan around that portion of the trip.

We will be in Juneau for a day and a half before embarkation and then in Ketchikan for a half day before flying to Anchorage. Any suggestions on how to fill that time is appreciated!!

Also we will be spending time seeing the Interior - 5 full days (not including travel time), before heading back to the lower 48 from Anchorage.

Since we will be seeing the Inner Passage Coast on the cruise, I would like suggestions on an itinerary that would be completely different.

Are you going to have any time to spend in Denali National Park?
I am planning an inside passage trip for the summer also, but will be in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage before embarking on the ship in Juneau.
From what everyone has been saying about Denali, it is not be be missed.

I haven't booked the air from Ketchikan to Anchorage yet - and now I am wondering if I should fly from Ketchikan to Fairbanks instead.

IF you only have 5 days, no, I wouldn't consider Fairbanks. 5 days is a short amount of time for interior Alaska, with it, you can only fit in Denali Park and Seward, which are highlights and the best areas for wildlife.

BUT- it depends on what YOU want to see and do?? So I suggest, you figure that out, then concentrate on being in those areas for your touring preferences.

For Juneau there is a boatload of stuff to do. And certainly a wide range of activities. Again, do your homework, find out what is of the most interest to you. Head to your library and take out Fodor's Alaska and other travel books. www.traveljuneau.com www.visit-ketchikan.com

I said Fairbanks because I thought it was a close drive to the Denali park entrance. Isn't it a shorter drive from Fairbanks than Anchorage

Fairbanks is about 2 1/2 hours drive to Denali, while Anchorage is almost 5 hours.

However, if you go into Anchorage, and you have the interest. It is way more central to include both Denali Park and Seward.

As I suggested, before you get into this decision- figure out what you want to do. Then do the transportation that best suits that travel.

BQ - Had to make a fast decision as I am using miles on AA for the entire family for the entire trip. I went with Anchorage - seemed easier and cheaper as far as the car rental. Now that I have heard seen the hotel options and prices and the cost of a car rental, I am reevaluating the RV.
Thanks!!