Thanks, BudgetQueen. I had not focused on Canada as I was so intent on the Alaska portion -- and until we selected the HAL cruise did not know we'd be in Vancouver. Does everything else indicate we'll have a good travel experience? (BTW, the reason we're winding up in Fairbanks is to have a "chance" to see the aurora, as it's the new moon.)

Yes you have a very nice itinerary. But I may have already responded, but you are NOT likely to see northern lights with only allowing 2 days. New moon or not- it requires a clear night, meaning full view of stars- any clouds- forget it. You also need "active" aurora display, also not a given. When I have gone for northern lights- it's a 2 week trip- parked around the Fairbanks area. Never a day or two.

So I suggest you DAILY, look at this prediction site. http://www.gedds.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/

Start in Anchorage, and if you have an active, clear night, get in your car and out of the area you are in, to total darkness. Then at least you have about a week for potential views, and not waiting until the end of your trip for only a so so chance.

Have you considered taking your own car and using the Ferry? We travelled for 7 1/2 week several years ago, using the Ferry instead of a crusie ship,was less expensive and we had more flexibility.

lorraine....we are getting a car becasue we are going on the train and staying in healy. I wasn't sur eof another way to manage it. Any ideas anyone? Anyone have a good recommendation for a helicopter tour in junea? Mariee

Regarding the aurora, I will do what BudgetQueen suggests. By keeping the rental car and not using the train, we'll have the flexibility to drive out of town should the forecast indicate activity. Rental cars are expensive, especially since ours will be one-way, but we don't have the option of using our own car, busterbrown--we only have 3 weeks and live on the East Coast.

coastal Helicopters out of Juneau is usually the cheapest. They are a first rate operator. I have also flown with TEMSCO and Era.

i had thought about going with Coastal, then saw the safety standards ERA had in place. It looks like a fairly safe company. AFter reading one post that the helicopters were welded together, it doesn't give one much faith! Thanks. MArilee

Travelled independently in early June 2005...weather fantastic....Tour Saver vouchers wonderful.....day trip out from Seward great; couple of days more than adequate in Anchorage - do take the effort to find Eklutna [spelling?] the Russian Orthodox churches and graveyard...and the birch ice cream from the little shop near the lack..train to Denali [definitely upstairs] WOW....
Enjoy