I would like to plan a trip in June of 04. Would like to cruise from Vancouver up to Ancorage and then go up to Denali. My son (13) wants to see Alaska and Mt. Mckinley. One problem - he won't fly! Any suggestions on how to get back down to Vancouver or Port Rupert?

I am working on trying to get him to fly even just a couple hrs, but it isn't working yet. I also don't really want to drive days thru Alaska myself.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks so much

you could take the alaskan marine ferry system back down. you'll be seeing the same scenary as on the cruise but it is a basic ship and much less expensive. i've heard the food isn't so great so bring your own.
i hope you can convince your son to fly. it sure will limit his travel experiences in his life if he won't. besides the take offs are such a blast!

I did the ferry in May and I loved it. While the food is not "4 star", it certainly was fine and the best prices for food in Alaska. Enjoy your trip.

You are going to need an great deal of time if you do not fly, I would suggest at least 3-4 weeks. I would offer a fearful flyer class to him - hopefully he will change his mind.

I agree with BudgetQueen that your son would probably benefit from a "fearful flyers" class. He's got a lot of his life ahead of him, and limiting his horizons at a young age would be a shame.

Alaska is a wonderful place, and it is definitely worth it to make the trek to Mt. McKinely and Denali. Also, Anchorage has some excellent museums that many people miss because they only stay one day.