RandyK

Leaving in early July for a 7 day cruise out of Seward. Can someone recommend a place to stay for 3 nights prior to this cruise. We are looking to go to Denali---I assume that can be done on a day trip basis from Anchorage. Should we stay somewhere in Denali? Any suggestions?

Also, (I'll post this on the cruise forum as well) but what is the best way to get from Anchorage to Seward the day of our cruise? We did not buy our air through Holland America because we got a much better rate through the airline. (More than $300 cheaper.)

Can someone tell me my options?

Gardyloo

A trip to Denali requires at least 2 full days - half a day there, overnight somewhere near the park, a day's excursion on the shuttle buses into the park, then either another night near/in the park or a late return to Anchorage (around 3-5 hrs each way depending on your habits.)

If you already haven't booked space near Denali by now your pickings may be getting slim; better see to it ASAP.

Getting from Anchorage to Seward is a major pain - you can take the train, but it may not be convenient without an overnight in Seward, or you can take one of HAL's overpriced shuttle buses, or you can rent a one-way car (Hertz is the only major with a Seward office) also at great expense. If you can handle the cost, the car is the best alternative because the scenery on the Seward Highway is superb.

Check out the Alaska board on www.cruisecritic.com for tons of advice on cruising in AK.

ofallon

My husband and I just returned from Alaska yesterday. We cruised with Holland America from Vancouver to Seward. We rented a car in Anchorage and drove to Denali. It was about a 4 hour drive one way so you'll definitely want to spend at least one night there. We spent two. (One night in the Grande Denali Lodge and one in the McKinley Chalet Resort...both fine places to stay). We arranged our own air fare as well but did purchase the shuttle transfer from Seward to Anchorage through Holland America. There are other shuttles offered from the Anchorage airport to Seward that have no affiliation with HAL (for about $40/pp one way). Check out www.alaskashuttle.com

smp916

Just returned from an eight day stay in Alaska. In Seward, we stayed at the Hotel Edgewater, which I recommend to anyone. We drove from Seward to Denali (with a pit stop in Anchorage) all in one day. It's about a two hour drive from Seward to Anchorage, depending on how many slow motor homes you get stuck behind, and also on the Seward Highway construction areas. Anchorage to Denali took us about five hours, including stops at some of the great scenic views of Denali. Stayed at the McKinley Chalet Resort--a great place. Beautifully clean, and wonderful staff people from all over the world! If you only have three days for Seward and Denali, I'd agree with Gardyloo's recommendations. Or you might want to save Denali for another trip and just stay in Seward and Homer. We loved the Major Marine 8 hour cruise of Kenai Fjords--it was outstanding! Enjoy your trip!
Sue

BudgetQueen

Denali Park requires 2 overnights new Denali Park, in my opinion and the shuttle to at least Eielson, any shorter is hardly worth it. For clairfication it is reasonably a 5+ hour drive, 250 miles. It should not be a marathon, plenty to see along the way. Seward - Anchorage is 125 miles again 3 hours, more if stopping. Several transfer options Anchorage- Seward- actually the train is an EXCELLENT option, leaves Anchorage around 7am, need an overnight before in Anchorage. Most scenic of any transfer option, self drive via Hertz, expect rates around $200/day, last choice I would consider is bus.