cruise tours or book independently
Jul 28th, 2006, 03:42 PM
#1
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cruise tours or book independently
going on Holland American cruise with tour - they have excursions but seems prices are cheaper with independents - problem can you coordinate with ships schedule - who is the best to use - going to Denali, Anchorage, Juneau, Haines, Ketchikan. Is it better to simply use their excursionss? Has anyone taken trip to artic circle - how to arrange ? is it really worth all that extra air travel?
Jul 28th, 2006, 03:51 PM
#2
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I always book cruise excurstions. I don't want to miss the boat when it pulls out of port. (Call me silly.)
And, I was going to go to the Artic Circle once but I reconsidered when somebody warned me that my warm glow might melt the ice cap.
And, I was going to go to the Artic Circle once but I reconsidered when somebody warned me that my warm glow might melt the ice cap.
Jul 28th, 2006, 05:27 PM
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We also went with HAL earlier in the summer, but did everything on our own. See my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34819012
Let me know if you have questions.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34819012
Let me know if you have questions.
Jul 28th, 2006, 06:26 PM
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If you get cruise insurance, you might want to check out whether it covers independent tour excursions. I don't remember the details, but I know an independent tour bus carrying cruise passengers went off a cliff recently.
Check the cruise board for Fodor's or go to one of the numerous cruise-focused web sites, like Cruise Critic.
Check the cruise board for Fodor's or go to one of the numerous cruise-focused web sites, like Cruise Critic.
Jul 29th, 2006, 06:14 PM
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Sorry, but the "miss the ship" concept is total bunk. It's your own fault if you miss your ship due to poor planning, NOT the venders. I have never heard of a vender being the cause, and certainly- it would be posted all over these boards.
Key for independent touring is to fully disclose your ship and port times, and go with their recommendations for scheduling. You will enjoy a superior tour.
Not sure of your "Denali" reference??? It's extremely simple to get to Denali Park via rail or drive. Grossly superior for arrangeing your own scheduling and touring based on your priority. Group point to point touring is lacking with way too much time taken up waiting, loading/unloading, also the most costly option.
www.toursaver.com is a great interior Alaska cost saver. If you care to list your interior Alaska timeframe, I can offer an itinerary for you to consider.
Key for independent touring is to fully disclose your ship and port times, and go with their recommendations for scheduling. You will enjoy a superior tour.
Not sure of your "Denali" reference??? It's extremely simple to get to Denali Park via rail or drive. Grossly superior for arrangeing your own scheduling and touring based on your priority. Group point to point touring is lacking with way too much time taken up waiting, loading/unloading, also the most costly option.
www.toursaver.com is a great interior Alaska cost saver. If you care to list your interior Alaska timeframe, I can offer an itinerary for you to consider.
