Author: susan300
Date: 10/08/2003, 11:25 pm
Message: Hi
we will be first time visitors to Alaska this summer and I am totally overwhelmed by the amount of information there is out there. We are both in our mid 50's..one active; the other not. Need suggestions on what would be best for us. I am thinking right now a flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks and do a few days via land; and then meet up with a cruise that will take us back to Vancouver or another port in the South. Which cruise would you recommend for people who have always traveled independently? Also, what excursions are worth going on and which aren't? thank you,

You might try reposting this with a less vague subject line--something with "Alaska" in the title. Also, try posting to the cruise board too.

love
roxy

For interior touring you need more than a "few days", min is 5 in my experience to make it worthwhile. One way cruises will be from Whittier or Seward to Vancouver- if you go with a major line. There certainly is a lot to consider, but touring interior is easier than you think- head to the travel agency and pick up brochures- look at routes and determine what your interests are. Then head to the library and take out all the Alaska books including THE MILEPOST, if you buy a copy wait for the new edition in March. Very very easy for independent travel, as for port excursions- none bad- just some more exceptional than others. Again- you need to look over a shore excursion list and narrow down your interests. Very easy and better, in my opinion to go independent. Request each port's visitor guide, plenty of information listed. Budget and take tours of interest- skimp elsewhere. I hear of a lot of regrets from visitors who are sorry they didn't splurge for a tour, most always causing a return trip.

Just back - and thank you, Budget Queen for your posts along the way.

Susan, we are independent travellers, too, early sixties, one a little limited, and we had a wonderful time. We rented a room for 2 weeks at the Parkwood Lodge, Anchorage, which has cooking facilities, and did some very long day trips, resting in between. It worked out well for us, but may not for everyone.
We did the Prince William Sound cruise from Whittier (lots of otters, seals, salmon hatchery, and glaciers), Stan Stevens cruise from Valdez (Columbia Glacier - calving and splashing, even waves, humpback whales) and the short Portage Glacier one, which we wouldn't have done without the "Toursaver" coupon, but turned out to be most enjoyable. We drove to Denali, and a short way on the Denali Highway, which was really beautiful with the Autumn colours, and to Homer. Another day, we took a raft trip from Coopers Landing, on the Kenai River filled with huge red, dying salmon. Amazing!

On our "rest" days, we explored the lovely parks around Anchorage - saw lots of moose wild in Kinkaid Park, watched the Belugas in Turnagain Arm, and drove out to Portage Valley,or Girdwood, or Potters Marsh etc. The weather was so nice, that we didn't feel inclined to go to the Museums. Did go to the zoo,but was distressed to see the poor Asian elephant's enclosure.The Alaskan Wildlife Refuge near Portage was good though.

Am sure you'll enjoy Alaska, no matter what you choose, so don't worry too much about your choices!

We did the Inside Passage on the ferry rather than taking a cruise because that way, you are in charge of your own time. You get to hop off at ports along the way and stay for as long as you like, catching the next ferry going your way later on. If you are independent, like we are, I think this is IDEAL. We found that we enjoyed the sights of the Inside Passage, not only from the ferry, but if you stop off at the Ports, you can take the various cruises to nearby fjiords. Also, it is a whole lot cheaper than one of the major cruise lines! We travelled on the MV Kennicott and had our own cabin - FANTASTIC - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. We are going again next year - can't wait! Also, in Skagway, do the train - takes a couple of hours. Accommodation in Skagway - Skagway Inn - very comfortable, food excellent, wonderful atmosphere. Happy travels - hope that helps.

Also, it is a whole lot cheaper than one of the major cruise lines!


There are some excellent points to the Alaska marine highway but the above is not always true. I paid $475 for the Sun Princess, all meals included and I doubt the ferry could even come close. My friend who travels the ferry every summer pays at least 3 times what I pay including the cabin, meals and lodging in port. The cruiseships are more "scenery" based where the ferry is priority of transportation. But they do an excellent job and although I haven't taken them as much as cruise ships they are a nice way to go- especially if you have a stay of a few days in one of the inside passage cities.

Hey, Queen!

The question arises, "How DID you ride the Sun Princess for that great price?"

I haven't paid over $500 pp on an inside cabin to Alaska since 1998. I late book- usually 60-90 days ahead. This past trip I used bargain finders on www.cruisemates.com Actually on Princess the last few years $499 inside cabin rates have been common. August/September has great availabity on cheap cabins (but strongly consider not taking a cruise past the first week of Sept).

Thanks, BQ!