We have a group of 11 going to Vancouver in July to start a cruise and getting off in Seward. We are staying another week and will fly out of ANC. So far from the Albany area, they show prices of $560+. Would this be a good price for this type of trip or will i see lower prices later on?

I am not very clear about your route. Is that ALB to SEA and back from ANC to ALB?

Ooops! I mean from Alb to Vancouver? Not Seattle

Sounds like a decent fare for an "open jaw" ticket. Many people do the Vancouver-to-Vancouver Alaska cruises because of the airfare issues but this won't work for you because you plan to spend a week in Alaska.

That sounds about right for open-jaws to the east coast; you might look at Seattle as an alternate destination (ALB SEA / ANC ALB) then add around $50 per head for land transportation, plus proportinate costs for a hotel room if the timing doesn't work for same-day connections. Usually the "raw" fare using Seattle is $80-$100 less, but adding in the surface transportation and hassle makes it a dicey choice.

Will you see lower prices later? Maybe, maybe not. Like the man said, I'd like a copy of tomorrow's Wall Street Journal. Today.

Gardyloo: I did try pricing the open jaw ticket from ALB-Sea with Southwest & figure that would be about $200 RT on sale..I just wasn't sure how much transportation would be then to Vancouver, but i see your saying about $50. We will leave from ANC after a 9 day land tour. I priced ANC-SEA and that was $212, so you are right about things getting "pricey dicey"! I think we will go hassle free & pay the extra.

I pay about $500 from Syracuse but never book more than 60 days ahead. With a group of 11, I would book now, factor in also $25++ for a Vancouver cab to port. As for Seattle, you would need an overnight from the East Coast- no sure thing making a same day Vancouver cruise as you need to allow at least 4 hours for the transfer. But very easy for a one way car rental and Seattle is certainly worth the visit. Also don't forget to factor in your Seward/Anchorage transfer- my clear preference is the ARR - it fits so nicely with an all day Kenai fjords boat tour (excellent varied wildlife opportunities not available via the cruise ship or inside ports).

B.Q. Thanks for that info! We are following a suggestion you posted earlier for our group: we are going to stay at least one day on the Kenai P. We depart our ship on a Fri.& have decided to rent cars and drive to Homer that day and stay overnight at the Alaskan Suites. We will be doing a scenic tour the next morning back to ANC and put 2 people on plane home that night. We will turn in the cars and pick up ANC cars & stay overnight. The next a.m. we leave for a huge 7 day loop trip..Den-Fai-Paxson-Valdez-Anc.

With 11 people, you might qualify for a group discount from the airline. Call the airline and ask about a group discount.

If you are flying from ALB this is a pretty good price for July but it involves transfer in what city? I doubt you will see lower price later. Anyway, have fun planning your great trip.

we are going to stay at least one day on the Kenai P. We depart our ship on a Fri.& have decided to rent cars and drive to Homer that day and stay overnight at the Alaskan Suites. We will be doing a scenic tour the next morning back to ANC a


This is a lot of driving- over 400 miles and definately a lot not 55mph- I would allow some time to see Seward. More activities than Homer.