My Alaska Trip Dilemma
 

Hi,
I have gotten so much help on this forum so far, so I am hoping to get some ideas to help solve my transportation dilemma.

We are arriving in Anchorage around 1pm on June 22 & leaving for a cruise from Seward on June 27th at 9pm. So far, this is my plan:

1- Arrive Anchorage, drive to Denali (night near Denali)

2- tour Denali Park (night near Denali)

3- Return to Anchorage (night in Anc)

4- train to Seward (night in Seward)

5- Kenai Fjord trip (night in Seward)

6- leave for cruise from Seward

I was planning to pick up a car at the ANC airport & return it on Day 3. Then take the train to Seward on Day 4. The problem is that I am not sure how to get around once we are in Seward. Also, the more affordable places to stay seem to be outside of Seward, and therefore, we would need a car.

I am trying to decide if it would make sense to rent the car from Hertz (ANC) and drop it in Seward (this was the only company that I could find with a one-way rental). It will cost $550 for the 5 days. It seems like a lot of $, but I am wondering if it would be worth it because it might be less hassle.

I would appreciate any advice about this.

Thanks so much:)

Aren't there any car rental places in Seward? I would check and then just rent while you are down there. That seems like a pretty high amount for a car.

We found a nice b&b in seward for $65, if you don't mind sharing a bathroom - check out: http://www.seward.net/~morningcalm

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to try to find a place in Seward within walking distance to attractions (or at least with public transportation available). I don't think that I can handle spending over $550 for a car!

We will pick up a car at the airport when we get there. On Day 3, we will return to Anchorage, and will be staying at the Marriott (820 W. 7th Ave).

Does it make sense to return the car to the airport & then take a bus/shuttle/taxi to the hotel? Or should I try to find a company where I could turn in the car somewhere in the city?

Also, we have to get to the train station to catch a train to Seward early in the morning. I wonder if it would make any sense to keep the car & turn it in at the train station (if this is even possible).

Hmmmm...lots to think about!

Thanks for helping me to brainstorm some ideas!

Use taxis in Seward if you can't find something close in. Much cheaper than the Hertz ripoff.

I don't know who you are renting from in Anchorage, but I rented from Hertz' downtown office. Does the Marriott have a shuttle from the airport? If so, then rent from the downtown office and drop there. It's not too far from the Marriott. I know where that is.

Actually, that only makes sense if you were staying in Anchorage first. Just rent from Hertz at airport and ask if you can drop downtown. Otherwise, take back to airport and use shuttle if Marriott has one. Make sense?

Thanks Deborah, that does make sense. I'll check with Marriott about the shuttle.

MOST hotels in Anchorage do NOT have airport shuttles for guests. A cab to the airport from downtown is about $20.

The Holiday Inn does indeed have a shuttle to the airport. I took it.

For that matter, so did the Spring Hill Suites which I also took. So I again, suggest that you check with the Marriott.

Hey KEC, me again. Well here's some info for you. If you can't drop the car downtown and need to go back to Anchorage airport, there is a new shuttle service that started up called Shuttle Man. It's $10 for first person and $2.00 for each additional person. So, if it's just you and your husband, it would only be $12. The number is (907) 677-8537. It might be cheaper than a cab. Enjoy your trip to Alaska. I am leaving for Alaska myself on Saturday. Can't wait. By the way to the other posters, Holiday Inn discontinued their shuttle service and they are the ones that told me about Shuttle Man, but there are a lot of hotels in Anchorage that do have them. Always best to check directly with your hotel.

Thanks so much to everyone for all of the ideas. This is what I have found out through some more research:

- Thrifty car rental from ANC airport, drop off in town & there is a free shuttle to the Marriott = $127 (2 days)

- Train from Anc to Seward = $118

- Bears Den B&B near train & boat area in Seward = $125 per night

So, it looks like this option (plus using taxis & trolleys in Seward if/when needed) is a lot cheaper than renting the car. We will also save on gas money as well, so it will probably cost $400 less than renting the car for 5 days (the B&B is cheaper than the hotel that I had previously booked also).

Thanks again:)

KEC, it looks like you did lots of research and your plan looks great.

The Marriott had an airport shuttle when I was there two years ago. It's a lovely hotel with glass walls - make sure your room faces Denali and you'll see it when the sun rises! There is also a very relaxing indoor pool.

Seward is a small town but I still think you'd want a car there.

KEC,

If you can, try and see the show at the Fly By Night in Anchorage. Well worth the night out and so funny. Enjoy your trip.

One more thing, if you do decide to go to that show, reservations are necessary. It always sells out because it is so popular. Really a good laugh though.

Thanks again everyone!

Deborah, I am going to look into your last suggestion. Is it a comedy club?

Also, does anyone know if there is anything fun to do in Seward at night? We are meeting up with some friends there, and I thought I would try to figure out some fun things for us to do.

Thanks!

Fly By Night is funny, but it is NOT a comedy club. Unless I am mistaken, it is a drag queen show. Long story, but I used to work with one of the performers...

It most surely is a comedy/musical act. No drag act. Please. It sells out every night in Anchorage during the tourist season. It is political and comedy satires as well as bar and restaurant. You can do an internet search for Fly By Night Anchorage and see some reviews. www.tripadvisor.com has some reviews for sure. My high school friend that was living in Alaska took me. Have fun.

From the website:

"Mr. Whitekeys [the owner], had played music at the wedding of Charlie [prior owner] and his wife. The marriage was still doing just fine, so one day he said, "Kid, you want the keys to a hopeless operation?" That was the birth of The Fly By Night Club--formerly The Idle Hour, The Lakeshore Club, VFW Post 1689, The Fancy Moose, The Red Baron, The Flying Machine Mexican Restaurant, The Co-Pilot Club, and The Oar House. Our motto was 'Going out of business in the same location for over 30 years.'"

Have a ball.

As for what to do in Seward the night before 2000 people get on a cruise ship? Hope to find a place to sit down.

With Alaska car rentals- I ALWAYS rent a cheap round trip Anchorage car AND then a one way Anchorage- Seward car for only one day. Seward has more options via car- getting to Exit Glacier is one. But there is the trolley $4 all day pass, and the Visitor center will arrange a shuttle to Exit or Seavey's.

Very good point Gardyloo - I'm sure that Seward will be INUNDATED with tourists the night before the cruise!

I guess that's why I am wondering if there is a cool place to hang out where I could make reservations now, hopefully before some of the other people think of it:)

Hi Kec:

Try this link for visitor info. Why don't you call the Chamber of Commerce directly and ask them for a suggestion. The local people are the greatest source of info.

http://www.sewardak.org/visitor_info.htm

I can't help you too much with Seward because I only did a day trip there. It's a cute town though. Enjoy your cruise.

When we were in Seward We stayed at a place called Harborview Inn. It was about $125 a night last year. Good location right in town by the boats ect..Nice decent rooms. They do have a website but not sure of the address.

One thing,if you could manage to see Exit Glacier, while you are in Seward you won't regret it.It is about 5 miles out of town however. But so worth the bit of time to see it.It was one of the many highlights of our trip.

We went to the " Fly By Night Club" in Anchorage also. Great show, very funny! We caught it at the end of trip while waiting for our red eye flight home. No,it is not a drag show, as the other poster said.It is more a bar with a stage show. Yes you do need to book it ahead of time. It was packed when we went.

Have a Great time.

I found the website for the Harborview inn in Seward.

www.alaskan.com/harborviewinn/

I am very grateful for all of the help & wonderful suggestions. I love this forum!

Dottie - I did try the Harborview, but it was full. Oh well, maybe next time;)

Now I have to figure out which Kenai Fjords tour to choose!

I am doing a similiar trip one week before you. We booked a nite in downtowm anchorage at the Hawthorn Suites which has transportation from the airport and to the train depot.
In seward, were staying at the Edgewater Inn(a little pricey) but good downtown location. Did you book the Denali Tour?? Also I spoke with one of the Kenai Fjord tours to ask about weather and was told there is space to book the same day your going so you have time to check out the different companies. Enjoy.

freespirit - thanks for the info. I did book a spot on the Denali Shuttle bus (got the last 2 seats!) & just got my tickets in the mail.

I have been looking into the Kenai Fjords tours & I can't decide which one to choose. I know that we want to do at least 6 hours, but I don't know if the 9+ hour one is too long. I'm not sure how I am going to decide!

There are a few things to consider for the kenai fjords tour. Are you taking kids?? I have two kids and 6 hours is plenty of boat time for them. how the weather is the day you take the tour can be a factor if you get seasick like me!! ALso the different tour companies have different schedules-could be a factor depending on what else you want to do that day. I think we can plan so much and then take a deep breath and it will all work out. Good Luck.

I live in Alaska and have taken quite a few Kenai boat tours. We like www.kenaifjords.com the best. Major Marine is also good. Try to find one that stops and lets you off the boat at some point. That helps with motion sickness. Also go up on deck as much as you can tolerate. How long kind of depends on what you want to see. Lots of wildlife on a 4 hour tour. If you want to see glaciers then it will have to be the long one. Layer your clothing...it can get very cold. Find out what food is served on the tour...one company served friends of mine a hotdog and a mini snickers for dessert. As far as Seward goes most of what there is to see is within walking distance except for Exit Glacier. If you are at a B&B I'm sure they could help arrange for transportation to that. For entertainment the night before I'd find a bar with live music. There isn't much else to do.
Fly by Night -
NOT A DRAG SHOW! More like dinner theater/comedy where dinner is optional. There are guys dressing up in wigs and dresses, but only because it's funny...not because it feels good. Highly recommend it. Locals love it too and that's a good sign. (907)279-SPAM You'll get the Spam reference at the show. Good luck. Have fun. Alaskans are proud of their state and 9/10 will be more than happy to show it off and help you out.

I too have taken several Kenai Fjords trips with the Northwestern now my preference. BUT most important- if you are the slightest bit prone to seasickness- take precautions- I have seen sick passengers on EVERY trip and it's usually the ones at the dock proclaiming they never get sick. :)

Thanks to all for the advice.

I am really confused about the Kenai fjords tours. Some opinions that I have read have said to do the 6 hr, some said the 9+ hours is the absolute best, and some have said that the lunch on Fox Island is nice...they all sound good to me!!!

I have only been on one ship in my life, and that was a 2,000 passenger cruise ship. The people I went with are the same people who will be going on the KF trip with me & 3 out of 4 of us got somewhat seasick (one night the ship was ROLLING!) one day on the cruise.

Maybe we should do the shorter (6 hour) trip, or the one that stops, in case of seasickness. I will also take medicine & bring extra!

I think that our main goal is to see the beauty of the KF area, and also to see wildlife. We will be seeing glaciers on the cruise (doing the helicopter to a glacier trip), but I have never seen a glacier, so I don't know what I'll be missing if I don't see one on the KF tour:)

Any more thoughts?

Thanks again:D

You need to go on at least 6 hours of SAILING for significant wildlife viewing. Add the Fox Island if you wish making the trip 8+ hours. Do take precautions BEFORE you start. Bonine is a good product to consider.