Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

My Alaska Trip Dilemma

Search

My Alaska Trip Dilemma

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 13th, 2003 | 03:46 PM
  #21  
40 Countries Visited
20 Anniversary
2m Airline Miles
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,861
Likes: 79
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.

Gardyloo is offline  
Old May 14th, 2003 | 05:18 AM
  #22  
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 0
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.
BudgetQueen is offline  
Old May 14th, 2003 | 09:09 AM
  #23  
KEC
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
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
KEC is offline  
Old May 15th, 2003 | 07:21 AM
  #24  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
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.
Deborah is offline  
Old May 15th, 2003 | 05:59 PM
  #25  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
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.
Dottie is offline  
Old May 15th, 2003 | 06:12 PM
  #26  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
I found the website for the Harborview inn in Seward.

www.alaskan.com/harborviewinn/
Dottie is offline  
Old May 16th, 2003 | 05:38 AM
  #27  
KEC
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
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!
KEC is offline  
Old May 17th, 2003 | 06:28 AM
  #28  
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
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.
freespirit61 is offline  
Old May 17th, 2003 | 01:06 PM
  #29  
KEC
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
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!
KEC is offline  
Old May 17th, 2003 | 06:02 PM
  #30  
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
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.
freespirit61 is offline  
Old May 18th, 2003 | 04:28 PM
  #31  
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
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.
marrein is offline  
Old May 19th, 2003 | 06:02 AM
  #32  
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 0
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.
BudgetQueen is offline  
Old May 19th, 2003 | 08:34 AM
  #33  
KEC
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
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
KEC is offline  
Old May 20th, 2003 | 05:16 AM
  #34  
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 0
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.
BudgetQueen is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KristenHecksher
United States
6
Jul 11th, 2015 04:57 AM
peckstein
United States
4
Jan 30th, 2011 05:52 PM
carol2791
United States
7
Nov 2nd, 2009 07:14 AM
TravelingGal
United States
2
Jun 10th, 2008 06:39 AM
Northmole
United States
7
Feb 2nd, 2006 06:30 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -