Hi all. I've been reading LOTS of other posts and decided to ask my own. Our 7 day cruise sails from Vancouver to Seward. I thought about going to Denali but does it make sense given we arrive in Seward on Wed (in August) and leave Friday evening from Anchorage? Family trip with 2 teenage girls who like to raft. I am open to thoughts about if the drive to Denali is worth it or do we just stay south of Anchorage? Thank you.

The time in the car just isn't worth it in my opinion. There is so much to see and do between Seward and Anchorage that you would have to pass up. Look for rafting trips that might be available in the KP area. Also, if you don't see any whales, etc on your cruise, you would want to take a day in Seward to go on a day cruise. It was a highlight for us.

Sorry, you don't really have enough time. From Seward to Anchorage it's 3 hours. Add 6 Anchorage/Denali park, you need a shuttle to at least Fish Creek- 8 hours, then allow 6 hours driving back to Anchorage and leave.

I think you would be far better off just enjoying Seward. Plenty to see and do for 2 days, plan on getting off your ship early, so to have a full day. Always on my list is a Kenai Fjords boat tour- needing at least 6 hours on the water. request their visitor guide- www.seward.com

I would rent a one way car for 24 hours for your drive to Anchorage. Although costly- expect $200/day, it offers you the most freedom and the ability to enjoy the trip with the freedom to stop where you wish. Especially interesting is Portage Glacier Visitor Center. Anchorage also has plenty to offer- www.anchorage.net

Well, it looks like Denali is definitly out. Thank you for that. I wish we had more time. I was considering taking the train or coach up to Anchorage and renting a car there to take day trips to Girdwood or Palmer. I would like to see some of the interior of Alaska. I am not interested in spending much time in Anchorge and would rather spend the two nights outside of the city. Suggestions on a town outside of Anchorage that may be worth spending two nights at or is Seward still the best choice?

I would at least, spend the day in Seward and make a good touring choice. That the train that night. Overnight in Anchorage and get your 2 day rental car. Not that much in Girdwood, except the tram and hiking. If you go that far, then continue to Portage Glacier visitor center, very worthwhile.

Head north to Hatcher Pass to Independence Mine, very scenic. Eagle River Nature Center may be of interest? Eklutna Spirit House tour is very worthwhile. MICA guides glacier trekking is another good option.


Make yourself a list of your desired activities, then see what can fit in your timeframe.

Thank you so much budgetqueen. I will take your advice to spend more time in Seward. Those other suggestions sound good too. I think we'll skip Girdwood. I've just posted questions about staying in Willow with Verne Halter. I think we'd like to do some dog sled tour. I really don't want to stay in Anchorage if we can help it.