OOPS... I have to post this again, because the first time I posted I fif not pick a search topic.

Here is our pre-cruise itinerary. Please review, let me know your thoughts, suggestions, etc. Thanks!

Sat 6/25:
* We fly into Anchorage early afternoon
* Drive to Talkeetna, overnight in Talkeenta

Sun 6/26:
* Drive to Denali
* We have a package deal for 2 nights at Kantishna Roadhouse (in the park)
* Our shuttle leaves at 2pm and arrives at Kantishna at 8pm. We do the park sightseeing along the way. Then we have dinner and spend the night.

Mon 6/27:
* Kantishna Roadhouse (in the park)
* We have a full day here. We are thinking about one of their trips from the lodge to Wonder Lake.
* Spend the night here

Tue 6/28:
* We get up early 6:45 am (yikes!) and shuttle back to the park enterance.
* Drive from Denali to Talkeetna
* Spend the night in Talkeetna

Wed 6/29:
* Drive to Girdwood
* Tram up Mt. Alyeska
* Any suggestions on place to stay? We've hear about the Alyeska Resort, thinking about it but it is pricey.

Thurs 6/30:
* Drive to Seward
* Visit Exit Glacier on the way.
* Hike Harding Ice Field
* Dinner at Ray's Waterfront in Seward
* Night in Seward - any suggestions on where to stay?

Fri 7/1
* Hang in Seward
* Board cruise ship

We broke up the drive to Denali, stopping in Talkeetna both ways, because we are on vacation and want to not rush ourselves.

I was considering skipping Girdwood and heading straight to Seward, but we are not liking the idea of a long drive from Talkeetna to Seward.

Any feedback/suggestions are welcome!

You've got some great ideas. Kantishna should be wonderful. Seward is the best port to depart. Ray's is a great rec.

Don't skip Girdwood (unless the weather's horrendous -- in which case stay in Anchorage.) In fact, make sure that you celebrate my birthday at the Double Musky in Girdwood. OK, you're one day too late, but still ...

http://www.doublemuskyinn.com/

I know the 28th is a long day, but I'd consider making it an exception to your leisurely pace and make the haul to Anchorage. It's really not that bad.

The shuttle will let you off at 11:30, grab a lunch, and you'll be back in Anchorage by 5 or 6. Two nights in Talkeetna isn't needed.

If the sky's clear, hit the Crow's Next at the Hotel Capt. Cook or wrangle a window table at Simon & Seafort's.

Then on the 29th, check out the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and head slowly to Girdwood. Watch for Dall sheep on the left and belugas on the right as you make your way down Turnagain Arm.

After your meal at the Double Musky, either find a B&B in Girdwood or perhaps head to the Kenai Princess in Cooper Landing. It's not directly on the rout to Seward, but it's a beautiful short ways down the road toward Kenai. It's a beautiful place along a gorgeous turquoise river.

Anchorage and Girdwood are each worth some time.

If you are considering Wonder Lake- I would NOT stay at Kantishna- instead take advantage of the activies there, many excellent guided hikes, etc. If you want Wonder Lake, take the cheap shuttle. Talkeetna- Seward is 5 hours, so not a bad drive. However, Anchorage has plenty to offer and unless you are returning, I would at least spend some touring there. In Seward- the highlight are the Kenai fjords boat trips, strongly consider one, can easily go on 7-1.

Agree, stay in Anchorage not Talkeetna again

Thank you for your feedback! I think we will go to Anchorage and not Talkeetna. Any suggestions on a B&B or hotel near downtown?