Alaska Cruises Guide

Alaska Cruises
Alaska cruises have become one of the most popular ways to visit Alaska. Cruises feature glaciers, wildlife, great food, entertainment, interesting ports of call and fascinating tours along way… and you only have to unpack once! There are a number of different cruise itineraries in Alaska offered by most of the major lines.
Alaska Cruises
The Inside Passage is Alaska’s biggest cruise destination, but popular cruises also visit Prince William Sound, the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea.
The Weather to expect on your Alaska cruise.
The weather in Alaska can fluctuate wildly, so be prepared. Since Ketchikan gets 333 inches of rain annually, you should expect some inclement weather, although I’ve sailed during a full week of sunshine.And remember, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Since Alaska is so far north, the sun rises much earlier and sets much later than you can imagine. From mid-June through early July, you’ll have extremely long hours of daylight. Nonetheless, days may be chilly or warm. More Alaska Weather
Budgeting Your Alaska Cruise.
If you’ve only cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico, you’ll find that cruise fares for Alaska are generally higher. Why? Because there are fewer ships competing for Alaska passengers, but a high level of consumer demand. You’ll find the largest number of discounts available for departures in May and September, when the weather may be a bit chillier. Moreover, the round-trip airfare between your home city and the port of embarkation (generally Vancouver or Anchorage) could add a lot to your tab, depending on your city of origin. I suggest booking a balcony cabin if it’s within your budget: There is very dramatic scenery along the way.
What to Wear and Take on your Alaska Cruise.
Take along clothes you can layer, including cotton sweaters or sweatshirts. I consider a waterproof poncho with hood a necessity (it folds up into almost nothing, so it won’t take up much luggage space). My standard packing list for a seven-day Alaska cruise: four pairs of cotton pants, two pairs of shorts, five T-shirts, a cotton sweater, baseball hat, rain poncho and standard nighttime clothing, including dressy attire for two formal nights. For daytime clothing, I buy everything at Lands’ End (www.landsend.com). My other must-take items: binoculars, suntan lotion, a camcorder and/or camera (400 & 800 speed film) plus tripod. Avon’s Skin So Soft, sold in many drugstores, is a terrific insect repellant, often necessary during July and August. Athletic shoes or good walking boots are also critical.
Shore Excursions for Alaska Cruises.
To see the best of Alaska and have the most fun, a shore excursion is required almost everywhere. Again, you should expect more expensive tours than are offered on Caribbean itineraries. I strongly recommend obtaining the cruise line’s Alaska shore excursion brochure long before departure. Many cruise line web sites have them listed; otherwise, ask your travel agent to get the excursion brochure for you.

In some cases you can save money using the internet and finding locals who will take you on a less-expensive tour. One Miami-based ground operator, Port Promotions, can set up Alaska tours for you at a lower cost. See their web site: www.portpromotions.com. Don’t miss Kuki’s story on cruising in Alaska with his wife and two children: In Skagway they pre-arranged a rental car and had a marvelous time sightseeing as a family.

Read full article |

Talkeetna Alaska Travel – South Denali Park

The town of Talkeetna is located approximately 115 road miles north of Anchorage, about 14 miles off the Parks Highway at the end of the Talkeetna Spur Road. This small distinctive community of less then 500 is often said to be the inspiration behind the television series “Northern Exposure”. The town is also the main staging area for climbers waiting to start their Mt. McKinley ascents, and the Talkeetna area is probably the best location on the highway or rail system to view “the Mountain”. The area also offers visitors the chance to experience some true Alaskan small-town flavor, yet offers easy access and a number of nice lodging choices. The area surrounding Talkeetna is also often referred to as South Denali Park due to its strategic location near the Southern border of both the National and State Parks. For the purposes of this web site, we group services in the “Talkeetna Area” or “South Denali Park” that are located between the actual town of Talkeetna, and the McKinley Princess Lodge located roughly 45 road miles to the north on the boundary of Denali State Park. It is also important to keep in mind that the McKinley Princess and the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge are 105 and 150 miles from the actual entrance to Denali National Park, respectively.

Talkeetna Area Hotels

The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is a great choice, and is located just a few miles from the town of Talkeetna. On a clear day, the lodge offers a wonderful view of Mt. McKinley from the grounds. About 45 minutes north of Talkeetna is McKinley Princess Lodge, another nice property, particulary if you have your own transportation. Many people spend two nights near the Denali Park entrance to the north, then a night or two on the south side in the Talkeetna area. Note both lodges are served by the Park Connection Motorcoach, but the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is usually a better choice if you are traveling to Talkeetna by railroad or need connecting bus service between Talkeetna and Seward. Check out our Talkeetna Area Hotels page for more information on Talkeetna Lodging.

Talkeetna Area Tours and Attractions

This area, without a doubt, offers some of the best flightseeing trips in Alaska. We suggest fixed-wing flightseeing trips that operate out of the town of Talkeetna. Many other options, including jetboat trips, fishing and wagon rides, are also available. See more information on our Talkeetna Tours page.

Talkeetna Area Transportation

People usually reach Talkeetna by rental car, bus line or via the Alaska Railroad. The Park Connection Alaska bus line offers twice daily service to and from Denali Park, Anchorage and Seward, and offers service to both Talkeetna and the McKinley Princess Lodge. The Alaska Railroad offers daily summer service to the town of Talkeetna from Anchorage, Denali Park or Fairbanks.

Read full article |

Next Entries »