Our Alaskan CruiseTour in May 2008

Hi Paris Traveler

Your article caught my attention very easily since I too am making a somewhat similar journey, except that I am flying into Vancouver from California where I will stay with friends for five days. This should be a special time, because they are very dear life-long friends and I have a close association with their children and families.

Using the Holland America Line the ship leaves Vancouver on May 25, reaching Anchorage on June 1st with shore expeditions taking place in Ketchikan (Crab fishing in the Bering Sea), Juneau (Whalewatching, standing on a glacier, salmon meal), Skagway (White Pass narrow gauge rail trip into Canada, gold panning and tour of mining camp). I too have included the travel insurance as a precaution.

Now my dilemma begins - wouldn't you know around the day I arrive in Anchorage hotel rates zoom. I had initially intended staying at The Captain Cook but with the inflated price now $120 more per day, decided to try a good, but less expensive hotel - one hopefully with a good view of Cook Inlet. This is where I am right now, since I too wanted to tour Dinali National Park and especially see Mt. McKinley, the top of which, I understand, is covered in clouds and/or mist for 70 percent of the time, so of course there is no guarantee that this would be realised.

Since I am an older single woman, traveling alone, I wish to see as much as possible, within safe parameters. Betwixt and between - should I make the trip to Denali and hope that Mt. McKinley's pinnacle is not hidden. This should encompass four days (two days travel time), or should I stay anchored in Anchorage and take a flight over Mt. McKinley and at the same time get to know that city. I have a ten paged list of things to do around that area, so I know I won't be bored - tired maybe! But those four days will be all the time I can take for my Alaska land trip, flying directly back to California.

Your trip sounds terrific - all of it, so hope you and your wife have a wonderful time - how can you not!

I am hoping for some advice from those who have first-hand experience along these lines and will appreciate any relevant help forthcoming. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

we are also planing this very trip for Aug 9th. It was great to read about the land excursions at the ports of call. If anyone has been on an Alaska cruise in Aug I am very interested in knowing how the weather was on and off the ship. I heard that it is cold on board the ship but on land you may need shorts.

Hey what Princess ship are you on because I think we are on the same tour. We will be landing in Fairbanks and starting our cruisetour May 13. We will be on the Coral Princess

Hey! We're on the Coral too, departing May 19th from Whittier going Southbound to Vancouver. Our land portion begins in Anchorage on the 15th and goes up to Denali and back. Sounds like you have the extra 2 days in Fairbanks before we hook up. I have been struggling with whether its worth it to rent a car to drive up to Fairbanks or not on the afternoon of the 17th. Maybe you can tell us if Fairbanks is worth the drive, otherwise we will never get to see it. Let me know and we'll look you up at the Lodge!! Thanks in advance!

Yes we are on the same ship. We will be in Denali may 15,16. Then down to Mckinley for the 17th and then Anchorage 18 then the cruise. Is this you in your picture?? Mark and I will look for you. tracie

Yep, that's me. We'll see you soon!

We're doing the same cruisetour in May, 2009 except we're touring after the cruise. Can't wait for more photos, tips, & details.

Beautiful Alaska photos of glaciers. Try taking a helicopter trip over glacier, and land on one if pilot agrees. Pictures will come out looking like you've landed on the moon.
Only recommended if you like small planes. Don't try this if you're a little queezy.

Love your trip journal! I can't wait to travel to Alaska next summer.