Thanks everyone! I spent all last evening reading on Cruisecritic's
Alaska board. (Whew! Not done reading yet!)
Our Princess tour is called "12 Day Heart of Alaska." We start in
Fairbanks, two nights (we added time at the beginning and end of the
trip); rail to Denali; rail to Denali Princess Lodge; coach to Mt.
McKinley Princess Lodge; Coach to Talkeetna; rail to Anchorage; coach
to Whittier; College Fjord; Glacier Bay; Skagway; Juneau; Ketchikan;
and Vancouver.
>From the Alaska board, skipping the Rain Forest Garden Tour; skipping
the Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip. In Juneau, use Captain Larry of
Orca Enterprises.
In Ketchikan, use Michelle of Island Wings for Misty Fjords National
Monument Flightseeing.
In Skagway, we had already signed up for "the Best of Skagway" tour and
someone one that board said it was outstanding but the Red Onion Saloon
part could have been done on our own (which I knew but the brochure
stated 'private party upstairs')and was hokey; salmon bake was "good
food" but hokey. Sounds fun enough for us.
Then I read Skagway has the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and that looks
good but will we have enough time?
I'm not sure about doing the Natural History Tour. I need to find out
more about that.
We're 49 and 51, celebrating our 30th anniversary, and this is the
biggest trip we've ever taken; want to make it the best ever!
Any input from anyone here? More ideas?
Susy
Sue and Kevin Mullen wrote:
> Robert wrote:
>
> > I'd stay with Princess excursions.
>
> For Susy, being a first time cruiser, I agree that she would most
> likely be better off staying with the Princess excursions.
>
> There are private excursions where you
> > may save a few dollars, but with Princess you know you won't be ripped off
>
>
> If you do your research ahead of time, private excursions can be much
> better. It isn't only about costing less, it is about seeing/doing
> what you are interested in and not being part of a huge crown. IMO it
> is the cruise lines who rip you off, by charging more and giving you
> less.
>
> > and you will get back to the ship on time.
>
> If you have enough time in a port and are using a tour operator who is
> well know, you won't have a problem getting back to the ship in time.
> Also when you plan a private excursion, you should pick one that will
> get you back long before the ship sails just to be safe.
>
> > Our agent had an
> > office on our ship.
>
> Was this a group cruise, I never heard of a TA having and "office" on
> a ship. On the group cruises I have gone on, the TA does have a corner
> somewhere that they can use for group information, but as far as I
> know they can't advertise or book while on the ship.
>
> sue
|