Well, the message I typed above this one didn't show up the way I typed
it. I was trying to say the below is what I learned from the
Cruisecritic's Alaska board last night, and if anyone can add anything
to it, please do. the planning stage is fun but I appreciate any and
all input from everyone!
Susy
aka "Soos" ??
soos wrote:
> 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
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