Oh...that sounds good. I haven't heard about that. I'm not sure if we
get to actually sightsee in Talkeetna or do we take a shuttle from a
Princess Hotel or what?? Planning is complicated...
Susy
Henry Sniadoch wrote:
> 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
> >
> Take a plane ride out of Talkeetna if it's nice.
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