From Florida To Alaska
Hi There,
Yes, that is a long trip..Planning on next year sometime end of July-August . I am reaching out now since, you have traveled the state and would have the best and greatest suggestions.
My questions so far:
is travel month still ok? cannot travel end of August .
which airline and best arrival location? no car rental other ways of getting around .
is a cruise ship worth it ? or too much money? yikes!
hotels? or bnb? places to eat?
can I take the rail depending on location? and round-trip?
my wish list is to see the Gulf of Alaska by boat is this possible?
well, thats it for now..I know it is a lot but trying to weigh my options plus the best budget. again yikes!
thank you in advance, me
What do you mean by see the Gulf of Alaska? Just a short view or hours? If the former, do a Kenai Fjords cruise out of Seward that is at least 6 hrs. long. They go briefly into open ocean as they round Aialik Cape. Here are typical cruise routes: . If you want to spend hours crossing the Gulf, youd have to go by ferry or cruise ship.
Buses and trains are very limited in Alaska, but you can still have a nice trip using them. You will see far more if you rent a car.
It would help if you told us what you were interested in seeing and doing.
thx to each of you for your great advice..
Thanks again for taking the time to read and reply!
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Alaska Cruisetours: 6 Things You Need To Know
Many Alaska cruises tend to explore the same southeastern ports of Ketchikan, , Skagway and Sitka. Yet to immerse yourself in the land of sled dog and Arctic tundra requires a trip to Alaska’s northwest interior. Cruise lines have the answer: the cruise tour.
The cruise tour is a land tour of interior destinations before or after a cruise. In conjunction with seven-night Alaska cruises, three- to eight-night land programs extend each trip with visits to interior destinations, such as Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula.
Cruise lines with the most established cruise tour programs in Alaska include Holland America, Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, each with its own hallmarks.
It’s hardly a cruise on wheels. The go-go-go pace might have you putting luggage outside your doors at 6 a.m., leaving the hotel an hour later and not arriving at the next destination until the evening. But, that’s not all you need to know about Alaskan cruise tours — here are six other aspects of the best Alaska cruise tours … and the worst.
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Cruise Alaskas Coastal Waters In Style
Cruising Alaskas magnificent Inside Passage, coastline, glaciers and bays aboard your Princess ship is a true voyage of discovery. Each Princess ship is a destination in itself with a wide range of wonderful amenities and delightful diversions from the Lotus Spa®, hot tubs, gym and fitness area, a swim-against-the-current lap pool and swimming pools to entertainment such as Movies Under the Stars® showing first-run feature-length films, a theatre for live performances by musicians, singers and dancers, a casino, and themed bars and lounges that range from a cozy space to sip cocktails to a dance floor and nightclub-style entertainment.
What To Do On An Alaskan Cruise
When it comes to planning shore excursions or time in port, youll find more things you must see or do on your Alaska cruise than you have time for.
Flightseeing is a popular activity, either by a floatplane that will soar you over beautiful natural areas or a helicopter that will fly up to the top of a glacier. Dogslide rides or visiting a dogsled training center and playing with the huskies are quintessential Alaska activities. To get more of a glimpse of Alaska culture and lifestyle, get tickets to a lumberjack show, attend a salmon bake, or go on a crab fishing tour.
History buffs will want to explore the states Gold Rush history, either with a local tour of Skagway or a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. Culturally curious cruisers can visit a totem park or see a performance by native Alaskans.
Animal lovers can sign up for a whale watch, visit a bald eagle preserve, or take a tour to observe bears in their natural habitat or at a sanctuary. Active travelers can work up a sweat hiking, kayaking, biking, zip-lining, and even snorkeling in Alaskas wilderness. Gentle rafting and float trips are a less intense way to get outside and bond with nature in this cruise destination.
Dont want to book a tour? Alaskas cruise ports provide plenty of shopping opportunities for souvenirs and locally made crafts. Grab an Alaskan beer at a historic saloon, or try local seafood at any number of portside restaurants.
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Day Northbound Cruise & Land Tour Vancouver To Fairbankscruise First Land Tour Second
DAY 1 FRIDAY Welcome to Vancouver, Canada! You will arrive at the International Terminal and must claim your own baggage as you clear Customs. After clearing Customs proceed to street side outside of the International Arrival Terminal for your hotel shuttle pickup. The hotel Shuttle bus operates an airport pickup every 30 minutes. The Discover Alaska Representative will be at the hotel to meet you. Your accommodations for the evening are at either the Sheraton Airport Hotel or the Hilton Airport Hotel depending on your travel date.
* This is an arrival day, therefore you can schedule your flight arrangements at any time. The hotel shuttle bus operates 4:30 Am – 11:30 PM, and circles the airport every 30 minutes.
DAY 2 SATURDAY After breakfast at the hotel, you will board a motorcoach to begin your day-long tour to Victoria and world- famous Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. Admission to Butchart Gardens is included in your Discover Alaska package. Later you may stroll through the charming downtown that lives up to its British-flavored name with double-decker buses, fine British woolens and delicate China. Your accommodations for the evening are at either the Sheraton Airport Hotel or the Hilton Airport Hotel depending on your travel date.
Vancouver Tour: Departure time will be noted in your final itinerary included in your Cruse Package which you will receive 30 days prior your departure
Skagway Tour: City Tour, Overlook, and Historical Graveyard
Mountain Valley Explorer 3a*
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska , Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.
Included Experiences Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Wildlife Conservation Center
2023 Departures May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8
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Its Not Just The Little Things Its Everything
With sweeping views of downtown Anchorage, Cook Inlet or the Chugach Mountains, Hotel Captain Cook is definitely the preferred address in Anchorage. The hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official travel organization of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, lauded for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. Most notably, the hotels private art collection celebrates the adventures of Captain James Cook and along with the hotels architecture itself, stained glass, paintings, woodwork and sculpture tell his story. The legendary sea captain and the hotel that bears his name share two great qualities: a love of nature and an indomitable Alaskan spirit.
Experience A New Port Every Day Of Your Cruise
Norwegian’s itineraries have been designed to provide you the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean just the way you want to. Explore the highlights of this region in 7 days on one of our Western Mediterranean cruises. With fewer days at sea, you will get the most amount of time to explore some of the Mediterranean’s best hits. Looking for a longer adventure? Cruise from Rome, Athens, Venice or Barcelona and experience Italy, Croatia and Spain on one of our Grand Mediterranean cruises.
- Gaudis Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
- Bay of Kotor, Kotor, Montenegro
- The Amalfi Coast, Naples, Italy
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Advantages Of Visiting Alaska In June
- Warming coastal temperatures between 40-60 degrees and even warmer interior temperatures of 50-70 degrees.
- Between 18-20 hours of daylight, giving you lots of time to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.
- Wildlife is everywhere in June, with caribou, black bear cubs, mountain goats, moose calves, and even polar bears, out in force. On the water, pods of beluga whales can be spotted, along with plentiful seabirds and seal pups.
- Cruises offering land tours are available, as all the major national parks open in June.
- The warmer weather and longer daylight hours mean that tourist attractions in towns like Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks are fully open.
Girdwood Forest Fair. Photo by Brook Binkowski/Flicker
Is It Worth It To Cruise To Alaska In The Shoulder Season
While prices may be cheaper in May and September compared to June, July, and August, its important to consider the pros and cons of each month before selecting a sail date.
If an Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and you want the warmest temperatures and most daylight, booking the cheapest fare in, say, late September, may lead to disappointment.
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Temperatures on an Alaska can actually be quite comfortable in late spring, so while its of course recommended to pack a jacket, hat, and gloves, you may be surprised with sunny skies and somewhat warm weather.
Regardless of the month you book an Alaska cruise, its important to remain flexible. Temperature, precipitation, port changes, and unexpected mishaps can happen at any time of year in Alaska, so keeping an open mind will help you have the best experience possible.
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Rates are per person, based on double occupancy in the stateroom category specified, cruise only, in USD, select itineraries, and subject to availability. The offer applies to new bookings only. Certain restrictions apply. COVID notice: Prior to booking, please consult all applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control travel advisories, warnings, or recommendations relating to cruise travel, at cdc.gov/travel/notices. If a certain threshold level of COVID-19 is detected onboard the ship during your voyage, the voyage will end immediately, the ship will return to the port of embarkation, and your subsequent travel, including your return home, may be restricted, or delayed. Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.
Experience The Best Of Alaska And The Canadian Rockies By Land And Sea On A Celebrity Cruisetour
On an Alaska cruise, youll journey along the states southeastern coastline aboard award-winning ships experiencing the beauty of glaciers, natures ever-changing and fragile masterpieces. But, with a Celebrity Alaska or Canadian Rockies Cruisetour, youll explore that and so much more.
With one of our 9-to-13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where youll stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways in deluxe motor coaches and on a luxurious train with domed glass ceiling. A Cruisetour will offer opportunities to take you to destinations like cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denalia visit to these inland areas truly give you a feel for the diverse beauty of the 49th State. Or journey into the heart of Canada on a Canadian Rockies Cruisetour. From the colonial charms of British Columbia to the dramatic wilderness, alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies, youll enjoy some of Canadas most extraordinary destinations.
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What Is The Best Month To Cruise Alaska
The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip.
- Do you want as much sun and daylight as possible? Then book a June or July cruise.
- Would you like to see lots of wildlife? Then purchase a May, August, or September cruise as these months feature young animal families and migrations.
- Do you want to get into the interior and see Denali National Park or the Yukon? Then select July or August.
- Are you chasing bright tree foliage? Then book a cruise at the end of August or in September.
- Would you like to avoid mosquitoes? Then May and September are the best months for your cruise.
- Are northern lights on the itinerary? Then your trip will be in September or October. Would you like to fish for salmon? Then select any summer or shoulder month.
The good news is that no matter which month you choose, your Alaskan cruise will reward you with incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
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Mountain Panorama Adventure 5a*
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 5-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska , Denali , Talkeetna and Anchorage
Included Experiences Alaska SeaLife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail from Talkeetna to Anchorage, and more.
2023 Departures May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8
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And Then Theres The Good News
Wouldnt you know it? The Orlando Amtrak station did not let me down, nor did the hords of theme park people who boarded. By the time Pepe dropped me off, the train was a fabulous 25 minutes late. I had time to check my bag and sit and try to decompress. Getting to Alaska from Florida just got a bit easier.
So now Im happily ensconced in my teeny tiny roomette aboard Amtrak Silver Meteor, with a bag of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, an ice-cold ginger ale and my laptop fully charged. Im waiting for my 7:15pm dinner reservation. When called, Ill carefully make my way two cars forward in this 11-car train and wait to be seated. With whom Ill dine is a total mystery.
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Ive always met interesting, quirky and fellow train enthusiasts in the Amtrak dining car. Wed rather spend days and nights chugging across America, sleep in train cars that are at least 30 years old, than zoom through the skies in a metal tube.
Theres only a short layover at Washington, D.C.s Union Station from the Silver Meteor to the Capitol Limited for Chicago. This beautifully re-done art deco station is the districts major transportation hub, bustling with people hurrying to catch their commuter trains. With a sleeping compartment, you can relax in the Acela Lounge. Simply check in at the desk, stow your luggage in the closet and explore Union Station.
Dining Is Uneven And Sometimes Additional
One of the biggest surprises about the cruise tour is that meals might not be included. Some cruise tour programs dont include meals in the price to give travelers the freedom to try local restaurants of their own choosing.
Yet, you might often be compelled to eat at certain times and in certain places. On the Alaska Railroad train rides, you might not be allowed to eat your own food up in the seating area, but since the ride typically takes place smack in the middle of a meal time , you are basically forced to eat in the dining car. And, because the dining car cant accommodate all the passengers at once, youll have to eat in shifts as dictated by the train host.
Eating dinner at the hotel each night will likely be the most convenient option, especially if youre in a more remote lodge. However, its likely to be more expensive with limited options.
On the other hand, shuttle service between out-of-the-way hotels and the restaurant area are not always reliable, especially if youre eating later at night due to your tour schedule. Be prepared: Getting back to the hotel is part of the adventure.
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