Alaska Tip: 2017 Alaska cruises are out for purchase

Many cruise lines already have their pricing out for 2017 cruises.
We're still waiting on the land packages.
Maybe in 30 days to 3 months.

Make your 2017 cruise purchase by Dec 31, 2015 and receive $25 to a local charity of choice.  You must mention this.

(434/800) 237-3832

Alaska – Ketchikan Tip - The Point Art Café

Love art ?  Love a good hot meal with soup and sandwich and maybe even a cookie ?  Want to enjoy watching the Sea Planes take off ?  You can even see the “duck tours” leaving out.

Next time you’re in Ketchikan, consider going to The Point (just outside of downtown Ketchikan).  You can call the owner of the café (call in advance and after arriving) to come pick you up, complimentary.  Owned by Alaskan artists, Terry and Cheri Pyles.

 

Ask Terry to also show you his art sculptures in downtown Ketchikan !

And his wife’s yarn store.

All a delight and some great history !  And delightful meal, while at the point.

 

Their website:  http://www.alaskanart.net/

What can we expect the “same” for an Alaska versus a cruise to the Caribbean ? What’s different ? Why folks keep going back !

An Alaska cruise versus a Caribbean, have many similarities, yet certainly differences !  You may see different sites in Alaska, to include their culture, however, once back onboard, you have the same type of cruise life.

For the most part, you’ll find these same opportunities:

*Variety of dining venues
*Daily activities
*Night time entertainment
*Shopping – onboard and in port
*Shore Excursion ventures

Choices you might find different:

*Food or wine
*Lectures/seminars onboard
*Jewelry and clothes – onboard & in port
*Cultural type shore excursions – Yet opportunities like zip lining, can be found in both.  Even snorkeling.

 

On sunny days, you will still find folks in their bathing suits on deck and in the jacuzzi’s.  Whether it’s enjoying the mountainous views or just soaking up some rays !

I find that more folks venturing on an Alaska cruise, will opt in getting off the ship in port, to explore it’s town or partake in an excursion, more often than I see on Caribbean cruises.  Not only cause many folks have never been there, but in truly wanting to see the cultural differences.

And though many folks believe, their chosen vacation to Alaska may be there one and only time, so many folks, return over and over.  Not only for opportunities they missed the first time around, but to revisit sites/opportunities they truly loved.

Alaska offers, not only a serenity type of feeling, but it’s locals are so friendly !  An atmosphere, that often, keeps you coming back.

And though you want to plan like you’ll never come back, you may quickly decide differently, once there or upon returning home, and revisiting all your memories !

I’ve been 13 times, and each year, hope to return the next .  If I had my rathers, I would visit 3 times each season, to provide more dates, for new folks and returning folks, to travel with me.

Alaska Tip. Are you waiting for January Waive Season to book 2016 ? Consider your needed education prior to decision !

Since last May, folks have been booking their 2016.  Options and availability become slimmer as we get closer to January.

January is when 20% of the folks who have yet to book … Will !  50-70% of the folks, already booked.

If you are one of these folks, it’s “time” to give yourself that needed education, so you are ready to make those decisions quickly, as “wave season” seasons begin. 

Why or Why not ….

Will you include Denali in your package ? How much time to “you” need there ?
Which glacier on your cruise will give you your best value ?
How many days prior will you venture to your departure port ?
Which form of transportation will you use to get to the ship ?
Which cruise line ? Which personality suits you ?
What kind of cabin do you want for your cruise ?
How many folks going with you ? Have you talked to friends, and let them know you’ll be ready come January 2 ?

 

Next … Who will you call to get your best education ?

Truly consider the agents personal Alaska experience !

Once you have a little education, you can then look at what the cruise lines offer !  Then call your agent to go over what you have chosen and allow them to stand behind you !

And remember to consider your options, not solely on price.

Alaska Cruise. Totally different than a Caribbean cruise. And just an “airfare away” !

No Blog article next week …  I’ll be cruising the Celebrity Constellation with my mother for 9 nights !  She’s been going through a few hard times over the last 2 months … And it’s time to get here away !

-------------------------- 

 

I hear so many folks talk of wanting to take an Alaskan cruise, yet they’ve still haven’t ventured to do so.

Why ?

Depending on what you want to do while there … Alaska may just be a “airfare away” !

It’s true, if you want to go up into the land of Alaska and you have 2 weeks or more in vacation time, and want to see as much as you can on the first time, then yes, this could be costly.

However, if you’re thinking 7 nights, then the cost in airfare, may be your major difference, versus going on another Caribbean cruise !  Airfare can be within reason, if choosing a round trip cruise from Seattle !

Call a Travel Professional and find out, what to look for in a cruise … What you want to be sure you’re not missing !  Such as ports of call, glacier, and times in port !

Think about it !  Move further towards your bucket list in 2016 !

Though I've been to Alaska 13 times, my personal “wish list” is ... Cruising in Alaska, 3 times every season !
Call today !

 

Alaska Tip: How many days to plan at Denali ?

I'll be sailing on the new NCL Escape next week ... No Blog post.  See you Thanksgiving week !

 

 

 

 

 

Many packages through the cruise lines offer one or two nights, and possibly three.

 

 

There’s a few advantages in choosing a minimum of two nights.

·         Possible longer package into the park

·         Opportunity to take advantage of a Denali dinner & show !

·         Time to explore around your hotel

·         Participate in additional excursions, such as a flight plane, horseback riding, river rafting and more

 

One of the reasons people choose to go into the land portion of Alaska is for Denali Park.  An opportunity to see the land and it’s many roam-free animals.

Why not consider at least two nights in your package !   You're already there.  Will you have an opportunity to return ?

Alaska Tip: Will you choose the "cheapest" cruise or cruise/tour or will you end up with value ?

 

I guess I could say, that no matter what package or cruise you choose for Alaska, at least you got to go.  But I will not 100% say, that choosing the cheapest is best !  When maybe another $100pp could give you more value !

Don’t get me wrong … I’ve been to Alaska 13 times.  So if I found a price, that save me $500 pp, I might take it (?) … And probably have, which is why I’ve been so many times.

But most folks think, they will only go once.

 

If that’s the case … Wouldn’t you be upset, if you missed …

1)      One of the main ports of call ?

2)      A main “land based tour” while traveling Fairbanks to the ship ?

3)      Didn’t see one of the main glaciers ?

4)      Had such a short time in port, that you didn’t even have time to visit the port itself (unless maybe you plan 2 tours that day … which is a better choice !)

 

Remember, not all travel agents have been to Alaska !  And if have, lucky to have been once, right ?  And it would be a “needle in a hay stack” if an agent at the cruise line has been !

Don’t be cheap on your Alaska … But of course, you don’t have to pick the most expensive either.  You need to “learn” where the value is … What you don’t want to miss … The important parts of the puzzle.  It can be done economically, if you are willing to put in the time. 

 

Start with getting some education from someone who has been there many times !

 

It's to your disadvantage, if you just call an agent and say ... "How much is it ?" ... Or ... "What will air & everything cost me ?". It's more to it than that.  Alaska is a bigger pictures.  It's not like going to the Caribbean & just pick one. 

 

You want to give this task "more time" and value !  Once you get some education, just insight like airfare, you can look up on your own, till you're ready to  make a decision on the package.  The cruise or the package comes 1st !  Do yourself justice !

ALASKA TIP: You and friends hoping to cruise & travel inland in 2016 ? Not yet booked ? Heads-up, 2017 !

Sorry, no article next Wednesday, October 28 ... I'll be sailing with 80 others, out of Norfolk, to Bermuda, on Carnival's only 7 night cruise in 2016 !  You should have planned to go with us !

-------------------------------

Are you and friends hoping to cruise & travel inland in 2016 and not yet booked ?

Why are you waiting ?

Folks have been booking since LAST MAY !  Peak season for booking was September !

Know what that means for you ?

As each day goes by, your choices become more limited !  Whether it’s tour package choice or cabin location.  Whether it’s sailing southbound or northbound.  Whether you’ll pay higher cost or hook up with a different cruise line offer.

Planning Alaska isn’t something you can do in 5 minutes.  Not even in 12 hours.

First you’ve got to learn, choices.  What you’re getting out of the package or “not” ! Then you must see, if what you wish for, is still available for the dates you can travel.  Then you’ve got to determine, which cabins are still available.  And if you’re traveling with more than just your cabin, you’ve got to discuss this with everyone else !

After you book your tour, then you need to decide if you may should come in a day early, in not missing your first day of the package.  Then airfare.  Now you can calm down a little.  The worst part is over !

It’s a true education process !  Get the hard part out of the way, as early as you can (decision making before you are booked).  Then have months to “savor”, that you’re on your way to Alaska !

 

Instead, planning for Alaska in 2017 ?  Rates aren't yet out.  In your spare time, look at cruise line itineraries now.  Start talking to family/friends now ... As to what you want to do and how long you can be away.  Then mark your calendar (and tell your friends/family NOW) ... That you want to get yourself booked in May of 2016 for 2017 !

Viv's Alaska Tip: Sitka

Reminder ... For the port of Sitka ... Passengers must tender to get into port.

In this port, the water levels rise/lower at different times of the day, partially causing the reason for visiting this port, by way of tender.

 

Alaska Tip: Pre & post nights before cruise.

Consider flying into your cruise destination a day or two prior.  This way, you may, not only have a little time to rest after your flight, but maybe you can see a few sights in the area you flew into.  If not two days, a minimum of one, so you are there in plenty of time for your cruise or your land package.

 

Who wouldn’t want to see a little of Seattle, Anchorage, and others !

Also the same on the return.  It can help you better prepare for that flight home, especially if you have cruised “North Bound”.

Optional cruise/tours packages to consider, “outside of the cruise line realm” for your Alaska/Canadian cruise tours venture. Globus Tours/Cosmos

Unbeknown to many, Alaska/Canadian cruise tour packages can be purchased through Land Tour Operators.  To name just two, there’s Globus, and one of it’s family of brands, Cosmos.

 

Globus to Alaska.  Best of both worlds—the relaxation of a cruise combined with the excitement and cultural discovery of a guided land tour. Marvel at the spectacular glaciers and stunning scenery as you cruise to Alaska’s small towns. Keep your eyes out for whales, soaring eagles, seals, bears, and more wildlife. Watch for glaciers calving into the sea and hear the thunderous sound that accompanies it!   You’ll also enjoy time staying overnight on land—in such exciting places as Anchorage and Denali National Park. Plus, Globus Cruise & Tour vacations include special features such as a visit to an Iditarod champion’s home and kennels, where you can play with the sled dogs.

Four Ways Globus Eliminates the Hassles

VIP Access
Skip the lines and get special treatment at the must-see attractions.
Perfect Hotels
We’ve done the work to find just the right hotels in just the right locations.
Tour Directors
Take your heads out of the guidebook and let expert guides make every destination fascinating.
Transportation
Leave the navigating to us – and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Learn how Globus is reducing transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

Go here, Globus Tours:  http://www.globusjourneys.com/Vacation-Packages/Cruise-Tour/North-America/

Cosmos to Alaska.  When considering more budget in your Alaska adventure, consider one of Globus family of brands, Cosmos.  Imagine the thrill of hearing the thunderous roar as glaciers plunge into the sea, seeing a bald eagle soar overhead, and spotting captivating wildlife in their natural environment. On a value-packed, Cosmos escorted tour through Alaska and the Yukon, sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery while Cosmos handles the details—all at an affordable price. Ride the legendary Alaska Railroad, enjoy an exhilarating glacier cruise, explore the largest cities, and learn about the history and native cultures of the region—there is no other place like Alaska and the Yukon!

Go here, Cosmos: http://www.cosmos.com/Vacations/North-America/Alaska-Yukon/

 

Whether you choose one of the packages offered by the cruise line or an adventure through a “name brand” Land Tour operator … SEEK FIRST >>> A cruise/travel agent !  You want this adventure to run smoothly and you want to work with an agent who has a rapport with your brand of choice !

Alaska Buying Tip – Is cheapest good enough ?

Fortunately most folks seek out an Alaska cruise specialist or works with an agent, in deciding on a their Alaska cruise vacation.  And most cruisers deciding to venture to Alaska, are looking for “best value” instead of just cheapest price.

Where can cheapest price get you ? Just to name a few, one could possibly be subjected to …

*Minimum hours in port
*Glacier choice
*Cruise Line experience
*Port lacking in literary
*Missing Denali, while there
*Tour on the land portion missing

Can cheapest be enough ?  As long as you understand what you may be missing from it’s package.

So is the alternative, to choose the more expensive ?

Not necessarily.
It’s about value.  Getting the most bang while you’re already there.

So what “value” do you want to be sure not to miss ? 

Call you agent today !  Better yet, consider working with someone who knows/understands the alternatives … Who has experienced many ventures Alaska !

Alaska, nor any travel adventure, is meant for you to read everything and then venture on your own !  There's a lot of experienced agents just awaiting your call !

 

 

Alaska … Cruise or Cruise and Land. Which sell out first ?

Which to choose, is a BIG question !

If you have the time off from work or retired, and the available funds, you’ll want to consider cruise and land.  Who knows the next time you will adventure to Alaska, especially if you have a long “travel bucket” list.

Even if you don’t have the time or money to include time in Denali, you’ll still want to consider making a little time in your embarkation or disembarkation port. 

Just to name a few sites … There’s the Coastal train from Anchorage to Whittier/Seward or the Alaska Wildlife Center who opt to travel by Motorcoach.  And who would want to miss Pike’s Market or the space needle in Seattle.

The BIGGER QUESTION … Does the cruise or the land sell out first ?

The land !

Want to know what type cabins sell out 1st ?  Balconies, suites, family suites !

Not only because it is popular, but because there is not as much space as you think !

Such as Princess … Though there could be 50 tours to choose from, there may only be 20 seats available per tour.  That is a LOW NUMBER !

Already, folks are calling for 2016, and their tour of choice is already sold out.  If not sold out, maybe there’s only 2 seats left but they have 6 folks who want to travel.

September is “one of the peak seasons“ for booking next year’s Alaska !  The first peak was this past July.  So lots of space has already been chosen. 

Please don’t wait longer.  Call & get your 2016 Alaska space reserved.

And remember … Even if you are only opting for the cruise … As all these land tours are booked, these folks are taking up the cruise space too !
And with all the sales … Space for 2016 is moving quickly !

 

 

2016 ALASKA TIP: September is one of the biggest months for booking next years Alaska vacations. How can you get ready ?

Alaska is not like buying the Caribbean.   First I would call your agent, to find out, what are the basics of an Alaska vacation.  Just remember, not all agents have cruised to Alaska, which is a true asset in helping you.

You can’t just call an agent and say, how much are your Alaska packages ?  I did this once, when I first got in the business.  I called Princess and they laughed !  There’s so many options !  Especially if you plan to venture to Denali.

Will your vacation be for 7 nights or do you have enough vacation time to be gone 2 weeks ?

Do you want to cruise roundtrip from one port ? Or do you want to at least touch Anchorage ?
Which glacier(s) to you want to see on your cruise ?
Do all cruises include the basic ports ?
If you’re including land, which portion will you want to include the Alaska Railroad ?
What personality do you want your cruise to have ?  Free style or elegant ?  Shore Excursions included ?

Though these are a few of the basic type questions you’ll want to ask folks who are traveling with you, these answers are not all you need to know, in choosing the Alaska package for you !

 

Alaska Tip: Even if buying a “land tour” prior to your cruise … Consider flying in a day early.

Why ?

Most arrival flights into Fairbanks or even Anchorage will not be till 3pm or after.  The later the flight, if there are airline delays, it could either cause you to arrive much later than expected, or not get you there that day at all !  Cause you to miss part of the package, you paid for, that begins early the next morning.

And the other reason … After this long day, who doesn’t need a day of rest, before you adventure begins ????

Truly consider going a day prior, for less stress !

 

My customer have come back from Alaska thanking me for this added TIP !

Viv's Alaska Travel Tip - Sitka or Skagway Alaska for your cruise ?

 

 

Do you want your cruise to sail to Sitka or Skagway ?

 

 

I would choose to investigate this option before deciding which cruise !

 

Look at the cruise line website for tour options.  What appeals to you ?

And do a search on Yahoo for pictures of these towns and tours !

 

Would you like to enjoy a train ride into history and the mountains ?  Like an opportunity to travel further and see sites of the Yukon ?

Would you love to see an "Eagle Rapture Center" ?

There's lots more Excursions Ashore to choose from !

 

How do you feel about tendering into port ?

Several choices in traveling to/from Anchorage to your cruise. What type of experience do you want ? Sites you want to see ?

Cruise Line Motorcoach.  These are usually direct transfers to/from the ship.  If you’re going to Whittier from Anchorage, it’s about an hour.  To Seward, 2 ½ to 3 hours.

Tour Motorcoach.  There are some that do direct to/from ship.  And others offer tours, such as to see the Alaska Wildlife Center, maybe take a cruise to Portage Glacier, or even an Anchorage city tour.  I don’t care much for the Alaska Heritage Center !  But others love it !

Private Motorcoach.  If you have a group, you may want private transfers for your group.  To include a tour.

Alaska Railroad.  It’s called the Coastal Classic.  This is my favorite way, especially if porting to/from Seward !  If there in May, you will hopefully see lots of snow !  If only from Whittier, whichever is the lesser cost is what I will choose ! 

The times available, when purchasing the cruise lines may be totally different than buying from Alaska Railroad.  Once I went from Seward to Anchorage with Holland America and we left at 6am.  Through Alaska Railroad, this departs about 6pm, arriving to Anchorage near 10pm.

 

Rent a car.  If you do this, you have to be sure, you have booked it to/from Anchorage and then to/from, where your ship is.  Otherwise, it will cost you a fortune when you turn it in.  It may cost you a fortune anyway !

 

 

 

No matter, the Seward Highway is gorgeous ! 

And if you travel by rail from Seward, you will enjoy the mountains, not seen if you go by Motorcoach or only travel to/from Whittier.

What better to way, than to “sea” Alaska in 2016, than with family/friends

It’s great over the last few years, that more and more folks are cruising, and inviting family/friends to join.  Great opportunity in having some of the “same type memories”, for sharing, years to come.

Yet there are still many folks who have yet to cruise.  And yes, cruising is on their bucket list. And yes, Alaska is too.  Folks are just waiting for YOU to ask them to join YOUR CRUISE.

Many folks don’t like traveling alone.  Some, prefer there’s a person in charge, who will help them cross all the T’s.

2016 is showing to be a great year, that folks are inviting others to join them.  YOU SHOULD TOO !

Decide what you might want to … Call an agent for insiders advice  …. Then lock in and start invited family/friends to join you !

 

BEAUTIFUL OPPORTUNITY !

Many folks already booked for 2016 ... There's not as much space on the land tour packages available for Denali as you might think ! 
Call today ! 

Alaska … Facts & Myths. Did you know ?

My offered facts … Alaska is breathtaking.  If you have only 7 days to get away, what better way than on a cruise ship, where your meals, accommodations, and getting you there is included in your price.

Though some excursions in port, can be pricey, due to popularity, it may be your only once in a life time adventure to Alaska, if there’s more destinations on you bucket list.  For me, I keep returning.  And though I have done most excursions I want, new ones continue to be developed, that I may too, choose to do. 

 

Some of the pricing below, may seem a little low to me, especially for excursions and/or hotels. Though you may be on a budget, there are sites you will specifically want to see and can often purchase without all the hype.  Be sure to make your cruise purchase with an agent, who has been to Alaska and can help offer you suggestions.

Facts & Myths from Alaska.gov

Facts About Alaska

Mountains

Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska. Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America, is 20,320 ft. above sea level. Denali, the Indian name for the peak, means "The Great One."

Water Bodies

The Yukon River, almost 2,000 miles long, is the third longest river in the U.S. There are more than 3,000 rivers in Alaska and over 3 million lakes. The largest, Lake Iliamna, encompasses over 1,000 square miles.

Glaciers

Alaska has an estimated 100,000 glaciers, ranging from tiny cirque glaciers to huge valley glaciers. There are more active glaciers and ice fields in Alaska than in the rest of the inhabited world. The largest glacier is the Malaspina at 850 square miles. Five percent of the state, or 29,000 square miles, is covered by glaciers.

Compass Points

Alaska Over U.S.
Alaska boasts the northernmost (Point Barrow), the easternmost (Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island in the Aleutians), and the westernmost (Amatignak Island in the Aleutians) points in the United States."

Coastline

Alaska has 6,640 miles of coastline and, including islands, has 33,904 miles of shoreline.

Volcanoes

There are more than 70 potentially active volcanoes in Alaska. Several have erupted in recent times. The most violent volcanic eruption of the century took place in 1912 when Novarupta Volcano erupted, creating the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes which is now part of Katmai National Park.

Earthquakes

On March 27, 1964, North America’s strongest recorded earthquake, with a moment magnitude of 9.2, rocked central Alaska. Each year Alaska has approximately 5,000 earthquakes, including 1,000 that measure above 3.5 on the Richter scale. Of the ten strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the world, three have occurred in Alaska.

Common Misconceptions About Alaska

Most visitors have pleasant surprises in store when they come to Alaska. Three common misconceptions concerning Alaska are weather, road conditions, and prices.

Bad Weather

Over a third of all vacation/pleasure visitors found the weather better than expected. During the summer, average daytime temperatures throughout the state range from the 60s to the 90s.

Bad Road Conditions

Almost the entire length of the Alaska Highway is asphalt-surfaced, and approximately half of the roads in the state’s highway system are paved.

High Prices

Contrary to popular belief, prices throughout Alaska are generally quite reasonable. To help illustrate the cost of a vacation, the following chart provides high and low prices for a few of the basics. More specific pricing may be obtained in the Official State Vacation Planner.

Meals

Expect variety in price and in menu.

Deluxe Hamburger  $5-10

Salmon Dinner $18-25
Breakfast $3-11

Accommodations

Rates reflect the low tariff in the off season the high in the summer months.
 
Hotel/Motel, Standard $40-90
Hotel/Motel, Deluxe $90-145
Bed & Breakfast $45-80
Wilderness Lodge $150-425
Private Cabins $20-100
 
Sightseeing
Half-Day City Tour  From $9/person
Flightseeing From $90/hour
Whale Watching From $90/day
3- and 4-Day Cruises From $300/day

Fishing

Alaska sportfishing licenses for nonresidents are available in Alaska sporting good stores or from an outfitter.

3-Day Non-resident License $20

14-Day Non-resident License $50
Charter Boat Fishing From $120/day

Rentals

Bicycles From $20/day
Cars/Vans From $25/day
Canoes/Kayaks From $40/day

 

Isn’t it time you plan that Alaska Cruise adventure ?  Few sailings and savings still available for 2015.  More importantly, there are some great savings if you plan now for 2016 !

Which Alaska cruise for you ? Tis the planning season for 2016. Discover insight from your agent.

There’s so many choices, right ?

Do you want 2 glaciers or do you want 4 ports ?
Which glacier do you want to see ?
Should you go Northbound or South ?
What month to sail ?
Which cruise line do you choose ?
Will you be including a land package with your cruise ?

Alaska, like Europe, is not a destination that you can call and say, “how much is it”.  There’s lots of choice.  The above list only names a few !

I would start by calling your agent.  Find out if they have Alaska experience. 

Sure it’s great to get insight from family/friends who have been to Alaska or even from chat lines or FB groups.  But in reality, do these folks really know YOU ?  Do you like the same things as they do ?

In general, Princess and Holland America are the King/Queen of Alaska.  Meaning, they have been sailing to Alaska, many more years than the other cruise lines.  But it doesn’t mean that other cruise lines won’t do a good job.  I receive great reviews from folks sailing with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity too.  FYI, I have never sailed on Carnival nor Norwegian to Alaska. 

 

I have a cruise planned now for June 27 on Norwegian … Come join me !  Though I will be sailing Northbound, I will not be including a land package.  However, I plan to partake in the Alaska rail service, from Seward to Anchorage, which I love !

When including a land package with your cruise, you'll want to learn, which part of the Alaska rail services is included in your package ?  My 1st choice is at least Denali to Anchorage (or maybe vice-versa).  And whether your package allows you enough time in Denali, just to partake in the minimums offered ?

And if choosing North/Southbound cruise, do you want the longer flight to Alaska first, or after ?  And why you might want the cruise first or after ?  And how much time I will have in each port ?

Since I’ve been to Alaska 13 times, I do have my rather !  I prefer southbound, yet I enjoy Northbound and leaving from Vancouver, versus roundtrip Seattle.  I enjoy at least touching Anchorage, even if not spending any time here.

 

I’m also interested in which Glacier I will see. 

 

And though my 1st choice might be Princess, when including a land package, so that I can enjoy their observation car on the rail, their “views” from their hotels, and an opportunity to stay at their location in Mnt McKinley ... I also love sailing to/from Seward and including the mountainous rail services, to/from Anchorage.

Alaska is Fun.  No matter what you choose, you will partake in an Alaska experience.  However, call your agent before committing.  Discover what you choice is really giving you out of the deal … Or what it’s not.  Sometimes only another $100 or 2, could get you a little more !

Tis the season .... Folks are booking 2016.  Land tour packages are already selling out with the cruise lines.  Remember, even if the ship holds 2500 folks, there may only be space for 20 guests on any given land package.  That's not a lot of space ...

ACT QUICKLY !  July is a big month for next year sales. 
Have you seen Princess drink offer (includes coffee, tea, gelato, soft drinks, bottled water, juices) ?  Wow !

 

Foods you may be thinking of, as you make your plans to visit Alaska

Foremost, I think of “cold water seafood” cuisine.   I love Alaska salmon … Prefer smoked, yet others enjoy cured, jerky, or even Indian Salmon candy.

Next I think of Alaskan King Crab.  When I first began sailing to Alaska, the only place I actually went was in Juneau, up on the top of the mountain (tram) and would partake in their buffet there.  The best King Crab I had on a cruise, was when I was sailing in Alaska with Cruise West (no longer sails).

Today, you can buy Alaska King Crab in more locations.  One being the King Crab Shack.  I’ve seen locations especially in Juneau and Icy Strait.  Also, my last cruise to Alaska, this opportunity was onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas.

I also think about Halibut.  I’ve had this many a time, at he outside café on the dock of the Creek in Ketchikan.  My father & I have even fished for Halibut, which we both love.

What about the large game animals ?  Moose, caribou, elks, and bear.  I have had hamburgers made of these different meats.  I’ve had in Denali, Skagway, and others.

Then there’s the reindeer.  I’ve only had reindeer sausage and this was in Fairbanks.

What about Alaska’s Sourdough bread.  I have had this many times, when ordering soups or sandwiches.  Such as in Anchorage or even onboard my cruise !

There’s other local foods and recipes you may want to learn more about, by surfing the net.  An example is “ Eskimo Ice Cream (also known as "akutaq"), which I’ve not yet explored in finding.  It is a fancy name for a hearty dish you probably haven't heard of. Natives used to make this unusual dish by whipping the fat of hunted reindeer, seals, or bears, then adding snow and wild native berries. Sugar wasn't available then but it would probably be a nice addition. Nowadays it is made with crisco and is mixed with berries, mouse food, dried meat, and other vegetables depending on what is available”.  Info provided by Alaska Wildberry Products.

Hmmm ... Ready to visit Alaska ? !

Customers ask me, What do I like most about Skagway ?

Today, someone asked me, what I liked most about Skagway.  Love talking about Alaska, especially Skagway !  And my answer … LOTS !  To name a few … 

·         The “shoot-out-town” atmosphere.

·         White Pass Railroad.  I prefer to continue, with an available tour, into the Yukon, each time I go there !

·         The White Pass Railroad train, comes to the ship for boarding (as long as you buy your package from the cruise line and not the rail road).

·         It’s not too far from the ship to the town.  Can walk but I prefer to take the shuttle !

·         The shopping.  Whether its souvenirs or jewelry (vendors come up from the Caribbean.

·         The Red Onion Saloon.  Here, you can take a tour of the ol’ bordello !  Ladies dress in can-can-style outfits.  You can buy souvenirs here too.

·         Seeing the “street cars”, where you can take a tour of the old town.

·         The Days of ’98 little theater.

 

Oh, there’s so much more.  Need to check out the many tours available !

But before even deciding what you want to do here ... Be sure you've planned a cruise that offers you lots of time in Skagway.  So you can take the tour of your choice AND have some time to enjoy the it’s town !