Alaska Cruise and Denali Land Tour: What My Customers Thought

Alaska is one of my lifetime holiday destination ambitions. I’ve always dreamed of getting right out there in the wilderness, so as much as I am consumed by jealousy each time I book a client on an Alaskan cruise, I also feel incredibly excited for them, because I know what they are going to see!

Recently I had the pleasure of booking one of my best clients aboard a Princess Cruises Alaskan Voyage, with an add-on to Denali and the Princess Wilderness Lodge.

There have been a few reviews of the Rocky Mountaineer train journey, which I also have clients travelling out on this week, but the other add on is Denali, and this is the lesser known stay option, so I thought I would cheekily ask my client to do me a little review and sent me a little snippet of what she thought.

So here it is!

Denali Land Tour & Princess Alaska Cruise – May 2017

Having just returned from a two weeks holiday in the 49^th state, one week on land and one cruising the inside passage, I cannot recommend it highly enough. But be sure to do the land part of the deal – that was almost the best. Princess lodges are comfortable, well equipped and sited in the most amazing places. You will be surprised just how ‘wild and wooly’ Alaska really is. The lodges place you in the middle of that wilderness.

You will see bears and if you are lucky, may even discover a moose wandering across the front of your hotel as you are going to breakfast. There is so much wildlife to see and your tour guide will ensure you get the best out of each place.

Fairbanks lodge is slightly away from the centre of Fairbanks, but on the banks of the River Nanana. Take the trip to the gold panning, to the pipeline and the voyage on the Steamwheeler along the Rivers Nanana and Chena. You will be told about the history of the area, and wonder at how those folk ever found the courage to make the journey from the Lower 48 up to the wilderness of Alaska to seek their fortune, panning for gold.

You will learn about the history of the various tribes who inhabited the land long before Russia and the US haggled over the price of it.

The jewel in the crown of Alaska is Mount McKinley (highest point in the US). Its formal name is now Denali (Athabascan word for ‘the great one’). Be warned that only 30% of visitors get to view Denali. There are spectacular mountains and you hope he might be one. Take  my word that when the cloud disappears and Denali makes his appearance, you will see exactly why he gets his name.

Wildlife, mountains, forests, waterfalls, glaciers and friendly people – what more could you ask for in a holiday. And clothing is an issue – I went in May armed with thermals and warm socks. On the land tour I needed suntan lotion!

Take layers and waterproofs because once you head south and board your ship in Whittier, the weather changes.  Alaska has something like 270 days of rain per year and when it rains, it rains !!!!  All our stops on the cruise, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau were wet !! Skagway and Ketchikan are charming – although you image a ball of tumbleweed and Clint Eastwood rolling in down the main drag. There is not much to either of them and you will not need lots of time to explore fully.  Juneau, the state capital, on the other hand is another matter.  You wonder who decided to nominate this place as the capital when it is only accessible by plane or water – the roads simply stop !  Here you will be back to a few concrete blocks of buildings and find yourself longing for the wilderness and quaintness of your other stops.

I could go on for ever but will stop now. Just another word about food – if you like fish you are in for a treat. Who knew there were so many kinds of salmon?  And if you want a small snack, always  go for the clam chowder – a meal in itself.

Don’t delay – book your trip to Alaska NOW.

Back to me now readers! So how about that for a brilliant review! I don’t know about you but it has certainly made my desire to visit Alaska even stronger!

Thank you to my lovely client Chris for taking the time to write this up and send me those fantastic pictures, it’s hugely appreciated!

So there you have it people! Tour of a lifetime? I think not far off anyway!

Hopefully I can help you book your trip to this wonderful place in the coming year, but even if you just want some cruise or Alaska advice please feel free to give me a call!

Thanks for reading and as always, until next time……….