| I have been back to the grind for two weeks after a FANTASTIC trip on the Sky
Princess to Alaska. Wish I was back in Alaska rather than enduring the Hottest
July on record in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Words and pictures can't describe the magnificence and beauty of Alaska. But I
took TONS of photos anyway.
I was on Princess Voyage of the Glacier Tour 1A. This is a seven day cruise
(mine was Northbound) followed by a 4 night land package. The itinerary was as
follows:
Saturday Sail from Vancouver
Sunday Inside Passage Cruising
Monday Ketchikan (visit Poker Creek Gold on Creek St)
Tuesday Juneau (TAKE THE PILOT'S CHOICE GLACIER TRIP!)
Wednesday Skagway
Thursday Glacier Bay Cruising
Friday College Fjord Cruising (in Prince William Sound)
Saturday Arrive Seward, Bus to Anchorage, chartered flight to Fairbanks
Sunday Fairbanks to Denali (train)
Monday Denali to Anchorage (train)
Tuesday Anchorage
Wednesday flight home
Scenery is breathtaking. Sitting in front of glaciers calving was mesmerizing!
Flying over and walking on glaciers was incredible. Weather was excellent
and food was good. Entertainment was very good, but things weren't too lively
late at night like in the Caribbean (an older crowd).
Princess did a really first rate job with the entire trip, particularly the
land portion. They have everything lined up, transportation, tours, hotels,
etc. Food on the land portion is extra. All the hotels we stayed in were very
nice (Princess owned the one in Fairbanks (just opened this summer) and
Denali). All of the Princess staff were very courteous.
I can't wait to go back! If funds are available, I may try to go on an outdoor
photography trip in November to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines,
Alaska (Haines is 15 miles from Skagway by boat or air, 350 miles by road).
Alaska is DEFINITELY a place I will plan to visit again.
If you have ever remotely thought of cruising to Alaska, DO IT!!! I had
originally planned to take the land portion first, then have the cruise
southbound to "relax". But now that I've gone, I recommend the northbound
cruise followed by the land package. My logic is the beauty gets better EVERY
DAY, culminating in the two days glaicer cruising. Also I think the day at sea
in Glacier Bay National Park is a better option than some of the cruises that
have another port of call at Sitka.
Bruce
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