5.Re: June 2025 Princess Caribbean Southbound Cruise + Land
3 Sept 2024, 5:12 am
"Since Denali is partially closed, will our trip be unfulfilling without it?"
Only you can decide that. But if this might be your only trip to Alaska, include Denali. If you plan another trip there sometime, leave Denali until then when you have more time to spend, and do what Coalminer suggested.
"If it’s worth going halfway, can we camp/RV or just stay?"
Again, lots of folks are happy going half way. Some aren't, since it certainly reduces the best views of The Mountain and you don't have as much time to look for wildlife. But you certainly will see some nice scenery, and can hike along the riverbed at the mile 43 turnaround point to see a bit more. Yes you can camp/RV in Denali (Riley, Savage, or else Tek if you're willing to pay for a minimum 3 night stay though of course you can leave early): https://www.reservedenali.com/camping/camping-experience/ I'd suggest Riley since it is at the entrance and accessible to all activities. Or you can stay within easy driving distance of the park if you prefer lodges, cabins, b&b's, VRBO, etc.
"Does the bus still go?"
??? Do you mean does it stop at the campgrounds? East Fork Shuttle does, and that's the one you'd want since they pick up hikers and you like to hike. Also with EFS you get to choose your exact time of departure. With the Natural History Tour or Tundra Wildlife Tour, all you get to choose is AM or PM and you are told which time you've been *assigned* 48 hours in advance. Which messes with all your other plans, esp. on such a short trip. However, if you catch the bus at Savage, you have to take whatever seats are left...might not be window seats or together. If you board at the entrance, line up early to choose whatever seats you want.
Please post the itinerary to your Princess land tour. I'm betting that you get the Natural History Tour in Denali (worthless IMHO--it goes only 2 miles farther than you can drive yourself in your own vehicle) and you won't have enough time in Denali to switch to the Tundra Wilderness Tour--mainly because Princess is much more interested in shoving their lodge near Talkeetna onto unsuspecting customers.
"For Princess, Balcony cabins are sold out. Is the obstructed view okay? Balconies are three times the cost—should we opt for one or save the money?"
Is that partially or fully obstructed? If the latter, save money with an inside cabin.... Partially obstructed depends on what the obstruction is. Try to find a cruise that still has the option of a cabin with a good view. But partially obstructed is better than none IMO. Helpful info here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rS5lHvpT0E Choose the left side of the ship--you can always toddle over to the other side from time to time... As for balconies: I prefer to spend my money on tours/activities, not on a balcony that will be too cold to sit out on when the ship is moving anyway. You can watch from a forward lounge or outside deck (keeping in mind it will be cold there too when the ship is moving, but great for glacier-viewing days when on a balcony you'd see the glacier only half the time since the captain turns the ship a few times so both sides get the views. If you're out on deck, just head over to the other side when the ship is turned so you can watch the whole time. Dress warmly (including coat, hat and gloves) so you can not only see, but stay outside to hear the incredible sounds the glacier makes as it moves!
"Which excursions should we do when at sea?"
There are a hundred choices. Depends on your interests and budget. Read through Princess's list of excursions and post back here with 2 or 3 from each port that grab your attention. Then we can tell you if we'd suggest alternatives (usually but not always the case). You can also check excursions on each port's own website.
"If we choose a Celebrity Cruise Southbound and miss Glacier Bay but can get a Balcony, what would you suggest?"
Hands down, I'd choose Glacier Bay over a balcony.
"What are the tips for seeing views on the cruise, assuming we have no Balcony? How early should we go out?"
Keep in mind that other than the last day, the ship will mostly sail at night. When it is moving in daylight, no way for us to predict when your ship might pass something scenic. Plan to spend the entire time out on deck in Glacier Bay for both scenery and your best *chance* at wildlife, and same with your time near Hubbard (likely won't see wildlife there, though, but the glacier is HUGE).
Can you add your Vancouver stay to Alaska, giving you nearly 4 days? It would make a huge difference.
Sample itinerary:
June 10 (or whatever), Day 1 – Arrive ANC. If you want an RV, rent with Great Alaskan Holidays—you can stay in the RV you’ll get the next morning, and arrange an early-morning pick up)
Day 2, June 11 – pick up rental car or RV orientation. Get groceries/supplies. Drive to Denali (5 to 6 hrs) with stops such as Eagle River Nature Center for a hike, Eklutna Village to see the Spirit Houses, views, short (or longer) hike at Moose Flats along the way if The Mountain is out that day (only 30% of visitors get a good view of it): https://andreakuuipoabroad.com/hike-moose-flats-loop-denali-state-park/ Drive the 14 miles into the park that private vehicles are allowed to look for wildlife and do the hike at the entrance point. You might have time for an entrance hike too: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/dayhiking.htm and/or the visitor center displays & film. Overnight maybe Riley Creek CG, or a lodge or cabin not far from the entrance.
Day 3, June 12 – early morning East Fork Shuttle to mile 43. Get off to hike a bit past there, then return for a later shuttle back to the entrance. Other Denali activities as time allows.
Day 4 June 13 – drive to Matanuska Glacier (3 hrs. from Talkeetna) for early afternoon guided hike with MICA or Nova. If driving from Denali, choose 4:30 pm hike with MICA. Overnight Glacier View CG or Sheep Mt. Lodge.
Day 5 June 14 – drive to ANC (2+ hrs). Return rental car or RV. 12:30 ACT Big Bus to Whittier (includes stop at Wildlife Conservation Center) assuming their schedule is the same next year.
If you want to shorten the drive Denali to Matanuska, late afternoon drive on June 12 to maybe Talkeetna (2.5 to 3 hrs) to overnight. Or if in an RV, K’esugi Ken CG. Then on the 13th you could get to Matanuska in time for an afternoon glacier hike and head back to ANC if you want to do a couple of morning activities there (hiking, biking, Trolley Tour, etc.) before transferring to your cruise ship. Though I’d probably overnight at Matanuska either way....
Have fun planning!
