Revised question re Inner Passage. Help appreciated.

Hi, some of you have looked to offer advice but I realise a bit more info would help.

Myself (39) and Mum (62) from UK, both fit, active, sociable are looking to cruise in July/Aug 07. Dates not negotiable. We want to cruise to experience some luxury travel. Currently thinking of Princess line Vancouver to Whittier one way. Any thoughts on which ship (or indeed an alternative line) welcome.Would you recomend staying extra night in Vancouver?

Secondly, we%26#39;re considering a land tour, 4/5 days up to Fairbanks via Denali. The brochures offer this as an ';add on'; How possible is it to do this part independently? We do need to keep an eye on the cost. How do the flights fit in? Would you pay for a porthole or save that money for an extra excursion?

Lots of questions...but help appreciated.

Can anyone recomend agent to book through to keep price down.

Thanks, allsaints

Revised question re Inner Passage. Help appreciated.

Can%26#39;t really comment on a particular cruiseline (last time we cruised was about 10 yrs ago......many things could have changed)....but one thing to consider is to compare the prices of Princess to the Holland America line which does not permit tipping.......you could save a little there......as for the port hole, there are so many windows on a cruiseliner to watch the scenery from you really don%26#39;t need to pay extra for one........

The add-on tour to Denali and Fairbanks can definitely be done independently.......just plan ahead.......rent a car in Anchorage on-line and rent a hotel room in Denali and Fairbanks.......the bus into Denali and any other attractions can be booked on-site as needed (you may want to check when you arrive at each location to assure that there is space available the next day).......this type of trip is so much more enjoyable because you have the freedom to see and do exactly what you want........

Oh, and try to get a cruise that stops in Haines.......lovely little town......we have a lot to see and do here.....

Revised question re Inner Passage. Help appreciated.

Thanks Mombear. Sounds daft but how would we get to Anchorage from Whittier, bus? Will compare with Holland American. Anyone out there with experience of this line, Princess and Royal C please shout up.

Currently we%26#39;re thinking of cruise first...up to Whittier then land tour. Is this the best way round? Any thoughts on land tour first then cruising DOWN to Vancouver

Please keep thoughts coming

allsaints

Holland America ships tend to be smaller than the other cruise lines, 1400 or so passengers vs. 2200 or so. Price difference will be minimal, and HA does a fine job.

Vancouver is a great city. I would recommend a day there, just to see the gardens or to tour out to Whistler (a local ski area).

I would agree; do the land tour on your own. Alaska roads are good and uncrowded; the drive from Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks is quite pleasant.

allsaints

When our ship got to Whittier we rode the train to Anchorage.....it was included in the cruise......once we got to Anchorage, there was a shuttle bus at the train station that went around to all the hotels (no charge for that either).....Check out these details with your cruiseline and be sure to reserve your hotel room and rental car well in advance.....

Just returned from Alaska cruise. Took the Regent Mariner and can%26#39;t recommend it highly enough! Ship is only 700 passengers max, all rooms are suites with decks and stocked bar. Fresh fruit every day and open seating in 4 restaurants. Lots of luxury and not at all crowded. 24hr room service also. We spent 3 days in Vancouver- went to Victoria as well in that time. You could do it in 2. Didn%26#39;t do Denali but friends who have said make your own arrangements. We rented a car in Whittier and drove- dropped it off at the Anchorage airport.

blushed