Looking for someone that has ACTUALLY been on Princess line arriving in Whittier . Our ship gets in 2a, what is reasonable departure time from there to Anchorage and how long is trip via Princess shuttle/bus?
?? ?? ?? How long drive time wise with 2-3 hrs. worth of stops along way Anchorage to Denali is reasonable?
Also someone was looking for car rental in Anchorage, we got great rate from Enterprise and less taxes also. thanks in advance, tom
I ACTUALLY did Princess N to Whittier last year (not like those who merely claim such elite status). The 2 am thing may have meaning to the crew, but doesn't mean anything for you ... when you wake up, you'll be at the pier. Disembarkation starts pretty early ... by 7 as I remember. But, you disembark by assignments and there are NO guarantees regarding timeslots. On one of the last few days, you will get a form asking for post-cruise plans (ie. cruisetour #, time of a flight & flight #, rental car, and whether you have a Princess shuttle booking going with your other plans). Based on everyone's responses, they will give you your disembarkation time (tickets for disembark, tickets for shuttle, and appropriately coded luggage tags). I think we ended up getting a slot in the range of 8:00 and that was definitely early (and far earlier than we had been told was likely).
Shuttle time to Anchorage is also variable because you're dealing with a tunnel that switches off whether it is used for inbound, outbound, or train, so you may have some waiting. But, expect 1.5-2 hours to Anchorage. Expect some time picking up your luggage in Anchorage (remember its already there for you in a room housing the luggage for everyone who will be ending up at your location) and obviously time to get the car.
From Anchorage to Denali (entrance area), expect 5.5 hours WITHOUT stops (more if you experience traffic ie. get behind a chain of campers). [Note: Denali NP is huge and extends far south of the entrance area. So, some map programs aren't using the correct destination and give you far shorter times.] Part of the drive, really is stops along the way. On our way out, we only really stopped in Talkeetna for lunch and some touring and lots of little pullouts along the drive. With that, we got into Denali to check-in, walk around the hotel grounds a bit, and get a bite to eat, before an early night in prep for the early morning shuttle tour. We did a lot more stopping and touring on the drive back to Anchorage.
IF you are planning on getting to Denali Park the same day as your cruise, you may be better off arranging private transportation to Anchorage, since the tours and cruiseair passengers leave first. You can just walk off the ship anytime with your own transportation.
Karen- From following much of your advice on the boards, we will be renting a car in Whittier and driving the "land tour" parts of our vacation- noticed that you said that you can just walk off the ship when you have your own transportation-I was wondering about that being a first time "cruiser" -/ Maybe a dumb question to ask- but what about our luggage? Do we just take it with us or does the cruise line take it off and then you have to go claim it somewhere? We are cruising on Princess if this makes any difference- not sure if different cruise lines do it differently. Thank you for all the great info!
We are taking the Princess bus from Whitter to Anchorage? Does anyone know how long a ride that is and since we are staying at a hotel downtown can we be dropped off downtown instead of the airport? Will that mean we will be the last to get off the ship and will our luggage go with the bus or be at our arrival point? Thanks.
You just walk off the ship ANYTIME in Whittier/Seward since the ship has already cleared customs. Just pick up your bags- will have them under tents etc. It will be about 1 hour 15min bus ride Whittier/Anchorage without significant tunnel delays. The Princess bus will go to EITHER the airport or Egan Center downtown. If you are picking up a car- take the airport bus. From Egan- you would then cab to your hotel.
IF You booked a Princess hotel package - which I never recommend- then you will be transfered to the hotel.
I have also heard there is a train that goes from the Whittier to Anchorage and is very scenic. Does anyone know if this is true/worth doing/etc? Thanks!
If you take the train, the ship contracts a COSTLY option since the regular run doesn't leave until around 6pm. It depends if you want to do a PWS boat tour- highly recommended. You will be bored silly in Whittier if you don't have some type of tour. But for clairfication on your information- the scenery is EXACTLY the same on this portion of the rail as the Seward Highway. The train usually has assigned seats, on the bus sit on the driver's side for the views of the Arm.
Dear karen: You suggested to sit on the drivers side of the bus to see views of the Arm. We are taking the Princess bus from Whitter to Anchorage is that the bus you mean? and sorry (dumb question)what is the Arm?
Any tips of sights to see in Anchorage when we only have one full day. Thanks.
Mizzum we are leaving on 5/9 and cruising to the 16th. We are then on our own until the 21st. We leave exactly 3 weeks from tomorrow. We started planning this in October - i cannot believe it is almost here. Have a great time!!!!
From Whittier- yes sit on the driver's side. Turnagain Arm- endless scenery. I would suggest you get a copy of the Anchorage visitor guide www.anchorage.net and see what is of interest for you. I am a strong recommender of a car rental, just allows you much more flexability to get around and makes better use of time. But for this, I would be on one of the FIRST airport buses to make the most of your day. Consider a drive back down the Arm if you found that interesting for stops, or head north north for a look? Downtown has plenty too if of interest. Walking tour map included with the guide. Way too many choices.
we have a hotel downtown anchorage. Should we take the bus to Eagan Center instead of the airport? Do we have a choice of getting an early bus or do we get the time Princess gives us? IF that is the case, we probably will be the last one off the ship since we are not making a plane. Thanks.
Karen,
Are we required to pick up our luggage at the airport as soon as we arrive by bus? Or can we pick it up any time later in the day possibly closer to flight time?
You are responsible for your bags from the bus. I would verify anyway that they are accounted for. But don't go to the airport IF you have a late flight unless you are going to stay there. go to Egan Center- downtown. They have luggage storage there.
Time from ship to Anchorage
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