A few of us are researching post cruise options for Mush - we need to know who and how many might be interested to determine what we might want to do and to get information

Kathy - we think alike! :D

Masaki

Well, at least we can maybe come to some consensus with this information.

Kathy you forgot to include the no rail, close to Anchorage Aleyska resort choice!

Editing to add, I think I just found that choice on the poll :)

The only thing, if I choose the Alyeska choice, the price per person per day ($75 non-inclusive) isn't included in the price choices.

I was narrowing things down. There is a Aleyska choice. I wrote that poll at midnight. It will probably need refining once we narrow it down.

Maybe we could do another poll with 2 choices, Denali/Rail and Alyeska no rail and then if there is enough interest in both locations, we could organize into different groups and choose how many days and exactly to where.

I still haven't decided which group I would like to be in but I think I am leaning towards the no train option.

I'm in the very dark here...I'm not one for organized tours and sitting on a bus or train listening to blah...blah...blah. As for wildlife after ROAR I may be wildlife overdosed. I'll try and decide after I talk to my sister.
Confused in Va. Beach

I will have to talk to the others from here who have booked - have no idea what they will want to do and I don't think they have done any research so may take awhile to get responses - Joanna

Adding that I'm interested in a pre in Vancouver...have we decided on a hotel for the group?....or on our own? Something upscale and close to points of interest.

Suzie, I will be doing 1 night precruise in Vancouver but I don't know where yet.

Suzie, how about this one in Vancouver, the Pan Pacific . I think I could sleep in this lobby!!



And it appears we can just throw our luggage off of our balcony, onto the ship :)

In 2001, we stayed at the Four Seasons. It was okay, but I think we'll look for something else next time. I'll have to have two or three nights, to see our good friends who live there.

Karen, Oh yes! This is the one for me. Should we do another poll?
Talked to my sis and she wants to do the Denali excursion so thats settled. This is turning into a 2 week vacation...we want to do at least 2 or 3 days pre.

I guess there are two docks in Vancouver, I wonder if this dock next to the Pan Pacific is the one where the Mariner docks?

We were at the other dock in 2001, not at the Pan Pacific

The other dock is in an industrial area, so we wouldn't want to stay close to it, anyway. It's a short cab ride, but quite a different look.

Two hotels to look at in Vancouver are the Wedgewood Hotel and Sutton Place. The Wedgewood is like a European boutique hotel, Sutton Place is larger. Both are in great locations near Robson Street.

http://www.wedgewoodhotel.com/

http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/


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Leslie

We are interested in post cruise Denali, but I need to do some basic research to be able to answer the questions in the poll.

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Leslie

We originally had reservations at the Wedgewood, but if I remember right, found a better price at Four Seasons. Wedgewood looks incredible, I don't know where we'll look this time. I'm torn between close to the pier and closer to our friends who live in Burnaby, but they very happily came downtown to us last time.

One or two words of caution about the Pan Pacific. All the rooms aren't that wonderful, spacious room they show on the website; there are some much smaller ones. AND, the seaplanes start landing/taking off at 7 am every single morning. If you want to sleep in, that might be a problem.

I've stayed at the Pan Pacific before. Loved the location and we had a wonderful corner room. This was when we were on Princess and had booked a precruise through them. And the convenience couldn't be beat in terms of walking down without our luggage and walking aboard the ship.

Maybe we'll get lucky and the Mariner will dock at Canada Place in 2006??

Also, there's a Fairmont right across the street from Canada Place as well which is supposedly very nice as well. I've been very fond of Fairmonts since our visit to the Fairmont Orchid on the island of Hawaii, as well as staying at the Chateau Whistler and the Fairmont Vancouver Airport (easily one of the best airport hotels I've ever stayed at).

Masaki

Masaki

OK, Masaki, I'm taking you up on that drink offer. See how easily I can be pursuaded. :D

We are all booked and ready to go. Add us to the list, we are in cabin #767.

We are open to what everyone else wants to do pre and post cruise. Probably will do two days pre-cruise and whatever on the post.

Diana and Don: Great news you are next cabin to friends of ours Jack and Kathy McWilliams #765 - Joanna

That's great. Tell them we will try and keep the noise down. LOL BTW, which one are you in?

I know we had a list together, but I guess we will need to get a final one once all the dust settles.

we are in 739 - we have 3 couples going and one single gal - so far trying to talk two more couples into joining us - Joanna

I got an email from the tour company. They made a recommendation to me about a tour to a lodge in Denali. I am swamped at work right now, but, I will post later. It looked really nice and there were a zillion things to do. Heli Hiking, Tundra Tour, all day tour into Denali. Bike Rides, About 25 things to do. Will post later.

We book uniquely Alaskan programs for groups. We have our own motorocoach company, local Alaskan guides and the highest service quality service in the state.
We would meet and greet your group as they disembarked their cruiseship and they would board our 54 passenger motorcoach for their journey to Denali. Please have a look at our website, which shows a picture of our motorcoach and more details. http://www.premieralaskatours.com/docdisplay.cfm?docID=11

Along the way, we would stop at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Formerly known as Big Game) to see Alaska's critters up close. Continue to Anchorage for a brief orientation and lunch (on own) and continue to Denali for the overnight.
While in Denali, we could book the Tundra Wilderness Tour for the group. This is an 7-8 hour tour that travels deep into the park looking for bear, moose, caribou and other wildlife in this vast region.
There are many optionals that one can do while in Denali (flightseeing, jeep tours, hikes, Denali Dinner Theatre and much more...).

Here are some of the hotels we use in Anchorage and Denali. I believe you might be familiar with Hilton and Marriott properties:
Anchorage Hilton- http://www.anchorage.hilton.com/ This hotel is located downtown. This hotel also offers suites for guests. Please let me know if this is what you are looking for. If so, if your entire group would in suites, we would need to know, so we can ensure space for everyone.
Marriott This hotel is also downtown. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/ANCDT- this is also located downtown and this hotel might be what you are looking for.

Denali: Hotels are limited in Denali and one of the more upscale hotels would be the Grande Denali. It is on top of the hill, which would allow for the best views. Here is a link showing you some of the hotel and listing the amenities.
Here is the link to the hotel: http://www.denalialaska.com/denali_index.html

Don - fantastic! I'll gladly pay up when we see you on MUSH!

Kathy - that'll definitely work. And the Grande Denali is the lodge/hotel that I posted about in the MUSH forum. That's great that they have their own motorcoach. And I definitely want to do the Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali.

From the website: http://www.reservedenali.com/
"The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the activity of choice when visiting Denali. Professional certified resource interpreters provide a formal narration on this 6-8 hour tour that travels deep into the heart of the Park; Wildlife that may be seen along the way include the Grizzly Bear, Moose, Caribou, Dall Sheep and Wolf. Weather permitting, the Tundra Wilderness Tour travels as far as Stony Hill Overlook (mile 62 Park Road) where the first view of Mt. McKinley from base to summit can be seen. Early and late season the Teklanika Tundra Wilderness Tour is offered, it is 5-6 hours and travels 30 miles to the Teklanika River."

Masaki

I wrote back asking for number of days, approximate cost per person with two levels of accomdation, and amount of time it takes to get there. It sounded perfect to me too.

Kathy, it looks perfect to me, too.

Thanks Kathy for all your hard work on this. It looks really good!

Thanks Kathy, you are a wonder. This sounds perfect and the Grande Denali I like. How soon do we need to make final choice?

Kathy, amazing work considering you're in the middle of tax season! Looks good to me.

We are interested in active stuff like hiking so having multiple options will be great!
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Leslie

No Rail, one locale overnight, stuff to do on the way to Denali, so no one gets bored (for Karen), deluxe accomdations. I am waiting for the first set of answers. But what I would think work is put all of us on the Denali Tundra all day tour. The next day could be free for the excursions of choice. There are so many. We could book the dinner theater for the one evening that would cover food and entertainment as a group. We'd need to decide how many nights in Denali since there is so much to do. There is also one night in Anchorage as well. My thoughts are to make it a 4 night deal. Thoughts and opinions are welcome.

Kathy: I have no idea what would work and appreciate all your efforts. As I have so far to fly, the longer post-cruise the better, bearing in mind I do have to watch my 'pennies'. I've read about the McKinley Explorer train to Fairbanks and was wondering if Fairbanks would be easier to fly out of than Anchorage? I'm sure if I looked, I would find out why no-one wants to do a train trip but thought it may be an option for me.

I've heard that the chance of seeing wildlife isn't as good late in the season - can someone confirm that?

I have requested a proposal from the tour company with several options/inclusions and price per each. When I get the proposal, I will post it and we can find out what we want to do with it. If it works, we will probably need to make some deposits. I will find out more when I get the proposal but this is a democracy so I will post a poll after all has reviewed it.

Lee, after 7 days on the cruise and a day or two pre-cruise 3 to 5 days post cruise, you will have had enough of Alaskan wilderness. If you want to extend your trip, I think you can easily do a longer pre-cruise. There is quite a bit to do. You could tour not only Vancouver, but Victoria and also Seattle and go a little further east into Canada. Without a doubt a week there could easily be spent - or more.

Hi Kathy

A few years ago my husband, son and I toured Vancouver, Victoria and the Rockies and I loved it all. If we'd had any sense, we would have gone to Alaska too but then we would have missed MUSH! I would love to see the Rockies via the Gold Leaf Rocky Montaineer and return to Victoria but I know neither my son or husband want to see something they've already seen. I think it would be a crime to be so near and not see it again.

I never really thought about it, so thanks for pointing out we could be 'Alaska'd out' after the cruise - it's just it's so far to travel for less than three weeks (I prefer four), so any suggestions on the best way to fill the time would be appreciated. Of course, my financial position only runs to the cruise, so I will have to really prioritise!

My alternative is to forget the husband and son and bring my sister - lots and lots of fun!! We did a tour of Europe together last year but decided we didn't want to live out of a suitcase for too long, so this would be ideal. Just have to figure out a way to break the news to hubby and son!! Lee

We are also signed up on the MUSH Tour.
A posible tour we came across that might interest some of you. (2005 Prices)
http://www.freshtracks.ca/city_mini/cm_alaska.shtml

Alaska Greatland Explorer
HIGHLIGHTS>>
• Experience the best of Alaska!
• Trolley tour of Anchorage
• Denali National Park
• Incredible wildlife tour
• Travel onboard Alaska Railroad
• Transit day pass in Fairbanks

Explore Alaska's great interior by travelling from Anchorage to Denali, continuing northward to Fairbanks by rail, and ending with a flight back to Anchorage. This circle trip Includes a tour into Denali National Park for the most complete Denali wildlife viewing experience possible. The rail journey through Alaska's heartland to Fairbanks is one of the most scenic rail routes in the world.

ITINERARY>>
Day 1 - Arrive in Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage and make your own way to your Anchroage accommodation. An Anchorage trolley tour has been included today. This one-hour tour presents Anchorage through the eyes of a life-long Alaskan. Learn the history of this city, see the Railroad Depot, Lake Hood (the world's busiest float plane base), Earthquake Park , the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Westchester Lagoon, and more. Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 2 - Anchorage to Denali
Today, travel by scheduled bus to Denali National Park and be surrounded by startling mountain landscape. Upon arrival in Denali, your afternoon is free for you to enjoy some of the different activities near Denali Park such as hiking and whitewater rafting. Overnight by the Denali Park Entrance area.

Day 3 - Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks
This morning enjoy an early morning bus tour into Denali National Park to look for wildlife. With some luck you may see bears, caribou, moose, sheep, wolves, and a variety of birds. A snack lunch is included in the tour. This afternoon board the Alaska Railroad and travel to Fairbanks (standard seating). Your evening is at leisure in Fairbanks. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 4 - Fairbanks
Today you have a full day to explore Fairbanks. A local transportation pass is included in your package which allows multiple transfers to points of interests and city highlights of Fairbanks. This pass does not include any admissions. Overnight Fairbanks.

Day 5 - Fairbanks to Anchorage
Today you are booked on a scheduled flight to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage your Alaska journey comes to an end.

Your Package Includes
• 1 night accommodation in Anchorage
• 1 night accommodation in Denali
• 2 nights accommodation in Fairbanks
• Anchorage Trolley Tour
• Scheduled coach to Denali
• Denali Park Tour (includes snack lunch)
• One-way rail service from Denali to Fairbanks
• Local transit day pass in Fairbanks
• Scheduled flight one-way from Fairbanks to Anchorage
• Documentation Package

Not Included
• All meals & activities unless otherwise specified
• Airfare to/from Anchorage
• Airport Transfers
• Gratuities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance

Price Per Person
Sept 5 - 10, 2005
USD $
Twin $935
Single $1275
Triple and children rates available upon request.

Welcome D/M/D! Great to have you onboard LCT and welcome to MUSH as well!

The biggest problem I see with the tour that you mention is that we'd still need to figure out how to get from Whittier to Anchorage on our own. Also, I'm a little worried about the way that they don't mention anything about which hotels that they use. Also, the tour in Denali sounds like the Natural History tour instead of the Tundra Wilderness tour ... which is highly discouraged on the CC Alaska board.

Kathy - 4 nights sound good to me as well. Does that include the night in Anchorage?

Lee - as others have mentioned, you can always do a longer precruise. Vancouver as you know is a fascinating city with Victoria near by. Or you could travel north to Whistler and check out where the Winter Olympics will be in a few years. Or you could even start more south in Seattle and explore the state of Washington as well.

Masaki

Here's more of my two cents. I think Masaki is correct that the Park tour could not include sufficient time in the Park. If you are going to the trouble to travel to Denali, you really need to devote about 8 hours (total) in the Park. The two main reasons to go are for viewing wildlife, and if you are lucky as we were, to see McKinley. We did not consider Fairbanks because there were many fires in that area last year, and it also would have added a lot of time to our pre-cruise. Is Fairbanks preferable to the Kenai Peninsula? Also, as I mentioned before Talkeetna was worthwhile. That's where we flew from for the awesome flight over McKinley (using Talkeetna Aero Services). Also, we took an interesting river excursion from there. We were on either (or both) the Susitna or Chulitna Rivers (using Mahay's Riverboat Service). Both the flight and the river excursion were 2-for-1, using the toursaver coupon booklet. With regard to getting from Whittier to Anchorage, does Radisson not have special train cars for that trip, as they did for getting between Seward and Anchorage?

Dreps