As another Alaska cruise season comes to a close, it’s appropriate to reflect on what draws cruisers in particular and tourists in general to the 49th state. The main attractions — at least from our two visits, the most recent on the Star Princess — are mountains, glaciers and wildlife…and not necessarily in that order.… Continue reading Friday File: Why Cruisers Go To Alaska
Tag: Denali
The Denali Debate Known To Cruisers
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Alaska twice, in 2009 and earlier this year, both times while cruising on Princess ships, first the Coral Princess and then the Star Princess. On both occasions, we heard the tale of the Mount McKinley versus Denali name debate, which was new to us. On both occasions, we concluded… Continue reading The Denali Debate Known To Cruisers
Princess's Diamond In The Wilderness
DENALI, Alaska — Of the five lodges that Princess Cruises operates in Alaska, the one on the doorstep of Denali National Park has the size, the reputation and the history that a flagship hotel — or a flagship anything — should have. At 656 rooms, it is the biggest of the five lodges with which… Continue reading Princess's Diamond In The Wilderness
Alaska Cruisetours the way to go
ALASKA — The first thing you need to know about Cruisetours is: Don’t confuse them with shore excursions. Not only are they different, but “shore excursions” are available when you’re on a Cruisetour. In Alaska, Princess sets the standard for Cruisetours. They are combined with a 7-day cruise and there are four types of varying… Continue reading Alaska Cruisetours the way to go
School Buses for 'Leaf Peepers'
DENALI, Alaska — Passengers on Princess cruise ships have three choices when it comes to seeing the Denali National Park. You can spend 4 hours riding a school bus, 8 hours riding a school bus or 13 hours riding a school bus. Now, in case you think that sounds like torture worse than being punished… Continue reading School Buses for 'Leaf Peepers'