Alaska is the last great frontier.  It is magnificent and can be enjoyed at many different levels.  I enjoy a little luxury myself and I found it on a Princess cruise tour.    Now, I am forming another group to travel to this wonderful destination.  Departing  from whatever airport you wish on August 4, 2012, returning on August 15.

Your flight will take you into Fairbanks, Alaska for an overnight at a beautiful Princess lodge.  The first morning, you will enjoy a Riverboat Cruise on an authentic sternwheeler with stops along the way for you to experience different aspects of life in Alaska.  After a hearty miners lunch, you will tour a gold mine and see how the miners lived while seeking their fortunes.

The next day begins with a railroad journey on luxury domed rail cars which gives you a panoramic view to watch for wildlife.  Upon arrival at the Denali Princess lodge, you will have time on your own for relaxing or taking an optional excursion.  The next day begins with Denali National History tour where you will tour into the National Park in search of bear, elk and Dahl sheep with glimpses of Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America.

The next day, it’s all aboard a luxury rail cars again for a trip directly to Whittier Alaska where you will board the Island Princess for a 7 day cruise through the Inside Passage.  How wonderful it is to be able to unpack once, eat fabulous cuisine and enjoy wonderful entertainment in luxury.

 I cannot say enough about cruising as I love it!  On this floating resort, you will see Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park.  The glaciers break off into the Bay with a gigantic splash.  I was glad that we weren’t too close. Have you ever sat in a hot tub and looked at a wall of ice?  It is unforgettable!

 There is a day in Skagway, Alaska, a true pioneer town, then on to Juneau, the capital of Alaska.  Juneau is only accessible by water or air.  At each stop, there are opportunities to sign up for optional tours or just visit the town on your own.  The ship sails at night so there is no lost time.

The next day is Ketchikan.  Ketchikan is where you will see the totem poles.  When I visited, we went to a shop where the local artist was whittling a totem pole for the Boston museum.  Totally interesting and informative.  We also got to see a historic local dance. Can you tell this was one of my favorite stops?

The next day was totally about relaxing as we cruised to Vancouver for the trip home. We were able to see islands along the way.   We took full advantage of all that the ship had to offer.  There is always a lot to do onboard ship ….. bingo, wine tasting,  dancing or learning a new skill.   And you have heard about the food.

This is a great adventure.  The cost depends upon the type of cabin that you choose, inside, window or balcony,  just a step to be outside enjoying  the scenery yourself. Rates range from $2600.00 to $3700.00 per person which includes transfers, government taxes and travel protection.  Airfare is additional and varies with your home city.  $50.00 onboard credit per cabin.

Give me a call or email to get specific cabin availability.  There are still lots of good choices mid-ship.  Some of the earlier cruises are already sold out so don’t wait much longer.  If the date doesn’t work for you, I can check other dates.   There is a balcony bonanza sail on until January 31 which will save you some money.