Friday, February 22, 2013

Pre and Post Cruise Alaska Land Tour Options



   Inside Passage Alaska cruises northbound and southbound connect with Southcentral Alaska ports of Seward, Whittier and Anchorage Alaska.  Few cruises actually depart from Anchorage and a connecting land transfer between Anchorage and Whittier or Seward is most often required.
  Quick and mass transfers are available via motor coaches from various Anchorage departure and arrival points.  The Alaska Park Connection departs from the Anchorage museum and Egan Center on a daily schedule. The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic has a daily departure in either the glass-dome or traditional railcars, additional connections between your hotel or airport and rail depot are required on both ends.
  For personal service and direct transfer on a tight schedule arrangements with limo or taxi service is a possibility.  Direct drive time between Anchorage airport and Whittier cruise dock should allow a minimum of 2 hours and pay special attention to the timed tunnel openings in route.  Direct drive time between the Anchorage airport and Seward cruise dock should allow a minimum 3 hours.  Both routes travel highway that can experience unplanned closures and possible construction delays. 
  To make the most of an Alaska vacation, allow as many days on land pre or post cruise that you possibly can.  Small tour operators like Alaskan Tour Guides provide the custom tour options for extended family and small group travelers.  Spend a week or more for the full tour, 3-5 days for a Denali Adventure.  At the very minimum you should allow a full day to explore the spectacular landscape, glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities in route between the city of Anchorage and these two cruise port destinations.  Numerous activity options are available to custom your trip before or after you join your Alaska cruise.