Originally Posted by
Andy100
Just wanted to get some quick thoughts on cruises.
We're thinking of-
1. ferry from Valdez to Whittier - PWS
2. Kenai Fjords Northwestern cruise - wildlife + glacier
Is there any point in doing a Prince William Sound cruise (like the "26glaciers" cruise or the "Glacier Adventurer" cruise).
The ferry will not take us as close to the glaciers, so we're thinking of doing the 1 hr Portage Glacier cruise to go up-close and see (and hear) the glacier crackle.
The one-hour Portage Glacier cruise is a nice little mini-cruise and is nice if you've never done any other glacier cruises, but in comparison to the "real" (tidewater) glacier cruises, it's kiddie play. The only day cruise I've done is the 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier, and I'll tell you that sitting still in front of Surprise Glacier and hearing the ice crackle and then seeing a huge chunk calve off is a sight and sound nearly beyond comprehension.
I'm not sure how the other Whittier cruises compare; as far as Seward, I've never done them, but I understand that Seward half-day cruises are better for wildlife while the full-day cruises combine wildlife with some good glacier action.
I guess it will be your call on whether you can afford the time for any of these options.
Originally Posted by
Danger Man
I'm in AK now actually in ANC tonight. Denali can be done in 4 hours if you never drop under 90 MPH (just did it) Fairbanks is another 2.5hrs. If in Fairbanks do NOT eat a Pike's Landing, go to Big Daddy's BBQ and say I was told to say hello to the Chicago Red Neck and the Biker Babe Waitress. Santa Claus's House actually has good prices on gifts, unlike any place else. The Old Dredge #8 is educational and fun. The El Dorado Gold Mine is Interesting as well, entertainment is good. You will pass the stupid pipeline that everyone wants to touch on the way. Buy your fuel at Fred Meyer and put in your phone number it discounts it 4 cents. Pioneer Park has a descent air museum. If you want to see Mt McKinley it is better viewed from Denali State Park South view than any where in the park on the road. It is much closer too. McKinley Lodge Chalets can be had at $99 per night and it is very nice (modern resort style w/ rustic flair)
I agree with
almost everything you said...except I (as a thirteen-year Alaska resident and avid traveler) wouldn't call the pipeline stupid. It really is an engineering marvel, and touching it and seeing it close up is worth the ten-minute stop--especially since it's free. (And for someone with more time, stopping at a pump station that offers tours--if any still exist--is worth the hour tour!)