McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? Hello all. Exact departure times can be any time between 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm in the afternoon. With the comforts of home, incredible dining options and expert-crafted excursions, discover your ideal way to explore the Great Land. Binoculars with roof prisms have a sleek, streamlined shape and less bulk. Knowing how helpful everyone is on this forum, I knew I would also get excellent advice here. Step into a Jeep Wrangler that hugs the dirt road and explore the scenic beauty and wildlife that the Denali area offers. When I took the TWT many years ago as part of a cruise tour, there was a handful of independent travelers waiting to board the bus next to ours. After making an online reservation, you will receive an e-mail confirmation, which lists your departure date and either morning or afternoon tour. Then it "hid" in the sparse brush on the other side of the road - right in full view of our window. All transit buses travel to the East Fork River (Mile 43). AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WITHOUT A PARK TOUR: Glimpse the epic sweep of Denali National Park on this guided tour that travels 30 miles into Denali National Park and Preserve. Read about the different tour bus options. The buses do not have restrooms; however, rest stops are made approximately every 90 minutes. Check out our Alaska wildlife guide to learn . Journey through 11 miles of awesome rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems, like Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Play a round of golf in the Midnight Sun, or rise above it on a thrilling flightseeing tour. When your tour driver is able, they will take video footage of animals along the road and project the image onto the screen so you can get a close-up look at the action.IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers. Whether theyre traveling with their young or looking for mates in the spring, there are many chances to see caribou when you visit Denali National Park. Tour overview: On this Alaska flightseeing day tour, enjoy an aerial view of the eastern boundary of Denali National Park as you travel along the . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. From suggesting how to dress for daily activities to streaming daily, custom playlists during our time onboard the bus, Gomez took care of every detail as we racked up miles traveling to Kenai, Denali National Park and, finally, Fairbanks. He had come onboard Princess CruisesRoyal Princess to talk about fishing and crabbing in some of the most dangerous waters in the world the Bering Sea. Your home base at the doorstep of Denali National Park. Starting from its glacial headwaters high in the Alaska Range, the Nenana cuts north through the mountains alongside Denali National Park, offering several major rapids and thrilling whitewater rafting. This fee is charged separately with Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses. I called to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness (everyone online. I took the Tundra Wilderness Tour in early September. 5 - 5 1/2 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. If you are traveling to Denali from Fairbanks by train or coach, we recommend the afternoon tour. Children 2 years and older will be charged the full adult price. Dates: May 15 - September 14, 2023. A bottle of water and a snack pack are included with this tour. Due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 45 of the Denali Park Road, the destination for Transit and the Tundra Wilderness Tours will be Mile 43 of the Denali Park Road for the entire 2023 season. Filmed: May 2022Are you heading to Denali National Park on a Princess Cruisetour? Again: with TWT you travel about 26 miles further than NHT, giving you a much better chance to view scenery and look for wildlife. You have no say in the matter. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. This extraordinary full day fly-fishing expedition takes you to the area's streams where you will learn the basics of fly-casting while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it. Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used. If Princess says yes you can upgrade. The Tundra Wilderness Tour lasts five hours and will guide you along the spectacular road corridor to mile 43, promising a wonderful experience, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. . 2) where should we stay? Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres, and preserves not only Denali, but also the pristine alpine terrain and abundant wildlife in the surrounding lands. We have 2 adults, 17yr old and 11 yr old - I know they are both long tours but the kids are rea. Finally, a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! It was trying to get a bit of the kill that a grizzly was sitting on. On a Tundra Wilderness Tour, included in all Holland America Line two- and three-night Denali stays, travel deep into the heart of Denali for the adventure of a lifetime. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience rafting on the glacially fed Nenana River. Sign up to receive e-mails for the 2023 discounts & specials! These bears are solitary creatures that hunt, fish and forage on their own. May 31, 2022, 11:29 AM Save Hello all, I have also posted this on Cruise Critic and hopefully will get some guidance. Experience the Denali Park Road with a certified naturalist for an adventure youll never forget! Report inappropriate content. Adult rates include the National Park Service Entrance Fee. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge at 3:30 a.m. after receiving a call that the northern lights were dancing across the sky. Like other excursions, we had to pay the full amount of the tour when we booked it. During the off season, this tour will be substituted with a shorter 4-hour tour due to inclement weather. This narrated tour through Denali National Park spans four and a half hours and takes you to Primrose Ridge at mile 17. From the website: "Morning departures are generally between 5:00am and 11:00am while afternoon departures are generally between 12:30pm and 4:30pm. This thing is so cool. The next time we did it the driver suddenly yelled, "Lynx!!!!" It is highly recommended that all parties traveling together book together on one reservation to prevent being split across multiple buses. Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used. Let us introduce you to Denali National Park - up close! Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds on an ATV that can reach speeds of up to 30 . 2023 Price: $115 USD adult, $60 USD child. 1. Pay an upgrade price, not the full price. Along the way, your driver-naturalist will introduce you to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park. tundra marsh, and permafrost so the ground can be totally frozen in some areas and a crafty fox that enjoys stealing balls. I was part of a Princess Cruise tour, but had booked this upgrade directly with Aramark, the concessionaire. NOTE: Child Rates apply to children 15 years old and younger. Every effort will be made to reserve your tour at the time requested, but please note that due to National Park Service bus limitations, you may be moved to a different time slot. I may be wrong, but Ive always seen the tours as mostly filled with Tourists on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I will be interested in how you like the tour after your vacation. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. In Denali we did the Tundra Wilderness Tour as part of the pre-arranged tours. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. If youre traveling with children, please take a moment to review the. The perfect home base for exploring Denali National Park. The Tundra Wilderness Tour turns around near the East Fork River (Mile 42). Today, you'll be treated to a Tundra Wilderness Tour deep into Denali National Park. Don't miss the Denali Highway! Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience. If you are traveling to Fairbanks by train or coach in the afternoon, our morning tour works well for an afternoon departure from the park. The buses do not have restrooms; however, rest stops are made approximately every 90 minutes. vs. 4.5 hrs). Turns out she was friendly and we had a nice time chatting! Spend time on a short hike, visiting with a National Park Service Ranger, or exploring the exhibits during your stay. Having a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, you can spot the bald eagle riding the wind and soaring across the sky. Guests who shop with participating merchants receive a 7% shipboard credit on purchases, which can be used on their current cruise or carried over to future sailings. We will be in Denali the end of July and had wanted to do the Katishna Wilderness tour but may not be available on our day so are thinking of the Tundra Wilderness Tour. upgrade our natural history tour for the tundra wilderness tour so had our TA cancel the Princess tour and then we booked through the park service. Hear about the history and culture that surrounds you at a Living History presentation while visiting Savage Cabin. Park tour is approximately 5 hours. We suggest you bring warm clothes, rainwear, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera and personal medication as necessary. Our commitment to your safety is key. Started August 27, 2021, By So her friend took that last seat. This year, one bonus of the TWT is that it spends at least half an hour more in the park than the East Fork shuttle does (5 to 5.5 hrs. It's pretty cool that we did the tour twice and each time saw something that most never see. Deb, P.S. There are roof prism and Porro prism configurations. Two nights Mo. It may look silly but I don't have to look at it and it allows me to cruise. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. This extraordinary evening fly-fishing expedition takes you to the area's streams where you will learn the basics of fly-casting while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it. Is there any difference or advantage to purchasing it through Princess? Stop to view Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife such as moose. The main drawbacks of the TWT (besides not being allowed off to hike like the shuttles do, which isn't a concern of yours) are first: that you can book only AM or PM and don't find out until about 48 hours in advance what starting time you've been assigned. Bring a camera and binoculars. Farther means more wildlife and more scenery. Wheelchair accessible buses are available upon request when you make your reservation, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 907 683-9532 After dark, he turned his attention to the skies, scanning for the northern lights. Call Princess and use the excursion option. If you have the Natural History Tour included in your cruise tour and would like to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour, please call Princess at 1-800-774-6237 (subject to availability). You'll create two pieces-one for yourself and one for a friend! Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Itineraries. Please contact 907-683-8900 or visit the hotel front desk for more information. Started June 21, 2021, By Overview Excursion Details Customer Reviews Points of Interest Denali National Park and Preserve Wheelchair Accessible, Easy activity Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. (Theres no firm timeframe yet on when the road will be passable again.) We have to find a hotel for one night we are doing a rafting trip then taking train back down to telkeetna the next afternoon. If you have a need for a wheelchair seat on your tour, please call us at 866.761.6631 or 907.276.7234, so we can assign you to the correct bus to meet your needs. A box lunch can be purchased at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Couple of questions. We provide experienced river guides . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112686850', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruises came to Alaska, it really opened up Alaska to this group of tourists, elders that are no longer active adventurers, and theyre ok to pay more, and be more comfortable. If you have the Denali History Tour included in your cruise tour and would like to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour or Kantishna Experience, please call Princess at 1-800-774-6237. Wildlife in Denali is very spread out. Bring a camera and binoculars. Brown bears, also known as grizzlies, are lucky enough to call Denali National Park home thanks to abundant food and a safe environment. I am going blind and am checking off my bucket list. Step on the glacier and explore dramatic icefalls, crystalline moraines, mystifying ice bridges and icy-blue glacial pools. Has anyone done both - compare? Aboard your safari transport, head deep into the Alaskan bush to the Stampede Trail, a forgotten trail in the wilderness that Christopher McCandless took to explore the backcountry. All but one of the five Princess Lodges in Alaska reopened for the 2022 season. 2020, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. This is the only method to guarantee not having the party split among different buses. Want that clean crisp mountain air? Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali at 20,310 feet, as well as over six million acres of diverse wilderness. In the evening, enjoy the "Music of Denali" dinner show. The questions we have are: Is there a difference in the "tour" portion of the trip between cruise lines? Thank you for this information. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Discover Kantishnas fascinating history and role in the formation of Interior Alaska. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112684145', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car, have the time and cost is not a concern, do both. Departing from Vancouver, my week-long cruise included stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, along with scenic sailings in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, before disembarking in Whittier. Finally, stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! My parents used to do activities, with visiting family and friends, and have done both, according to who the visitor was. upgrade our natural history tour for the tundra wilderness tour so had our TA cancel the Princess tour and then we booked through the park service. Since you asked specifically about tours and have decided against the transit bus, take the longer Tundra Wilderness Tour if you want the best chance to view wildlife. We were unable to. We only paid the difference between the original tour and upgrade. Coalminer, Im not sure whether your comment is addressing OP or me. The wearable, quarter-sized device does everything from unlocking stateroom doors to finding friends and family anywhere on the ship. We are beginning a pre-cruise tour next week that includes the Denali Natural History tour. By my calculation, fo. Get breathtaking insights into the Alaskan wilderness and listen to the interesting background information given by the guide. This fee is charged separately with Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses. Positioned at the back of deck 16 almost every night from 6 p.m. to sunset, he helped guests spot and identify everything from humpback and fin whales to orcas, otters, seals and calving glaciers. Spend time on trails in the Denali wilderness as you navigate tree rutted trails, mountain-fed creek beds, and boggy tundra. Note: An ongoing landslide at Pretty Rocks is impacting bus service. Explore the park with a certified naturalist guide. It's going to take a while to rebuild the road. I'm not that stupid! August 14, 2018 Reservations for bus trips are made through our concessioner, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture. But if someone else prefers just to watch a movie and see an old cabin, entirely their choice to make., Are there windows on the TWT busses? There are a few. Note: Points are approximate, these images are not placed at precise locations. By SAKay, September 30, 2012 in Alaska. On 6/27/2022 at 8:18 AM, peachykiehn said: Alaska's arctic tundra is found in Alaska's interior toward its northern or western coast. Please check your departure time in advance of your tour day. I cannot fathom why the others exist, except as a money grab for cruisers. AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WITHOUT A PARK TOUR: Experience the rich diversity of Denali National Park from stunning scenery and abundant wildlife to historical sites and interpretive centers on this popular Natural History Tour. You were very lucky to see those sights!! With the Tundra Wilderness Tour, you cannot get off and head back. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: Huge disappointment - Read 2,057 reviews, view 1,169 photos, and find great deals for Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge at Tripadvisor Park tour is approximately 4.5 - 5 hours. New Details Released. For rates, operational dates, and important information, please click here. Note that the $15 park entrance fee is included in the price of an adult tour bus ticket. If you dont have your Itinerary number, please call 1.800.622.7275. Leave it to Princess to offer excursions for all types of adventurers. The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. The Backcountry Adventure tour does not go inside the park. Exact departure times can be any time between 5:00 am and 11:00 am in the morning. If you wont have a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission. Learn more about entrance fees and passes. Which is why most people go to Denali. Used to be Alaska was a bucket list trip for elders, and when (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River (Mile 43) to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! Most cruisetours include this park tour. Princess has just shortened our 8 hr. This includes the famous Big Five grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. See the Great Lands glaciers, wildlife, and national parks. This will allow you to travel to Denali and take our tour all in the same day. Apr 29th, 2009 . This extraordinary half day fly-fishing expedition takes you to the area's streams where you will learn the basics of fly-casting while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it. Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used.