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Alaska Cruisetours

Explore denali national park on an alaska land and sea package, what's an alaska cruisetour.

Cruise:  Enjoy our top-rated 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation with two glacier-viewing experiences during your time on board.

Train:  Enjoy scenic rail travel from the ship to the lodge via our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service for an all-encompassing Alaska cruisetour.

Lodge:  As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, spend three or more nights on land at Princess Wilderness Lodges located riverside near legendary national parks.

Explore Your Cruisetour Options

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10 - 13 Nights

Denali Explorer

• Most popular
• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 3-6 nights on land
• Exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska rail service
• Stay in the Denali-area
• Natural History Tour into Denali National Park
• Fairbanks or Anchorage
• Select sightseeing included

13 - 15 Nights

Off the Beaten Path

• Go deeper into Alaska
• Kenai and/or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Unique National Parks and Canadian Rockies Cruisetour options
• 6-8 nights on land
• Princess Alaska rail service
• Fairbanks and/or Anchorage

12 - 17 Nights

Connoisseur

• Highest level of service
• Escorted by a Tour Director
• 5-10 nights on land
• Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park
• Most meals included

10 - 11 Nights

On Your Own

• Most affordable option
• For independent travelers
• 3-4 nights on land
• No pre-scheduled activities

Katmai National Park cruisetour

New and exclusive to Princess! Offering a deeper connection with Alaska wildlife, this brand new itinerary combines a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise and two nights in Anchorage. Spend a day viewing brown bears at Katmai National Park and visit Alaska’s premier Wildlife Conservation Center

Ultimate Wildlife Adventure cruisetour

A Princess exclusive, this new cruisetour is curated to provide whales breaching in Glacier Bay National Park, bear viewing in Katmai National Park and observing Denali’s “Big 5” such as moose and caribou in Denali National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with the opportunities to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. This 13-night cruisetour also features a visit to Alaska’s premier Wildlife Conservation Center.

National parks cruisetours

Explore five of Alaska’s National Parks with our National Park Cruisetour. Cruise Glacier Bay’s pristine waters, be awe-struck by Kenai Fjords icefields and feed your wanderlust by adventuring into Denali National Park. Accompanied by two more National Parks, the 15-night cruisetour is designed for explorers and wanderers.

Canadian Rockies cruisetours

Experience the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park in the heart of the Rockies on our 14-night cruisetour with a 7-day Alaska cruise and luxury Rocky Mountaineer rail travel.

Alaska Cruisetour Experience

A closer look at Alaska’s interior.

Princess wilderness lodges

With Princess, you won’t just explore Alaska’s landscapes, you’ll live amidst them in our custom-built wilderness lodges. Located riverside next to some of the most renowned national parks, these warm and welcoming lodges are the perfect spot to bask in Alaska’s best attractions. As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, explore and unwind with comforting amenities and breathtaking scenery.

Voyage of the glaciers

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Along the way, enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary – including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service

With glass-domed railcars, our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service takes you into the heart of Alaska without juggling multiple tickets or confusing transfers. Enjoy convenience and comfort from ship to train and then directly to your Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali-area. We’ve taken care of everything on your Alaska cruisetour, so you can spend less time worrying and more time exploring.

Visit Denali National Park on every Alaska cruisetour

Every Princess Alaska cruisetour takes you to Denali National Park so you can enjoy a land beloved by millions but only seen by the adventurous. This national park is a dream destination for any serious Alaska traveler. With some of the most stunning wilderness in existence and famous wildlife, it’s part of the definitive experience of traveling to the Great Land’s wild interior.

Princess Lodges & Alaska Cities

Comfortable riverside lodges surrounded by natural beauty.

• Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®
• Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®
• Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®
• Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge®
• Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®
• Anchorage (Whittier)

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska cruisetour to the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®, where you can take in the beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States. Snow-covered mountains dominate the skyline while rivers feed the earth below. Explore your surroundings on a Copper River rafting trip, or fish for Alaska salmon in the mesmerizing waters.

All of our Alaska cruisetours include a stay at our premier Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®, just one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park overlooking the Nenana River. Access some of the most stunning sights on earth — wilderness, wildlife and untamed land. Go flightseeing by Denali’s snow-covered peak, fly-fish for Arctic grayling, raft the Nenana River or venture into Denali on a park tour.

On the banks of the Chena River lies the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®. With riverside dining and frontier décor, the Fairbanks Lodge is the perfect excuse to extend your Alaska cruise vacation and dive deeper into your surroundings. Cruise down the Chena River on a sternwheeler riverboat, pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8 or ride ATVs through surrounding forests underneath the midnight sun.

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula overlooking the Kenai River, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge® is surrounded by mountains, rivers and wilderness inviting you to explore. Adventure through Chugach National Forest, cruise past Kenai Fjords National Parks’ glaciers or fish along the Kenai River. Take in the sights of this natural masterpiece at a leisurely pace only on an Alaska cruisetour.

Situated within Denali State Park near the Chulitna River, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge® offers unparalleled views of Denali from the treehouse as well as the Great Room and expansive deck in the main lodge. Tour a working Alaska homestead and learn how the Great Land’s residents have become so self-sufficient. Or land in a helicopter on a glacier beneath the tallest peak in North America on your Alaska cruisetour.

Only an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies the largest city in Alaska – Anchorage. Visit the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States. Spend the day absorbing history at the Anchorage Museum. Or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and see brown bears, moose and bison living in a protected habitat that perfectly emulates the wild.

Explore the Great Land

Voyage closer to the sights, sounds, wildlife and traditions that make Alaska unique.

Between the natural masterpieces and the animate personalities, every part of Alaska tells an extraordinary story. On an Alaska cruisetour with Princess, discover what makes the Great Land so special, and craft your own tales of your time on land and sea.

A sensory experience

Don’t just see the Great Land’s glaciers, feel them come alive on an Alaska cruisetour. Get up close to Mother Nature’s masterpieces and listen for the crash of “white thunder”. Visit wilderness playgrounds like Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – along with even more natural wonderlands like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.

A nature lover's dream

From bald eagles to humpback whales, many animals call Alaska home. The waters are teeming with marine life, like king salmon, while the land is decorated by the colorful coats of Denali National Park’s “big five” – including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou. On an Alaska cruisetour, encounter wildlife in their natural habitats and experience their unique personalities for yourself.

Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

Alaska’s national parks are nothing short of impressive. Denali National Park boasts the continent’s highest peak, and Glacier Bay National Park is one of the world’s largest protected areas. You can discover even more magnificence during your Alaska cruisetour at Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where one of the four largest ice caps in the world invites guests to explore its terrain.

Alaska excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2024-2025

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

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Alaska cruises.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak.

Train Travel

Explore Great Land with Princess exclusive rail service.

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• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
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• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
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ALASKA CRUISE TOURS

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Explore more on your Alaska cruise by both land and sea in one seamless Alaska trip; plan an authentic holiday that goes beyond the expected. Think wild and search for bear, moose and caribou in Denali. Witness nature at its most enticing with glacier-fed lakes and inspiring mountains. Feel a part of Alaska's individualist lifestyle as you visit local artist and fishing communities in Homer. Or put your bedtime on hold and join in Fairbanks' Midnight Sun events during the bright summer solstice. Our Alaska tours give you hundreds of unique moments to capture, keep and treasure forever.

For complete programme details, download our Alaska Cruise Tour Brochure .

If you are interested in our Cruise Tours please contact our reservations department at 00800 0310 21 21 for questions and bookings.

Norwegian Bliss / Norwegian Encore / Norwegian Sun Seattle Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

Discover the magnificent beauty and vibrant spirit of Seattle on our comprehensive full-day (six-hour) driving and walking tour, where you'll unravel the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking panoramas.

• 2 nights hotel stay
• Airport to hotel transfer
• Seattle Space Needle
• Pike Place Market
• Pioneer Square
• Waterfall Garden Park
• Transfer to the ship

Guests arranging their own flights must fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for the start of this programme.

Norwegian BLISS 12-Day Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

A comprehensive Alaska Denali programme in only five days, complete with riverboat and railroad experiences as well as a preview of Denali's incredible wilderness

• 5-Day Pre-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage + 7-Day Alaska Cruise.
• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Alaska oil pipeline.
• Explore Denali with an hour Denali Natural History Tour.
• Opportunities available to purchase additional tours whilst in Denali - such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher’s kennel for a private tour.
• Travel the Alaska Railroad in a Deluxe Dome Railcar from Talkeetna to Anchorage.
• Economy class flight between Anchorage and Seattle as well as a transfer from the Seattle Airport to the port of Seattle for embarkation.

Guests arranging their own flights must fly into Fairbanks for the start of this programme.

Norwegian ENCORE 13-Day Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

A comprehensive Alaska Denali programme in only six days, complete with riverboat and railroad experiences as well as a preview of Denali's incredible wilderness.

• 6-Day Pre-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage + 7-Day Alaska Cruise
• Riverboat cruise and Fairbanks city tour including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Deluxe dome car journey along the rails of the Alaska Railroad between Talkeetna and Anchorage.
• Explore Denali with a Denali Natural History Tour.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.
• Economy class flight between Anchorage and Seattle as well as a transfer from the Seattle Airport to the port of Seattle for embarkation

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Fairbanks Denali Express

*Maps are for reference and ports may vary by ship.

For enthusiasts with limited time looking to discover Alaska's historic and extreme ways of life. This tour features a Denali Park visit and an overview of Alaska's Golden Heart City.

• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline.
• Alaska Railroad Adventure Class from Fairbanks to Denali or Denali to Fairbanks.
• Explore Denali with a Natural History bus tour.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where you will see the animals of Alaska in a natural setting.
• Brief city tour of Anchorage.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Anchorage Denali Express

One of our best value land tours for time-conscious guests offering an up close Denali experience, tour of Alaska’s largest city and moderate hotel properties.

• Travel the Alaska Railroad (Adventure Class) from Talkeetna to Anchorage or Anchorage to Talkeetna.
• Explore Denali with a Wildlife Conservation Centre where you will see the animals of Alaska in a natural setting.
• Ample time for optional activities in Denali such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking, or one of the park service programmes

Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali/Alyeska Explorer

The best way for nature lovers in search of rustic elegance to experience Denali and the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

• Travel the Alaska Railroad on a deluxe dome rail car from Talkeetna to Denali or Denali to Talkeetna.
• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour.
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour.
• Overnight stay at the deluxe Hotel Alyeska Resort.

Norwegian Jade / Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali by Rail Explorer

This programme is the perfect fit for train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.

• Two Deluxe Dome Railcar segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.
• Gold panning at historic Gold Dredge #8.
• Brief city tour of Fairbanks.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre.
• Time for optional activities in Denali.

This program is the perfect fit For train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.

• Explore Denali on a Denali Natural History Tour.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Denali/Valdez Explorer

Our most picturesque tour of Denali and the Alaska wilderness featuring rarely seen vistas, spectacular mountain passes and glaciers galore. This tour offers abundant marine wildlife viewing opportunities during the day boat cruise across Prince William Sound.

• Deluxe Dome rail journey from Anchorage to Talkeetna or Talkeetna to Anchorage
• City tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline.
• Prince William Sound boat cruise.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Authentic Alaska

The most complete tour of Denali and Alaskan life in the past and present. For the active, outgoing guest, this tour offers spectacular vantage points of Mt. McKinley with time to purchase an optional all-day fishing excursion in Homer - the halibut capital of the world.

• 7-Day Alaska Cruise + 7 Day Pre or Post-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Homer, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks
• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour
• Deluxe Dome Railcar journey between Talkeetna and Denali
• Visit Talkeetna, one of the best vantage points for Mt. McKinley
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour
• Journey through the Kenai Peninsula and visit the artsy fishing community of Homer
• Opportunity to purchase a full-day Halibut and Salmon fishing excursion
• Tour both the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Centre

Norwegian Jewel 13-Day Denali/Talkeetna Explorer

Explore Alaska as the mountain climbers do with an overnight stay in the quaint community of Talkeetna. Located 60 miles from the base of Mt. Denali, this tour gives you the best possible opportunity to see the largest mountain in North America from two distinctly different views.

• 6 day land tour fully escorted by a local guide
• Deluxe dome car journey along the rails of the Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Denali
• Tundra Wilderness Tour narrated by an Alaskan naturalist
• Visit an Iditarod sled dog musher’s kennel for a private tour
• Overnight in one of the finest lodges in Alaska, the Talkeetna Lodge with great views of Mt. Denali
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre with guaranteed animal sightings

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ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

Alaska cruise tours.

Complete your adventure with the best Alaska tours before or after your cruise.

From North America's tallest peak, Denali, to the stunning coastal route of the Inside Passage, Alaska is one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth. In this untouched wilderness, you’ll find ancient glacial valleys, majestic river canyons and misty emerald forests. Head to picturesque Seward, icy waters meet bright green lands. Journey into Denali National Park for a glimpse of roaming brown bears and moose. And learn more about the state's rich cultural past at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Nothing brings you closer to history and adventure than the best Alaska Cruise Tours with Royal Caribbean.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Tours Deals

Explore more while spending less with Alaska Cruise Tours deals onboard our best cruise ships.

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BEAUTY TO GO WILD OVER

With vast forests, rolling tundra, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and towering mountains, you will feel tempted to continue exploring the outdoors with Alaska land tours after your cruise. Whether in remote outposts or cities surrounded by wilderness, the people who call the Great Land home share an independent spirit, a strong sense of community and a love of Alaska’s wild beauty so their welcome will make your visit truly memorable. 

URBAN MEETS EPIC

Alaska’s biggest city, Anchorage, is set between the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet and the dramatic snow-capped Chugach Mountains. Few places in the world can match its appealing blend of metropolitan pursuits and outdoor living. Anchorage is at its most exuberant during the summer, when locals make the most of the mild temperatures and long days to stay out late into the sunny night. The big city also boasts Alaska’s biggest and most diverse dining scene, from great burger joints and craft breweries to classic steakhouses and cosmopolitan cuisine. 

SIX MILLION ACRES OF DISCOVERY

Towering high in the center of the Alaska Range is the Denali, North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Central to the cultural heritage of the native peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, the giant mountain is the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan wild. Denali National Park remains a wild kingdom, where animals large and small, roam free. View Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, moose and the mighty grizzly bear among many. And come summer, they are joined by more than 160 species of migratory birds. 

CITY OF GOLD AT THE EDGE OF THE ARCTIC

Back in 1901, riverboat captain E.T. Barnette ran aground in the shallows of the Chena, so he set up a trading post. A year later, the nearby discovery of gold transformed the remote settlement into a boomtown, and Barnette the first mayor. Fairbanks today remains a destination for adventure seekers, as the gateway to Alaska’s northern wilds and some its most isolated terrain. While home to just 32,000, Fairbanks is the big city of the interior and cultural hub for the sparsely populated region. You can still go for the gold in Fairbanks, panning just like the early prospectors did.

ADVENTURING THROUGH ALASKA

Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation and accommodations. The best Alaska cruise tours will take you in the finest lodges available with the personal attention and expertise of a dedicated Adventure Specialist, so you'll explore the wild lands of the Last Frontier your way. 

FULLY ESCORTED EXPERIENCES

Local connections are the difference between a good trip and a truly memorable one. And Royal Caribbean Cruise Tours are guided by a local Adventure Specialist who act as guides, historians and concierges. They are by your side for the entirety of the land tour, providing insider tips and local perspective. 

WILDERNESS EXPRESS RAILCARS

Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation. Enjoy travelling on the Wilderness Express®, a luxurious, glass-domed train cars, through the interior of Alaska. Royal Caribbean also employs a fleet of deluxe motor coaches to travel the interior byways of Alaska.

AUTHENTIC, CHARMING LODGING

Alaskan summer nights may be short but they should be restful. That's why Royal Caribbean over­nights in the best accommodations in the heart of every destination. These lodges and hotels allow for easy access both to the great outdoors and the communities where you can get a taste of local life.

Complete Your Adventure With The Best Alaska Tours

Alaska is the ultimate spot for unforgettable adventures. And when you combine your seven-night sailing with Alaska CruiseTours, you’ll explore the best of the Last Frontier — on land and sea. Like hiking through the rugged wilderness, dog sledding, and spotting whales in the wild. Reach new peaks and cross them off your adventure bucket list.

EMBARK ON EXTRAORDINARY

Linger longer in the Last Frontier before or after your adventure onboard Radiance of the Seas® with an Alaska CruiseTour. Start in Seward and trek into the wilds of Denali National Park, then immerse yourself in culture at the historic village of Talkeetna. Or start in Vancouver and ride past snow-capped peaks on The Wilderness Express®, explore fascinating exhibits in Fairbanks, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

EXPLORE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

MEMORY MAKING EXPLORATION

There is so much to see, do and explore in the Great Land. With the multi night land tour, you’ll enjoy the best of Alaska in port and inland towns. The selection of adventures, explorations and tours is diverse, whether you’re looking for high-flying thrills, history and culture, wildlife, outdoor challenges or a memorable meal on a glacial lake. 

EXPLORE THE CRUISETOUR PROGRAM OPTIONS

CRUISE FROM SEWARD

PRE CRUISE TOURS

CRUISE FROM VANCOUVER

POST CRUISE TOUR

INCLUDED ADVENTURES DISCOVER ALASKA YOUR WAY  

No two travelers are exactly alike. That’s why a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour includes thoughtfully-curated experiences, like panning for gold at a mining camp in Fairbanks, scouting bears and caribou at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and scoping views on an aerial tram ride to the summit of Mount Alyeska — plus many more. Each option is designed to complement your own independent explorations for a complete and memorable Alaska vacation crafted with you in mind.

GOLD DREDGE 8

The discovery of hold transformed Alaska, and the Gold Dredge 8 tour brings the state's gold rush history and mining heritage to life. Over three decades, the pan-like dredge extracted gold just outside downtown Fairbanks. Years after closing, it re-opened as a national historic district and is a popular attraction. You'll travel there aboard a replica narrow-gauge train whose conductor shares tales of the early prospectors. Then watch the giant dredge - itself an engineering landmark - in action before getting hands-on, panning for gold the old-fashioned way. Explore the camp where the miners lived, and then enjoy some cookies and hot coffee while your fortune is weighed.

ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

Near the very end of the Turnagain Arm Waterway, along the scenic Seward Highway, this center provides a sanctuary for native Alaskan animals in need. Here you can get up close to the orphaned, injured or displaced animals, all under expert care in their natural habitats so that they can be reintroduced into the wild. The resident population varies by the season but can include caribou and moose calves, fawns, porcupines, birds, lynx, and brown and black bears.

ALYESKA AERIAL TRAM

Outside of a flightseeing tour, the Alyeska Aerial Tram in Girdwood delivers Alaska's best panoramic views in a matter of minutes. From the Alyeska Resort at the base of Mount Alyeska, you'll ascend 2,300 feet to the summit. From the tram, you can see for miles, with even more expansive vistas from the mountaintop observation deck. The panorama includes the seven hanging glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains, the forested Chugach valley and out to the sparkling waters of the Turnagain Arm waterway. Be sure to look down, too, and you may see wildlife ambling across the mountain's slope.

Getting There Easy Cruise Tour Guide

Got questions about CruiseTours in Alaska? We have answers. Royal Caribbean® makes traveling around Alaska simple and stress-free. From lodging to transportation, it’s all here. Read our helpful frequently asked questions or check out our CruiseTour brochure.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

Want to take your Alaska expedition to the next level? Upgrade your cruise to a Cruisetour and explore the Last Frontier on land either at the beginning or end of your northern getaway. With a CruiseTour, you’ll get to journey deeper into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness while crossing off bucket list experiences, like a tundra trek in Denali, wildlife watching in Seward, and glacier gazing in Alyeska.

You’ll need your rest between adventures, which is why Royal Caribbean® overnights in the best accommodations in the heart of every destination. Transportation by deluxe motor coach and in the luxury glass-domed railcars of the Wilderness Express is also included, so you can travel in comfort on your way to each new experience.

Ready to venture off the beaten path? Click  here  or call  1-800-722-5059  to book your Alaska Cruisetour, or contact your travel agent.

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Looking to explore a world-class metropolis before your adventure in the wild? A northbound cruise to Alaska lets you start your journey in vibrant Vancouver.

Opt for a southbound cruise starting in Fairbanks if you want to take your tour of the Alaskan wilderness pre-cruise.

Want to book-end your adventure with exploration in the Last Frontier? Check out one of our round-trip Alaska cruise tours that depart from and arrive at an Alaskan port.

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Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Find your favorite to start your Alaska land tour.

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Alaska Cruisetours

An Alaska cruisetour is our award-winning cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage paired with a scenic train ride into Interior Alaska, plus up to 3 nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, our immersive lodge at the gates of Denali National Park. If you choose, continue the journey into the Yukon on your Alaska cruisetour. From the depths of the icy waters to the tops of snow-capped summits and everything in between, combine land and sea for unforgettable moments. Witness a world of wildlife, including whales and eagles, from the open decks of our ships and spot Alaska’s "Big 5" — moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves as you ride our luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer® deep into the heart of a wilderness unseen by most. Breathe in fresh mountain air and roast s’mores under the stars at your base camp for adventure.

Alaska Cruisetour Planning Made Easy

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On this page - plan your alaska cruise tour:, the premier denali experience.

We offer a fully comprehensive and unforgettable Denali experience based on our 75-year history in the Great Land. Our Alaska cruisetours feature transportation, accommodations and more to make your wildest Denali dreams come true.

McKinly Chalet Resort at Denali

Your basecamp to Denali adventures set among rugged Alaska wilderness. Enjoy creature comforts, exquisite local cuisine and lively Denali Square.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Travel deep into Denali National Park for sightings of Alaska’s Big Five: grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and moose. An expert guide narrates every spectacular sight.

McKinley Explorer Train

Ride the rails through Alaska backcountry aboard the McKinley Explorer® domed luxury train. Enjoy signature dishes and cocktails on board. An Alaska train tour like no other.

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Venture into Dawson City, where the frontier spirit is strong. Pan for gold, take in spellbinding beauty of the Yukon River, pop into the Jack London Museum.

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Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise

About this tour.

Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of Holland America Cruise Lines’ lovely ships on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. Enjoy local dishes and a lively musical performance at the Denali Dinner Theater about the first brave men to summit Denali. Ride a luxury domed railcar from Denali to Talkeetna, soak in views of the incredible landscapes from glass-ceiling railcars and open-air observation platforms as guides provide expert commentary. Travel deep into Denali National Park for the best opportunities to view the region’s wildlife. Cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, taking in rugged natural wonders. Explore Alaska’s gorgeous capital, Juneau. Visit Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This is Alaska as you always imagined.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Sternwheeler Discovery
• Music of Denali Dinner Theater
• Denali National Park

Your Tour at a Glance

11 Breakfasts

1 - Light & Leisurely

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $60.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Relax aboard a 7-night Holland America cruise — your fabulous floating resort.

• Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska's largest glaciers.

Sail through Glacier Bay, a treasure trove of glaciers and coastal islands.

Cultural Experiences:

Enjoy an unforgettable rail journey from Denali to Talkeetna in a luxury domed railcar.

Enjoy an expert guided Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park.

• Relive Alaska's Gold Rush days in historic Skagway.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy a lively dinner theater performance about the first brave men to summit Denali.

• Tundra Wilderness Tour
• Luxury Domed Rail
• Hubbard Glacier
• Glacier Bay
• Inside Passage

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour, upgrade your room.

Cruise Upgrade

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Room Upgrade

Cruise-Holland America Noordam

Enhance your Alaskan cruise with an upgrade to an Ocean View Stateroom or a Verandah Stateroom. You’ve come so far; treat yourself to a bit more comfort. Relax after a day exploring. Just imagine gazing out from your Ocean View Stateroom or on your private verandah as the Alaskan waters dance in the distance, framed by the incredible scenery.

*Total for all passengers

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Westmark Fairbanks - Holland America

Climb aboard your Jet Boat – a marine mammal-friendly mode of transportation – and set sail for an incredible experience! Discover the Alaskan wildlife during an expedition that takes you up close to the whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, eagles and other wildlife abundant in this area. Marvel at the sounds of nature and the sea – your tranquil soundtrack while a local expert narrates.

This is the ideal tour for the traveler seeking a short but in-depth look at Skagway’s natural and historical wonders. This tour showcases the best of everything that has made Skagway famous and parallels much of the train route to the White Pass Summit and beyond. Historical highlights include Brackett’s Toll Road, Dead Horse Gulch, and spectacular views of the White Pass Rail. Also included is a visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery where the legendary Soapy Smith was laid to rest. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so be sure to bring along your camera.

Experience the magnificent beauty of Misty Fjord National Monument, a 2.1 million acre park covered by glaciers ages ago. Your pilot will narrate as you soar over majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and jewel-like lakes to discover some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. Sheer walls of granite rise over 3,000 feet comprising a truly awe-inspiring sight. Experience the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness in a truly remote setting. Just don’t forget your camera for this amazing experience!

Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska's largest glaciers.

Relive Alaska's Gold Rush days in historic Skagway.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Westmark Fairbanks From $200 per night

Westmark Fairbanks

Mckinley chalet resort-holland, talkeetna alaskan lodge, holland america.

Nights 5-11

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Whittier Anchorage Narrated Direct Bus Transfer – Cruise Ship Days

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Whittier Anchorage Narrated Bus Transportation with Wildlife Park – Cruise Ship Days

Anchorage Whittier Narrated Bus Transportation with Wildlife Park – Cruise Ship Days

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Anchorage Seward Narrated Bus Transportation with Wildlife Park – Cruise Ship Days

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Alaska Cruise Transportation Reviews

Seward to Anchorage Bus Tour Transfer with Wildlife Park - Cruise Ship Days

I have used Alaska Cruise Transportation – Big Bus to get to my Royal Caribbean cruise ship and I have to say that it was an incredible value. Not only did I get a lower price while traveling in style – I also got to experience beautiful sightseeing tour offered by company. In my book this is a truly incredible value provided by very punctual and courteous folks behind it. 10/10

Whittier to Anchorage Bus Tour with Wildlife Park - Cruise Ship Days

I chose ACT Big Bus for my party from a web search. The web site and quick and courteous email response was encouraging, and the cost per person was less than the cruise-ship company price. The driver arrived at our hotel at 12 pm, for the 65-mile trip from Anchorage to Whittier. It was more than just a transfer. We stopped along the way at three interesting places: a whale watching spot off the highway, a animal refuge where we got up close to magnificent animals, and a glacier lake. The big bus was very comfortable and easy to climb in and out of. The driver was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He answered questions about living in Alaska for us first-time visitors and provided lots for facts in a very entertaining way. Soon we were at the amazing tunnel drilled through the mountain that took us to the shores of Prince William Sound and our ship, with time to spare. It was a great start to our adventure.

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Alaska Train & Bus Packages

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Trip Finder

Offering an ease of travel plus the widest array of scenery, an Alaska train and bus vacation package brings together two distinctive modes of travel into a seamless trip. Transportation is provided by the Park Connection Motorcoach and either the Alaska Railroad or privately-operated dome car service like the Wilderness Express .

These customizable trip packages travel throughout an area commonly known as Alaska's railbelt, a long stretch of train track and highway that runs as far north as Fairbanks and as far south as Seward . Along the railbelt are some of Alaska's most popular destinations . These include Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, Anchorage , Denali National Park , and Talkeetna , the park's quirky small-town neighbor to the south.

There are several benefits to blending these types of transportation. You can learn while on the go, as the railroad has onboard car hosts who provide narration throughout each trip. You get to see more of Alaska, since the train tracks and highways don't always follow the same path. Through incorporating travel by both train and bus, you can make your travel budget go further. You can also make your travel time go further, as motorcoach rides are shorter.

Curious about sites you could discover beyond the railbelt? Look into one of our self-drive packages to see trips that go off the beaten path . Do you like the idea of traveling the whole time with the same group and a guide? Browse our escorted tour packages . You can also use our Trip Finder to search for travel packages that include specific destinations and things to do . All Alaska Tour & Travel self-guided trip packages are fully customizable, and our staff of local Alaskans is happy to work with you to create your best Alaska vacation.

Alaska Active Adventure - Tour 123

An eight-day package that provides active travelers plenty of adventures, from a glacier hike in Seward to glacier flight in Denali National Park. The trip starts and ends in Anchorage. Learn More >

Alaska's First-Time Favorites - Tour 130

Over five days visit two of Alaska's most beloved places, Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. The trip is a favorite among first-time Alaska travelers. Learn More >

Best of Alaska Highlights - Tour 160

Spend nine eventful days rafting, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, and train riding from Fairbanks to Seward with stops in Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali Park. Learn More >

Best of Denali & Kenai Fjords - Tour 120

Travel by railroad and motorcoach between Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, and Denali Park for seven days of unforgettable Alaska adventuring. Learn More >

Best of Denali Park - Tour 141

Land on a glacier and raft the wilder water of the Nenana River on this five-night Alaska travel package to Denali National Park from Anchorage. Learn More >

Classic Denali Experience - Tour 140

Spend four days experiencing Denali National Park to its fullest on this shorter Alaska vacation package. The trip includes three hotel nights and travel by rail and motorcoach. Learn More >

Coast to Coast Arctic Explorer - Tour 170

Traverse more than 700 miles of Alaska from Seward north to the Arctic Ocean on this expansive 11-day vacation package. Learn More >

Denali & Kenai Fjords Favorites - Tour 110

Travel between two of Alaska's spectacular national parks, with time for many adventures in and around them, on this popular seven-day package out of Anchorage. Learn More >

Maximum Denali & Kenai Fjords - Tour 121

With two full days to spend in Denali National Park, this eight-day tour package gives travelers more time to discover its abundant wonders. Trip destinations also include Seward, Anchorage, and Talkeetna. Learn More >

North to South Alaska Explorer - Tour 161

Enjoy six days traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali National Park and Talkeetna for rafting, wildlife viewing, and a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing trip with glacier landing. Learn More >

Premium National Parks Adventure - Tour 122

Explore more of Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park on this eight-day Alaska travel package. Learn More >

Seward & Kenai Fjords Essentials - Tour 150

Even travelers with just three days to spare can fill their brief time in state with big Alaska experiences on this quick three-day trip to Seward. Learn More >

How to Get to Anchorage Airport from Seward, Alaska

S o your Alaska cruise ends in Seward, but you have a flight out of Anchorage that evening. How do you get to the Anchorage airport from the Seward cruise port? Don’t worry, it’s really easy!

You have a few options for getting from Seward to Anchorage: you can book a transfer bus or private van, you can ride the train, or you can rent a car and drive yourself.

Each option has its own benefits, and your choice may depend on when your cruise docks and when you need to be at the airport.

Making the trip from the Seward cruise port to the Anchorage International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful! I’ve got plenty of tips to help you plan this last leg of your journey and put an eventful end to your Alaska cruise.

How Far is it from Seward to Anchorage?

It’s a 125-mile drive from the Seward cruise port to Anchorage airport. Whether you drive yourself or book a transfer, you’ll be taking the scenic Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway and an absolutely beautiful road trip.

And if you choose to ride the rails, don’t worry — you won’t be missing out on any of the scenery!

By car or bus, the trip from Seward to Anchorage takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

By train, the trip from Seward to Anchorage takes about 4 hours.

Bus or Van Transfer from Seward to Anchorage

There are plenty of companies that offer coach, bus, and van transfers from the Seward cruise port to the Anchorage airport. You can book through your cruise line or you can book a local company direct.

These transfer companies have schedules that will fit in with your cruise docking times. They often include a driver-guide who will tell you more about the area as you drive, and many include additional stops on the way to Anchorage. Companies include Park Connection Motorcoach and Alaska Cruise Transportation ACT Big Bus .

This is the option we chose on our Alaska cruise. We took this Seward-to-Alaska transfer bus which had options for a simple direct transfer, a transfer with one stop, and a full-day tour with multiple stops. We chose the transfer with one stop so that we could see bears and moose at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center .

Top Transfers from Seward to Anchorage Airport

• Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer – Port of Seward
• Seward to Anchorage Private Tour and Transfer
• Private Transportation: Seward to Anchorage

Train Transfer from Seward to Anchorage

The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic has a train that runs daily from Seward to Anchorage. The rail journey passes the scenic Turnagain Arm, the Kenai Mountains, active glaciers, and inaccessible wilderness.

This 120-mile historic backcountry route is one of the most scenic rail rides in Alaska.

There are Adventure Class services that have large picture windows, and Gold Star services with second story seating with domed windows and a viewing deck. Along the journey, you can expect to see glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, mountains, wetlands, and wildlife.

The train journey takes 4 hours. Service from Seward to Anchorage is only offered in the evenings during the summer , departing at 6 p.m. and arriving around 10:15 p.m. This means it’s only a good choice for those with very late flights out of Anchorage or flights the next day.

Getting to the train station from the cruise ship terminal is really easy. It’s just a short walk, and Seward is very walkable!

Renting a Car from Seward to Anchorage

The drive from Seward to Anchorage Airport is about 125 miles and 2.5 hours. You can definitely make this drive yourself if you want to rent a car in Seward .

Many agencies will allow one-way car rentals from Seward to Anchorage .

Getting to a rental car agency from the cruise ship terminal is really easy. It’s just a short walk, and Seward is very walkable!

What Sights are Between Seward and Anchorage?

The trip between Seward and Anchorage is very scenic. Whether you’re driving yourself or opting for a guided transfer, you have tons of options for stopping off and enjoying the sights.

For much of your drive, you’ll have the beautiful Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach Mountains on the other. There are plenty of turnoffs along the way if you want to stop for a quick photo opp.

In Girdwood, you have the Alyeska Tramway aerial tram that takes you soaring over glacier, mountain, and water views.

You also have the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center takes in orphaned and injured animals, like bears, moose, bison, and reindeer.

More Things to Do in Alaska

Make the most of your vacation to Alaska! Check out these other Alaska travel guides to plan your perfect trip:

• Where to View Bears on Your Alaska Cruise
• Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska: 1 Day Itinerary
• Things to Do in Icy Strait Point & Hoonah, Alaska
• 3 Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska: 1 Day Itinerary
• 4 Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Ultimate Guide

Ready to visit Anchorage, Alaska? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Anchorage using Expedia.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.

Are you making the trip from Seward cruise port to the Anchorage Airport? Let me know in the comments below!

The post How to Get to Anchorage Airport from Seward, Alaska appeared first on Paige Minds The Gap .

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Alaska by Rail Tour

Experience the entire rail line of the alaska railroad route system and the mountain and glacier wilderness landscapes of alaska. all aboard for adventure.

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Home » Tours » Alaska Railroad Tours » Alaska by Rail Tour

Tour Overview

Perfect for rail enthusiasts of all ages, you will travel the entire Alaska Railroad system in just nine days! This Alaska by Rail Tour includes travel between Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Discover local highlights at each stop along the route and learn what living like a real Alaskan is like. Traveling by rail in Alaska ensures a relaxed pace for sightseeing across scenic vistas. The itinerary includes a host of fun, from a cruise through the majestic waters of Kenai Fjords National Park to exploring Alaska’s great interior region.

This adventure tour by train moves at a relaxed pace and includes many major Alaskan highlights. Enjoy a Kenai Fjords glacier and wildlife cruise, an exhilarating jet boat adventure on a remote river in Talkeetna, and explore Denali National Park with a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour. The grand finale is a visit to Fairbanks with its rich Gold Rush era history, including a classic sternwheeler river cruise.

What's Included

• 9 nights of hotel accommodation
• Train from Anchorage to Seward (round trip), Anchorage to Talkeetna, Talkeetna to Denali, and Denali to Fairbanks
• Scheduled flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage
• 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise with lunch
• 2-hour wilderness jetboat tour in Talkeetna
• 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
• Half-day sightseeing tour of Fairbanks
• 3-hour Sternwheeler riverboat tour
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included

Transfers in Anchorage, meals, optional excursions, and gratuities.

Tour Itinerary

All aboard for an adventure of a lifetime on one of the most scenic train routes in the world!

Anchorage Arrival

Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your hotel on own.  Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Anchorage provides an excellent start to your Alaskan vacation and offers an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and a great selection of restaurants.  Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage to Seward

Very early this morning, transfer on your own to the Anchorage rail depot to board the Alaska Railroad to Seward (train departure at 6:45am) This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier filled Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival in Seward the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class marine research facility funded by the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, is recommended as well as adding a dog sledding tour or guided sea kayaking excursion (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Seward.

Seward to Anchorage

This morning you will depart on a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park.  The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery.  As you cruise through Resurrection Bay keep watch for Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles and whales. You will also cruise along the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of birds, on your way to either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier.  Spend some time in front of the glacier for a chance to watch ice calve off into the ocean with a thunderous splash! A lunch is served on-board.  Following your cruise meet the Alaska Railroad for the return to Anchorage.  Arrival is approximately at 10:15pm where you transfer to your hotel on your own.  Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage to Talkeetna

This morning transfer to the rail station to board the Alaska Railroad bound for Talkeetna.  From the Talkeetna depot transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle or on your own.  On clear days the Talkeetna area has awe-inspiring views of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. This afternoon you will embark on a 2-hour jet boat adventure aboard the Talkeetna Queen.  Cruise to a wilderness site where you will take a leisurely 1/4 mile nature walk to an authentic trapper’s cabin, complete with original furnishings.  See how trappers lived in “Bush” Alaska at the turn of the century.  Your guide will display raw furs from the local area, demonstrate trapping methods, and acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance here.  Along the river you will have the opportunity to look for bald eagles, beavers, and possibly even moose and bears.  Overnight in Talkeetna.

Talkeetna to Denali National Park

This morning, relax or take an optional excursion. At 11:20am, depart Talkeetna and travel aboard the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park. The afternoon is free in Denali for optional tours such as river rafting, hiking, and exploring on your own. Tonight we can also recommend the delicious salmon dinner and amusing antics served at the Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre Show (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Denali National Park

Today depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park.  As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary.  The tour is approx. 4-6 hours long and takes you approx. 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, such as river rafting and flightseeing tours (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Denali National Park to Fairbanks

This morning you have time to participate in optional tours. In the afternoon, depart Denali on the Alaska Railroad for Fairbanks. On board the train you will have the opportunity to purchase dinner, before your evening arrival in Fairbanks scheduled for approximately 8:00pm.   Transfer to your hotel via courtesy shuttle or on your own.  Overnight in Fairbanks.

Today, enjoy a narrated sightseeing tour, bringing you to the highlights of Fairbanks. Immerse yourself in life-sized exhibits of traditional Alaska Native culture at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Then stop at a viewpoint for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline where your guide will explain the astonishing engineering of the 800-mile pipeline and Alaska’s oil industry. Next, explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North with exhibit galleries on Alaska’s wildlife, art and natural history (on days when the museum is closed you will visit the Antique Auto Museum instead). It’s Christmas year-round in the nearby town of North Pole where you will visit the Santa Claus House and may even get to meet Santa and his reindeer. Additionally, you will embark on a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River. Along the route you will watch a bush plane take off, see a champion line of sled dogs, and learn about Native Athabascan culture at Chena Village. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks to Anchorage

Today you will transfer via hotel courtesy shuttle to the Fairbanks Airport for a scheduled flight to Anchorage.  The flight is typically in the afternoon / early evening. Flight time is approximately 55 minutes. Transfer in Anchorage on own or via courtesy shuttle. Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage Departure

Depending on your departure flight, you might have some free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions such as a guided hike in Chugach State Park.  You will transfer to the airport on your own to meet your departure flight.

Dates & Rates

To complete this reservation we will need for each person: Full name including middle name(s), gender and date of birth.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations..

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible..

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

• * First Name: *
• * Last Name: *
• Questions or Special Requests:
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the alaska by rail tour :.

Denali Flightseeing Experience from Talkeetna

Length: 1 hours

Starting at: $331 / pp

This flight tour from Talkeetna takes you within six miles of Denali’s 20,310-foot summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you see how the last Ice Age has shaped Alaska’s landscapes. Moments later, you enter a world of rugged high mountain […]... Browse itinerary

Denali Highway 4×4 Jeep Excursion

Length: 4 hours

Starting at: $179 / pp

This guided Denali Highway Jeep, 4×4 day tour, allows you to explore the scenic Denali Highway, just south of Denali National Park. Since driving the Denali Highway is prohibited by most rental vehicle companies, this exclusive excursion provides access to […]... Browse itinerary

Thank you. We had a great vacation. We were sad to leave Kenai Fjord Glacier Lodge a day early but everything else was excellent. We really enjoyed Tonglen Lake Lodge. The helicopter/hiking and airplane sightseeing excursions were home runs! We even saw the Northern Lights which were amazing.

Wendy | California

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All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

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Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

Circle Alaska Adventure Tour

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Alaska National Parks Guided Bus Tour

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The Alaska National Parks tour is a guided Alaska group tour by bus and by the Alaska Railroad featuring two amazing iconic parks: Denali National Park and a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park! Enjoy stunning wilderness scenery... Browse itinerary

Relax Alaska

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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