Has Anyone Ever Been to Alaska?

[nissangirl74]

Thinking about taking Greg's mom on a cruise for her birthday next year and Alaska is the only state she has never been to. anyone have any insite?

Thanks in advance

[Jesda]

It's gorgeous. Lots of small quakes, lots of sights, watch out for bears. During my visit it was daylight 24/7.

I was last there in 1997. Mom went back recently and said the same glacier we touched 15 years ago was now quite a walking distance away.

[nissangirl74]

Would you say a cruise is the way to go? I know there are other options but trying to figure out how to get the most for our money

[themadscientist]

If my wife would allow it I would move there. I have never seen a place so beautiful and breathtaking. looking at all the mountains all around me standing on the flight line in Elmendorf I felt very insignificant. The cruises are cool; you get to see all the glaciers.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

A cruise would ensure no bears I suppose...

[themadscientist]

Your pickanik basket will be safe.

[sx moneypit]

My in laws went on a cruise up there a few years back,said it was amazing.

[frapjap]

I've never been but my grandfather goes on an Alaska cruise every other year. Its similar to any other cruise where you don't have to worry much about where or when your next meal comes, and there are still excursions and plenty of scenery to enjoy while you motor around. He prefers to cruise on the smaller 50-100 person boats instead of the large, name brand ships.

Does it have to be a cruise? You could also rent an RV there for a pretty reasonable rate and drive/camp where you would like to and make your own itinerary at your own pace instead of following the cruise. Theres an older couple who told me about this option and I fully intend to take advantage of it myself. They liked that it allowed them to fish whenever and the liberty to stay wherever they wanted for as long as they wanted. The only thing they warned me about is to not use hotels. They’re terrible and for the cost, you’re better off with an RV rental.

[nissangirl74]

The drive is not an option. Greg can't be away from work that long and the RV thing doesn't really appeal to me much.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah I'd rather take a convoy of old Zs.

[alms24sebring]

UH yeah driving form Arizona to Alaska is one giant b*** of a drive. It sounds nice and I would love to go. The 24 hr daylight/nighttime makes people crazy though so watch out.

[snwbrdr435]

^You fly up there rent an rv drive it around and then fly home


I've done it a few different ways and I think a cruise would be perfect for you. I will be back up there bumming it in an rv at the end of march/april.

[VQpwrdSE-R]

My in laws have been to Alaska on a cruise with RCI. They enjoyed it. I know if I went to Alaska I would not be disappointed. The views are breathtaking. I always find myself watching Alaska state troopers, or Alaska: the last frontier on TV. These shows have only fueled my desire to go there.

[nissangirl74]

Yeah I'd rather take a convoy of old Zs.

It's 3,663 miles from Surprise to Anchorage. Could you imagine that in a classic Z?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I was saying more along the lines of flying there and taking a tour in Zs, but yeah, 7,000 miles round trip is do-able

[frapjap]

The drive is not an option. Greg can't be away from work that long and the RV thing doesn't really appeal to me much.

Ohno,no. Not drive up there, that'd be silly. Fly to Alaska and then rent an RV and motor about at your leisure staying where you like along the way instead of the dedicated itinerary of a cruise. If you visit Juno and don't like it, you turn the key and move on to the next destination, or alternatively, if you like Anchorage a ton, stay for a few extra days.

[snwbrdr435]

Ray, I really do think a cruise would be perfect for them. They would be able to go to all the awesome coastal towns including Juneau and then maybe they could spend a couple days around Talkeetna and catch a plane or heli ride around Denali area. Then head back to anchorage and head home.