Hi! I am planning a cruise with my family for next summer. The whole point of the trip is to go to Denali. I have looked into the cruise tours on Holland and Princess but am looking for others thoughts. It will be a big group of all adults.
Posted by
New Jersey
53 posts
You can easily do it your self.
The cruise will probably disembark in Seward and transfer you to Anchorage airport.
You can rent vehicle(s) and make your own local arrangements. It will be much more rewarding than one of the cruise extensions. The drive is about 4.5 hours plus stops. There are good scenic overlooks along the way. Talkeeetna is a nice place to stop for lunch.
If you have the time, I highly recommend the full day bus tour deep into the park.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3060 posts
Hopefully you are aware that the road to Denali has been partially closed for years, and may or may not be open next year.
https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2303 posts
Having done the "Alaska Cruise" and also having spent over a year off and on working out of the State I recommend you do a one way cruise, and then rent a car or RV and spend some time traveling the interior. I say this because every city/town/crossroads in AK has it's own atmosphere, and feels different from the last one you passed through. Yes, Denali is going to have to be seen from afar, but it's a big country with a lot more to see.
And you really need to consider a couple of things; first, in summer it never really gets dark, and many people have serious issues trying to sleep. Second, away from the coast it's hot in the summer, really hot. Temps get over 100f and humidity is a thing. And then there are the bugs...
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2867 posts
I would normally recommend doing it yourself - that’s what I did - but with a large group, I woild opt for the cruise tour. Look at EECC TRAVELS on Youtube for videos on the Holland America tour
Posted by
9314 posts
I highly recommend a one way cruise from Vancouver to Seward.
Make sure that the cruise included Glacier Bay, it is amazing.
Not every cruise line goes to Glacier Bay. The Hubbard Glacier is great, but Glacier Bay is special. You spend the whole day there and there is loads of wildlife and the most amazing glacier. I think NCL and Princess go there, we did NCL. Not sure about HAL.
Posted by
Tennessee
482 posts
I agree that seeing Glacier Bay is a real plus. Yes, Holland America ships go there. When I was on a Holland America Alaskan cruise in Aug. 2025, we were told only 2 cruise ships/day are permitted in Glacier Bay.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9661 posts
Avoid World Cup dates in June as pre departure hotels in Seattle and Vancouver will be hard to find and pricing through the roof.