Follow along as our clients share details of their 12-Day Alaska Cruisetour. It includes a 5-Day land tour on the front and 7-Day cruise at the end. This is the Princess 12-Day Connoisseur Escorted Tour. Alaska Post #3 - Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge - Day Trip to Talkeetna

They awoke to their last full day at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. They started with another great meal at the North Fork Restaurant that included Crab Cake Benedicts and Baked French Toast for breakfast. But, the best part of their morning… they became members of the 30% Club. The 30% Club is made up of the people who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. They didn’t just catch a glimpse, they got some wonderful photos with an incredibly clear and beautiful blue sky!

After taking in the sights and fresh crisp morning air they decided to check out the view from a different vantage point. They took the $10 shuttle from the lodge to the city of Talkeetna, a small town located where the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna rivers meet. The name comes from a Native American word literally meaning "where the rivers meet". The three rivers join to form the Big Susitna River, which eventually empties into Cook Inlet.

At the Talkeetna Riverfront Park, which is close to downtown, not only can you see this unique confluence but the location offers views of the Alaska Mountain Range including the majestic peaks of Mount Denali, Foraker, and Hunter, on a clear day. And, a clear day it definitely was! They rocked their 30% club membership all day!

They ended their day with a photo show back at the lodge and another trip to North Fork Restaurant but, this time for dinner. The connoisseur part of the tour is really proving to be an excellent added bonus. The food was outstanding yet again! Here is their description of dinner:
“I had coconut shrimp as an appetizer, prime rib, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and steamed fresh green beans for dinner. That was some of the best prime rib ever! Everything is large portions. We just can’t eat it all. He had a side salad that was the size of a chef salad. That was just his first course. Then reindeer meat loaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. Dessert ( we only got one this time) was a blueberry swirl cheesecake with white chocolate ganache with dried blueberries. Absolutely amazing, is was the most creamy cheesecake I think I’ve had. This is such a foodie’s delight! Oh, and every night the value of our meals have ranged between $125-150, and this in included! We’re sure getting our money’s worth!”
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Tomorrow morning they head to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Join us again to see if they stayed in the 30% club! #princesscruisetour #alaskacruisetour #therhodestravelled #30percentclub #princesswildernesslodge #talkeetnaalaska

Follow along as our clients share details of their 12-Day Alaska Cruisetour. It includes a 5-Day land tour on the front and 7-Day cruise at the end. This is the Princess 12-Day Connoisseur Escorted Tour. Alaska Post #2 - Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge

This morning the luggage had to be outside their hotel room by 6am. If you’ve heard of the pink and blue tags, “Met me tonight” and “Met me on the ship”, this is where they get used! (Tip: You can send luggage ahead to the cruise instead of taking everything on the front tour portion. With a 7-day cruise, it’s a good idea to pack as if you’re going on two vacations!) Today is the drive to Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

First activity of the day was to meet the tour guide at breakfast and get a debriefing of timing and next steps. Afterward they were told to head outside and await the arrival of a blue Princess motorcoach. When the green Holland bus showed up they did a quick double take but the tour guide confirmed it was the correct bus. Princess and Holland are sister companies and utilize mutual equipment. (Tip: Sit on the right side of the bus, all the “pretty mountains” are more easily visible from the right.)

On the way to Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge the bus stops in Talketna. This is where they got their packet with room key, food vouchers, itineraries and other details. They mentioned that almost everyone got off the bus at Talketna except them and another couple. Most had excursions and others were just getting off for lunch. The shuttle between Talketna and the lodge runs every hour on the half hour, except at 1:30. (Tip: If you book an excursion at Talketna keep your backpack light and send everything else in your luggage to the hotel.)
They enjoyed the afternoon at the lodge including a short ten minute hike up Hill Trail Loop to enjoy the treehouse. Yes, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge has it’s very own custom built treehouse, as seen on Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters!

For those interested, the lodge does have two smoking areas, outside at each end of the main building. Dinner is also included in this tour, tonight was at the North Fork restaurant. They enjoyed prime rib and delicious desserts.

So far, they can’t say enough about how amazing the staff has been. From the team members that met them at the airport, those at the hotel, on the bus, at the lodge and even the Denali State Park Rangers, everyone has been very nice and knowledgeable.
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Join us tomorrow to see what they did during their second day at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge! #princesscruisetour #alaskacruisetour Princess Cruise Ship #mtmckinleyprincess #connoisseurtour

Follow along as our clients share details of their 12-Day Alaska Cruisetour. It includes a 5-Day land tour on the front and 7-Day cruise at the end. They start in Anchorage and end in Vancouver. They are adding an extra day by flying from Vancouver to Seattle to enjoy Pike Place Market before returning home. This is the Princess 12-Day Connoisseur Escorted Tour.
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Our client was supposed to catch their first connecting flight in DFW at 12:35 today but a delayed flight afforded them an opportunity to visit Pappadeux’s next to their gate for a lunch time Bloody Mary and Crab Dip with chips. A four and half hour flight turned into three hours and forty five minutes as the pilot gained back their delayed time.  In Seattle, thanks to another short delay they were able to catch their third flight heading to Anchorage. (TIP: Most of the flights booked through American Airlines are actually operated by Alaska Airlines out of Seattle. If using a boarding pass on your mobile app, you will need to use the Alaska Airlines app to access your boarding pass OR print it off at the airport or before leaving home.)

Traveling by train is a classic, nostalgic experience that has captivated the hearts of adventurers for centuries. In the United States, Amtrak offers a unique way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. If you’ve never considered taking a train journey, here are several compelling reasons why Amtrak should be your next travel adventure.

1.  Scenic Beauty at a Leisurely Pace - One of the most compelling reasons to choose Amtrak is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the United States. Unlike the monotony of interstate highways or the clouds obstructing your view from an airplane, train routes often traverse breathtaking landscapes. Picture gliding through the Rocky Mountains, skirting the shores of the Pacific Ocean, or rolling past the vast expanse of the Great Plains. On an Amtrak train, the journey becomes as captivating as the destination itself.
2. Stress-Free Travel Experience - Traveling by train is a far cry from the stress associated with flying or driving long distances. Forget about the endless security lines, cramped airplane seats, and the rigors of navigating unfamiliar roads. On Amtrak, you can stretch out in spacious seating, move about freely, and relax in comfort. There’s no need to worry about traffic jams or turbulence, making it a peaceful and serene way to travel.
3. Environmental Friendliness - For the environmentally conscious traveler, trains offer a more sustainable mode of transportation. Amtrak trains are significantly more fuel-efficient than cars and planes, reducing your carbon footprint. By choosing to ride the train, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future while still satisfying your wanderlust.
4. Connection and Community - Train travel fosters a sense of community that’s often missing from other forms of transportation. The relaxed atmosphere encourages interaction with fellow passengers. Whether you’re sharing a meal in the dining car, chatting in the lounge, or simply enjoying the journey together, you’ll meet a diverse array of people, each with their own stories and backgrounds. It’s a wonderful way to make connections and share the experience with others.
5. Convenience and Comfort - Amtrak offers a level of convenience and comfort that can make your travel experience truly enjoyable. With roomy seats, ample legroom, and the option to book private sleeping accommodations on longer routes, you can travel in comfort and style. Many trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and dining options, allowing you to work, relax, or savor a meal as you travel.
6. Explore Multiple Destinations - One of the joys of train travel is the ability to hop on and off at various stops along the route. Amtrak’s extensive network covers major cities and small towns alike, giving you the flexibility to explore a variety of destinations on a single trip. Whether you’re interested in urban adventures, historical landmarks, or natural wonders, the train can take you there.
7. Flexibility and Accessibility - Amtrak offers a range of ticket options and schedules, making it easy to find a route and departure time that suits your plans. Additionally, train stations are often conveniently located in city centers, reducing the need for lengthy transfers and making it easier to access local attractions and accommodations.

Riding the Amtrak train is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; it’s an experience in itself. It offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and adventure, all while providing stunning views of America’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first journey, consider the train as a delightful and memorable way to explore the United States. Embrace the charm of rail travel and let Amtrak be your guide to discovering the hidden gems and iconic destinations of this vast and beautiful country.