Cyn

My husband and I went on the last inside cruise in Sept from Vancouver up the coast and then ended with a land tour into Denali. It was awesome. We saw all the wild life even the dall goats! The ship got up close and personal to glaciers, waterfalls and the killer whales were running! We saw sled dogs, mosse, bears and cubs , eagles and all sorts of things. We have traveled all over since he retired from the marine corps and this was my favorite trip.

Cyn

We went up the coast and our room was on the land side with a balconey. We were not cold at all and it rained twice in 2 weeks. Our travel agent said it was a waste to go up and down the coast and I think she was right.

jeank

I never thought I would like Alaska because I am a warm weather person. The family wanted to go, so I did, we had 12 adults. It was WONDERFUL. Not just being with family, but the scenery and animals. I highly recommend Holland America's cruise and land packages.

We left from Vancouver CA, left the ship 7 days later near Ancorage, took a bus to Denali, then a train with a glass top to Fairbanks. Flew home from there.

I bought fabric and patterns from a couple of shops in the towns. Be sure to check out Barbara LaValley's fabric and artwork. She does those Alaskan women with a quilting theme. I framed some of her notecards.

Rose Marie

I just read a book about what you want to do. It is a documentary about a couples trip in their Rv. It is called Taming Mighty Alaska by Wilber C. Anderson. Full of useful info and places to go and not go to.

flikkem

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This company provided us a free video of their Alaskan trip. We took it and were very very happy.
A number of people I spoke with who had taken this cruise regretted that they did not add the rail trip from Anchorage to Denali which was an optional part of this package. We took it and liked it. I particularly wanted to include Anchorage because I lived there many years ago and wanted to visit again. We were able to do that on this tour. You will not be able to get the fantastic glacier views by land that you can get by sea. We had a window in our cabin (you stay warm that way). This is one cruise that it's worth the extra money. Even in August it will be quite cool outside your cabin on a cruise ship. The cruise we took stopped at three Alaskan ports. We took optional land excursions at each one. The whale watching was our favorite. No experience with motor homes.

Jeannette51

I lived in Southeast Alaska for 30 years. I have driven an RV from Florida to Alaska 4 times since we retired in 1998. If wildlife is your interest, by all means, drive the Alcan Highway. The ferries are time consuming and expensive. You can schedule to get off at any port you so desire, then get on the next ferry that comes into the port. Be aware that you must be at the terminals a minumum of 2 hours prior to boarding time.

If you decide to drive the Alcan Highway I strongly suggest you buy the book "The Alaskan Milepost", it will provide you with all sorts of information mile by mile. Places to eat, sites, services, etc. Definitely worth the cost of the book.

If you go by ferry or cruise, May and June are usually the best times to go for nicer weather. Southeast gets lots of rain, so be prepared with warmer clothing, rain coats and umbrellas.

mythreesuns

My parents have been to Alaska 3 times and soon to be 4th... the first was a cruise, all others were RV. They did a group RV tour... they loved that the best. This company sets everything up in advance. They have a leader couple in a RV and a follower. If you break down, they personally help you repair it or call for help if they can not fix it. They stay with you until help has arrived. They have family cook outs where they supply the meat and drinks, and everyone else brings a dish to pass. They have down days when you can go tour by your self, or stay back at camp and just relax, they take you to shows, plane rides, boat tours and etc.. The funny part of it all.... my mother always hated camper life and she did this for a month...

SouthPStitches

Husband & I have been to Alaska twice. Cruised with Holland America the first time from VanCouver through the inside passage. Everyone should do it one in their life. Stunning, stunning scenery. We saw whales, ottors, sea lions. The second week was a scheduled land tour, via bus, train and even paddlewheel boat. Everything was arranged and you just had to show up. Second time we cruised with Princess, and a similar inside route. From there, we rented a motorhome and camped for a week. Everything is provided for you within the motorhome (linens, etc.). Not a bad option and would save a lot of headaches and wear-and-tear on your personal camper. Cruising really isn't that expensive per person, when you figure out what you spend for motels and meals in a day. The single biggest expense for us both times when we went was roundtrip airfare from central NY to Vancouver.

Wanabee Quiltin

I have been to Alaska twice, but never on a cruise. My friends cruise to Alaska at least 3 times each season and have loved doing this for about 4 years now, using every cruise line there is. I have flown into Anchorage and rented an RV and used it for 2 weeks driving all over the state. We have gone both times in September and never see any wildlife other than seals and salmon. It is an interesting state with water everywhere. I have camped in 49 states and the roads are pretty rough in some areas, like washboards, in Alaska. I hope you go and enjoy yourself, life is very short.

nygal

I lived in Anchorage, AK for 14 yrs. and its a beautiful state. I think any way you get there you'll love Alaska!!