(There's no firm timeframe yet on when the road will be . From the website: "Morning departures are generally between 5:00am and 11:00am while afternoon departures are generally between 12:30pm and 4:30pm. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge at 3:30 a.m. after receiving a call that the northern lights were dancing across the sky. Note: Points are approximate, these images are not placed at precise locations. Every effort will be made to reserve your tour at the time requested, but please note that due to National Park Service bus limitations, you may be moved to a different time slot. Farther means more wildlife and more scenery. Along the way, your driver-naturalist will introduce you to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park. Tour times are subject to change without previous notice. Traveling 62 miles into Denali National Park to Stony Hill Overlook, the Tundra Wilderness Tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. Journey through 11 miles of awesome rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems, like Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Which is why most people go to Denali. Used to be Alaska was a bucket list trip for elders, and when (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? They arent interested in getting off the bus. In an effort to preserve the fragile ecosystem of Denali National Park and Preserve, the National Park Service has limited access on the Park Road for private vehicles. Delight in a wonderful, feel-good musical comedy that hilariously depicts the legend of the first men to reach the summit of Denali, North America's highest peak. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! Park tour is approximately 4.5 - 5 hours. But we didn't do it until we got there. Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used. Most of the bus tours of Denali National Park start between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. All transit buses travel to the East Fork River (Mile 43). The park offers excellent chances for seeing wildlife, including moose, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. The most massive glaciers in the park drain snow and ice from the flanks of Denali. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Hi, we are planning our 6th cruise and I finally got my wife convinced to cruise Alaska. The questions we have are: Is there a difference in the "tour" portion of the trip between cruise lines? If you wont have a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this 4 to 5-hour tour travels to Primrose Ridge (Mile 17). Given that, the NPS (and Princess) are unlikely to commit to 2023 excursions this far in . Reservations for bus trips are made through our concessioner, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture. My husband also likes to sit up front if available as he can get car sick on windy and bumpy roads. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers. Knowing how helpful everyone is on this forum, I knew I would also get excellent advice here. Natural History Tour vs Tundra Wilderness Tour - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community. Want to experience Alaska? Bring a camera and binoculars. Currently part of the road looks like this: Yes, it is offered. Everybody got really good views of the wolf. Check out our Alaska wildlife guide to learn . Play a round of golf in the Midnight Sun, or rise above it on a thrilling flightseeing tour. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. Read about the different tour bus options. It is highly recommended that all parties traveling together book together on one reservation to prevent being split across multiple buses. The name ''Denali'' means ''The Great One'' in the native Athabascan language. (More Alaska ports are anticipated next season.) We were unable to. Fly with the original flightseeing company in Denali for your best odds of seeing The Mountain while circling it "face to face". One doesnt just have to look at the movie or the cabin, correct? Incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife inhabitants await you on this tour. tundra marsh, and permafrost so the ground can be totally frozen in some areas and a crafty fox that enjoys stealing balls. Transit buses are a better option for passengers who want to get off the bus to hike, picnic, etc. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112684145', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car, have the time and cost is not a concern, do both. You will have the opportunity to discover Denalis wilderness and explore Denalis gold rush history. The Tundra Wilderness Tour (TWT) has long been my go-to recommended tour for everyone visiting Denali National Park who can handle sitting for a long time. The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. I tried getting a credit for the Natural History tour from Princess and book the Tundra directly and it turned into a nightmare of over 20 hours on the phone to fix the mess they created. On 6/27/2022 at 8:18 AM, peachykiehn said: Less than 24 hours later, as I confidently grabbed hold of a leggy snow crab while onboard the Aleutian Ballad a ship made famous by the television series "Deadliest Catch I realized just how well his stories had captured the thrill of visiting Alaska. I would not take the NHT since my interests are scenery and wildlife. Apr 29th, 2009 . Personally, I agree with you 100% - we have never had any interest in doing any of the tour buses. Denali. The driver opened the door and trained his bus camera on the lynx and everybody else could see it clearly on the monitors mounted around the bus. ALERTS IN EFFECT: Please read for the latest information. During aurora season (late August onward), he maintains a cabin call list to alert guests hoping to catch a glimpse. There are four bus tours available in Denali National Park & Preserve: Additional information can be found on the tour dates page here. New Details Released. Tundra Tour busses have more comfy seats and provide lunch, you have to bring all your food for the day on the shuttle busses. You have to keep traveling to increase your chances of seeing more. As a solo traveler, no one was sitting beside meat first. Departure times are assigned two (2) days prior to departure." I've been through some very rough seas and once we went through the edge of a tropical storm where all outer decks were sealed off and many of the "iron stomach" crowd decided to go lie down in their cabins. For rates, operational dates, and important information, please click here. NOTE: There are several departure times. Through 2024, buses will travel no further than Mile 43 of the 92-mile long Denali Park Road. CLICK HERE, *Price includes $15.00 Park Entry Fee (Adults Only). This will allow you to travel to Denali and take our tour all in the same day. This thing is so cool. Tuesday at 11:45 PM. As you travel through the park, youll likely find them wandering the open tundra in search of their next meal, or you may uncover their footprints that tell a story of their latest adventures. She huffed off to the back of the bus because she refused to sit beside me. Tundra Wilderness Tour 9 hours | Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge | 1AK-DNP-110 Avg Guest Rating Book Now From $ 185 Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference. (Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge opened briefly, but was forced to close in June due to staffing shortages. Beginning with a stop at the Denali Bus Depot, learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film Across Time and Tundra. Next, visit the historical Savage Cabin to learn how the cabin was once used, and how it continues to be used today. Bring a camera and binoculars. More information to help you plan your day in Denali. Fly to the summit of Denali for a one-of-a-kind Alaska experience. Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali at 20,310 feet, as well as over six million acres of diverse wilderness. Princess also operates Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Experience your own 'Into the Wild' journey on this 4-wheel off-road adventure in Denali National Park. But after a handful of grizzly bear sightings a season record for Richardson it was clear to us all we had hit the Denali jackpot. Powered by Invision Community. Savor a delicious, family style dinner with Alaskan salmon, smokehouse BBQ, mashed potatoes and apple crisp while enjoying live musical performances before the show at this rollicking roadhouse. Enjoy all the benefits of a Tundra Wilderness Tour while also exploring the Eielson Visitor Center. Terms of Service apply. Privacy Policy and Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. . What to Know About Riding on the Alaska Railroad, 14 of the Best New Cruise Ships Launching in 2023, Katmandu Park Punta Cana Is Opening March 15, The Top Hotels in Mexico for a Romantic Getaway. The reason we don't want to do shuttle bus is due to age/mobility. We only paid the difference between the original tour and upgrade. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. . Spend time on trails in the Denali wilderness as you navigate tree rutted trails, mountain-fed creek beds, and boggy tundra. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, McKinley Village: See 2,057 traveller reviews, 1,169 user photos and best deals for Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, ranked #3 of 5 McKinley Village hotels, rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. A bottle of water and a snack pack are included with this tour. Hear about the history and culture that surrounds you at a Living History presentation while visiting Savage Cabin. The rest of the day is free. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the premier tour of Denali National Park and Preserve! IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers. AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WITHOUT A PARK TOUR: Glimpse the epic sweep of Denali National Park on this guided tour that travels 30 miles into Denali National Park and Preserve. Wheelchair accessible buses are available, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. So her friend took that last seat. I was polite but firm. Has anyone done both - compare? A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). Please visit Denali Bus Depot with confirmation and/or tickets, a photo ID and the National Park Pass to receive Park Entrance Fee Refund. Thank You, Yes, I did read of the closure. All tours are conducted by certified driver-naturalists who will provide a guided, informative trip into the park. 11:00am, 1:55pm & 3:50pm. Bowler Lady, June 26, 2022 in Princess Cruises. It finally gave up and came up toward the road and the right along the road by the bus. As do I if I'm not driving. You have no say in the matter. Positioned at the back of deck 16 almost every night from 6 p.m. to sunset, he helped guests spot and identify everything from humpback and fin whales to orcas, otters, seals and calving glaciers. Three days prior to your tour day, your departure time will be assigned to you. The Stampede Trail was a mining trail blazed in the 1930s. molc54. We are certainly going to the Visitor's center and the wilderness center, but was hoping to do more. https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/tour-information/. Visit the home and kennel of Iditarod musher Mike Santos and learn about sled dogs, the Iditarod race and life in rural Alaska! If you have an annual or lifetime pass (i.e., an Interagency Pass or the Denali Annual Pass), you are entitled to a refund of the fee. **The Tundra Wilderness tour is a fully narrated 7-9 hour tour, including frequent rest stops. Spend time on a short hike, visiting with a National Park Service Ranger, or exploring the exhibits during your stay. NOTE: Exact departure times are based on tour demand and will be assigned 48 hours before your departure day. If you are more interested presentations on the cultural and natural history of the area, choose the Natural History Tour. Warm clothes, rain gear, camera, binoculars and personal medication as necessary. Only very observant clients will likely notice that silverware and napkins, once placed on tables, must now be picked up along the buffet line. Pay an upgrade price, not the full price. Alaska's arctic tundra is found in Alaska's interior toward its northern or western coast. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of time spent exploring off the bus. If youre cold, youre not working hard enough, said Ron Zwahlen, a commercial fishing captain. Explore Tundra Wildernss Tours McKinley Explorer Train Ride the rails through Alaska backcountry aboard the McKinley Explorer domed luxury train. Take home awe-inspiring photographs of Alaska to impress your friends and family in this exclusive, private, small-group photography adventure! Day 4 - Denali National Park - Talkeetna - Denali Enjoy an unforgettable rail journey from Denali to Talkeetna in a luxury domed railcar. AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WTIHOUT A PARK TOUR: This comprehensive full-day tour travels deep into Denali National Park for the best possible wildlife, Denali, viewpoints and a host of magnificent vistas. Actually, we are part of a cruise/tour with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. The driver was soooooooooooo excited because lynx sightings are very rare. Please contact 907-683-8900 or visit the hotel front desk for more information. Share. Holland America Line owns its motorcoaches, railcars and hotels, so schedules are preferential. Beginning with a stop at the Denali Bus Depot, learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film Across Time and Tundra. Next, visit the historical Savage Cabin to learn how the cabin was once used, and how it continues to be used today. Enjoy a gorgeous tour along the natural boundary of Denali National Park.. Departing from Vancouver, my week-long cruise included stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, along with scenic sailings in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, before disembarking in Whittier. Agents at the Denali Bus Depot can answer any final questions you have about your trip. This is the ultimate flightseeing tour of Denali! 8. Dall sheep are identifiable thanks to their large, curved horns and thick white coats of fur. They make all the same bathroom and wildlife-viewing stops as a tour bus. I called to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness (everyone online. Posted. The project is scheduled to begin in 2023 but given the recent road closure and the anticipated challenge to repair and maintain the road through Pretty Rocks in 2022, NPS and FHWA are pursuing contracting and funding options to be able to begin sooner. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. Constructed directly on top of Alaskan tundra, this one-of-a-kind lakeside course offers golfers a truly memorable experience. A word of warning: it sounds as if you'll be in Denali on your own (not part of a cruise tour)? Denali is the highest peak in North America and is surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge Duration Approximately 3 hours Price From $94.95 Adult . Report inappropriate content. A train ride from Denali Lodge to McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, with a stop in Talkeetna Alaska for shopping and ice cream. We have to find a hotel for one night we are doing a rafting trip then taking train back down to telkeetna the next afternoon. Due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 45 of the Denali Park Road, the destination for Transit and the Tundra Wilderness Tours will be Mile 43 of the Denali Park Road for the entire 2023 season. Hope you have better luck. One of them got rude but I refused to be bullied out of my seat. Note: An ongoing landslide at Pretty Rocks is impacting bus service. The Denali Tundra Wilderness bus tour hasn't changed much through the years. Your driver/naturalist will provide a great introduction to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park and Preserve aboard the Denali Natural History Tour. The buses do not have restrooms; however, rest stops are made approximately every 90 minutes. I then went to gs and spoke to another guy (who happened to be from the same city as me-so we had something in common)--anyway he really pushed to get us on the upgrade and they "found" two seats. Dates: May 15 - September 14, 2023. But if someone else prefers just to watch a movie and see an old cabin, entirely their choice to make. Thank you so much, Debbie San Diego, CA. I thought that was terribly rude. Ketchikan, Juneau, and the Tongass National Forest near Sitka are just some of the places they dwell. This tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. It's all up to you. Weighing over a thousand pounds and towering above the heads of most people, moose are an impressive sight. Wolves symbolize Alaska wilderness. Guests who shop with participating merchants receive a 7% shipboard credit on purchases, which can be used on their current cruise or carried over to future sailings. 1) best time of year to see the lights. Stop to view Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife such as moose. It is expected to reopen for the 2023 season.) There is a good chance of seeing these creatures on the hillsides of Denali National Park, where they use ridges and steep slopes for feeding, resting and eluding predators. My husband also likes to sit up front if available as he can get car sick on windy and bumpy roads. Terms of Service apply. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the premier tour of Denali National Park and Preserve! But now, it also gives adult clients the chance to win prizes including shipboard credits, wine tastings and even free cruises every time they enter their stateroom using their Medallion. Ummno.I lined up early for a reason! The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Experience life above the trees ziplining just outside of Denali National Park! More time spent in the Park equals more chances to see wildlife. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, said Carlos Gomez, tour director for Princess, as guests settled into their coach seats for the approximately two-hour drive from Whittier to Kenai. The Eielson Excursion is a Tundra Wilderness Tour which travels a few miles further to the Eielson Visitor Center. Discover Kantishnas fascinating history and role in the formation of Interior Alaska. If you are traveling to Denali from Fairbanks by train or coach, we recommend the afternoon tour. upgrade our natural history tour for the tundra wilderness tour so had our TA cancel the Princess tour and then we booked through the park service. We have done quite a bit of research & definitely do not want to do shuttle bus or Kantishna tours. Learn how to make an etched, dichroic, fused glass pendant or keychain from a local glass artist. I'm hoping it was worth the switch. 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The shuttle is the best experience I've had. If you dont have your Itinerary number, please call 1.800.622.7275. An expert guide narrates every spectacular sight. Turns out she was friendly and we had a nice time chatting! All Rights Reserved. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience rafting on the glacially fed Nenana River. Please Read: COVID-related Discussion. Hello all. . Two nights Mo +49 (0)89 / 51703-350 (CET) Call me back; Mon to Fri: 10 am - 5 pm .