See big, bold and genuine Alaska by following its scenic highways and famed Alaska Railway into rustic towns, through majestic Denali National Park, to an Iditarod dog kennel, and up breathtaking, picturesque mountains.
Note: This program begins in Anchorage. Please ensure that your arrival flight takes you into the Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC). The program includes an economy class flight from Anchorage to Seattle.
Note: Regardless of the luggage allowances on any flights you take prior to your arrival, all checked luggage is subject to a fee on the domestic flight between Anchorage and Seattle in this program. Further details are listed below in the “Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy”. We encourage you to be aware of the policies before departing on this program. Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1
After flying into the Anchorage airport, you will be met and transferred to the Marriott Hotel in Anchorage or similar hotel for the evening. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive north from Anchorage on the George Parks Highway, which winds through the kind of scenery that defines the Alaskan interior: tundra, soaring mountain peaks, glaciers, forests, wild rivers, and vast expanses primarily inhabited by animals such as moose, grizzlies, fox, and birds.
Upon reaching Talkeetna board your luxury dome railcar. As you travel the 4.5 hours to Denali, even more spectacular scenery unfolds as you watch from the comfort of the upper-level dome. This afternoon, enjoy lunch on board your railcar in the downstairs dining room. Once you reach Denali, you will be transferred to the Denali Park Village for overnight accommodations.
Following an enlightening private lecture on Denali, your evening will be open for dinner on your own and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 3
The day starts with an early breakfast at the lodge and then the phenomenal Denali Natural History Tour. Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this program includes several interpretive stops and an hour off-bus experience. Begin with a stop to learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film “Across Time and Tundra.” Next visit Savage Cabin, the original ranger’s cabin, provides a living history into how the cabin was once used and how it continues to be used today. Finally, you will make a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years. All along the way your naturalist driver-guide will provide a great introduction to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park and Preserve. Tours are conducted in school busses.
Once back to the park entrance and time on-own at the Denali Park Visitors Center for lunch, you will board your deluxe motor coach for the trip back to Anchorage.
Arrive back in Anchorage and check in to the Marriot Hotel or similar. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you please.
NOTE: due to a massive landslide and subsequent damage to certain roadways in the park in 2022, there may not be an opportunity to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour depending on how far along the park is with re-construction of the roadways. Your Tour Director will be able to provide further details if the upgrade is available.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Seattle. Once in Seattle you will be met and transferred to the awaiting ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Fly into Ted Stevens International Airport and meet your Guest Service Representative in baggage claim. Transfer to the Marriott Hotel in Anchorage or similar, to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.
Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed. If you require an early check-in, you may purchase hotel accommodations for an extra night. This day is at leisure and meals are on own.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
6:00am Buffet breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart Anchorage for Talkeetna
11:05am Board the Deluxe Dome Railcar for Denali National Park (lunch on train)
3:45pm Arrive at the Denali Park Village, steps from Denali National Park
5:30pm Reception with private lecture
PM Open for dinner on-own or optional activities
Overnight at the Denali Park Village or similar hotel
DAY 3
5:00am Buffet breakfast at the lodge
7:00am Approximate depart for Denali Natural History Tour
12:00pm Approximate return from Denali Natural History Tour
1:00pm Depart Denali for Anchorage
6:00pm Arrive at the Marriott Hotel Anchorage
PM Open evening for optional activities and dinner on own
Overnight at the Marriott Hotel Anchorage or similar hotel
DAY 4
6:00am Transfer to the Anchorage Airport for your flight to Seattle with a box breakfast.
TBA Flight from Anchorage to Seattle (Flight number TBA and subject to change)
Upgrades to Business Class are not available with the group fare
NOTE: the flight is not escorted but you will be met in Seattle
TBA Arrival in Seattle, meet and greet and transfer to the ship
TBA Arrive and embark the ship.
Expected Weather:
The average temperature is 55° to 65° Fahrenheit. However, summer temperatures can rise into the 70s.
Weather conditions are unpredictable. While the cruise line and its appointed ground operators will do everything possible to assist with alternative arrangements, we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred if a land program, tour or private arrangement made through the cruise line is disrupted due to adverse weather.
What to Bring:
Rain jacket, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, cameras, chargers, and warm clothing for cooler mornings and evenings.
Local Currency:
US Dollar
Electricity:
The electric current in the United States is 110 volts. You may need a converter if you have 220-volt devices.
Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy:
One carry-on bag is permitted at no fee, which including wheels and handles can measure up to 24 inches in length x 17 inches in width x 10 inches in height (61 x 43 x 25 cm), plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer.
*Please refer to the Alaska Airlines website for information on fees for checking luggage on the flight as this information is subject to change. Generally, the charge is $35 for the first checked bag and $25 for a second bag however if you are a Club 49 member or American AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, and Gold Elite Level members, different rules may apply.
Regardless of the luggage allowances on any flights taken previous to your arrival in Anchorage or your return flight after the cruise, all checked bags are subject to a fee for this domestic flight and will be payable by each guest upon checking-in at the Anchorage Airport.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Airport:
Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, for all arriving flights on Day 1
Documents and Visa Requirements:
None for US Citizens.
Aircraft Type (subject to Change):
The flight from Anchorage to Seattle is typically booked with Alaska Airlines. Seating is in standard economy class and is not eligible to be upgraded. Flight confirmation number and boarding passes will be provided to guests by the Tour Director while on tour.
Hotel addresses:
Marriott Hotel – 820 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Denali Park Village – Mile 231, George Parks Hwy, AK 99755
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program includes:
•Two nights at the Marriott Hotel Anchorage or similar (Standard double room)
•One night at the Denali Park Village or similar (Standard double room)
•Denali Natural History Tour in Denali National Park
•One reception and lecture on Denali
•Deluxe Dome Rail tour
•Tours and sightseeing as per the program
•Full breakfast daily
•Fully escorted
•Survival Pack for each tour room
•Luggage handling and all associated gratuities
•Airport transfers as applicable •Economy class flight from Anchorage to Seattle
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current and updated arrival information so your transfer can be arranged. Should you book any additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for tour director and motor coach driver
•Personal expenses
•Any meals not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including mini-bar purchases
•Luggage fees including excess or overweight fees
HOTELS AND LODGES
The best available hotels and lodges in Alaska are used throughout the land program. They are comfortable and rustic. Guests accustomed to the level of services at an international five-star hotel will find that the same services are not available in Alaska. Due to peak season in Alaska from May through September, it may be difficult to change rooms during the hotel stay as all hotels have very high occupancy. Hotels are subject to change.
ADDITIONAL TOURING
While you are in the Denali area at the beginning of the tour program, your guide will present additional touring programs for sale. These tour options vary from week to week and therefore can’t be pre-purchased. However, your guide will do everything possible to help you secure space. Additional tours cannot be pre-reserved through OCI.
BAGGAGE
As your baggage will travel on many different modes of transportation, please choose sturdy cases that have been properly tagged with personal identifications, both inside and out. It is important to keep all valuables and documents on your person. As amenities such as elevators and baggage handling are limited at some locations, we suggest you only carry one bag per person while on the land tour. Alternately, your tour director will collect any pieces that you do not want to take on and off the bus each day and it will be stored on the motor coach in a locked bay. Please pack accordingly and bring any medications and documents with you.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact Luggage Forward to make your own luggage transfer arrangements (at own cost) from your home to the ship -www.luggageforward.com
Phone: 877-231-5131
CLOTHING AND CLIMATE
With a broad variety of weather possibilities, we encourage you to bring clothes that are suited to layering. Daytime attire in Alaska is strictly casual. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are a must. The following items should be included: water-repellant coat or jacket, collapsible umbrella, rain hat, lightweight windbreaker, and sweaters. It could be warmer inland with summer temperatures in Denali reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
ALTITUDE
Travel in Alaska is generally at lower elevations. The maximum altitude is 2,800 feet in Denali National Park.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Weather conditions are unpredictable. While the cruise line and its appointed ground operators will do everything possible to assist with alternative arrangements, we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred if a land program, tour or private arrangement made through the cruise line is disrupted due to adverse weather.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The published itinerary is based on component suppliers expected to be operating for the land program. Changes to the availability of flights, flight and tour schedules or other itinerary components out of the cruise line’s control may require an adjustment to the final itinerary. The local ground operator will handle meal vouchers, train tickets, or tour tickets included in the program. The cruise line reserves the right to substitute hotels, if necessary.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
