I am happy to hear that Princess is upgrading or giving credits if you want to do something else. 2) where should we stay? Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds on an ATV that can reach speeds of up to 30 . In terms of wildlife viewing, look for a diameter of at least 42mm so that even on a dim day, you can spot animals in Alaska. These bus tours give you the opportunity for wildlife spotting and also allows you the chance to sit back, relax, and listen to your Certified Interpretive Guide share their stories about the history, culture, and geography that surrounds you. They make all the same bathroom and wildlife-viewing stops as a tour bus. 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 historicSavage Cabin to learn how the cabin was once used and how it continues to be used today. We only paid the difference between the original tour and upgrade. Changes to your park tour should be made as soon as possible. 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. 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. On 6/27/2022 at 8:18 AM, peachykiehn said: (This Tour only goes 2 miles farther into the park than any visitor can drive or go on the free Savage Shuttle.). I called to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness (everyone online. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of off-bus experience. Get breathtaking insights into the Alaskan wilderness and listen to the interesting background information given by the guide. Both lines offer extensive cruise tour programs powered by locally based staff and resources (Princess alone owns five Alaskan wilderness lodges), at least a half-dozen seasonally positioned. For more information please see www.abta.com. Leave it to Princess to offer excursions for all types of adventurers. 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! Wolves symbolize Alaska wilderness. More information to help you plan your day in Denali. Tundra Wilderness Tours are operating smoothly again in Denali National Park & Preserve, though with a shortened route due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 45 of Denali Park Road. 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. You have to keep traveling to increase your chances of seeing more. After dark, he turned his attention to the skies, scanning for the northern lights. In the evening, enjoy the "Music of Denali" dinner show. With the comforts of home, incredible dining options and expert-crafted excursions, discover your ideal way to explore the Great Land. Is there a car rental nearby? Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used. This adventure is filled with thrilling sights as you glide over wild, untamed rivers and climb through huge U-shaped valleys to trace the spine of the Alaska Range. 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. Tundra Wilderness Tour to the shorter 3 to 4 hour Teklanika tour. This fully narrated guided tour takes visitors 42 scenic miles along the Park Road to the historic Murie Cabin. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience with an hour of off-bus experience. 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. Actually, we are part of a cruise/tour with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? His visit was part of the Discovery at Sea program (a Princess partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet), and his enthusiasm about our stop in Ketchikan was contagious. At 20,310 feet, its the tallest peak in North America. Share. This narrated tour through Denali National Park spans four and a half hours and takes you to Primrose Ridge at mile 17. She huffed off to the back of the bus because she refused to sit beside me. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River (Mile 43) to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! Read a more detailed description of tour buses Non-Narrated Transit Buses These buses are not narrated. Fly with the original flightseeing company in Denali for your best odds of seeing The Mountain while circling it "face to face". 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 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. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. The shuttle is the best experience I've had. The reason we don't want to do shuttle bus is due to age/mobility. NOTE: There are several departure times. The main drawbacks of the TWT (besides not being allowed off to hike like the shuttles do, which isn't a concern of yours) are first: that you can book only AM or PM and don't find out until about 48 hours in advance what starting time you've been assigned. Since you asked specifically about tours and have decided against the transit bus, take the longer Tundra Wilderness Tour if you want the best chance to view wildlife. This includes the famous Big Five grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. It's treeless and often bitter cold, and dotted with small lakes, or divided into strange geometric patterns. Glaciers cover one million acres, or one-sixth of Denali National Park. Weighing over a thousand pounds and towering above the heads of most people, moose are an impressive sight. Alternatively, you may use, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels and Places to Stay, https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/tour-information/, https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/#dnht, Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Forum, Denali National Park and Preserve Tourism, Denali National Park and Preserve Vacation Rentals, Denali National Park and Preserve Vacation Packages, Flights to Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Restaurants, Things to Do in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Guide. Starting from its glacial headwaters high in the Alaska Range, the Nenana cuts north through the mountains alongside Denali National Park, offering several major rapids and thrilling whitewater rafting. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge The perfect home base for exploring Denali National Park. PURCHASE LAND EXCURSIONS 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. If Princess says yes you can upgrade. 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. This year, one bonus of the TWT is that it spends at least half an hour more in the park than the East Fork shuttle does (5 to 5.5 hrs. However, as you must know, you can purchase it privately for about $117pp. During aurora season (late August onward), he maintains a cabin call list to alert guests hoping to catch a glimpse. The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along a spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denali's wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Denali Tundra Express by Temsco Helicopters Inc. For rates, operational dates, and important information for booking all tours, please click here. Do you have to pay the full price of the excursion to upgrade? Several interpretive stops enhance the experience with an hour of off-bus experiences. Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference. Finally, 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! Unlike non-narrated transit buses, tour buses feature a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates during the trip. Is there any difference or advantage to purchasing it through Princess? I took the Tundra Wilderness Tour in early September. Black Diamond Peak promises dramatic views of the entire Healy Valley and a chance to witness foxes, rabbits and the occasional wolf, bear or caribou. TIp: If you are booking this tour independently, you are supposed to call them 24-48 hours prior to confirm your departure time. Princess offers the tundra Wilderness tour for $157. I will be interested in how you like the tour after your vacation. When we passed another bus going the other way the driver stopped and jabbered with the other driver about it and that driver got all excited as well. Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction. We provide experienced river guides . Using the exclusive 2-for-1 coupons available in the Alaska TourSaver, you'll enjoy exclusive savings for lodging, flightseeing tours and other Denali tours.Don't wait: get your Alaska TourSaver and start saving on your trip to Denali National Park today!There are so many coupons for Alaska tours included . Hear about the history and culture that surrounds you at a Living History presentation while visiting Savage Cabin. Spend time on trails in the Denali wilderness as you navigate tree rutted trails, mountain-fed creek beds, and boggy tundra. It's going to take a while to rebuild the road. . AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WITHOUT A PARK TOUR: Experience the rich diversity of Denali National Park from stunning scenery and abundant wildlife to historical sites and interpretive centers on this popular Natural History Tour. 6294). There are plenty of other great views from the road, toothis is just a smattering of good spots! 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. COVID update: Denali Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour has updated their hours and services. Most cruisetours include this park tour. The Tundra Wilderness Tour turns around near the East Fork River (Mile 42). 2023 Price: $150 USD adult, $84 USD child. 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. May 31, 2022, 11:29 AM Save Hello all, I have also posted this on Cruise Critic and hopefully will get some guidance. The one that interests me is the 6 day Princess Copper River tour which starts in Anchorage and circles through Denali, Copper River, Valdez to Whittier. It was trying to get a bit of the kill that a grizzly was sitting on. I can see the interest in having both options. Contact the bus company for more details. Denali is the highest peak in North America and is surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience rafting on the glacially fed Nenana River. Couple of questions. Learn more about entrance fees and passes. We have 2 adults, 17yr old and 11 yr old - I know they are both long tours but the kids are rea. A box lunch can be purchased at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Explore the park with a certified naturalist guide. Went to guest services, they couldn't get hold of the vendor so called me back and said nothing was available for the next day. I hope we can still see some wildlife going to the 43 mile marker. There are 90 rooms with two double beds, 256 . Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. If you are more interested presentations on the cultural and natural history of the area, choose the Natural History Tour. We did the Connoisseur land tour/cruise combo from Princess back in August. The next morning, both staff and guests seemed equally awestruck by the rare, unobstructed view of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). Bring a camera and binoculars. The more adventurous visitors tend to choose the transit bus. My husband also likes to sit up front if available as he can get car sick on windy and bumpy roads. I always try to remember, for the majority of our travelers, this [is] a bucket-list trip.". This extraordinary half day fly-fishing expedition takes you to the area's streams where you will learn the basics of fly-casting while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it. We also need the guarantee of being able to get back to our accommodation thereby relying on a tour to provide that rather than a local bus that presumably provides no such guarantee. (She loves the Caribbean). If it happens to you, hold your ground! Constructed directly on top of Alaskan tundra, this one-of-a-kind lakeside course offers golfers a truly memorable experience. Does anyone know if Princess will allow upgrading to the Tundra Wilderness Tour? Ummno.I lined up early for a reason! The schedule each day variesdepending on demand, so there is no fixed, daily schedule. For more information please see www.abta.com. Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used. our group wants to take the train from Telkeetna to Denali. Would love any insight you could provide. Currently part of the road looks like this: Yes, it is offered. Just be aware that part of the mountain slid off and took the road with it so the TWT can't go in as far as it has in the past. Of course, usually every seat of a TWT is sold, so I expected someone to eventually sit therebutthe last two women to board the bus had the audacity to ask me to move to an aisle seat at the back of the bus so THEY could sit together! Please check your Welcome Envelope upon arrival for your exact departure time and tour number. Tundra Wilderness Tours are operating smoothly again in Denali National Park & Preserve, though with a shortened route due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 45 of Denali Park Road. Learn more about entrance fees and passes. A word of warning: it sounds as if you'll be in Denali on your own (not part of a cruise tour)? The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. Hop on an ATV Side-by-Side machine and strap in for this exciting backcountry adventure through valleys and streams, up foothills and on tundra that offers breathtaking mountain scenery. 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. If your Alaska cruisetour does not include a Denali National Park tour, reserve your spot via the Cruise Personalizer, by calling Princess Cruises or contacting your travel advisor. . It seems OP has already ruled out the transit bus option so I offered advice in line with the question. Adult rates include the National Park Service Entrance Fee. NOTE: Exact departure times are based on tour demand and will be assigned 48 hours before your departure day. Read about the different tour bus options. With only one park road, nature exists as it has for thousands of years, and your visit offers a glimpse into an era that most cant imagine, even in their wildest dreams. Terms of Service apply. Today, you'll be treated to a Tundra Wilderness Tour deep into Denali National Park. AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS WITHOUT A PARK TOUR: Glimpse the epic sweep of Denali National Park on this guided tour that travels 17 miles into Denali National Park and Preserve. This short helicopter ride offers views of the essentials of the Alaska Range. All but one of the five Princess Lodges in Alaska reopened for the 2022 season. Powered by Invision Community. Let us introduce you to Denali National Park - up close! 2020, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Take a tour of the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge located just outside De. Wheelchair accessible buses are available, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. Again: with TWT you travel about 26 miles further than NHT, giving you a much better chance to view scenery and look for wildlife. I'm hoping it was worth the switch. . Everybody got really good views of the wolf. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers. Having a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, you can spot the bald eagle riding the wind and soaring across the sky. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers. CC Help Jenn The MedallionClass ships use touchless technologies in the form of a small, quarter-sized customizable Medallion and an app to enhance and personalize individual experiences and health protocols. One of them got rude but I refused to be bullied out of my seat. Aramark 2023 Denali Park VillageMile Post 231 George Parks HighwayDenali, AK 99755800.276.7234. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission. Please check your welcome packet upon arrival to confirm the exact tour departure time. The No.1 place where Britons want to celebrate St Patrick's . Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. Additional information can be found on the tour dates page here. Step on the glacier and explore dramatic icefalls, crystalline moraines, mystifying ice bridges and icy-blue glacial pools. Soar through the trees and over the tundra on over half a mile of ziplines.. Get out and ride ATVs in the Alaskan bush! Park tour is approximately 4.5 - 5 hours. 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. This extraordinary full day fly-fishing expedition takes you to the area's streams where you will learn the basics of fly-casting while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it. Please check your welcome packet upon arrival to confirm the exact tour departure time. Tour bus trips begin and end at various locations around the entrance of the parkthey do not pick up at campgrounds along the Denali Park Road and they are not designed for passengers to disembark and re-board. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. Bring a camera and binoculars. Variations of this tour have been in existencesince 1923,with the first concessioner offering bus trips as far as the road extended at that time. An expert guide narrates every spectacular sight. From the website: "Morning departures are generally between 5:00am and 11:00am while afternoon departures are generally between 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Note: This does not include the Denali National Park entrance fee which is $15 USD. Our tours provides an in-depth look at the world of dog mushing and the Iditarod, Alaska's great sled dog race, including the training, racing and breeding of these champion sled dogs. tundra marsh, and permafrost so the ground can be totally frozen in some areas and a crafty fox that enjoys stealing balls. Hope you have better luck. https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/tour-information/. Coalminer, Im not sure whether your comment is addressing OP or me. molc54. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. 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. Since you asked specifically about tours and have decided against the transit bus, take the longer Tundra Wilderness Tour if you want the best chance to view wildlife. We are coming to Alaska in July for 10 days. After seven days filled with glaciers, bear spotting and helicopter tours, when our Alaska sailing ended in Whittier, nearly 300 of the 2,600 guests continued on a Princess Cruise Tour, road tripping through interior Alaska by motorcoach and train. We will be in Denali the end of July and had wanted to do the Katishna Wilderness tour but may not be available on our day so are thinking of the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Combination Cruise & Alaska Tour: Denali & Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodges Book online. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Of course, by then, the lightning was behind us. Princess also operates Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. Hear about the history and culture that surrounds you at a Living History presentation while visiting Savage Cabin. Natural History Tour vs Tundra Wilderness Tour - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie lived Wheelchair accessible buses are available upon request when you make your reservation, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. The Denali Natural History Tour focuses on the rich natural and cultural history of Denali National Park. 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. We are beginning a pre-cruise tour next week that includes the Denali Natural History tour. Binoculars with roof prisms have a sleek, streamlined shape and less bulk. Pay an upgrade price, not the full price. Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference. With an estimated 30,000 making Alaska their home, bald eagles can be seen year-round. Yep, NHT is a common tour with Princess. Whichever you chose, you'll get to see a part of Alaska you can't explore any other way! Follow in the footsteps of Fannie Quigley to the old mining town of Kantishna on this all-day adventure to the end of the road. Weve enjoyed not only the economy and flexibility of the transit buses over the years but also often the camaraderie that develops over hours on the transit bus with visitors from around the world. 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. . I'm not that stupid! Brown bears, also known as grizzlies, are lucky enough to call Denali National Park home thanks to abundant food and a safe environment. My trip is not until next year. Experience the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range. The KantishnaExperienceis the only tour in Denali National Park which features a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger aboard the bus. Tuesday at 11:45 PM. Denali. Given that, the NPS (and Princess) are unlikely to commit to 2023 excursions this far in . Apr 29th, 2009 . Yep, NHT is a common tour with Princess. Please Read: COVID-related Discussion. As a solo traveler, no one was sitting beside meat first. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge at 3:30 a.m. after receiving a call that the northern lights were dancing across the sky. I am investigating a trip to Alaska next year and I like the concept of combining a land tour with the cruise. 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. Later my wife and I stood on the aft observation deck and watched a magnificent lightning display. J. A single gravel road goes into the six-million-acre park and only travelers on trips like the Tundra Wilderness Tour have the chance to experience it. Due to Park Service regulations, school buses are used. 5 - 5 1/2 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. Tour overview: On this Alaska flightseeing day tour, enjoy an aerial view of the eastern boundary of Denali National Park as you travel along the . 8. Terms of Service apply. When your tour driver is able, they will take video footage of animals along the road and project the image onto the screen so you can get a close-up look at the action.IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers.