REVIEW: RCI Land Tour#1 and Cruise on Radiance of the Seas 8/8/06-8/19/06 Our first time to Alaska

Due to the long flight we decided to do a two day independent tour of Fairbanks on our own, mostly to adjust to the 4 hour time change. Traveling were myself 50yo, DW 46yo and DS Aaron, 8yo.

8/6 Day One-Fairbanks Left New York City at 8am from Newark Airport on Alaska Air on time. We were traveling 1st class thanks to sky miles. Our seats had plenty of leg room; felt sorry for those in coach as the flight was long. But we are spoiled now. It was 5 1/2 hours to Seattle with a one hour lay over for our connecting flight to Fairbanks. Food served was excellent, fresh fruit plate, choice of French Toast or eggs with reindeer sausage. On our connecting flight the lunch was terrible, cold chicken salad or turkey wrap. Alaska air should do better for first class passengers. We arrived in Fairbanks at 4:30pm, but our bodies said 8:30 and tired from all the travel. However, one of our bags didn't make it. We had 2 suitcases check, and two carry-ons. Good thing we cross pack our checked luggage and bring a full days change in our carry-on. The airport personnel said it was located on the next flight and would be sent to our hotel the next morning. Since we were doing a 2 day independent tour, I rented a car from Budget..it was nice and we had no trouble. We were staying at Pikes Lodge. I decided this property as it was the same one RCI had us in for their tour. When I checked in, I told the clerk this and asked if we could stay in the same room, they said yes. Pikes is a very nice property, despite being across the road from the airport, we didn't hear any early or late night flight noise. We had 2 queen size beds, a microwave and refrigerator, and best a balcony overlooking the Chena River. The room was clean and service was fine. We got to the room at 5:30pm (9:30 to us-but felt like midnight). We were hungry, due to the poor lunch on our flight. Looking through the telephone directory I found a coupon for a pizza restaurant. A large pie with 4 toppings and a 2 liter soda, including delivery; $19.95. I called them and within a ½ hour it was at our room. Big Als Pizza, you did good. We ate and went to sleep by 7:30-8:00pm. Read more