Sapphire Princess Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,020 reviews

Alaskan Adventure

Review for Alaska Cruise on Sapphire Princess
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Gotta Go Cruisin
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: May 2012

The DW and I booked a Cruisetour to Alaska with Princess for 5/23/12 to 6/2/12. There were a few glitches, but we enjoyed the adventure all the same. We arrived in Anchorage late on 5/22 and stayed in Anchorage the first night on our own. Early on the morning of 5/23 we traveled to Fairbanks by Alaska Railroad, Adventure Class. We used the Alaska TourSaver for this and several other Tours along the way which saved us quite a bit of money. We were fortunate enough to be guided and entertained by Conductor Steve who had almost 41 years with the Alaska Railroad. He had many interesting stories and made our trip very enjoyable.

Were left Anchorage with partly cloudy skies, but as we approached Mt McKinley we were lucky enough to see it out. They say the weather covers it about 80% of the time. We also got a chance to see a Momma Bear and her Three Cubs as well as lots of Moose along the way. We arrived in Fairbanks about 8pm and made our way to the Hotel. Princess had arranged for the Bear Lodge for our two night stay in Fairbanks. We got our check in packet from the front desk right away. When we took our bags to the room, we quickly discovered there was already someone else occupying that room. It was a little embarrassing, but it was quickly resolved by a very apologetic Manager. The next day we inquired about the complimentary shuttle to the airport, we had reserved a rental car for the day. The front desk staff advised that the shuttle service was only for non-Princess customers. We paid for a Taxi and got our Rental Car. We visited The Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska. We later booked a tour on the Riverboat Discovery. That was a very enjoyable and informative tour. Later we visited Pioneer Park and ate at the Salmon Bake. It was good. Most of the vendors at the park had not opened, so I can't comment on the other attractions, but they looked interesting. We made a stop by WalMart and Safeway to pick up some supplies, which were cheaper there than anywhere else along the way.

The next day we headed to Denali on the Train. In Denali we had only about a half day to enjoy the park, so we went to the Dog Sled demonstration and then caught to shuttle bus to Savage River. These two activities were free we enjoyed ourselves. Later we attended the "Cabin Nite Dinner Theater" near our lodge, it was entertaining and the food was good. The accommodations at the Denali Princess were very good.

Cabin Review

Cabin FF

Obstructed Oceanview Cabin was adequate for our needs. Room was good size. Closets and bathroom were adequate. Location was near where the Service Staff communicate early in the morning and sometimes was a problem for sleeping.

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