Testimonials
We really enjoyed the trip. Would have liked to spent more time in Denali as the part was amazing and 1 day didn't do it justice. Liked the lodge and set up their best. The McKinley lodge was nice but the complex was so spread out and the shuttle system was a bit of a pain to use since but we were only there one night anyway.
I think our whale watching excursion was a one of the highlights of the trip for the kids and us. We got to see so many whales and sea lions. Our kayaking excursion was cancelled in Ketchikan due to rain and winds. Not a big deal. With the way the weather was it wouldn’t have been so pleasant. One of the other things we really enjoyed was a free visit/demonstration of the working husky dogs of Denali Nat’l Park. It was a very informative demonstration and the kids loved getting to pet all the dogs.
Ship was first class and service was great. Kids were a little disappointed at first because it was mostly an older crowd. They did like the kid program and definitely utilized it to the fullest. We explained they were lucky to go to Alaska. Most people on the boat had waited until they were older to experience it.
Thanks for you insight and planning assistance. We got tons of pictures and memories.
The Dottino Family (September 2010)
Just a quick note to tell you that we had an amazing trip to Alaska!! The weather was unbelievable, from the 91 degree record breaker in Fairbanks to a gorgeous clear day at the Mt McKinley lodge. We saw the mountain from every possible location on our travels! Every Princess Lodge was perfect and we were always given the best rooms (because we were with the escorted tour). The food was great at each lodge and our tour director- Rowan- was the best. You were so right to suggest the escorted tour! We could order anything from the menu and the king crab legs were delicious.
Not only was the Denali Lodge beautiful, our excursion into the park was great. We saw all of the "big 5" on the list- Bear, Moose, Caribou, Wolves and Dall sheep- as well as snow shoe bunnies, ptarmigans, bald eagles. I can't wait to get the DVD of that day.
The "Shore Trips" recommendation was also a great tip. Smaller groups- sometimes only 6 of us meant that we could stop for more pictures or make a side trip to a favorite local spot. The tour of Cooper Landing was so much fun. Visiting with Iditarod dogs and Lorraine the musher was a real treat. We also saw her seminar that night at the lodge and had a wonderful time with a few of the 6 week old pups.
Creek street Ketchikan was a blast with the salmon jumping- what a site! The Kenai Lodge was like individual apartments- so cute with private decks and our own fireplace (woodstove).
Our Cruise from Whittier to Vancouver was perfect! Princess certainly has their act together, right down to the last detail. When we left the ship our luggage met us at the airport- no problems or hassle. The food was excellent and we found ourselves eating at the buffet most of the time because there was always such a selection. We really enjoyed the pheasant one evening.
Again, your tip about not having to go formal on formal nights was a good one. Although there were many in suits and tuxedos, there were just as many walking around the ship dressed very casually. So much for my short note. I could go on but it's late so I'll save it for another day.
Oh yea- we saw beluga whales, humpbacks, orca, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, beaver-the list goes on..............and I can't forget visiting with Santa at North Pole!
Perfect weather topped off the perfect travel plans for a trip we will be talking about for a long time.
Thank You Again.....................Toni & Mike Hill (August 2010)
"The most fun we had was on the cruise of the Mediterranean -
why the most fun - because Ken worried about all of the details,
and we were left to really enjoy ourselves -
any potential hassle was anticipated and dealt with appropriately -
we look forward to many more wonderful holidays organized and led by Ken."
Carol Jorgensen (2009)
with her Vacation Specialist, Ken Weidlich