We are doing the Alaska land portion in July. 907 683-9532 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. . I took the Tundra Wilderness Tour in early September. Weighing over a thousand pounds and towering above the heads of most people, moose are an impressive sight. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: Huge disappointment - Read 2,057 reviews, view 1,169 photos, and find great deals for Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge at Tripadvisor The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. . 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. Let us introduce you to Denali National Park - up close! Tundra Tour busses have more comfy seats and provide lunch, you have to bring all your food for the day on the shuttle busses. Stop to view Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife such as moose. This is what our view was like with a 200mm zoom lens: Bring a camera and binoculars. Denali is the highest peak in North America and is surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. But we didn't do it until we got there. 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 . These bears are solitary creatures that hunt, fish and forage on their own. Advance reservations are highly recommended. 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. 11:00am, 1:55pm & 3:50pm. Take a tour of the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge located just outside De. 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. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. A bottle of water and a snack pack are included with this tour. The fully narrated 62-mile Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park is led by a certified naturalist driver/guide who will also provide historical and geographical background of the area. GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest updates on closures impacting our operations. 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. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife inhabitants await you on this tour. The rest of the day is free. For rates, operational dates, and important information for booking all tours, please click here. Denali Tundra Express by Temsco Helicopters Inc. Use the map below to orient yourself to locations along the road and preview some of the views you might see. I called to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness (everyone online. We provide experienced river guides . Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Is there any difference or advantage to purchasing it through Princess? This tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. Learn more about the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Park tour availability is limited and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Your home base at the doorstep of Denali National Park. This narrated wilderness hike covers more ground than a walking tour, and offers time to explore the glacier topology, and sub-arctic ecology in depth. I tried getting a credit for the Natural History tour from Princess and book the Tundra directly and it turned into a nightmare of over 20 hours on the phone to fix the mess they created. A bottle of water is included with this tour. My husband also likes to sit up front if available as he can get car sick on windy and bumpy roads. If you have the Natural History Tour included in your cruise tour and would like to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour, please call Princess at 1-800-774-6237 (subject to availability). Find out about the local native culture and their stories at Primrose Ridge. Given that, the NPS (and Princess) are unlikely to commit to 2023 excursions this far in . Park tour is approximately 5 hours. Unlike non-narrated transit buses, tour buses feature a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates during the trip. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the parks wildlife inhabitants await you on this tour. The independents got what seats were left--maybe didn't even get to sit together. One doesnt just have to look at the movie or the cabin, correct? Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? Plus it was a better time. Water is provided on all Denali National Park tours. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112685589', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise/land tours and other large group tours. CLICK HERE, *Price includes $15.00 Park Entry Fee (Adults Only). The park pass will cover one cardholder plus three people in your party (Total of 4 people) This refund is done only in person at the Denali Bus Depot. I was part of a Princess Cruise tour, but had booked this upgrade directly with Aramark, the concessionaire. If it happens to you, hold your ground! Step on the glacier and explore dramatic icefalls, crystalline moraines, mystifying ice bridges and icy-blue glacial pools. upgrade our natural history tour for the tundra wilderness tour so had our TA cancel the Princess tour and then we booked through the park service. There are a few different bus tours from which to choose. TT is much more expensive. 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. It should be offered if it works time wise with your specific tour and there could be a limited number of spaces available as well. Moose are even known to make a splash as they swim toward tasty aquatic plants. Knowing how helpful everyone is on this forum, I knew I would also get excellent advice here. Natural History tour vs Tundra Wilderness tour - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community. Bring out your inner trailblazer as you spend more time riding on the trail than any other Denali area off-road adventure tour. One of them got rude but I refused to be bullied out of my seat. Additional information can be found on the tour dates page here. Please contact 907-683-8900 or visit the hotel front desk for more information. Ours was easy TA just canceled the shorter tour and we received the credit when we paid our final payment. :( We have 2 nights in Denali Princess Lodge and are looking at what else to do. The next morning, both staff and guests seemed equally awestruck by the rare, unobstructed view of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). TIp: If you are booking this tour independently, you are supposed to call them 24-48 hours prior to confirm your departure time. If you are traveling to Denali from Fairbanks by train or coach, we recommend the afternoon tour. The highest mountain in North America, Denali is also perhaps the coldest mountain in the world outside of Antarctica, a challenge even to the most experienced climbers. Sign Up for Our Monthly Cruise Newsletter. **The Tundra Wilderness tour is a fully narrated 7-9 hour tour, including frequent rest stops. Hike in the backcountry, hoot and holler at the Music of Denali Dinner Theatre, or visit an Iditarod champion's dog kennel and hold the puppies! Positioned at the back of deck 16 almost every night from 6 p.m. to sunset, he helped guests spot and identify everything from humpback and fin whales to orcas, otters, seals and calving glaciers. tundra marsh, and permafrost so the ground can be totally frozen in some areas and a crafty fox that enjoys stealing balls. 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! Tuesday at 11:45 PM. 2) where should we stay? McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. If you are more interested presentations on the cultural and natural history of the area, choose the Natural History Tour. 2020, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 10. A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). Please check your welcome packet upon arrival to confirm the exact tour departure time. Most cruisetours include this park tour. Terms of Service apply. Las Vegas #1 Posted August 31, 2021 I'm taking a Alaskan cruise/tour July 2022.it includes the History tour in Denali. If you dont have your Itinerary number, please call 1.800.622.7275. Natural History Tour vs Tundra Wilderness Tour - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community. Theyre a rare and special sighting, as they usually stay far from visitors whenever possible. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, said Carlos Gomez, tour director for Princess, as guests settled into their coach seats for the approximately two-hour drive from Whittier to Kenai. Hello all. It may look silly but I don't have to look at it and it allows me to cruise. We traded the History tour for the Denali Backcountry Adventure tour. Denali transit buses are the best bargain in Alaska! But if someone else prefers just to watch a movie and see an old cabin, entirely their choice to make. Overview Excursion Details Customer Reviews Points of Interest Denali National Park and Preserve Wheelchair Accessible, Easy activity Less than 24 hours later, as I confidently grabbed hold of a leggy snow crab while onboard the Aleutian Ballad a ship made famous by the television series "Deadliest Catch I realized just how well his stories had captured the thrill of visiting Alaska. 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. My parents used to do activities, with visiting family and friends, and have done both, according to who the visitor was. NOTE: Exact departure times are based on tour demand and will be assigned 48 hours before your departure day. Hit the greens during this spirited expedition to Black Diamond Golf Course. See the Great Lands glaciers, wildlife, and national parks. Tundra Wilderness Tour - East Fork Cabin The 5-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor to mile 43, promising a wonderful experience, as Denali's wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. There is a good chance of seeing these creatures on the hillsides of Denali National Park, where they use ridges and steep slopes for feeding, resting and eluding predators. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress in warm layers. More than 50 guests made their way to the back deck of the Mt. The No.1 place where Britons want to celebrate St Patrick's . We are certainly going to the Visitor's center and the wilderness center, but was hoping to do more. CC Help Jenn Ummno.I lined up early for a reason! Explore Tundra Wildernss Tours McKinley Explorer Train Ride the rails through Alaska backcountry aboard the McKinley Explorer domed luxury train. You can buy tour bus tickets online or call 1-800-622-7275. Departing from Vancouver, my week-long cruise included stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, along with scenic sailings in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, before disembarking in Whittier. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. Read about the different tour bus options. Thank You, Yes, I did read of the closure. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. The next time we did it the driver suddenly yelled, "Lynx!!!!" If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. At 20,310 feet above sea level. J. The bigger the objective lens, the more light comes in and the brighter the view. Only very observant clients will likely notice that silverware and napkins, once placed on tables, must now be picked up along the buffet line. Learn more about entrance fees and passes. Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. Note: An ongoing landslide at Pretty Rocks is impacting bus service. During aurora season (late August onward), he maintains a cabin call list to alert guests hoping to catch a glimpse. ALERTS IN EFFECT: Please read for the latest information, click here. We were unable to. 2023 Price: $150 USD adult, $84 USD child. 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. Has anyone done both - compare? Privacy Policy and I'm hoping it was worth the switch. The Tundra Wilderness Tour lasts five hours and will guide you along the spectacular road corridor to mile 43, promising a wonderful experience, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Denali is the highest peak in North America and is surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. All tours are conducted by certified driver-naturalists who will provide a guided, informative trip into the park. 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. Males are often recognized when fighting over a mate, creating a unique dance as they run into each other and lock horns. (There's no firm timeframe yet on when the road will be . Currently part of the road looks like this: Yes, it is offered.